Eilean nam Ban

Island in Argyllshire

Scotland

Eilean nam Ban

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

Eilean nam Ban is a small island located in Argyllshire, Scotland. Situated in the Inner Hebrides, it lies approximately 2 miles off the west coast of mainland Scotland, near the town of Oban. The name Eilean nam Ban translates to "Island of Women" in Scottish Gaelic.

Covering an area of about 20 acres, Eilean nam Ban is known for its picturesque and rugged landscape. The island is characterized by rocky cliffs, heather-covered hills, and beautiful sandy beaches. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and the nearby islands, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers.

The island is uninhabited and has no permanent residents. However, it does have historical significance. In the 16th century, Eilean nam Ban was used as a refuge for women during times of conflict. The island provided shelter and protection for women and children fleeing from mainland battles.

Today, the island is a peaceful and serene place, attracting visitors who seek solitude and tranquility. It is accessible by boat and offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting. Seals, dolphins, and various bird species can often be seen in the surrounding waters.

Eilean nam Ban's remote location and natural beauty make it a hidden gem in the Argyllshire region, offering a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience for those who wish to explore Scotland's rugged coastline.

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Eilean nam Ban Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.337362/-6.3680282 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

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