This date in 2005 has gone down in the history of the Western Isles with a black edge. It is the day a violent storm struck, carrying winds gusting in excess of 200 km/h or 125 mph. Damage was extensive, but far worse than that was the loss of life. Five members of one family, a grandfather, two parents and two of their children drowned in the South Ford, the inlet that divides the islands of South Uist and Benbecula. The winds had driven up the waters of the inland Loch Bi, which rose to meet the flooding tide in the South Ford at a causeway bridge. Crossing it at the time were two cars, which were swept away. All five occupants perished. They had just fled a house at Lionacuidhe, which was being pelted by seaspray and pebbles, whipped up by the storm. In a panic, they had probably decided to try to reach Benbecula - but never reached there.
This is a picture I took in 2009 in the area.
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