Eilean Mòr

Island in Argyllshire

Scotland

Eilean Mòr

Druim Nan Carn Trig A beautiful spot for a trig point on a sunny afternoon with Iain Brown and Martin Richardson. — Druim Nan Carn Trig Credit: Rude Health

Eilean Mòr is a small island located in Argyllshire, off the western coast of Scotland. Also known as the Great Island, it is part of the Inner Hebrides archipelago. The island spans approximately 12 square miles and is characterized by rugged, rocky terrain, with a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Eilean Mòr boasts a rich history dating back thousands of years. Evidence of early human habitation can be seen in the form of ancient standing stones and burial cairns scattered across the island. The island was also once home to a thriving monastic community, with ruins of a medieval chapel still visible today.

One of the most notable features of Eilean Mòr is its iconic lighthouse, known as the Flannan Isles Lighthouse. Built in 1899, it stands tall on the island's western cliffs, warning passing ships of the treacherous waters. The lighthouse gained international fame in 1900 when its three keepers mysteriously disappeared without a trace, sparking numerous theories and legends.

Eilean Mòr is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding sea and neighboring islands. The island is home to a variety of bird species, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Its rugged coastline also provides opportunities for sea kayaking and exploring hidden coves and caves.

Visitors to Eilean Mòr can enjoy the tranquility and solitude of the island, immersing themselves in its rich history and natural beauty. With its fascinating landmarks and untouched landscapes, Eilean Mòr is a true gem of Argyllshire and a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a unique Scottish island experience.

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Eilean Mòr Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.696761/-6.4456614 or Grid Reference NM2764. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Druim Nan Carn Trig

A beautiful spot for a trig point on a sunny afternoon with Iain Brown and Martin Richardson.

Rude Health

Isle of Coll: end of the B8072 at Sorisdale

The road comes to an end at this turning area, although a footpath continues along the private driveway ahead to the bay.

Chris Downer

Isle of Coll: old croft building at Sorisdale

A derelict building among various houses old and new, just above the bay.

Chris Downer

Isle of Coll: Sorisdale Bay

A sandy bay at the northeast end of the island, which has a hamlet of a scattering of houses around it.

Chris Downer

Cairns of Coll Rocks

These skerries are slightly mislabelled on the OS map as "Cairns of Coll', a name that applies to the group of small islands just to the south, including Sùil Ghorm, Eag na Maoile and Eilean Mòr.

John Allan

Coll - Sorisdale - Turning area

The turning area at the end of the B8072 as it arrives at Sorisdale. If driving, you can't park in this area and have to find a reasonable place to abandon your vehicle which doesn't either block the lane or an access to the fields. Also, best to find somewhere where your wheels don't sink into the ground!

Rob Farrow

Coll - Sorisdale - Abandoned croft and byre

Two of the abandoned buildings at Sorisdale on the northern tip of Coll. I think that the nearer one was probably a croft, and the other a byre or barn. Closer views of these two individually here: NM2763 : Coll - Sorisdale - Former croft NM2763 : Coll - Sorisdale - Former byre or barn See also shared description below:

Rob Farrow

Coll - Sorisdale - Former croft

This little building is, I believe, a former croft. It retains its thatched roof and by the looks of it was being used for storage. Next to it is NM2763 : Coll - Sorisdale - Former byre or barn which was most likely associated with it. See NM2763 : Coll - Sorisdale - Abandoned croft and byre to see the two buildings together. See shared description below:

Rob Farrow

Coll - Sorisdale - Former byre or barn

This little square stone-built and turf-roofed building is most likely a former byre or possibly a small barn. It was almost certainly associated with the adjacent NM2763 : Coll - Sorisdale - Former croft See NM2763 : Coll - Sorisdale - Abandoned croft and byre to see the two buildings together. See also shared description below:

Rob Farrow

Coll - Sorisdale - New build probably reusing old croft

This newly built or extensively refurbished property is towards the northeastern end of the settlement of Sorisdale. It is near to the beach with superb views over Sorisdale Bay. Whether it is a home or a holiday cottage I don't know, but I think that it may incorporate one or possibly more former crofts.

Rob Farrow

Coll - Sorisdale - Stream and house

Several streams flow to the sea at Sorisdale Bay; this one has flowed along the southern side of the settlement of Sorisdale and trickles over the sands of the bay. See NM2763 : Coll - Sorisdale - Stream to south of hamlet Above and to the right can be seen one of the extant and lived-in houses that remain in this largely-abandoned settlement.

Rob Farrow

Coll - Sorisdale - Stream to south of hamlet

This small stream (which doesn't seem to be marked on the map) flows mostly to the south of the settlement of Sorisdale. It is seen reaching the beach in NM2763 : Coll - Sorisdale - Stream and house.

Rob Farrow

Coll - Sorisdale - The beach

The fine sands of the beach at Sorisdale which is lapped by the waters of Sorisdale Bay. Some of the crofts and houses (mostly the few intact ones) overlook this beach.

Rob Farrow

Coll - Sorisdale - Beach and bay

Looking from near to the house seen in NM2763 : Coll - Sorisdale - Stream and house over reeds that line NM2763 : Coll - Sorisdale - Stream to south of hamlet to the beach and Sorisdale Bay out to Eilean na h-Àtha

Rob Farrow

Coll - Sorisdale - Ruins and extant house

Looking past two ruinous stone buildings (the righthand one enveloped in self-set plants) to one of the lived in properties at Sorisdale. This white cottage is Sorisdale Croft which dates from the late C18th or early C19th (see Link

)

Rob Farrow

Coll - Sorisdale - Ruined buildings

Looking along the side of one of the ruined buildings seen in NM2763 : Coll - Sorisdale - Ruins and extant house to the other which has a healthy growth of trees within its shell. Part of Sorisdale Croft can be just seen on the left.

Rob Farrow

Coll - Sorisdale - Stream, ford and footbridge

The track which winds its way through Sorisdale is seen here reappearing from a ford, while NM2763 : Coll - Sorisdale - Footbridge over stream allows pedestrians to cross the stream without getting wet. The lumpy little hill in the background is Cnoc Mòr.

Rob Farrow