Am Fasach

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Argyllshire

Scotland

Am Fasach

Am Fasach is a prominent headland located in Argyllshire, Scotland. Situated along the rugged coastline, it juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. With its dramatic cliffs and rocky formations, it has become a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

The headland is characterized by its distinctive geology, consisting of ancient volcanic rocks that have been shaped by millions of years of erosion. This has resulted in the creation of unique features such as sea caves, arches, and stacks, which add to the area's natural beauty. At low tide, visitors can explore these caves and admire the diverse marine life that inhabits the rock pools.

Am Fasach is also renowned for its rich biodiversity. The headland is home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, which nest on the cliffs during the breeding season. The surrounding waters support a thriving marine ecosystem, with seals often seen basking on the rocks and dolphins occasionally spotted swimming offshore.

In addition to its natural wonders, Am Fasach has historical significance. Ruins of an ancient fort can be found on the headland, providing an insight into the area's past. The fort, believed to have been constructed during the Iron Age, offers a glimpse into the lives of the ancient inhabitants who once called this place home.

Overall, Am Fasach is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the rugged beauty and rich natural heritage of Argyllshire. Whether you're a nature lover, history enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, this headland offers a truly mesmerizing experience.

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Am Fasach Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.630359/-6.1627034 or Grid Reference NR3845. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Seashore in Port Ellen

Doug Lee

Panorama of Port Ellen

Doug Lee

Flying Dutchman at the Quayside

The yacht Flying Dutchman at Port Ellen. On the left grain loading gear can be seen.

Andrew Wood

Loading the Ferry

Loading from the pier at Port Ellen. On the left is Diageo's grain store for the maltings on the edge of the village, complete with trucks in the loading bay.

Andrew Wood

Sgeir nan Ron

Sgeir nan Ron, skerry of the seals, a small skerry just off Port Ellen pier. In the distance the sands of Kilnaughton Beach.

Andrew Wood

Laphroaig by the sea

The Laphroaig name emblazoned on the side of a warehouse visible far out to sea.

Andrew Wood

Shore side Laphroaig

It's difficult to get much closer to the sea than Laphroaig's whitewashed distillery.

Andrew Wood

Cnoc na Faire, Port Ellen

Richard Webb

Loading, Port Ellen

There had been a livestock sale the day before and beasts were being taken off the island.

Richard Webb

Standing Stone Islay

The standing stone seems to be slowly slumping over.

Malcolm Neal

Looking across Loch Leodamais

To the houses of Port Ellen.

Russel Wills

Eilean nan Caorach

A rocky islet south of Port Ellen.

Russel Wills

Traigh Gheighsgeir

The beach you see as you enter Port Ellen from the north. The large blue building on the pier is a grain silo where imported barley is stored before trucks take it for malting before onward transport to the distilleries.

Russel Wills

Cove east of Port Ellen

Looking towards Sròn Dubh.

Russel Wills

Memorial to 200 years of Laphroaig

1815 - 2015 On the moor north of the distillery.

Russel Wills

Achnancarranan stone row

Prehistoric stone row consisting of two upright orthostats and one recumbent slab (Scale 1m). Link

Sandy Gerrard

Port Ellen War Memorial

In remembrance of those who died in WW1 & WW2. Decorated with wreaths from the events two weeks earlier, which commemorated the centenary of the sinking of SS 'Tuscania' and HMS 'Otranto' in 1918.

M J Richardson

Port Ellen War Memorial

The first week of May 2018 saw Islay remembering the centenary of two events in which the Island and Islanders were greatly involved – the shipwrecks of the British ships SS Tuscania and HMS Otranto carrying American soldiers to the Western Front. On 5 February the SS Tuscania was torpedoed by a German submarine. 2000 men were rescued, but 220 died. The survivors were helped by the islanders, and the bodies of the dead were recovered and buried with honour. The day before the mass interment of 126 bodies it was realised that there was no American flag to fly at the burial. The housekeeper of Islay House, with three helpers, worked overnight to make a flag, with material from a local shop and a plan from an encyclopaedia, to fly at the burial. The flag was later presented to President Woodrow Wilson who, in turn, gave it to the Smithsonian Institute of American History in Washington D.C. That flag is now displayed, on loan, in the Port Charlotte Museum of Islay Life, together with many other artefacts relating to the two incidents, as well as Islay life in general. On 6 October HMS Otranto collided with another ship in her convoy during a storm. More than 600 American soldiers and British crewmen were rescued by HMS Mounsey, but 500 men were still aboard when the HMS Otranto hit the reef off Kilchoman. Only 19 survived. The contribution of the Islay people was commemorated by the laying of wreaths at the American Cemetery at Kilchoman, the American Monument on the Mull of Oa, and the war memorial at Port Ellen.

M J Richardson

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Am Fasach is located at Grid Ref: NR3845 (Lat: 55.630359, Lng: -6.1627034)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire