Orasaigh

Island in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Orasaigh

Loch na Leacaich Shoreline A view along the shoreline of Loch na Leacaich, with the peaked hill of Crogearraidh Mor is the far distance. — Loch na Leacaich Shoreline Credit: G Kilpatrick

Orasaigh is a small island located off the west coast of Scotland in the county of Inverness-shire. It is situated in the Inner Hebrides archipelago, specifically within the Sound of Sleat. The island covers an area of approximately 10 square kilometers and has a population of around 200 residents.

Orasaigh is known for its stunning natural beauty, boasting rugged coastlines, pristine beaches, and rolling hills. It is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and wildlife spotting. The island's diverse ecosystem is home to various species of birds, including sea eagles and puffins, as well as seals and otters.

The island is predominantly rural, with a few scattered villages and crofting communities. The main settlement of Orasaigh is located on the eastern coast and serves as the commercial and social hub for the islanders. It features a small harbor, a few shops, a school, and a community center.

Orasaigh has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. The island is dotted with ancient ruins and standing stones, providing insight into its past. In more recent history, Orasaigh has been primarily sustained by traditional industries such as farming, fishing, and tourism.

Access to Orasaigh is primarily by ferry, with regular services connecting the island to the mainland. The island offers a peaceful and picturesque retreat, attracting visitors seeking tranquility and a taste of rural Scottish life.

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Orasaigh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.638413/-7.210237 or Grid Reference NF8972. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Loch na Leacaich Shoreline

A view along the shoreline of Loch na Leacaich, with the peaked hill of Crogearraidh Mor is the far distance.

G Kilpatrick

Blathaisbhal stone row

A stone row composed of three stones. Like most rows it is far from straight (Scale 1m). Link

Sandy Gerrard

View towards Loch an Duin

The distant water translates as the Loch of the Dun, with the remains of Dun Torcuill in the middle distance [centre of photo]. The convoluted outline of the loch includes two other dun sites, both well out of sight from this point by the road.

Gordon Hatton

Loch Dheoir

Loch Dheoir is the name given to this area of salt water where a maze of channels eventually connect with the open sea close to Lochmaddy.

Gordon Hatton

Dun Torcuill

A view from an adjoining square towards this iron age broch in Loch an Duin. The walls are said to be up to 4m thick and 3m high, but approach on land is very difficult.

Gordon Hatton

Loch Blathaisbhal

View from Blathaisbhal towards Lochmaddy.

Richard Webb

On Blathaisbhal

A fine appreciation of the mix of land and water that is North Uist. I always think of North Uist as a reverse of the Stockholm Archipelago - more land than water, just rather than the other way around.

Richard Webb

A865 below Blathaisbhal

Richard Webb

Airigh Nan Luchag shieling

A ruined shieling (Scale 1m). Link

Sandy Gerrard

Airigh Nan Luchag shieling

Shielings are often difficult to spot but this one comes with its own signpost. Link

Sandy Gerrard

Sea loch at Aileodair

View from the loch side picnic area.

Sandy Gerrard

Cama Lochan

Beinn Mhor in the background.

Dave Fergusson

Loch Blathaisbhal

In the distance on the left can be seen Crogearraidh na Thabha rising to 154m

Stuart Wilding

Loch Blathaisbhal

A ruined house stands on the shore and in the distance can be seen the hills of Skye

Stuart Wilding

Ruins of a croft house on the shore of Loch Blathaisbhal

Dannie Calder

Tidal rapid draining Loch Dheoir

Behind Lochmaddy is an area of shallow lagoons filled and drained by the tides each day. Where the tide runs between the rocks, tidal rapids are formed like this one in a narrows which drains Loch Dheoir towards Loch Blathaisbhal during the ebb.

Andy Waddington

Paddling hard to ascend tidal rapid in Loch Blathaisbhal

The Lochs behind Lochmaddy are tidal lagoons, connected by narrow channels. As the ebb tide drains the upper lochs, tidal rapids form, opposing progress by sea kayakers. There are three channels up from Loch Blathaisbhal towards the northwest, of which this was the narrowest, shallowest but least fast-flowing, so with a bit of a struggle we managed to paddle up this one. Had we managed to coincide our trip with the flood, we would have been helped on our way, and could have used to ebb to speed us on the way back.

Andy Waddington