Àird na Cille

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Àird na Cille

Slipway and harbour, Carnach Photographed from a walkway above the slipway.
Part of the road bridge between Scalpay and Harris visible on the left. — Slipway and harbour, Carnach Credit: Richard Dorrell

Àird na Cille is a prominent coastal feature located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. It is specifically situated on the western coast of the Scottish Highlands, near the village of Arisaig. This headland, also known as a point, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular tourist destination.

Rising majestically from the coastal plain, Àird na Cille is characterized by its rugged cliffs, towering over the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The headland extends out into the sea, forming a natural barrier against the powerful waves and currents that crash upon its rocky shores. Its strategic location offers a unique vantage point to observe the dramatic interaction between land and sea.

The headland is rich in natural beauty, with its grassy slopes adorned with colorful wildflowers and scattered with ancient rock formations. It is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and even the occasional dolphin or whale sighting. The area is a designated conservation site, ensuring the protection of its unique ecosystem.

Visitors to Àird na Cille can explore the headland by following a network of well-maintained walking trails. These trails provide access to various viewpoints and allow visitors to immerse themselves in the stunning coastal scenery. The headland is also a popular spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and photography.

In summary, Àird na Cille is a captivating coastal feature in Inverness-shire, known for its rugged cliffs, stunning views, and diverse wildlife. It offers visitors a chance to experience the raw beauty of the Scottish Highlands and immerse themselves in the dramatic coastal landscape.

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Àird na Cille Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.86568/-6.7063311 or Grid Reference NG2095. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Slipway and harbour, Carnach

Photographed from a walkway above the slipway. Part of the road bridge between Scalpay and Harris visible on the left.

Richard Dorrell

Houses at Scalpay

Sandy Gerrard

Looking north along the Scalpay Bridge

Sandy Gerrard

You have been warned!! Now proceed to Scalpay..

I wonder how they got across before the bridge was built?

Des Colhoun

Scalpay Church of Scotland

The majority on Scalpay chose to remain in the Free Church when the United Free Church reunited with the established Church of Scotland in 1929. As the congregation was not enough to justify maintaining a large building and a resident minister, the Church of Scotland kept this small church where services were conducted by a lay missionary, who lived with his family in the nearby NG2196 : Scalpay Mission House Shortly after this photograph was taken the bridge linking Scalpay to the mainland of Harris was completed, making it possible for the remaining Church of Scotland congregation to attend Sunday services in Tarbert and so there was no longer any need for a missionary. This small church is now used for services by the Free Church (Continuing). For a later view from the other side see NG2196 : Church Scalpay.

Tiger

Scalpay Mission House

The corrugated building was once the home of the lay missionary who served the NG2196 : Scalpay Church of Scotland. Following the opening of the Scalpay Bridge in 1997, soon after this photograph was taken, the small Church of Scotland congregation was able to travel to worship on the Harris mainland and missionaries no longer resided on the island.

Tiger

Scalpay village

John Lucas

Pier at Scalpay

John Lucas

Scalpay road bridge

The west side of the bridge.

John Lucas

Approach to Scalpay road bridge

My luck was out (again!) regarding the otters - see NF7813 : Otter crossing warning on the Eriskay causeway.

John Lucas

Scalpay road bridge

Prior to the opening of the bridge in 1997, the link from Scalpay to the main island of Harris was an hourly ferry service which ceased running at 6.30pm.

John Lucas