Stac nan Sgarbh

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Ross-shire

Scotland

Stac nan Sgarbh

Weary worker by the B895 In fact just a boulder dressed up with helmet and overalls. A bit of light relief in this moorland landscape on a cold, wet, windy May day. Five years later, and still there <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5802841">NB4943 : Weary worker still by the B895 near Griais, Isle of Lewis</a>.
Weary worker by the B895 Credit: M J Richardson

Stac nan Sgarbh is a distinctive coastal feature located in Ross-shire, Scotland. It is classified as a headland or point and is renowned for its unique geological formations and abundant birdlife.

Situated on the western coast of Scotland, Stac nan Sgarbh juts out into the North Atlantic Ocean, forming an imposing promontory. The headland is characterized by its steep cliffs, which rise dramatically from the sea, reaching heights of up to 100 meters. These cliffs are composed of rugged, weathered rock, primarily consisting of sandstone and shale.

One of the most notable aspects of Stac nan Sgarbh is its rich birdlife. The headland is home to a diverse range of seabird species, including razorbills, guillemots, puffins, and gannets. These birds nest on the sheer cliff faces, creating a vibrant and bustling breeding colony during the summer months. The coastal location of Stac nan Sgarbh provides an ideal habitat for these seabirds, as the surrounding waters are abundant with fish and other marine life.

In addition to its ecological significance, Stac nan Sgarbh also holds historical importance. It is believed that the headland was once a site of Viking settlement, as archaeological remains have been discovered in the vicinity.

Overall, Stac nan Sgarbh is a striking coastal feature in Ross-shire, boasting impressive cliffs, a thriving bird colony, and a rich historical background. Its natural beauty and ecological value make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and those interested in Scotland's history.

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Stac nan Sgarbh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.309961/-6.2392158 or Grid Reference NB5143. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Weary worker by the B895 In fact just a boulder dressed up with helmet and overalls. A bit of light relief in this moorland landscape on a cold, wet, windy May day. Five years later, and still there <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5802841">NB4943 : Weary worker still by the B895 near Griais, Isle of Lewis</a>.
Weary worker by the B895
In fact just a boulder dressed up with helmet and overalls. A bit of light relief in this moorland landscape on a cold, wet, windy May day. Five years later, and still there NB4943 : Weary worker still by the B895 near Griais, Isle of Lewis.
Moorland on the flanks of Beinn Iobheir An uninspiring view of the Lewis landscape on a cold, wet, windy day.
Moorland on the flanks of Beinn Iobheir
An uninspiring view of the Lewis landscape on a cold, wet, windy day.
Weary worker still by the B895 near Griais, Isle of Lewis He's been hard at work for over five years now: <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3467875">NB4943 : Weary worker by the B895</a>.

