Eilean Eòin

Island in Argyllshire

Scotland

Eilean Eòin

Rainbow above Fionnphort From the A849. — Rainbow above Fionnphort Credit: Andrew Abbott

Eilean Eòin, also known as John's Island, is a small island located off the west coast of Scotland in Argyllshire. It is situated in the Firth of Lorn, about 16 kilometers southwest of Oban. The island covers an area of approximately 1.5 hectares and is privately owned.

Eilean Eòin is known for its stunning natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. The island is characterized by rugged cliffs, rocky shores, and lush green vegetation. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding sea and nearby islands.

The island is uninhabited and has no permanent structures or facilities. It serves as a haven for wildlife, particularly seabirds such as puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. During the breeding season, the island becomes a bustling nesting site for these birds.

Access to Eilean Eòin is limited, as there are no regular boat services to the island. However, it is possible to arrange private boat trips or tours to explore the island and its surroundings. Visitors can enjoy activities such as birdwatching, hiking, and photography.

The island's history is relatively unknown, with little recorded evidence of past human activity. It is believed to have been used as a grazing ground for livestock in the past. Today, it remains a tranquil and untouched spot, offering a unique experience for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

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Eilean Eòin Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.331561/-6.3692909 or Grid Reference NM3024. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Rainbow above Fionnphort

From the A849.

Andrew Abbott

Taigh Geal

House near Fionnphort.

Andrew Abbott

Approaching the junction for Kintra

On the A849.

Andrew Abbott

The Beach at Fionnphort

Des Blenkinsopp

Fionnphort Beach and Iona

A view across the Sound of Iona.

Des Blenkinsopp

Split boulder at Fionnphort

A distinctive feature of the shore at Fionnphort, this huge split boulder of Ross of Mull Granite can only be approached dryshod at the bottom of a spring tide when an easy walk across the soft sand gives close up views from any angle of choice. The split is most obvious with the sky behind, looking north (its clear from the other side, too, of course, but then the rock is in shade and not so attractive to photograph). This rock must have been dropped here by ice - it's definitely a boulder, not bedrock. In some parts of the world, not too far away, the explanation would undoubtedly be that it had been lobbed by an angry Troll and had split on hitting some warrior's helmet.

Andy Waddington

Mooring on Fionnphort beach

I usually encounter mooring buoys by paddling past them in a sea kayak, but this one is at the bottom of a spring tide and entirely stranded, so the huge chain link to which it is attached can be inspected.

Andy Waddington

TÃ²rr MÃ²r quarry pier from Bull Hole

Bull Hole is a sheltered channel between Eilean nam Ban and the Ross of Mull, which forms a convenient anchorage for any vessel with a shallow enough draft. This includes the Iona ferry, which beds down tied to the island each night. The pier and buildings here are associated with the granite quarry at Tòrr Mòr and the jetty would have provided a secure place to tie up boats exporting the product elsewhere, out of the swiftly flowing tide in the Hole itself. It's looking a bit decrepit now, however, and what boats are here are pulled up safely on the grass above the beach.

Andy Waddington

Eilean Dubh na Ciste

Eilean Dubh na Ciste is a rocky skerry at the NNE end of Bull Hole, a narrow channel and anchorage between Iona and the Ross of Mull. Its advantage from my perspective is that the two main rocks are linked by a small sandy tombolo beach which provides a convenient place to land a sea kayak and wander around getting the best views. This view looks northwards to more skerries outside Kinta harbour, where the water is a lot calmer than on my last visit NM3125 : Paddling into the sun - Eilean Corrach.

Andy Waddington

Landing on Eilean Dubh na Ciste

Eilean Dubh na Ciste is a rocky skerry at the NNE end of Bull Hole, a narrow channel and anchorage between Iona and the Ross of Mull. Its advantage from my perspective is that the two main rocks are linked by a small sandy tombolo beach which provides a convenient place to land a sea kayak and wander around getting the best views. This is the full extent of the beach - my back is almost against the rocks looking over my landing spot towards the bay south of Kintra.

Andy Waddington

Sand on Eilean Dubh na Ciste

Eilean Dubh na Ciste is a rocky skerry at the NNE end of Bull Hole, a narrow channel and anchorage between Iona and the Ross of Mull. Its advantage from my perspective is that the two main rocks are linked by a small sandy tombolo beach which provides a convenient place to land a sea kayak and wander around getting the best views. These are the rocks on the eastern edge of the beach, beyond which lie the shallow bays and rocky coast hiding the settlement of Kintra.

Andy Waddington