Eilean an t-Sagairt

Island in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Eilean an t-Sagairt

Mouth of the Howmore River, South Uist The only river of any size on South Uist, it drains several machair lochs. The OS map shows normal tides as flowing as far upstream as the first bridge above the beach but spring tides can often reach considerably further upstream, giving migrating fish a good push on their way upstream to spawn.
Mouth of the Howmore River, South Uist Credit: AlastairG

Eilean an t-Sagairt, also known as Priest Island, is a small uninhabited island located off the west coast of Inverness-shire, Scotland. Situated in Loch Moidart, it covers an area of around 33 acres.

The island's name, Eilean an t-Sagairt, translates to "Island of the Priest" in Gaelic, which hints at its historical significance. It is believed that the island was once used as a retreat for priests during the medieval period, providing them with solitude and a peaceful environment for prayer and contemplation.

The island boasts a picturesque landscape with rugged cliffs, rocky shores, and a variety of plant and animal life. It is home to several seabird colonies, including guillemots, razorbills, and fulmars, making it a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Access to Eilean an t-Sagairt is possible via boat or kayak, although caution must be exercised due to strong tidal currents in the surrounding area. Visitors are advised to be mindful of the fragile ecosystem and to leave no trace behind.

Due to its historical and natural significance, Eilean an t-Sagairt attracts visitors looking for a peaceful retreat, as well as those interested in exploring Scotland's rich heritage and natural beauty. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the tranquility of an uninhabited island while immersing oneself in history and nature.

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Eilean an t-Sagairt Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.29695/-7.3678305 or Grid Reference NF7635. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Mouth of the Howmore River, South Uist The only river of any size on South Uist, it drains several machair lochs. The OS map shows normal tides as flowing as far upstream as the first bridge above the beach but spring tides can often reach considerably further upstream, giving migrating fish a good push on their way upstream to spawn.
Mouth of the Howmore River, South Uist
The only river of any size on South Uist, it drains several machair lochs. The OS map shows normal tides as flowing as far upstream as the first bridge above the beach but spring tides can often reach considerably further upstream, giving migrating fish a good push on their way upstream to spawn.
Cows on the machair, Howmore
Cows on the machair, Howmore
Chambered Cairn below Hatharsal, South Uist A patch of green surrounds the remains of the chambered cairn.  Deer were seen closeby.
Chambered Cairn below Hatharsal, South Uist
A patch of green surrounds the remains of the chambered cairn. Deer were seen closeby.
Lochan on the side of Hatharsal Looking towards the main peaks of South Uist, Hecla, Beinn Chorodail and Beinn Mhor.
Lochan on the side of Hatharsal
Looking towards the main peaks of South Uist, Hecla, Beinn Chorodail and Beinn Mhor.
View from the road to the Howmore Youth Hostel Interlocking stretches of water are seen in this fertile terrain.  Isolated croft houses dot the countryside.
View from the road to the Howmore Youth Hostel
Interlocking stretches of water are seen in this fertile terrain. Isolated croft houses dot the countryside.
Road to Drimsdale Scattered crofts make up the community at Drimsdale.
Road to Drimsdale
Scattered crofts make up the community at Drimsdale.
Animal track to the ridge Looking back towards Loch Druidibeg and the sea beyond.
Animal track to the ridge
Looking back towards Loch Druidibeg and the sea beyond.
Moorland of South Uist Hecla and Beinn Mhor stand out beyond a vast arena of moorland.
Moorland of South Uist
Hecla and Beinn Mhor stand out beyond a vast arena of moorland.
Red deer on Hatharsal, South Uist Suddenly I was within feet of them.  Apparently neither I nor they had sensed the approach. Hecla looms behind.
Red deer on Hatharsal, South Uist
Suddenly I was within feet of them. Apparently neither I nor they had sensed the approach. Hecla looms behind.
Machair and sea - that's South Uist!
Machair and sea - that's South Uist!
Picnic area by the Howmore River And yet another silver sand Hebridean beach.
Picnic area by the Howmore River
And yet another silver sand Hebridean beach.
The Howmore River Flowing into the Atlantic just downstream from Tobha Mòr/Howmore. The path leads round to the southern end of a 10km beach.
The Howmore River
Flowing into the Atlantic just downstream from Tobha Mòr/Howmore. The path leads round to the southern end of a 10km beach.
Litter disposal on the machair The habits of some dog walkers are beyond polite comment!
Litter disposal on the machair
The habits of some dog walkers are beyond polite comment!
Bun na Feathlach and the Howmore River Heading through fine sands into the Atlantic Ocean.
Bun na Feathlach and the Howmore River
Heading through fine sands into the Atlantic Ocean.
The Howmore River, South Uist Looking upstream to where it is joined by the Leacach How, with the eastern hills of Hecla/Thacla, Beinn Choradail and Beinn Mhor about 7km away.
The Howmore River, South Uist
Looking upstream to where it is joined by the Leacach How, with the eastern hills of Hecla/Thacla, Beinn Choradail and Beinn Mhor about 7km away.
Grazing at Howmore Looking from the Howmore River to the Church of Scotland at Howmore. The eastern hills of Hecla/Thacla, Beinn Choradail and Beinn Mhor are 7km away.
Grazing at Howmore
Looking from the Howmore River to the Church of Scotland at Howmore. The eastern hills of Hecla/Thacla, Beinn Choradail and Beinn Mhor are 7km away.
Bridge over the Howmore River The bridge carries a track that allows access to the coastal path.
Bridge over the Howmore River
The bridge carries a track that allows access to the coastal path.
Bacon and eggs at Howmore Also known as Birdsfoot-trefoil [Lotus corniculatus]. On sandy soil on the parapet of a bridge crossing the Howmore River.
Bacon and eggs at Howmore
Also known as Birdsfoot-trefoil [Lotus corniculatus]. On sandy soil on the parapet of a bridge crossing the Howmore River.
Show me another place!

