Eilean a' Ghobha

Island in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Eilean a' Ghobha

Ruined buildings at Buaile-mhÃ²r Credit: Toby Speight

Eilean a' Ghobha, also known as Island of the Smith, is a small island located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. Situated in Loch Broom, the island is approximately 30 acres in size and lies about a mile off the coast of Ullapool.

The island gets its name from the Gaelic word "Gobha," meaning "smith," which suggests that it may have been a place where blacksmiths once resided or where ironworking took place. Eilean a' Ghobha is uninhabited today, but it is believed to have been populated in the past due to the remnants of stone structures and burial cairns found on the island.

The island boasts stunning natural beauty, with rugged cliffs, rocky shores, and grassy slopes. It is a haven for birdwatchers, as various seabirds, including gulls and cormorants, can be spotted nesting on the cliffs. The surrounding waters are also home to seals, which can often be seen basking on the rocks.

Eilean a' Ghobha is accessible by boat, and visitors can explore the island's walking trails and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It is a popular spot for picnicking, wildlife photography, and nature enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in Scotland's natural wonders.

Overall, Eilean a' Ghobha is a picturesque island in Inverness-shire, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's history and a chance to experience the tranquility and beauty of the Scottish countryside.

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Eilean a' Ghobha Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.493729/-7.2108961 or Grid Reference NF8756. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Ruined buildings at Buaile-mhÃ²r

Rubh' an t-Sagairt

Eilean na Hoe

Eilean Buidhe

Eilean nan Gearr

The background hill is Eabhal.

Toby Speight

Islet off Eilean Dubh an Uan

Toby Speight

Gearraidh Dubh

Looking over the shore near Gearraidh Dubh towards Eabhal.

Richard Sutcliffe

Loch na Faoileag on Grimsay

One of many small islets on Loch na Faoileag on the Isle of Grimsay

G Kilpatrick

Loch na Faoileag Shoreline

A view along the shoreline to north west finger on Loch na Faoileag (Isle of Grimsay) .Taken on the opposite bank from the roadside.

G Kilpatrick

Loch na Faoileag Cairn

A small cairn situated at the south-eastern end of Loch na Faoileag.

G Kilpatrick

Bagh Sgotbheinn

Not all Hebridean buildings fall into disrepair. I note that Dave Fergusson's 2007 photograph includes this small building, but now, twelve years later it has a new roof and is looking well cared for.

Gordon Hatton

Kallin Harbour, Grimsay

Colin Park

Old harbour, Grimsay

A crofthouse sitting on a reclaimed piece of land at Baymore (Bagh mor) which was the main harbour on the island before the Kallin (Ceallan) development. The harbour is littered with lots of old creels and other flotsam and there are many old stone piers.

Gus Macdonald

The summit region of Grimsay

Grimsay is a low island between North Uist and Benbecula. It is difficult to be certain of its highest point, but this eminence, 25m or so above Mean Sea Level, is a good contender.

David Purchase

Kallin Harbour

The smaller vessels in the harbour are inshore lobster boats which use creels to trap crabs and lobsters. The larger vessels are offshore prawn boats which use trawl nets to catch the shellfish.

Robert W Watt