The B895 runs between the A857, to the north of Stornoway, and New Tolsta.
Weary worker still by the B895 near Griais, Isle of Lewis
He's been hard at work for over five years now: NB4943 : Weary worker by the B895. The B895 runs between the A857, to the north of Stornoway, and New Tolsta.
Geo below Cnoc nan Caorach, Isle of Lewis The oil rig in the distance is the Transocean Winner which ran aground on the west side of Lewis.  It is shown in Broad Bay/Loch a Tuath to where it has been towed for assessment before transportation to a repair yard.
Geo below Cnoc nan Caorach, Isle of Lewis
The oil rig in the distance is the Transocean Winner which ran aground on the west side of Lewis. It is shown in Broad Bay/Loch a Tuath to where it has been towed for assessment before transportation to a repair yard.
Coastline, Bearn Iorach an Toa, Isle of Lewis The Eye Peninsula can be seen along the horizon.
Coastline, Bearn Iorach an Toa, Isle of Lewis
The Eye Peninsula can be seen along the horizon.
Sron Garadh Ruairidh, Isle of Lewis The OS Name Book of 1848-1852's entry for Sron Garadh Ruairidh reads, "a small but bold and steep headland on the sea shore. Signifies Nose of Roderick's Dyke".  The 1st Edition OS map of 1853 shows a dyke running from Loch Ben Tearabert to the edge of the cliff above Sron Garadh Ruairidh.
Sron Garadh Ruairidh, Isle of Lewis
The OS Name Book of 1848-1852's entry for Sron Garadh Ruairidh reads, "a small but bold and steep headland on the sea shore. Signifies Nose of Roderick's Dyke". The 1st Edition OS map of 1853 shows a dyke running from Loch Ben Tearabert to the edge of the cliff above Sron Garadh Ruairidh.
Coastline, Bearn Iorach an Toa, Isle of Lewis The Eye Peninsula can be seen along the horizon.
Coastline, Bearn Iorach an Toa, Isle of Lewis
The Eye Peninsula can be seen along the horizon.
Peat cutting, Bhinndean, Isle of Lewis Looking across Broad Bay/Loch a Tuath towards the Eye Peninsula.
Peat cutting, Bhinndean, Isle of Lewis
Looking across Broad Bay/Loch a Tuath towards the Eye Peninsula.
Old Tolsta Road This is the old road between Gress and Tolsta. Due to the low level of roadside development in some areas many sections of road are simply left intact when they are replaced by wider, straighter roads. However, they are not normally maintained afterwards so fall into a state of disrepair as you can see from the grass growing through the centre of the bitmac.
Old Tolsta Road
This is the old road between Gress and Tolsta. Due to the low level of roadside development in some areas many sections of road are simply left intact when they are replaced by wider, straighter roads. However, they are not normally maintained afterwards so fall into a state of disrepair as you can see from the grass growing through the centre of the bitmac.
The old single-track road to Tolsta This road was formerly the main road to the village of Tolsta. It has been bypassed by the new double-track B895 and has fallen into disrepair. To the left are the electric pylons which carry the power supply to the village and behind them a more ancient source of power in the form of some disused peatbanks.
The old single-track road to Tolsta
This road was formerly the main road to the village of Tolsta. It has been bypassed by the new double-track B895 and has fallen into disrepair. To the left are the electric pylons which carry the power supply to the village and behind them a more ancient source of power in the form of some disused peatbanks.
Peat track leading into moorland east of B895 This is a section of peat track used to give tractors access to the peatbanks to collect the dried peats. Tractors are only used to transport the peats home, no other machines are traditionally used in cutting peats. On the horizon is the Eye Peninsula or Point as it is locally known.
Peat track leading into moorland east of B895
This is a section of peat track used to give tractors access to the peatbanks to collect the dried peats. Tractors are only used to transport the peats home, no other machines are traditionally used in cutting peats. On the horizon is the Eye Peninsula or Point as it is locally known.
Passing places on old Tolsta road This photo shows a section of the disused Gress-Tolsta road. It is a great detour from the main road to Tolsta and a wide variety of wildlife can be observed from it. It is a popular location for over night stays in motorhomes and caravans.
Passing places on old Tolsta road
This photo shows a section of the disused Gress-Tolsta road. It is a great detour from the main road to Tolsta and a wide variety of wildlife can be observed from it. It is a popular location for over night stays in motorhomes and caravans.
Glen Tolsta The valley leading into the sea here is Glen Tolsta. The house is one of the few houses in the village of Glen Tolsta, although several new houses are being built there at the moment. The small beach is very pleasant and there are several interesting ruins to explore.
Glen Tolsta
The valley leading into the sea here is Glen Tolsta. The house is one of the few houses in the village of Glen Tolsta, although several new houses are being built there at the moment. The small beach is very pleasant and there are several interesting ruins to explore.
Loch Bacabhat
Loch Bacabhat
Sialabhig Mor From Seaward
Sialabhig Mor
From Seaward
Port Bun a' Ghlinne Glen Tolsta from seaward
Port Bun a' Ghlinne
Glen Tolsta from seaward
Three Caves This coast has numerous caves, but it is unusual to see three side by side in this location near to Creag Fhraoich. (Heather Crag)
Three Caves
This coast has numerous caves, but it is unusual to see three side by side in this location near to Creag Fhraoich. (Heather Crag)
Gleann Tholastaidh (Glen Tolsta) Sited at the end of a side road, Gleann Tholastaidh is the site of several ruined houses. The construction of the nearest one looks like beach pebbles in a cement matrix.
Gleann Tholastaidh (Glen Tolsta)
Sited at the end of a side road, Gleann Tholastaidh is the site of several ruined houses. The construction of the nearest one looks like beach pebbles in a cement matrix.
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Stac nan Sgarbh is located at Grid Ref: NB5143 (Lat: 58.309961, Lng: -6.2392158)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///basis.spearing.traders. Near North Tolsta, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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