Eilean Ghamhna

Island in Argyllshire

Scotland

Eilean Ghamhna

Looking north from Eileann Mhor
Looking north from Eileann Mhor Credit: eddie crawford

Eilean Ghamhna, also known as Gamhna Island, is a small yet picturesque island located off the west coast of Scotland in Argyllshire. Situated in the Sound of Jura, this island is part of the Inner Hebrides archipelago. With an area of approximately 1.5 hectares, Eilean Ghamhna is a tiny but captivating landmass.

The island is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain, surrounded by the clear waters of the sound. It is mostly uninhabited, with no permanent residents, making it a tranquil and secluded retreat. Visitors to Eilean Ghamhna can enjoy the untouched natural beauty of the island, which is home to a variety of coastal plants and wildlife.

The island's name, Eilean Ghamhna, is derived from the Gaelic language and translates to "calf island." Its name is believed to originate from the presence of seals, locally known as "calf of man," in the surrounding waters.

Access to Eilean Ghamhna is by boat, as there are no bridges connecting it to the mainland. The island offers stunning views of the neighboring islands and the mainland coastline. It is a popular spot for birdwatching, with a range of seabirds nesting on its cliffs, including guillemots, kittiwakes, and puffins.

Visitors to Eilean Ghamhna can also explore the nearby waters, engaging in activities such as kayaking, sailing, and fishing. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape amidst the rugged beauty of the Scottish coast.

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Eilean Ghamhna Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.919674/-5.7137878 or Grid Reference NR6875. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Looking north from Eileann Mhor
Looking north from Eileann Mhor
Sgeir Bun an Locha
Sgeir Bun an Locha
Eilean nan Leac
Eilean nan Leac
Corr Eilean
Corr Eilean
Rubha nam Maraich The tip of Danna. The landform of lots of parallel steep sided ridges continues into the sea.
Rubha nam Maraich
The tip of Danna. The landform of lots of parallel steep sided ridges continues into the sea.
Eilean nan Leac Elongated island, continuing the pattern of long steep sided parallel ridges in Knapdale. Parts of Islay in the background were being refracted above the horizon. Knocklayd in Co. Antrim was also visible at the time.
Eilean nan Leac
Elongated island, continuing the pattern of long steep sided parallel ridges in Knapdale. Parts of Islay in the background were being refracted above the horizon. Knocklayd in Co. Antrim was also visible at the time.
Eilean Puirt Lèithe Eilean Puirt Lèithe is a tidal island with the Knapdale elongated ridge form. A parallel ridge forms Eilean nan Leac a bit further out.
Eilean Puirt Lèithe
Eilean Puirt Lèithe is a tidal island with the Knapdale elongated ridge form. A parallel ridge forms Eilean nan Leac a bit further out.
Cormac Isles Corr Eilean and Eilean Glas, a continuation of the Taynish ridge with the Paps of Jura in the background.
Cormac Isles
Corr Eilean and Eilean Glas, a continuation of the Taynish ridge with the Paps of Jura in the background.
Boat leaving Loch Sween Probably bound for Jura (background, beyond the end of Danna).
Boat leaving Loch Sween
Probably bound for Jura (background, beyond the end of Danna).
St Cormac's Chapel, Eilean Glas 13th century chapel in the middle of the island which is associated with a place of retreat for St Cormac. Jura beyond.
St Cormac's Chapel, Eilean Glas
13th century chapel in the middle of the island which is associated with a place of retreat for St Cormac. Jura beyond.
Otter enjoying the autumn sun The otter was fast asleep on a rock in the gap between Eilean a’Chapuill and Sgeir Dhonncha enjoying the autumn sun.
Otter enjoying the autumn sun
The otter was fast asleep on a rock in the gap between Eilean a’Chapuill and Sgeir Dhonncha enjoying the autumn sun.
Sgeir Bun an Locha Skerries which translate as "The Reef at the Bottom of the Loch".
Sgeir Bun an Locha
Skerries which translate as "The Reef at the Bottom of the Loch".
The soggy end of Rubha nam Maraich Rubha nam Maraich means Headland of the Sailors.
The soggy end of Rubha nam Maraich
Rubha nam Maraich means Headland of the Sailors.
Looking inland from Rubha nam Maraich A very low tide allowed me to get a long way out along the point.
Looking inland from Rubha nam Maraich
A very low tide allowed me to get a long way out along the point.
Rubha nan Caorach from Rubha nam Maraich Rubha nan Caorach is the Headland of the Sheep.
Rubha nan Caorach from Rubha nam Maraich
Rubha nan Caorach is the Headland of the Sheep.
Sandy bay on the Island of Danna
Sandy bay on the Island of Danna
Rocky shoreline on the Island of Danna Rubha nan Caorach, the Headland of the Sheep, is the point to the right of this small bay.
Rocky shoreline on the Island of Danna
Rubha nan Caorach, the Headland of the Sheep, is the point to the right of this small bay.
Exposed rock on the foreshore
Exposed rock on the foreshore
Show me another place!

Eilean Ghamhna is located at Grid Ref: NR6875 (Lat: 55.919674, Lng: -5.7137878)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire

What 3 Words

///distracts.fired.passes. Near Craighouse, Argyll & Bute

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