Bior-eilean

Island in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Bior-eilean

Floral machair The machair is a wonderful grassland ecosystem, that is fast getting quite rare as farming pratcises change. It houses a wide range of flowering plants and in summer is a wonderful sight. — Floral machair Credit: Malcolm Neal

Bior-eilean is a small island located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. It is situated in the Inner Hebrides, specifically in the Sound of Mull, and is part of the Ross and Cromarty council area. The island covers an area of approximately 1.2 square kilometers (0.5 square miles) and is surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

The landscape of Bior-eilean is characterized by rugged hills and cliffs, with the highest point on the island reaching around 140 meters (460 feet) above sea level. The coastline is indented with numerous small bays and inlets, offering picturesque views and opportunities for exploration.

Despite its small size and remote location, Bior-eilean has a rich history. The island is home to the ruins of an ancient chapel, believed to date back to the 12th century. These ruins serve as a reminder of the island's past and provide a glimpse into its historical significance.

The island is known for its diverse wildlife, including various bird species such as puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. Seals and dolphins can also be spotted in the surrounding waters. Bior-eilean is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers, who visit the island to observe its unique flora and fauna.

Access to Bior-eilean is primarily by boat, with regular ferry services connecting the island to the mainland. The island offers a peaceful and serene environment, ideal for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its stunning natural landscapes and rich history, Bior-eilean is a hidden gem in Inverness-shire that attracts visitors seeking tranquility and an authentic Scottish experience.

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Bior-eilean Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.560757/-7.4180034 or Grid Reference NF7665. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Floral machair

The machair is a wonderful grassland ecosystem, that is fast getting quite rare as farming pratcises change. It houses a wide range of flowering plants and in summer is a wonderful sight.

Malcolm Neal

Miles of sand - Caolas Phaibell

Looking out across the tidal flats between 'mainland' North Uist and the island of Kirkibost, which is off picture to the right.

Gordon Hatton

Sand and sea channels Oitir Mhor

Large areas of sand between 'mainland' North Uist and the sandy island of Kirkibost, the dunes on that island being visible to the right.

Gordon Hatton

Shoreline at Sgeir a' Chotain

As one heads south westwards along this beach, so white sand tends to give way to pebble and seaweed. The northern end of Kirkibost Island is to the left, whilst to the south the view is towards the big hills of South Uist, the low island of Benbecula hardly showing at all.

Gordon Hatton

Looking south east towards Oitir Fhiadhaich

A seawater channel separates the camera position from the sandbank of Oitir Fhiadhaich with the north west end of Kirkibost Island beyond. In the distance is Ruabhal, the only hill of note on Benbecula.

Gordon Hatton

Vehicle graveyard

One of many little out of the way corners on the Uists where old and unwanted vehicles come to die. Is there no scrap yard on the Western isles?

Gordon Hatton

Sand, sea and Kirkibost Island

Sandy Gerrard

Westford Inn

Substantial stone house at Claddach on the west coast of North Uist - an inn and a B&B.

Colin Smith

Eilean Chirceboist / Kirkibost Island

View across the silvery sands and shifting waters off Cladach Chirceboist towards the islet of Chirceboist / Kirkibost. Taken from the garden of a little hall which also serves as a café and nursery.

Rob Farrow

The flat isle of Kirkibost

Kirkibost (Chirceboist) is a generally very flat island off the western coast of North Uist, though sand dunes at the southern end do give it some height. (see NF7664 : Eilean Chirceboist / Kirkibost Island) The tiny dark triangular structures roughly in the centre of the island as seen here, are I believe the ruins of former dwellings on the island at the subject reference I have given for the photo.

Rob Farrow

Tidal textures at Slugan

A small section of the western shoreline of the Uists

Alan Reid

Abandoned house, Cladach a' Chaolais

Old housing stock on the west side of North Uist.

Richard Webb

New road surface, A865

Newly resurfaced single track road.

Richard Webb

Along the dune ridge at Slugan

Richard Law

The tidal channel that separates Eilean Chirceboist

I think the channel has moved a little way south of its marked position on the map(s), but either way, it helps explain why there are currently several unclaimed squares just north & west of here. It may be possible to reach the island across the sands of Tràigh Leathann from the road around N Uist, but as it's a fairly long walk there & back, I suspect it would involve 'marooning' yourself on the island while the tide's in. Or just get a boat/kayak. Or wade this channel.

Richard Law

Pebbles, sand and water

There's not a lot of land in this square, but a photo is possible from the point where the sand spit at the north end of Baleshare turns the corner. Across the sands are crofts on North Uist.

Gordon Hatton

Kirkibost Island from Baleshare

At low tide the narrow channel between these two sandy islands looks easy enough to wade across, but only the brave or foolish would try such a crossing as the channel is probably deeper than it looks and has a strong current.

Gordon Hatton