Lochmaddy: Ferry Port, Culture and Coastal Landscape

Lochmaddy combines a ferry port with maritime history, culture and a distinctive marine landscape. The connection to Uig on Skye, historic courthouse buildings, Taigh Chearsabhagh and the Hut of the Shadows installation offer different ways to shape your stay. If you’re looking for a hotel in Lochmaddy, you can plan your trip around whether the ferry connection, architecture and exhibitions, or art and walking are your priorities.

Ferry Port and Marine Landscape

Lochmaddy is the ferry terminus for the connection to Uig on Skye. If you’re planning the crossing, check the timetable before travelling: ferry services and times can change. Regardless of the current service, Lochmaddy’s maritime history dates back to Norse times. Geographically, Lochmaddy is a complex fjard sea inlet. Lochmaddy’s sea loch and lagoons are officially recognised by the European Commission as a marine Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Both the sea crossing and the marine landscape are therefore defining features of the area.

Courthouse Architecture and Exhibitions

Lochmaddy Sheriff Court dates from 1875 and is a significant example of civic architecture in a remote rural setting. Lochmaddy Old Courthouse and Exercise Yard Walls was formerly a courthouse and prison. The exercise yard was enclosed by walls on three sides. The ground floor of the former Lochmaddy Old Courthouse contains vaulted cells, and its exercise yard is octagonal. Lochmaddy thus offers both an example of civic architecture and architectural details from its former use as a courthouse and prison.

Taigh Chearsabhagh in Lochmaddy comprises a museum and a gallery with a photographic collection. The North Uist Historical Society regularly holds exhibitions there. If an exhibition is important to your travel plans, check the dates before travelling.

Art and Walking

Hut of the Shadows is part of the Uist Sculpture Trail and serves as a camera obscura. Lenses and mirrors project the surrounding landscape onto a large stone inside. The installation offers a different focus from Taigh Chearsabhagh’s photographic collection: here, the landscape is projected optically; there, the collection comprises photographs. Hut of the Shadows is in Sponish, a 20-minute walk north of Lochmaddy.

There is also a specific local connection for walkers: Section F of the Hebridean Way ends in Lochmaddy. The art installation and the endpoint of the named walking section offer two distinct points of interest if you’re interested in art or walking.

Marina and Café

Lochmaddy Marina offers sheltered berths for visitors and permanent berth holders. Shore power, fresh water and Wi-Fi are available at the berths; the marina also has showers, toilets and laundry facilities. If you’re planning to use the marina, check berth availability and current facilities before travelling, as availability and amenities may change.

Bàgh an t-Salainn is a bakery and café overlooking Lochmaddy Bay. Café details may change; check the latest information before travelling if you’re planning to visit.

For the wider travel guide: Isle of North Uist.