Carspag

Island in Ross-shire

Scotland

Carspag

Butt of Lewis Lighthouse The Butt of Lewis is the northernmost point of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. There is a lighthouse designed and built by David &amp; Thomas Stevenson (sons of Robert and brother of Alan - all lighthouse engineers) and constructed in 1862. It is 37m (121ft) tall at an elevation of 52m (170ft) with a nominal range of 25 nautical miles. It flashes a white light every five seconds, and since 1998 is fully automated, being one of the last four Scottish lighthouses to dispense with the services of their keepers. It is looked after by the Northern Lighthouse Board (the Scottish equivalent to Trinity House) and is monitored remotely from Edinburgh.
The Butt of Lewis has appeared in the Guinness Book of Records as the windiest place in the United Kingdom, sticking out as it does into the North Atlantic. — Butt of Lewis Lighthouse Credit: Ralph Greig

Carspag is a small island located off the coast of Ross-shire in the Scottish Highlands. With a total land area of approximately 1 square kilometer, it is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The island is accessible via boat from the nearby mainland.

Carspag boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. The island is home to various bird species, including puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes. Its rugged coastline is dotted with towering cliffs, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and distant mountains.

The island also holds historical significance, with evidence of human settlement dating back thousands of years. Archaeological sites, such as ancient burial mounds and stone circles, offer a glimpse into the island's past. Visitors can explore these landmarks and learn about the island's fascinating history.

Although Carspag is primarily a natural and historical attraction, there are limited amenities on the island. There are no permanent residents or commercial establishments, making it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude and an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Camping facilities are available for those wishing to spend the night on the island, allowing for a truly immersive experience in nature.

Overall, Carspag is a captivating island that offers a serene environment, stunning landscapes, and a glimpse into the past. Its remote location and natural beauty make it a hidden gem for visitors looking to explore the Ross-shire region.

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Carspag Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.514705/-6.2723116 or Grid Reference NB5166. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Butt of Lewis Lighthouse

The Butt of Lewis is the northernmost point of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. There is a lighthouse designed and built by David & Thomas Stevenson (sons of Robert and brother of Alan - all lighthouse engineers) and constructed in 1862. It is 37m (121ft) tall at an elevation of 52m (170ft) with a nominal range of 25 nautical miles. It flashes a white light every five seconds, and since 1998 is fully automated, being one of the last four Scottish lighthouses to dispense with the services of their keepers. It is looked after by the Northern Lighthouse Board (the Scottish equivalent to Trinity House) and is monitored remotely from Edinburgh. The Butt of Lewis has appeared in the Guinness Book of Records as the windiest place in the United Kingdom, sticking out as it does into the North Atlantic.

Ralph Greig

Butt of Lewis Lighthouse

Ralph Greig

Road to the lighthouse

Ralph Greig

Port Stoth

Geocaching is a type of global treasure hunt of people looking for caches, or hidden stashes of objects. Geocaching may also be described as a series of hide-and-seek games, where hiders provide online clues for seekers. Seekers use global positioning system (GPS) devices to find hidden caches

Ralph Greig

St Molveg's Church, Eoropie

Colin Park

Trig point at Butt of Lewis

Colin Park

Butt of Lewis Lighthouse

Colin Park

Sea thrift on islet at Geodha nan Each, Butt of Lewis

Colin Park

Beach at Cunndal, Eoropie

Colin Park

Cunndal Drownings Memorial, Eoropie

This is a memorial to the men lost here on 5th March 1885, when the local fishing fleet was caught in a terrible gale. Two boats attempted to seek shelter at Cunndal, just north of this point. Both boats and twelve men – all from Eoropie - were lost.

Colin Park

Traigh Shanndaigh, Eoropie

Colin Park

Butt of Lewis Lighthouse

I did consider correcting the converging verticals in this shot but then I got an attack of acrophobia so could no longer look at it!

John Lucas

Cleite Gile

Rocks at the Butt of Lewis.

John Lucas

Butt of Lewis lighthouse

John Lucas

Port Stoth

Port Stoth is the most northerly beach on the Western Isles. All the materials for the construction of the Butt of Lewis lighthouse were landed here between 1851 and 1862. As it was a sheltered spot the beach continued to be used to bring supplies to the lighthouse until the 1960s. On 22nd January 1901 a wooden lugsail (Lugger) in ballast was stranded at Port Stoth. Surprisingly, no name is recorded of the unregistered vessel but its date of building was known to be 1893 and the master was a Captain Gunn.

Douglas Nelson

Cleite Gile, Rubha Robhanais

Cliffs at Butt of Lewis

Douglas Nelson

Butt of Lewis lighthouse with Transocean Winner offshore

The ineptly-named oilrig slowly rounds the Butt at a safe distance, having been refloated from Dalmore beach the previous evening. See NB5268 : Transocean Winner rounds the Butt.

Tiger