Arnamul

Island in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Arnamul

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

Arnamul is a small island located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. Situated in the Inner Hebrides, it is part of a group of islands known as the Small Isles. With a total area of approximately 1,000 acres, Arnamul is characterized by its rugged terrain and stunning natural beauty.

The island is known for its diverse wildlife, with a variety of bird species including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills that nest along the cliffs. It also boasts a rich marine ecosystem, making it a popular spot for fishing and diving enthusiasts.

Arnamul has a long history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to prehistoric times. Ruins of ancient dwellings and burial sites can still be found on the island, providing insights into its past. The island was once inhabited by a small community that relied on fishing and agriculture for their livelihoods, but today it is mostly uninhabited.

Visitors to Arnamul can enjoy its unspoiled natural beauty, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and mountains. The island offers opportunities for hiking and exploring, with several walking trails that lead to secluded beaches and hidden coves. It is also a paradise for nature lovers, with an abundance of wildflowers and rare plant species.

Access to Arnamul is limited, with no regular ferry service. However, private boats and charters can be arranged for those wishing to visit this remote and untouched island.

Show me another place!

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

Arnamul Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.806272/-7.6620108 or Grid Reference NL5482. 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

Passage beside Arnamuil and Mingulay

Looking back after the fastest left turn by a boat I have experienced. The channel narrows to just a little wider than a small 20-passenger boat. Bob Jones shared the same experience from August 2006. NL5482 : Natural arch, Mingulay

Julian Paren

Passage between Arnamuil and Gunamuil

Later that day we were to sail up the passage. Dun Mingulay lies at the end of the left ridge.

Julian Paren

Cliffs of Mingulay

Precipitous cliffs descending to narrow channels.

Julian Paren

Birdwatching on the Mingulay cliffs

A very calm day so no problems for the birds foraging.

Julian Paren

Mingulay/Miughlaigh and Berneray/Bearnaraigh

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

M J Richardson

GÃ¨arum Beag - Sphinx-like rock

This rock feature looks to me as though Marty Feldman had posed for a Scottish version of the Sphinx.

Rob Farrow

Mingulay - Sloc HÃ¨isegeo

The west coast of Mingulay has amazing cliff scenery such as this at Sloc Hèisegeo.

Rob Farrow

Mingulay - Sloc Dubh an Duin

One of many superb inlets on the western coast of Mingulay. There was an amazing range of colours in the rocks - some the actual rock colours, some from the vegetation ... and a splash of white from the guano.

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

Mingulay - The narrow gap separating Arnamul from Mingulay

This narrow gap is what makes the 122m (400') tall stack of Arnamul a separate islet from the main island of Mingulay. The coastal scenery on the west coast of Mingulay rivals that of the St Kilda archipelago.

Rob Farrow