ERISKA, &C. 87 



ERISKA, FUDIA, HELLESA, GIA.' 



NUMEROUS islands lie in the strait between Barra 

 and South Uist, and on the eastern shore of the former, 

 one small chain of which separates the harbour Ba 

 hiravah from Ottervore road. The composition of the 

 whole is precisely the same. 



Eriska is the boundaiy of Ottervore toward the north, 

 and is separated from South Uist by a narrow and 

 rocky sound, being of considerable extent when compared 

 with the neighbouring islands. On a detached and high 

 rock at its southern end are to be seen the remains 

 of a square tower, the ancient residence of some tur- 

 bulent chieftain. This island offers also a circumstance 

 of historical interest, having been the first place on 

 which Prince Charles landed while on his voyage from 

 France to Arasaik, where his disembarkation took place, 



gently left on the beach on the preceding evening, and had like the 

 former boat been carried away by the tide. There was now a boat, 

 but there were no oars. Oars could be borrowed, somewhere : they 

 would be ready at some time in the day; at twelve or one o'clock; 

 it would not be many hours too late ; we could only be benighted 

 in returning. By the time the oars had been sent for, it was dis- 

 covered that the boatmen and servants were all absent cutting peat 

 in a neighbouring island. But it was possible to find another ex- 

 pedient for this, by procuring some of the islanders. A messenger 

 was accordingly sent for four men. In the meantime the borrowed 

 oars of one fisherman were fitted to the borrowed boat of another, 

 but alas ! all the islanders were absent making kelp. Thus the day 

 was spent in arranging expedients and in removing obstacles. Thus 

 is life spent in the Highlands, and thus will it be spent by him 

 who trusts to Highland arrangements for the accomplishment of his 

 objects. 



* See the general Map. 



