Lochboisdale Explained

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]

History

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.

Economy

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.

Trivia

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]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: A865. Sabre. 22 December 2014.
  2. Web site: Boisdale of Belgravia - Venue . Thehandbook.com . 2018-03-27.