Eilean nam Breac

Island in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Eilean nam Breac

Houses at Samhla
Houses at Samhla Credit: Sandy Gerrard

Eilean nam Breac, also known as the Island of the Speckled Stones, is a small uninhabited island located in the Inverness-shire region of Scotland. Situated in the Inner Sound, between the Isle of Skye and the Scottish mainland, the island is approximately 1.5 miles long and 0.5 miles wide.

The name "Eilean nam Breac" derives from the Gaelic language, referring to the island's distinctive appearance. The coastline of the island is adorned with an array of colorful and speckled stones, creating a unique and picturesque landscape. The island is predominantly rugged and hilly, with its highest point reaching around 130 feet.

Despite being uninhabited, Eilean nam Breac presents a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Various species of birds, including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots, can be found nesting on the cliffs and rocky outcrops. The surrounding waters are also home to seals, dolphins, and various fish species.

Access to the island is limited due to its uninhabited status. However, it is possible for visitors to arrange boat trips from nearby towns such as Plockton or Kyle of Lochalsh to explore the island's natural beauty. The island offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and photography.

Eilean nam Breac, with its stunning speckled stones, rugged terrain, and abundant wildlife, stands as a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts seeking a unique experience in the Inverness-shire region of Scotland.

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Eilean nam Breac Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.530858/-7.3288802 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.
Baleshare - North Uist Causeway Looking east from Samhla to North Uist. Interestingly, although both sides are open to the sea, there is water to the south but it was dry on the north.
Baleshare - North Uist Causeway
Looking east from Samhla to North Uist. Interestingly, although both sides are open to the sea, there is water to the south but it was dry on the north.
Shore at Samhla Looking south from the west end of the causeway.
Shore at Samhla
Looking south from the west end of the causeway.
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.
Show me another place!

Eilean nam Breac is located at Grid Ref: NF8161 (Lat: 57.530858, Lng: -7.3288802)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///thumb.remains.deprives. Near Balivanich, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 57.530858,-7.3288802
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.5285744/-7.322253
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.531368/-7.3210599
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.531656/-7.3218377
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.5315898/-7.3224358
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.5322867/-7.3226665
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.5330124/-7.3229025
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.5336747/-7.3231252
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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