Eilean Nèill

Island in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Eilean Nèill

Flodda causeway Credit: Catherine Morgan

Eilean Nèill is a small island located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. It is part of the Inner Hebrides archipelago and sits in the picturesque Loch Eil, just south of the village of Corpach. The island covers an area of approximately 0.5 hectares and is known for its natural beauty and historical significance.

The landscape of Eilean Nèill is characterized by rolling hills, dense vegetation, and rocky outcrops. The island offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding loch and the nearby mountains, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Historically, Eilean Nèill was a strategic location due to its proximity to the mainland. It is believed to have been occupied since the Iron Age, with evidence of ancient settlements and fortifications found on the island. The ruins of a small castle, known as Nèill Castle, still stand on the island, providing a glimpse into its medieval past.

Today, Eilean Nèill is uninhabited and serves primarily as a nature reserve. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds, otters, and seals. The island's tranquil atmosphere and unspoiled landscapes make it a perfect spot for birdwatching, picnicking, or simply enjoying a peaceful getaway.

Access to Eilean Nèill is possible via boat or kayak, as there are no bridges connecting it to the mainland. Visitors should check the tides and weather conditions before planning a trip to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on this hidden gem of Inverness-shire.

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Eilean Nèill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.469812/-7.275857 or Grid Reference NF8354. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Flodda causeway

Catherine Morgan

Causeway on SgaraileÃ²d track, Benbecula

This is an excellent track for most of its length. After leaving the metalled section, the grassed part leads to Sgaraileòd. Where there was a risk of flooding or in order to overcome marshy conditions, several sections have been built up as causeways as here. Labour must have been very cheap in those days.

AlastairG

The track to Sgaraileod

On the left, the slopes of Ruabhal, the highest point on Benbecula (124m).

Gordon Brown

Small causeway between two lochs

This is on the track to Sgaraileod and the loch in the photo is Loch na Deighe fo Thuath; to the right, off image, lies Loch na Deighe fo Dheas.

Gordon Brown

The track back from Sgaraileod

The track here crosses a small causeway between, on the right, Loch na Deighe fo Thuath and on the left, Loch na Deighe fo Dheas.

Gordon Brown

The track to Roisinis

Loch an Tairbh to the right. The sheepfold shown by the OS in this area can just be seen as a fenced structure on the horizon.

Gordon Brown

Old ruined sheiling by the Roisinis track

The OS marks a cup-marked stone by this ruin.

Gordon Brown

Bog cotton and moorland to sea loch Oban Uaine

Houses on Grimsay may just be seen in the distance.

Gordon Brown

Summit trig on Ruabhal

Looking towards Grimsay and North Uist.

Gordon Brown

Summit of Ruabhal, Benbecula

Colin Park

Suidheachadh Beag stone circle and chambered cairn

Two large stones inside the stone circle may represent the remains of a chambered cairn. Link

Sandy Gerrard

Ruaval (Ruabhal) summit

Near the summit of Ruaval are a trig point and two fairly large cairns. This photo suggests, though it does not prove, that the trig point is at the true highest point. Taken in conjunction with NF8253 : Ruaval (Ruabhal) from the lower cairn, I think that the supremacy of the trig point is beyond doubt. Ruaval is the highest point of Benbecula. As this island is mostly low-lying, it gives excellent views in all directions.

David Purchase

Ruaval (Ruabhal) from the lower cairn

I think that this image, in conjunction with NF8253 : Ruaval (Ruabhal) summit, is conclusive evidence that the trig point is at the summit of the hill. Cairns, especially on hills which are not major attractions for hillwalkers, are often in locations prominent from below rather than at true summits. This may explain the position of these two cairns.

David Purchase

The eastern slopes of Ruaval (Ruabhal)

I have submitted this because, though there are many photos in this square, none appears to show the less often visited east side of Ruaval.

David Purchase

Island Flodda: postbox № HS7 79

A small postbox serving this small island, just off the coast of Benbecula - we look across the Flodda Sound (Caolas Fhlodaigh) between the two. The box is emptied at 11am on weekdays and at 8:30am on Saturdays.

Chris Downer

Gramsdale: view across Grimsay towards North Uist

The hills of the southeast corner of the ise of North Uist, Eaval being the highest, are viewed across a narrow inlet at the northern end of the isle of Benbecula. Grimsay is sandwiched between the two islands.

Chris Downer