A Landmark in Island Connectivity

Completed in 2001, the Eriskay Causeway marked a turning point in the island’s history, linking Eriskay directly to South Uist by road for the first time. This vital infrastructure project transformed daily life, opening up new opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

 

Life Before the Causeway

Before the causeway, Eriskay was accessible only by ferry – a tidal service that could take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on conditions. Travel was often disrupted by unpredictable weather and tides, reinforcing the island’s isolation.  One of the passenger ferries, owned by Neil Campbell (Niall Mòr) from Ludag, was famously named Very Likely. The name became symbolic of the uncertainty islanders faced, with passengers often asking, “Is the ferry sailing today?” and receiving the reply, “Very likely.”

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When tides were low, ferries couldn’t run for several hours, sometimes a couple of days if weather was really bad, and islanders relied on a monthly timetable kept in every household. In the late 1970s, Eriskay received its first car ferry, Eilean na h-Òige, which improved transport but remained tide-dependent.

Travel was often unpredictable, making it challenging for residents to access work, education, and services on the mainland, contributing to the island's sense of isolation. The uncertainty of ferry schedules meant that everyday tasks, such as attending school or accessing healthcare, required a level of planning and patience that islanders had to endure.

 

Construction of the Causeway and Ferry Terminal

 

The construction contract was awarded to R.J. MacLeod, and the causeway was officially opened by the Earl and Countess of Wessex in 2002.​ That same year, Ceann a’ Ghàraidh became the ferry terminal for the new route between South Uist and Barra. Today, Caledonian MacBrayne operates a vehicular ferry between Eriskay and Ardmore in Barra, with a crossing time of around 40 minutes.

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Funding Breakdown:

• £4.1 million – UK Government

• £2.2 million – Western Isles Council

• £500,000 – Highlands and Islands Enterprise

• Additional support – European Objective 1 Fund

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Eriskay was also chosen as a pilot area for the Initiative at the Edge project, aimed at supporting fragile communities. Four Eriskay residents worked on the construction, creating local employment even before the project was completed.

 

Impact on the Island

The opening of the causeway brought about a wave of change on Eriskay. Residents could now easily travel to Uist and beyond for employment, and secondary school pupils no longer had to rely on unpredictable ferry schedules to attend school. Access to the hospital in Benbecula and other essential services became much more reliable. The improved transport links also made it easier for residents to engage in cultural, social, and business activities.

Visitors began arriving more regularly, supporting local businesses like the shop, church, and pub. Families returned to live on the island, new homes were built, and self-catering units were established to welcome tourists eager to experience Eriskay’s unique culture and landscapes.

 

Part of a Wider Transformation

The Eriskay Causeway is part of a broader network of transport projects that have reshaped the Outer Hebrides:

• 1942 onwards: Causeways and bridges began linking the islands

• 1990s: Causeways built between Vatersay and Barra, and Berneray and North Uist

• Scalpay Bridge constructed

• New car ferry linking Harris and North Uist, forming part of the spinal route

These developments have reduced isolation, supported economic growth, and created new opportunities across the islands. The Eriskay Causeway stands as a powerful example of how infrastructure can transform communities – practically, socially, and culturally.

 

Challenges and Change

While the Eriskay Causeway has brought many benefits, it has also led to significant changes in island life. With easier access to South Uist, Eriskay Primary School eventually closed, as pupils could now attend Daliburgh Primary School, just 10 miles away – no longer dependent on ferry schedules.

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Tourism has increased, which has helped boost the local economy. However, this growing accessibility has also led to a shift in land use and property ownership. Many homes and crofts are now being sold to people from off-island, often for use as self-catering accommodation. As property prices rise, it has become increasingly difficult for local families and young islanders wishing to remain on Eriskay to afford homes, disrupting the traditional practice of passing crofts down through generations to build homes and work the land.

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This shift raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of Eriskay’s cultural and crofting heritage, as more land is repurposed for tourism rather than community living and crofting – making it harder to encourage people to return and settle on the island.