Holm Island

Island in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Holm Island

Bearreraig Waterfall This waterfall is fed from the Storr Lochs and forms part of the Bearraraig River. The Storr Lochs Hydro Electric Dam now diverts most of the river flow through pipes to the turbine hall below. This view shows an eroded layer of limestone. — Bearreraig Waterfall Credit: Dougie Elder

Holm Island is a small, uninhabited island located in the Inverness-shire region of Scotland. It is situated in the Beauly Firth, a body of water that separates the city of Inverness from the Black Isle. The island is approximately 1.5 miles long and 0.5 miles wide, with a total area of around 100 acres.

Holm Island is known for its picturesque scenery, with rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and lush vegetation. The island is a popular destination for birdwatchers, as it is home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. It is also a haven for wildlife, with seals and otters often spotted along its shores.

Access to Holm Island is limited, as it is only accessible by boat. Visitors can arrange for boat trips to the island from nearby towns such as Inverness or Beauly. Once on the island, visitors can explore its rugged coastline, take in the stunning views, and enjoy a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Overall, Holm Island is a hidden gem in the Inverness-shire region, offering a tranquil and scenic escape for those looking to explore Scotland's natural beauty.

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Holm Island Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.485179/-6.1318634 or Grid Reference NG5251. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bearreraig Waterfall

This waterfall is fed from the Storr Lochs and forms part of the Bearraraig River. The Storr Lochs Hydro Electric Dam now diverts most of the river flow through pipes to the turbine hall below. This view shows an eroded layer of limestone.

Dougie Elder

Loch Leathan and the Storr

The dam was built to increase the water available to the Storr Lochs power station on the shore below, which opened in 1952.

Ian Taylor

Storr Lochs Dam

The dam was built to increase the size of Loch Leathan to supply the Storr Lochs power station on the shore below. The power station can generate 2.4MW, from a head of 136m. It opened in 1952.

Ian Taylor

Storr Lochs Dam and the Storr

The dam was built to increase the water available to the Storr Lochs power station on the shore below, which opened in 1952.

Ian Taylor

Old settlement at Holm

Remains of an old settlement on the raised beach. Holm island is in the background.

Ian Taylor

View east from above Holm

Looking across the Sound of Raasay from the top of the escarpment. Holm island is just offshore. The north end of Raasay is on the right, with Rona to the left of centre. The mainland is in the far distance, with Torridon in the centre.

Ian Taylor

Moorland above Holm

Between Loch Leathan and the coast. Looking north towards a ridge west of Holm.

Ian Taylor

Loch Leathan

One of the Storr Lochs which have been dammed to produce hydroelectric power.

David Purchase

Storr Lochs Dam, Loch Leathan

The dam is located on Loch Leathan, the lower of the two lochs known as the Storr Lochs, the upper being Loch Fada. The Bearreraig River emerges from Loch Leathan at the hydroelectric dam.

Rudi Winter

Power Station at Bearreraig Bay

The penstock pipes take the water from down from Loch Leathan to the hydro turbines. Fossils can be found all along the coast here. However, most are of limited quality and all are in extremely hard rock and often huge boulders. Access to the beach is steep. Link

Russel Wills

Storr Lochs Dam

With slipway and boat house. The Storr in the background.

Russel Wills

Railway to a power station

Here is a railway which is the only working railway on Skye and the only hydro-electric power station in Scotland with a railway instead of an access road.

Russel Wills