Diar Sgeir

Island in Argyllshire

Scotland

Diar Sgeir

Dun Ablaich, Luing Dun Ablaich is an earthwork, rather oddly in the middle of a large area of marshland. — Dun Ablaich, Luing Credit: David Purchase

Diar Sgeir is a small uninhabited island located off the coast of Argyllshire, Scotland. It is situated in the Inner Hebrides, specifically in the Sound of Jura, between the islands of Jura and Scarba.

The island is rocky and rugged, with steep cliffs rising from the sea. It has a total area of approximately 0.1 square kilometers and is composed mainly of basalt and granite. Diar Sgeir is known for its unique geological formations, including natural arches and sea caves, which have been shaped by the relentless pounding of the waves over centuries.

Due to its remote and challenging location, Diar Sgeir is rarely visited by humans. However, it is a popular spot for seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, and puffins, who use the cliffs as nesting sites during the breeding season. The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, making it an ideal location for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.

The island's isolation and wild beauty also make it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Visitors can take boat trips to the area to appreciate the stunning coastal scenery and observe the diverse wildlife in their natural habitat.

Overall, Diar Sgeir is a remarkable and unspoiled island, offering a glimpse into the untamed beauty of the Scottish coastline. Its rugged cliffs, abundant birdlife, and rich marine ecosystem make it a must-visit location for nature lovers seeking a truly remote and wild experience.

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Diar Sgeir Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.242499/-5.6645214 or Grid Reference NM7311. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Dun Ablaich, Luing Dun Ablaich is an earthwork, rather oddly in the middle of a large area of marshland.

Dun Ablaich, Luing

Dun Ablaich is an earthwork, rather oddly in the middle of a large area of marshland.

Fladda Lighthouse, from the Sound of Luing A lighthouse on one of the smaller Slate Islands in the Sound of Luing, built in 1860 by the Stevenson brothers <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fladda,_Slate_Islands" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fladda,_Slate_Islands">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>. The land to the left is another Slate Island, Belnahua. The cliffs [ca 250 m] to the right are about 13 km away at An Garradh, the southern edge of Laggan Deer Forest on Mull.

Fladda Lighthouse, from the Sound of Luing

A lighthouse on one of the smaller Slate Islands in the Sound of Luing, built in 1860 by the Stevenson brothers Link

. The land to the left is another Slate Island, Belnahua. The cliffs [ca 250 m] to the right are about 13 km away at An Garradh, the southern edge of Laggan Deer Forest on Mull.

Luing - Achafoll - Ruined mill The old ruined mill at Achafoll on the Isle of Luing still retains its waterwheel though this has not turned in many years. The view extends across the verdant countryside of the Isle of Luing, with the Isle of Scarba forming a lumpy backdrop.
See also:
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7258539">NM7410 : Luing - Achafolla - Close-up view of the old mill</a>
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7258534">NM7410 : Luing - Achafoll - Former watermill</a>
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7258537">NM7410 : Luing - Achafolla - Old mill in its valley</a>

Luing - Achafoll - Ruined mill

The old ruined mill at Achafoll on the Isle of Luing still retains its waterwheel though this has not turned in many years. The view extends across the verdant countryside of the Isle of Luing, with the Isle of Scarba forming a lumpy backdrop. See also: NM7410 : Luing - Achafolla - Close-up view of the old mill NM7410 : Luing - Achafoll - Former watermill NM7410 : Luing - Achafolla - Old mill in its valley

Luing - Achafoll - Former watermill The old ruined mill at Achafoll on Luing. The distant rising land is the isle of Scarba.
See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7218369">NM7410 : Luing - Achafoll - Ruined mill</a>
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7258537">NM7410 : Luing - Achafolla - Old mill in its valley</a>
and <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7258539">NM7410 : Luing - Achafolla - Close-up view of the old mill</a>

Luing - Achafoll - Former watermill

The old ruined mill at Achafoll on Luing. The distant rising land is the isle of Scarba. See also NM7410 : Luing - Achafoll - Ruined mill NM7410 : Luing - Achafolla - Old mill in its valley and NM7410 : Luing - Achafolla - Close-up view of the old mill

Luing - Achafolla - Old mill in its valley This photogenic old mill at Achafolla on the Isle of Luing has not ground anything for many a year. It is seen here in the valley created by the stream that once fed it.
See also:
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7218369">NM7410 : Luing - Achafoll - Ruined mill</a>
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7258534">NM7410 : Luing - Achafoll - Former watermill</a>
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7258539">NM7410 : Luing - Achafolla - Close-up view of the old mill</a>

Luing - Achafolla - Old mill in its valley

This photogenic old mill at Achafolla on the Isle of Luing has not ground anything for many a year. It is seen here in the valley created by the stream that once fed it. See also: NM7410 : Luing - Achafoll - Ruined mill NM7410 : Luing - Achafoll - Former watermill NM7410 : Luing - Achafolla - Close-up view of the old mill

Luing - Achafolla - Close-up view of the old mill A zoomed shot of the ruinous old watermill at Achafolla.
See also:
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7218369">NM7410 : Luing - Achafoll - Ruined mill</a>
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7258534">NM7410 : Luing - Achafoll - Former watermill</a>
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7258537">NM7410 : Luing - Achafolla - Old mill in its valley</a>

Luing - Achafolla - Close-up view of the old mill

A zoomed shot of the ruinous old watermill at Achafolla. See also: NM7410 : Luing - Achafoll - Ruined mill NM7410 : Luing - Achafoll - Former watermill NM7410 : Luing - Achafolla - Old mill in its valley

Luing - Hidden burn Deep within the greenery seen here runs a burn which once supplied the water to power <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7258534">NM7410 : Luing - Achafoll - Former watermill</a>

Luing - Hidden burn

Deep within the greenery seen here runs a burn which once supplied the water to power NM7410 : Luing - Achafoll - Former watermill

Luing - Cullipool - Dead-end street heading northwards This is the northernmost street in the village of Cullipool the &#039;capital&#039; of the Isle of Luing. A disused quarry (not flooded) lies ahead beneath the cliffs of Cnoc Dhomhnuill the highest hill on the island at 94m (308&#039;) though its peak is off to the east of the village.
These very neat and tidy whitewashed houses were built in the 1870s to house workers of Cullipool Slate Quarries.
Almost all the older houses in Cullipool are HES Category &#039;B&#039; listed: see <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB12424" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB12424">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>
and almost the entire village is a conservation area - see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/planning-and-environment/Cullipool%20Conservation%20Area.pdf" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/planning-and-environment/Cullipool%20Conservation%20Area.pdf">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>

Luing - Cullipool - Dead-end street heading northwards

This is the northernmost street in the village of Cullipool the 'capital' of the Isle of Luing. A disused quarry (not flooded) lies ahead beneath the cliffs of Cnoc Dhomhnuill the highest hill on the island at 94m (308') though its peak is off to the east of the village. These very neat and tidy whitewashed houses were built in the 1870s to house workers of Cullipool Slate Quarries. Almost all the older houses in Cullipool are HES Category 'B' listed: see Link

and almost the entire village is a conservation area - see Link

Luing - Cullipool - Whitewashed houses These very neat and tidy whitewashed houses were built in the 1870s to house workers of Cullipool Slate Quarries.
Almost all the older houses in Cullipool are HES Category &#039;B&#039; listed: see <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB12424" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB12424">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>
and almost the entire village is a conservation area - see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/planning-and-environment/Cullipool%20Conservation%20Area.pdf" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/planning-and-environment/Cullipool%20Conservation%20Area.pdf">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>

Luing - Cullipool - Whitewashed houses

These very neat and tidy whitewashed houses were built in the 1870s to house workers of Cullipool Slate Quarries. Almost all the older houses in Cullipool are HES Category 'B' listed: see Link

and almost the entire village is a conservation area - see Link

Luing - Cullipool - Double sided row of whitewashed cottages These very neat and tidy whitewashed houses were built in the 1870s to house workers of Cullipool Slate Quarries.
Almost all the older houses in Cullipool are HES Category &#039;B&#039; listed: see <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB12424" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB12424">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>
and almost the entire village is a conservation area - see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/planning-and-environment/Cullipool%20Conservation%20Area.pdf" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/planning-and-environment/Cullipool%20Conservation%20Area.pdf">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>

Luing - Cullipool - Double sided row of whitewashed cottages

These very neat and tidy whitewashed houses were built in the 1870s to house workers of Cullipool Slate Quarries. Almost all the older houses in Cullipool are HES Category 'B' listed: see Link

and almost the entire village is a conservation area - see Link

Luing - Cullapool - Street which leads to former church This street heads southeastwards from the centre of Cullipool and leads (after a few wiggles) to the former Episcopal Church Of St Peter which is now a private house and can be seen in an elevated position in the distance.
These whitewashed houses remind me of those you find on some Greek islands!
Almost all the older houses in Cullipool are HES Category &#039;B&#039; listed: see <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB12424" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB12424">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>
and almost the entire village is a conservation area - see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/planning-and-environment/Cullipool%20Conservation%20Area.pdf" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/planning-and-environment/Cullipool%20Conservation%20Area.pdf">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>

Luing - Cullapool - Street which leads to former church

This street heads southeastwards from the centre of Cullipool and leads (after a few wiggles) to the former Episcopal Church Of St Peter which is now a private house and can be seen in an elevated position in the distance. These whitewashed houses remind me of those you find on some Greek islands! Almost all the older houses in Cullipool are HES Category 'B' listed: see Link

and almost the entire village is a conservation area - see Link

Luing - Cullipool - Landing stage A rectangular concrete area can be accessed from the road to the south of Cullipool on Luing. I think it is some kind of landing stage. There were various pieces of fishing equipment such as creels and floats around and about it.

Luing - Cullipool - Landing stage

A rectangular concrete area can be accessed from the road to the south of Cullipool on Luing. I think it is some kind of landing stage. There were various pieces of fishing equipment such as creels and floats around and about it.

