What’s On & Things to Do on Eriskay
Welcome to Eriskay- Eriskay may be small, but it’s full of life, history, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re here for a day, a weekend, or a lifetime, there’s always something to see, do, and discover. From walks that trace the island’s past toa kickabout on one of the world’s most scenic football pitches, Eriskay offers a true taste of island life.
Explore Our Heritage
Step back in time on one of our Heritage Walks, where you can follow trails that share the island’s fascinating past - from the stories of Fr. Allan MacDonald, the rare Eriskay Pony to the landing of the SS Politician, which inspired the famous tale Whisky Galore. Each walk offers breathtaking views, rich history, and a glimpse into traditional island life.
Discover Our Community Spaces
Eriskay’s community spirit is at the heart of island life. Eriskay Hall and Am Politician pub are lively gathering place for ceilidhs, concerts, and local events. The former Eriskay School, now being transformed into Ionad Eilean na h-Òige, will soon be a Heritage and Community Hub celebrating the island’s culture and history. You can also visit St. Michael’s Church, a beautiful landmark built by island hands and a testament to faith and a community pulling together.
Experience Island Football
Football has a proud and celebrated place in Eriskay’s story. Eriskay Football Club has gained international recognition, with FIFA naming its pitch one of the most remarkable places to play football in the world. The island and its team even feature in the new Guinness Zero advert, further raising Eriskay’s profile on the global stage.
Formed in 1960 to compete in the Uist & Barra Football League, Eriskay F.C. quickly became known for its strong team, a reflection of the island’s youthful spirit and community pride. In fact, the island’s Gaelic name, Eilean na h-Òige (The Island of Youth), perfectly captures that energy and enthusiasm. Visitors are welcome to stop by, watch a match, or have a kick around on a unique pitch, with a view like no other.
Meet the Eriskay Ponies
No visit is complete without meeting the Eriskay Pony, one of the rarest native breeds in Scotland and a living symbol of island heritage. Eriskay is home to a free-roaming herd of around 20–25 ponies, carefully managed by their owner and overseen by Comann Each nan Eilean (CEnE) – The Eriskay Pony Society, the first organisation formed to promote and preserve the breed. Established in 1972, CEnE has played a vital role in protecting the ponies and ensuring their survival for future generations.
Gentle, hardy, and deeply connected to the island’s story, the Eriskay Ponies were once essential to everyday life. The island’s rough, rocky terrain was never suitable for tractors or heavy vehicles, and without these sturdy ponies, the islanders simply would not have survived. They from the moor, seaweed from the shore, and carried heavy loads of peat down from the hills, their strength and resilience helping to sustain families through generations.
Today, they remain a proud reminder of Eriskay’s past and the deep bond between the islanders and their land.
Relax on Our Beautiful Beaches
Eriskay’s beaches are among the most beautiful in the Hebrides — stretches of white sand, turquoise water, and quiet coves perfect for walking, swimming, or simply relaxing. Here, the sea and sky meet in endless shades of blue, inviting you to slow down, breathe deeply, and take in the peaceful rhythm of island life.
Keep your eyes open for seals resting on the rocks, seabirds gliding overhead, and perhaps even a glimpse of dolphins offshore. Whether you’re enjoying a stroll, a swim, or watching the sunset melt into the horizon, Eriskay’s coastline is pure magic.
The heart of daily life on Eriskay, Co-Chomunn Eirisgeidh is our community-owned shop, proudly run by the island, for the island. The current shop opened in the late 1970s following a community effort to ensure Eriskay would always have a place to buy essential goods without the need to travel to South Uist. Managed by a dedicated committee and supported by volunteers, it’s much more than a store – it’s a gathering place where neighbours meet, news is shared, and visitors get their first taste of Eriskay hospitality.
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Before the Co-Chomunn
Eriskay has a long history of small local shops, often run from people’s homes. In the past, many families operated small stores supplying essentials such as flour, sugar, tea, and paraffin.
Later, before Co Chomunn opened, Eoin MacKinnon ran Island Stores (known locally as Bhùth Eoin in the Haun). Before Eoin, the shop was run and managed by the Nicholson family, who later moved to the Isle of Skye.
These shops were a lifeline in an age before regular ferry links, when supplies were brought in by boat and deliveries depended heavily on the weather.
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Today, the Co Chomunn Eirisgeidh (the Eriskay Shop) is stocked with everything you need - fresh bread, milk, fruit, vegetables, and store cupboard staples – as well as newspapers, household items, and fuel. For visitors, there are leaflets, postcards, and souvenirs that capture the spirit of Eriskay and the Outer Hebrides.
