Eilean a’ Ghiorr

Eilean a’ Ghiorr is a small island of around 17 acres that now forms part of the North Ford causeway, the long road crossing between North Uist and Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides. It is a bridged island, and in 2022 one person was recorded as living here.

Landscape

The North Ford, or Oitir Mhòr, is a wide expanse of sand, shallow water and islands between North Uist and Benbecula. At low tide it becomes a huge sandy plain crossed by channels, and at high tide it fills with sea. Eilean a’ Ghiorr sits along the causeway, a low island of grass and rock. To the north along the road lies the uninhabited islet of Garbh-eilean, linked by a small causeway to Eilean Leathann, and to the south the causeway continues to Grimsay.

History

Before the causeway was built, people crossed the North Ford on foot or by cart at low tide, following routes marked with cairns. It was a dangerous crossing, and many were caught out by the incoming tide or by fog. The causeway, opened in 1960, changed island life completely, linking the communities of North Uist, Grimsay and Benbecula by road for the first time. Later causeways and bridges joined Berneray, Eriskay and Baleshare, so today a single road runs almost the whole length of the Uists.

Grimsay, just to the south, is known for its fishing and boat-building traditions, and its harbour at Kallin is busy with creel boats landing shellfish.

More about Eilean a' Ghiorr

The landscape around the North Ford is a world of water, sand and sky, with countless small islands and skerries, and the light changes constantly with the tide and weather. Grimsay, just to the south, is known for its fishing and boat-building traditions, and its harbour at Kallin is busy with creel boats landing shellfish.

Visiting

Eilean a’ Ghiorr is crossed by the main road between North Uist and Benbecula, so you will pass over it if you drive the length of the Uists. North Uist has ferries from Uig on Skye to Lochmaddy, and Benbecula has an airport. Please respect the privacy of the island’s resident. You can collect Eilean a’ Ghiorr as a landing or a sighting in your Island Passport.

Wildlife and area

The North Ford is excellent for wildlife. Look out for Eurasian Otter, Grey Seal and Harbour Seal, and for waders such as Oystercatcher, Redshank, Bar-tailed Godwit and Ringed Plover. Sea Eagle and Golden Eagle are often seen. Other islands nearby include Eilean Leathann, Seana Bhaile, Grimsay and Flodaigh.