UPDATED JANUARY 2025
Part 1: Berneray and North Uist
Part 3: South Uist and Eriskay
What to Do in Grimsay and Benbecula on a rainy day.
Obviously the first thing to do on a rainy day in Uist is join us at Nunton Steadings for a tour, a tasting and a chat!
Experience the entire Downpour range with our fab team, and tour the building to see our brand new whisky and gin distillery in action. Learn about the fascinating history of our listed building, and enjoy a G&T or two in the Island Life Bar.
Stock up on delicious gin and marvellous merch in the Downpour shop, before heading off to explore the islands.
Head to Balivanich to pick up some local produce at Tagsa Uibhist’s polytunnels, Maclennan’s Supermarket, Lovats shop, Macleans butcher and bakery (you'll have to get your candlesticks elsewhere) or Kallin Shellfish in Grimsay, and put together a meal of local venison, shellfish and veg to enjoy with your Downpour.
While you’re at Kallin harbour consider booking a tour with Lady Anne Wildlife Cruises, departing every weekday during the visitor season and taking in scenery and wildlife that is just as spectacular in the rain as it is on a sunny day.
While you’re in Grimsay pop into Uist Wool's shop and mill to buy some beautiful locally produced yarn and to learn more about how Uist Wool has brought yarn production back to the island.
Next up call into Grimsay’s community centre Ceann na H’Arigh, for excellent coffee and food from Scandi Bakery, and a small but excellent selection of books on crofting, Uist culture and history. Pop into the Grimsay Boat Haven while you're there, a new museum of restored Grimsay fishing boats which has plenty of space for little ones to run around and burn off some energy.
Back in Benbecula call into Liniclate library and sports centre at our community secondary school, book a riding lesson (or beach ride if you fancy testing those waterproofs) at Uist Community Riding School, visit Benbecula thrift shop to pick up some boardgames, jigsaws and books for a rainy day at home, and if you feel like some relaxation, book a massage with at The Wee Haven, the perfect way to while away an afternoon with the sound of the rain outside.
If you're planning a meal out then call into Charlie’s Bistro, The Dark Island Hotel or The Stepping Stone Restaurant, all of whom will fix you up with a delicious warming meal and maybe even a Downpour or two.
And if you'd like to get outside and feel the cobwebs blow away, which we highly recommend, visit airport beach, Stinky Bay (yes, really), Liniclate beach, or our very own Culla Bay, a stones throw from our visitor centre and perfect for a bracing stomp in the Atlantic breeze.
Call in to get warm at the Island Life Bar afterwards and let us know how you've enjoyed your rainy day in Uist!
