Eilean Dubh

Island in Ross-shire

Scotland

Eilean Dubh

Heronry on cliff face, Loch Rog Beag, North Harris These herons are very unusual nesting on the open cliff face rather than in tree tops.  The eggs are very vulnerable to predation by Buzzards and Ravens.  Despite our guided tour RIB remaining well away we observed 2 eggs being taken by groups of Ravens attacking, distracting the parents and "sneaking in".  Nature is hard to observe sometimes.
Heronry on cliff face, Loch Rog Beag, North Harris Credit: Hazel Hambidge

Eilean Dubh, located in Ross-shire, Scotland, is a small island situated in the Inner Sound between the Isle of Skye and the mainland. The name "Eilean Dubh" translates to "Black Island" in Gaelic, which is derived from the island's dark-colored rocks. The island covers an area of around 0.13 square kilometers and is uninhabited.

With its rugged and picturesque landscape, Eilean Dubh offers beautiful views of the surrounding sea and nearby Skye Bridge. The island is characterized by its steep cliffs, rocky shorelines, and grassy slopes. It is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including various seabirds, seals, and occasionally otters.

Access to Eilean Dubh is possible by boat, and the island is a popular spot for sailing enthusiasts and kayakers who enjoy exploring its waters. The island's remote location and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal destination for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking tranquility away from the mainland hustle.

Historically, Eilean Dubh was used for grazing livestock, particularly sheep, and evidence of old farming structures can still be found on the island. Today, it remains a protected area, ensuring the preservation of its natural beauty and wildlife.

Visitors to Eilean Dubh should take care to respect the environment and adhere to any guidelines in place to help preserve the island's delicate ecosystem.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Eilean Dubh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.157451/-6.8857236 or Grid Reference NB1229. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Heronry on cliff face, Loch Rog Beag, North Harris These herons are very unusual nesting on the open cliff face rather than in tree tops.  The eggs are very vulnerable to predation by Buzzards and Ravens.  Despite our guided tour RIB remaining well away we observed 2 eggs being taken by groups of Ravens attacking, distracting the parents and "sneaking in".  Nature is hard to observe sometimes.
Heronry on cliff face, Loch Rog Beag, North Harris
These herons are very unusual nesting on the open cliff face rather than in tree tops. The eggs are very vulnerable to predation by Buzzards and Ravens. Despite our guided tour RIB remaining well away we observed 2 eggs being taken by groups of Ravens attacking, distracting the parents and "sneaking in". Nature is hard to observe sometimes.
West Bank, Loch Rog Beag, North Harris View almost south from RIB towards west bank of this narrow sea loch.
West Bank, Loch Rog Beag, North Harris
View almost south from RIB towards west bank of this narrow sea loch.
Old tractor I'm no expert but I think this is a Ferguson TEA20 of about 1950 vintage with Loch Ròg Beag as a backdrop.
Old tractor
I'm no expert but I think this is a Ferguson TEA20 of about 1950 vintage with Loch Ròg Beag as a backdrop.
Enaclete: rainbow over Loch Ròg Beag Having visited the Flannan Isles today, in fine weather, it was clear as we approached the Lewis coast on our return that Lewis itself had not fared so fortunately. However, sunshine did break through as we approached Miavaig harbour and, by the time we set foot ashore the sun was shining brightly.

This would be a shortlived break in the showers, though, as this rainbow across the Loch testifies.

