Eilean a' Chinn

Island in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Eilean a' Chinn

Houses at Samhla
Houses at Samhla Credit: Sandy Gerrard

Eilean a' Chinn is a small island located in the county of Inverness-shire, Scotland. Situated in the beautiful Scottish Highlands, it is found in the middle of Loch Eil, a freshwater loch known for its stunning landscapes and rich history.

The island is approximately 0.4 hectares in size and is accessible via a small boat or by kayaking across the loch. It is uninhabited and primarily consists of grassy terrain with a few scattered trees. The name "Eilean a' Chinn" translates to "Island of the Head" in Gaelic, which is believed to refer to a stone head that was once present on the island but has since been lost.

Eilean a' Chinn is famous for its ancient ruins, including the remains of a small chapel dedicated to St. Finnan, which dates back to the 7th century. The chapel's foundation and some of its walls are still intact, providing visitors with a glimpse into the island's historical and religious significance.

The island also offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Loch Eil and the nearby mountains. It is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, and photographers who come to capture the beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

Due to its small size and lack of facilities, Eilean a' Chinn is not suitable for overnight stays or large gatherings. However, it is a peaceful and serene location that allows visitors to connect with nature and experience the tranquility of the Scottish countryside.

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Eilean a' Chinn Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.527902/-7.3296188 or Grid Reference NF8161. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Houses at Samhla
Houses at Samhla
House at Carinish
House at Carinish
Marshy area at Carinish Seemingly a naturally infilled loch.
Marshy area at Carinish
Seemingly a naturally infilled loch.
Outside Talla Chairinis, North Uist Outside a community hall
Outside Talla Chairinis, North Uist
Outside a community hall
Blar Chairinis Site of battle in 1601.
Blar Chairinis
Site of battle in 1601.
Stone barn at Carinish
Stone barn at Carinish
The ruins of Trinity Temple (Teampull na Trianaid) According to the plaque "Medieval monastery and college of European significance, founded by Beathag, daughter of Somhairle (Somerled).  Enlarged about 1350 to 1390 by Amie Mic Ruarie, first wife of John, Lord of the Isles.  Reconstructed in the 16th century.  Destroyed after the reformation.  Later restored in the 19th century by Dotair Ban."
The ruins of Trinity Temple (Teampull na Trianaid)
According to the plaque "Medieval monastery and college of European significance, founded by Beathag, daughter of Somhairle (Somerled). Enlarged about 1350 to 1390 by Amie Mic Ruarie, first wife of John, Lord of the Isles. Reconstructed in the 16th century. Destroyed after the reformation. Later restored in the 19th century by Dotair Ban."
Field and houses at Carinish And also the site of Feith na Fala (The ditch of blood) - a battle waged in 1601 between the MacLeods and the MacDonalds.
Field and houses at Carinish
And also the site of Feith na Fala (The ditch of blood) - a battle waged in 1601 between the MacLeods and the MacDonalds.
Bagh a’ Ghriasaiche
Bagh a’ Ghriasaiche
Fèithe na Fala - The ditch of blood
Fèithe na Fala - The ditch of blood
View from Temple View Hotel Teampull na Trionaid is a ruined 13th-century church and seminary at Carinish, North Uist, Scotland. Amie mac Ruari is said to have rebuilt the church in the 14th century after her divorce from John of Islay, Lord of the Isles. The ruins are protected as a scheduled monument.
View from Temple View Hotel
Teampull na Trionaid is a ruined 13th-century church and seminary at Carinish, North Uist, Scotland. Amie mac Ruari is said to have rebuilt the church in the 14th century after her divorce from John of Islay, Lord of the Isles. The ruins are protected as a scheduled monument.
Closer to the temple The ruins of Trinity Temple (Teampull na Trianaid)
Closer to the temple
The ruins of Trinity Temple (Teampull na Trianaid)
Free Church, Cairinis Current OS maps show this as a church, but older versions show it as a pub, which was its original purpose. Enough said.
Free Church, Cairinis
Current OS maps show this as a church, but older versions show it as a pub, which was its original purpose. Enough said.
A not very useful gate A rusty old metal gate at the point where a fence once crossed the track.
A not very useful gate
A rusty old metal gate at the point where a fence once crossed the track.
Track above Loch Creag nan Speireag This track, which is indistinct in places, forms part of the Hebridean Way, a relatively new walking route through the Western Isles.
Track above Loch Creag nan Speireag
This track, which is indistinct in places, forms part of the Hebridean Way, a relatively new walking route through the Western Isles.
Cotton grass, Creag nan Speireag Looking over cotton grass towards Loch nan Speireag and the houses at Gearraidh Cladach.
Cotton grass, Creag nan Speireag
Looking over cotton grass towards Loch nan Speireag and the houses at Gearraidh Cladach.
Teampull Na Trionaid A 14th century church with earlier origins. <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/10265/north-uist-carinish-teampull-na-trionaid" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/10265/north-uist-carinish-teampull-na-trionaid">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Teampull Na Trionaid
A 14th century church with earlier origins. LinkExternal link
Teampull Na Trionaid View from the south. <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/10265/north-uist-carinish-teampull-na-trionaid" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/10265/north-uist-carinish-teampull-na-trionaid">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Teampull Na Trionaid
View from the south. LinkExternal link
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Eilean a' Chinn is located at Grid Ref: NF8161 (Lat: 57.527902, Lng: -7.3296188)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///saddens.reserve.cushy. Near Balivanich, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 57.527902,-7.3296188
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.5285744/-7.322253
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.5282058/-7.3214947
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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