As a community enterprise, every purchase helps support local jobs and services. The shop plays an important role in keeping our island sustainable and vibrant, especially for those who can’t easily travel. It’s a place where you can pick up your messages, catch up with friends, and hear the latest island stories.
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Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm.
At the heart of island life, Eriskay Community Hall has been bringing people together since it first opened in the 1980s. Officially opened by the Prince and Princess of Wales (now King Charles III), the hall was built shortly after the new Eriskay shop- Co Chomunn Eirisgeidh, replacing the old wooden hall that had served the community for decades. The new building gave the island a bright, spacious venue perfect for hosting events in all seasons.
Over the years, the hall has been run by a dedicated succession of volunteer committees, each committed to keeping the calendar packed with activities. From lively bingo nights, with the much-anticipated Snowball prize, to ceilidhs, the weekly dances of years gone by, quiz nights, sale of works, coffee mornings, youth clubs that have been running since the 1990s and now have children from Uist attending, plus many children’s parties, all run by volunteers, the hall has seen it all.
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In summer, the fun spills outdoors with beach events, games, and fun days on the Eriskay Football Pitch. ​
These gatherings can rival anything on the neighbouring islands and, year after year, they show the dedication of each generation in working together to keep our community assets thriving.
These traditions, and the many new ones, depend on the hard work and dedication of a small group of volunteers.
Please consider giving your time to help the community hall, whether you’re a local resident or just visiting. Every extra pair of hands helps keep the hall running, the events flowing, and the island spirit alive.
Keep up to date with what’s on by following Eriskay Hall on Facebook.​​​
Built in 1988, Am Politician is an island asset named after the ill-fated cargo steamer SS Politician, which ran aground just of Rosinis point on Eriskay in February 1941, carrying a huge consignment of Scotch whisky. The dramatic salvage that followed inspired Compton Mackenzie’s beloved novel, and later film, Whisky Galore! LINK TO PAGE on our website
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A Touch of History at the Bar
Inside, you’ll find artefacts recovered from the ship including actual whisky bottles and even a banknote from the wreck, a flare gun, machetes and one of the ships portholes, preserving the island’s story for every visitor.
In June 2018, local owners Angus MacAllister, Julia, and Stephen Campbell have breathed fresh life into the place, turning it into the island’s community heart. They’ve been committed to making Am Politician a vibrant hub for island life and now run a very successful business on the island where bookings are definitely required during peak season, and all in a setting that welcomes families and dogs alike.
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The Polly, as it’s known locally, serves home-cooked meals featuring local seafood and produce, sip a pint in the conservatory or beer garden, everything from snacks and family meals to full three‑course dining. Maybe even enjoy a glass of the new Eriskay Gin, soon to be released later this month.​
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Travellers love it:
“Best pub on Eriskay!! … Good food, friendly service and a great view out over the sea.”
“Very good pub food … unpretentious bar menu … excellent Cullen Skink, steak pie and perfect fish.”
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday, 12noon to late.
Keep an eye on The Polly Facebook page for dates of live music during weekends.
St. Michael’s Church, Eriskay
Perched on the top of Cnoc na Sgrath, St. Michael’s Church has been a guiding presence over the island since 1903. Built under the pastoral leadership of Fr. Allan MacDonald, the church was funded through sponsorships and donations from across the world. Eriskay’s fishermen played a vital role, generously dedicating the proceeds from a night’s catch to help bring the project to life.
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To learn more about Fr. Allan and the history of St. Michael’s Church, visit our page about Cuairt Mgr Ailean. Our book Creag an t-Sagart will be published later this year. keep an eye out for the book launch date, or pre-order your copy now.
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For many years, Fr. Calum MacLellan, from Coilleag, Eriskay, was a much-loved local priest and familiar face from the BBC series An Island Parish, served the parish, leaving a lasting legacy on the island. Active in both pastoral and public life, Fr. Calum was very involved in Comann Each nan Eilean and was deeply honoured to be made a Freeman of the Western Isles in 2004, recognising his contributions to Comhairle nan Eilean and other public bodies. In retirement, he lived in the chapel house on Eriskay spending time with the community.
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Our local priest today is Fr. Ross Crichton, who, like Fr. Calum before him, plays an active role in the life of the community. In recent years, Fr. Ross has worked closely with Comann Eachdraidh Eirisgeidh on the Cuairt Mgr Ailean walking trail and on the upcoming book we are preparing for publication. He has also been an invaluable member of the Interpretation Sub-Group for the Ionad Eilean na h-Òige project.
Under Fr. Ross’s care, St. Michael’s Church continues to welcome worshippers and visitors alike, standing as both a symbol of the island’s enduring faith and community spirit, and as a lasting testament to the generosity and devotion of Eriskay’s people.
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St. Michael’s Mass Times
Sunday Mass at 10am
Thursday at 10am
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