Dearc na Sgeir

Island in Ross-shire

Scotland

Dearc na Sgeir

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

Dearc na Sgeir, also known as the Isle of Dearc, is a small island located off the coast of Ross-shire in Scotland. Spanning an area of approximately 0.2 square kilometers, it is situated in the North Atlantic Ocean and is a part of the Outer Hebrides archipelago.

Dearc na Sgeir is a rocky and uninhabited island, characterized by its rugged terrain and steep cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea. The island is formed primarily of Lewisian gneiss, an ancient rock type that gives it a distinct and picturesque appearance. Its isolation and untouched beauty make it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

One of the key features of Dearc na Sgeir is its abundant birdlife. The island is home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots, which nest on its cliffs during the breeding season. Additionally, seals can often be seen basking on the rocky shores, while dolphins and whales occasionally visit the surrounding waters.

Access to Dearc na Sgeir is challenging due to its remote location and lack of facilities. However, boat trips and guided tours are available for visitors who wish to explore this natural wonder. It is important to note that as an uninhabited island, there are no amenities or accommodation options on Dearc na Sgeir.

Overall, Dearc na Sgeir offers a unique opportunity to experience the unspoiled beauty of the Scottish coastline and observe a diverse range of wildlife in its natural habitat. With its rugged cliffs, diverse birdlife, and stunning landscapes, the island is a must-visit for those seeking a true wilderness experience.

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Dearc na Sgeir Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.289115/-7.5829714 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.
Show me another place!

Dearc na Sgeir is located at Grid Ref: NA7246 (Lat: 58.289115, Lng: -7.5829714)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///obey.botanists.escaping. Near Carloway, Na h-Eileanan Siar

Related Wikis

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...

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...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.289115,-7.5829714
Ele: 88
Is In Country: GB
Is In Island: Seven Hunters; Isle of Lewis; Outer Hebrides; Scotland
Natural: peak
Source: npe
Lat/Long: 58.2878396/-7.5882377
Name Hu: Foynes fok
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.2884301/-7.5849139
Clapham Junction
Abandoned Railway: switch
Lat/Long: 58.2873909/-7.5895572
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: small_installation
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 58.2880634/-7.5882348
Flannan Isles Lighthouse
Height: 23
Is In Country: GB
Is In Island: Seven Hunters; Isle of Lewis; Outer Hebrides; Scotland
Man Made: lighthouse
Start Date: 1899
Wikidata: Q15217844
Wikipedia: en:Flannan Isles Lighthouse
Lat/Long: 58.2881657/-7.5881624
Natural: stone
Lat/Long: 58.2873768/-7.587406
Natural: rock
Lat/Long: 58.2867846/-7.5872143
Ele: 30
Natural: peak
Lat/Long: 58.2890377/-7.5912738
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 58.2866876/-7.5876927
Natural: stone
Lat/Long: 58.2868326/-7.5890073
Natural: stone
Lat/Long: 58.28649/-7.5880498
Natural: stone
Lat/Long: 58.2862094/-7.5881276
Natural: stone
Lat/Long: 58.2880564/-7.5908822
Natural: stone
Lat/Long: 58.2877617/-7.5908902
Man Made: antenna
Material: metal
Operator: Eilean Mor Lighthouse
Lat/Long: 58.2881438/-7.5874651
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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