Rubha nan Lion

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Ross-shire

Scotland

Rubha nan Lion

Heronry on cliff face, Loch Rog Beag, North Harris These herons are very unusual nesting on the open cliff face rather than in tree tops. The eggs are very vulnerable to predation by Buzzards and Ravens. Despite our guided tour RIB remaining well away we observed 2 eggs being taken by groups of Ravens attacking, distracting the parents and &quot;sneaking in&quot;. Nature is hard to observe sometimes. — Heronry on cliff face, Loch Rog Beag, North Harris Credit: Hazel Hambidge

Rubha nan Lion is a coastal marsh and saltings located in Ross-shire, Scotland. It occupies a narrow strip of land between the sea and the surrounding farmland. The site is characterized by its diverse range of habitats, including salt marshes, mudflats, and sand dunes.

The marshes at Rubha nan Lion are rich in nutrients, thanks to the regular flooding by the nearby sea. As a result, the area supports a variety of plant species, including salt-tolerant grasses, sedges, and rushes. These plants provide important nesting and feeding grounds for a wide range of bird species, making the site a popular destination for birdwatchers.

The mudflats are another key feature of Rubha nan Lion. During low tide, vast expanses of exposed mud provide feeding opportunities for wading birds such as curlews, oystercatchers, and redshanks. The mudflats also attract migratory species, including dunlins and godwits, which stop here to refuel during their long journeys.

Additionally, the sand dunes found at Rubha nan Lion are home to a unique collection of plant species adapted to the harsh coastal environment. Marram grass, sea rocket, and sea holly are just a few examples of the plants that thrive in this ecosystem.

Overall, Rubha nan Lion is an ecologically important site, offering a diverse range of habitats and supporting a variety of plant and bird species. Its conservation value and natural beauty make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and visitors interested in exploring Scotland's coastal landscapes.

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Rubha nan Lion Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.128494/-6.8772596 or Grid Reference NB1225. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Heronry on cliff face, Loch Rog Beag, North Harris

These herons are very unusual nesting on the open cliff face rather than in tree tops. The eggs are very vulnerable to predation by Buzzards and Ravens. Despite our guided tour RIB remaining well away we observed 2 eggs being taken by groups of Ravens attacking, distracting the parents and "sneaking in". Nature is hard to observe sometimes.

Hazel Hambidge

West Bank, Loch Rog Beag, North Harris

View almost south from RIB towards west bank of this narrow sea loch.

Hazel Hambidge

Gisla Power Station

Small HEP station on the western shore of Loch Rog Beag at Giosla.

Colin Smith

B8011 cut through the hillside

By the bottom of Loch Ròg Beag

Jo and Steve Turner

Gisla Power Station

A small hydroelectric power station, using water piped from Loch Coirceabhat.

David Martin

Enaclete: rainbow over Loch RÃ²g Beag

Having visited the Flannan Isles today, in fine weather, it was clear as we approached the Lewis coast on our return that Lewis itself had not fared so fortunately. However, sunshine did break through as we approached Miavaig harbour and, by the time we set foot ashore the sun was shining brightly. This would be a shortlived break in the showers, though, as this rainbow across the Loch testifies. The B8011 has very recently been upgraded (not yet included on the 1:50,000 mapping but updated at 1:25,000 scale) and Enaclete village is now bypassed by a two-carriageway road. I am not certain but the track immediately in front of us may derive from the course of the old road.

Chris Downer

View From Bridge

View from the road bridge towards Loch Rog Beag.

Rude Health

Old road bridge at Giosla

Peter Moore

The B8011 road from Ardroil

An excellent stretch of full width road - the only road which connects Ardroil to the rest of the island.

John Lucas

Loch RÃ²g Beag

Viewed from Einacleite.

John Lucas

Gate below Sgeun, Isle of Lewis

Looking towards Loch Mòr Ruadh.

Claire Pegrum

Rock on moorland near Loch Fuarail, Isle of Lewis

Looking towards Loch Fuarail and Coduinn.

Claire Pegrum

Loch SÃ¹rstabhat at sunset

Although looking almost due north, the sun was setting just off the left of this view, taken after 10 pm (summer time). The sunset hadn't yet developed the spectacular underlit cloudscape that followed 20 minutes or so later, but the little loch caught our eye as we became increasingly distracted from the road looking for a suitable foreground. Fortunately, there are sections of the old road to safely get off the highway and wander about with a camera !

Andy Waddington