Sgeir Ruadh

Island in Ross-shire

Scotland

Sgeir Ruadh

Baile-na-Cille, Lewis, 1989 Credit: Nigel Thompson

Sgeir Ruadh is a small uninhabited island located off the coast of Ross-shire, Scotland. Also known as Red Rock, the island is situated in the Inner Sound, between the Isle of Skye and the mainland. It is part of the Inner Hebrides archipelago.

Measuring approximately 1.5 hectares in size, Sgeir Ruadh is a rugged and rocky island. Its name, which translates to "red rock" in Scottish Gaelic, is derived from the distinctive reddish color of the rock formations that dominate the island's landscape. The island is surrounded by clear, turquoise waters, making it an attractive spot for divers and snorkelers.

Sgeir Ruadh is known for its diverse wildlife. The island serves as a breeding ground for various seabird species, including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots. Visitors to the island may also spot seals basking on the rocks or swimming in the surrounding waters. The island's waters are also home to a rich variety of marine life, including fish, crustaceans, and shellfish.

Access to Sgeir Ruadh is primarily by boat, as there are no regular ferry services to the island. Private boat trips or charters are the most common means of reaching the island. Due to its remote location and lack of facilities, visitors are advised to bring their own supplies and be mindful of the island's fragile ecosystem.

Overall, Sgeir Ruadh offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Scotland's rugged coastal scenery, observe diverse wildlife, and immerse oneself in a tranquil and untouched natural environment.

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Sgeir Ruadh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.184381/-7.0336645 or Grid Reference NB0432. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Baile-na-Cille, Lewis, 1989

Nigel Thompson

Cappadale Sands

Sandy Gerrard

Beach and headland at Carnais

Sandy Gerrard

Beach at Carnais

Sandy Gerrard

Wooden sculpture of a Lewis Knight Chess Piece at the Abhainn Dearg Distillery car park

Sandy Gerrard

Tom

A small tidal island near Carnais.

Sandy Gerrard

River leading from Loch Stacsabhat

Sandy Gerrard

The Gravel Pits at Carnais, on the Red River, Uig, Lewis

The Abhainn Dearg Distillery lies to the left of the picture. The Red River - Ahbainn Dearg flows to the sea at the foot of the scree slope, but is shown on the OS Sheet as Abhainn Caslabhat.

Richard Kay

A river tumbles down to Uig Bay

Late snow coats the west Lewis mountains.

Alan Reid

Waterlogged Lazybeds

After a day of torrential rain, the old lazybeds at Eadar Dha Fhadail (Ardroil) are almost submerged by flooding.

Anne Burgess

Cappadale Sands

The map names this arm of Tràigh Uige as Cappadale Sands. As the tide is in, the sand is only visible through the water, giving it that characteristic Hebridean turquoise colour. It would have been even better in sunshine. The hill on the skyline is Forsnabhal (205 metres), and the houses at the far side of the bay are at Timsgearraidh.

Anne Burgess

CÃ rnais (Carinish)

Two cottages overlooking Tràigh Lèire at the head of Cappadale Sands in Uig Bay.

Anne Burgess

Timsgearraidh (Timsgarry)

Most of the older cottages at Timsgearraidh have being replaced by modern houses. They may be less picturesque, but they're much more comfortable for the occupants.

Anne Burgess