Heisteamuil

Island in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Heisteamuil

Unnamed loch on Benbecula Credit: Hugh Venables

Heisteamuil is a small island located off the west coast of Scotland in Inverness-shire. Covering an area of approximately 2 square miles, it is a picturesque and sparsely populated island that offers a tranquil and serene environment.

The island is blessed with stunning natural beauty, featuring rolling hills, rugged coastline, and breathtaking views of the surrounding sea. Its diverse landscape provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and fishing.

Heisteamuil is home to a small community of residents who enjoy a peaceful and close-knit way of life. The island is predominantly rural, with a scattering of traditional cottages and farmhouses. The locals make a living through traditional industries such as fishing, farming, and small-scale tourism.

Access to Heisteamuil is primarily by boat, with regular ferry services connecting the island to the mainland. The island lacks any significant infrastructure, with limited amenities available to both residents and visitors. However, its isolation and untouched natural beauty make it an attractive destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

The island is also known for its rich history, with ancient archaeological sites and ruins scattered throughout. Visitors can explore standing stones, burial mounds, and the remains of ancient settlements, providing insight into the island's past.

In summary, Heisteamuil is a remote island in Inverness-shire that offers a tranquil and untouched natural environment. It is a place where visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature, explore its rich history, and experience the simplicity of rural island life.

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Heisteamuil Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.412825/-7.3441631 or Grid Reference NF7948. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Unnamed loch on Benbecula

Hugh Venables

On the strand at Iochdar

Looking towards Eaval on North Uist - the hill that breaks the skyline. The sand is wet - but the tide is out.

Julian Paren

On the strand near Iochdar

Enjoying the sand and the fine weather.

Julian Paren

Minor road beside the strand at Iochdar

Vehicle tracks leave here to gain access to the strand.

Julian Paren

The Co-operative store, Creagorry (Benbecula)

A good sized shop. Just don't ask when the newspapers come in; it's usually mid-afternoon!

Gordon Brown

Boat in an hotel yard

In the car park of the Isle of Benbecula Hotel at Creagorry/Creag Ghoraidh.

M J Richardson

Salt marsh at Creagorry/Creag Ghoraidh

Directly across the road [A865] from the Creagorry Hotel.

M J Richardson

Houses at Creagorry/Creag Ghoraidh

Overlooking sea and salt marsh.

M J Richardson

Wind turbine, Lionacleit

Mick Garratt

Garage by the A865

Filling station and workshops by the A865 on Benbecula. Fuel might be expensive on the Outer Hebrides, but it's still cheaper than motorway prices.

Gordon Hatton

Traditional cottage, North Uist

I note that Greg Morss referred to this as an inhabited cottage back in 2007, but now it looks distinctly uninhabited, unless the occupants enjoy fresh air through the roof.

Gordon Hatton

Across Loch Scorran

Tiny loch at the northern end of South Uist. The big hills of the island in the distance.

Gordon Hatton

Turbine trouble?

Engineers working on a wind turbine at Carnan.

Gordon Hatton

The causeway to South Uist from Benbecula

Gordon Brown

Northern end of the South Ford causeway

The causeway and short bridge was officially opened in November 1982 during a howling gale. The causeway replaced an 82 span bridge which opened in 1942, but which was in a poor state of repair by the end of the 1970s.

Gordon Hatton