'''Benbecula''' is an island in the [[Outer Hebrides]].
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'''Benbecula''' or '''Beinn Na Faoghla''' is an island in the [[Outer Hebrides]]. In the main it's low-lying and sits between the larger islands of North and South Uist, to which it is joined by causeways. However it possesses more resources than its neighbours in the shape of shops, schools, colleges, and an airport as a result of having been, until recently, a military base and missile firing range. As a result most visitors, perhaps unfairly, pass through Benbecula relatively quickly.
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==Regions==
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==Understand==
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Benbecula is the 'cushion' between the northern Protestant islands, and the Catholic communities of [[South Uist]] and [[Barra]]. It was dragged into the modern world more quickly than the other neighbouring islands by virtue of its military base and the need for supply routes and other facilities necessary for maintaining a military presence. These have now largely, if not totally, disappeared, but the island has been left with a legacy of unlikely institutional housing developments and, depending on ones viewpoint, the more welcome facility of an airport.
==Settlements==
==Settlements==
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==Talk==
==Talk==
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==DO==
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==Get in==
==Get around==
==Get around==
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'''Car hire''' is available from two locations, '''MacLennan's Garage''', Balivanich, tel: ''+44'' (0)1870 602191, and '''Ask Car Hire''', Creagorry, tel: ''+44'' (0)1870 602818.
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'''Car hire''' is available from three locations, '''MacLennan's Garage''', Balivanich, tel: ''+44'' 1870 602191, '''Ask Car Hire''', Creagorry, tel: ''+44'' 1870 602818 and '''Laing motors''', Lochboisdale tel: +44 1878 700 267 website: http://www.laingmotors.co.uk
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There is also a '''Bus Service''' running throught the year, On all weekdays except Sunday. To Find out about bus times go to [www.cne-siar.gov.uk] or pick up a timetable from a shop or tourist office in the Western Isles.
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==See==
==See==
*'''Beach''' down the west coast of the island.
*'''Beach''' down the west coast of the island.
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*'''Borve Castle''' A small ruin just off the main road. No facilites and no charge.
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*'''Borve Castle''' (NF 773505) is a small ruin just off the main road. No facilities and no charge.
*'''Linaclete School''' (Sgoil Lionacleit) has a small museum, library and a swimming pool.
*'''Linaclete School''' (Sgoil Lionacleit) has a small museum, library and a swimming pool.
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*'''Stepping Stone Restaurant''', Balivanich, HS7 5LA Tel 01870 603377
*'''Stepping Stone Restaurant''', Balivanich, HS7 5LA Tel 01870 603377
*'''The Airport Cafe''' is open to non-fliers and there is free parking next the terminal.
*'''The Airport Cafe''' is open to non-fliers and there is free parking next the terminal.
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*Have a school lunch at '''Linaclete School''' during the summer holidays.
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*Have a school lunch at '''Sgoil Lionacliet''' during the summer holidays.
==Drink==
==Drink==
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==Sleep==
==Sleep==
===Hostels===
===Hostels===
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*Taigh na Cille Bunkhouse, Balivanich, HS7 5LA 01870 602522 [http://www.uistonline.com/taighnacille]
Benbecula or Beinn Na Faoghla is an island in the Outer Hebrides. In the main it's low-lying and sits between the larger islands of North and South Uist, to which it is joined by causeways. However it possesses more resources than its neighbours in the shape of shops, schools, colleges, and an airport as a result of having been, until recently, a military base and missile firing range. As a result most visitors, perhaps unfairly, pass through Benbecula relatively quickly.
Benbecula is the 'cushion' between the northern Protestant islands, and the Catholic communities of South Uist and Barra. It was dragged into the modern world more quickly than the other neighbouring islands by virtue of its military base and the need for supply routes and other facilities necessary for maintaining a military presence. These have now largely, if not totally, disappeared, but the island has been left with a legacy of unlikely institutional housing developments and, depending on ones viewpoint, the more welcome facility of an airport.
Car hire is available from three locations, MacLennan's Garage, Balivanich, tel: +44 1870 602191, Ask Car Hire, Creagorry, tel: +44 1870 602818 and Laing motors, Lochboisdale tel: +44 1878 700 267 website: http://www.laingmotors.co.uk
