Sgeir Port na Gainmhich

A sea loch, with an irregular outline, famed for seal and birdlife.

In Loch an t-Sàilein.

In Loch an t-Sàilein.

Near Kildalton House.

Rubha Thorrnish on the left.

Such woodland occurs extensively along the road to Ardtalla.

Slightly tipsy, but it reads 'PORT ELLEN V' on the top.

With deciduous woodland and rough grazing.

With Cnoc Rhaonastil beyond.

From the road to Ardtalla from Port Ellen.

Stone post by the UC road, in parish of Kildalton and Oa (Islay District), between woods, on verge by stone wall, Northwest side of road. Inscription reads:- PORT ELLEN V Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: AB_IPEAT05

Milestone by the UC road, in parish of Kildalton and Oa (Islay District), by bay in Loch an t-Sailein, on verge. Inscription reads:- PORT ELLEN IV Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: AB_IPEAT04

A lovely wee inlet on Islay's south-east coast. The Gaelic name is Anglicised into Knock Bay.

Islay is said to have taken its name from the Danish Princess Ile (or Yule or Iula) who drowned just off shore here. According to the legend, her grave is marked by a standing stone above Knock Bay (Loch a' Chnuic) and anyone trying to open the grave will go mad. The Canmore website confirms that the two standing stones at Clachan Ceann Ile do appear to be an ancient grave site but are probably not of prehistoric date. The taller and more imposing stone, 1.4m high, is situated on the edge of slope which must have provided a stunning view over Loch a' Chnuic before the trees grew there. It’s roughly pointed in shape, covered with moss and lichen and seems to have no carvings. The smaller stone, 0.7m high, is located on the edge of the woodland next to the road. It's visible in the background of this shot.

The Canmore website confirms that the two standing stones at Clachan Ceann Ile appear to be an ancient grave site but are probably not of prehistoric date. The smaller stone, 0.7m high, is located on the edge of the woodland next to the road. You’d be excused for driving past without noticing it. The taller and more imposing stone is located a few metres away in the woodland. NR4348 : Princess Ile's Stone According to the legend, this one marks the grave of the Danish Princess Ile who gave her name to Islay.

The area to the east of this loch has benefited from the clearance of rhododendron bushes.