Druim na h-Acairseid

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Ross-shire

Scotland

Druim na h-Acairseid

Remains of Jetty, Mellon Charles I first visited Loch Ewe in 2013 and was amazed on discovering its role in World War II. An unassuming role modestly portrayed in a few information boards scattered around its coast. WW2 remains abound, anti aircraft gun emplacements, military buildings and foundations. Loch Ewe is a deep sea loch and during the war it was used to muster merchant shipping in relative safety before heading off with vital supplies to Murmansk in war torn Russia, in what has become known as the Arctic Convoys. The convoys, of up to 40 ships with Navy escorts, sailed close to the Arctic pack ice in an attempt to avoid German U Boats. Many were unsuccessful.

To protect the ships while in Loch Ewe an anti submarine net or boom was laid across the loch at its narrowest point, about 3km. Barrage balloons and anti aircraft guns provided protection against airborne attack. During the war military personnel outnumbered the local population by 3:1.

Mellon Charles was the Boom Defence Depot. The most visible remains is this concrete jetty forming an island that has been adopted by a colony of terns which took to divebombing us as we paddled past.

The seas around Mellon Charles are particularly rich in marine life and have been designated by the Scottish Wildlife Trust as part of their Snorkel Trail. Yet in spite this accolade the beach was exceptionally quiet. Golden sands but marred only by a thick tide mark of drying kelp. Only one other car arrived, an ex-serviceman looking up old haunts. He was stationed here for two weeks in 1972 as part of the Royal Marines Arctic warfare section. — Remains of Jetty, Mellon Charles Credit: Mick Garratt

Druim na h-Acairseid is a prominent coastal feature located in Ross-shire, Scotland. It is a headland or point that juts out into the ocean, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and oceanic vistas.

Situated on the northwest coast of Scotland, Druim na h-Acairseid stands tall and majestic, boasting rugged cliffs that plunge dramatically into the Atlantic Ocean. The headland is characterized by its rocky terrain, with steep slopes and jagged edges. These features add to its allure and make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and hikers.

The unique geography of Druim na h-Acairseid provides an ideal habitat for a variety of coastal flora and fauna. Visitors can expect to encounter an array of seabirds, such as gulls and cormorants, nesting and fishing along the cliffs. The headland also offers a glimpse into the diverse marine life of the region, with seals and dolphins occasionally spotted in the surrounding waters.

Aside from its natural beauty, Druim na h-Acairseid holds historical significance as well. The headland is believed to have been occupied by ancient settlements, with traces of previous human activity discovered in the vicinity.

Access to Druim na h-Acairseid is available through well-defined trails and footpaths that wind their way along the coast. These paths afford visitors with stunning views of the coastline and the opportunity to explore the headland's rugged terrain.

Overall, Druim na h-Acairseid is a captivating coastal feature that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and historical significance. It is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic Scottish coastal experience.

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Druim na h-Acairseid Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.838907/-5.6293453 or Grid Reference NG8489. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Remains of Jetty, Mellon Charles

I first visited Loch Ewe in 2013 and was amazed on discovering its role in World War II. An unassuming role modestly portrayed in a few information boards scattered around its coast. WW2 remains abound, anti aircraft gun emplacements, military buildings and foundations. Loch Ewe is a deep sea loch and during the war it was used to muster merchant shipping in relative safety before heading off with vital supplies to Murmansk in war torn Russia, in what has become known as the Arctic Convoys. The convoys, of up to 40 ships with Navy escorts, sailed close to the Arctic pack ice in an attempt to avoid German U Boats. Many were unsuccessful. To protect the ships while in Loch Ewe an anti submarine net or boom was laid across the loch at its narrowest point, about 3km. Barrage balloons and anti aircraft guns provided protection against airborne attack. During the war military personnel outnumbered the local population by 3:1. Mellon Charles was the Boom Defence Depot. The most visible remains is this concrete jetty forming an island that has been adopted by a colony of terns which took to divebombing us as we paddled past. The seas around Mellon Charles are particularly rich in marine life and have been designated by the Scottish Wildlife Trust as part of their Snorkel Trail. Yet in spite this accolade the beach was exceptionally quiet. Golden sands but marred only by a thick tide mark of drying kelp. Only one other car arrived, an ex-serviceman looking up old haunts. He was stationed here for two weeks in 1972 as part of the Royal Marines Arctic warfare section.

Mick Garratt

Ship mooring point

An anchorage for ocean going ships.

Mick Garratt

Slipway at Ormiscaig

Recycling the concrete anchor points used to hold the submarine netting across Loch Ewe.

Mick Garratt

Shore road near Ormiscaig

Elliott Simpson

Leaving Ormiscaig heading to Aultbea

Elliott Simpson

Road following loch side toward Aultbea

Martin Dawes

Track to crofts in Ormiscaig

The water beyond is Loch Ewe and the land beyond is the Isle of Ewe

Martin Dawes

Minor road passing through Ormiscaig

One of a number of crofting community's along this road

Martin Dawes

Road beside Loch Ewe entering Ormiscaig

Looking north-westward.

Peter Wood

Road near Ormiscaig

Looking south-eastward.

Peter Wood

Loch Ewe

In the foreground is the NATO refuelling base. In the middle distance is the linear settlement of Aultbea with the pier at Aird Point. In the background by the headland is the settlement of Mellon Charles.

Robert W Watt

Ormiscaig

Crofting community.

Jennifer Jones

Coastline by Bualnaluib

Small coastal crofting community.

Jennifer Jones

Remains of Pier, Mellon Charles

Part of the main base for the WW2 defences of Loch Ewe. The far structure is concrete (in NG8490) but only wooden stumps remain of the connecting pier.

Mick Garratt