Rubha an Droma

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Rubha an Droma

Mingulay Bay and schoolhouse A visit possible by the small Barra boat that took 20 or so folk on a tour of the southern Hebrides with time to explore the cliffs of Mingulay.
Mingulay Bay and schoolhouse Credit: Julian Paren

Rubha an Droma, located in Inverness-shire, is a stunning coastal feature that stands as a prominent headland and point. Situated on the west coast of Scotland, it offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding rugged landscape.

As a headland, Rubha an Droma juts out into the sea, creating a distinctive shape that provides shelter to nearby bays and beaches. The headland is characterized by its tall cliffs, which are made up of ancient rock formations that have been shaped by the powerful forces of erosion over thousands of years.

The point itself is marked by a prominent lighthouse that has guided ships through these treacherous waters since its construction in the 19th century. The lighthouse stands tall on the edge of the headland, its white tower contrasting against the deep blue of the sea and the greenery of the surrounding landscape.

The area surrounding Rubha an Droma is rich in wildlife, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts. Seals can often be spotted lounging on the rocks, while seabirds soar above the cliffs, creating a cacophony of sounds. The headland also provides a habitat for a variety of plant species, including wildflowers that add vibrant pops of color to the landscape.

Visitors to Rubha an Droma can explore the headland by following well-marked walking trails, which provide access to various viewpoints and allow for a closer look at the diverse flora and fauna. From these vantage points, one can truly appreciate the raw beauty and power of the Scottish coastline.

