Balranald Cottage has its origins as two adjoining humble dwellings for maids working at Balranald House, just across the road. Back then, those that lived here would have had little for themselves after they daily work at the big house. But today, after recent renovations that have fused the two cottages into one generous home, those that stay here have come to where they are free to enjoy themselves as they please!
Balranald comes from the Gaelic Baile Raghnail, or Ronald’s village, and probably named after a medieval clansman. But by 1832, when Balranald House was completed in its current form the house and an extensive surrounding estate was the possession of a family known as the ‘Improving MacDonalds’.
The improvements were those to agriculture, and it was this same period of optimism that gave the landscape many of its enduring characteristics: the big house itself, its walled garden, the stone-built barns and stores of the adjacent farm steading, the roads and drainage ditches and culverts.
Although then at the leading edge of agriculture, today Balranald is valued most for its small-scale traditional, non-intensive farming, which in large measure leaves the land to thrive according to the rhythms and means of nature, and is thus abundant with wildlife that occurs naturally, not according to man’s bidding.
The single-track lane that passes the cottage starts at the island circular road just north of Bayhead, and by zigs and zags (following field boundaries and connecting houses) heads westwards, first to Balranald House and Cottage, and then skirts around the dry southern edge of Balranald Bog – a SSSI of importance for its wetland plants and rich insect life.
Here, in sight of the extensive sandy channels and islands of Loch Paiblesgarry and the Claddachs beyond, the lane turns west again, heading out to the fertile fields of the machair, close to the shore, and there it stops.
White sandy tracks branch off to serve houses and cottages, and at the end, a well-worn, much-loved track perfect for ambling, walking, jogging or cycling in peace. This track continues along the machair towards the headland of rocky shores, sandy beaches and machair grassland which makes up the RSPB’s Balranald reserve.
Links of Interest
Arts & Crafts
- Hebridean Jewellery, Iochdar, South Uist
Hand-spinning studio, offering knitting/crocheting yarns from local Hebridean sheep, hand-spun natural-dyed wools and garments or other items made from these by knitting, crocheting, weaving or felting. Spinning tuition, including for beginners.
Communities
- Isle of Berneray
Community website for the Isle of Berneray Stòras Uibhist
Website of the community-owned landlord of the islands of Benbecula, South Uist and Eriskay
Eating Out
Langass Lodge
Hotel with restaurant open to non-residentsTraditional pub located in Claddach Kirkibost
Lochmaddy Hotel
Traditional hotel open for meals to non-residents and public barHotel & Restaurant located in Lochmaddy
Taigh Chearsabhagh, Lochmaddy, North Uist
Award-winning centre for arts, culture and history, with recommended cafe and gift shopBenbecula
Orasay Inn, Loch Carnan, South Uist
Small private hotel with restaurant open to non-residentsPolochar Inn, Cille Bhrighde, South Uist
Polochar Inn, Isle of South Uist. Highly recommended for dining out, whether lunch or evening meal, and for coffee or something stronger after a walk of cycle on the machair, beaches or hills. Free WiFi
Field Sports & Outdoor Activities
Fish Hebrides
Find information and buy rod licences or day tickets for fishing anywhere in the Outer Hebrides.Lady Ann Boat Trips, Kallin, Isle of Grimsay
Trips around the waters and lesser islands of Uist, mostly wildlife watching.RSPB Balranald
RSBB’s website page for the reserve at BalranaldWestern Isles Wildlife
Wildlife watching with local expert, from guided day walks to wildlife-holidays.
Freshest & Finest Foods
Hebridean Smokehouse, Clachan, North Uist
Producers of hot and cold smoked salmon, trout and other fine foods from North Uist. Viewing area, shop, and product tasting!Kallin Shellfish, Kallin, Isle of Grimsay
Shellfish from Grimsay and nearby watersThe Big Garden, Cille Bhrighde, Isle of South Uist
Historic high-walled kitchen garden offering free-range eggs, fresh vegetables, herbs and fruit, jams and chutneys, Hebridean hogget lamb.
Travel
Caledonian MacBrayne – Hebridean Ferries
For information and on-line reservation for ferries between Outer Hebrides and mainland and inter-island ferries tooFlyebe
Information and on-line reservations for flights between the Outer Hebrides and the mainland, and inter-island flights too.
Visitor Centers
Kildonan Centre, South Uist
Fascinating local museum, Arts and Crafts gallery and shop, Cafe (also 24hr toilets)Taigh Chearsabhagh, Lochmaddy, North Uist
Award-winning centre for arts, culture and history, with recommended cafe, excellent gift shop – and post office too