Iochdar

Settlement in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Iochdar

Saltmarsh near Balgarva Credit: Hugh Venables

Iochdar is a small rural village located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. Situated on the island of South Uist in the Outer Hebrides, Iochdar is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The village is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including rolling hills, sandy beaches, and vast moorlands.

The community of Iochdar is close-knit, with a population of approximately 200 residents. The village is primarily residential, with a few local businesses serving the needs of the community. There is a small primary school, providing education for the local children, and a community hall that hosts various events and activities throughout the year.

One of the notable features of Iochdar is its Gaelic-speaking population, reflecting the strong cultural heritage of the area. Gaelic is still widely spoken among the locals, and traditional music and dance play an important role in community life. Visitors to Iochdar can immerse themselves in the Gaelic language and experience traditional music and dance performances at local events.

Iochdar is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The village is surrounded by unspoiled landscapes, offering opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, and fishing. The nearby beaches are perfect for leisurely walks or picnics, with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Overall, Iochdar is a charming village that offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking tranquility and a closer connection with nature. Its Gaelic heritage and picturesque surroundings make it a unique destination in Inverness-shire.

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Iochdar Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.387419/-7.4072821 or Grid Reference NF7545. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Saltmarsh near Balgarva

Hugh Venables

Bagh a Tuath

Translation - North Bay. There are so many wonderful beaches in the Hebrides that frequently they are simply named for how they face - west, north, east or south.

Gordon Brown

The coast at Ardivachar

Gordon Brown

Houses at Kilaulay

It looks as though perhaps a cattle feeder has been positioned then removed to make the circular pattern in the grass.

Gordon Brown

Northern entry to the South Uist Firing range

The range head lies here at West Gerinish, where the ground launch areas are sited and provide missile launching, preparation and maintenance facilities. On the day we visited the range was quiet - no red flag flying.

Gordon Brown

The shore at Ardivachar

Gordon Brown

Near the shore at Rubha Aird na Machrach

Gordon Brown

Looking across Bagh a Tuath

In English, 'North Bay'. The houses are at Kilaulay.

Gordon Brown

Beach South of Ardivachar

Low tide and low sun on the beach.

Rupert Fleetingly

Beach South of Ardivachar

Unusual cloud over the distant hills.

Rupert Fleetingly

Sandy Reflections

Low tide on the beach south of Ardivachar.

Rupert Fleetingly

Oystercatchers at Loch Bi

You are never far from the loud piping calls of oystercatchers on the Uists. These two appeared to be having a chat on the edge of Loch Bi.

Gordon Hatton

Evening light, Loch Bi

One curious feature here is the line of stones just offshore and shown on the OS map as a boundary. One would hardly consider this as a wall.

Gordon Hatton

Across a corner of Loch Bi

Loch Bi is an extensive area of brackish water extending across much of the northern end of South Uist and almost cutting it in half. This view is across one small inlet towards houses at Lochdar.

Gordon Hatton

Northern end of South Uist's big beach

This white sand beach stretches almost all the way down the west side of South Uist. Generally plenty of room to erect your deck chair without getting too close to others.

Gordon Hatton