Eilean Fhionnlaidh

Island in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Eilean Fhionnlaidh

Peaty pool by the roadside Cotton grass by the roadside, looking south east towards the hills beyond Lochmaddy.
Peaty pool by the roadside Credit: Gordon Hatton

Eilean Fhionnlaidh is a small island located in Loch Shiel, Inverness-shire, Scotland. It is part of the western Highlands and offers breathtaking natural beauty and historical significance.

Covering an area of approximately 0.3 hectares, Eilean Fhionnlaidh is a rocky island surrounded by lush vegetation and crystal-clear waters. It is accessible by boat and provides visitors with a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

The island is known for its ancient ruins, particularly the remains of a medieval tower house. This structure, believed to have been built in the 14th century, was once a fortified residence and played a significant role in the history of the area. Today, only a few sections of the tower house walls remain standing, but they serve as a reminder of the island's rich past.

Eilean Fhionnlaidh is also a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. The island is home to a variety of bird species, including golden eagles, ospreys, and various waterfowl. Visitors can observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, making it a haven for nature lovers.

In addition to its historical and natural attractions, Eilean Fhionnlaidh offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Loch Shiel and the majestic mountains that frame its shores. It is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature and experience the true essence of the Scottish Highlands.

Overall, Eilean Fhionnlaidh is a hidden gem that showcases the beauty and history of Scotland. Whether one is interested in exploring ancient ruins, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the serene surroundings, this island offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

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Eilean Fhionnlaidh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.655973/-7.1742692 or Grid Reference NF9174. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Peaty pool by the roadside Cotton grass by the roadside, looking south east towards the hills beyond Lochmaddy.
Peaty pool by the roadside
Cotton grass by the roadside, looking south east towards the hills beyond Lochmaddy.
Peat stacks at Stolie Moorland dropping gently to a tidal channel, with Beinn Mhor in the distance.
Peat stacks at Stolie
Moorland dropping gently to a tidal channel, with Beinn Mhor in the distance.
Tidal channels and mud flats Having squeezed into a corner of this square, further progress across the tidal mud flats would appear to be a foolish move. The unnamed islet some 150m away is, according to the OS map, surrounded by sand. In reality it appears to be a rather sicky mud.
Tidal channels and mud flats
Having squeezed into a corner of this square, further progress across the tidal mud flats would appear to be a foolish move. The unnamed islet some 150m away is, according to the OS map, surrounded by sand. In reality it appears to be a rather sicky mud.
A maze of muddy channels Looking east from the Rubha Dubh promontory across a maze of muddy channels, exposed rocks and little islands.
A maze of muddy channels
Looking east from the Rubha Dubh promontory across a maze of muddy channels, exposed rocks and little islands.
Tidal channel from Rubha Dubh There's a maze of muddy tidal channels here. The OS map indicates sand, but only the foolish, or those with chest waders would be tempted to cross these muddy channels.
Tidal channel from Rubha Dubh
There's a maze of muddy tidal channels here. The OS map indicates sand, but only the foolish, or those with chest waders would be tempted to cross these muddy channels.
Tidal channel between Aird Innis and Aird nan Laogh Seen close to low tide. Aird Innis, almost a separate island is on the far side of the mud.
Tidal channel between Aird Innis and Aird nan Laogh
Seen close to low tide. Aird Innis, almost a separate island is on the far side of the mud.
Tidal channel between Aird Innis and Aird nan Laogh Seen close to low tide. Aird Innis, almost a separate island is on the far side of the mud.
Tidal channel between Aird Innis and Aird nan Laogh
Seen close to low tide. Aird Innis, almost a separate island is on the far side of the mud.
Cama Lochan Beinn Mhor in the background.
Cama Lochan
Beinn Mhor in the background.
Peat Bank By the Lochportain road.
Peat Bank
By the Lochportain road.
Loch Dheoir From the Lochportain road.
Loch Dheoir
From the Lochportain road.
Loch Dheoir In the distance can be seen Li a Tuath (250m), Li a Deas (281m) and Eabhal (347m)
Loch Dheoir
In the distance can be seen Li a Tuath (250m), Li a Deas (281m) and Eabhal (347m)
Electricity Pole Crossing the soggy peat, as seen at the forefront of the photograph
Electricity Pole
Crossing the soggy peat, as seen at the forefront of the photograph
Loch Dheoir In the distance are Li a Tuath (North Less), Li a Deas (South Lee) and Eabhal (Eaval), all in the south-east of North Uist.
Loch Dheoir
In the distance are Li a Tuath (North Less), Li a Deas (South Lee) and Eabhal (Eaval), all in the south-east of North Uist.
Loch Dubh na Moine Taken from the east slopes of Beinn Mhor. What was presumably an old enclosure boundary leads down to the loch.
Loch Dubh na Moine
Taken from the east slopes of Beinn Mhor. What was presumably an old enclosure boundary leads down to the loch.
South-east slopes of Beinn Mhor, North Uist
South-east slopes of Beinn Mhor, North Uist
A corner of Loch Dheoir Loch Dheoir has an intricate shoreline with many tiny bays and inlets. Looking towards the hills beyond Lochmaddy.
A corner of Loch Dheoir
Loch Dheoir has an intricate shoreline with many tiny bays and inlets. Looking towards the hills beyond Lochmaddy.
Cnoc Mor Thormaid What appears to be a very overgrown cairn on the small hillock of Cnoc Mor Thormaid.  I wonder if it's of any antiquarian interest - there is any amount of neolithic monuments in the wider area.
Cnoc Mor Thormaid
What appears to be a very overgrown cairn on the small hillock of Cnoc Mor Thormaid. I wonder if it's of any antiquarian interest - there is any amount of neolithic monuments in the wider area.
Pool on Aird Thanais This headland is very boggy underfoot - not pleasant walking at all.  The views surrounding it make up for this.
Pool on Aird Thanais
This headland is very boggy underfoot - not pleasant walking at all. The views surrounding it make up for this.
Show me another place!

Eilean Fhionnlaidh is located at Grid Ref: NF9174 (Lat: 57.655973, Lng: -7.1742692)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///navy.cooking.establish. Near Lochmaddy, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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