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Rubha an Droma Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.814751/-7.6231176 or Grid Reference NL5783. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Mingulay Bay and schoolhouse A visit possible by the small Barra boat that took 20 or so folk on a tour of the southern Hebrides with time to explore the cliffs of Mingulay.
Mingulay Bay and schoolhouse
A visit possible by the small Barra boat that took 20 or so folk on a tour of the southern Hebrides with time to explore the cliffs of Mingulay.
Mingulay/Miughlaigh and Berneray/Bearnaraigh An aerial view from the south. Mingulay is the larger of the two islands.
Mingulay/Miughlaigh and Berneray/Bearnaraigh
An aerial view from the south. Mingulay is the larger of the two islands.
Berneray and Mingulay from the air Looking north, with the western part of Pabbay/Pabaigh at top right.
Berneray and Mingulay from the air
Looking north, with the western part of Pabbay/Pabaigh at top right.
Mingulay - Abandoned village - entrance to former dwelling Mingulay was abandoned in 1912, some 18 years before its more famous (and more distant) twin, St. Kilda.
Remnants of many of the houses still stand, but few exceed about 6' (2m) in height. Here we see the entrance to one of these former dwellings.
See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6888621">NL5683 : Mingulay - former entrance to dwelling</a> for close-up of the doorway.
Mingulay - Abandoned village - entrance to former dwelling
Mingulay was abandoned in 1912, some 18 years before its more famous (and more distant) twin, St. Kilda. Remnants of many of the houses still stand, but few exceed about 6' (2m) in height. Here we see the entrance to one of these former dwellings. See NL5683 : Mingulay - former entrance to dwelling for close-up of the doorway.
Mingulay - former entrance to dwelling The narrow (and low) entrance to a former dwelling on Mingulay. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6888618">NL5683 : Mingulay - Abandoned village - entrance to former dwelling</a> to see this in context.
Mingulay - former entrance to dwelling
The narrow (and low) entrance to a former dwelling on Mingulay. See NL5683 : Mingulay - Abandoned village - entrance to former dwelling to see this in context.
Mingulay - sand-filled ruined house Being next to the beach, the abandoned buildings of the former village on the island of Mingulay have had sand blown in to cover their floors.
Mingulay - sand-filled ruined house
Being next to the beach, the abandoned buildings of the former village on the island of Mingulay have had sand blown in to cover their floors.
Mingulay - former chapel The utterly ruinous remains of the former chapel on Mingulay. This was the only building in the former village with a "Dangerous Building - Keep Out" sign on it. It retains its concrete steps on its north-east side from which I took this photo looking down into the devastation.
Mingulay - former chapel
The utterly ruinous remains of the former chapel on Mingulay. This was the only building in the former village with a "Dangerous Building - Keep Out" sign on it. It retains its concrete steps on its north-east side from which I took this photo looking down into the devastation.
Mingulay - stream flowing to the bay This is one of several streams that flow down from the hills of Mingulay to meet the bay beyond the village.
Mingulay - stream flowing to the bay
This is one of several streams that flow down from the hills of Mingulay to meet the bay beyond the village.
Mingulay - beach and bay The magnificent sands of Bàgh Mhiùghlaigh (Mingulay Bay) as seen from the hills to the north.
Mingulay - beach and bay
The magnificent sands of Bàgh Mhiùghlaigh (Mingulay Bay) as seen from the hills to the north.
Mingulay - Seal on the beach This seal seemed as interested in me as I was in him/her. I think that this is a grey (rather than a common/harbour) seal, but would welcome confirmation.
Mingulay - Seal on the beach
This seal seemed as interested in me as I was in him/her. I think that this is a grey (rather than a common/harbour) seal, but would welcome confirmation.
Mingulay - Swimming seal This seal (Grey I think) was swimming around the coast of Mingulay at Rubha an Droma.
Mingulay - Swimming seal
This seal (Grey I think) was swimming around the coast of Mingulay at Rubha an Droma.
Mingulay - Abandoned village from the beach Looking back from the beach to the abandoned village of Mingulay.
See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6890287">NL5683 : Mingulay - The abandoned village</a>
 for a closer view.
Mingulay - Abandoned village from the beach
Looking back from the beach to the abandoned village of Mingulay. See NL5683 : Mingulay - The abandoned village for a closer view.
Mingulay - view SSW along the beach Looking along the beautiful beach which is in front of the abandoned village on the island of Mingulay.
Mingulay - view SSW along the beach
Looking along the beautiful beach which is in front of the abandoned village on the island of Mingulay.
Mingulay - The abandoned village Looking at the ruins of the abandoned village of Mingulay from the beach.
See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6890285">NL5683 : Mingulay - Abandoned village from the beach</a>
Mingulay - The abandoned village
Looking at the ruins of the abandoned village of Mingulay from the beach. See also NL5683 : Mingulay - Abandoned village from the beach
Mingulay - Ruined houses and chapel above the main village There were a few houses higher up the slope from the main area of the abandoned village on Mingulay, with the collapsed chapel yet further up the hill.
Mingulay - Ruined houses and chapel above the main village
There were a few houses higher up the slope from the main area of the abandoned village on Mingulay, with the collapsed chapel yet further up the hill.
Mingulay - former school, now NTS base This building is the former school on Mingulay, which had at one time as many as forty pupils. It is now the only habitable property on the little island, and is lived in (I'm not sure how permanently) by an NTS (National Trust for Scotland) warden, whom we met.
For some reason this school was situated at some distance south of the village and replaced an earlier school which was nearer to the dwellings.
For a closer view of the building see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6891868">NL5682 : Mingulay - Former school</a>.
Mingulay - former school, now NTS base
This building is the former school on Mingulay, which had at one time as many as forty pupils. It is now the only habitable property on the little island, and is lived in (I'm not sure how permanently) by an NTS (National Trust for Scotland) warden, whom we met. For some reason this school was situated at some distance south of the village and replaced an earlier school which was nearer to the dwellings. For a closer view of the building see NL5682 : Mingulay - Former school.
Mingulay - Former school This is the former school on Mingulay which closed a little time before the departure of the residents of the village. See it in wider context here <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6891864">NL5682 : Mingulay - former school, now NTS base</a>
Mingulay - Former school
This is the former school on Mingulay which closed a little time before the departure of the residents of the village. See it in wider context here NL5682 : Mingulay - former school, now NTS base
Schoolhouse and Village Bay, Mingulay
Schoolhouse and Village Bay, Mingulay
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Rubha an Droma is located at Grid Ref: NL5783 (Lat: 56.814751, Lng: -7.6231176)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///bugs.ranted.revamped. Near CastleBay, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 56.814751,-7.6231176
Rubha Domhain
Natural: cape
Lat/Long: 56.8177284/-7.6187317
Rubha an Droma
Natural: cape
Lat/Long: 56.8144399/-7.6223581
Bàgh Mhiùghlaigh
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 56.8116563/-7.6235597
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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