Gairbh-eilean Beag

Island in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Gairbh-eilean Beag

Small bay on east coast of Ronay Small bay backed by a shallow valley, close to the headland of Rubha Creag Mhic Fhionnlaidh. — Small bay on east coast of Ronay Credit: Gordon Hatton

Gairbh-eilean Beag is a small island located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. Situated in the Inner Hebrides, it lies just off the west coast of the Scottish mainland, near the town of Mallaig. The island is part of a group of islands known as the Small Isles, which also include Rum, Eigg, and Muck.

Covering an area of approximately 3.5 square kilometers, Gairbh-eilean Beag is predominantly composed of rugged, rocky terrain with a few grassy areas. The island is uninhabited and lacks any significant permanent structures or facilities. Its isolation and untouched natural beauty make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and birdwatchers.

Gairbh-eilean Beag is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The island's coastal cliffs provide nesting sites for various seabird species, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. Visitors can also spot seals and dolphins swimming in the surrounding waters. The island's vegetation consists of heather, grasses, and wildflowers, adding to its picturesque landscape.

Access to Gairbh-eilean Beag is mainly by boat, with regular ferry services operating from Mallaig and other nearby ports. There are no accommodation or tourist facilities on the island, so visitors are advised to come prepared with food, water, and camping equipment if planning an overnight stay.

Overall, Gairbh-eilean Beag offers a serene and unspoiled natural environment that allows visitors to experience the tranquility and beauty of the Scottish wilderness.

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Gairbh-eilean Beag Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.479425/-7.2021216 or Grid Reference NF8855. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Small bay on east coast of Ronay

Small bay backed by a shallow valley, close to the headland of Rubha Creag Mhic Fhionnlaidh.

Gordon Hatton

A small tide-race by RÃ²naigh

The flow here was slightly intimidating to me in a kayak, but I made it through without harm.

Toby Speight

Rubha na Rodagrich

I'm not sure of the correct spelling of the island's name - the spelling given by the OS is inconsistent with conventional Gaelic orthography.

Toby Speight

Ruined buildings at Buaile-mhÃ²r

Toby Speight

Loch na Faoileag Cairn

A small cairn situated at the south-eastern end of Loch na Faoileag.

G Kilpatrick

Bagh Sgotbheinn

Not all Hebridean buildings fall into disrepair. I note that Dave Fergusson's 2007 photograph includes this small building, but now, twelve years later it has a new roof and is looking well cared for.

Gordon Hatton

Kallin Harbour, Grimsay

Colin Park

Old harbour, Grimsay

A crofthouse sitting on a reclaimed piece of land at Baymore (Bagh mor) which was the main harbour on the island before the Kallin (Ceallan) development. The harbour is littered with lots of old creels and other flotsam and there are many old stone piers.

Gus Macdonald

Kallin Harbour

The smaller vessels in the harbour are inshore lobster boats which use creels to trap crabs and lobsters. The larger vessels are offshore prawn boats which use trawl nets to catch the shellfish.

Robert W Watt

Cottage on Ronay

Ronay

Jac Volbeda

Isle of Ronay

View of the Isle of Skye across the Minch.

Jac Volbeda

Vallastrome, Kallin

The view along the Vallastrome channel towards the biggest hill on the island of Ronaigh. The trig point at 115m can just be seen.

Gordon Hatton

Coming in to harbour

Small fishing boat entering Kallin harbour on a summer evening. This little boat has a 'FY' registration for Fowey in Cornwall, but arrived at Kallin on the back of a lorry. The 'Stelimar'is a local boat based here.

Gordon Hatton

Baymore: postbox № HS6 15

One of four postboxes on the island of Grimsay. Apart from the one on the main road close to the post office, they are emptied at 11:45am on weekdays and at 9:30am on Saturdays.

Chris Downer

Kallin: postbox № HS6 25

One of four postboxes on the island of Grimsay. Apart from the one on the main road close to the post office, they are emptied at 11:45am on weekdays and at 9:30am on Saturdays.

Chris Downer