Sgeir Hal

Island in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Sgeir Hal

Junction with Postman's Path, west of Rhenigidale
Junction with Postman's Path, west of Rhenigidale Credit: Colin Park

Sgeir Hal is a small, uninhabited island located off the coast of Inverness-shire in Scotland. Situated in the Moray Firth, it is part of a group of islands known as the Sgeir Hal Rocks. The island is characterized by its rocky terrain and is home to a variety of marine wildlife.

Covering an area of approximately 0.2 hectares, Sgeir Hal has no vegetation and is primarily composed of rugged cliffs and rock formations. The island is accessible by boat, and visitors often come to explore its unique geological features and observe the diverse array of bird species that inhabit the area.

The waters surrounding Sgeir Hal are rich in marine life, making it a popular spot for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Underwater, divers can observe vibrant coral reefs, kelp forests, and a variety of fish species.

Sgeir Hal is also renowned for its bird colonies, providing nesting sites for species such as guillemots, razorbills, and puffins. During the breeding season, the island becomes a hub of activity as birds gather to lay their eggs and rear their young.

Due to its remote location and lack of facilities, Sgeir Hal is not suitable for overnight stays or extended visits. However, its natural beauty and abundant wildlife make it a favorite destination for day trips and nature enthusiasts seeking an immersive experience in the Scottish wilderness.

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Sgeir Hal Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.91413/-6.6580537 or Grid Reference NB2401. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Junction with Postman's Path, west of Rhenigidale
Junction with Postman's Path, west of Rhenigidale
Rhenigidale, Harris
Rhenigidale, Harris
Rhenigidale, Harris
Rhenigidale, Harris
Postman's Path between Rhenigidale to Gearraidh Lotaigear
Postman's Path between Rhenigidale to Gearraidh Lotaigear
Water source for Rhenigidale before mains water The small lake still has the pipework for delivering the water to Rhenigidale, but now the village is on the mains.
Water source for Rhenigidale before mains water
The small lake still has the pipework for delivering the water to Rhenigidale, but now the village is on the mains.
Path to the entrance to Rhenigidale Hostel Rhenigidale Hostel is owned by a charity - the Gatliff Hebridean Hostels Trust - and has been open for over 50 years.  The Gatliff Trust is affiliated to the SYHA.
Path to the entrance to Rhenigidale Hostel
Rhenigidale Hostel is owned by a charity - the Gatliff Hebridean Hostels Trust - and has been open for over 50 years. The Gatliff Trust is affiliated to the SYHA.
Rubha na h-Uamha  This headland has a cave and juts into Loch Seaforth.
Rubha na h-Uamha
This headland has a cave and juts into Loch Seaforth.
Gearraidh Mhurchaidh A well restored cottage that may be accessed by a minor path from Rhenigidale or by boat to a small pier far below the cottage.  A "railway"connects the pier to the lawn beside the house allowing supplies to be easily taken up to the house.
Gearraidh Mhurchaidh
A well restored cottage that may be accessed by a minor path from Rhenigidale or by boat to a small pier far below the cottage. A "railway"connects the pier to the lawn beside the house allowing supplies to be easily taken up to the house.
Mountain terrain above Loch Seaforth The rock outcrops made for easier walking than the heather of the hillside. The east side of Loch Seaforth is seen as being excessively steep.
Mountain terrain above Loch Seaforth
The rock outcrops made for easier walking than the heather of the hillside. The east side of Loch Seaforth is seen as being excessively steep.
The entrance to Loch Seaforth from Druim Caol A bright afternoon to enjoy the coastal and mountain scenery of Rhenigidale.
The entrance to Loch Seaforth from Druim Caol
A bright afternoon to enjoy the coastal and mountain scenery of Rhenigidale.
Looking across Port Rhenigidale Beyond the entrance to Rhenigidale lies Loch Trolamaraig.
Looking across Port Rhenigidale
Beyond the entrance to Rhenigidale lies Loch Trolamaraig.
The hamlet of Rhenigidale All but one of the houses of Rhenigidale are visible here.  The school bus calls daily in term time and on demand in the school holidays.  There is a postbox, a self catering cottage and the Gatliff Trust Youth Hostel. The Hostel Warden lives here as does the last postman who did the daily walk along the "Postman's Path" from Urgha on the Tarbert to Scalpay Road.

The mountain Toddun dominates the village.  The trees and road  are recent additions to the village.
The hamlet of Rhenigidale
All but one of the houses of Rhenigidale are visible here. The school bus calls daily in term time and on demand in the school holidays. There is a postbox, a self catering cottage and the Gatliff Trust Youth Hostel. The Hostel Warden lives here as does the last postman who did the daily walk along the "Postman's Path" from Urgha on the Tarbert to Scalpay Road. The mountain Toddun dominates the village. The trees and road are recent additions to the village.
Rhenigidale from the headland of Rubha Glas 2015 A similar viewpoint to <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/330137">NB2301 : Coastline SE of Rhenigidale</a> taken in the 1980s.  Note the two new modern houses, the new road, the introduction of trees and, not so obvious but apparent on the ground, vast numbers of fences fencing parcels of land around the village.

The Youth Hostel is hidden by the woodland - not so in the earlier image.  Unchanging is the weather and the mass of Toddun overlooking the village.
Rhenigidale from the headland of Rubha Glas 2015
A similar viewpoint to NB2301 : Coastline SE of Rhenigidale taken in the 1980s. Note the two new modern houses, the new road, the introduction of trees and, not so obvious but apparent on the ground, vast numbers of fences fencing parcels of land around the village. The Youth Hostel is hidden by the woodland - not so in the earlier image. Unchanging is the weather and the mass of Toddun overlooking the village.
Reinigeadal
Reinigeadal
Rhenigidale
Rhenigidale
Gatliff Trust Hostel Gatliff Trust Hostel at Rhenigidale.
Gatliff Trust Hostel
Gatliff Trust Hostel at Rhenigidale.
Loch Trolamaraig View south from unfinished picnic table area, eastern slope to Leac Easgadil on right, road to Reinigeadal built in 1990 to left, Skye in distance.
Loch Trolamaraig
View south from unfinished picnic table area, eastern slope to Leac Easgadil on right, road to Reinigeadal built in 1990 to left, Skye in distance.
Eilean Dubh a' Bhàigh Todun Hill prominent in background
Eilean Dubh a' Bhàigh
Todun Hill prominent in background
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Sgeir Hal is located at Grid Ref: NB2401 (Lat: 57.91413, Lng: -6.6580537)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///steady.lunching.tastier. Near Tarbert, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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