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Solon Mòr

Island in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Solon Mòr

Berneray and Mingulay from the air Looking north, with the western part of Pabbay/Pabaigh at top right.
Berneray and Mingulay from the air Credit: M J Richardson

Solon Mòr is a small, uninhabited island located off the coast of Inverness-shire in Scotland. With an area of approximately 60 acres, it is situated in the Inner Hebrides archipelago, specifically in the Sound of Mull. Solon Mòr is known for its rugged and picturesque landscape, characterized by rocky cliffs, grassy slopes, and a diverse range of flora and fauna.

The island's coastline is dotted with sea caves and natural rock formations, offering a haven for marine life and providing a scenic backdrop for visitors. Solon Mòr is particularly popular among wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers due to its abundant bird population, including species such as puffins, guillemots, and razorbills.

Access to Solon Mòr is primarily by boat, with several charter services operating from nearby towns such as Tobermory and Oban. The island does not have any facilities or accommodations, making it a destination for day trips or camping excursions.

Solon Mòr is also steeped in history, with evidence of ancient settlements and burial sites. The island's name is derived from Gaelic, translating to "big meadow," reflecting its fertile land and agricultural potential.

Due to its remote location and natural beauty, Solon Mòr provides a tranquil and unspoiled environment for nature lovers and those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. Exploring the island's rugged terrain, observing its wildlife, and soaking in its breathtaking views make Solon Mòr a hidden gem in the Scottish Highlands.

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Solon Mòr Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.829178/-7.6197698 or Grid Reference NL5784. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Berneray and Mingulay from the air Looking north, with the western part of Pabbay/Pabaigh at top right.
Berneray and Mingulay from the air
Looking north, with the western part of Pabbay/Pabaigh at top right.
Mingulay - Abandoned village - entrance to former dwelling Mingulay was abandoned in 1912, some 18 years before its more famous (and more distant) twin, St. Kilda. Remnants of many of the houses still stand, but few exceed about 6' (2m) in height. Here we see the entrance to one of these former dwellings. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6888621">NL5683 : Mingulay - former entrance to dwelling</a> for close-up of the doorway.
Mingulay - Abandoned village - entrance to former dwelling
Mingulay was abandoned in 1912, some 18 years before its more famous (and more distant) twin, St. Kilda. Remnants of many of the houses still stand, but few exceed about 6' (2m) in height. Here we see the entrance to one of these former dwellings. See NL5683 : Mingulay - former entrance to dwelling for close-up of the doorway.
Mingulay - former entrance to dwelling The narrow (and low) entrance to a former dwelling on Mingulay. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6888618">NL5683 : Mingulay - Abandoned village - entrance to former dwelling</a> to see this in context.
Mingulay - former entrance to dwelling
The narrow (and low) entrance to a former dwelling on Mingulay. See NL5683 : Mingulay - Abandoned village - entrance to former dwelling to see this in context.
Mingulay - sand-filled ruined house Being next to the beach, the abandoned buildings of the former village on the island of Mingulay have had sand blown in to cover their floors.
Mingulay - sand-filled ruined house
Being next to the beach, the abandoned buildings of the former village on the island of Mingulay have had sand blown in to cover their floors.
Mingulay - former chapel The utterly ruinous remains of the former chapel on Mingulay. This was the only building in the former village with a "Dangerous Building - Keep Out" sign on it. It retains its concrete steps on its north-east side from which I took this photo looking down into the devastation.
Mingulay - former chapel
The utterly ruinous remains of the former chapel on Mingulay. This was the only building in the former village with a "Dangerous Building - Keep Out" sign on it. It retains its concrete steps on its north-east side from which I took this photo looking down into the devastation.
Mingulay - stream flowing to the bay This is one of several streams that flow down from the hills of Mingulay to meet the bay beyond the village.
Mingulay - stream flowing to the bay
This is one of several streams that flow down from the hills of Mingulay to meet the bay beyond the village.
Mingulay - beach and bay The magnificent sands of Bàgh Mhiùghlaigh (Mingulay Bay) as seen from the hills to the north.
Mingulay - beach and bay
The magnificent sands of Bàgh Mhiùghlaigh (Mingulay Bay) as seen from the hills to the north.
Mingulay - Seal on the beach This seal seemed as interested in me as I was in him/her. I think that this is a grey (rather than a common/harbour) seal, but would welcome confirmation.
Mingulay - Seal on the beach
This seal seemed as interested in me as I was in him/her. I think that this is a grey (rather than a common/harbour) seal, but would welcome confirmation.
Mingulay - Swimming seal This seal (Grey I think) was swimming around the coast of Mingulay at Rubha an Droma.
Mingulay - Swimming seal
This seal (Grey I think) was swimming around the coast of Mingulay at Rubha an Droma.
Mingulay - Abandoned village from the beach Looking back from the beach to the abandoned village of Mingulay. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6890287">NL5683 : Mingulay - The abandoned village</a> for a closer view.
Mingulay - Abandoned village from the beach
Looking back from the beach to the abandoned village of Mingulay. See NL5683 : Mingulay - The abandoned village for a closer view.
Mingulay - view SSW along the beach Looking along the beautiful beach which is in front of the abandoned village on the island of Mingulay.
Mingulay - view SSW along the beach
Looking along the beautiful beach which is in front of the abandoned village on the island of Mingulay.
Mingulay - The abandoned village Looking at the ruins of the abandoned village of Mingulay from the beach. See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6890285">NL5683 : Mingulay - Abandoned village from the beach</a>
Mingulay - The abandoned village
Looking at the ruins of the abandoned village of Mingulay from the beach. See also NL5683 : Mingulay - Abandoned village from the beach
Mingulay - Ruined houses and chapel above the main village There were a few houses higher up the slope from the main area of the abandoned village on Mingulay, with the collapsed chapel yet further up the hill.
Mingulay - Ruined houses and chapel above the main village
There were a few houses higher up the slope from the main area of the abandoned village on Mingulay, with the collapsed chapel yet further up the hill.
The Village and Church, Mingulay
The Village and Church, Mingulay
High ground at the north end of Mingulay
High ground at the north end of Mingulay
Great Skuas on Mingulay
Great Skuas on Mingulay
Theisgeir a-muigh Ordnance Survey sometimes has difficulty obtaining an agreed spelling in the Gaelic community because the spoken names have varied pronunciation
Theisgeir a-muigh
Ordnance Survey sometimes has difficulty obtaining an agreed spelling in the Gaelic community because the spoken names have varied pronunciation
Na Gilleachan Rudha A bold rock islet off the cliffs of Mingulay
Na Gilleachan Rudha
A bold rock islet off the cliffs of Mingulay
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Solon Mòr is located at Grid Ref: NL5784 (Lat: 56.829178, Lng: -7.6197698)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///dreading.endearing.pegged. Near CastleBay, Na h-Eileanan Siar

Nearby Locations

Solon Beag Solon Mòr Bàgh Hunadudh Àird nan Capall

Related Wikis

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 56.829178,-7.6197698
Ard nan Capuill
Natural: cape
Lat/Long: 56.8290947/-7.6224439
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Hèisgeir a-muigh Inverness-shire
Solon Beag Inverness-shire

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