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North Uist facts for kids

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North Uist
Gaelic name Uibhist a Tuath
Meaning of name North Uist (etymology of "Uibhist" is unclear)
OS grid reference NF835697
Coordinates 57°36′00″N 7°19′59″W / 57.6°N 7.333°W / 57.6; -7.333
Physical geography
Island group Uists and Barra
Area 30,305 hectares (117 sq mi)
Area rank 10 
Highest elevation Eaval 1,138 ft (347 m)
Administration
Sovereign state United Kingdom
Country Scotland
Council area Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Demographics
Population 1,254
Population density 4.14 people/km2
Largest settlement Lochmaddy
Lymphad3.svg
References
Official name: North Uist Machair and Islands
Designated: 22 July 1997
Reference #: 1004

North Uist (Scottish Gaelic: Uibhist a Tuath) is a beautiful island and a community located in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. It is known for its unique landscape and connections to other islands.

About North Uist

North Uist is a significant island in Scotland. It ranks as the tenth largest Scottish island. It is also the thirteenth largest island around Great Britain. The island covers an area of about 117 square miles (303 km2). This makes it a little smaller than its neighbour, South Uist.

Connecting Islands

North Uist is special because it is connected to several nearby islands by long roads called causeways. You can travel from North Uist to Benbecula by crossing a causeway through Grimsay. There are also causeways linking North Uist to Berneray and to Baleshare. These connections make it easier for people and goods to move between the islands.

Geography and Landscape

Most of North Uist is very flat. The only exception is the south-east part of the island, which has some higher ground. The island's landscape is like a colourful quilt. It has many peat bogs, small hills, and lots of lochs (lakes). More than half of the island's land is actually covered by water!

Some of these lochs are quite unique. They contain a mix of fresh water and salty tidal water from the sea. This creates unusual habitats for different plants and animals. Loch Sgadabhagh is the biggest loch on North Uist by how much area it covers. Another loch, Loch Obisary, holds about twice as much water.

Natural Beauty

The northern part of North Uist is part of a special area called the South Lewis, Harris and North Uist National Scenic Area. This is one of 40 such areas in Scotland. These areas are protected because of their amazing natural beauty. They offer stunning views and important natural environments.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: North Uist para niños

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