Sgeirean Dearga

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Argyllshire

Scotland

Sgeirean Dearga

Garbh-sgeir Mhor This skerry guards the southern entrance to the Ardmore Islands inshore passage. — Garbh-sgeir Mhor Credit: Gordon Brown

Sgeirean Dearga is a prominent coastal feature located in Argyllshire, Scotland. This headland, also known as Dearg Rocks, juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking views and a rugged landscape.

Situated on the western coast of Scotland, Sgeirean Dearga is characterized by its steep cliffs, formed by the constant erosion of the powerful ocean waves. These cliffs reach heights of up to 150 meters, creating an impressive and dramatic sight for visitors.

The name "Sgeirean Dearga" translates to "red skerries" in English. This name is derived from the red-colored rocks that dominate the headland, adding to its allure and uniqueness. These rocks are formed from a mixture of metamorphic and igneous rocks, including granite and gneiss.

The area surrounding Sgeirean Dearga is rich in biodiversity, forming an important habitat for various bird species. It is a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts, who come to witness the diverse range of seabirds that nest on the cliffs, such as puffins, guillemots, and razorbills.

Access to Sgeirean Dearga is limited due to its remote location and challenging terrain. However, there are several walking trails and viewpoints that allow visitors to appreciate the beauty of this coastal feature. It is advised to take caution while exploring the area, as the cliffs can be steep and unstable.

Overall, Sgeirean Dearga is a stunning headland in Argyllshire, Scotland, offering magnificent views, unique rock formations, and a valuable habitat for seabirds. It is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a true Scottish coastal experience.

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Sgeirean Dearga Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.651078/-6.0419086 or Grid Reference NR4547. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Garbh-sgeir Mhor

This skerry guards the southern entrance to the Ardmore Islands inshore passage.

Gordon Brown

Eilean Mhic Mhaolmhoire

The tide hadn't quite come in enough so we had to portage the kayaks over a sandbar a little to the NE.

Douglas Wilcox

Eilean na Banaraich from Loch a' Chnuic

Andrew Abbott

Sgeirean Dearga - southwestern rocks

These rocks which only just break the surface of the sea are the southwestern part of Sgeirean Dearga which comprises two small groups of rocks. They lie a few hundred metres to the southeast of the islet of Ceann nan Sgeirean, itself off the southern coast of the Isle of Islay. See also NR4547 : Sgeirean Dearga - northeastern rocks

Rob Farrow

Deer on Eilean BhrÃ¬de

Eilean Bhrìde is a small island off the southern coast of Islay. Part of its southeastern flank is seen here with two deer on its slopes. These deer are the losers of the rutting season that have been chased off the main island (Islay) and have swum out to this remote and uninhabited islet. The swim out to here can not have been easy across at least half a mile of cold choppy sea. Whether they ever return to the main island I don't know. Apparently there are at least four stags currently on Eilean Bhrìde.

Rob Farrow

Ceann nan Sgeirean

Ceann nan Sgeirean is a long low-lying islet and group of rocks lying off the southeastern coast of Islay. The lumpy hill in the background is, I think, Cnoc Rhaonastil (109m) on Islay.

Rob Farrow

Sgeirean Dearga - northeastern rocks

These rocks are the northeastern pair of rocks which form the outliers called Sgeirean Dearga with NR4547 : Sgeirean Dearga - southwestern rocks

Rob Farrow

Eilean BhrÃ¬de - southeastern flank

A section of the southeastern flank of Eilean Bhrìde, a substantial islet off the coast of Islay. This little island currently supports at least four deer who swam here from the main island. Two of them can be seen here NR4647 : Deer on Eilean Bhrìde

Rob Farrow

Outram from the seaward side

Outram is a collection of dozens of rocks and tiny islets - or is the name of the largest of these. They lie immediately to the southwest of the far more substantial Eilean a'Chùirn. They form part of the natural barrier around an almost enclosed bay south of Ardmore on Islay. The mountains of eastern Islay are prominent in the background.

Rob Farrow

Plod Sgeirean and Cnoc Rhaonastil

Plod = a large 'fleet' (of rocks). Cnoc Rhaonastil (Rowan Dale Hill) is known locally as Fairy Hill.

Becky Williamson

Eilean nan Gamhna and Eilean BhrÃ¬de, Islay

'Bhride' is 'of the bride', so 'Bride's Island'. I'm not sure about Gamhna. There are many small islands and islets off Islay's south eastern coast. Red Deer inhabit at least one of them still.

Becky Williamson

Common Seals on Eilean nan Gamhna, Islay

One of many islets off the south-eastern coast of Islay.

Becky Williamson

Ceann nan Sgeirean, Islay

Head of the Rocks. One of many small, rocky islets off the south-eastern coast of Islay.

Becky Williamson

Garbh Sgeir Beag, Islay

'Small rough rock'. 'Garbh' is mi-spelt (deliberately?) on the Explorer map (to discourage plagiarism?) Cnoc Rhaonastil (Hillock of the Rowan Dale) in the background.

Becky Williamson

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Sgeirean Dearga is located at Grid Ref: NR4547 (Lat: 55.651078, Lng: -6.0419086)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire