Stac Fir I

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Argyllshire

Scotland

Stac Fir I

South Promontory The south side of Lagavulin with a workshop and a promontory which apparently has the remains of a fort on it.
South Promontory Credit: Andrew Wood

Stac Fir I is a prominent coastal feature located in Argyllshire, Scotland. This headland, also referred to as a point, is a stunning geological formation that extends into the Atlantic Ocean. The name "Stac Fir I" is derived from Gaelic, with "Stac" meaning "stack" and "Fir I" meaning "men of Iona."

This headland is characterized by its towering cliffs, which rise dramatically from the surrounding sea, creating a striking visual spectacle. The cliffs are composed of ancient rocks, primarily made up of metamorphic schists and gneisses, showcasing the region's diverse geological history.

Stac Fir I is a haven for various bird species, serving as an important nesting site and providing a sanctuary for seabirds such as puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts flock to this area to observe the diverse avian population and enjoy the breathtaking coastal scenery.

Access to Stac Fir I is limited due to its remote location and rugged terrain. Visitors often take boat tours or hike along the nearby coastal paths to catch a glimpse of this majestic headland. The surrounding waters are known for their rich marine life, including seals, dolphins, and porpoises, further enhancing the area's natural beauty.

Stac Fir I is not only a remarkable coastal feature but also an important cultural and historical site. It is believed to have been used as a navigational marker by ancient mariners, and its significance in Gaelic folklore adds to its allure. With its breathtaking cliffs, diverse wildlife, and historical importance, Stac Fir I is a must-visit destination for those exploring the Argyllshire coastline.

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Stac Fir I Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.619112/-6.1445518 or Grid Reference NR3943. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

South Promontory The south side of Lagavulin with a workshop and a promontory which apparently has the remains of a fort on it.
South Promontory
The south side of Lagavulin with a workshop and a promontory which apparently has the remains of a fort on it.
View across Lagavulin Bay Seals are hauled up on the rocks.
Dunyvaig Castle on the promontory.
View across Lagavulin Bay
Seals are hauled up on the rocks. Dunyvaig Castle on the promontory.
Jetty in Lagavulin Bay
Jetty in Lagavulin Bay
The approach to the anchorage at Lagavulin Note the green and red beacons.  The approach is tricky, with hidden rocks close to the safe passage - refer to the pilot!
The approach to the anchorage at Lagavulin
Note the green and red beacons. The approach is tricky, with hidden rocks close to the safe passage - refer to the pilot!
East Lagavulin Bay The east side of Lagavulin Bay from the distillery. The headland is shown to have a fort on it... next time if I can spare the time. An unfortunately oft heard refrain!
East Lagavulin Bay
The east side of Lagavulin Bay from the distillery. The headland is shown to have a fort on it... next time if I can spare the time. An unfortunately oft heard refrain!
Sgeirean Fiaclach (Southeastern rocks) Sgeirean Fiaclach is a group of rocks between the substantial island of Texa and the main island of Islay. They are in two groups; a northwestern clump nearer Islay's coast (see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3944749">NR3944 : Sgeirean Fiaclach (Northwestern rocks)</a>) and these two which are the only land in this grid square. Texa is the land seen behind them. To see them in context see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3944732">NR3944 : Texa and outlying rocks</a>
Sgeirean Fiaclach (Southeastern rocks)
Sgeirean Fiaclach is a group of rocks between the substantial island of Texa and the main island of Islay. They are in two groups; a northwestern clump nearer Islay's coast (see NR3944 : Sgeirean Fiaclach (Northwestern rocks)) and these two which are the only land in this grid square. Texa is the land seen behind them. To see them in context see NR3944 : Texa and outlying rocks
Laphroaig by the sea The Laphroaig name emblazoned on the side of a warehouse visible far out to sea.
Laphroaig by the sea
The Laphroaig name emblazoned on the side of a warehouse visible far out to sea.
Shore side Laphroaig It's difficult to get much closer to the sea than Laphroaig's whitewashed distillery.
Shore side Laphroaig
It's difficult to get much closer to the sea than Laphroaig's whitewashed distillery.
Cove east of Port Ellen Looking towards Sròn Dubh.
Cove east of Port Ellen
Looking towards Sròn Dubh.
Memorial to 200 years of Laphroaig 1815 - 2015
On the moor north of the distillery.
Memorial to 200 years of Laphroaig
1815 - 2015 On the moor north of the distillery.
Laphroaig's Bicentenary Cairn Celebrating 200 years of the distillery; 'opened' by HRH The Prince Charles [Duke of Rothesay] in July 2015. It does have a locked door - I wonder what it contains?
Laphroaig's Bicentenary Cairn
Celebrating 200 years of the distillery; 'opened' by HRH The Prince Charles [Duke of Rothesay] in July 2015. It does have a locked door - I wonder what it contains?
Laphroaig's Bicentenary Cairn In moorland just across the road from the distillery.
Laphroaig's Bicentenary Cairn
In moorland just across the road from the distillery.
Laphroaig's Bicentenary Cairn The inscription reads:-
This cairn was unveiled by

HRH The Prince Charles
Duke of Rothesay 
on
26th June 2015

1815 - 2015
200
YEARS OF LAPHROAIG
Laphroaig's Bicentenary Cairn
The inscription reads:- This cairn was unveiled by HRH The Prince Charles Duke of Rothesay on 26th June 2015 1815 - 2015 200 YEARS OF LAPHROAIG
Rushy moorland at Laphroaig Looking north to a rocky outcrop from Laphroaig's Bicentenary Cairn.
Rushy moorland at Laphroaig
Looking north to a rocky outcrop from Laphroaig's Bicentenary Cairn.
Laphroaig's Bicentenary Cairn Seen from the road that passes the distillery.
Laphroaig's Bicentenary Cairn
Seen from the road that passes the distillery.
Footpath over the Surnaig River Between the Laphroaig and Lagavulin distilleries alongside the road [A846], which is very busy with tourists visiting the distilleries, so the path is separated from the road.
Footpath over the Surnaig River
Between the Laphroaig and Lagavulin distilleries alongside the road [A846], which is very busy with tourists visiting the distilleries, so the path is separated from the road.
Gorse, grass and woodland near Lagavulin
Gorse, grass and woodland near Lagavulin
The Sunaig River About to enter Lagavulin Bay. The footbridge carries the footpath that runs parallel to the A846, serving the distilleries along the road.
The Sunaig River
About to enter Lagavulin Bay. The footbridge carries the footpath that runs parallel to the A846, serving the distilleries along the road.
Show me another place!

Stac Fir I is located at Grid Ref: NR3943 (Lat: 55.619112, Lng: -6.1445518)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire

What 3 Words

///portfolio.umbrellas.succeed. Near Port Ellen, Argyll & Bute

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