South Uist
South Uist (Scottish Gaelic: Uibhist a Deas, [ˈɯ.ɪʃtʲ ə ˈtʲes̪] (
listen); Scots: Sooth Uist) is the second-largest island of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. At the 2011 census, it had a usually resident population of 1,754: a decrease of 64 since 2001.[10] The island, in common with the rest of the Hebrides, is one of the last remaining strongholds of the Gaelic language in Scotland. South Uist's inhabitants are known in Gaelic as Deasaich (Southerners). The population is about 90% Roman Catholic.
 | This article possibly contains original research. (September 2017) |
| Scottish Gaelic name | Uibhist a Deas |
|---|---|
| Scots name | Sooth Uist[1] |
| Meaning of name | Pre-Gaelic and unknown[2] |
 | |
 | |
| Location | |
  South Uist South Uist shown within the Outer Hebrides | |
| OS grid reference | NF786343 |
| Coordinates | 57.2667°N 7.3167°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Uist & Barra[3] |
| Area | 32,026 hectares (124 sq mi) |
| Area rank | 9 [4] |
| Highest elevation | Beinn Mhòr 620 metres (2,030 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Na h-Eileanan Siar |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 1,754[5] |
| Population rank | 9 [4] |
| Population density | 5.5 people/km2[5][6] |
| Largest settlement | Lochboisdale |
 | |
| References | [6][7][8][9] |
The island is home to a nature reserve and a number of sites of archaeological interest, including the only location in the British Isles where prehistoric mummies have been found.[clarification needed] In the northwest, there is a missile testing range. In 2006 South Uist, together with neighbouring Benbecula and Eriskay, was involved in Scotland's biggest-ever community land buyout by Stòras Uibhist.[11] The group also owns the "biggest community wind farm in Scotland", Lochcarnan, on South Uist which opened in 2013.[12][13]