Benbecula
Benbecula, or Beinn nam Faoghla in Gaelic means Hill of the Fords a reference to the large stretch of tidal sands on both ends of the island. Benbecula is sandwiched between North and South Uist and access between the islands was only possible at low tide. The crossing was often dangerous as only on a few days a month - in darkness during the winter - was the water level low enough to allow a safe passage.
Mostly travellers would have to wade waist high through the swirling currents to get to the other side. if they were lucky they may have hitched a lift on a crossing cart. The hill in the island's name refers to Reuval - the only real high ground on this flat island - which presents a superb view of the surrounding low-lying landscape towards its island neighbours.
In 1942, a narrow bridge was built at Creagorry to the south of Benbecula over to South Uist. 40 years later it was replaced by a causeway. To the north, a causeway was completed in 1960 which hops over Grimsay and a couple of islets to link with North Uist.
Balivanich is the main settlement on Benbecula. Its Gaelic name, Baile A' Mhanaich, means Township of the Monks. St Taran landed near here from Ireland and founded a monastery which gives rise to the name.
Community facilities within Sgoil Lionacleit, the only 6th year secondary school in Uist, are open to the public: library, cafe, swimming pool, toilets, coin phone and public internet access as well as car-parking. Museum nan Eilean is also based here.