South Uist – island of flowers…

One thing we have noticed this year, we may not have seen the quantity of migrating birds as last year’s visit to the Hebrides, but we have seen far more wild flowers.  Nearly every loch (and there are literally hundreds) in South Uist has masses of white water lilies and a stunning picture they make too.

Not only water lilies but many other wild flowers in ditches and fields.

Kidney Vetch

Red Campion

Northern Marsh Orchid

Early Marsh Orchid

White Clover

Daucus Carota (Wild Carrot)

Ragged Robin

Cottongrass

Today we are leaving South Uist and travelling up to North Uist via Benbecula.  Before leaving South Uist behind, however, we visited the Kildonan Museum where there is a very interesting exhibition of island life through the ages.

The overwhelming impression of life in these islands, even 50 years ago, was quite a lot of hardship for the inhabitants but, with that, sociability and a contentment with their lot.

Unfortunately, no photographs were allowed inside but there were lots of old black and white photos of island fishermen and weavers etc. as well as typical room settings.

During the journey we saw quite a few interesting birds and animals.

Red-breasted Merganser

Buzzard

Fallow Deer

Redshank

When we finally arrived at our next campsite for five nights, Balranald, we found our pitch reserved for us (a bit noisy – next to the washing up area!) and went for a quick walk along the path above the beach.

Cute Sparrows

Lapwing

We found our 3 dongle worked here plus we can join the campsite wi-fi.  What a luxury!