North Uist

Welcome to North Uist, a Temperate island in the Inner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland, part of the majestic Atlantic Ocean. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of what makes North Uist unique – from its geography and climate to its population, infrastructure, and beyond. Dive into the details:
- Geography and Size: Explore the island’s size and location.
- Climate and Weather: Weather patterns and temperature.
- Topography and Nature: Uncover the natural wonders of the island.
- Infrastructure and Travelling: Insights on reaching, staying, and making the most of your visit.
- News and Headlines: Latest News.
Geography and size of North Uist
Size: 330.6 km²
Coastline: 256.1 km
Ocean: Atlantic Ocean
Sea: Inner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland
Continent: Europe
North Uist is a Large Island spanning 331 km² with a coastline of 256 km.
Archipel: Outer Hebrides – A chain of islands off the west coast of mainland Scotland, known for their rugged beauty, Gaelic culture, and traditional way of life.
Tectonic Plate: Eurasia – One of the world’s largest tectonic plates, the Eurasian Plate covers a significant portion of Europe and Asia. It’s characterized by diverse geological features, including the Ural Mountains, the European Plain, and the Himalayas formed from its collision with the Indian Plate.
The geographic heart of the island is pinpointed at these coordinates:
Latitude: 57.59973504 / Longitude: -7.28589605
Climate and weather of North Uist
Climate Zone: Temperate
Climate Details: Temperate Oceanic Climate
Temperature: Warm Summer
Climate Characteristics: Known for its moderate year-round temperatures with ample rainfall and no dry season. Warm summers are characteristic.
Topography and nature of North Uist
Timezone: UTC±00:00
Timezone places: Europe/London
Max. Elevation: 214 m
Mean Elevation: 24 m
Vegetation: Agricultural Mosaic
Tree Coverage: 34%
The mean elevation is 24 m. The highest elevation on the island reaches approximately 214 meters above sea level. The island is characterized by Hills: Gently sloping landforms with rounded tops, having a maximum elevation between 200 and 500 meters. Hills contribute to a varied landscape on islands.
Dominating Vegetation: Agricultural Mosaic
A mix of cropland and natural vegetation, often seen in rural landscapes where agricultural fields are interspersed with patches of natural habitats. North Uist has a tree cover of 34 %.
Vegetation: 12 vegetation zones – Exceptionally Diverse Island
Islands with more than ten vegetation zones are among the most ecologically rich and varied in the world. These islands are akin to miniature continents, boasting an incredible array of ecosystems. The sheer range of habitats, from high peaks to deep valleys, rainforests to deserts, creates a mosaic of life that is unparalleled. They are crucial for conservation and ecological studies.
Infrastructure and Travelling to North Uist
Does the island have a public airport? no.
There is no public and scheduled airport on North Uist. The nearest airport is Benbecula Airport, located 5 km away.
Does the island have a major port? yes.
North Uist is home to a major port. The following ports are situated on the island: LOCHMADDY.
The mean population of North Uist is 4 per km². North Uist is Gently Populated. The island belongs to United Kingdom.
Continuing your journey, Fruoch Eilean is the next notable island, situated merely km away.
United Kingdom is classified as Developed region: G7: Group of Seven – Major advanced economies, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The level of income is High income: OECD.
News – Latest Updates and Headlines from North Uist
Stay informed with the most recent news and important headlines from North Uist. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments.
- 'Escape the rat race' - Five GPs wanted for new practice on Scottish island with salary up to £160k - The Scotsmanon 16 February 2025
'Escape the rat race' - Five GPs wanted for new practice on Scottish island with salary up to £160k The Scotsman
- Plans for hot food takeaway in North Uist and a prescription locker in Stornoway - The Press & Journalon 4 February 2025
Plans for hot food takeaway in North Uist and a prescription locker in Stornoway The Press & Journal
- Twenty years since family swept away in South Uist storm tragedy - BBC.comon 29 January 2025
Twenty years since family swept away in South Uist storm tragedy BBC.com
- Rare footage of life in the Outer Hebrides that rewrites archives - from crofting to island schools - The Scotsmanon 29 December 2024
Rare footage of life in the Outer Hebrides that rewrites archives - from crofting to island schools The Scotsman
- Marillion’s Fish relocates to Isle of Berneray for new life as a crofter and writer - The Press & Journalon 18 December 2024
Marillion’s Fish relocates to Isle of Berneray for new life as a crofter and writer The Press & Journal
- News - North Uist distillery celebrates historic first - West Coast Todayon 7 December 2024
News - North Uist distillery celebrates historic first West Coast Today
- North Uist Distillery begins whisky production - The Spirits Businesson 4 December 2024
North Uist Distillery begins whisky production The Spirits Business
- New $3 Million Spaceport Begins Construction on Remote Island - Newsweekon 2 December 2024
New $3 Million Spaceport Begins Construction on Remote Island Newsweek
- Ground broken at multi-million pound development for Scotland's third spaceport in North Uist - STV Newson 2 December 2024
Ground broken at multi-million pound development for Scotland's third spaceport in North Uist STV News
- Construction work begins at North Uist spaceport - Scottish Construction Nowon 29 November 2024
Construction work begins at North Uist spaceport Scottish Construction Now
Please note: The data used here has been primarily extracted from satellite readings. Deviations from exact values may occur, particularly regarding the height of elevations and population density. Land area and coastline measurements refer to average values at mean high tide.