Due to its central location in the island chain, it is an ideal base if you wish to spend several days or a week exploring
North and South Uist. Local transport includes planes, buses, ferries, car hire.
All sorts of tours are available whether you want to go hiking or cycling (alone, with friends or in a group), or travel on a guided coach trip.
Click here for local travel details and info on how to reach the islands.
BALIVANICH
The administrative centre of these islands. In terms of population
and commerce, it is probably second only to Stornoway, the capital
of the Western Isles. Its size is due to the presence of the Army
base which supports the MoD rocket range. Facilities in the
town include garage, car hire, general stores, bakery, post office, Bank of Scotland, etc.
It is also home to Benbecula airport which has regular flights
to and from Stornoway, Barra and Glasgow. Local service buses and the Postbus run from here
north to Lochmaddy and south to Lochboisdale.
The Stepping Stone is just opposite the airport entrance and is a nice place to eat.
This bright, nicely decorated building with wooden interior houses the Food Base (an informal cafe area where you can get snacks and meals such as scampi/fish and chips) and on the slightly raised level is the licenced restaurant, Sinteag, which is more expensive. Phone 01870 603377.
For grocery shopping try MacLennans or the supermarket which is located on the left-hand side of the road when you have left the airport and are travelling south towards the local school. Turn down the street and park by the houses near the entrance to the shop. Just a few yards further down that street from the supermarket is a local cafe - if you look for it, you will find it! There are public toilets inside the building too.
Based in Balivanich, Uist Community Riding School (UCRS) provides pony rides including beach treks, picnic treks, lessons and various other activities for both the local community and visitors to the islands. Telephone: 01870 602808.
NUNTON
Medieval chapel and burial ground (map reference NF 766537) on the left-hand side of the road when you are travelling southwards after Balivanich.
Nunton Steadings
is a new visitor centre which includes 2 tearooms, a licensed bar and a shop selling local produce and crafts. Internet access is available. It hosts a variety of events including historical exhibitions and music concerts. Open daily Monday - Saturday. Tel: 01870 603774.
BORVE CASTLE
Borve (Buirgh in Gaelic) Castle is a tower-house or hall-house, which was built in the 14th century.
At this time, the owners of Benbecula were the Clan Ranald and it is thought that Borve was owned by Ranald, son of John of Islay in the 1370s. It was also owned by another Ranald (known as Ranald of Castellborf) in 1625.
Now in ruins, it is located 150 metres from the B892 road visible between 2 houses near Lionacleit.
The remains can be seen of a rectangular structure measuring around 15 x 12 metres with very thick walls.
