Sgeir Ghlas

Island in Ross-shire

Scotland

Sgeir Ghlas

B8011 at Leathad Mòr
B8011 at Leathad Mòr Credit: Sandy Gerrard

Sgeir Ghlas is a small island located off the coast of Ross-shire, in the Scottish Highlands. Surrounded by the tumultuous waters of the North Atlantic Ocean, this uninhabited island is a haven for wildlife and a popular spot for nature enthusiasts.

Measuring approximately 1.5 acres, Sgeir Ghlas is a rocky outcrop with no vegetation to speak of. Its name translates to "Green Skerry," though the island’s appearance is quite the opposite, characterized by its rugged and barren terrain. The island is accessible only by boat, and caution must be exercised due to unpredictable sea conditions.

Despite its lack of human inhabitants, Sgeir Ghlas boasts a diverse range of wildlife. The island is known for its large population of seabirds, such as puffins, guillemots, and fulmars, which nest in the cliffs and crevices. The surrounding waters are home to seals, dolphins, and occasionally even whales, making it a prime location for wildlife spotting.

The island's isolation and natural beauty make it an attractive destination for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers. Its stark landscape and dramatic seascapes provide a unique and mesmerizing backdrop for exploration and relaxation. Visitors are advised to bring appropriate clothing and equipment, as the weather conditions can be changeable and the terrain uneven.

Sgeir Ghlas is a captivating and untamed island, offering a glimpse into the raw beauty of the Scottish wilderness. Whether it's the call of seabirds or the crashing of waves against the rocks, this remote island is a haven for those seeking solitude and an authentic nature experience.

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Sgeir Ghlas Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.185426/-6.907336 or Grid Reference NB1132. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

B8011 at Leathad Mòr
B8011 at Leathad Mòr
Café in old school An excellently positioned little café in a former school building, provided us with welcome sustenance as we were beginning to wonder where we'd find to get a bite to eat. Once inside, it is obvious that this used to be a school, but I don't know how long ago it ceased to be one.
The hill rising up behind is Seabhal.
Café in old school
An excellently positioned little café in a former school building, provided us with welcome sustenance as we were beginning to wonder where we'd find to get a bite to eat. Once inside, it is obvious that this used to be a school, but I don't know how long ago it ceased to be one. The hill rising up behind is Seabhal.
Derelict house on slope of Beinn a' Ghlinne Ruaidh
Derelict house on slope of Beinn a' Ghlinne Ruaidh
Geisiadar On Croft Number 8 - The Crofting Commission are looking to evict the tenant of this croft and destroy the woods.
Geisiadar
On Croft Number 8 - The Crofting Commission are looking to evict the tenant of this croft and destroy the woods.
Cerishader: postbox № HS2 158 A small postbox on the B8011, with its back to Loch Ròg. It is emptied at 9 o'clock each morning, except Sunday.
Cerishader: postbox № HS2 158
A small postbox on the B8011, with its back to Loch Ròg. It is emptied at 9 o'clock each morning, except Sunday.
Carishader postbox The sea inlet is part of Loch Ròg.
Carishader postbox
The sea inlet is part of Loch Ròg.
Old black house walls, Cairisiadar Looking up An Gleann Ruadh.
Old black house walls, Cairisiadar
Looking up An Gleann Ruadh.
Abhainn Mhòr a' Ghlinne Ruaidh
Abhainn Mhòr a' Ghlinne Ruaidh
Bridge over the Abhainn Mhor a' Ghlinne Ruaidh
Bridge over the Abhainn Mhor a' Ghlinne Ruaidh
A hint of a rainbow by Abhainn Mhòr a Ghlinne Ruaidh Just cross the footbridge and you are at the end of the rainbow (now where's my shovel!).
A hint of a rainbow by Abhainn Mhòr a Ghlinne Ruaidh
Just cross the footbridge and you are at the end of the rainbow (now where's my shovel!).
Cairisiadar: croft boundaries and common grazings
Cairisiadar: croft boundaries and common grazings
Approaching Cairisiadar on the B8011
Approaching Cairisiadar on the B8011
Looking across to Flodaigh Flodaigh is a small island in Loch Rog, separated from mainland Lewis by the narrowest of channels at its southernmost point. There seem to be a number of Flodaigh [Flodday] islands around the west coast of Scotland, so presumably the name has some significance.
Looking across to Flodaigh
Flodaigh is a small island in Loch Rog, separated from mainland Lewis by the narrowest of channels at its southernmost point. There seem to be a number of Flodaigh [Flodday] islands around the west coast of Scotland, so presumably the name has some significance.
Where the burn meets the sea The Abhainn Mhor a Ghlinna Ruaidh is an insignificant little stream with a very long name, that runs northwards to join a corner of Loch Rog near Cairisiadar.
Where the burn meets the sea
The Abhainn Mhor a Ghlinna Ruaidh is an insignificant little stream with a very long name, that runs northwards to join a corner of Loch Rog near Cairisiadar.
The B8011 in West Lewis For much of its length, the B8011 has been rebuilt and regraded, though this section is still single track with passing places.
The B8011 in West Lewis
For much of its length, the B8011 has been rebuilt and regraded, though this section is still single track with passing places.
Former school, West Lewis. Centrally situated between the crofting communities of Cairisaidar, Geisiadar and Einacleite, this building once served as the local school. Teas and refreshments are now served here, but not on Sundays.
Former school, West Lewis.
Centrally situated between the crofting communities of Cairisaidar, Geisiadar and Einacleite, this building once served as the local school. Teas and refreshments are now served here, but not on Sundays.
Bridge on the Abhainn Mhor à  Ghlinne Ruaidh Looking north.
Bridge on the Abhainn Mhor à Ghlinne Ruaidh
Looking north.
Abhainn Mhor à  Ghlinne Ruaidh Looking south.The slopes of Oileasail in the background.
Abhainn Mhor à Ghlinne Ruaidh
Looking south.The slopes of Oileasail in the background.
Show me another place!

Sgeir Ghlas is located at Grid Ref: NB1132 (Lat: 58.185426, Lng: -6.907336)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///though.oblige.fails. Near Carloway, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.185426,-6.907336
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 58.1816931/-6.9071857
Sgrithir
Ele: 109
Natural: peak
Source: OS7
Lat/Long: 58.1839603/-6.8996671
Grasabhaig
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.185929/-6.9135524
Geisiadar
Name En: Geshader
Name Gd: Geisiadar
Place: village
Lat/Long: 58.181678/-6.9074655
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.1838538/-6.9117621
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.1834061/-6.9114092
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.1829361/-6.9110458
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.1828111/-6.9098992
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.1821872/-6.9096403
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.181746/-6.9081316
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.1817758/-6.9067167
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.1814124/-6.9092783
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.1820428/-6.9071244
Toma Dubh
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.1835351/-6.9087574
Tom Dhomhnuill
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.182336/-6.9044444
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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