FOOD : Long Island Retreats and Larder, Outer Hebrides
Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of the Uist Outer Hebrides, Long Island Retreats and Larder beckons travellers seeking solace and a connection with nature. Offering a true escape from the bustling world, these retreats present a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in tranquility. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes where white sandy beaches meet machair, guests can indulge in long walks along the shoreline, absorbing the power that ‘island time’ gives you, to getting up close to their Highland Cattle, Shetland Ponies, Saddleback Pigs and Wild Red Deer. At Long Island Retreats it is all about staying, exploring and tasting the very best of South Uist.
REVIEW OF LONG ISLAND RETREAT & Larder OUTER HEBRIDES
Long Island Retreats is owned by Uist crofting couple, DJ and Lindsay. DJ is a 6th generation crofter whilst Lindsay is a 6th generation farmer. They combined their love of animals (Lindsay grew up with ponies and lambs) and the land to create this luxury escape in South Uist.
They offer three opportunities - to EXPLORE through their various tours, to STAY in their crofts and to TASTE the slow matured, island reared cattle and sheep.
During my Meet the Producer visit to Uist with Outer Hebrides Tourism and Scotland Food and Drink, DJ kindly took us on condensed Machair Tour, only due to our time limits. Machiar Tour lasts 2hours and cost £30pp.
Machair is the Gaelic word for the fertile low lying ground running inland off the Atlantic Coast on the Outer Hebrides. It is one of the rarest habitats in Europe, renowned for its wader birds and wild flowers including rare orchids.
The Machair is also of great importance to their crofting practises, as it is where they both grow their crops and graze their cattle in summer. We headed out into this unique eco-system for a quick tour of one of the largest Machair areas in Europe and got up close and personal with some Aberdeen Angus coos whilst hearing all about their growing cycles and native crops.
Other tours include Croft Tours, Pony Tours, Island Tours and Sheep Shearing Demos.
Locally reared meat has a profound impact on the taste, infusing rich flavours and tenderness that can only be achieved through sustainable farming practices and a close connection between the farmer, the animal, and the land.
When it comes to cattle and sheep DJ and Lindsay work with traditional native breeds as they are known to thrive in this island environment. The cattle that graze their machair pastures are Aberdeen Angus and Beef Shorthorn whilst you’ll find Highland Cattle on the hill ground at Loch Skipport. Their sheep are North Country Cheviots crossed with Texel.
Their lambs and cattle only ever cover island miles on foot throughout their lifetime, moving between their grazing pastures which ultimately reduces food miles and supports the local supply chain.
DJ and Lindsay’s passion is evident - they diligently tend to their herds of local cattle and sheep, nurturing them with love and dedication to produce the finest, ethically raised meat.
Which we got to taste.
Local hotel, Dark Island and local Chef Christina McIntosh whipped up a feast for us using Long Island Retreats succulent beef and pork and Machair Potatoes, Salar Smoked Salmon and stunning fresh vegetables from the hotel garden. We were truly spoilt with dishes such as
Long Island Retreats Silver Side Beef on Chefs Sourdough Crostini with horseradish cream
Long Island Retreats Beef and Charlie McLeod Black Pudding Bon Bons
Long Island Retreats Pork Fillet with Brioche Slider and Baked Apple
Machair Potato Salad
Salar Salmon and cream cheese on Chefs homemade oatcakes
Chefs garden tomato, chilli and mint gazpacho
Garden courgettes and tomato pastry tarts
DJ and Lindsay’s crofting business perfectly encapsulates the harmony between humans and nature. With its rich history dating back centuries, crofting represents the integral connection between the people and the land.
Any time spent with Long Island Retreats will provide you with an authentic and immersive experience in the rural Outer Hebrides way of life. Besides the breathtaking views of rolling hills, shimmering lochs, and dramatic coastline (which is every where you look), you’ll gain a deep appreciation for the symbiotic relationship between man and land.
If ever you do visit Uist, make sure you factor in a visit to Long Island Retreats; be it just to say hello to a Shetland pony or for an off road 4x4 island experience discovering the hidden gems and learning a wee bit of gaelic on the way.
Long Island Retreats and Larder, Tigh na Breacain, Loch Skipport, South Uist, HS8 5NS www.longislandretreats.co.uk