Carn Liath

Island in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Carn Liath

Carn Liath is a small island located off the west coast of Scotland, specifically in the county of Inverness-shire. This picturesque island is situated in the inner Hebrides archipelago, near the larger island of Skye. With a total land area of approximately 0.6 square kilometers, Carn Liath boasts stunning natural beauty and a rich history.

The island is characterized by rugged terrain, with rocky cliffs and grassy slopes dominating its landscape. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and neighboring islands, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers. The island's name, Carn Liath, translates to "grey cairn," which may refer to the grayish hue of the rocks found on the island.

Historically, Carn Liath has been inhabited for centuries. Evidence of ancient settlements, burial grounds, and even a medieval chapel can still be found on the island today. These remnants provide insights into the island's past and its connection to the broader history of the region.

Despite its small size, Carn Liath attracts visitors who seek tranquility and an escape from the bustling mainland. The island offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring its unique flora and fauna. Additionally, the surrounding waters are ideal for kayaking and sailing, attracting water sports enthusiasts.

Carn Liath is accessible by boat, with regular ferry services operating from nearby ports. There are no permanent residents on the island, but visitors can find accommodation options on the mainland, within easy reach of this hidden gem of Inverness-shire.

Show me another place!

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

Carn Liath Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.412157/-7.2912869 or Grid Reference NF8248. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Eileanan Stafa

Toby Speight

Loch Langabhat, Benbecula

One of the many long narrow lochs in the area, Langabhat is thirty yards wide in places although it is over two miles long.

AlastairG

Loch Langabhat, Benbecula

The fence was clearly a very recent addition although there wasn't any sign of stock to keep in, or out.

AlastairG

Ruined croft house, 5-6 Hacklet (Hacleit), in 1995

Looking northeast across upper Loch Chearabhaigh (a sea loch) towards the scattered township of Kilerivagh. According to local information from Mary Harman in 2018, the house is still there with the mid gable with chimney standing, but the roof is entirely gone. The windows are still clear, and the winnowing hole in the barn at the left hand side of the picture is still there. The telegraph pole behind the house, being redundant is no longer there. The building probably dates from the 19th century and is Category B listed [Link

]. It also appears on the Buildings at Risk Register [Link

Richard Sutcliffe

Shoreline at Oitir Bheag

Half tide, with extensive areas of sand, mud and weed.

Gordon Hatton

Postbox at the junction

A junction of minor roads at Haclait. Stuart Wilding's photo from 2008 shows a telephone kiosk next to the postbox, but that is no longer there - possibly blown away in a Hebridean gale?

Gordon Hatton

The phone box is still standing

Two contributors recorded this scene in 2007, but since then the roof of the old croft house has totally collapsed, but at least the telephone box is still standing, though probably rarely used except to shelter from horizontal rain.

Gordon Hatton

Old blackhouse at Aird Cumhang

There are still many of these old turf roofed cottages on the Uists and Benbecula. Many are in a similar state to this one, but others, particularly those near roads and services have been restored as holiday cottages.

Gordon Hatton