Vallay

Vallay, in Gaelic Bhàlaigh, is an uninhabited tidal island of around 643 acres off the north coast of North Uist in the Outer Hebrides. At low tide it can be reached across a long expanse of sand, and once it supported a population of nearly sixty people. It is best known as the home of the archaeologist and textile manufacturer Erskine Beveridge, and for its seabirds and prehistoric monuments.

Landscape

Vallay is a low island of machair, dunes and sandy shores, fringed by the vast tidal strand that separates it from North Uist. At low tide the sands stretch for well over a kilometre, shining in the light, and at high tide the sea flows in and Vallay becomes an island again. The north coast of North Uist is one of the most beautiful in the Hebrides, with white beaches, tidal islands and machair rich in wild flowers.

History

Vallay has a long history, with prehistoric monuments scattered across the island. Its best-known resident, Erskine Beveridge, was a wealthy linen manufacturer from Dunfermline who became a pioneering archaeologist and photographer of the Hebrides, recording many ancient sites in North Uist and Coll. He built a large house on Vallay in the early 20th century, and its ruins still stand. After his death the island’s population dwindled, and today Vallay is uninhabited.

The RSPB reserve at Balranald, on the west coast, is famous for its corncrakes and machair flowers.

More about Vallay

North Uist has a remarkable concentration of prehistoric sites, from Neolithic chambered cairns such as Barpa Langass to stone circles and Iron Age duns. The RSPB reserve at Balranald, on the west coast, is famous for its corncrakes and machair flowers.

Visiting

Vallay can be reached on foot across the sands at low tide from the north coast of North Uist, near Malacleit. The tide comes in quickly across the flat strand, so always check tide times carefully, allow plenty of time to return, and ideally go with local knowledge. You can collect Vallay as a landing or a sighting in your Island Passport.

Wildlife and area

Look out for Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Arctic Tern and Corncrake, and for Eurasian Otter, Grey Seal and Harbour Seal. Other islands nearby include Eilean Dòmhnuill, Oronsay, North Uist, Boreray, Lingay and Kirkibost.