Eriskay Causeway

Looking across the Causeay

The Eriskay Causeway, incorporating one bridge, was the final link in the Uist chains spinal route. It was built in 2000-1, and crosses from Ludag on South Uist to the north western tip of Eriskay. Most of the channel that is crossed is a shallow, sandy region with some reefs and rocks. To limit construction costs, the causeway passes over one of these reef areas, curving as it does so.

History

The Ferry

Before the causeway opened, Eriskay was connected to South Uist by a ferry service. This operated from slipways to the west of the causeway at Ludag Pier on South Uist and to the east on Eriskay. Naturally, this meant that the ferry's route would be cut off before the causeway was open to traffic, so a new slipway was built alongside and to the east of the new causeway on South Uist. With only one bridge on the causeway, this slipway is still in use along with its predecessor to give local fishermen better access.

New Ferry Route

With the opening of the Eriskay Causeway, a new ferry terminal was built about halfway down the island of Eriskay's west coast, to provide a much shorter route for the Sound of Barra Ferry than would have previously been possible.

Links

• Comhairle nan Eilean Siar page on Causeways