Stac na Mòine

Island in Argyllshire

Scotland

Stac na Mòine

Grasdale, The Oa, Islay There are many ruined villages and buildings on the Oa peninsula in south-west Islay. The population of this part of the island in 1830 was around 1500 - there's probably about a tenth of that number now! It is a very poignant experience to wander round this lonely, but beautiful, peninsula and think of times past and yet see the current living world all around which hasn't changed for centuries.
Grasdale, The Oa, Islay Credit: Becky Williamson

Stac na Mòine is a small island located off the coast of Argyllshire, Scotland. It is part of the Inner Hebrides archipelago and is known for its unique geological features and rich biodiversity.

The island is situated in the Sound of Islay, approximately 3 kilometers southeast of the larger island of Islay. Stac na Mòine measures approximately 40 meters in height and covers an area of around 0.1 hectares. It is primarily composed of basalt and forms part of a larger volcanic complex in the region.

Despite its small size, Stac na Mòine is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The island's exposed cliffs provide nesting sites for a variety of seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, and puffins. The surrounding waters also support a thriving marine ecosystem, with seals often seen basking on the rocky shores.

Due to its remote location and rugged terrain, Stac na Mòine is not easily accessible to visitors. However, it is occasionally visited by birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts who are drawn to its unique ecological features. The island offers a pristine and untouched environment, providing a sanctuary for its resident wildlife.

Stac na Mòine is a valuable site for scientific research and conservation efforts. Its isolation and protected status ensure the preservation of its delicate ecosystem. Efforts are underway to monitor and study the island's wildlife, contributing to our understanding of the region's biodiversity and promoting its long-term conservation.

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Stac na Mòine Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.643183/-6.3104545 or Grid Reference NR2847. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Grasdale, The Oa, Islay There are many ruined villages and buildings on the Oa peninsula in south-west Islay. The population of this part of the island in 1830 was around 1500 - there's probably about a tenth of that number now! It is a very poignant experience to wander round this lonely, but beautiful, peninsula and think of times past and yet see the current living world all around which hasn't changed for centuries.
Grasdale, The Oa, Islay
There are many ruined villages and buildings on the Oa peninsula in south-west Islay. The population of this part of the island in 1830 was around 1500 - there's probably about a tenth of that number now! It is a very poignant experience to wander round this lonely, but beautiful, peninsula and think of times past and yet see the current living world all around which hasn't changed for centuries.
Hut Circle in Glen Astle, Islay Quite difficult to see unless taken from the air.
Hut Circle in Glen Astle, Islay
Quite difficult to see unless taken from the air.
Disused shieling on the Oa, Islay
Disused shieling on the Oa, Islay
Part of the Hut Circle in Glen Astle, Islay
Part of the Hut Circle in Glen Astle, Islay
Lower Glenastle, Islay There are many ruined villages and buildings on the Oa peninsula in south-west Islay. The population of this part of the island in 1830 was around 1500 - there's probably about a tenth of that number now! It is a very poignant experience to wander round this lonely, but beautiful, peninsula and think of times past and yet see the current living world all around which hasn't changed for centuries.
Lower Glenastle, Islay
There are many ruined villages and buildings on the Oa peninsula in south-west Islay. The population of this part of the island in 1830 was around 1500 - there's probably about a tenth of that number now! It is a very poignant experience to wander round this lonely, but beautiful, peninsula and think of times past and yet see the current living world all around which hasn't changed for centuries.
Natural Arch near Soldier's Rock, Islay Viewed from above. It is possible to walk across this archway.
Natural Arch near Soldier's Rock, Islay
Viewed from above. It is possible to walk across this archway.
Earthwork near Bun an Easa, The Oa, Islay
Earthwork near Bun an Easa, The Oa, Islay
Waterfall near Soldier's Rock, Islay
Waterfall near Soldier's Rock, Islay
The end of the fence, the Oa, Islay Sea cliffs on Islay's magnificent Oa peninsula. The fence we crossed can be seen at the top of the cliff. I'm glad we didn't realise how close to the edge we were at the time!
The end of the fence, the Oa, Islay
Sea cliffs on Islay's magnificent Oa peninsula. The fence we crossed can be seen at the top of the cliff. I'm glad we didn't realise how close to the edge we were at the time!
Coastline on the Oa peninsula, Islay
Coastline on the Oa peninsula, Islay
Tiny beach at foot of precipitous cliffs on the Oa peninsula, Islay
Tiny beach at foot of precipitous cliffs on the Oa peninsula, Islay
Natural Arch on the Oa peninsula, Islay
Natural Arch on the Oa peninsula, Islay
Watermill, Glenastle, Islay There are many ruined villages and buildings on the Oa peninsula in south-west Islay. The population of this part of the island in 1830 was around 1500 - there's probably about a tenth of that number now! It is a very poignant experience to wander round this lonely, but beautiful, peninsula and think of times past and yet see the current living world all around which hasn't changed for centuries.
Watermill, Glenastle, Islay
There are many ruined villages and buildings on the Oa peninsula in south-west Islay. The population of this part of the island in 1830 was around 1500 - there's probably about a tenth of that number now! It is a very poignant experience to wander round this lonely, but beautiful, peninsula and think of times past and yet see the current living world all around which hasn't changed for centuries.
Soldier's Rock and Caves, The Oa, Islay
Soldier's Rock and Caves, The Oa, Islay
Caves at Bun an Easa, Islay
Caves at Bun an Easa, Islay
Abhainn Alt Astail The Astle River/Burn on the Oa Peninsula, Islay - where it drops into the sea.
Abhainn Alt Astail
The Astle River/Burn on the Oa Peninsula, Islay - where it drops into the sea.
Natural arch and Soldier's Rock A fascinating stretch of coast on the north side of the Oa. The stack of Soldier's Roch is seen over the top of the natural arch - one of many around Islay's coastline.
Natural arch and Soldier's Rock
A fascinating stretch of coast on the north side of the Oa. The stack of Soldier's Roch is seen over the top of the natural arch - one of many around Islay's coastline.
North Oa coastline The coastline of the Oa near to Soldier's Rock. The small conical hill in the picture makes a near perfect threesome with the Paps of Jura, which are visible in the distance.
North Oa coastline
The coastline of the Oa near to Soldier's Rock. The small conical hill in the picture makes a near perfect threesome with the Paps of Jura, which are visible in the distance.
Show me another place!

Stac na Mòine is located at Grid Ref: NR2847 (Lat: 55.643183, Lng: -6.3104545)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire

What 3 Words

///retained.presses.flotation. Near Port Ellen, Argyll & Bute

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