An Dubh-Eilean

Island in Argyllshire

Scotland

An Dubh-Eilean

An Taigh Cearc (The Hen House) This small dwelling is of a type common in the eighteenth century
An Taigh Cearc (The Hen House) Credit: James Wood

An Dubh-Eilean, also known as Black Island, is a small island located in Argyllshire, Scotland. Situated in the Inner Hebrides, it lies in the Sound of Mull, just off the western coast of the mainland. The island covers an area of about 1.5 square miles and has a population of around 50 people.

An Dubh-Eilean is renowned for its natural beauty, with rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and lush greenery. The island is dominated by a prominent summit known as Beinn a' Ghraig, which offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The island's coastline is dotted with numerous sea caves and rock formations, providing a haven for marine wildlife such as seals and seabirds.

The main settlement on the island is Port Ramsay, a picturesque fishing village that serves as a hub for the local community. The village is characterized by traditional stone houses, a small harbor, and a lively pub that serves as a gathering place for residents and visitors alike.

An Dubh-Eilean's economy largely relies on fishing, agriculture, and tourism. The island attracts visitors from across the globe who come to enjoy its unspoiled natural environment, undertake outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and fishing, or simply relax in the tranquil surroundings.

Although remote, An Dubh-Eilean is easily accessible by ferry from the nearby town of Oban. The island offers a unique escape from the bustling mainland, providing a peaceful retreat in the heart of Scotland's stunning west coast.

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An Dubh-Eilean Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.016107/-6.2717062 or Grid Reference NR3388. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

An Taigh Cearc (The Hen House) This small dwelling is of a type common in the eighteenth century
An Taigh Cearc (The Hen House)
This small dwelling is of a type common in the eighteenth century
Oronsay scarecrow Oronsay is an RSPB reserve which is farmed to encourage an increase in the population of corncrakes
Oronsay scarecrow
Oronsay is an RSPB reserve which is farmed to encourage an increase in the population of corncrakes
Stabilised walls in Oronsay Priory
Stabilised walls in Oronsay Priory
Bay on the west coast of Oronsay Low tide on a simple beach line.
Bay on the west coast of Oronsay
Low tide on a simple beach line.
On the west coast of Oronsay All the important elements.  A bay, machair, the home farm and Priory, Benn Oronsay and ---surprise, surprise --- a small building marked only on the most detailed maps.
On the west coast of Oronsay
All the important elements. A bay, machair, the home farm and Priory, Benn Oronsay and ---surprise, surprise --- a small building marked only on the most detailed maps.
Track through the machair These tracks are used daily by the RSPB staff who run around the island in their vehicles checking the welfare of the animals and birds.
Track through the machair
These tracks are used daily by the RSPB staff who run around the island in their vehicles checking the welfare of the animals and birds.
Track to Oronsay Farm and House From this angle Oronsay Priory is hidden behind the buildings.  The field adjacent to the track is full of wildflowers for the corncrakes who were rather noisy!
Track to Oronsay Farm and House
From this angle Oronsay Priory is hidden behind the buildings. The field adjacent to the track is full of wildflowers for the corncrakes who were rather noisy!
Wildflower meadow, Oronsay Located in front of the rather fine Oronsay House. The meadows are designed to provide habitat for the corncrakes that are attracted to the area.
Wildflower meadow, Oronsay
Located in front of the rather fine Oronsay House. The meadows are designed to provide habitat for the corncrakes that are attracted to the area.
Tombstones at Oronsay Priory Eighteen years on since <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3096272">NR3488 : Tombstones at Oronsay Priory</a>.  Spot the difference!

One of the roofed buildings of Oronsay Priory contains an array of tombstones. Of the two raised off the floor one is reputed to be that of Sir Alexander Macdonald of Lochalsh, who died about 1498.
Tombstones at Oronsay Priory
Eighteen years on since NR3488 : Tombstones at Oronsay Priory. Spot the difference! One of the roofed buildings of Oronsay Priory contains an array of tombstones. Of the two raised off the floor one is reputed to be that of Sir Alexander Macdonald of Lochalsh, who died about 1498.
Grassland at  Rubha Caol, southwest Oronsay
Grassland at Rubha Caol, southwest Oronsay
Oronsay Priory and Farm The priory is a Scheduled Monument (see <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/SM287" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/SM287">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> ).
Comparison with <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4403124">NR3488 : Oronsay Priory</a> shows that many of the farm buildings have been renovated since 1974.
Islay is on the horizon on the left.
Oronsay Priory and Farm
The priory is a Scheduled Monument (see LinkExternal link ). Comparison with NR3488 : Oronsay Priory shows that many of the farm buildings have been renovated since 1974. Islay is on the horizon on the left.
Bay on west coast of Oronsay
Bay on west coast of Oronsay
Sandy beach on the west coast of Oronsay
Sandy beach on the west coast of Oronsay
Cross at Oronsay Priory
Cross at Oronsay Priory
Small bothy on Oronsay The building was open but the only contents seemed to lead to its use being more to do with fishing than farming
Small bothy on Oronsay
The building was open but the only contents seemed to lead to its use being more to do with fishing than farming
Small lochan on Oronsay Virtually choked by Iris there was very little water here
Small lochan on Oronsay
Virtually choked by Iris there was very little water here
Entrance to Oronsay Priory and Farm
Entrance to Oronsay Priory and Farm
Road on Oronsay
Road on Oronsay
Show me another place!

An Dubh-Eilean is located at Grid Ref: NR3388 (Lat: 56.016107, Lng: -6.2717062)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire

What 3 Words

///deck.hindered.bottled. Near Scalasaig, Argyll & Bute

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 56.016107,-6.2717062
Port na Luinge
Natural: bay
Source Name: OS_OpenData_StreetView
Lat/Long: 56.0187272/-6.2690508
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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