Bacastair

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Argyllshire

Scotland

Bacastair

Stabilised walls in Oronsay Priory Credit: Alan Reid

Bacastair is a captivating coastal feature located in Argyllshire, Scotland. Situated on the west coast, it is known for its remarkable headland and prominent point that juts out into the sea. The area is rich in natural beauty and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

The headland at Bacastair is characterized by its steep cliffs, which tower above the crashing waves below. These cliffs are made of rugged, weather-beaten rock formations that have been shaped by years of erosion. They provide a mesmerizing backdrop against the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Visitors to Bacastair can explore the point, which offers stunning panoramas of the coast and the sprawling ocean beyond. The point is an ideal vantage point for observing marine life, as dolphins, seals, and various seabirds are often spotted in the area. It is also a popular spot for photographers, who are drawn to the dramatic scenery and the interplay of light and shadow.

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Bacastair offers opportunities for hiking and walking along the cliffs, providing a chance to immerse oneself in the wild and untamed beauty of the Scottish coastline. The area is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, with wildflowers blooming in the spring and seabirds nesting on the cliffs during the summer months.

Overall, Bacastair is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the raw beauty of the Argyllshire coastline. With its dramatic cliffs, panoramic views, and abundant wildlife, it is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil escape by the sea.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Bacastair Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.017822/-6.2857697 or Grid Reference NR3388. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Stabilised walls in Oronsay Priory

Alan Reid

Track to Oronsay Farm and House

From this angle Oronsay Priory is hidden behind the buildings. The field adjacent to the track is full of wildflowers for the corncrakes who were rather noisy!

Julian Paren

Wildflower meadow, Oronsay

Located in front of the rather fine Oronsay House. The meadows are designed to provide habitat for the corncrakes that are attracted to the area.

Julian Paren

Tombstones at Oronsay Priory

Eighteen years on since NR3488 : Tombstones at Oronsay Priory. Spot the difference! One of the roofed buildings of Oronsay Priory contains an array of tombstones. Of the two raised off the floor one is reputed to be that of Sir Alexander Macdonald of Lochalsh, who died about 1498.

Julian Paren

Oronsay Priory and Farm

The priory is a Scheduled Monument (see Link

). Comparison with NR3488 : Oronsay Priory shows that many of the farm buildings have been renovated since 1974. Islay is on the horizon on the left.

Ian Taylor

Sandy beach on the west coast of Oronsay

Tom Richardson

Cross at Oronsay Priory

Tom Richardson

Oronsay Priory

The ruined priory from the east, with the 19th century burial aisle of the McNeills of Colonsay to the right.

Gordon Hatton

Cloisters at Oronsay Priory

Part of the ruins of the priory, a former Augustinian house, the first monks probably arriving from Killeigh in County Offaly in the early to mid 14th century.

Gordon Hatton

Inscribed pier, Oronsay Priory cloisters

Medieval carved pier in the cloister of the ruined priory. The inscription commemorates Mael-Sechlainn O'Cuinn, the mason in charge of the building.

Gordon Hatton

Oronsay Priory - south side

The view includes the south wall of the church, with the MacDuffie aisle built on. This contains a recess for tombs.

Gordon Hatton

Oronsay Priory - church interior

The nave and choir of Oronsay Priory looking towards the east window. The altar was most likely restored circa 1624 when Irish Franciscan missionaries converted the islands to Catholicism. It is interesting to compare this modest little priory church, some 20 metres long with that of Fountains Abbey [SE2768], where the huge church is some 110 metres in length.

Gordon Hatton

Gardens at Oronsay Farm

Like the walls and gateposts on Oronsay, the farm gardens are well maintained. The edge of the Priory is just to the left.

Gordon Brown

Overall view of Oronsay Priory

Gordon Brown

Tombstones at Oronsay Priory

One of the roofed buildings of Oronsay Priory contains an array of tombstones. Of the two raised off the floor one is reputed to be that of Sir Alexander Macdonald of Lochalsh, who died about 1498.

Julian Paren

Port Na Luing

Post Na Luing on a perfect day

Hugh Close

Rough and improved ground at Oronsay Farm

The ground to the right of the picture is rough grazing and boggy in parts. That to the left has been enclosed by a stone dyke and improved. The section furthest from the farm appears to be reverting somewhat to rough grazing, but the east-most section is in better condition and is used as a bull park.

Alpin Stewart