Bothy
Uisinis
The only bothy in the Outer Hebrides under MBA care, tucked above Bagh Uisinis on South Uist's wild, roadless east coast — a coast most visitors to the island never see. Canmore's archaeologists describe the area as "now remote and difficult of access", which is the recruitment poster. The bothy was renovated in memory of Donald Stuart; the Ushenish lighthouse, built in 1858 and automated in 1970, stands on the headland 3km away. Sea eagles and grey seals are regulars.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 7 km· 2.5 hrs
- Sleeps
- 4
- Altitude
- 28m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NF849332
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fireplace
- Yes
- Water
- No documented water supply at the bothy — treat moorland burn water or carry in what you need.
Our take
Uisinis is the connoisseur's bothy: a tiny stove-warmed bolt-hole on a coast with no road, no houses and no easy way in. The bog earns every minute of its 2-to-4-hour spread, the rats are a real if occasional housemate, and none of it matters once a sea eagle drifts past the door. Climb Heacla and Beinn Mhor from the back door and you have had one of the best wild weekends the Hebrides can give.
Getting there
From the road end at Loch Sgioport it is about 7km — reports range from 2 to 4 hours, which tells you about the ground. A path climbs above the abandoned settlement of Caolas Mor, then it is dense bog and rough heather towards Rubha Roiseal, a footbridge, and moorland above the bay. A quad-bike track runs nearly all the way if you find it (turn off at the first shieling rather than following the shore path out). Navigation matters here in poor visibility.
Nearest parking: Road end at Loch Sgioport (Lochskipport), north-east South Uist
No approach GPX yet
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Stalking season / estate access
South Uist Estate — contact Stòras Uibhist (01878 700101) before visiting during stag stalking, early September to 20 October.
What to expect inside
Small and snug: two rooms sleeping about four, with a little kitchen area and a Dowling multi-fuel stove that burns clean and hot. The building sits very slightly on a slant — you notice it sloping toward the stove. Explicitly not a group venue, and the logbook records the occasional rat: hang your food.
Nearby hills
When to visit
Stòras Uibhist (South Uist Estate) asks to be contacted on 01878 700101 during stag stalking, from early September to 20 October; otherwise open year-round. Atlantic weather is the real gatekeeper — the moor is heavy going after rain in any month, and May–June gives the driest ground and the longest light.
Wildfire risk — May to October
Dry conditions increase wildfire risk during summer. Never light fires in the open. Use the bothy fireplace only, and ensure it is fully out before you leave.
Current conditions
Condition unverified
We have not received a recent visitor report for this bothy. Check the MBA bothy register for current status before relying on this bothy as shelter.
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:34
- Sunset
- 22:23
- Civil dawn
- 03:26
- Civil dusk
- 23:30
NOAA Solar Calculator · 10 June 2026
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Stayed at Uisinis? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Uisinis — common questions
- How far is the walk into Uisinis?
- 7km from Road end at Loch Sgioport (Lochskipport), north-east South Uist — about 2.5 hours at a steady walking pace. From the road end at Loch Sgioport it is about 7km — reports range from 2 to 4 hours, which tells you about the ground.
- Does Uisinis have a fireplace?
- Yes — Uisinis has a working fireplace. Bring your own firewood; natural wood at most Scottish bothies is scarce, and burning bothy furniture or boundary posts is not acceptable.
- How many people does Uisinis sleep?
- 4 sleeping spaces — but bothies operate first-come-first-served and you may share with strangers. On busy weekends parties often pitch a tent outside if the bothy is full.
- Is there water at Uisinis?
- No documented water supply at the bothy — treat moorland burn water or carry in what you need.
- When can I visit Uisinis?
- Best months: May, June. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.
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