Sgeir Liath

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Sgeir Liath

Gob Bhuirgh On the west coast of Barra.
Gob Bhuirgh Credit: John Lucas

Sgeir Liath is a prominent coastal feature located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. It is a stunning headland that juts out into the North Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking views and a rugged, picturesque landscape.

The name "Sgeir Liath" is derived from Scottish Gaelic, with "Sgeir" meaning "rock" and "Liath" meaning "grey." This name perfectly encapsulates the appearance of the headland, as it is characterized by its rocky terrain and greyish hue.

The headland is known for its dramatic cliffs, which rise steeply from the sea, providing a natural barrier against the crashing waves. These cliffs are home to various species of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, making it a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.

The area surrounding Sgeir Liath is also rich in marine life, with seals often seen basking on the rocks and dolphins occasionally spotted swimming offshore. The headland is a fantastic location for wildlife observation and photography.

Additionally, Sgeir Liath offers a number of walking trails that allow visitors to explore the stunning coastal scenery. These trails provide access to secluded coves and hidden beaches, adding to the allure of the area.

Overall, Sgeir Liath is a captivating coastal feature in Inverness-shire, offering a unique and beautiful landscape, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor exploration. Whether you are a nature lover, a photographer, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, Sgeir Liath is a must-visit destination on the Scottish coast.

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Sgeir Liath Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.99888/-7.5177397 or Grid Reference NF6503. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Gob Bhuirgh On the west coast of Barra.
Gob Bhuirgh
On the west coast of Barra.
Tràigh Tuath The mouth of the short Allt Ruadh is just seen on the left as it flows into the sea.
Tràigh Tuath
The mouth of the short Allt Ruadh is just seen on the left as it flows into the sea.
Cemetery at Cuidhir The cemetery contains several Commonwealth War Graves of naval origins. The stories of some of the casualties can be found in the descriptions of the following images:
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4513717">NF6703 : Four war graves in Cuidhir Cemetery</a>
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4514731">NF6703 : Three war graves in Cuidhir Cemetery</a>
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4676860">NF6703 : Memorial to 3 crew members of SS Idomeneus</a>
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4676877">NF6703 : Commonwealth war grave of John Mackinnon</a>
Cemetery at Cuidhir
The cemetery contains several Commonwealth War Graves of naval origins. The stories of some of the casualties can be found in the descriptions of the following images: NF6703 : Four war graves in Cuidhir Cemetery NF6703 : Three war graves in Cuidhir Cemetery NF6703 : Memorial to 3 crew members of SS Idomeneus NF6703 : Commonwealth war grave of John Mackinnon
Memorial to 3 crew members of SS Idomeneus Chan Sung, Chung Cheong and Leong Kow were members of the crew of SS Idomeneus which was torpedoed on 15th September 1917 en-route from New York to Liverpool. Although the ship was not sunk, the explosion caused the death of 4 crew members, 3 of whom are commemorated here. The ship was beached on Vatersay, eventually repaired and renamed, it continued sailing until 1933.
Memorial to 3 crew members of SS Idomeneus
Chan Sung, Chung Cheong and Leong Kow were members of the crew of SS Idomeneus which was torpedoed on 15th September 1917 en-route from New York to Liverpool. Although the ship was not sunk, the explosion caused the death of 4 crew members, 3 of whom are commemorated here. The ship was beached on Vatersay, eventually repaired and renamed, it continued sailing until 1933.
Commonwealth war grave of John Mackinnon John Mackinnon was a member of the Royal Naval Reserve and a 2nd hand on HMS Balmoral Castle which was a hired trawler during WWI. He was a native of Barra and hailed from nearby Allasdale.

John died of illness on Christmas Day 1918 at the age of 22.
Commonwealth war grave of John Mackinnon
John Mackinnon was a member of the Royal Naval Reserve and a 2nd hand on HMS Balmoral Castle which was a hired trawler during WWI. He was a native of Barra and hailed from nearby Allasdale. John died of illness on Christmas Day 1918 at the age of 22.
Tràigh Hamara, Barra
Tràigh Hamara, Barra
Abhainn Mòr at Borgh, Barra
Abhainn Mòr at Borgh, Barra
Cuidhir Church, Barra
Cuidhir Church, Barra
Dun Chuidhir, Barra Situated on the west side of the island, this dun is quite well preserved.
Dun Chuidhir, Barra
Situated on the west side of the island, this dun is quite well preserved.
Burial site at Borve The cemetery sits on raised ground near to the seashore west of Borve settlement on the island of Barra.
Burial site at Borve
The cemetery sits on raised ground near to the seashore west of Borve settlement on the island of Barra.
Cemetery at Allasdale
Cemetery at Allasdale
Traigh Hamara
Traigh Hamara
Pebbly beach at Bruach Bearnasdale
Pebbly beach at Bruach Bearnasdale
Tràigh Tuath
Tràigh Tuath
Cattle grazing by the track to the burial ground, Borgh
Cattle grazing by the track to the burial ground, Borgh
Port na Cille and burial ground, Borgh
Port na Cille and burial ground, Borgh
Not quite a lagoon at Borgh Here a sand bar almost closes the mouth of the Abhainn Mòr creating what is almost a tidal lagoon.   Although not visible in this picture, the flow of the river maintains a channel to the sea.
Not quite a lagoon at Borgh
Here a sand bar almost closes the mouth of the Abhainn Mòr creating what is almost a tidal lagoon. Although not visible in this picture, the flow of the river maintains a channel to the sea.
Fank at Allathasdal
Fank at Allathasdal
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Sgeir Liath is located at Grid Ref: NF6503 (Lat: 56.99888, Lng: -7.5177397)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///installs.figs.salon. Near CastleBay, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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