Eilean nam Feannaig

Island in Argyllshire

Scotland

Eilean nam Feannaig

The summit of Beinn Oronsay A substantial and well-built cairn for a hill only 93m high.  But Oronsay is a popular island to visit. It is tidal, and can be easily walked to from Colonsay except near low tide. There are the ruins of an Augustinian priory nearby. And the hill is low, and an easy walk!

Just left of the cairn is Beinn Eibhne on the mainland of Colonsay.
The summit of Beinn Oronsay Credit: Michael Earnshaw

Eilean nam Feannaig, located in Argyllshire, Scotland, is a small island situated in the Inner Hebrides. Also known as "The Island of the Seals" in Gaelic, it covers an area of approximately 30 hectares. The island is surrounded by the waters of Loch Sunart, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountainous landscape.

Eilean nam Feannaig is renowned for its rich wildlife, particularly its seal population. The island is home to a large colony of grey seals, making it an important breeding ground and habitat for these marine mammals. Visitors to the island can often witness these playful creatures basking on the rocky shores or swimming in the waters nearby.

In addition to seals, Eilean nam Feannaig also supports a diverse range of bird species. The island's coastal cliffs provide nesting sites for seabirds such as guillemots, razorbills, and puffins. Birdwatchers can enjoy observing these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

Access to Eilean nam Feannaig is limited, as the island is privately owned. However, boat trips are available from nearby ports, allowing visitors to enjoy the island's beauty and wildlife from a distance. It is important to respect the island's fragile ecosystem and adhere to any guidelines set by local authorities or landowners.

Overall, Eilean nam Feannaig is a picturesque and ecologically significant island, offering a unique opportunity to observe seals and birds in their natural environment. Its remote location and untouched beauty make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

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Eilean nam Feannaig Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.032754/-6.2512194 or Grid Reference NR3590. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The summit of Beinn Oronsay A substantial and well-built cairn for a hill only 93m high.  But Oronsay is a popular island to visit. It is tidal, and can be easily walked to from Colonsay except near low tide. There are the ruins of an Augustinian priory nearby. And the hill is low, and an easy walk!

Just left of the cairn is Beinn Eibhne on the mainland of Colonsay.
The summit of Beinn Oronsay
A substantial and well-built cairn for a hill only 93m high. But Oronsay is a popular island to visit. It is tidal, and can be easily walked to from Colonsay except near low tide. There are the ruins of an Augustinian priory nearby. And the hill is low, and an easy walk! Just left of the cairn is Beinn Eibhne on the mainland of Colonsay.
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
Track to Oronsay Priory An excellent track connects the farmland of Oronsay with the tidal route across the Strand.
Track to Oronsay Priory
An excellent track connects the farmland of Oronsay with the tidal route across the Strand.
Descent to the Strand A straight evenly falling path back to sea level.
Descent to the Strand
A straight evenly falling path back to sea level.
Land Rover track by the Strand, Oronsay Having crossed the Strand, the track hugs the coast before heading inland.
Land Rover track by the Strand, Oronsay
Having crossed the Strand, the track hugs the coast before heading inland.
Landfall markers for the Strand crossing, Oronsay An older standing stone on a prominent hillock and a newer marker at sea level show where the best route for crossing the Strand makes landfall.
Landfall markers for the Strand crossing, Oronsay
An older standing stone on a prominent hillock and a newer marker at sea level show where the best route for crossing the Strand makes landfall.
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.
Sandy beach on the west coast of Oronsay
Sandy beach on the west coast of Oronsay
Cross at Oronsay Priory
Cross at Oronsay Priory
Entrance to Oronsay Priory and Farm
Entrance to Oronsay Priory and Farm
Road on Oronsay
Road on Oronsay
Road to Oronsay Priory
Road to Oronsay Priory
The Colonsay to Oronsay Road
The Colonsay to Oronsay Road
Tidal road, Oronsay The post on the right acts as a marker for those heading from Colonsay to Oronsay. The photographer couldn't wait for the tide, so paddled across.
Tidal road, Oronsay
The post on the right acts as a marker for those heading from Colonsay to Oronsay. The photographer couldn't wait for the tide, so paddled across.
Show me another place!

Eilean nam Feannaig is located at Grid Ref: NR3590 (Lat: 56.032754, Lng: -6.2512194)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire

What 3 Words

///doctor.gratitude.amps. Near Scalasaig, Argyll & Bute

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 56.032754,-6.2512194
Caolas na Brathan
Natural: bay
Source Name: OS_OpenData_StreetView
Lat/Long: 56.0310122/-6.2513609
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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