Iochdar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Iochdar
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 Loch an Oig looking over Iochdar School |
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 Iochdar
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| Language | Scottish Gaelic English |
| OS grid reference | NF777463 |
| Civil parish | |
| Council area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ISLE OF SOUTH UIST |
| Postcode district | HS8 |
| Dialling code | 01878 |
| Police | Northern |
| Fire | Highlands and Islands |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Iochdar (Scottish Gaelic: An t-Ìochdair), also spelled Eochar, is a small village and community on the west coast of South Uist island in Scotland's Outer Hebrides. It is the biggest of several small farming communities, known as crofting settlements, in the northwest of South Uist. You can find it about 1.5 kilometers west of the main A865 road.
Iochdar is part of the huge South Uist Estate, which covers about 93,000 acres. In 2006, the local community bought this land, making it Scotland's biggest 'community land buyout'. The estate is now managed by a group called Stòras Uibhist. A famous artist named Angus McPhee (1916–1997), known for his unique "Outsider Art," grew up in Iochdar. He is buried in the local cemetery.
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Iochdar School: Learning in the Community
Iochdar School, built in 1963, is a primary school for students from years 1 to 7. It serves children from Iochdar and the nearby areas. The school's head teacher is Mary MacInnes. There are 75 pupils and five teachers at the school. Iochdar School has won several awards, including the Homecoming Scotland Award at the Scottish Education Awards in 2009.
Supporting the School and Community
Sgoil an Ìochdair agus a' Choimhearsnachd (which means "Eochar School and Community") is a local group formed in December 1998. They started because the school needed more outdoor facilities. This group helps support sports and fun activities for everyone in the school's area. This area stretches about 14 miles along the islands, from Peninerine in South Uist to Island Flodda in Benbecula.
The group's main goal is to improve the outdoor spaces in Iochdar. After asking the community what they needed and studying what was possible, the group has finished several smaller projects. For example, they have updated the playground and playing fields at the school. Sgoil an Iochdair agus a' Choimhearsnachd includes both individuals and other community groups. It is run by a board of up to seven people, called trustees. Three of these trustees represent community groups, three are chosen by the local community, and one can be specially invited to join.
Iochdar Hall: A Community Hub
Iochdar Hall (Scottish Gaelic: Talla An Ìochdair) is a community building where people gather for different events. It is often used for dances and sales. Each year, there is also a cattle show held at the hall.
Iochdar Saints: Local Football Heroes
The Iochdar Saints are a local amateur football club. They play in the Uist and Barra League, which is a football league for teams in the area. Stephen MacAulay is the manager of the club. The Iochdar Saints have been champions of the Uist & Barra league four times in a row! They have also won many other trophies, including the Westford Challenge, the MacPherson Memorial Shield, the Summer Cup, the Billy McNeil Cup, and the Indoor Tournament Cup.
Attractions: Things to See and Do
One of the main attractions in Iochdar is Hebridean Jewellery. They sell a wide variety of beautiful jewelry, mostly featuring traditional Celtic designs. The jeweler who creates these pieces is John Hart. The jewelry shop also has a cafe where you can relax. Other places to visit include Lovats Shop and Carnan Stores. These shops offer a wide range of items for your home and for outdoor activities.
Images for kids
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Loch an Oig looking over Iochdar School
