Sgeir Cùl an Rubha

Island in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Sgeir Cùl an Rubha

DÃ¹n from Ruabhal A classic view of Dùn. I had a memorable day on Dùn not helped by falling into the sea when being landed. It is lucky my camera survived to take these images later. — DÃ¹n from Ruabhal Credit: Julian Paren

Sgeir Cùl an Rubha is a small uninhabited island located off the northwest coast of Inverness-shire, Scotland. Situated in the Inner Hebrides, the island is part of the Scottish Highlands and is approximately 1.5 miles long and 0.5 miles wide.

The landscape of Sgeir Cùl an Rubha is characterized by rocky cliffs and rugged terrain, with its highest point reaching an elevation of around 100 feet. The island is largely surrounded by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding sea and the distant mainland.

Although uninhabited, Sgeir Cùl an Rubha is home to a variety of wildlife. Seabirds such as gannets, puffins, and guillemots can be seen nesting on the cliffs, making it a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. The surrounding waters are also known to be rich in marine life, with sightings of seals, dolphins, and even whales reported in the area.

Access to Sgeir Cùl an Rubha is primarily by boat, with a small landing area available on the island's eastern side. Visitors can explore the island's rocky shores and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and neighboring islands. However, caution is advised as the terrain can be treacherous, especially during inclement weather.

Overall, Sgeir Cùl an Rubha offers a remote and picturesque escape, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility amidst the rugged beauty of the Scottish coast.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Sgeir Cùl an Rubha Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.793716/-8.5613483 or Grid Reference NF1097. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

DÃ¹n from Ruabhal

A classic view of Dùn. I had a memorable day on Dùn not helped by falling into the sea when being landed. It is lucky my camera survived to take these images later.

Julian Paren

Village Bay from the side of Ruabhal, Hirta

The military encampment is noticeable and this image was taken when the North Uist Rocket Range was extensively used by NATO.

Julian Paren

Below The Mistress Stone, St Kilda

This stone shared with The Lovers Stone a role in proving fidelity in courtship. Village Bay, Hirta is in the background.

Julian Paren

Radar Tracking Station on Mullach Sgar

This radar station, located on Mullach Sgar, is one of two stations on the island which serve the South Uist rocket range. They contain equipment which allows them to track test firings on the range by radar, and to record images of missiles in flight. The second radar station on Hirta is located further north, on the summit of Mullach Mòr.

David Dixon

DÃ¹n and Hirta

A view along the coast of Dùn towards Ruabhal, on the island of Hirta, and the narrow strait (Caolas an Dùin) which separates the two islands. View taken from Bhàga a’ Bhaile (Village Bay).

David Dixon

DÃ¹n from Ruabhal

Alan Reid

Radar dome overlooking Dun

Peter Moore

Ruabhal and Dun

Michael Earnshaw

The island of Dun

Seen from about the most southerly point of Hirta. In the distance the skerry called Leibhinis NF1396 can be seen.

Michael Earnshaw

St Kilda - Caolas an DÃ¹in (the straits of DÃ¹n)

The island of Dùn is almost joined to Hirta at Ruiaval, however the two islands are separated by Caolas an Dùin (the straits of Dùn) which can be seen here with Dùn on the left. This small separation meant (and means) that the Soay sheep that roam freely on Hirta do not live on Dùn. A short but useful Wikipedia entry on Dùn here Link

Rob Farrow

St Kilda - looking across the village to Clash na Bearnaich

A view from above the ruined village of St Kilda on the island of Hirta over to the hill on its western side with the notable gash in it called 'Clash na Bearnaich'

Rob Farrow

Yachts in Village Bay, St Kilda

With Ruabhal as the backdrop.

Mike Pennington

Clash na Bearnaich, St Kilda

Steep scree slopes, as seen from a boat in Village Bay.

Mike Pennington

Rubhal from the pier at Village Bay, St Kilda

In the foreground is the boat that brought us across, Orca II operated by kildacruises.co.uk.

Mike Pennington

Sandy beach, Village Bay, St Kilda

Yes, it was that wet!

Mike Pennington

Sandy beach, Village Bay, St Kilda

Mike Pennington

Giasgeir and Caolas an Duin, St Kilda

There are the remains of cultivation on Dun from when it was still connected to Hirta, and early visitors to St Kilda describe how it was possible to skip across the rocks at low tide, but this not advisable these days.

Mike Pennington