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Flannan Isles

Island Group in Ross-shire

Scotland

Flannan Isles

The lighthouse on Eilean Mor of the Flannan Isles The scene of the mysterious disappearance of the three light-keepers in December of 1900. The Chapel of St Flann can be seen on the slope below (to the right) of the lighthouse.
The lighthouse on Eilean Mor of the Flannan Isles Credit: Marc Calhoun

Flannan Isles, also known as the Seven Hunters, is a small archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately 20 miles west of the mainland of Ross-shire, Scotland. Consisting of seven islands, the group is named after the largest and only inhabited island, Flannan Isle. The other islands in the group are Eilean Mor, Eilean Taighe, Eilean Leir, Eilean Dubh, Eilean Tighe, and Roareim.

The Flannan Isles are known for their rugged and dramatic terrain, characterized by steep cliffs, rocky outcrops, and grassy slopes. The islands provide a habitat for a diverse range of bird species, including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots, making them a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

The most famous event associated with Flannan Isles is the mysterious disappearance of the three lighthouse keepers in 1900. The incident remains unsolved to this day, adding an air of intrigue and fascination to the islands. A memorial plaque was erected on Eilean Mor in memory of the lost keepers.

Access to the Flannan Isles is limited due to their remote location and challenging maritime conditions. Boat trips and guided tours are available from Ullapool and other nearby towns, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience the wild beauty and rich history of these enigmatic islands.

Overall, Flannan Isles is a unique and captivating island group, offering stunning natural landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a tantalizing mystery that continues to captivate the imagination of those who visit or study the area.

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Flannan Isles Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.280971/-7.5837533 or Grid Reference NA7246. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The lighthouse on Eilean Mor of the Flannan Isles The scene of the mysterious disappearance of the three light-keepers in December of 1900. The Chapel of St Flann can be seen on the slope below (to the right) of the lighthouse.
The lighthouse on Eilean Mor of the Flannan Isles
The scene of the mysterious disappearance of the three light-keepers in December of 1900. The Chapel of St Flann can be seen on the slope below (to the right) of the lighthouse.
Northern tip of Eilean Mor (Flannan Isles) The sheer cliff edge in the foreground (below the summit trig pillar) falls within the grid. The Flannan lighthouse can be seen to the left.
Northern tip of Eilean Mor (Flannan Isles)
The sheer cliff edge in the foreground (below the summit trig pillar) falls within the grid. The Flannan lighthouse can be seen to the left.
Soraidh Isle Soraidh of the Seven Hunters, one of the Flannan Islands, as seen from the lighthouse island of Eilean Mor.
Soraidh Isle
Soraidh of the Seven Hunters, one of the Flannan Islands, as seen from the lighthouse island of Eilean Mor.
St. Flannan's Cell and Flannan Isles Lighthouse Here is the source of one of the world's great mysteries for at the turn of the century three lightkeepers disappeared without trace.
St. Flannan's Cell and Flannan Isles Lighthouse
Here is the source of one of the world's great mysteries for at the turn of the century three lightkeepers disappeared without trace.
Steps to landing Place Flannan Isles It was up these steps from the landing place that all supplies for the Lighthouse were hauled.
Steps to landing Place Flannan Isles
It was up these steps from the landing place that all supplies for the Lighthouse were hauled.
Stairway to the Flannan Isles The steps from the landing jetty are gradually being eroded back to a natural state.
Stairway to the Flannan Isles
The steps from the landing jetty are gradually being eroded back to a natural state.
Eilean Mor, Flannan Isles This is one of two stairways from the jetty running towards the lighthouse.
Eilean Mor, Flannan Isles
This is one of two stairways from the jetty running towards the lighthouse.
Eilean Tighe, Flannan Isles Viewed from Eilean Mor
Eilean Tighe, Flannan Isles
Viewed from Eilean Mor
Flannan Island Lighthouse Carpets of Sea Campion in the foreground
Flannan Island Lighthouse
Carpets of Sea Campion in the foreground
Soraigh, Flannan Isles Viewed on return rough boat crossing from Eilean Mor to Miabhaig on Lewis
Soraigh, Flannan Isles
Viewed on return rough boat crossing from Eilean Mor to Miabhaig on Lewis
Flannan Isles: the lighthouse through a hole in the wall Looking through a gap in a small dry-stone bothy on the far side of the main island, Eilean Mòr, on which the lighthouse was built during the last decade of the 19th century. It has been automated since September 1971.
Flannan Isles: the lighthouse through a hole in the wall
Looking through a gap in a small dry-stone bothy on the far side of the main island, Eilean Mòr, on which the lighthouse was built during the last decade of the 19th century. It has been automated since September 1971.
Flannan Isles: seals on Eilean Tighe Three seals on the low-level rocks at the foot of the second largest of the Flannan Isles.
Flannan Isles: seals on Eilean Tighe
Three seals on the low-level rocks at the foot of the second largest of the Flannan Isles.
Flannan Isles: eastern end of Eilean Mòr The sheer eastern tip of the largest of the Flannans, Eilean Mòr.
Flannan Isles: eastern end of Eilean Mòr
The sheer eastern tip of the largest of the Flannans, Eilean Mòr.
Flannan Isles: puffin burrows Huge numbers of puffin burrows on the northwest headland of Eilean Mòr, the largest of the Flannan Isles - with the lighthouse, on the same island, in the background. A small number of puffins remained on the island as we visited today, mainly around the northeastern side.
Flannan Isles: puffin burrows
Huge numbers of puffin burrows on the northwest headland of Eilean Mòr, the largest of the Flannan Isles - with the lighthouse, on the same island, in the background. A small number of puffins remained on the island as we visited today, mainly around the northeastern side.
Flannan Isles: eastern end of Eilean Tighe A group of seals react to our arrival - one of them, far left, has just plopped into the water and several of the others would shortly follow - as we sail past this, the second largest of the Flannan Isles.
Flannan Isles: eastern end of Eilean Tighe
A group of seals react to our arrival - one of them, far left, has just plopped into the water and several of the others would shortly follow - as we sail past this, the second largest of the Flannan Isles.
Flannan Isles: waves at the foot of Làmh an Sgeir Mhòir Waves crash over the low-lying rocks of Làmh an Sgeir Mhòir, one of the lesser Flannan Isles, as we see the western tip of the largest island in the background.
Flannan Isles: waves at the foot of Làmh an Sgeir Mhòir
Waves crash over the low-lying rocks of Làmh an Sgeir Mhòir, one of the lesser Flannan Isles, as we see the western tip of the largest island in the background.
Flannan Isles: the lighthouse from the sea to the south A view up onto the lighthouse, taking in the steep concrete housing for the railway tracks leading down to the western landing stage. The cliffs here are so severe and weather-prone that the eastern landing, reached along similar tracks running across the picture about halfway up the visible grassed area, is the access point usually more suitable.
Flannan Isles: the lighthouse from the sea to the south
A view up onto the lighthouse, taking in the steep concrete housing for the railway tracks leading down to the western landing stage. The cliffs here are so severe and weather-prone that the eastern landing, reached along similar tracks running across the picture about halfway up the visible grassed area, is the access point usually more suitable.
Flannan Isles: cliffs near the landing stage Looking up at the formidable cliffs just east of the landing stage for the main Flannan isle. The lighthouse features almost inevitably.
Flannan Isles: cliffs near the landing stage
Looking up at the formidable cliffs just east of the landing stage for the main Flannan isle. The lighthouse features almost inevitably.
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Flannan Isles is located at Grid Ref: NA7246 (Lat: 58.280971, Lng: -7.5837533)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

Also known as: Na h-Eileanan Flannach

What 3 Words

///clustered.research.surface. Near Carloway, Na h-Eileanan Siar

Nearby Locations

Tom na Geodha Lamh na Sgeire Moire Eilean Mòr Na h-Eileanan Flannach Sròn na Faing Flannan Isles

Related Wikis

Flannan Isles
Flannan Isles

The Flannan Isles (Scottish Gaelic: Na h-Eileanan Flannach) or the Seven Hunters are a small island group in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, approximately...

Flannan Isles Lighthouse
Flannan Isles Lighthouse

Flannan Isles Lighthouse is a lighthouse near the highest point on Eilean Mòr, one of the Flannan Isles in the Outer Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.280971,-7.5837533
Geodh'an Truillich
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.2828765/-7.5878675
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Ele: 40
Is In Country: GB
Is In Island: Seven Hunters; Isle of Lewis; Outer Hebrides; Scotland
Natural: peak
Lat/Long: 58.2839392/-7.5844449
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Natural: rock
Seamark Type: rock
Lat/Long: 58.2838862/-7.5772705
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Hushinish Glorigs Inverness-shire
Na h-Eileanan Flannach Ross-shire

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