Eilean nan Siolag

Island in Argyllshire

Scotland

Eilean nan Siolag

Tiree - Buchanan Monument This monument to Alexander Buchanan sits on a little mound at Cnoc Eibrig near the settlement of Baugh, west of Scarinish and is clearly visible from the B8065 which passes it.
For more information including the inscription, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6909988">NM0243 : Tiree - Buchanan Monument - Detail with inscription</a> — Tiree - Buchanan Monument Credit: Rob Farrow

Eilean nan Siolag is a small island located in the region of Argyllshire, on the west coast of Scotland. Also known as "Island of the Seals," it is situated in the Sound of Kerrera, just off the mainland near the town of Oban.

Covering an area of approximately 8 acres, Eilean nan Siolag is known for its rugged and rocky terrain, featuring steep cliffs and a diverse range of flora and fauna. The island is predominantly covered in grasses, heather, and wildflowers, which provide a vibrant and picturesque landscape. The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, attracting a variety of seabirds, such as guillemots, razorbills, and puffins, as well as seals, which can often be spotted lounging on the rocks or swimming in the sea.

Although uninhabited, the island has historical significance, with remnants of ancient settlements and structures found throughout. The ruins of a small chapel and a burial ground serve as a reminder of the island's past inhabitants. Eilean nan Siolag also holds a mystical charm, with legends and tales passed down through generations about the island being enchanted or haunted.

Accessible by boat, Eilean nan Siolag offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the untouched beauty of Scotland's coastline. The island's tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking views make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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Eilean nan Siolag Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.491166/-6.8521102 or Grid Reference NM0143. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Tiree - Buchanan Monument

This monument to Alexander Buchanan sits on a little mound at Cnoc Eibrig near the settlement of Baugh, west of Scarinish and is clearly visible from the B8065 which passes it. For more information including the inscription, see NM0243 : Tiree - Buchanan Monument - Detail with inscription

Rob Farrow

Tiree - Buchanan Monument - Detail with inscription

This monument, seen in context here NM0243 : Tiree - Buchanan Monument has the following inscription (all in capitals). In Loving Memory of Dr Alexander Buchanan Born at Callander 4th October 1835 Died at Tiree 29th April 1911 For 51 years The Medical Officer And loved and valued friend of the Islanders This Monument is erected to his beloved memory by friends in Tiree and abroad.

Rob Farrow

Tiree filling station

By the shop at Crossapol.

Richard Webb

Machair, Tiree

Full of waders and their chicks. A vast flat area behind Tràigh Bhàgh.

Richard Webb

Rough grazing, Tiree

Richard Webb

Road to Ardachaidh

A dead end road into the interior of Tiree.

Richard Webb

Road end

Beyond, rough grazing and cattle.

Richard Webb

Track to the beach at Crossapol

Alan Reid

Flat interior of Tiree

Airport buildings in the background.

Alan Reid

An Fhaodhail, a tidal inlet

Alan Reid

An Fhaodhail, a tidal inlet

Alan Reid

B8065 road at Baugh

Alan Reid

Gateway to the moor at Orisgal

Moor at Cnoc Ibrig

East Baugh

Pottery at Baugh

Tiree - Airport Terminal Building

A view along the entrance path to Tiree's dinky little Airport Terminal. Tiree is such a flat island that they were really rather spoilt for choice as to where to position their airfield - so chose the very centre of the island. In front of the building beside the path is a steel and granite memorial to a tragic accident here on 16th August 1944 when two Handley Page Halifax aircraft collided over the airfield with the loss of all sixteen crew (8 in each aircraft). Most of the victims were in their twenties, with the youngest being just 20, and the oldest 32. The memorial was unveiled seventy years to the day after the accident by Kenneth Organ, son of the captain of Aircraft LL186 who had the identical name. Other relatives of the crew were also in attendance along with a number of Tiree locals. For details of this tragedy, see Imperial War Museum website here Link

Some interesting information relating to the airport here Link

Rob Farrow

Tiree - Diverted plane gets a recharge

We were supposed to leave Tiree at 15:05 on a Twin Otter aeroplane. Unfortunately it had developed an engine problem having left Glasgow so had to return there. So as not to leave us stranded, Loganair diverted a Saab 340 "The Spirit of Benbecula" (seen here) from its trip from Islay to Glasgow to pick us up en-route. We all boarded (along with the Islay passengers), but a second piece of misfortune struck, as the Saab did not have enough power in its batteries to turn over the propellers for a re-start. A ground unit was required to pump sufficient juice into the plane's batteries to get it going. We all disembarked the plane and sun-bathed in the beautiful afternoon Tiree sunshine, awaiting developments: After a while they managed to locate a generator at Tiree's little airport - but there was a problem: the generator was on the back of a van ... and the van's engine was seized. That is why, in this image you can see a large green tractor. The tractor had towed the poorly van into place so that it could charge the batteries on the poorly plane. We eventually left at 19:05 - four hours late. Fortunately we had enough leeway to make our connection in Glasgow - the same was not true for all of the diverted Islay passengers.

Rob Farrow

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Eilean nan Siolag is located at Grid Ref: NM0143 (Lat: 56.491166, Lng: -6.8521102)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire