Loch Sgeireach Tom Aister

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Ross-shire

Scotland

Loch Sgeireach Tom Aister

Gleann Mòr Bharabhais The shallow valley of Abhainn Bharabhais.
Gleann Mòr Bharabhais Credit: M J Richardson

Loch Sgeireach Tom Aister is a picturesque freshwater loch located in Ross-shire, Scotland. Nestled amidst the stunning Scottish Highlands, it offers a serene and tranquil setting for visitors to enjoy. The loch is surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, adding to its natural beauty and charm.

With an area of approximately 10 acres, Loch Sgeireach Tom Aister is not one of the largest lochs in the region, but it makes up for its size with its captivating scenery. The crystal-clear waters of the loch reflect the surrounding landscape, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle.

The loch is home to a diverse range of aquatic flora and fauna, which thrive in its rich ecosystem. Visitors can spot various species of fish, such as brown trout and perch, gliding through the water. The loch is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with numerous species of waterfowl and wading birds inhabiting its shores.

Surrounding the loch, there is a freshwater marsh, which provides a habitat for a variety of plant species. The marshland is lush with reeds, sedges, and other wetland vegetation, attracting a plethora of insects and small mammals.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Loch Sgeireach Tom Aister offers opportunities for recreational activities such as fishing and boating. Anglers can cast their lines from the shoreline or venture out onto the calm waters in small boats. The peaceful ambiance and stunning scenery make it an ideal location for those seeking solace in nature.

In conclusion, Loch Sgeireach Tom Aister is a small yet captivating freshwater loch situated in the beautiful Ross-shire. Its tranquil waters, diverse wildlife, and picturesque surroundings make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

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Loch Sgeireach Tom Aister Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.324648/-6.5197724 or Grid Reference NB3546. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Gleann Mòr Bharabhais The shallow valley of Abhainn Bharabhais.
Gleann Mòr Bharabhais
The shallow valley of Abhainn Bharabhais.
Abhainn Bharabhais Looking northwest
Abhainn Bharabhais
Looking northwest
Abhainn Bharabhais Looking south.
Abhainn Bharabhais
Looking south.
Loch Bacabhat
Loch Bacabhat
Loch Bacabhat with the Atlantic behind
Loch Bacabhat with the Atlantic behind
Pools on the moorland These pools are really the only significant feature in a few of the moorland squares.
Pools on the moorland
These pools are really the only significant feature in a few of the moorland squares.
Moorland pools, Blàr Tom a' Chòire, Isle of Lewis The village of Barabhas/Barvas can be seen top right.
Moorland pools, Blàr Tom a' Chòire, Isle of Lewis
The village of Barabhas/Barvas can be seen top right.
Shieling mounds, Aspelaid, Isle of Lewis Shielings were moorland summer grazings for cattle.  Shieling huts (often also referred to as shielings) were dwellings located within the shieling.  They were usually occupied from May until the “flitting” in September.  In early May the men of a village would go onto the moor to check and repair the shieling huts.  They would be joined by the women and children for one night before the men returned to the village to tend to crops or to travel away for summer work such as fishing.  The women and children would spend the summer at the shielings tending the cattle and making cheese and butter, some of which was for immediate use but most was salted to preserve it for the winter.  Peat cutting for fuel would also be done.  Evenings would be spent making music and story telling.  Visits were made between the shielings of different villages.

The shieling huts were made from materials available in the immediate vicinity.  They usually had walls made of stone or turf, turf roofs and compacted earth or clay floors.  In coastal areas and on the islands rafters would be made from locally collected driftwood.  Usually there would be a single doorway, facing away from the prevailing wind (although some shieling huts have two doors opposite each other), and often no windows.  Furniture built into shieling huts included stone or turf beds covered with heather, turf seats and cupboards and niches built into the stone wall, often one above the door.  Other furniture would be carried out onto the moor for the season.  In places where the practice of using shielings continued into the 20th century, shieling huts can be found which are constructed making more extensive use of timber than in the traditional type, along with other materials such as tin and bitumen.  There are also examples of buses and caravans used as shieling huts.

The Clearances and ongoing changes in agricultural methods meant that the shieling tradition had generally ended by the close of the nineteenth century.  In places it continued for longer and, particularly on Lewis, some shieling huts are still used today during the peat cutting season and as summer retreats.

The remains of shieling huts can be seen as

changes in vegetation: <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1962348">ND1340 : Shieling site by the Allt a' Cheracher</a> ;
shieling mounds where successive shieling huts have been built on the same site: <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5238987">NB5059 : Shieling mounds by the Abhainn Dhail, Isle of Lewis</a> ;
footings: <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5027765">NB5357 : Shieling footings beside the Feadan Mòr, Isle of Lewis</a> ; and
more substantial remains: <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5238993">NB3040 : Shieling above Gleann Leitir, Isle of Lewis</a> .

Examples of modern shielings are shown at:

<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5238999">NB5458 : Shieling, Airigh A' Bhealaich, Isle of Lewis</a> and <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5048077">NB5458 : Disused shieling, Airigh A' Bhealaich, Isle of Lewis</a> .
Shieling mounds, Aspelaid, Isle of Lewis
Shielings were moorland summer grazings for cattle. Shieling huts (often also referred to as shielings) were dwellings located within the shieling. They were usually occupied from May until the “flitting” in September. In early May the men of a village would go onto the moor to check and repair the shieling huts. They would be joined by the women and children for one night before the men returned to the village to tend to crops or to travel away for summer work such as fishing. The women and children would spend the summer at the shielings tending the cattle and making cheese and butter, some of which was for immediate use but most was salted to preserve it for the winter. Peat cutting for fuel would also be done. Evenings would be spent making music and story telling. Visits were made between the shielings of different villages. The shieling huts were made from materials available in the immediate vicinity. They usually had walls made of stone or turf, turf roofs and compacted earth or clay floors. In coastal areas and on the islands rafters would be made from locally collected driftwood. Usually there would be a single doorway, facing away from the prevailing wind (although some shieling huts have two doors opposite each other), and often no windows. Furniture built into shieling huts included stone or turf beds covered with heather, turf seats and cupboards and niches built into the stone wall, often one above the door. Other furniture would be carried out onto the moor for the season. In places where the practice of using shielings continued into the 20th century, shieling huts can be found which are constructed making more extensive use of timber than in the traditional type, along with other materials such as tin and bitumen. There are also examples of buses and caravans used as shieling huts. The Clearances and ongoing changes in agricultural methods meant that the shieling tradition had generally ended by the close of the nineteenth century. In places it continued for longer and, particularly on Lewis, some shieling huts are still used today during the peat cutting season and as summer retreats. The remains of shieling huts can be seen as changes in vegetation: ND1340 : Shieling site by the Allt a' Cheracher ; shieling mounds where successive shieling huts have been built on the same site: NB5059 : Shieling mounds by the Abhainn Dhail, Isle of Lewis ; footings: NB5357 : Shieling footings beside the Feadan Mòr, Isle of Lewis ; and more substantial remains: NB3040 : Shieling above Gleann Leitir, Isle of Lewis . Examples of modern shielings are shown at: NB5458 : Shieling, Airigh A' Bhealaich, Isle of Lewis and NB5458 : Disused shieling, Airigh A' Bhealaich, Isle of Lewis .
Moorland pool below Tom Aister, Isle of Lewis The pool is reduced in size during a prolonged spell of low rainfall.
Moorland pool below Tom Aister, Isle of Lewis
The pool is reduced in size during a prolonged spell of low rainfall.
Lochan, Mòinteach Bharabhais/Barvas Moor, Isle of Lewis The four hills on the horizon are Beinn Bharabhais, Beinn Mholach, Beinn Bhearnach and Beinn a' Sgridhe.
Lochan, Mòinteach Bharabhais/Barvas Moor, Isle of Lewis
The four hills on the horizon are Beinn Bharabhais, Beinn Mholach, Beinn Bhearnach and Beinn a' Sgridhe.
Shieling hut above Loch nan Urrannan Beaga, Isle of Lewis Shielings were moorland summer grazings for cattle.  Shieling huts (often also referred to as shielings) were dwellings located within the shieling.  They were usually occupied from May until the “flitting” in September.  In early May the men of a village would go onto the moor to check and repair the shieling huts.  They would be joined by the women and children for one night before the men returned to the village to tend to crops or to travel away for summer work such as fishing.  The women and children would spend the summer at the shielings tending the cattle and making cheese and butter, some of which was for immediate use but most was salted to preserve it for the winter.  Peat cutting for fuel would also be done.  Evenings would be spent making music and story telling.  Visits were made between the shielings of different villages.

The shieling huts were made from materials available in the immediate vicinity.  They usually had walls made of stone or turf, turf roofs and compacted earth or clay floors.  In coastal areas and on the islands rafters would be made from locally collected driftwood.  Usually there would be a single doorway, facing away from the prevailing wind (although some shieling huts have two doors opposite each other), and often no windows.  Furniture built into shieling huts included stone or turf beds covered with heather, turf seats and cupboards and niches built into the stone wall, often one above the door.  Other furniture would be carried out onto the moor for the season.  In places where the practice of using shielings continued into the 20th century, shieling huts can be found which are constructed making more extensive use of timber than in the traditional type, along with other materials such as tin and bitumen.  There are also examples of buses and caravans used as shieling huts.

The Clearances and ongoing changes in agricultural methods meant that the shieling tradition had generally ended by the close of the nineteenth century.  In places it continued for longer and, particularly on Lewis, some shieling huts are still used today during the peat cutting season and as summer retreats.

The remains of shieling huts can be seen as

changes in vegetation: <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1962348">ND1340 : Shieling site by the Allt a' Cheracher</a> ;
shieling mounds where successive shieling huts have been built on the same site: <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5238987">NB5059 : Shieling mounds by the Abhainn Dhail, Isle of Lewis</a> ;
footings: <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5027765">NB5357 : Shieling footings beside the Feadan Mòr, Isle of Lewis</a> ; and
more substantial remains: <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5238993">NB3040 : Shieling above Gleann Leitir, Isle of Lewis</a> .

Examples of modern shielings are shown at:

<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5238999">NB5458 : Shieling, Airigh A' Bhealaich, Isle of Lewis</a> and <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5048077">NB5458 : Disused shieling, Airigh A' Bhealaich, Isle of Lewis</a> .
Shieling hut above Loch nan Urrannan Beaga, Isle of Lewis
Shielings were moorland summer grazings for cattle. Shieling huts (often also referred to as shielings) were dwellings located within the shieling. They were usually occupied from May until the “flitting” in September. In early May the men of a village would go onto the moor to check and repair the shieling huts. They would be joined by the women and children for one night before the men returned to the village to tend to crops or to travel away for summer work such as fishing. The women and children would spend the summer at the shielings tending the cattle and making cheese and butter, some of which was for immediate use but most was salted to preserve it for the winter. Peat cutting for fuel would also be done. Evenings would be spent making music and story telling. Visits were made between the shielings of different villages. The shieling huts were made from materials available in the immediate vicinity. They usually had walls made of stone or turf, turf roofs and compacted earth or clay floors. In coastal areas and on the islands rafters would be made from locally collected driftwood. Usually there would be a single doorway, facing away from the prevailing wind (although some shieling huts have two doors opposite each other), and often no windows. Furniture built into shieling huts included stone or turf beds covered with heather, turf seats and cupboards and niches built into the stone wall, often one above the door. Other furniture would be carried out onto the moor for the season. In places where the practice of using shielings continued into the 20th century, shieling huts can be found which are constructed making more extensive use of timber than in the traditional type, along with other materials such as tin and bitumen. There are also examples of buses and caravans used as shieling huts. The Clearances and ongoing changes in agricultural methods meant that the shieling tradition had generally ended by the close of the nineteenth century. In places it continued for longer and, particularly on Lewis, some shieling huts are still used today during the peat cutting season and as summer retreats. The remains of shieling huts can be seen as changes in vegetation: ND1340 : Shieling site by the Allt a' Cheracher ; shieling mounds where successive shieling huts have been built on the same site: NB5059 : Shieling mounds by the Abhainn Dhail, Isle of Lewis ; footings: NB5357 : Shieling footings beside the Feadan Mòr, Isle of Lewis ; and more substantial remains: NB3040 : Shieling above Gleann Leitir, Isle of Lewis . Examples of modern shielings are shown at: NB5458 : Shieling, Airigh A' Bhealaich, Isle of Lewis and NB5458 : Disused shieling, Airigh A' Bhealaich, Isle of Lewis .
Site of shieling, Gleann Chasdail Mhòir, Isle of Lewis Shielings were moorland summer grazings for cattle.  Shieling huts (often also referred to as shielings) were dwellings located within the shieling.  They were usually occupied from May until the “flitting” in September.  In early May the men of a village would go onto the moor to check and repair the shieling huts.  They would be joined by the women and children for one night before the men returned to the village to tend to crops or to travel away for summer work such as fishing.  The women and children would spend the summer at the shielings tending the cattle and making cheese and butter, some of which was for immediate use but most was salted to preserve it for the winter.  Peat cutting for fuel would also be done.  Evenings would be spent making music and story telling.  Visits were made between the shielings of different villages.

