Our Heritage, Culture & History
​Eriskay has a phenomenal amount of heritage for such a small island. The name Eriskay itself derives from an old Norse name, Eiriksey which translates as “Eric’s Isle” named after the Clan Chief (Eric the Red) suggesting a Viking influence. We know that the Vikings invaded the Outer Hebrides (the Long Islands) as they were known at that time and then Innse Gall ‘The Island of Foreigners’ after the Norsemen invasion when they became part of the kingdom of Norway in 888. They then became part of Scotland once again after the Norsemen were defeated at the battle of Largs in 1263. The Norsemen left very little evidence of their time here on the Islands as they did most of their building with wood.
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A sculptured stone was discovered in 1865 in the burial grounds of Kilbar Church in Barra this was the only ruin-inscribed stone known to exist in the Outer Hebrides in their four and a half centuries living here. The stone is a relic of the Norsemen after they had become Christian. According to tradition after the battle of Largs, the island of Fuday which is between Eriskay & Barra was believed to be where the last remaining of the Norsemen were Slain. There is a broch (Dùnan Ruadh) or red fort on the island of Fuday. Although there is very little evidence of the Vikings presence on the long islands, there are a considerable amount of place names with old Norse names. Several of them are on Eriskay including the name Eriskay itself. Eiriksey which in old Norse means Erics Island.​​​​
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Dated Landmarks of Eriskay​​​
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Pre-1900 Early History
Prehistoric Settlement: Archaeological evidence suggests that Eriskay has been inhabited for thousands of years, with early settlers drawn to its fertile land and coastal resources.
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Norse Influence (9th-13th Century)
Eriskay, like other islands in the Hebrides, experienced Norse invasions and settlements. Place names like "Acarsaid" (harbour) and Haun reflect this influence.
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Gaelic Culture
The island has maintained a strong Gaelic tradition, with the language, music, and customs preserved through generations.
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1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie's Arrival
On 23 July 1745, Charles Edward Stuart, better known as Bonnie Prince Charlie, landed on Eriskay to begin his ill-fated Jacobite uprising. This event is marked as a defining moment in Scottish history and Eriskay's heritage. The beach where he landed is still known today as Prince Charlie’s Bay /Coilleag a' Phrionnsa" or Traigh Leis locally. The beach remains a popular historical site.
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1850s The Highland Clearances
Eriskay was considered unsuitable for crofting and sheep farming due to its rugged terrain. However, in the 1850s, the island’s population saw a marked increase as people were displaced and cleared from other islands like Uist, Benbecula, and Barra. These people were resettled on Eriskay.
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1872 Education Act
After the Education Act of 1872, State schools were set up and replaced the SSPCK schools.
On 3rd June 1881 was the formal Opening of Eriskay Public School (Rubha Bàn). The school in Rubha Bàn on the island opened following the Education Act of 1872 where State schools were set up and replaced the SSPCK schools. It also served the growing population of Eriskay following the clearance, marking a significant milestone in education and community development.
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1903-1905 Construction of St. Michael's Church
Built in 1903 and opened for Mass in 1905 by Father Allan MacDonald, a pivotal figure in Eriskay's religious and cultural history. Father Allan was also a collector of Gaelic songs and folklore, leaving a lasting legacy on the island and its heritage.
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(1914-1918) World War I and World War II (1939-1945): Eriskay's Losses
Like many small communities, Eriskay did not escape the sadness and heartache of both World Wars. Many young islanders were called to serve, and several did not return, leaving behind grieving families and a sense of loss that touched every household on the island. The memory of their sacrifice lives on in local commemorations.
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The Fishing Industry and Herring Girls
During this time, the fishing industry was a lifeline for the island’s economy. Eriskay men fished, often using traditional wooden Skiff boats and later ring-net boats, while the women, known as the "herring girls," worked tirelessly gutting, packing, and salting fish, contributing to the island's sustainability. This tradition was an integral part of Eriskay's culture and economy for many years.
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1941 Sinking of the SS Politician
On 5 February 1941, the cargo ship SS Politician ran aground off the coast of Eriskay. It was carrying a cargo of thousands of cases of whisky, which the islanders famously salvaged. This incident inspired the novel Whisky Galore by Compton Mackenzie, later adapted into a film. The story of the whisky salvaging is ingrained in island folklore and continues to be a celebrated part of Eriskay’s identity.
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1972 Recognition of the Eriskay Pony
The Eriskay Pony, a rare and ancient Scottish breed, native to the island, was officially recognised for its unique heritage at a meeting held by Comann Each nan Eilean (CEnE). The ponies have long been used on Eriskay to carry peat from the hill to be used as fuel and seaweed from the shores to be used as fertiliser and are one of Scotland’s rarest breeds today.
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1934 Filming of 'Eriskay: A Poem of Remote Lives'
Werner Kissling, a German anthropologist and photographer, filmed the documentary "Eriskay: A Poem of Remote Lives" in 1934 The film offered a glimpse into the traditional island life and is an important historical record of the time.
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2001 Opening of the Causeway
The 1.5 km causeway linking Eriskay to South Uist was completed in 2001, significantly improving transport links and connectivity for islanders and visitors. This major infrastructure development enhanced access to services and opportunities for the community. The causeway was officially opened by the Earl and Countess of Wessex in 2002.
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1960 Establishment of Eriskay Football Team
Despite being one of the smallest communities in the Hebrides, Eriskay established a football team, winning several trophies and medals throughout the years. The Eriskay F.C. pitch has gained fame for its pitch located on a picturesque slope, often listed as one of the most scenic in the world.
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2010 Formation of Comann Eachdraidh Eirisgeidh (CEE) Eriskay Historical Society
A group of islanders formed Comann Eachdraidh Eirisgeidh to preserve and promote Eriskay's rich cultural and historical heritage. The society has been instrumental in collecting oral histories, photos, and artefacts from the island’s past, safeguarding them for the future generations.
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2015 Eriskay F.C. Pitch Recognised by FIFA
Eriskay F.C.'s scenic football pitch, located on a picturesque slope, gained international recognition in 2015 when FIFA listed it as one of the eight most remarkable places to play football in the world. This remote pitch, set against the stunning backdrop of the island, continues to capture the imagination of football enthusiasts worldwide.
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2018 Eriskay War Memorial
Comann Eachdraidh Eirisgeidh erected a memorial in memory of our men who bravely served and died during WW1 and WW2.
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2021 Purchase of Eriskay School by the Community
• Community Ownership: After years of negotiations and funding efforts, the old Eriskay School was purchased by Comann Eachdraidh Eirisgeidh on behalf of the community. The building is being redeveloped into a community heritage centre, exhibition space, and tearoom, preserving the school’s legacy and creating new opportunities for future generations.
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2022-2026 Redevelopment of Old Eriskay School
Major Redevelopment Project: Funded by the Scottish Government and community initiatives, the old school is being transformed into Ionad Eilean na h-Òige, a cultural hub for preserving Eriskay’s history and heritage, expected to be completed by 2026.
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2024 Cuairt Mhgr Ailein - Fr. Allan Trail Launched
In collaboration between CEE and St. Michael’s Church, the Fr. Allan Trail was established, celebrating the life and contributions of Father Allan MacDonald, a key historical and cultural figure for Eriskay and the Gaelic community.
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2024 Guinness Filming on Eriskay
A major buzz filled the island during the summer as Guinness chose Eriskay as the filming location for its Guinness Zero % advert. Many islanders had starring roles in the production, bringing excitement and energy to the community. The event provided a significant economic boost for the island, with local businesses benefiting from the influx of the film crew and visitors.