Fraoch Eilean

Island in Argyllshire

Scotland

Fraoch Eilean

Fladda Lighthouse, from the Sound of Luing A lighthouse on one of the smaller Slate Islands in the Sound of Luing, built in 1860 by the Stevenson brothers <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fladda,_Slate_Islands" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fladda,_Slate_Islands">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>. The land to the left is another Slate Island, Belnahua. The cliffs [ca 250 m] to the right are about 13 km away at An Garradh, the southern edge of Laggan Deer Forest on Mull. — Fladda Lighthouse, from the Sound of Luing Credit: M J Richardson

Fraoch Eilean is a picturesque island located off the west coast of Scotland in Argyllshire. With an area of approximately 40 acres, it is a relatively small island, but it is rich in natural beauty and historical significance.

The island is known for its stunning landscapes, featuring rocky cliffs that drop down to the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Lush green fields and hills cover the majority of Fraoch Eilean, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The island is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as it is home to a variety of bird species, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills.

In terms of history, Fraoch Eilean is believed to have been inhabited since ancient times. Ruins of a prehistoric fort can still be seen on the island, providing a glimpse into its early settlement. During medieval times, the island had a small community, which was likely involved in fishing and agriculture.

Today, Fraoch Eilean remains uninhabited, serving as a popular destination for day trips and exploration. Visitors can take a boat trip to the island and spend a day exploring its rugged landscapes, hiking its trails, and enjoying the breathtaking views. Due to its conservation status, camping and fires are not permitted on the island, ensuring its natural beauty is preserved for generations to come.

Overall, Fraoch Eilean is a hidden gem in Argyllshire, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature and experience the rich history of this small but captivating island.

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Fraoch Eilean Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.245072/-5.6556599 or Grid Reference NM7311. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Fladda Lighthouse, from the Sound of Luing

A lighthouse on one of the smaller Slate Islands in the Sound of Luing, built in 1860 by the Stevenson brothers Link

. The land to the left is another Slate Island, Belnahua. The cliffs [ca 250 m] to the right are about 13 km away at An Garradh, the southern edge of Laggan Deer Forest on Mull.

M J Richardson

Luing - Achafoll - Ruined mill

The old ruined mill at Achafoll on the Isle of Luing still retains its waterwheel though this has not turned in many years. The view extends across the verdant countryside of the Isle of Luing, with the Isle of Scarba forming a lumpy backdrop. See also: NM7410 : Luing - Achafolla - Close-up view of the old mill NM7410 : Luing - Achafoll - Former watermill NM7410 : Luing - Achafolla - Old mill in its valley

Rob Farrow

Luing - Achafoll - Former watermill

The old ruined mill at Achafoll on Luing. The distant rising land is the isle of Scarba. See also NM7410 : Luing - Achafoll - Ruined mill NM7410 : Luing - Achafolla - Old mill in its valley and NM7410 : Luing - Achafolla - Close-up view of the old mill

Rob Farrow

Luing - Achafolla - Old mill in its valley

This photogenic old mill at Achafolla on the Isle of Luing has not ground anything for many a year. It is seen here in the valley created by the stream that once fed it. See also: NM7410 : Luing - Achafoll - Ruined mill NM7410 : Luing - Achafoll - Former watermill NM7410 : Luing - Achafolla - Close-up view of the old mill

Rob Farrow

Luing - Achafolla - Close-up view of the old mill

A zoomed shot of the ruinous old watermill at Achafolla. See also: NM7410 : Luing - Achafoll - Ruined mill NM7410 : Luing - Achafoll - Former watermill NM7410 : Luing - Achafolla - Old mill in its valley

Rob Farrow

Luing - Hidden burn

Deep within the greenery seen here runs a burn which once supplied the water to power NM7410 : Luing - Achafoll - Former watermill

Rob Farrow

Luing - Cullipool - Dead-end street heading northwards

This is the northernmost street in the village of Cullipool the 'capital' of the Isle of Luing. A disused quarry (not flooded) lies ahead beneath the cliffs of Cnoc Dhomhnuill the highest hill on the island at 94m (308') though its peak is off to the east of the village. These very neat and tidy whitewashed houses were built in the 1870s to house workers of Cullipool Slate Quarries. Almost all the older houses in Cullipool are HES Category 'B' listed: see Link

and almost the entire village is a conservation area - see Link

Rob Farrow

Luing - Cullipool - Whitewashed houses

These very neat and tidy whitewashed houses were built in the 1870s to house workers of Cullipool Slate Quarries. Almost all the older houses in Cullipool are HES Category 'B' listed: see Link

and almost the entire village is a conservation area - see Link

Rob Farrow

Luing - Cullipool - Double sided row of whitewashed cottages

These very neat and tidy whitewashed houses were built in the 1870s to house workers of Cullipool Slate Quarries. Almost all the older houses in Cullipool are HES Category 'B' listed: see Link

