Rubha nan Gillean

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Rubha nan Gillean

Loch na Gearrachun The tiny island is the site of a dun, whilst the stone causeway leading to it can just be seen to the right.
Loch na Gearrachun Credit: Gordon Hatton

Rubha nan Gillean, located in Inverness-shire, is a coastal marshland that stretches along the shores of the Moray Firth in Scotland. The area is known for its unique landscape, consisting of expansive salt marshes and saltings.

The marshland of Rubha nan Gillean is characterized by its diverse ecosystem, providing a habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species. The salt marshes are formed by the tidal movements of the Moray Firth, creating a mixture of saltwater and freshwater environments that support an array of vegetation. Common plant species found in the area include salt-tolerant grasses, rushes, and sedges.

The marshland is also a significant breeding ground and feeding area for various bird species. Coastal waders such as oystercatchers, curlews, and redshanks can be spotted in the area, alongside migratory birds like pink-footed geese and barnacle geese during the winter months. The estuarine environment attracts both resident and visiting bird populations, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.

In addition to its ecological importance, Rubha nan Gillean offers stunning panoramic views of the Moray Firth and the surrounding landscape. The expansive salt marshes and saltings create a beautiful contrast against the coastal cliffs and sandy beaches. The area is a popular destination for nature walks, as well as photography and wildlife observation.

Overall, Rubha nan Gillean in Inverness-shire is a captivating coastal marshland, showcasing a diverse ecosystem and offering breathtaking views of the Moray Firth.

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Rubha nan Gillean Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.657021/-7.4191403 or Grid Reference NF7675. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Loch na Gearrachun The tiny island is the site of a dun, whilst the stone causeway leading to it can just be seen to the right.
Loch na Gearrachun
The tiny island is the site of a dun, whilst the stone causeway leading to it can just be seen to the right.
Loch Fada na Gearrachun Small thin loch linked to its larger neighbour by a small channel.
Loch Fada na Gearrachun
Small thin loch linked to its larger neighbour by a small channel.
Erskine Beveridge's house on Bhalaigh The abandoned house of the historian Erskine Beveridge.
Erskine Beveridge's house on Bhalaigh
The abandoned house of the historian Erskine Beveridge.
Traigh Bhalaigh The island of Vallay (Bhalaigh), is only accessible by foot at low tide. It is situated on the North of North Uist. The island itself has standing stones and remnants of ancient settlements and the crumbling ruins of Vallay House. This, once grand, building and several outhouses was owned by Erskine Beveridge, who contributed greatly to the archaeology of North Uist and wrote a weighty book on the subject.
Traigh Bhalaigh
The island of Vallay (Bhalaigh), is only accessible by foot at low tide. It is situated on the North of North Uist. The island itself has standing stones and remnants of ancient settlements and the crumbling ruins of Vallay House. This, once grand, building and several outhouses was owned by Erskine Beveridge, who contributed greatly to the archaeology of North Uist and wrote a weighty book on the subject.
Callernish House Callernish House was built in 1961 by the 5th Earl Granville. Designed by Sir Martyn Beckett, it has 14 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. It is listed as a folly in Headley and Meulenkamp's Follies, the standard guide to follies in Britain
Callernish House
Callernish House was built in 1961 by the 5th Earl Granville. Designed by Sir Martyn Beckett, it has 14 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. It is listed as a folly in Headley and Meulenkamp's Follies, the standard guide to follies in Britain
Pier with Bhalaigh in the background
Pier with Bhalaigh in the background
Machair Looking towards Tràigh Bhàlaigh.
Machair
Looking towards Tràigh Bhàlaigh.
Ruin on the Moorland Looking southwest from the A865.
Ruin on the Moorland
Looking southwest from the A865.
Teampull Orain The surf scattered ruin of Teampull Orain on Isle Oronsay
Teampull Orain
The surf scattered ruin of Teampull Orain on Isle Oronsay
Grazing land at Griminis, North Uist View looking north west of grazing land to the east of Loch an Eilean. The grazers here are horses and ponies of a riding centre.
Grazing land at Griminis, North Uist
View looking north west of grazing land to the east of Loch an Eilean. The grazers here are horses and ponies of a riding centre.
Aird Mhic Caoilt Peninsula extending into the incredible vastness of Vallay Strand.
Aird Mhic Caoilt
Peninsula extending into the incredible vastness of Vallay Strand.
Bhalaigh House Bhalaigh viewed across Traigh Bhalaigh.  This vast expanse of sand dries to such an extent that at low tide cars can drive across to the island.
Bhalaigh House
Bhalaigh viewed across Traigh Bhalaigh. This vast expanse of sand dries to such an extent that at low tide cars can drive across to the island.
Navigation Beacon, Caolas Bhalaigh I think this beacon is used to aid navigation into the narrow and shallow Caolas Bhalaigh.
Navigation Beacon, Caolas Bhalaigh
I think this beacon is used to aid navigation into the narrow and shallow Caolas Bhalaigh.
Vallay Machair The machair is such a fine sight, no many how many times you see it.  A mass of wild flowers as far as the eye can see and buzzing with bumblebees and butterflies everywhere.
Vallay Machair
The machair is such a fine sight, no many how many times you see it. A mass of wild flowers as far as the eye can see and buzzing with bumblebees and butterflies everywhere.
George Beveridge Memorial Stone built memorial to George Beveridge 1891 - 1944.
George Beveridge Memorial
Stone built memorial to George Beveridge 1891 - 1944.
Vallay Shoreline Although mostly surrounded by sand there are a few rocky shores.  This one overlooking Caolas Bhalaigh.
Vallay Shoreline
Although mostly surrounded by sand there are a few rocky shores. This one overlooking Caolas Bhalaigh.
Camas na Criche, Bhalaigh As with many of the Western shores in the hebrides you have a long expanse of beautiful sandy beach.
Camas na Criche, Bhalaigh
As with many of the Western shores in the hebrides you have a long expanse of beautiful sandy beach.
Camas na Criche, Bhalaigh Dunes backing onto the white expanse of Camas na Criche.
Camas na Criche, Bhalaigh
Dunes backing onto the white expanse of Camas na Criche.
Show me another place!

Rubha nan Gillean is located at Grid Ref: NF7675 (Lat: 57.657021, Lng: -7.4191403)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///dreading.soon.newsprint. Near Lochmaddy, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 57.657021,-7.4191403
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Lat/Long: 57.65608/-7.41736
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Lat/Long: 57.65609/-7.41784
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Lat/Long: 57.65623/-7.41878
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Lat/Long: 57.65649/-7.41877
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Lat/Long: 57.65647/-7.41782
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Lat/Long: 57.65673/-7.4178
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Lat/Long: 57.65674/-7.41876
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Lat/Long: 57.65725/-7.41874
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Lat/Long: 57.65724/-7.41731
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Lat/Long: 57.65672/-7.41709
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Lat/Long: 57.65621/-7.41711
Màs a' Chnoic
Natural: cape
Lat/Long: 57.6555546/-7.4137283
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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