Sgeir Fhraoch

Island in Ross-shire

Scotland

Sgeir Fhraoch

Old hardstandings at Tob Blar Meadha Abandoned lobster loading hardstandings at the lobster pond. — Old hardstandings at Tob Blar Meadha Credit: Gus Macdonald

Sgeir Fhraoch, located in Ross-shire, Scotland, is a small uninhabited island that is part of the Inner Hebrides archipelago. Also known as "Heather Skerry" in English, Sgeir Fhraoch is situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately 5 kilometers southeast of the Isle of Skye.

The island is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain, with cliffs rising steeply from the surrounding sea. Sgeir Fhraoch covers an area of about 5 hectares and is mainly composed of ancient Lewisian gneiss, a type of metamorphic rock. Its name, derived from the Gaelic language, translates to "heather skerry," which reflects the presence of heather plants that dominate the island's vegetation.

Due to its isolated location and challenging access, Sgeir Fhraoch remains uninhabited and devoid of any permanent structures or facilities. However, it serves as an important breeding ground for various seabird species, including razorbills, guillemots, and puffins. The surrounding waters are also known for their rich marine life, with seals and dolphins occasionally spotted in the area.

The island is best observed from the sea, as landing on Sgeir Fhraoch is difficult due to the lack of suitable landing sites and the treacherous nature of the coastline. Despite its limited accessibility, the island's natural beauty, untouched landscape, and abundant wildlife make it an attractive destination for birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a remote and unspoiled retreat.

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Sgeir Fhraoch Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.220137/-6.7964237 or Grid Reference NB1835. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old hardstandings at Tob Blar Meadha

Abandoned lobster loading hardstandings at the lobster pond.

Gus Macdonald

Craft workshop in Kirkibost

One of the old shellfish processing factories at Kirkibost (Circeabost) is now reborn as a craftshop.

Gus Macdonald

Cleibh ghiomaich aig cidhe Chirceabost

Lobster creels at Kirkibost harbour

Gus Macdonald

View towards Circebost Pier

David Martin

Tolstachaolais: hillside cows and Bernera view

Looking across the sound separating the eastern side of Bernera from the Lewis mainland, beyond three cows grazing on the slopes to the south of Tolstachaolais village.

Chris Downer

Croftland, Circebost, Great Bernera

Looking across Loch Ròg an Ear (East Loch Roag) towards Eilean Chearstaigh.

Claire Pegrum

Lazy beds below Cnoc Righseodh, Great Bernera/BeÃ rnaraigh

Claire Pegrum

Shieling above Tob ChÃ¨urabhagh, Great Bernera/BeÃ rnaraigh

Tob Chèurabhagh is a bay at the southern end of Loch Riosaigh.

Claire Pegrum

Stepping stones across Loch nan Geadraisean, Great Bernera/BeÃ rnaraigh

The OS 1:25,000 map shows the body of water to be called Loch na Muilne this side of the stepping stones and Loch nan Geadraisean beyond. On the OS 1:50,000 map it is all called Loch nan Geadraisean.

Claire Pegrum

Calanais/Callanish XV, Circebost, Great Bernera/BeÃ rnaraigh

From Discovery and Excavation in Scotland, 1976: "On grassy ridge 100m N of road, 25m E of track through Croft 24, Kirkibost. A large prone slab approx. 3.55m x 1.35m, thickness varying from 0.25-0.45m, lying in peat on a grassy ridge. The lower end appears to be surrounded by packing stones and there is a void under the centre of the stone. This stone was brought to our notice by Mr Norman MacDonald of Kirkibost."

Claire Pegrum

Possible fallen standing stone, Circebost, Great Bernera/BeÃ rnaraigh

This stone lies approximately 80m ESE of NB1734 : Calanais/Callanish XV, Circebost, Great Bernera/Beàrnaraigh. The croft owner, who is the grandson of Norman MacDonald who originally brought Callanish XV to archaeologists' attention, believes it to be fallen standing stone.

Claire Pegrum

Looking down at Circebost

Circebost or Kirkibost is a tiny settlement on Great Bernera. This island is now connected to Lewis by a short pre-stressed concrete bridge. In 1953 when it was built it was and remains the first bridge of such material in Europe. The settlemenr is also important as it is the first planned crofting township in the Outer Hebrides, though I think town is a lofty description for such a small group of houses.

Malcolm Neal