Eilean an Teampaill

Island in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Eilean an Teampaill

A small tide-race by RÃ²naigh The flow here was slightly intimidating to me in a kayak, but I made it through without harm. — A small tide-race by RÃ²naigh Credit: Toby Speight

Eilean an Teampaill is a small island located in the western part of Inverness-shire, Scotland. With a total area of approximately 0.04 square kilometers, the island is situated in Loch Maree, one of the most picturesque lochs in the region. The name Eilean an Teampaill translates to "Island of the Temple" in English, which reflects the historical significance of the island.

The island is home to the ruins of an ancient chapel, believed to have been built in the 8th century by Saint Maelrubha, a Scottish missionary. It is said that the chapel was a place of pilgrimage during medieval times, attracting people from all over the region. Today, the remains of the chapel still stand, with its stone walls and traces of the original altar.

Eilean an Teampaill is also known for its stunning natural beauty. Surrounded by the tranquil waters of Loch Maree, the island offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The area is rich in biodiversity, with various bird species, including golden eagles and ospreys, frequently spotted in the vicinity.

Visitors can access the island by boat, as there are no bridges connecting it to the mainland. The calm and peaceful atmosphere of Eilean an Teampaill makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Eilean an Teampaill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.474054/-7.205582 or Grid Reference NF8854. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A small tide-race by RÃ²naigh

The flow here was slightly intimidating to me in a kayak, but I made it through without harm.

Toby Speight

Rubha na Rodagrich

I'm not sure of the correct spelling of the island's name - the spelling given by the OS is inconsistent with conventional Gaelic orthography.

Toby Speight

Maragaidh Beag

One of many low-lying islands east of the Long Isle.

Toby Speight

Maragaidh Beag

In the background is Beinn Rodagrich, on Rònaigh.

Toby Speight

Ruined buildings at Buaile-mhÃ²r

Toby Speight

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

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

Cottage on Ronay

Ronay

Jac Volbeda

Vallastrome, Kallin

The view along the Vallastrome channel towards the biggest hill on the island of Ronaigh. The trig point at 115m can just be seen.

Gordon Hatton

Coming in to harbour

Small fishing boat entering Kallin harbour on a summer evening. This little boat has a 'FY' registration for Fowey in Cornwall, but arrived at Kallin on the back of a lorry. The 'Stelimar'is a local boat based here.

Gordon Hatton

Baymore: postbox № HS6 15

One of four postboxes on the island of Grimsay. Apart from the one on the main road close to the post office, they are emptied at 11:45am on weekdays and at 9:30am on Saturdays.

Chris Downer

Kallin: postbox № HS6 25

One of four postboxes on the island of Grimsay. Apart from the one on the main road close to the post office, they are emptied at 11:45am on weekdays and at 9:30am on Saturdays.

Chris Downer