Sgeir nan Rath

Island in Ross-shire

Scotland

Sgeir nan Rath

Sgeir nan Rath is a small uninhabited island located off the coast of Ross-shire, Scotland. With a total land area of approximately 0.4 hectares, the island is situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, within the Inner Sound between the mainland and the Isle of Skye.

Sgeir nan Rath is a rocky island, characterized by its jagged cliffs and rugged terrain. The island is primarily composed of ancient Precambrian Lewisian gneiss, a type of metamorphic rock that gives it a distinctive appearance. The surrounding waters are shallow, and the island is exposed during low tides, making it accessible to visitors for short periods.

Although Sgeir nan Rath is uninhabited, it is home to a diverse array of wildlife. The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, including seals, dolphins, and various species of seabirds. The island itself provides nesting grounds for seabirds such as fulmars, guillemots, and puffins. Birdwatchers often visit the island during the summer months to observe these nesting colonies.

Due to its remote location and limited size, Sgeir nan Rath does not offer any facilities or amenities for visitors. However, its natural beauty and unique geological features make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Access to the island is typically by private boat or during guided tours.

In summary, Sgeir nan Rath is a small, uninhabited island off the coast of Ross-shire, Scotland. Its rugged terrain, ancient rock formations, and diverse wildlife attract visitors who appreciate its natural beauty and tranquility.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Sgeir nan Rath Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.842248/-5.6307101 or Grid Reference NG8489. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Rubh' a' Choin

Mick Garratt

Remains of Jetty, Mellon Charles

I first visited Loch Ewe in 2013 and was amazed on discovering its role in World War II. An unassuming role modestly portrayed in a few information boards scattered around its coast. WW2 remains abound, anti aircraft gun emplacements, military buildings and foundations. Loch Ewe is a deep sea loch and during the war it was used to muster merchant shipping in relative safety before heading off with vital supplies to Murmansk in war torn Russia, in what has become known as the Arctic Convoys. The convoys, of up to 40 ships with Navy escorts, sailed close to the Arctic pack ice in an attempt to avoid German U Boats. Many were unsuccessful. To protect the ships while in Loch Ewe an anti submarine net or boom was laid across the loch at its narrowest point, about 3km. Barrage balloons and anti aircraft guns provided protection against airborne attack. During the war military personnel outnumbered the local population by 3:1. Mellon Charles was the Boom Defence Depot. The most visible remains is this concrete jetty forming an island that has been adopted by a colony of terns which took to divebombing us as we paddled past. The seas around Mellon Charles are particularly rich in marine life and have been designated by the Scottish Wildlife Trust as part of their Snorkel Trail. Yet in spite this accolade the beach was exceptionally quiet. Golden sands but marred only by a thick tide mark of drying kelp. Only one other car arrived, an ex-serviceman looking up old haunts. He was stationed here for two weeks in 1972 as part of the Royal Marines Arctic warfare section.

Mick Garratt

Mellon Charles Beach

Mick Garratt

Ship mooring point

An anchorage for ocean going ships.

Mick Garratt

Slipway at Ormiscaig

Recycling the concrete anchor points used to hold the submarine netting across Loch Ewe.

Mick Garratt

Shore road near Ormiscaig

Elliott Simpson

Leaving Ormiscaig heading to Aultbea

Elliott Simpson

Road following loch side toward Aultbea

Martin Dawes

Track to crofts in Ormiscaig

The water beyond is Loch Ewe and the land beyond is the Isle of Ewe

Martin Dawes

Minor road passing through Ormiscaig

One of a number of crofting community's along this road

Martin Dawes

Road beside Loch Ewe entering Ormiscaig

Looking north-westward.

Peter Wood

Road near Ormiscaig

Looking south-eastward.

Peter Wood

Road at Mellon Charles

Looking south-eastward.

Peter Wood

Road between Mellon Charles and Ormiscaig

Looking south-eastward.

Peter Wood

Loch Ewe

In the foreground is the NATO refuelling base. In the middle distance is the linear settlement of Aultbea with the pier at Aird Point. In the background by the headland is the settlement of Mellon Charles.

Robert W Watt