Eilean nan Each

Island in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Eilean nan Each

Maragaidh Beag One of many low-lying islands east of the Long Isle. — Maragaidh Beag Credit: Toby Speight

Eilean nan Each, also known as Horse Island, is a small uninhabited island located in the Moray Firth, off the coast of Inverness-shire, in the Scottish Highlands. The island is approximately 0.6 hectares in size and is situated about 1.5 kilometers east of the town of Avoch.

The island gets its name from the Gaelic language, where "Eilean nan Each" translates to "Island of the Horses." It is believed that the island was once used as a grazing ground for horses in the area. Today, however, the island is mainly frequented by seabirds, seals, and occasionally visited by kayakers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Eilean nan Each is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain, with no significant vegetation apart from some grasses and mosses. It is surrounded by shallow waters, making it accessible during low tide, but completely cut off during high tide. The island offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and is often regarded as a peaceful and picturesque spot.

Due to its small size and lack of facilities, the island does not support any human habitation. However, it is occasionally used for scientific research or as a temporary camping spot for adventurous visitors. Its remote location and tranquil atmosphere make it a popular destination for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.

In summary, Eilean nan Each is a small uninhabited island off the coast of Inverness-shire, Scotland. It is known for its rocky terrain, lack of vegetation, and occasional visits by wildlife enthusiasts. Despite its small size, the island offers stunning views and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of nearby towns.

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Eilean nan Each Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.448384/-7.2133414 or Grid Reference NF8751. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Maragaidh Beag

One of many low-lying islands east of the Long Isle.

Toby Speight

Maragaidh Beag

In the background is Beinn Rodagrich, on Rònaigh.

Toby Speight

Several kinds of seaweed on Maragaidh MÃ²r

Toby Speight

Tidal rocks west of Greanamul

Toby Speight

MÃ ithidh Riabhach

One of many low-lying islands along the east side of the Long Isle.

Toby Speight

Sheepfold and tidal inlet

Close by the bothy that I photographed in 2012, the sheepfold is marked on the OS map.The tidal inlet leads out to a channel between 'mainland' Benbecula and Orasaigh, one of many tidal islands of that name around the west coasts of Scotland.

Gordon Hatton

Disused bothy by the shore

A track leads from the road end past a house and down to the shore opposite the small island of Orasaigh Uisgeabheag. This tin roofed bothy is not yet falling into ruin.

Gordon Hatton

Offshore skerry near Uiseabhagh

The view offshore from a remote stretch of the Benbecula coastline. The skerry is unnamed on the map, whilst the coastline of Skye is visible in the distance [right].

Gordon Hatton

Maithidh Riabhach from Benbecula

Small offshore island that straddles 4 grid squares to the east of Benbecula. Looking east across the island towards the coast of Skye where the flat topped McLeod's Tables are visible.

Gordon Hatton

An unexciting patch of boggy moorland

There may be some interesting coastal scenery on the east side of this grid square, but the trek across a squelchy moor is just too much. The coast is visible here, as are one or two offshire islets. The moor appears to have been worked for peat in the past, and is full of wet patches.

Gordon Hatton