and almost the entire village is a conservation area - see Link

Rob Farrow

Luing - Cullapool - Street which leads to former church

This street heads southeastwards from the centre of Cullipool and leads (after a few wiggles) to the former Episcopal Church Of St Peter which is now a private house and can be seen in an elevated position in the distance. These whitewashed houses remind me of those you find on some Greek islands! Almost all the older houses in Cullipool are HES Category 'B' listed: see Link

and almost the entire village is a conservation area - see Link

Rob Farrow

Luing - Cullipool - Landing stage

A rectangular concrete area can be accessed from the road to the south of Cullipool on Luing. I think it is some kind of landing stage. There were various pieces of fishing equipment such as creels and floats around and about it.

Rob Farrow

Luing - Cullipool - Flooded quarry view eastwards

The flooded quarry to the south of the main part of the village of Cullipool on Luing is roughly L-shaped (though upside down and mirrored). This view is across the northern arm looking eastwards.

Rob Farrow

Luing - Cullipool - Flooded quarry view southwards

The flooded quarry to the south of the main part of the village of Cullipool on Luing is roughly L-shaped (though upside down and mirrored) This view is southwards along the longer arm of the L. I think that the white house in the distance must be a newly built property [2022] as it appears neither on the large scale maps nor on aerial images.

Rob Farrow

Luing - View to the islets of the Sound of Luing from Cullipool

The road into Cullipool sweeps around a bend with tremendous views down the Sound of Luing to its many islands and hundreds of islets, skerries and rocks. The most noticeable island is on the left of the image, this is Scarba. For closer views of some of the other islands in this image see: NM7212 : Luing - View to Dubh Sgeir and islands beyond NM7212 : Dubh Sgeir NM7212 : Looking over Sgeir Bhuidhe to Fladda (Sound of Luing) NM7112 : Belnahua from Luing

Rob Farrow

Luing - View to Dubh Sgeir and islands beyond

The island with the beacon at mid distance is NM7212 : Dubh Sgeir. Behind this lined up from left to right are NM7110 : Rubha Fiola (the northern end of the Isle of Luing), Eilean Dubh Mòr, Eilean Dubh Beag, with in front of it the low-lying island of Ormsa. The greyer looking, rightmost island behind Eilean Dubh Beag is Garbh Eileach the largest of the Garvellachs. In the foreground the dark southern end of Sgeir Bhuidhe appears to be a promontory but is in fact an off-shore skerry.

Rob Farrow

Dubh Sgeir

Dubh Sgeir is an islet in the Sound of Luing boasting a navigation/warning beacon (Flashes every six seconds). It has an area of just 0.3ha (0.8 acres) at MHWS but increases dramatically at low tide to about 1.5ha (3.8 acres). It has a maximum elevation of 5m (16'). Unsurprisingly it is uninhabited.

Rob Farrow

Looking over Sgeir Bhuidhe to Fladda (Sound of Luing)

The land in the foreground is the central section of the near-coast skerry of Sgeir Bhuidhe (translates as Yellow Skerry). The island with the lighthouse on it is Fladda. The lighthouse emits two flashes every 9 seconds (Fl(2) 9s) and was built in 1860 by David & Robert Stevenson. The tower is just 13m (43') high and has a range of 11 nautical miles. The area of the island is c. 1.2ha (3.1 acres) at MHWS increasing to c. 4.7ha (11.5 acres) at the lowest tides. Fladda means "flat island" and indeed it rises only a metre or two above sea level at MHWS. "Fladda" and variants on it, is one of the commonest names for Scottish islands along with Flodday (and variants) which means "raft island" - see Link

Rob Farrow

Fladda from Easdale

The isle of Fladda as seen from the summit of the hill on the island of Easdale. The lighthouse emits two flashes every 9 seconds (Fl(2) 9s) and was built in 1860 by David & Robert Stevenson. The tower is just 13m (43') high and has a range of 11 nautical miles. The area of the island is c. 1.2ha (3.1 acres) at MHWS increasing to c. 4.7ha (11.5 acres) at the lowest tides. Fladda means "flat island" and indeed it rises only a metre or two above sea level at MHWS. "Fladda" and variants on it, is one of the commonest names for Scottish islands along with Flodday (and variants) which means "raft island" - see Link

The land immediately behind Fladda is NM7110 : Rubha Fiola a northern promontory of Lunga and behind that rise the slopes of Scarba. See also NM7212 : Fladda lighthouse and boat and NM7212 : Looking over Sgeir Bhuidhe to Fladda (Sound of Luing)

Rob Farrow

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Fraoch Eilean is located at Grid Ref: NM7311 (Lat: 56.245072, Lng: -5.6556599)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire