by Helen Westwood

GRIMSAY (Griomasaigh) is a small tidal island on the Outer Hebrides with white sands, rocky shores and crystal clear waters full of life. Situated between North Uist and Benbecula, the island is only 4 miles long and 2 miles wide. You really need to visit this place, breathe in the tranquillity and enjoy the wonderful scenery which Grimsay has to offer.

Grimsay is connected at it’s Western tip by the single track North Ford Causeway which was opened in 1960. Prior to this a ferry linked Carinish on North Uist with Gramisdale on Benbecula, but it could only operate at high tide. There was also a ford which could be crossed at an hour either side of low tide with the help of a guide but it was tricky due to the shifting sands.

Travelling along the 5 mile arc shaped track, which makes up the causeway today, is a breeze and an experience in itself. Surrounded on both sides by water, you can smell the briny cool aroma of the sea in the air as you are totally immersed in the serenity of this beautiful environment. We also once noticed a sea eagle flying overhead, wings beating with a slow powerful rhythm as it searched for it’s prey. The majestic raptor with it’s enormous wing span and curved fish ripping beak owned the sky. If you are lucky enough to spot a sea eagle, there is no other bird like it. This is life on the edge of the World.