Tarsgeir

Island in Ross-shire

Scotland

Tarsgeir

Aird Bheag Bhràgair A small area of the rocky headland here is the only land in this square.
Aird Bheag Bhràgair Credit: Anne Burgess

Tarsgeir, located in Ross-shire, is a picturesque island situated off the northwest coast of Scotland. With a total land area of approximately 20 square miles, it is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history.

The island is characterized by its rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, and rolling hills, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and neighboring islands. Tarsgeir is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including various seabirds, seals, and otters. Its unspoiled beaches and tranquil atmosphere make it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

In terms of history, Tarsgeir has been inhabited for centuries and bears evidence of ancient settlements and archaeological sites. It has played a significant role in Scotland's history, with remnants of castles and fortifications scattered across the island. Visitors can explore these historical landmarks and learn about the island's past through guided tours and interpretive displays.

Despite its remote location, Tarsgeir offers a range of amenities to cater to visitors. The island has a small population, with a close-knit community that is known for its warm hospitality. There are limited accommodation options available, including cozy bed and breakfasts and self-catering cottages. Additionally, visitors can enjoy local cuisine at the island's few restaurants, which often feature fresh seafood sourced from the surrounding waters.

Whether it's exploring its natural wonders, delving into its history, or simply enjoying the tranquility of its surroundings, Tarsgeir offers a unique and unforgettable experience for those seeking a getaway in the Scottish Highlands.

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Tarsgeir Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.350757/-6.665876 or Grid Reference NB2749. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Aird Bheag Bhràgair A small area of the rocky headland here is the only land in this square.
Aird Bheag Bhràgair
A small area of the rocky headland here is the only land in this square.
Aird Bheag Bhràgair This rocky shelf, the rocks on the shore below, and a couple of offshore rocks, are the only land in this square.
Aird Bheag Bhràgair
This rocky shelf, the rocks on the shore below, and a couple of offshore rocks, are the only land in this square.
Sgeir Mhòr The grid line bisects these rock outcrops just off Aird Bheag Bhràgair.
Sgeir Mhòr
The grid line bisects these rock outcrops just off Aird Bheag Bhràgair.
Aird Bheag Bhràgair Looking down on the rocky shelf shown in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1344440">NB2750 : Aird Bheag Bhràgair</a>.
Aird Bheag Bhràgair
Looking down on the rocky shelf shown in NB2750 : Aird Bheag Bhràgair.
Small beach east of Rubha Gharsan
Small beach east of Rubha Gharsan
Iuchair Like much of this coast, the sea has made deep cuts into the headland.

See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2598514">NB2649 : Coastal rubbish dump</a> for a close up of the old rubbish dump in the nearer cut.
Iuchair
Like much of this coast, the sea has made deep cuts into the headland. See NB2649 : Coastal rubbish dump for a close up of the old rubbish dump in the nearer cut.
Coastal rubbish dump The sea used to be a convenient disposal point for all island rubbish. Here there are the remains of buildings, vehicle parts, and wire fencing,
Coastal rubbish dump
The sea used to be a convenient disposal point for all island rubbish. Here there are the remains of buildings, vehicle parts, and wire fencing,
Blow hole at Dunan Croir The sea has cut a cave deep into the cliff, and then created a hole in the roof of the cave. The hole is 2 or 3m across, and the floor of the cave perhaps 10m below.
Blow hole at Dunan Croir
The sea has cut a cave deep into the cliff, and then created a hole in the roof of the cave. The hole is 2 or 3m across, and the floor of the cave perhaps 10m below.
Dunan Croir This looks as if it might be a "little fort", hence the name. However Canmore reports that there is no evidence of artificial construction.

There is the remains of a rectangular enclosure in the foreground, but again Canmore dryly notes "Not an antiquity".
Dunan Croir
This looks as if it might be a "little fort", hence the name. However Canmore reports that there is no evidence of artificial construction. There is the remains of a rectangular enclosure in the foreground, but again Canmore dryly notes "Not an antiquity".
Bad stile near Labost This type of stile is used throughout the coastal walk from Bragar to Siabost.

It's an object lesson in how not to make a stile. Firstly the single step is much too high, as demonstrated by my able assistant. It risks pulled muscles, climbing up or jumping down.

Secondly, as everyone has to pull on the top bar to climb up, the bar soon breaks off. Half the stiles on this part of the walk had lost the bar. Once the bar comes off, the rest of the stile becomes unstable because the legs are long and there is no cross bracing.

Next, the mortice joint attaching the step to the back legs is too shallow. After we climbed over one stile, we found that the joint had come unscrewed and only a 1cm edge of wood on the wonky stile stopped it from collapsing.

Finally, to add damage to injury, the barbed wire of the fence is uncovered, so it catches rucsacks as you jump off.
Bad stile near Labost
This type of stile is used throughout the coastal walk from Bragar to Siabost. It's an object lesson in how not to make a stile. Firstly the single step is much too high, as demonstrated by my able assistant. It risks pulled muscles, climbing up or jumping down. Secondly, as everyone has to pull on the top bar to climb up, the bar soon breaks off. Half the stiles on this part of the walk had lost the bar. Once the bar comes off, the rest of the stile becomes unstable because the legs are long and there is no cross bracing. Next, the mortice joint attaching the step to the back legs is too shallow. After we climbed over one stile, we found that the joint had come unscrewed and only a 1cm edge of wood on the wonky stile stopped it from collapsing. Finally, to add damage to injury, the barbed wire of the fence is uncovered, so it catches rucsacks as you jump off.
Footbridge over Loch Ordais outflow This footbridge gives access to the coastal walk west from the car park at Bragar.
Footbridge over Loch Ordais outflow
This footbridge gives access to the coastal walk west from the car park at Bragar.
War graves at Bragar cemetery There are several war graves in the cemetery. Sadly, half of them bear the date 1st January 1919. 205 men returning to Lewis were drowned in the Iolaire disaster close to Stornoway.

The grave in the foreground has an even later date, 26 October 1919. Donald Morrison served on HMS Pontefract, a minesweeper, and died in an accident.
War graves at Bragar cemetery
There are several war graves in the cemetery. Sadly, half of them bear the date 1st January 1919. 205 men returning to Lewis were drowned in the Iolaire disaster close to Stornoway. The grave in the foreground has an even later date, 26 October 1919. Donald Morrison served on HMS Pontefract, a minesweeper, and died in an accident.
Windsurfer at Port Mhòr Bhràgair
Windsurfer at Port Mhòr Bhràgair
Beach at Port Mhòr Bhràgair
Beach at Port Mhòr Bhràgair
Loch Ordais
Loch Ordais
OS bolt, Àird Mhòr Bhràgair, Isle of Lewis The islands in the distance lie off Great Bernera/Beàrnaraigh.
OS bolt, Àird Mhòr Bhràgair, Isle of Lewis
The islands in the distance lie off Great Bernera/Beàrnaraigh.
Teampull Eoin and gravestones Ruined church possibly of 15th century date surrounded by low grave markers. <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/4191/lewis-teampull-eoin" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/4191/lewis-teampull-eoin">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Teampull Eoin and gravestones
Ruined church possibly of 15th century date surrounded by low grave markers. LinkExternal link
Loch Eallagro A small loch in the village of Labost.
Loch Eallagro
A small loch in the village of Labost.
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Tarsgeir is located at Grid Ref: NB2749 (Lat: 58.350757, Lng: -6.665876)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///downsize.pure.luggage. Near Carloway, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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