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Sgeir Mhaol

Island in Ross-shire

Scotland

Sgeir Mhaol

Ripe for development Roofless cottage and tin roofed barn on the shore at Coillegillie, and the only two buildings which appear to be in this grid square. The cottage has a polite notice attached asking visitors to respect the property as there are plans to rebuild it. The view extends to the Red Cuillin on Skye and the southern end of Raasay.
Ripe for development Credit: Gordon Hatton

Sgeir Mhaol is a small uninhabited island located in the Ross-shire region of Scotland. Situated off the northwest coast, this island is part of the Inner Hebrides, specifically the Summer Isles archipelago. Sgeir Mhaol is known for its rugged beauty and diverse wildlife.

The island spans approximately 1.5 hectares and is characterized by its rocky terrain and steep cliffs. These cliffs provide nesting grounds for various seabirds, including guillemots and razorbills. Additionally, the surrounding waters are frequented by seals and dolphins, making it a popular spot for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

Access to Sgeir Mhaol is primarily by boat, and visitors are advised to be cautious due to the treacherous waters and strong currents in the area. While there are no facilities or accommodations on the island, nearby towns such as Ullapool offer amenities for those wishing to explore the area.

The name "Sgeir Mhaol" translates to "bald skerry" in Scottish Gaelic, alluding to the island's lack of vegetation. Its barren landscape, however, adds to the wild and untamed allure of the island.

Sgeir Mhaol is a haven for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. With its dramatic cliffs, diverse wildlife, and picturesque surroundings, this small island off the coast of Ross-shire offers a unique experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

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Sgeir Mhaol Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.383433/-5.8324939 or Grid Reference NG6939. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Ripe for development Roofless cottage and tin roofed barn on the shore at Coillegillie, and the only two buildings which appear to be in this grid square. The cottage has a polite notice attached asking visitors to respect the property as there are plans to rebuild it. The view extends to the Red Cuillin on Skye and the southern end of Raasay.
Ripe for development
Roofless cottage and tin roofed barn on the shore at Coillegillie, and the only two buildings which appear to be in this grid square. The cottage has a polite notice attached asking visitors to respect the property as there are plans to rebuild it. The view extends to the Red Cuillin on Skye and the southern end of Raasay.
Thrift by the shore More commonly known wrongly as 'sea pinks', thrift is common along rocky shorelines around most of Britain.
Thrift by the shore
More commonly known wrongly as 'sea pinks', thrift is common along rocky shorelines around most of Britain.
Row of Cottages Ardban
Row of Cottages Ardban
An Ruard-Eilean Small island off the rocky coastline to the north of Coilliegillie
An Ruard-Eilean
Small island off the rocky coastline to the north of Coilliegillie
Houses at Ardban
Houses at Ardban
Coastline near Ardban, Ross and Cromarty Looking towards the Isle of Raasay.
Coastline near Ardban, Ross and Cromarty
Looking towards the Isle of Raasay.
Rock shelter, Ardban, Ross and Cromarty Historic Environment Scotland describes a rock shelter as, "the area beneath a natural overhang at the base of a cliff or crag. This may have been used for occupation, burial, etc". This shelter was recorded during the Scotland's First Settlers Project: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/157931/ardban" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/157931/ardban">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>.
Rock shelter, Ardban, Ross and Cromarty
Historic Environment Scotland describes a rock shelter as, "the area beneath a natural overhang at the base of a cliff or crag. This may have been used for occupation, burial, etc". This shelter was recorded during the Scotland's First Settlers Project: LinkExternal link.
Ardban Two isolated houses on the coast with no road access. The only way to get to these houses is by boat or a well defined footpath from the Ard Dubh road. I presume they are used as holiday lets today. Grassland around houses grazed by sheep. Nearby beach in foreground of photo made up of shells.
Ardban
Two isolated houses on the coast with no road access. The only way to get to these houses is by boat or a well defined footpath from the Ard Dubh road. I presume they are used as holiday lets today. Grassland around houses grazed by sheep. Nearby beach in foreground of photo made up of shells.
Eilean na Ba (Island of the Cattle) The smaller island on the left. Managed to land on this when I canoed up the coast later on. No cattle spotted on it but seals, wild otters & many seabirds featured on the trip.
Eilean na Ba (Island of the Cattle)
The smaller island on the left. Managed to land on this when I canoed up the coast later on. No cattle spotted on it but seals, wild otters & many seabirds featured on the trip.
An Ruadh-eilean Rounding the rocky skerry heading towards the ruined settlement of Coillegillie. Raasay and then Skye in the background.
An Ruadh-eilean
Rounding the rocky skerry heading towards the ruined settlement of Coillegillie. Raasay and then Skye in the background.
Shore at Ardban
Shore at Ardban
Low tide at An Ruadh-eilean
Low tide at An Ruadh-eilean
Beach at An Ruadh-eilean
Beach at An Ruadh-eilean
View of Ardban
View of Ardban
Sgeir Bhuidhe Sgeir Bhuidhe is a little skerry just off the southern tip of Eilean na Ba. Immediately beyond can be seen the Crowlin Islands; beyond that, Scalpay and Skye.
Sgeir Bhuidhe
Sgeir Bhuidhe is a little skerry just off the southern tip of Eilean na Ba. Immediately beyond can be seen the Crowlin Islands; beyond that, Scalpay and Skye.
Rocks north of Ardban The headland of Ardban is exposed at low tide. The mountains of Skye are shrouded in mist in the distance.
Rocks north of Ardban
The headland of Ardban is exposed at low tide. The mountains of Skye are shrouded in mist in the distance.
The road through Toscaig With Toscaig phonebox ahead.
The road through Toscaig
With Toscaig phonebox ahead.
Toscaig letterbox
Toscaig letterbox
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Sgeir Mhaol is located at Grid Ref: NG6939 (Lat: 57.383433, Lng: -5.8324939)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///detriment.stews.reinstate. Near Kyleakin, Highland

Nearby Locations

Sròn na h-Àirde Bàine Sgeir Mhaol Sgeir Mhòr

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