Biod na Fhithich

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Biod na Fhithich

Blackhouse Museum, Colbost The croft museum in the township of Colbost, on the west shore of Loch Dunvegan, was established in 1969 by local man Peter MacAskill as the first of several heritage projects in the area. Its centrepiece was a restored island blackhouse (Taigh Dubh), constructed of rough unmortared stone and replicating typical living conditions in 19th-century rural Skye. There were two doors, one for the crofter&#039;s family who occupied two thirds of the building and the other for the animals housed in the byre which took up the remaining space. There were no windows or chimneys; daylight entered through the doorways and smoke from the central peat fire, continuously burning in its hearth on the floor of the living room, escaped though a raised opening in the thatched roof. The interior was thus dark and smoky and the floor was of beaten earth. Kettles and cooking pots were hung on a slabhraidh (chain) suspended from the rafters over the fire, and crockery and utensils was kept in a dresser and presses (cupboards) against the walls. A replica of an illicit whisky still could be seen to the rear of the museum.

The adjoining Three Chimneys restaurant was also opened by Peter, initially to provide refreshments for visitors to the museum, and takes its name from the Kent hamlet near Sevenoaks where Peter had formerly lived.

Sadly the museum was not able to reopen following its closure just before the Covid pandemic of 2020, and by 2023 it stood derelict with the neglected roof thatch disintegrating. — Blackhouse Museum, Colbost Credit: Sandy Gerrard

Biod na Fhithich is a stunning coastal feature located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. Situated on the northwestern coast of the country, it is a prominent headland that juts out into the North Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking views and a rugged, natural beauty.

This coastal point is known for its dramatic cliffs, which reach impressive heights and provide a nesting site for various seabirds. The area is particularly renowned for its large population of fulmars, a type of seabird that can be seen soaring above the cliffs and nesting in the crevices.

The rugged landscape of Biod na Fhithich is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The headland is covered in heather and grasses, creating a picturesque and wild setting. Visitors may also spot other wildlife, such as seals, dolphins, and even whales, which can occasionally be seen swimming offshore.

In addition to its natural beauty, Biod na Fhithich has a rich history dating back centuries. The headland was once a strategic lookout point, with ancient ruins still visible, serving as a reminder of its past significance. Exploring the area, visitors can discover remnants of old structures and imagine what life was like in this remote coastal location.

Overall, Biod na Fhithich is a captivating coastal feature that offers a combination of stunning natural scenery, abundant wildlife, and a glimpse into the region's history. Whether enjoying the breathtaking views, observing the diverse array of seabirds, or exploring the ancient ruins, this headland is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

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Biod na Fhithich Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.443925/-6.6128848 or Grid Reference NG2348. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Blackhouse Museum, Colbost

The croft museum in the township of Colbost, on the west shore of Loch Dunvegan, was established in 1969 by local man Peter MacAskill as the first of several heritage projects in the area. Its centrepiece was a restored island blackhouse (Taigh Dubh), constructed of rough unmortared stone and replicating typical living conditions in 19th-century rural Skye. There were two doors, one for the crofter's family who occupied two thirds of the building and the other for the animals housed in the byre which took up the remaining space. There were no windows or chimneys; daylight entered through the doorways and smoke from the central peat fire, continuously burning in its hearth on the floor of the living room, escaped though a raised opening in the thatched roof. The interior was thus dark and smoky and the floor was of beaten earth. Kettles and cooking pots were hung on a slabhraidh (chain) suspended from the rafters over the fire, and crockery and utensils was kept in a dresser and presses (cupboards) against the walls. A replica of an illicit whisky still could be seen to the rear of the museum. The adjoining Three Chimneys restaurant was also opened by Peter, initially to provide refreshments for visitors to the museum, and takes its name from the Kent hamlet near Sevenoaks where Peter had formerly lived. Sadly the museum was not able to reopen following its closure just before the Covid pandemic of 2020, and by 2023 it stood derelict with the neglected roof thatch disintegrating.

Sandy Gerrard

Loch Dunvegan

A view across the sea loch from Colbost on a June evening. Dunvegan Castle in NG2449 is prominent on the eastern shore.