The shieling huts were made from materials available in the immediate vicinity.  They usually had walls made of stone or turf, turf roofs and compacted earth or clay floors.  In coastal areas and on the islands rafters would be made from locally collected driftwood.  Usually there would be a single doorway, facing away from the prevailing wind (although some shieling huts have two doors opposite each other), and often no windows.  Furniture built into shieling huts included stone or turf beds covered with heather, turf seats and cupboards and niches built into the stone wall, often one above the door.  Other furniture would be carried out onto the moor for the season.  In places where the practice of using shielings continued into the 20th century, shieling huts can be found which are constructed making more extensive use of timber than in the traditional type, along with other materials such as tin and bitumen.  There are also examples of buses and caravans used as shieling huts.

The Clearances and ongoing changes in agricultural methods meant that the shieling tradition had generally ended by the close of the nineteenth century.  In places it continued for longer and, particularly on Lewis, some shieling huts are still used today during the peat cutting season and as summer retreats.

The remains of shieling huts can be seen as

changes in vegetation: <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1962348">ND1340 : Shieling site by the Allt a' Cheracher</a> ;
shieling mounds where successive shieling huts have been built on the same site: <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5238987">NB5059 : Shieling mounds by the Abhainn Dhail, Isle of Lewis</a> ;
footings: <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5027765">NB5357 : Shieling footings beside the Feadan Mòr, Isle of Lewis</a> ; and
more substantial remains: <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5238993">NB3040 : Shieling above Gleann Leitir, Isle of Lewis</a> .

Examples of modern shielings are shown at:

<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5238999">NB5458 : Shieling, Airigh A' Bhealaich, Isle of Lewis</a> and <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5048077">NB5458 : Disused shieling, Airigh A' Bhealaich, Isle of Lewis</a> .
Site of shieling, Gleann Chasdail Mhòir, Isle of Lewis
Shielings were moorland summer grazings for cattle. Shieling huts (often also referred to as shielings) were dwellings located within the shieling. They were usually occupied from May until the “flitting” in September. In early May the men of a village would go onto the moor to check and repair the shieling huts. They would be joined by the women and children for one night before the men returned to the village to tend to crops or to travel away for summer work such as fishing. The women and children would spend the summer at the shielings tending the cattle and making cheese and butter, some of which was for immediate use but most was salted to preserve it for the winter. Peat cutting for fuel would also be done. Evenings would be spent making music and story telling. Visits were made between the shielings of different villages. The shieling huts were made from materials available in the immediate vicinity. They usually had walls made of stone or turf, turf roofs and compacted earth or clay floors. In coastal areas and on the islands rafters would be made from locally collected driftwood. Usually there would be a single doorway, facing away from the prevailing wind (although some shieling huts have two doors opposite each other), and often no windows. Furniture built into shieling huts included stone or turf beds covered with heather, turf seats and cupboards and niches built into the stone wall, often one above the door. Other furniture would be carried out onto the moor for the season. In places where the practice of using shielings continued into the 20th century, shieling huts can be found which are constructed making more extensive use of timber than in the traditional type, along with other materials such as tin and bitumen. There are also examples of buses and caravans used as shieling huts. The Clearances and ongoing changes in agricultural methods meant that the shieling tradition had generally ended by the close of the nineteenth century. In places it continued for longer and, particularly on Lewis, some shieling huts are still used today during the peat cutting season and as summer retreats. The remains of shieling huts can be seen as changes in vegetation: ND1340 : Shieling site by the Allt a' Cheracher ; shieling mounds where successive shieling huts have been built on the same site: NB5059 : Shieling mounds by the Abhainn Dhail, Isle of Lewis ; footings: NB5357 : Shieling footings beside the Feadan Mòr, Isle of Lewis ; and more substantial remains: NB3040 : Shieling above Gleann Leitir, Isle of Lewis . Examples of modern shielings are shown at: NB5458 : Shieling, Airigh A' Bhealaich, Isle of Lewis and NB5458 : Disused shieling, Airigh A' Bhealaich, Isle of Lewis .
Deer, Gleann Chasdail Mhòir, Isle of Lewis The OS Name Book of 1848-1852 says that Gleann Chástail Mhoir (as it was then spelled) is the name of the stream.  However on modern OS maps the name is shown in black type, rather than blue, and so is assumed to be the name of the glen through which the stream flows.
Deer, Gleann Chasdail Mhòir, Isle of Lewis
The OS Name Book of 1848-1852 says that Gleann Chástail Mhoir (as it was then spelled) is the name of the stream. However on modern OS maps the name is shown in black type, rather than blue, and so is assumed to be the name of the glen through which the stream flows.
Burn above Loch Casgro, Isle of Lewis The OS Name Book of 1848-1852 says that the name of the stream is Gleann Chástail Mhoir (as it was then spelled). However on modern OS maps Gleann Chasdail Mhòir is shown in black type, rather than blue, and so is assumed to be the name of the glen through which the stream flows and the stream is unnamed.
Burn above Loch Casgro, Isle of Lewis
The OS Name Book of 1848-1852 says that the name of the stream is Gleann Chástail Mhoir (as it was then spelled). However on modern OS maps Gleann Chasdail Mhòir is shown in black type, rather than blue, and so is assumed to be the name of the glen through which the stream flows and the stream is unnamed.
Beach, Loch Casgro, Isle of Lewis The beach is made of granulated peat.
Beach, Loch Casgro, Isle of Lewis
The beach is made of granulated peat.
Stone and turf dyke, Aspelaid, Isle of Lewis The dyke is shown on the 1st edition OS map, surveyed 1850-52, and on current (at the time of uploading) OS maps with a scale of 1:25,000 and larger.
Stone and turf dyke, Aspelaid, Isle of Lewis
The dyke is shown on the 1st edition OS map, surveyed 1850-52, and on current (at the time of uploading) OS maps with a scale of 1:25,000 and larger.
Dam, Loch Aoraidh, Isle of Lewis At some point this loch has swapped names with the one to the southeast.  On the 1st edition OS map (surveyed 1849-52) to at least the 7th edition (surveyed 1956-58) it is called Loch Bàcabhat (or the anglicised Loch Bacavat) and the loch to the southeast is called Loch Aoraidh.  However, on the current (at the time of uploading) OS map this loch is called Loch Aoraidh and the one to the southeast Loch Bacabhat.
Dam, Loch Aoraidh, Isle of Lewis
At some point this loch has swapped names with the one to the southeast. On the 1st edition OS map (surveyed 1849-52) to at least the 7th edition (surveyed 1956-58) it is called Loch Bàcabhat (or the anglicised Loch Bacavat) and the loch to the southeast is called Loch Aoraidh. However, on the current (at the time of uploading) OS map this loch is called Loch Aoraidh and the one to the southeast Loch Bacabhat.
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Loch Sgeireach Tom Aister is located at Grid Ref: NB3546 (Lat: 58.324648, Lng: -6.5197724)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///guesswork.skate.plans. Near Stornoway, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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Loch Sgeireach Tom Aister

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