Stac Liath

Island in Argyllshire

Scotland

Stac Liath

Iona Golf Course On the western side of the island. — Iona Golf Course Credit: Andrew Abbott

Stac Liath is a small island located in Argyllshire, Scotland. It is situated in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 5 miles west of the mainland. The island is part of the Inner Hebrides archipelago and is known for its rugged beauty and unique natural features.

Stac Liath measures around 400 meters in length and has a maximum width of 200 meters. It is predominantly composed of rocky cliffs, with the highest point reaching an elevation of around 90 meters above sea level. The island is uninhabited and lacks any significant vegetation, except for some grassy patches and a few hardy shrubs.

Due to its remote location and limited accessibility, Stac Liath is a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The island is home to various species of seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots. These birds nest on the cliffs and provide an impressive sight during the breeding season.

Stac Liath's surrounding waters are also teeming with marine life. The island forms part of a designated marine protected area and is frequented by seals, dolphins, and porpoises. The underwater environment is rich in kelp forests and attracts divers and snorkelers interested in exploring its diverse ecosystem.

Visitors to Stac Liath should be aware that there are no facilities or infrastructure on the island, making it necessary to bring all necessary supplies, including food, water, and proper outdoor gear. Additionally, access to the island is dependent on weather conditions and the availability of boat transportation from nearby coastal towns.

Overall, Stac Liath offers a unique and untouched natural environment, making it a must-visit location for those seeking solitude and a connection with the raw beauty of Scotland's coastal landscapes.

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Stac Liath Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.32819/-6.4326581 or Grid Reference NM2623. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Iona Golf Course

On the western side of the island.

Andrew Abbott

Towards Iona Golf Course

From Skerryvore.

Andrew Abbott

Gateway by Skerryvore

Leading to Iona Golf Course.

Andrew Abbott

Machair house

On Iona

Andrew Abbott

Clachancorrach House

On Iona.

Andrew Abbott

Road in Sligneach

On Iona.

Andrew Abbott

Cross country on the north of Iona

The one fully land-locked grid square on Iona is rough terrain with various prehistoric defensible remains and lots of good viewpoints perched on rocky tors. Compared with the coast, it seems little frequented (and very boggy underfoot with various fences deflecting one from the obvious directions of travel). Frequent it we must, however, as this was my final square to complete coverage of my first inhabited island for geograph.

Andy Waddington

Iona coastline

The north-west coastline of Iona, with rock of the Lewisian Gneiss type evident. This is one of Britain's oldest rocks, and was formed approximately 2,000 million years ago.

William Starkey

Iona coastline

The western coastline of Iona near Camas Cuil an t-Saimh, with Eilean Didil visible in the distance.

William Starkey

Sheep-worrying, Iona

Despite its small size, this canine fiend caused considerable distress to sheep on western Iona.

William Starkey

Walking on Iona

Visitors are not permitted to take their cars on to the Island, so the only way to get around is to walk or cycle. This is the route from the pier to the beaches on the west coast of the island.

Anne Burgess

Cnoc nam Bradain

If I believe the Gaelic dictionary, the name of this place means 'salmon knoll'. It is a typical Hebridean house, standing on the machair by the track across the island.

Anne Burgess

Camas CÃ¹il an t-Saimh

This is the main beach on the west coast of Iona, and an easy one to get to. Its name apparently means either 'sorrel back beach' or 'bad smell back beach', according to the Gaelic dictionary, but there was no evidence for the latter today.

Anne Burgess

Eilean nan Slat and Eilean Didil

Eilean nan Slat is on the left and Eilean Didil is on the right. The rock in the middle of the bay is unnamed.

Anne Burgess

Bloody Cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum)

Unmistakable because of its distinctive colour, this plant is usually found on lime, but here it is taking advantage of the shell sand of the machair.

Anne Burgess