Eriskay is the inspiration for Compton Mackenzie’s book Whiskey Galore. When the SS Politician ran around off Roisinis Point in 1941, her cargo included more than 260,000 bottles of whiskey and Jamaican banknotes worth a small fortune. After rescuing the crew, the islanders mounted a highly successful, if unofficial, salvage operation and managed to drink or conceal much of the booty from the authorities. Stories of the good times still roll and a whiskey bottle from the wreck can be seen in the island’s only pub, the Am Politician – a welcome refreshment stop at the end of the round-island route.
For details of the island circular route and 49 others check out our book, Islandeering: adventures around the outside edge of Britain’s hidden islands
