Sgeir Einis

Island in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Sgeir Einis

Ruin of a small stone building next to a field boundary
Ruin of a small stone building next to a field boundary Credit: Sandy Gerrard

Sgeir Einis is a small, uninhabited island located off the northwest coast of Scotland in Inverness-shire. The island is part of the Inner Hebrides, which is a group of islands known for their rugged beauty and rich history. Sgeir Einis is situated in the Sound of Raasay, between the Isle of Skye and the mainland.

The island of Sgeir Einis is relatively small, measuring approximately 1.5 hectares in size. It is characterized by its rocky terrain and lack of vegetation, making it a challenging environment for plant and animal life. Despite its harsh conditions, the island is an important breeding ground for seabirds, including species such as guillemots and razorbills.

Access to Sgeir Einis is limited due to its remote location and lack of infrastructure. There are no permanent structures or facilities on the island, and it is primarily visited by birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and occasional boaters. The surrounding waters of Sgeir Einis offer opportunities for fishing and sailing, attracting those seeking outdoor recreational activities.

The island's location in the Inner Hebrides provides visitors with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, including the nearby Isle of Skye and the rugged coastline of Inverness-shire. Its isolation and unspoiled natural beauty make Sgeir Einis a popular destination for those looking to experience the tranquility and solitude of a remote Scottish island.

In conclusion, Sgeir Einis is a small, uninhabited island situated in the Sound of Raasay, off the northwest coast of Scotland. With its rocky terrain, abundant seabird population, and breathtaking views, Sgeir Einis offers a unique and peaceful experience for those who venture to this remote corner of Inverness-shire.

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Sgeir Einis Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.778853/-7.0807663 or Grid Reference NF9887. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Ruin of a small stone building next to a field boundary
Ruin of a small stone building next to a field boundary
Slopes of Greabhal. Steep but easy hill above Northton. The lochan is used for water supply.
Slopes of Greabhal.
Steep but easy hill above Northton. The lochan is used for water supply.
Houses at Taigh a Chaolais South end of Harris, from the Sound
Houses at Taigh a Chaolais
South end of Harris, from the Sound
Cove on Ensay An almost deserted island on the west of the Sound of Harris
Cove on Ensay
An almost deserted island on the west of the Sound of Harris
Manish beach, Ensay A sheltered sandy beach at the north of Ensay; good mooring.
Manish beach, Ensay
A sheltered sandy beach at the north of Ensay; good mooring.
Rocky corner of Manish beach, Ensay The western end of this sheltered beach; Pabbay in the distance.
Rocky corner of Manish beach, Ensay
The western end of this sheltered beach; Pabbay in the distance.
Ensay House
Ensay House
Loch Iosal Vassary Dam at the north end of Loch Iosal Vassary.
Loch Iosal Vassary
Dam at the north end of Loch Iosal Vassary.
Stromay The small island of Stromay (Sromaigh) lies off the west coast of South Harris.  Not to be confused with a larger island of the same name which lies off the coast of North Uist.
Stromay
The small island of Stromay (Sromaigh) lies off the west coast of South Harris. Not to be confused with a larger island of the same name which lies off the coast of North Uist.
Red Rock, South Harris This rock (in Gaelic, Ceag Ruadh) is marked by a beacon and lies adjacent to the island of Stromay, off South Harris' west coast.
Red Rock, South Harris
This rock (in Gaelic, Ceag Ruadh) is marked by a beacon and lies adjacent to the island of Stromay, off South Harris' west coast.
Ensay House and bay Looking south to Borosdale Point.
Ensay House and bay
Looking south to Borosdale Point.
Ensay House Viewed from the anchorage in the bay. This house, once home to the Stewart family, was renovated in 1991 as holiday accommodation.
Ensay House
Viewed from the anchorage in the bay. This house, once home to the Stewart family, was renovated in 1991 as holiday accommodation.
Ensay House and bay Viewed from Borosdale Point, looking northwards.
Ensay House and bay
Viewed from Borosdale Point, looking northwards.
Christ Church Chapel, Ensay Little is known of the chapel's early history. In the early 1900s the island of Ensay became the property of the Stewart family and one of the sisters, Mrs Jessie Scott, decided to renew the old chapel beside Ensay House and to restore it to its original purpose. By 1909 it was repaired, the rood re-slated, the ceiling panelled in Californian redwood, a heavy oak door added and a new altar, altar rail, reredos and lectern made in mahogany. The church fell into disrepair again after the First World War, but it was restored in the early 1950s by John David, who had bought Ensay House. An annual pilgrimage to the chapel is maintained by members of Lewis and Harris congregations.  On the hill behind the chapel is a standing stone.
Christ Church Chapel, Ensay
Little is known of the chapel's early history. In the early 1900s the island of Ensay became the property of the Stewart family and one of the sisters, Mrs Jessie Scott, decided to renew the old chapel beside Ensay House and to restore it to its original purpose. By 1909 it was repaired, the rood re-slated, the ceiling panelled in Californian redwood, a heavy oak door added and a new altar, altar rail, reredos and lectern made in mahogany. The church fell into disrepair again after the First World War, but it was restored in the early 1950s by John David, who had bought Ensay House. An annual pilgrimage to the chapel is maintained by members of Lewis and Harris congregations. On the hill behind the chapel is a standing stone.
Standing stone on Ensay Situated on the bluff behind Christ Church Chapel.
Standing stone on Ensay
Situated on the bluff behind Christ Church Chapel.
Old lazy beds on Ensay There are signs of former cultivation all over this island. These appear to be former lazy beds.
Old lazy beds on Ensay
There are signs of former cultivation all over this island. These appear to be former lazy beds.
Cairn on Ensay Located on the north-eastern tip of the island.
Cairn on Ensay
Located on the north-eastern tip of the island.
Manish Strand, Ensay The island of Pabbay can be seen in the distance.
Manish Strand, Ensay
The island of Pabbay can be seen in the distance.
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Sgeir Einis is located at Grid Ref: NF9887 (Lat: 57.778853, Lng: -7.0807663)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///juicy.pets.routs. Near Leverburgh, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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