You’ve heard of Uist, I’m sure. And maybe you’ve heard of a Uist tea called Uibhisteach. But what is an Uibhisteach, you ask?

An Uibhisteach is a person from Usit – Uibhist in Gaelic. So an Uibhisteach is from Uibhist. The plural of Uibhisteach is Uibhistich.

North Uist, Benbecula, and South Uist are three of the islands that make up Uist. Eriskay is to the south, and Berneray to the north. Located off the west coast of Scotland, these islands are known for their stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture.

North Uist, the most northerly of the three islands, is home to a large number of birds and other wildlife, the island is a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. In addition, the island’s rugged coastline offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Benbecula, located between North Uist and South Uist, is known for its sandy beaches and calm waters. The island is home to a number of small villages, each with its own unique character and charm. In addition, the island is home to a number of historic sites, including the ruins of a 13th-century castle, Borve Castle, and a number of ancient standing stones. It was home to a rocket range when the MOD had strong presence.

South Uist is also home to a number of interesting attractions, including the Kildonan Museum and the Askernish Golf Course, which was designed by the legendary golfer Old Tom Morris.

As you can see, there is more to the Uist than meets the eye. And now there is a Uist tea! Whilst it brews, here are a few other fascinating facts about Uist.

10 Facts about Uist

1. Uist is Uist. Or North Uist, Benbecula and South Uist. It is never The Uists.
2. A bear called Hercules once escaped in Benbecula. He was filming an advert for Andrex! Hercules travelled over 20 miles to North Uist before he was found and went on to appear in the film Octupussy. 
3. North Uist is the tenth largest Scottish island.
4. Beinn Mhor in South Uist reaches an elevation of 2,033 feet.
5. Lochmaddy is the main town in North Uist.
6. Uist has a sculpture trail featuring a mosaic mackerel.
7. Flora MacDonald who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape was from Uist and is commemorated with a monument.
8. The main town in Benbecula is Balivanich which in Gaelic is Baile a’ Mhanaich meaning ‘town of the monks’.
9. The Granville family own North Uist.
10. Benbecula, South Uist and Eriskay cover 93,000 acres and are owned by Storas Uibhist – making it the largest community owned land area in Scotland.

Uist Tea

We used three distinct blends as an inspiration for our tea – weaving them together for a sweet, complex flavour.

If you fancy a wee taste of Uist, the tea is available in packets of 10 or 20, and in tins as well!