Rubha Hèacla

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Rubha Hèacla

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 Hèacla is a picturesque headland located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. Situated along the stunning coastline, it is a prominent coastal feature that extends into the sea, forming a distinct point that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Characterized by rugged cliffs and rocky outcrops, Rubha Hèacla showcases the raw beauty of the Scottish landscape. The headland is formed from layers of sedimentary rock, which have been shaped over centuries by the relentless force of the ocean waves. These geological formations provide a habitat for various marine and bird species, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

The headland is also notable for its rich history. Ruins of an ancient fort can be found on top of the cliffs, offering a glimpse into the area's past. This fort, thought to date back to the Iron Age, provides evidence of human occupation in the region for thousands of years.

Visitors to Rubha Hèacla can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking along the coastal trail that meanders along the headland. This allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the stunning natural surroundings and take in the breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding countryside.

Overall, Rubha Hèacla is a captivating coastal feature that offers a combination of natural beauty, fascinating history, and recreational opportunities. Whether it is exploring the rugged cliffs, observing the diverse wildlife, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings, Rubha Hèacla is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to experience the allure of Scotland's coastline.

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Rubha Hèacla Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.805474/-7.6212647 or Grid Reference NL5782. 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.

Julian Paren

Mingulay/Miughlaigh and Berneray/Bearnaraigh

An aerial view from the south. Mingulay is the larger of the two islands.

M J Richardson

Berneray and Mingulay from the air

Looking north, with the western part of Pabbay/Pabaigh at top right.

M J Richardson

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.

Rob Farrow

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.

Rob Farrow

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.

Rob Farrow

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.

Rob Farrow

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.

Rob Farrow

Mingulay - beach and bay

The magnificent sands of Bàgh Mhiùghlaigh (Mingulay Bay) as seen from the hills to the north.

Rob Farrow

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.

Rob Farrow

Mingulay - Swimming seal

This seal (Grey I think) was swimming around the coast of Mingulay at Rubha an Droma.

Rob Farrow

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.

Rob Farrow

Mingulay - view SSW along the beach

Looking along the beautiful beach which is in front of the abandoned village on the island of Mingulay.

Rob Farrow

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

Rob Farrow

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.

Rob Farrow

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.

Rob Farrow

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

Rob Farrow