Oitir Uaine

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Oitir Uaine

Gated road to Shona Beag
Gated road to Shona Beag Credit: Steven Brown

Oitir Uaine, located in Inverness-shire, is a coastal marsh and saltings area that boasts stunning natural beauty and abundant biodiversity. Spanning approximately 200 hectares, it is situated along the northern coast of Scotland, near the town of Inverness.

The landscape of Oitir Uaine is characterized by its extensive mudflats, salt marshes, and sand dunes. These unique coastal features are the result of a delicate balance between the sea, wind, and tides. The area is also crisscrossed by meandering creeks and channels, providing a vital habitat for various marine and avian species.

The marshes and saltings of Oitir Uaine are of great ecological significance. They serve as an important feeding and breeding ground for a wide range of bird species, including waders, waterfowl, and seabirds. These birds are attracted to the area due to the abundance of invertebrates, such as worms, snails, and crustaceans, found in the rich mudflats.

In addition to its avian inhabitants, Oitir Uaine supports a diverse array of plant life. The salt marshes are home to salt-tolerant vegetation, including samphire and sea lavender, which adds to the area's beauty. The dunes are covered in marram grass and other coastal plants that stabilize the sandy soil and prevent erosion.

Oitir Uaine is a designated nature reserve and is managed by conservation organizations to protect its delicate ecosystems. Visitors can explore the area through a network of footpaths and enjoy the breathtaking views of the marshes, dunes, and the sea. It is a haven for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers, providing a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of Scotland's coastal habitats.

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Oitir Uaine Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.786611/-5.8044468 or Grid Reference NM6772. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Gated road to Shona Beag
Gated road to Shona Beag
A861 at Kylesbeg
A861 at Kylesbeg
A861 and Loch Moidart
A861 and Loch Moidart
Set in stone; the old pier at Kinlochmoidart Slowly but surely the old pier returns to powder whilst the galvanised mooring hook defies the elements.
Set in stone; the old pier at Kinlochmoidart
Slowly but surely the old pier returns to powder whilst the galvanised mooring hook defies the elements.
The old pier viewed from the east
The old pier viewed from the east
The ubiquitous rhododendron by the loch side
The ubiquitous rhododendron by the loch side
Castle Tioram This most exposed corner which was in danger of collapse has now been saved by the owner being granted permission at long last to restore the castle to its former habitable state.
Castle Tioram
This most exposed corner which was in danger of collapse has now been saved by the owner being granted permission at long last to restore the castle to its former habitable state.
Castle Tioram
Castle Tioram
Castle Tioram from the Silver Walk At low water the beach between the island and the headland is exposed.
Castle Tioram from the Silver Walk
At low water the beach between the island and the headland is exposed.
Kinlochmoidart Pier (Dis-used) May 2012 Compare with the other images of the same feature for this square - slow decay
Kinlochmoidart Pier (Dis-used) May 2012
Compare with the other images of the same feature for this square - slow decay
Road by the Loch Side
Road by the Loch Side
Castle Tioram - High Tide
Castle Tioram - High Tide
Castle Tioram - 1987 Or Castle Tiorlair on the largest scale OS maps. A view from just south of the causeway that connects the castle with the mainland when the tide is out. Behind is Eilean Shona.
Castle Tioram - 1987
Or Castle Tiorlair on the largest scale OS maps. A view from just south of the causeway that connects the castle with the mainland when the tide is out. Behind is Eilean Shona.
Eilean Shona and Castle Tioram A view northwest from near the causeway that allows access to the castle at low tide.
Eilean Shona and Castle Tioram
A view northwest from near the causeway that allows access to the castle at low tide.
Shoreline below Cnoc a'Chrochaidh
Shoreline below Cnoc a'Chrochaidh
Caisteal Tioram From Riska Island The Dry Castle. Due to the fact that it can be reached by a sandy strand. not quite an island.

The castle was first recorded in 1373 and was intentionally burnt down in 1715 by Alan, the 14th chief, who was off to join the Jacobite Rebellion and had a premonition of his own death.
Caisteal Tioram From Riska Island
The Dry Castle. Due to the fact that it can be reached by a sandy strand. not quite an island. The castle was first recorded in 1373 and was intentionally burnt down in 1715 by Alan, the 14th chief, who was off to join the Jacobite Rebellion and had a premonition of his own death.
Remains of Small Building at Caisteal Tioram Containing human excrement. Not a nice sight for the many tourists exploring the castle.
Remains of Small Building at Caisteal Tioram
Containing human excrement. Not a nice sight for the many tourists exploring the castle.
Channel Between Shona Beag and Eilean na Gruagaig A narrow channel between two islands, Shona Beag on the left, Eilean na Gruagaig on the right. Dry at low tide.
Channel Between Shona Beag and Eilean na Gruagaig
A narrow channel between two islands, Shona Beag on the left, Eilean na Gruagaig on the right. Dry at low tide.
Show me another place!

Oitir Uaine is located at Grid Ref: NM6772 (Lat: 56.786611, Lng: -5.8044468)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///shook.jokers.lakeside. Near Arisaig, Highland

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 56.786611,-5.8044468
Man Made: cairn
Lat/Long: 56.784137/-5.8033303
Man Made: cairn
Lat/Long: 56.7848289/-5.8013423
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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