Eilean na Faoileige

Island in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Eilean na Faoileige

Aldernaig Burn
This photograph was taken from a bridge over the burn. The bridge carries a track upstream to a point where the <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5660944">NH2902 : Outflow from Loch Lundie</a> can be viewed.

Some 500m to the south of the viewpoint (off the right of this photograph) the track splits with the left fork following the burn toward Invergarry and the right fork heading toward Faichemard Farm. To see a photograph of this branch, click here <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5661047">NH2901 : Track in woodland below Coille Creag an t-Sagairt</a>.

The photograph was taken in June. To see the same view, but taken in March see this photograph by Alan Reid, <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2942138">NH2902 : Aldernaig Burn</a>. — Aldernaig Burn Credit: Alan Walker

Eilean na Faoileige, also known as "The Island of the Seagulls," is a small and uninhabited island located off the coast of Inverness-shire in Scotland. Situated in the Inner Hebrides, this island is part of the archipelago known as the Small Isles, which also includes Muck, Rum, and Canna.

Measuring approximately 1.6 hectares in size, Eilean na Faoileige is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain, with steep cliffs rising from the surrounding waters. The island is covered in a thick layer of grass and heather, providing a habitat for a variety of bird species, including seagulls, razorbills, and puffins, hence its name.

Access to Eilean na Faoileige is only possible by boat, as there are no bridges or causeways connecting it to the mainland. The island's remote location and lack of human presence make it a sanctuary for wildlife, and it is often visited by birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts seeking to observe the diverse range of birdlife. The surrounding waters are also home to seals and dolphins, adding to the island's natural beauty and appeal.

Due to its small size and lack of amenities, Eilean na Faoileige is not suitable for overnight stays or human habitation. However, it remains a popular destination for day trips and boat tours, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the stunning natural landscape and observe the abundant wildlife that calls this island home.

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Eilean na Faoileige Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.091701/-4.8113271 or Grid Reference NH2903. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Aldernaig Burn

This photograph was taken from a bridge over the burn. The bridge carries a track upstream to a point where the NH2902 : Outflow from Loch Lundie can be viewed. Some 500m to the south of the viewpoint (off the right of this photograph) the track splits with the left fork following the burn toward Invergarry and the right fork heading toward Faichemard Farm. To see a photograph of this branch, click here NH2901 : Track in woodland below Coille Creag an t-Sagairt. The photograph was taken in June. To see the same view, but taken in March see this photograph by Alan Reid, NH2902 : Aldernaig Burn.

Alan Walker

Outflow from Loch Lundie

The photograph shows the outflow from Loch Lundie. Some 250m north of this viewpoint, to the right of this photograph is a NH2903 : Birch wood on the shore of Loch Lundie. The water from the loch drains into the NH2902 : Aldernaig Burn, which then descends some 90m over an approximate distance of 2.5km through a series of dams and waterfalls to join the River Garry at Invergarry. In the middle distance the hill with the trees is Torr a’ Chait and the summit beyond that is Meall a’ Chrom Dhòire. The photograph was taken in June. To see the same view, but photographed in January see these photographs by Richard Webb:- NH2902 : Loch Lundie and NH2902 : Outflow from Loch Lundie.

Alan Walker

Birch wood on the shore of Loch Lundie

The viewpoint is at the southern end of the loch and is some 250m north of NH2902 : Outflow from Loch Lundie.

Alan Walker

Bridge over the Aldernaig Burn

Gordon Brown

New track junction by the Aldernaig Burn

There has been a lot of track development in this area; not clear whether for windfarm, hydro or general estate development.

Gordon Brown

Jetty at the boathouse on Loch Lundie

Sadly, the boathouse is locked and looks unused and unloved.

Gordon Brown

Boathouse on Loch Lundie

Gordon Brown

Boathouse on Loch Lundie

Gordon Brown

Small borrow-pit near ruined Lundie

Gordon Brown

All that remains of the sheiling at Lundie

As they say "just a rickle o' stanes" amongst the bracken.

Gordon Brown

Strange bridge over the Allt Lundie

The bridge is strange because the track stretches 30 or so metres beyond and then comes to a turning circle - and nothing else! It does parallel the ford lower down and in spate could be used as the preferred crossing, but there is no path or track joining up the far side.

Gordon Brown

Derelict bridge over the Allt Glac na Connspeach

The state of this bridge pretty well sums up the state of the path (OS 50,000) or track (OS 25,000). Fine at times, boggy frequently, totally absent a lot of the time.

Gordon Brown

Fences at Glac na Connspeach

Gordon Brown

Path/track on the west side of Loch Lundie

The state of this path (OS 50,000) or track (OS 25,000) is very variable. Fine at times, boggy frequently, totally absent a lot of the time.

Gordon Brown

Path/track on the west side of Loch Lundie

The state of this path (OS 50,000) or track (OS 25,000) is very variable. Fine at times, boggy frequently, totally absent a lot of the time. Compare with Link

Gordon Brown

Generator house for the Allt Bhainne hydro scheme

The small building was quiet and no generation taking place. Its purpose was given away by the large diameter inlet and outlet pipes, plus the high voltage grid connection poles adjacent. Water is sourced from Loch a' Bhainne.

Gordon Brown

Gate by Munerigie Wood

Gordon Brown

Rock Plane of soil water flow Lundie

Loch Lundie Invergarry, the location given is as close as possible. The cattle to the south, the gate behind their observant eye to the forest track, the path across the stream gravel, boulder negotiated and slope cut well upslope previously walked. The soils on Loch Lundie are excellent illustrations of profiles and process, trampled by goat looking scruffy sheep in the brush gorse and moorland grasses, also curious. Beware of the tic. Deer in the woodlands. Peat and slumps of rock and soil are common and deep, some rubbed out into caverns by sheep, some eroded and piping filled collapsed channels with water seepage. I always felt this and the Skye Kylerhea define slope flows in soils on rock plane of profile and clastic sediment types and the associate soil erosion.

Michael Dennis Stagg

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Eilean na Faoileige is located at Grid Ref: NH2903 (Lat: 57.091701, Lng: -4.8113271)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands