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Sgeir na Muice

Island in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Sgeir na Muice

Roghadal harbour The house on the right was built in 1781, and become an hotel at least as early as the 1920s. The building is currently undergoing significant restoration.
Roghadal harbour Credit: Richard Dorrell

Sgeir na Muice is a small uninhabited island located off the coast of Inverness-shire, Scotland. Also known as the Pig Rock, it is situated in the Inner Moray Firth, approximately 2 kilometers northeast of Fort George. The island is a prominent feature in the local landscape and holds historical and ecological significance.

Covering an area of around 1.5 hectares, Sgeir na Muice is a rocky outcrop that rises about 15 meters above sea level. The island is composed of sandstone and has a rugged terrain with a few patches of vegetation. Its exposed position makes it particularly susceptible to the strong winds and tidal currents of the Moray Firth.

The name Sgeir na Muice translates to "Pig Rock" in Gaelic, which is believed to be derived from the shape of the island resembling a pig when viewed from certain angles. Despite being uninhabited, the island has been used as a navigational landmark for centuries, serving as a reference point for sailors and fishermen in the region.

In addition to its navigational significance, Sgeir na Muice also provides a habitat for various seabird species. The island is known to be a breeding ground for gulls, cormorants, and shags. The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, attracting seals and dolphins, which can sometimes be spotted near the island.

Due to its natural and historical value, Sgeir na Muice is protected as part of the Moray Firth Special Area of Conservation. Access to the island is restricted to protect the wildlife and preserve its natural state. Visitors can admire the island from a distance, either from the coast or from boat tours that explore the Moray Firth.

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Sgeir na Muice Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.734778/-6.9794282 or Grid Reference NG0382. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Roghadal harbour The house on the right was built in 1781, and become an hotel at least as early as the 1920s. The building is currently undergoing significant restoration.
Roghadal harbour
The house on the right was built in 1781, and become an hotel at least as early as the 1920s. The building is currently undergoing significant restoration.
Roghadal harbour An odd little loop of single track road provides vehicle access from two directions.
Roghadal harbour
An odd little loop of single track road provides vehicle access from two directions.
Roghadal Looking north west over the wall of the churchyard.
Roghadal
Looking north west over the wall of the churchyard.
Derelict building, Roghadal The building is Category B listed. There is a staircase on the front to a first floor door, while access to the ground floor is from the rear. Most recently in use for storage or as a byre, the presence of chimneys suggest that at least part of the building may at one time have been residential. See also: <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1349347">NG0483 : Derelict House at Roghadal</a>.
Derelict building, Roghadal
The building is Category B listed. There is a staircase on the front to a first floor door, while access to the ground floor is from the rear. Most recently in use for storage or as a byre, the presence of chimneys suggest that at least part of the building may at one time have been residential. See also: NG0483 : Derelict House at Roghadal.
Roghadal St Clement's Church stands prominently above the small settlement. View looking north west from the end of the minor road which runs the length of the east coast of Harris.
Roghadal
St Clement's Church stands prominently above the small settlement. View looking north west from the end of the minor road which runs the length of the east coast of Harris.
Rodel Harbour, Harris, 1989
Rodel Harbour, Harris, 1989
Looking south towards Rodel, Harris, 1989
Looking south towards Rodel, Harris, 1989
Roghadal Harbour
Roghadal Harbour
Signpost at Borghasdal The motorable road ends here, but a track allows pedestrians to carry on to Rogahadal (Rodel).
Signpost at Borghasdal
The motorable road ends here, but a track allows pedestrians to carry on to Rogahadal (Rodel).
Borghasdal A newish house stands alone beside the track to Roghadal.
Borghasdal
A newish house stands alone beside the track to Roghadal.
Garden Wall The dyke around the garden of this house at Borghasdal has been elaborately decorated with shells, pebbles and rock fragments.
Garden Wall
The dyke around the garden of this house at Borghasdal has been elaborately decorated with shells, pebbles and rock fragments.
Corrugated Iron Sheds Colourful if somewhat dilapidated. The closest one was the local Post Office for half a century. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5873968">NG0383 : Strond: the old post office</a>.
Corrugated Iron Sheds
Colourful if somewhat dilapidated. The closest one was the local Post Office for half a century. See NG0383 : Strond: the old post office.
House at Borghasdal Looking north-west along the road towards Srannda (Strond).
House at Borghasdal
Looking north-west along the road towards Srannda (Strond).
Srannda (Strond) Looking down over small rough fields to the sea, with a distant glimpse of Berneray and North Uist beyond.
Srannda (Strond)
Looking down over small rough fields to the sea, with a distant glimpse of Berneray and North Uist beyond.
Wooden House at Srannda Wooden houses are unusual in the Hebrides, but this one looks quite in harmony with its surroundings. In the distance is a glimpse of North Uist.
Wooden House at Srannda
Wooden houses are unusual in the Hebrides, but this one looks quite in harmony with its surroundings. In the distance is a glimpse of North Uist.
In Srannda On the road to Borrisdale.
In Srannda
On the road to Borrisdale.
For Borrisdale, turn right The path to Rodel goes off from the road on the left.
For Borrisdale, turn right
The path to Rodel goes off from the road on the left.
Old spring by the Rodel path There's not much water here now because it needs cleared out of weeds and slime.
Old spring by the Rodel path
There's not much water here now because it needs cleared out of weeds and slime.
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Sgeir na Muice is located at Grid Ref: NG0382 (Lat: 57.734778, Lng: -6.9794282)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///width.planet.fidgeted. Near Leverburgh, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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Sgeir na Muice Sloca-dubha Holm

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 57.734778,-6.9794282
Sgeir na Muice
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 57.7358602/-6.9766768
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Sgeir Guir Ross-shire
A' Chlèit Argyllshire

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