A lace-work of over 800 lochs is surrounded by unrivalled machair on the west coast, with miles of brilliant silver sand beaches, leading to wildflower-filled corn fields and isolated glens and hills in the East.

The unique shell sand alkaline machair lochs on the west side create the ideal growing conditions for quality brown trout and sea trout which are universally regarded as some of the best fishing you can experience.  Salmon and Sea trout up to 10lb are caught regularly. Local fishing information is provided in the cottage.

Askernish, situated on the beautiful island of South Uist in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, is home to a fine links golf course offering stunning surroundings and an ever-changing challenge for any grade of golfer. First laid out by Old Tom Morris in 1891 it has been fully restored to its original position using entirely traditional design principles, this course is a must for passionate golfers. Environmental experts have already hailed the Askernish as “the most natural links course in the world”: the dunes’ natural contours form the fairways, no artificial chemicals are used in maintenance, and during winter months sheep and cattle graze the course! The unique nature of the Askernish links and the culture of the Western Isles make South Uist a wonderful place to visit for all ages. 

One of the great pleasures of spending time on the island is the continuously changing colours and light. This makes for some great photographic opportunities. See the following links for great examples. Some photography for this site was by Hugh Spicer.

The cottage is ideally located in the middle of the Hebrides Island chain situated perfectly for exploring the Hebrides island chain and St Kilda. Causeways link Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist and Berneray and are easily explored by Car or by Bike. You can Visit St Kilda, Barra, Mingulay, Lewis, Harris and the Isle Of Skye by boat for day trips weather permitting.

The wildlife and bird watching on the islands and around the cottage is spectacular. South Uist alone is home to around 24 pairs of Golden Eagles as well as Corncrake, Sea Eagles, Hen Harriers, Peregrines, Merlins, Sparrow Hawks, Short Eared and Snowy Owls to name a few. Steve Duffield at Western Isles Wildlife provides excellent wildlife tours. You will be amazed at the array of wildlife as you sit at the cottage or travel around the islands. 

Loch Druidibeg Nature reserve on South Uist and the landscapes surrounding it present one of the best places in the Hebrides to see the full range of island wildlife and habitats. The 1677 hectares that form Loch Druidibeg National Nature Reserve stretch across South Uist from the Atlantic coast almost to the Minch

Quality hand made local Jewellery inspired by the beauty of the Outer Hebrides. The shop sells a vast collection of their own hand made Jewellery and other local crafts. The café within the shop is highly recommended and will compliment your visit.

South Uist and the Southern Isles are home to a number of important archaeological sites and anchient monuments. Information is available in the cottage for your use.

Kallin Shellfish in Grimsay on Benbecula sell freshly cooked and live shellfish sustainably sourced by local fishermen. All their products are sourced from the pristine waters around the Outer Hebrides. Some such as lobster and crab are caught mainly on the Atlantic Seaboard on the West of the Hebrides, and Langoustine and scallops are caught on the Eastern Seaboard or the Minch as it is known. East or West the Hebrides are surrounded by some of the cleanest and pollution free waters in the world. St Kilda or Hirta as it is better known locally is a little to the West of us and after that nothing but thousands of miles of Atlantic to Canada and America.

Kallin smoked salmon and smoked scallops are as good as you will taste in the Hebrides. A genuine taste of the Hebrides!

There are miles of beaches on South Uist and the interlinked islands which are free for you to explore, relax or unwind at your own pace.

If fishing is one of your pleasures then South uist and Benbecula alone have over 800 lochs with plenty published material in the cottage to guide you through your preferred choice. 

In the Hebrides- South Uist and around the Cottage are a haven for rare birds, wildlife and sealife. 

The islands are an Artist’s paradise and the viewpoint above the cottage provides a peaceful location and colourful landscapes for you.

The Shieling by the Bay is a truly relaxing cottage designed with peace and tranquillity in mind. 

There are a number of festivals on throughout the year and you can learn to speak gaelic and play music or take in the rich music and culture of the Hebrides.