Sheisay

Island in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Sheisay

Market Stance to Sgaraileòd track, Benbecula This view from the track shows the chimneys of a ruin at Oban Haca near Sgaraileòd.
Market Stance to Sgaraileòd track, Benbecula Credit: AlastairG

Sheisay is a small island located in the Inner Hebrides, off the west coast of Scotland, in Inverness-shire. With a total area of approximately 3 square miles, it is one of the many enchanting islands that make up this archipelago. Sheisay is situated about 5 miles west of the Isle of Skye and is known for its rugged and picturesque landscapes.

The island is largely uninhabited, with only a handful of residents. It is primarily used for grazing livestock, particularly sheep. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills, rocky cliffs, and stunning coastal views. The island's highest point is Meall na h-Easgainn, which stands at around 1,000 feet. This elevation offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding sea and neighboring islands.

Sheisay's coastline is dotted with beautiful sandy beaches and rocky coves, making it a haven for wildlife. Seabird colonies, including puffins and gannets, can be found nesting along the cliffs, while seals and dolphins are often spotted swimming in the surrounding waters. The island is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, including wildflowers, heather, and mosses.

Due to its remote location and limited infrastructure, Sheisay is not easily accessible to visitors. There are no regular ferry services to the island, and the only way to reach it is by private boat or chartered tours. This isolation contributes to the island's untouched and tranquil atmosphere, making it an idyllic retreat for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.

In summary, Sheisay is a small and unspoiled island in Inverness-shire, Scotland. With its rugged landscapes, diverse wildlife, and remote location, it offers a unique and peaceful experience for those fortunate enough to visit.

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Sheisay Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.444329/-7.2655185 or Grid Reference NF8451. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Market Stance to Sgaraileòd track, Benbecula This view from the track shows the chimneys of a ruin at Oban Haca near Sgaraileòd.
Market Stance to Sgaraileòd track, Benbecula
This view from the track shows the chimneys of a ruin at Oban Haca near Sgaraileòd.
Causeway on Sgaraileòd track, Benbecula This is an excellent track for most of its length. After leaving the metalled section, the grassed part leads to Sgaraileòd.  Where there was a risk of flooding or in order to overcome marshy conditions, several sections have been built up as causeways as here. Labour must have been very cheap in those days.
Causeway on Sgaraileòd track, Benbecula
This is an excellent track for most of its length. After leaving the metalled section, the grassed part leads to Sgaraileòd. Where there was a risk of flooding or in order to overcome marshy conditions, several sections have been built up as causeways as here. Labour must have been very cheap in those days.
Cnocan above Sgaraileòd This little hill, only just above 20m in height, gives impressive views to the Black Cuillin on Skye.
Cnocan above Sgaraileòd
This little hill, only just above 20m in height, gives impressive views to the Black Cuillin on Skye.
The track to Roisinis Loch an Tairbh to the right.  The sheepfold shown by the OS in this area can just be seen as a fenced structure on the horizon.
The track to Roisinis
Loch an Tairbh to the right. The sheepfold shown by the OS in this area can just be seen as a fenced structure on the horizon.
Loch Theirmeadail This photo was taken on my visit to Ruaval (Ruabhal), the highest point on Benbecula. The hills in the far distance comprise the Hecla / Beinn Mhor group, about 20km away on South Uist.
Loch Theirmeadail
This photo was taken on my visit to Ruaval (Ruabhal), the highest point on Benbecula. The hills in the far distance comprise the Hecla / Beinn Mhor group, about 20km away on South Uist.
On the shores of Loch Uiseabhagh Little visited [except by sheep] stretch of coastline in a remote corner of Benbecula.
On the shores of Loch Uiseabhagh
Little visited [except by sheep] stretch of coastline in a remote corner of Benbecula.
Ruins. Oban Thaca
Ruins. Oban Thaca
Ruins, Oban Thaca
Ruins, Oban Thaca
Mind Your Head The very low doorway of one of the ruins at Oban Thaca.
Mind Your Head
The very low doorway of one of the ruins at Oban Thaca.
Loch Theirmeadail
Loch Theirmeadail
Loch an Tairbh
Loch an Tairbh
Bagh Shiurabhagh Tidal inlet.
Bagh Shiurabhagh
Tidal inlet.
Loch Shiurabhagh Spelling taken from the most recent OS Explorer map. Spellings of many features on Benbecula vary from map to map. As a native of Somerset I have no idea how you are supposed to pronounce it!
Loch Shiurabhagh
Spelling taken from the most recent OS Explorer map. Spellings of many features on Benbecula vary from map to map. As a native of Somerset I have no idea how you are supposed to pronounce it!
Burn Burn flowing out of Loch Shiurabhagh.
Burn
Burn flowing out of Loch Shiurabhagh.
Loch Shiurabhagh Island studded bay on the north shore of the loch.
Loch Shiurabhagh
Island studded bay on the north shore of the loch.
Oban Thaca Saltwater inlet on the east side of Benbecula.
Oban Thaca
Saltwater inlet on the east side of Benbecula.
Haca Typical moorland on Benbecula, looking towards Ruabhal.
Haca
Typical moorland on Benbecula, looking towards Ruabhal.
Loch Uisgeabhagh Small muddy inlet off the sea loch, with inevitable debris along the high tide line.
Loch Uisgeabhagh
Small muddy inlet off the sea loch, with inevitable debris along the high tide line.
Show me another place!

Sheisay is located at Grid Ref: NF8451 (Lat: 57.444329, Lng: -7.2655185)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///fractions.apart.though. Near Balivanich, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 57.444329,-7.2655185
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Lat/Long: 57.44655/-7.26494
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Lat/Long: 57.44656/-7.26542
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Lat/Long: 57.44681/-7.2654
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Lat/Long: 57.44681/-7.26493
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Lat/Long: 57.44244/-7.26371
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Lat/Long: 57.44269/-7.2637
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Lat/Long: 57.44269/-7.26322
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Lat/Long: 57.44243/-7.26324
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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