Sgeir nan Cliabh

Island in Ross-shire

Scotland

Sgeir nan Cliabh

Croft near Breasclete Credit: David Dixon

Sgeir nan Cliabh is a small uninhabited island located off the coast of Ross-shire in the Highlands of Scotland. Also known as the "Island of the Baskets," it is situated in the Inner Sound, between Skye and the mainland.

Covering an area of approximately 5 hectares, Sgeir nan Cliabh is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain. The island is mostly composed of steep cliffs, which provide nesting sites for a variety of seabirds, including fulmars, guillemots, and razorbills. These cliffs also offer stunning views of the surrounding waters and neighboring islands.

The island's name, Sgeir nan Cliabh, is derived from the Gaelic language and translates to "reef of the baskets." This name is thought to be linked to the traditional practice of weaving baskets from local materials, which may have taken place on the island in the past.

Due to its remote location and lack of amenities, Sgeir nan Cliabh is not easily accessible to visitors. However, it can be admired from a distance during boat trips or from nearby viewpoints on the mainland. The island's untouched beauty and abundant wildlife make it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

Sgeir nan Cliabh serves as a reminder of the untamed and wild nature of the Scottish Highlands, offering a glimpse into the region's natural heritage and providing a haven for wildlife in a rapidly changing world.

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Sgeir nan Cliabh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.218819/-6.7742709 or Grid Reference NB1935. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Croft near Breasclete

David Dixon

House on a hill near Breasclete

David Dixon

Farm Track at Breascleit

David Dixon

Sheep grazing at Breascleit

David Dixon

Polythene tunnel greenhouse on the shore of Loch RÃ²g an Ear

David Dixon

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

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

Stonefield standing stone

Despite appearances this standing stone is in its original position and was found following peat cutting in this area around 1923. The stone is also known as Callanish XII. Link

Sandy Gerrard

Boat at Rubha Arspaig

Upturned boat by the fish oil factory at Tob Bhreascleit, an inlet off the sea loch, Loch Rog an Ear.

Colin Smith

Abhainn na Muilne

Allt na Muilne, outflow of Loch na Muilne into Port a' Chaoil (Loch Ròg an Ear). There are 2 ruined "Norse Mills" visible on this burn: the lower one in the centre of the picture, the upper one near the down left corner.

Vanhercke Christiaan

Crofting strip

Lush grass, much favoured by migrating geese, on a crofting strip in the village of Breascleit. The water in the distance is Loch Roag.

James Allan

Largest house in Breascleit

Architecturally a complete contrast to the other houses in the small village of Breascleit, this building has a history. Currently it forms flats owned by the local council but it was originally built in 1895 for the Northern Lighthouse Board as residences for families of the keepers working on the Flannan Isles lighthouse (NA7247) about 25 miles offshore from Breascleit. It must have been a sad place just five years after it was built when in December 1900 all three keepers vanished without trace from the island. Many are the rumours that have grown up concerning their mysterious disappearance (including some involving sea monsters and abduction by aliens) but it seems most probable that they were swept to their deaths by a huge Atlantic wave. Two of them left widows who lived in this house, one with four and the other with two young children.

James Allan