Eilean an t-Sagairt is located at Grid Ref: NF7635 (Lat: 57.29695, Lng: -7.3678305)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///data.rules.rises. Near Lochboisdale, Na h-Eileanan Siar

Related Wikis

Howmore

Howmore (Scottish Gaelic: Togh Mòr / Tobha Mor) lies on the island of South Uist to the southwest of Loch Druidibeg. The mountain of Haarsal rises to 139...

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The South Uist Machair and Lochs is a protected wetland area on the west coast of South Uist in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. A total of 5,019 hectares...

Stoneybridge

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Loch Druidibeg

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South Uist

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Ormacleit Castle

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Our Lady of the Isles

Our Lady of the Isles (Gaelic: Moire ro Naomh nan Eilean or Bana Thighearna nan Eilean) is a sculpture of the Madonna and Child, on South Uist in the Outer...

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 57.29695,-7.3678305
Bus Stop
Howmore
Bus: yes
Naptan AtcoCode: 6010731692
Naptan Bearing: S
Naptan CommonName: Howmore
Naptan Indicator: Garage
Naptan Landmark: Garage
Naptan NaptanCode: 94723439
Naptan Street: Garage
Naptan Verified: no
Operator: Hebridean Coaches
Public Transport: platform
Source: naptan_import
Lat/Long: 57.2999467/-7.3690844
Disused Amenity: post_office
Lat/Long: 57.2990193/-7.3682476
Car Rental
Hebridean Coaches
Bus Rental: yes
Car Rental: no
Phone: +44 1870 62034
Lat/Long: 57.2999112/-7.3697764
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.3010509/-7.366105
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.2994599/-7.3653352
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.2978398/-7.3645386
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.2973529/-7.3642758
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.2963964/-7.3638198
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.2959385/-7.3635837
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.2953994/-7.3633397
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.294569/-7.3636347
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.2936922/-7.3639914
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.3008039/-7.3719838
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.2944407/-7.3738591
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.2944494/-7.3727514
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.2944624/-7.3721023
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 57.2937276/-7.3648411
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 57.2944489/-7.3640332
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 57.295429/-7.3641913
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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