> if I can justify the expense a day trip over to North Uist on the ferry

You would NOT regret it... We spent 3 days there - well, South Uist actually, but they're only weeny so you can do a lot in a short time there!

If you do go, you just GOTS ta go see Pobuill Fhinn! It's not too far from the car park, bit marshy but not a hard walk... It's absolutely THE most beautifully situated circle I've ever been to... And Barpa Langass, of course, which can be seen from the road... The circular walk is a bit hard work, but very rewarding...

It may only have been hard work cos it was blowing a 500 mile an hour wind* when we were there.

G x

* This may be a slight exaggeration.