Eilean an Ruiseallaich

Island in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Eilean an Ruiseallaich

Eilean an Ruiseallaich, also known as the Isle of Rusdale, is a small uninhabited island located off the west coast of Scotland, in Inverness-shire. It is situated in the Inner Hebrides, specifically within the Sound of Sleat, between the Isle of Skye and the mainland.

This island covers an area of approximately 26 hectares and is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain, with a few small grassy patches scattered throughout. It is surrounded by beautiful clear waters, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Eilean an Ruiseallaich is home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds such as guillemots, razorbills, and puffins, which nest along the cliffs. The island's location also makes it a common spot for seals to bask on the rocky shores.

Despite being uninhabited, the island holds historical significance. It is believed to have been used as a Viking burial ground, with several Viking graves discovered on its grounds. Additionally, remnants of ancient settlements, including stone structures and ruins, can still be found, providing a glimpse into the island's past.

Access to Eilean an Ruiseallaich is primarily by boat, with no regular ferry services available. However, it is a popular destination for boaters, kayakers, and wildlife enthusiasts who seek solitude and natural beauty.

Overall, Eilean an Ruiseallaich offers a picturesque and serene retreat for those looking to explore Scotland's rugged coastline and immerse themselves in its rich history and wildlife.

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Eilean an Ruiseallaich Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.412993/-7.297928 or Grid Reference NF8248. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Eileanan Stafa

Toby Speight

Loch Langabhat, Benbecula

One of the many long narrow lochs in the area, Langabhat is thirty yards wide in places although it is over two miles long.

AlastairG

Ruined croft house, 5-6 Hacklet (Hacleit), in 1995

Looking northeast across upper Loch Chearabhaigh (a sea loch) towards the scattered township of Kilerivagh. According to local information from Mary Harman in 2018, the house is still there with the mid gable with chimney standing, but the roof is entirely gone. The windows are still clear, and the winnowing hole in the barn at the left hand side of the picture is still there. The telegraph pole behind the house, being redundant is no longer there. The building probably dates from the 19th century and is Category B listed [Link

]. It also appears on the Buildings at Risk Register [Link

Richard Sutcliffe

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

Shoreline at Oitir Bheag

Half tide, with extensive areas of sand, mud and weed.

Gordon Hatton

Postbox at the junction

A junction of minor roads at Haclait. Stuart Wilding's photo from 2008 shows a telephone kiosk next to the postbox, but that is no longer there - possibly blown away in a Hebridean gale?

Gordon Hatton

The phone box is still standing

Two contributors recorded this scene in 2007, but since then the roof of the old croft house has totally collapsed, but at least the telephone box is still standing, though probably rarely used except to shelter from horizontal rain.

Gordon Hatton

Old blackhouse at Aird Cumhang

There are still many of these old turf roofed cottages on the Uists and Benbecula. Many are in a similar state to this one, but others, particularly those near roads and services have been restored as holiday cottages.

Gordon Hatton