Eilean na Brathan

Island in Argyllshire

Scotland

Eilean na Brathan

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 na Brathan is a small island located in Argyllshire, Scotland. It is situated off the western coast of Scotland, in the Inner Hebrides. The island is approximately 1.5 kilometers long and 0.5 kilometers wide, with a total area of about 0.5 square kilometers.

The landscape of Eilean na Brathan is characterized by rugged and rocky terrain, with some areas covered in grass and heather. The island is surrounded by the clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, offering stunning views of the surrounding coastline and neighboring islands.

Despite its small size, Eilean na Brathan is home to a variety of bird species, including gulls, puffins, and terns, making it a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. The island is also known for its rich marine life, with seals often seen basking on the rocky shores.

Access to Eilean na Brathan is limited, as there are no regular ferry services to the island. However, it is possible to reach the island by private boat or kayak, making it an attractive destination for adventurers and nature lovers seeking a secluded and tranquil retreat.

Visitors to Eilean na Brathan can explore the island's rugged coastline, go hiking or picnicking in its picturesque surroundings, or simply enjoy the peace and serenity of this remote island. Its unspoiled natural beauty and diverse wildlife make Eilean na Brathan a hidden gem in the Argyllshire region of Scotland.

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Eilean na Brathan Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.03154/-6.2472788 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.
Rocks of Oronsay's east coast A delightful bay of rock and sand close to Seal Cottage. The Paps of Jura form a fitting backcloth.
Rocks of Oronsay's east coast
A delightful bay of rock and sand close to Seal Cottage. The Paps of Jura form a fitting backcloth.
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 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.
The Strand between Colonsay and Oronsay After low tide the Strand fills with water and the oysters are happy while those on Oronsay must await the next low water to cross back to the shop or their ferry.  Yellow lichens are a feature of Colonsay.
The Strand between Colonsay and Oronsay
After low tide the Strand fills with water and the oysters are happy while those on Oronsay must await the next low water to cross back to the shop or their ferry. Yellow lichens are a feature of Colonsay.
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
Show me another place!

Eilean na Brathan is located at Grid Ref: NR3590 (Lat: 56.03154, Lng: -6.2472788)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire

What 3 Words

///richer.overruns.pickles. Near Scalasaig, Argyll & Bute

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 56.03154,-6.2472788
Abhainn a' Chuirn
Natural: bay
Source Name: OS_OpenData_StreetView
Lat/Long: 56.0274841/-6.2451333
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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