Sgeir Fail

Island in Ross-shire

Scotland

Sgeir Fail

Crystal clear seas off North West coast of Na h-Eileanan an Iar View to about 3 metres depth from RIB floating in lagoon between Pabaigh Mor and Pabaigh Beag. See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1120209">NB1038 : Lagoon on Pabbay Mor</a> — Crystal clear seas off North West coast of Na h-Eileanan an Iar Credit: Hazel Hambidge

Sgeir Fail is a small uninhabited island located off the coast of Ross-shire, in the Scottish Highlands. The island is situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately 3 miles northwest of Gairloch. Sgeir Fail is part of the Inner Hebrides archipelago and is known for its rugged and picturesque landscape.

The island covers an area of about 10 acres and is predominantly composed of rocky terrain. It features steep cliffs that rise up to 100 feet, offering stunning views of the surrounding sea and nearby mainland. The island's coastline is dotted with small caves and crevices, which are home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills.

Due to its remote location, Sgeir Fail remains largely untouched by human activity. It is not accessible by regular means and can only be reached by private boats or chartered tours. The island provides a perfect retreat for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and photographers seeking an unspoiled and tranquil environment.

The waters surrounding Sgeir Fail are teeming with marine life, making it a popular spot for fishing and diving. The island is also known for its rich biodiversity, with several rare plant species found in its rocky crevices.

Overall, Sgeir Fail offers a unique and secluded experience for those seeking solitude in the midst of nature. Its rugged beauty, diverse wildlife, and serene atmosphere make it a hidden gem within the Scottish Highlands.

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Sgeir Fail Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.233407/-6.9151691 or Grid Reference NB1137. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Crystal clear seas off North West coast of Na h-Eileanan an Iar

View to about 3 metres depth from RIB floating in lagoon between Pabaigh Mor and Pabaigh Beag. See also NB1038 : Lagoon on Pabbay Mor

Hazel Hambidge

A rocky buttress contains TrÃ igh na Beirigh

Alan Reid

TrÃ igh na Beirigh from the east

Alan Reid

Stung

Mick Garratt

Beach at Pabaigh Mor

Simon Bonney

Geodh'an Tuill penetrates Pabaigh Mor

Pabaigh More has a tidally flooded low-lying area in the middle of the island (at one time used for buffering lobsters) which connects to the open sea over a reef to the northwest, and through a couple of rocky channels heading northeast. It's clear that those channels must have started the same way as this cave, which has penetrated right to the lagoon (from which it is separated only by a storm beach thrown up by waves entering the cave) and, on a geological timescale, is just about at the end of its life. Although one of our group walked over the arch, and once we'd paddled round the island several of us entered the cave from the sea, it is not the most confidence-inspiring roof, especially at this landward end.

Andy Waddington

Traigh na Beirigh beach Lewis

Looking out from the beach just in front of the Caravan site towards the headland at Kneep on the left and Pabaigh Mor on the right.

Steve Houldsworth

Pabaigh Mor

Numerous caves on the south west side of the island

Simon Bonney

Traigh na Beirigh

The beautiful sandy beach at Beirigh, Isle of lewis.

phil smith

St Peterâs Church, Pabaigh Mor

The ruin of St Peter’s Church stands above Traigh na Cille on the isle of Pabaigh Mor in Loch Rog.

Marc Calhoun

Lobster Ponds on Pabbay Mor

Tidal lagoon on the island of Pabay Mor, previously used as a lobster holding tank; lobsters caught in creels at sea were held here until the market price in England merited shipping them south. A small secondary one can be seen at the upper left. Construction date unknown but there is a similar pond in Loch Risay on the nearby island of Bernera which was built c1860 and which is thought to have been one of the first of its type.

Marc Calhoun

Enclosure on Sioram

Sioram lies in Loch Roag, just off Traigh na Berie and Pabbay.

Sarah Egan

Beach on Pabbay Mor

Beach near Briomanish at the sound end of Pabbay Mor, in Loch Roag

Sarah Egan

Blackhouse Ruins on Pabbay

The island was cleared of its inhabitants in the 1830s and subsequently only used for grazing and for seasonal fishing camps.

Sarah Egan

Northern tip of Vacasay

Tony Page

Entering the Vacasay Lagoon

Tony Page

Natural sea caves

Only visible from the water these sea caves are often explored by divers. This was taken at low tide - the pale rock above the water is submerged at high tide.

Sue Jones