Sgeir an Tamna

Island in Ross-shire

Scotland

Sgeir an Tamna

Mangurstadh Coastline Looking South The cliffs here are spectacular and the Lewisian Gneiss makes for some great climbing.
Mangurstadh Coastline Looking South Credit: RIJones

Sgeir an Tamna is a small island located off the northwest coast of Ross-shire in the Scottish Highlands. Also known as Taman Island, it is situated in the Inner Sound, between the mainland and the Isle of Skye.

Covering an area of approximately 1.5 hectares, Sgeir an Tamna is a rocky outcrop that rises steeply from the surrounding sea. The island is uninhabited and lacks any significant vegetation due to its exposed location and harsh weather conditions. It is primarily composed of rugged cliffs and rocky terrain, providing nesting grounds for various seabird species such as guillemots and razorbills.

With its strategic position in the Inner Sound, Sgeir an Tamna has historical significance as a navigational marker for ships traversing the area. The island is often used as a landmark for sailors, given its distinctive appearance and prominent position along the coastline. Additionally, its location near the famous Eilean Donan Castle attracts tourists who visit the area for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage.

Due to its protected status, access to Sgeir an Tamna may be limited, and visitors must be mindful of the fragile ecosystem and nesting birds. Boats or kayaks are required to reach the island, and it is advisable to consult local authorities or tour operators before planning a visit.

Overall, Sgeir an Tamna is a picturesque island with a rich history and natural beauty, making it a notable feature of the Ross-shire coastline.

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Sgeir an Tamna Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.185252/-7.1017403 or Grid Reference NB0033. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Mangurstadh Coastline Looking South The cliffs here are spectacular and the Lewisian Gneiss makes for some great climbing.
Mangurstadh Coastline Looking South
The cliffs here are spectacular and the Lewisian Gneiss makes for some great climbing.
Eilean Molach Showing the narrow gap between it and mainland Lewis.
Eilean Molach
Showing the narrow gap between it and mainland Lewis.
Radio masts at Mangastra/Mhangarstaidh, Lewis, 1989 Compared to more recent images, it would appear a number of these buildings and one mast have been demolished in the intervening years.
Radio masts at Mangastra/Mhangarstaidh, Lewis, 1989
Compared to more recent images, it would appear a number of these buildings and one mast have been demolished in the intervening years.
The settlement at Mangurstadh With Mealaisbhal being mostly hidden in the cloud.
The settlement at Mangurstadh
With Mealaisbhal being mostly hidden in the cloud.
Lochan Tràghaidh on Ãird Mhòr Mheadhonach On the road from Mheadhonach radio station.
Lochan Tràghaidh on Ãird Mhòr Mheadhonach
On the road from Mheadhonach radio station.
Mheadhonach radio station On Ãird Mhòr Mheadhonach.
Mheadhonach radio station
On Ãird Mhòr Mheadhonach.
Gob Rubha Phàil transmitter Radio transmitter at Gob Rubha Phàil.
Gob Rubha Phàil transmitter
Radio transmitter at Gob Rubha Phàil.
Radio mast at Mangastra
Radio mast at Mangastra
Crofts at Mangersta
Crofts at Mangersta
Crazy signpost at Mangersta The fingers point to "this way", "that way", "other way", "might have been" and "dead end".
Crazy signpost at Mangersta
The fingers point to "this way", "that way", "other way", "might have been" and "dead end".
Art in the landscape at Mangersta The "Spring Well" perpetually pouring water from a bottle.
Art in the landscape at Mangersta
The "Spring Well" perpetually pouring water from a bottle.
Lazy beds Lazy beds are a form of agriculture that requires less work eventually.  They are a little like ridge and furrow but are wider and more raised. The form of agriculture used to be quite widespread but now is found only in the Hebrides.
Lazy beds
Lazy beds are a form of agriculture that requires less work eventually. They are a little like ridge and furrow but are wider and more raised. The form of agriculture used to be quite widespread but now is found only in the Hebrides.
OS Bolt, Àird Mhòr Mhangarstaidh, Isle of Lewis Looking towards Mealaisbhal.

The bolt lies just to the south of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/507162">NB0032 : Hilltop cairn [2]</a>.
OS Bolt, Àird Mhòr Mhangarstaidh, Isle of Lewis
Looking towards Mealaisbhal. The bolt lies just to the south of NB0032 : Hilltop cairn [2].
Torasgeo, Isle of Lewis The pipe in the concrete block is the outflow of the sewer system for <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/13708">NB0033 : Mangersta - WWII LORAN radio station</a>.
Torasgeo, Isle of Lewis
The pipe in the concrete block is the outflow of the sewer system for NB0033 : Mangersta - WWII LORAN radio station.
Bathtub, Mhangarstadh, Isle of Lewis Possibly left behind from <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/13708">NB0033 : Mangersta - WWII LORAN radio station</a>.
Bathtub, Mhangarstadh, Isle of Lewis
Remains of the Mangersta WWII radio station, Isle of Lewis Mangersta was a slave station in the North Atlantic Chain of the LORAN air navigation system.  The station was built during the Second World War and ceased operating in 1977.
Remains of the Mangersta WWII radio station, Isle of Lewis
Mangersta was a slave station in the North Atlantic Chain of the LORAN air navigation system. The station was built during the Second World War and ceased operating in 1977.
Spring Squill (Scilla verna) Surprisingly, given how exposed the headland at Mangarstadh is, and how scarce the soil, there was a carpet of stunted wildflowers including this Spring Squill.
Spring Squill (Scilla verna)
Surprisingly, given how exposed the headland at Mangarstadh is, and how scarce the soil, there was a carpet of stunted wildflowers including this Spring Squill.
Thrift (Armeria maritima) A cushion of thrift provides a splash of colour on the bleak and windswept clifftop. The flower stalks are taller in more benign conditions, but here they are stunted by the wind and weather. I wonder whether any insects brave the wind to pollinate the flowers>
Thrift (Armeria maritima)
A cushion of thrift provides a splash of colour on the bleak and windswept clifftop. The flower stalks are taller in more benign conditions, but here they are stunted by the wind and weather. I wonder whether any insects brave the wind to pollinate the flowers>
Show me another place!

Sgeir an Tamna is located at Grid Ref: NB0033 (Lat: 58.185252, Lng: -7.1017403)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///mealtime.hike.nips. Near Carloway, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.185252,-7.1017403
Turning Circle
Lat/Long: 58.1857687/-7.0981536
Man Made: tower
Tower Construction: lattice
Lat/Long: 58.1858562/-7.0982565
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.1836404/-7.094492
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.1841292/-7.0951537
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.1847599/-7.0960247
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.1853784/-7.0968711
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.1858327/-7.0972967
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.1861619/-7.0976109
Gob Rubha Phail
Natural: cape
Lat/Long: 58.1881344/-7.0954327
Mhangerstadh Radio Station
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.1857562/-7.0977233
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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