Carraig Fhada

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Argyllshire

Scotland

Carraig Fhada

Port na Seilich From the MV Finlaggan. — Port na Seilich Credit: Andrew Abbott

Carraig Fhada is a prominent coastal feature located in Argyllshire, Scotland. It is a captivating headland that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, forming a distinctive point along the rugged coastline. The name "Carraig Fhada" translates to "long rock" in Gaelic, which aptly describes the elongated shape of the headland.

Situated in a remote and unspoiled area, Carraig Fhada offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The headland is characterized by towering cliffs that drop dramatically into the sea, creating a stunning backdrop against the crashing waves. These cliffs provide nesting sites for a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers.

Carraig Fhada is also home to a diverse range of marine life. The surrounding waters are teeming with fish, and seals can often be spotted basking on the rocks or swimming close to the shore. The headland's rocky beaches are a treasure trove for beachcombers, as they are scattered with interesting shells, pebbles, and other marine artifacts.

Access to Carraig Fhada is relatively easy, with a well-maintained footpath leading from the nearby village. The headland is a favored spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts, who can explore the area and enjoy the stunning views along the coastal trail.

Overall, Carraig Fhada is a remarkable coastal feature that showcases the raw beauty of Scotland's coastline. Its majestic cliffs, diverse wildlife, and picturesque surroundings make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a true Scottish coastal experience.

Show me another place!

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

Carraig Fhada Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.817977/-6.1044896 or Grid Reference NR4265. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Port na Seilich

From the MV Finlaggan.

Andrew Abbott

Coastline of Islay

With Am Meall in the background.

Andrew Abbott

Glas Eilean

From the MV Finlaggan.

Andrew Abbott

Building (Period Unassigned)

Not sure is recorded for this pair of ruins. For further info. see Canmore.org.uk. Islay, Kilslevan | Canmore. Available online at: Link

[Accessed 29 May 2022].

Mick Garratt

Building (Period Unassigned)

Not sure is recorded for this pair of ruins. For further info. see Canmore.org.uk. Islay, Kilslevan | Canmore. Available online at: Link

[Accessed 29 May 2022].

Mick Garratt

Kilslevan deserted village

The remains of deserted houses and settlements are common throughout the whole of Scotland, Islay is no exception. Kilslevan seems to have once been a township of at least eight longhouses, and several other buildings, enclosures and two corn-drying kilns although these are hard to discern under the grass and moss. There are the ruins of a rudimentary chapel nearby. Close by too, is an old lead mine, although it is not clear if this was related to the village. Its Gaelic name is Cill Sléibleainn meaning St. Slevan’s Church. The village was abandoned in the later half of 19th century. One local source refers to a claim that it was “a plague village”. Perhaps not ‘the’ plague but an epidemic of some sort may well have reduced the population for it to become unsustainable We are fortunate that the 1836 Islay Tenants Rental List has been transcribed and made available online Under Kilslevan, seven tenants are listed :— Ronald McDougall Alexander Campbell Archibald Currie (Black) Archibald Currie (fair) Archibald McDougall Alexander Currie Hugh Currie Another source gives the population as 67 in the 1841 census, and 55 in the 1851. There must have been big multi-generational families in those days. Abandonment must have taken place sometime in the following decades. For references see my blog Link

Mick Garratt