Vallay

Island in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Vallay

Erskine Beveridge's house on Bhalaigh The abandoned house of the historian Erskine Beveridge.
Erskine Beveridge's house on Bhalaigh Credit: Tom Pullman

Vallay is a small uninhabited island located off the coast of North Uist in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. It is part of the Inverness-shire region and is known for its rugged natural beauty and remote location. The island covers an area of approximately 2.5 square miles and is largely made up of grassy moorland and rocky coastline.

Vallay is home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and otters, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The island also has a rich history, with archaeological sites dating back to the Bronze Age and evidence of Viking settlements.

One of the most notable features of Vallay is the ruins of Vallay House, a grand mansion built in the 19th century by the wealthy Erskine family. The house was abandoned in the early 20th century and now stands as a haunting reminder of Vallay's past.

Today, Vallay remains a peaceful and secluded retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. Visitors can explore the island on foot, taking in the stunning views and soaking up the tranquility of this remote and beautiful corner of Scotland.

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Vallay Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.661087/-7.4149797 or Grid Reference NF7776. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Erskine Beveridge's house on Bhalaigh The abandoned house of the historian Erskine Beveridge.
Erskine Beveridge's house on Bhalaigh
The abandoned house of the historian Erskine Beveridge.
Traigh Bhalaigh The island of Vallay (Bhalaigh), is only accessible by foot at low tide. It is situated on the North of North Uist. The island itself has standing stones and remnants of ancient settlements and the crumbling ruins of Vallay House. This, once grand, building and several outhouses was owned by Erskine Beveridge, who contributed greatly to the archaeology of North Uist and wrote a weighty book on the subject.
Traigh Bhalaigh
The island of Vallay (Bhalaigh), is only accessible by foot at low tide. It is situated on the North of North Uist. The island itself has standing stones and remnants of ancient settlements and the crumbling ruins of Vallay House. This, once grand, building and several outhouses was owned by Erskine Beveridge, who contributed greatly to the archaeology of North Uist and wrote a weighty book on the subject.
Callernish House Callernish House was built in 1961 by the 5th Earl Granville. Designed by Sir Martyn Beckett, it has 14 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. It is listed as a folly in Headley and Meulenkamp's Follies, the standard guide to follies in Britain
Callernish House
Callernish House was built in 1961 by the 5th Earl Granville. Designed by Sir Martyn Beckett, it has 14 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. It is listed as a folly in Headley and Meulenkamp's Follies, the standard guide to follies in Britain
Pier with Bhalaigh in the background
Pier with Bhalaigh in the background
Machair Looking towards Tràigh Bhàlaigh.
Machair
Looking towards Tràigh Bhàlaigh.
Teampull Orain The surf scattered ruin of Teampull Orain on Isle Oronsay
Teampull Orain
The surf scattered ruin of Teampull Orain on Isle Oronsay
Aird Mhic Caoilt Peninsula extending into the incredible vastness of Vallay Strand.
Aird Mhic Caoilt
Peninsula extending into the incredible vastness of Vallay Strand.
Bhalaigh House Bhalaigh viewed across Traigh Bhalaigh.  This vast expanse of sand dries to such an extent that at low tide cars can drive across to the island.
Bhalaigh House
Bhalaigh viewed across Traigh Bhalaigh. This vast expanse of sand dries to such an extent that at low tide cars can drive across to the island.
Navigation Beacon, Caolas Bhalaigh I think this beacon is used to aid navigation into the narrow and shallow Caolas Bhalaigh.
Navigation Beacon, Caolas Bhalaigh
I think this beacon is used to aid navigation into the narrow and shallow Caolas Bhalaigh.
Vallay Machair The machair is such a fine sight, no many how many times you see it.  A mass of wild flowers as far as the eye can see and buzzing with bumblebees and butterflies everywhere.
Vallay Machair
The machair is such a fine sight, no many how many times you see it. A mass of wild flowers as far as the eye can see and buzzing with bumblebees and butterflies everywhere.
George Beveridge Memorial Stone built memorial to George Beveridge 1891 - 1944.
George Beveridge Memorial
Stone built memorial to George Beveridge 1891 - 1944.
Vallay Shoreline Although mostly surrounded by sand there are a few rocky shores.  This one overlooking Caolas Bhalaigh.
Vallay Shoreline
Although mostly surrounded by sand there are a few rocky shores. This one overlooking Caolas Bhalaigh.
Camas na Criche, Bhalaigh As with many of the Western shores in the hebrides you have a long expanse of beautiful sandy beach.
Camas na Criche, Bhalaigh
As with many of the Western shores in the hebrides you have a long expanse of beautiful sandy beach.
Camas na Criche, Bhalaigh Dunes backing onto the white expanse of Camas na Criche.
Camas na Criche, Bhalaigh
Dunes backing onto the white expanse of Camas na Criche.
Bagh nan Craobhag Discarded lobster pot, of which there were many along this coast.
Bagh nan Craobhag
Discarded lobster pot, of which there were many along this coast.
Bagh na Craobhag Blue waters surround this island.  The shores held many nesting oystercatchers.
Bagh na Craobhag
Blue waters surround this island. The shores held many nesting oystercatchers.
Remains of Teampull Orain The outline is still clearly visible when you are on the ground.
Remains of Teampull Orain
The outline is still clearly visible when you are on the ground.
Remains of Teampull Orain Still some height visible in the walls.
Remains of Teampull Orain
Still some height visible in the walls.
Show me another place!

Vallay is located at Grid Ref: NF7776 (Lat: 57.661087, Lng: -7.4149797)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

Also known as: Bhalaigh

What 3 Words

///channel.spray.otherwise. Near Lochmaddy, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 57.661087,-7.4149797
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Lat/Long: 57.65725/-7.41874
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Lat/Long: 57.65724/-7.41731
Bàgh nan Craobhag
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 57.6654491/-7.4162174
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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