Clèit Mulachain

Island in Caithness

Scotland

Clèit Mulachain

Clèit Mulachain is a small island located off the coast of Caithness in the northernmost part of mainland Scotland. With an area of approximately 0.3 square kilometers, it is known for its rugged and rocky landscape, typical of the region. The island is situated about 2 kilometers northeast of the mainland and is accessible by boat.

The name "Clèit Mulachain" is derived from the Gaelic language and translates to "Rocky Cliff." This name accurately describes the island's topography, with its steep cliffs and rocky shores. The island's highest point reaches around 60 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of the surrounding sea and mainland.

Clèit Mulachain is uninhabited and lacks any permanent structures or amenities. Its isolation and untouched nature make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and birdwatchers. The island is home to various seabird species, including fulmars, guillemots, and puffins, which nest and breed in the rocky cliffs.

Visitors to Clèit Mulachain can enjoy exploring its unique flora and fauna, as well as the breathtaking coastal scenery. However, caution is advised due to the uneven terrain and the presence of nesting birds during certain seasons. The island's remote location also means that visitors should come prepared with food, water, and appropriate outdoor gear.

In summary, Clèit Mulachain is a small, uninhabited island off the coast of Caithness, characterized by its rocky cliffs, stunning views, and diverse bird population. It offers an opportunity for nature lovers to experience the untamed beauty of Scotland's northern coastline.

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Clèit Mulachain Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.155971/-3.5512926 or Grid Reference ND0819. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The way to Badbea

Peter Moore

Badbea: a memory of the Highland Clearances

Badbea is a very sad place, a grim reminder us of a disgraceful period in our national history. Badbea is a ruined village on the cliff tops around 5 miles north of Helmsdale, in Caithness. The village was settled in the 18th and 19th centuries during the infamous Highland Clearances. Families were forcibly evicted from their homes in the Straths of Langwell, Ousdale and Berriedale to be replaced by sheep for the profit of the landlords. From 1792 onwards, the displaced families began to arrive in Badbea, a small area of rough, steeply sloping land above the precipitous cliffs of Berriedale overlooking the North Sea. When the families arrived they were given small plots to farm, but had to clear the land, hack out the plots from the steep slopes, and build their own houses from the stones they found. The harshness of life in Badbea can be judged from the fact that, while the men and women were working the land, their livestock, and even their children, were on occasion tethered to rocks or posts to prevent them from being blown over the cliffs into the sea by the ferocious winds. The family plots of land had room for a longhouse, with a byre at one end, and a kitchen garden or kailyard. The rest of the available land could only support a few small vegetable plots and a few cows, pigs and chickens for each family. There was only one horse in the village and thus the soil was ploughed by human effort.

Martyn Gorman

Original bridge by the A9

Peter Moore

Badbea Monument

The Badbea Monument.

Donald H Bain

Old A9

A loop cut off by modernising the road over the Ord of Caithness.

Richard Webb

New A9

A modernised part of the road over the Ord of Caithness.

Richard Webb

Ousdale

A steep sided glen cuts down to the sea. It shelters birch woods.

Richard Webb

Creagan MÃ²r

Boggy moorland between the A9 and sea on the crossing of the Ord of Caithness.

Richard Webb

A9 Passing the car park for Badbea on the high level (but close to the coast) crossing of the Ord of Caithness. A sense of dread prevails, Berriedale and its braes are getting closer.

Passing the car park for Badbea on the high level (but close to the coast) crossing of the Ord of Caithness. A sense of dread prevails, Berriedale and its braes are getting closer.

Richard Webb