Moving here
Uist is a great place to live, work, study and be. Whether you’re returning after years away or considering a fresh west coast start, the islands are a great place for you to make your future plans a reality
Find out more
’S e eileanan àraid a th’againn eadar Èirisgeidh is Bearnaraigh. ’S e àite trang, tlachdmhor, sàbhailte a th’againn an seo far an dèan sinn toileachas ri ur faicinn!
Nach tìll sibh air ais dhachaigh còmhla rinn a dh’Uibhist.
Uist Life
Uist has a rich history stretching back millenia and the resilience of islanders has always informed the special nature of our communities. Our islands are ever-evolving and our strong-spirited community is well accustomed to welcoming new and familiar faces.
For a life where no two days are the same, where life entwines in unexpected ways, where you can experience vibrant Gaelic culture and language, and be involved in a hard-working, unique community – Uist might just be the place for you.
Teann a-nall is bheir dhomh do làmh…..
Is seallaidh sinne dhuibh mar a thilleas sibh dhachaigh!
Housing in Uist
Imprig Sathuairne gu thuath, imprig Luan a dol gu deas. Ged nach biodh agam ach an t-uan ’s ann Diluain a dh’fhalbhainn leis.
Housing in Uist can be a bit of a challenge and since the pandemic they are in higher demand, however moving here is still possible.
When it comes to private rentals, the best way to find these are on local notice boards, and online social sites such as Facebook on the Local ‘Uist Noticeboard’ pages.
You can also pop your own advert on these pages if you are looking for somewhere to rent. The community response is always very helpful.
Take a look at the links below for current opportunities for buying and renting:
Social housing in Uist
It may be that social housing is the best option for you when it comes to rental accommodation. The Hebridean Housing Partnership (HHP) maintains various housing areas from Bernaray to Eriskay; all the information and resources you need – from application forms to their housing policy – is available on their website
Self builds on crofts
Uist has a vibrant crofting community which still continues to this day. Crofting is a vital part of Uist’s cultural life and heritage, and contributes to Scotland’s food production. The year – for many – runs according to the rhythms of the crofting calendar; however, some crofting sites have fallen into disrepair.
In an effort to address this issue, and sustain and strengthen crofting as a way of life, there is support available in the form of the Croft House Grant. If you are looking to rebuild or renovate a Croft House the CHG opportunities scheme provides grants to improve and maintain the standards of crofter housing. There are obligations around croft land and its use.
Housing Services & advice
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s website provides a wealth of information on all services – including help with homelessness – relating to housing in the Western Isles
If you’ve never visited before we recommend that, if you are looking to settle in Uist, you visit frequently first. So you can get a sense of the different areas and what would suit your needs.
To get a feel for the community, many people decide to rent a home for the first few months. This way they can familiarise themselves with the different communities and Uist way of life, and look around for permanent housing.
Featured Guide
Settling in Uist
If you’re moving to the island for the first time, returning home or looking for help to settle long term, please get in touch. Christina, CnES and the Scottish Government are here to support our communities with population decline. Pease do get in touch with Christina through her email: uistsettlement.officer@cne-siar.gov.uk.
Healthcare
Slàinte is cùram. ’S iomadh rud a chì an duine a bhitheas fada beò
Uist strives to serve all health and social care needs. Many services are delivered locally with referrals to off-island mainland hospitals and specialist services. Here are some helpful links to resources ranging from the NHS Western Isles page to GP Practices. There are also links to organisations who organise social care and who work to tackle loneliness and isolation through organising a network of befrienders.
Education
An t-ionnsachadh òg, an t-ionnsachadh bòidheach.
There are options for all levels of education available in Uist: from preschool Croileagean, primary schools in South Uist, Benbecula and North Uist which feed into Sgoil Lionacleit, the high school based in Benbecula.
Further progression is available through the University of the Highlands and Islands, and there are diverse adult learning opportunities also. Whatever stage you’re at, you can find the education you or your family needs in the islands. At primary school entry level, Gaelic is the default provision with an opt-out into English.
For creative workshops and classes independent of the UHI
