Sgeir nan Sgarbh

Island in Argyllshire

Scotland

Sgeir nan Sgarbh

The house at Carse This is the old road bridge, now by-passed.
The house at Carse Credit: Gordon Brown

Sgeir nan Sgarbh is a small uninhabited island located off the coast of Argyllshire, Scotland. Situated in the Inner Hebrides, it lies approximately 2 kilometers southeast of the Isle of Scarba and 13 kilometers west of the mainland. The island is part of the Scarba, Lunga, and the Garvellachs National Scenic Area, known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife.

Sgeir nan Sgarbh covers an area of around 4 hectares and is mostly composed of rocky outcrops and grassy slopes. Its name translates to "Skerry of the Cormorants," suggesting the presence of a large population of cormorants and other seabirds that use the island for breeding and nesting.

The island is accessible by boat, and many visitors are attracted to its unique geological formations and birdwatching opportunities. The surrounding waters are also known for their rich marine life, making it a popular spot for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.

While Sgeir nan Sgarbh itself does not have any permanent human population, it is often visited by tourists and researchers interested in studying the island's wildlife and geology. The island offers a peaceful and scenic retreat, with breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean and nearby islands.

Preservation and conservation efforts are in place to protect the fragile ecosystem of Sgeir nan Sgarbh and ensure the continued existence of its diverse flora and fauna.

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Sgeir nan Sgarbh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.788099/-5.6270525 or Grid Reference NR7260. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The house at Carse This is the old road bridge, now by-passed.
The house at Carse
This is the old road bridge, now by-passed.
Coastal scene by the B8024 Looking south past West Loch Tarbert (the inlet on the left) to the southern part of Kintyre.
Coastal scene by the B8024
Looking south past West Loch Tarbert (the inlet on the left) to the southern part of Kintyre.
Kintyre Peninsula The evening sun on the west coast of the Kintyre peninsula.  Taken from the B8024 near Creag Stars.
Kintyre Peninsula
The evening sun on the west coast of the Kintyre peninsula. Taken from the B8024 near Creag Stars.
Bridge and church at Carse
Bridge and church at Carse
The road to Kilberry climbs Bruach nan Clach-muillin
The road to Kilberry climbs Bruach nan Clach-muillin
Islay comes into view from the B8024
Islay comes into view from the B8024
Moorland above Rubha Cruitiridh
Moorland above Rubha Cruitiridh
Stone dykes at Tiretigan Snow-capped Paps of Jura through the trees.
Stone dykes at Tiretigan
Snow-capped Paps of Jura through the trees.
Morning reflections Reflections in the estuary at the head of Loch Stornoway.
Morning reflections
Reflections in the estuary at the head of Loch Stornoway.
Patterns in sand Accumulations of seaweed accentuate the contours of sand at the high-tide mark. The island of Gigha occupies the horizon.
Patterns in sand
Accumulations of seaweed accentuate the contours of sand at the high-tide mark. The island of Gigha occupies the horizon.
Sand patterns Striations in the sandy bank of the estuary at the head of Loch Stornoway, highlighted in evening sunshine.
Sand patterns
Striations in the sandy bank of the estuary at the head of Loch Stornoway, highlighted in evening sunshine.
Promontory of schist Resistant beds of Dalradian schist finger out into the sea. There is a pronounced storm beach above the normal tide line, which makes walking difficult when weeds have grown over and hidden the surface. Gigha and Islay creep into the horizon, the latter with a surprising layer of cloud over its hills.
Promontory of schist
Resistant beds of Dalradian schist finger out into the sea. There is a pronounced storm beach above the normal tide line, which makes walking difficult when weeds have grown over and hidden the surface. Gigha and Islay creep into the horizon, the latter with a surprising layer of cloud over its hills.
Sandy shore, Port Mòr A fine little bay below the relict cliff line which lies in shadow at this early-morning hour. Such is the importance of access to such locations that a small track makes its way down the cliffs from the road.
Sandy shore, Port Mòr
A fine little bay below the relict cliff line which lies in shadow at this early-morning hour. Such is the importance of access to such locations that a small track makes its way down the cliffs from the road.
Port Mòr A beautiful bay with a horizon filled by the distant island of Jura. There is another sandy bay without a name to the south-west of this little headland. The bay is developed in the Main rock Platform (see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5097312">NR7062 : Erosion platform with Jura</a>), whose relict cliffs are well displayed here.
Port Mòr
A beautiful bay with a horizon filled by the distant island of Jura. There is another sandy bay without a name to the south-west of this little headland. The bay is developed in the Main rock Platform (see NR7062 : Erosion platform with Jura), whose relict cliffs are well displayed here.
Improved grazing A wide meadow spreads out below the road, but above the steep and high relict cliff line. Jura looks magnificent on the morning horizon.
Improved grazing
A wide meadow spreads out below the road, but above the steep and high relict cliff line. Jura looks magnificent on the morning horizon.
Carse Farm and bridge A view along the old loop of road past the farm house and bridge over the burn.
Carse Farm and bridge
A view along the old loop of road past the farm house and bridge over the burn.
Flooded marsh The salt-marsh below Gorten is inundated by an unusually high tide.
Flooded marsh
The salt-marsh below Gorten is inundated by an unusually high tide.
Port Mhic Dhonncha The glacially-sculpted rocks forming the shore by Port Mhic Dhonncha, a little-visited place, possibly because the tin bothy has fallen into disrepair. This shore never failed to produce a sighting of otters playing among the tidal rocks.
Port Mhic Dhonncha
The glacially-sculpted rocks forming the shore by Port Mhic Dhonncha, a little-visited place, possibly because the tin bothy has fallen into disrepair. This shore never failed to produce a sighting of otters playing among the tidal rocks.
Show me another place!

Sgeir nan Sgarbh is located at Grid Ref: NR7260 (Lat: 55.788099, Lng: -5.6270525)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire

What 3 Words

///enacted.cracks.repaying. Near Tarbert, Argyll & Bute

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