Tiger

Looking along the coast towards Dunvegan Castle, Skye, 1988

Nigel Thompson

Ruined Blackhouse Settlement

Sandy Gerrard

Dunvegan Castle/Caisteal DhÃ¹n Bheagain

Link

Sandy Gerrard

Loch from Dunvegan Castle

The castle provides opportunities for trips to see seals.

David M Clark

Folk Museum in decline

Three years on from the closure enforced by Covid, the restored black house at the centre of the Colbost Croft Museum is showing sad signs of severe neglect. The central section of the thatched roof has given way, leaving only the retaining wire netting, while rank weeds have invaded the remaining parts of the thatch. An upturned wheelbarrow is quietly rusting away in the foreground.

Tiger

Decline of the Colbost Folk Museum

Three years on from the closure enforced by Covid, the restored black house is showing sad signs of severe neglect. The central section of the thatched roof has given way, leaving only the retaining wire netting, while rank weeds have invaded the remaining parts of the thatch. Agricultural machinery and an old wheel lie among the long grass.

Tiger

An astonishing hillside, Cnoc a' Bhonnaich Beag, and its incredibly ordinary house

Mick Garratt

A sunny day view of a ruined shieling amidst a sea of bracken

Mick Garratt

TrÃ igh Bheag, the 'little beach' that hides its sands

Mick Garratt

A choice of features: a bog, a stream, a fence, or the basalt ridge of Cnoc a' Chrochadair

Mick Garratt

Dun Totaig â a mass of tumbled stone and an invasion of bracken

For historical information, see ‘Skye, Dun Totaig | Canmore’. 2023. Canmore.org.uk <Link

> [accessed 14 July 2023] ‌

Mick Garratt

A850 at Dunvegan

Mick Garratt

Drochaid Peigi Siosalaiche (1)

Peggy Chisholm's Bridge carries the B884 Glendale road over the Brunigill Burn near its outflow into Loch Erghallan, just south of the township of Skinidin (Sgianaidin). In the early 20th century Peggy lived in a house near the bridge, of which no traces remain. The parapets have frequently had to be rebuilt following impacts by vehicles on the narrow road. The Ordnance Survey Name Books of 1876-8 record Brunigill as the name "applied to a house one Storey high thatched and in ordinary repair Situated about ½ mile to the South-east of Skinidin Property of McLeod of Mcleod"; this may have been Peggy's home. Alexander Forbes in his 1923 work on the place names of Skye derives the name from the Norse "Brunnr" indicating a ravine. This image shows the downstream side of the bridge. For the view from upstream see NG2247 : Drochaid Peigi Siosalaiche (2).

Tiger

Drochaid Peigi Siosalaiche (2)

Peggy Chisholm's Bridge carries the B884 Glendale road over the Brunigill Burn near its outflow into Loch Erghallan, just south of the township of Skinidin (Sgianaidin). In the early 20th century Peggy lived in a house near the bridge, of which no traces remain. The parapets have frequently had to be rebuilt following impacts by vehicles on the narrow road. The Ordnance Survey Name Books of 1876-8 record Brunigill as the name "applied to a house one Storey high thatched and in ordinary repair Situated about ½ mile to the South-east of Skinidin Property of McLeod of Mcleod"; this may have been Peggy's home. Alexander Forbes in his 1923 work on the place names of Skye derives the name from the Norse "Brunnr" indicating a ravine. This image shows the view from upstream. For downstream side of the bridge see NG2247 : Drochaid Peigi Siosalaiche (1).

Tiger

Highland Cattle at Loch Dunvegan

Taken from the Claigan road North of Dunvegan Castle. View over blooming meadows to Fiadhairt peninsula with the open Loch beyond. Across Loch Dunvegan lie the hamlets Uig, Borreraig and Galtrigill with Ben Skriaig and Biod an Athair rising behind them.

Hilmar Ilgenfritz

Rainbow over Fiadhairt

A low afternoon rainbow is seen over Fiadhairt across Loch Dunvegan from Colbost. The islands in the foreground are the Eilean Glas and Eilean Dubh Beag.

Tiger

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Biod na Fhithich is located at Grid Ref: NG2348 (Lat: 57.443925, Lng: -6.6128848)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands