Official Name: | Lochboisdale |
Gaelic Name: | Loch Baghasdail |
Static Image Name: | The A865 road through Lochboisdale (geograph 4245080).jpg |
Static Image Caption: | The main road through Lochboisdale |
Language: | Scottish Gaelic |
Language1: | English |
Coordinates: | 57.154°N -7.309°W |
Country: | Scotland |
Os Grid Reference: | NF790195 |
Edinburgh Distance Mi: | 177 |
London Distance Mi: | 485 |
Post Town: | ISLE OF SOUTH UIST |
Postcode Area: | HS |
Postcode District: | HS8 |
Dial Code: | 01878 |
Civil Parish: | South Uist |
Constituency Westminster: | Na h-Eileanan an Iar |
Unitary Scotland: | Na h-Eileanan Siar |
Lieutenancy Scotland: | Western Isles |
Constituency Scottish Parliament: | Na h-Eileanan an Iar |
Lochboisdale (Gaelic; Scottish Gaelic: Loch Baghasdail in Gaelic; Scottish Gaelic pronounced as /ɫ̪ɔx ˈbɤːs̪t̪ɪl/) is the main village and port on the island of South Uist, Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Lochboisdale is within the parish of South Uist, and is situated on the shore of Loch Baghasdail at the southern end of the A865.[1]
The town profited from the herring boom in the 19th century, and a steamer pier was built in 1880. In 1905, a mission church was built, and by 1953, steamers were connecting Lochboisdale with Oban, Castlebay, Mallaig and Lochmaddy.
Lochboisdale is the ferry terminal for the island of South Uist, with regular vehicle ferry services to Mallaig and, in the winter, Oban. The pier area has undergone a transformation; the old shop and surrounding buildings were either renovated or removed to provide new housing and commercial units for rent.
Lochboisdale Hotel, built in the late 19th century as a fishing hotel, is adjacent to the ferry terminal.
The whole village is within walking distance of the pier, and has a post office with a coffee shop and internet café. A bank (RBS) branch is also present in the village and has a 24h ATM, although the branch itself is only open once a week. By the pier is an all-purpose store called Fàilte (meaning welcome in the local Gaelic language).
Lochboisdale Development Limited have recently opened a new harbour on the small island of Gasaigh. This is about 1km (01miles) from the village, and is reached by two causeways. The harbour provides many facilities. Mooring licences are available for day visiting, monthly and seasonal berths, with inclusive use of the quayside facilities, WiFi, showers and laundry.
London-based restaurant chain Boisdale is named after Lochboisdale, having been founded in 1987 by Ranald Macdonald, the eldest son of the 24th Chief of Clanranald.[2]