The B8011 has very recently been upgraded (not yet included on the 1:50,000 mapping but updated at 1:25,000 scale) and Enaclete village is now bypassed by a two-carriageway road. I am not certain but the track immediately in front of us may derive from the course of the old road.
Enaclete: rainbow over Loch Ròg Beag
Having visited the Flannan Isles today, in fine weather, it was clear as we approached the Lewis coast on our return that Lewis itself had not fared so fortunately. However, sunshine did break through as we approached Miavaig harbour and, by the time we set foot ashore the sun was shining brightly. This would be a shortlived break in the showers, though, as this rainbow across the Loch testifies. The B8011 has very recently been upgraded (not yet included on the 1:50,000 mapping but updated at 1:25,000 scale) and Enaclete village is now bypassed by a two-carriageway road. I am not certain but the track immediately in front of us may derive from the course of the old road.
A typical view on Lewis The recently constructed Enacleit bypass takes the B8011 through the extreme NE corner of this square. I climbed up onto a rocky knoll above the road and walked a little way, to get a good view of the lochans in the distance. The high ground beyond is not in the square.
A typical view on Lewis
The recently constructed Enacleit bypass takes the B8011 through the extreme NE corner of this square. I climbed up onto a rocky knoll above the road and walked a little way, to get a good view of the lochans in the distance. The high ground beyond is not in the square.
Loch Ròg Beag Viewed from Einacleite.
Loch Ròg Beag
Viewed from Einacleite.
Inlet to Loch Croistean and ford
Inlet to Loch Croistean and ford
Looking down Loch Croistean. Good brown trout fishing and a few finnock
Looking down Loch Croistean.
Good brown trout fishing and a few finnock
Ruined blackhouse, Ungaisidar
Ruined blackhouse, Ungaisidar
Looking towards Loch Croistean from the B8011
Looking towards Loch Croistean from the B8011
Cairn, Druim Sandavig, Isle of Lewis This is one of several similarly shaped cairns in the area.  See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6205869">NB1229 : Cairn, Druim Sandavig, Isle of Lewis</a>.
Cairn, Druim Sandavig, Isle of Lewis
This is one of several similarly shaped cairns in the area. See also NB1229 : Cairn, Druim Sandavig, Isle of Lewis.
Cairn, Druim Sandavig, Isle of Lewis This is one of several similarly shaped cairns in the area.  See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6205867">NB1129 : Cairn, Druim Sandavig, Isle of Lewis</a>.
Cairn, Druim Sandavig, Isle of Lewis
This is one of several similarly shaped cairns in the area. See also NB1129 : Cairn, Druim Sandavig, Isle of Lewis.
Sharp bend in the road near Loch Sanndabhat
Sharp bend in the road near Loch Sanndabhat
Phonebox and Loch Rog Beag
Phonebox and Loch Rog Beag
Loch Croistean, West Lewis. Loch with boathouse at the side of the B8011.
Loch Croistean, West Lewis.
Loch with boathouse at the side of the B8011.
Heading along the B8011 The B8011 is a scenic road leading to remote communities in west Lewis. Much of it has been upgraded in recent years.
Heading along the B8011
The B8011 is a scenic road leading to remote communities in west Lewis. Much of it has been upgraded in recent years.
Loch Sanndabhat Southwest of the settlement of Ungisiadar.
Loch Sanndabhat
Southwest of the settlement of Ungisiadar.
Crofthouse at Ungisiadar Overlooking Loch Ròg Beag.
Crofthouse at Ungisiadar
Overlooking Loch Ròg Beag.
Show me another place!

Eilean Dubh is located at Grid Ref: NB1229 (Lat: 58.157451, Lng: -6.8857236)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///storyline.supplier.thing. Near Carloway, Na h-Eileanan Siar

Related Wikis

Gisla Hydro-Electric Scheme

Gisla Hydro-Electric Scheme was a small scheme promoted by the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board on the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland. It...

Fuaigh Beag

Fuaigh Beag or Vuia Be(a)g is an island in the Outer Hebrides. It is off the west coast of Lewis near Great Bernera in Loch Roag. Its name means "little...

Flodaigh, Lewis

Flodaigh is a small island in Loch Roag on the west coast of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. It is about 33 hectares (82 acres) in extent and...

Loch Ròg

Loch Ròg or Loch Roag is a large sea loch on the west coast of Lewis, Outer Hebrides. It is broadly divided into East Loch Roag and West Loch Roag with...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.157451,-6.8857236
Leisure: slipway
Surface: concrete
Lat/Long: 58.1597531/-6.8903799
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Have you been to Eilean Dubh?

Leave your review of Eilean Dubh below (or comments, questions and feedback).