The small island of Benbecula lies between North and South Uist in the Outer Hebrides. Benbecula is dotted with lochs and lochans and is linked by causeway to the neighbouring Uists. These islands were once part of the Lordship of the Isles and are well worth a trip. They border the mighty Atlantic ocean on their western side and boast some of the most stunning skies, especially in winter. Driving around today I came across the little ponies that I photographed on my last visit – this time they were near the main road. I have yet to discover how and why they are here on Uist and if anyone actually cares for them. I also made it a point to stop into Charlie’s Bistro and visit my friend Christina. This was a hangout on my last trip and is a most popular spot in Benbecula.
The Outer Hebrides were Viking territory in the 8th century and in the middle of a seafaring highway. These “Vikings” would loot and plunder but over time the raids and looting gradually gave way to settling and the Vikings came to rule and control all the Scottish islands, as well as much of the coastal British mainland. Somerled, from whom descended the Lords of the Isles, is heralded as the man who drove out the Vikings and restored the land to the Celts. By the time of his death in 1164, his foresight, strength as a warrior and negotiation skills had created a de-facto independent realm on the islands known as the “Kingdom of the Isles”.
