Eilean nan Corp

Island in Argyllshire

Scotland

Eilean nan Corp

An Taigh Cearc (The Hen House) This small dwelling is of a type common in the eighteenth century
An Taigh Cearc (The Hen House) Credit: James Wood

Eilean nan Corp, also known as the Island of Corpses, is a small uninhabited island located off the coast of Argyllshire in western Scotland. Situated in Loch Linnhe, it is part of the Inner Hebrides archipelago. The island, which measures approximately 200 meters in length and 100 meters in width, is characterized by rugged and rocky terrain.

The name "Eilean nan Corp" originates from the historical association of the island with burial practices. It is believed that in ancient times, the island was used as a burial ground for victims of the plague, shipwrecks, and other disasters. This eerie past has given the island its macabre reputation.

Due to its small size and lack of amenities, Eilean nan Corp is not open to visitors. However, it can be seen from various vantage points in the surrounding area, attracting tourists who are intrigued by its mysterious history. The island is covered in vegetation, with grasses and heather dominating the landscape.

The waters surrounding the island are known for their rich marine life, making it a popular spot for fishing and wildlife enthusiasts. Seals, dolphins, and various seabirds can often be spotted in the vicinity.

Overall, Eilean nan Corp remains a remote and enigmatic location, shrouded in its past as a resting place for the deceased. Its isolated nature and haunting ambiance continue to captivate the imagination of those who catch a glimpse of it from afar.

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Eilean nan Corp Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.019027/-6.2764612 or Grid Reference NR3388. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

An Taigh Cearc (The Hen House) This small dwelling is of a type common in the eighteenth century
An Taigh Cearc (The Hen House)
This small dwelling is of a type common in the eighteenth century
Oronsay scarecrow Oronsay is an RSPB reserve which is farmed to encourage an increase in the population of corncrakes
Oronsay scarecrow
Oronsay is an RSPB reserve which is farmed to encourage an increase in the population of corncrakes
Stabilised walls in Oronsay Priory
Stabilised walls in Oronsay Priory
Bay on the west coast of Oronsay Low tide on a simple beach line.
Bay on the west coast of Oronsay
Low tide on a simple beach line.
On the west coast of Oronsay All the important elements.  A bay, machair, the home farm and Priory, Benn Oronsay and ---surprise, surprise --- a small building marked only on the most detailed maps.
On the west coast of Oronsay
All the important elements. A bay, machair, the home farm and Priory, Benn Oronsay and ---surprise, surprise --- a small building marked only on the most detailed maps.
Track through the machair These tracks are used daily by the RSPB staff who run around the island in their vehicles checking the welfare of the animals and birds.
Track through the machair
These tracks are used daily by the RSPB staff who run around the island in their vehicles checking the welfare of the animals and birds.
Track to Oronsay Farm and House From this angle Oronsay Priory is hidden behind the buildings.  The field adjacent to the track is full of wildflowers for the corncrakes who were rather noisy!
Track to Oronsay Farm and House
From this angle Oronsay Priory is hidden behind the buildings. The field adjacent to the track is full of wildflowers for the corncrakes who were rather noisy!
Wildflower meadow, Oronsay Located in front of the rather fine Oronsay House. The meadows are designed to provide habitat for the corncrakes that are attracted to the area.
Wildflower meadow, Oronsay
Located in front of the rather fine Oronsay House. The meadows are designed to provide habitat for the corncrakes that are attracted to the area.
Tombstones at Oronsay Priory Eighteen years on since <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3096272">NR3488 : Tombstones at Oronsay Priory</a>.  Spot the difference!

One of the roofed buildings of Oronsay Priory contains an array of tombstones. Of the two raised off the floor one is reputed to be that of Sir Alexander Macdonald of Lochalsh, who died about 1498.
Tombstones at Oronsay Priory
Eighteen years on since NR3488 : Tombstones at Oronsay Priory. Spot the difference! One of the roofed buildings of Oronsay Priory contains an array of tombstones. Of the two raised off the floor one is reputed to be that of Sir Alexander Macdonald of Lochalsh, who died about 1498.
Oronsay Priory and Farm The priory is a Scheduled Monument (see <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/SM287" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/SM287">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> ).
Comparison with <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4403124">NR3488 : Oronsay Priory</a> shows that many of the farm buildings have been renovated since 1974.
Islay is on the horizon on the left.
Oronsay Priory and Farm
The priory is a Scheduled Monument (see LinkExternal link ). Comparison with NR3488 : Oronsay Priory shows that many of the farm buildings have been renovated since 1974. Islay is on the horizon on the left.
Bay on west coast of Oronsay
Bay on west coast of Oronsay
Sandy beach on the west coast of Oronsay
Sandy beach on the west coast of Oronsay
Cross at Oronsay Priory
Cross at Oronsay Priory
Small bothy on Oronsay The building was open but the only contents seemed to lead to its use being more to do with fishing than farming
Small bothy on Oronsay
The building was open but the only contents seemed to lead to its use being more to do with fishing than farming
Entrance to Oronsay Priory and Farm
Entrance to Oronsay Priory and Farm
Road on Oronsay
Road on Oronsay
The approach to Oronsay House The cluster of buildings at the end of the main track on Oronsay include Oronsay House and farm, various cottages, and the ruins of the priory.
The approach to Oronsay House
The cluster of buildings at the end of the main track on Oronsay include Oronsay House and farm, various cottages, and the ruins of the priory.
Oronsay Priory The ruined priory from the east, with the 19th century burial aisle of the McNeills of Colonsay to the right.
Oronsay Priory
The ruined priory from the east, with the 19th century burial aisle of the McNeills of Colonsay to the right.
Show me another place!

Eilean nan Corp is located at Grid Ref: NR3388 (Lat: 56.019027, Lng: -6.2764612)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire

What 3 Words

///postage.digests.shapeless. Near Scalasaig, Argyll & Bute

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 56.019027,-6.2764612
Port na Luinge
Natural: bay
Source Name: OS_OpenData_StreetView
Lat/Long: 56.0187272/-6.2690508
Sloc Chroinn
Natural: bay
Source Name: OS_OpenData_StreetView
Lat/Long: 56.0228629/-6.2734447
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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