Luing - Cullipool - Flooded quarry view eastwards The flooded quarry to the south of the main part of the village of Cullipool on Luing is roughly L-shaped (though upside down and mirrored). This view is across the northern arm looking eastwards.

Luing - Cullipool - Flooded quarry view eastwards

The flooded quarry to the south of the main part of the village of Cullipool on Luing is roughly L-shaped (though upside down and mirrored). This view is across the northern arm looking eastwards.

Luing - Cullipool - Flooded quarry view southwards The flooded quarry to the south of the main part of the village of Cullipool on Luing is roughly L-shaped (though upside down and mirrored)
This view is southwards along the longer arm of the L. I think that the white house in the distance must be a newly built property [2022] as it appears neither on the large scale maps nor on aerial images.

Luing - Cullipool - Flooded quarry view southwards

The flooded quarry to the south of the main part of the village of Cullipool on Luing is roughly L-shaped (though upside down and mirrored) This view is southwards along the longer arm of the L. I think that the white house in the distance must be a newly built property [2022] as it appears neither on the large scale maps nor on aerial images.

Luing - View to the islets of the Sound of Luing from Cullipool The road into Cullipool sweeps around a bend with tremendous views down the Sound of Luing to its many islands and hundreds of islets, skerries and rocks.
The most noticeable island is on the left of the image, this is Scarba. For closer views of some of the other islands in this image see:
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7259720">NM7212 : Luing - View to Dubh Sgeir and islands beyond</a>
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7259728">NM7212 : Dubh Sgeir</a>
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7259759">NM7212 : Looking over Sgeir Bhuidhe to Fladda (Sound of Luing)</a>
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7259799">NM7112 : Belnahua from Luing</a>

Luing - View to the islets of the Sound of Luing from Cullipool

The road into Cullipool sweeps around a bend with tremendous views down the Sound of Luing to its many islands and hundreds of islets, skerries and rocks. The most noticeable island is on the left of the image, this is Scarba. For closer views of some of the other islands in this image see: NM7212 : Luing - View to Dubh Sgeir and islands beyond NM7212 : Dubh Sgeir NM7212 : Looking over Sgeir Bhuidhe to Fladda (Sound of Luing) NM7112 : Belnahua from Luing

Luing - View to Dubh Sgeir and islands beyond The island with the beacon at mid distance is <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7259728">NM7212 : Dubh Sgeir</a>. Behind this lined up from left to right are <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7259223">NM7110 : Rubha Fiola</a> (the northern end of the Isle of Luing), Eilean Dubh Mòr, Eilean Dubh Beag, with in front of it the low-lying island of Ormsa. The greyer looking, rightmost island behind Eilean Dubh Beag is Garbh Eileach the largest of the Garvellachs.
In the foreground the dark southern end of Sgeir Bhuidhe appears to be a promontory but is in fact an off-shore skerry.

Luing - View to Dubh Sgeir and islands beyond

The island with the beacon at mid distance is NM7212 : Dubh Sgeir. Behind this lined up from left to right are NM7110 : Rubha Fiola (the northern end of the Isle of Luing), Eilean Dubh Mòr, Eilean Dubh Beag, with in front of it the low-lying island of Ormsa. The greyer looking, rightmost island behind Eilean Dubh Beag is Garbh Eileach the largest of the Garvellachs. In the foreground the dark southern end of Sgeir Bhuidhe appears to be a promontory but is in fact an off-shore skerry.

Dubh Sgeir Dubh Sgeir is an islet in the Sound of Luing boasting a navigation/warning beacon (Flashes every six seconds). It has an area of just 0.3ha (0.8 acres) at MHWS but increases dramatically at low tide to about 1.5ha (3.8 acres). It has a maximum elevation of 5m (16&#039;). Unsurprisingly it is uninhabited.

Dubh Sgeir

Dubh Sgeir is an islet in the Sound of Luing boasting a navigation/warning beacon (Flashes every six seconds). It has an area of just 0.3ha (0.8 acres) at MHWS but increases dramatically at low tide to about 1.5ha (3.8 acres). It has a maximum elevation of 5m (16'). Unsurprisingly it is uninhabited.

Looking over Sgeir Bhuidhe to Fladda (Sound of Luing) The land in the foreground is the central section of the near-coast skerry of Sgeir Bhuidhe (translates as Yellow Skerry). The island with the lighthouse on it is Fladda. The lighthouse emits two flashes every 9 seconds (Fl(2) 9s) and was built in 1860 by David &amp; Robert Stevenson. The tower is just 13m (43&#039;) high and has a range of 11 nautical miles.
The area of the island is c. 1.2ha (3.1 acres) at MHWS increasing to c. 4.7ha (11.5 acres) at the lowest tides. Fladda means &quot;flat island&quot; and indeed it rises only a metre or two above sea level at MHWS. &quot;Fladda&quot; and variants on it, is one of the commonest names for Scottish islands along with Flodday (and variants) which means &quot;raft island&quot; - see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flodday" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flodday">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>
See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7259867">NM7212 : Fladda from Easdale</a>
and <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7259868">NM7212 : Fladda lighthouse and boat</a>

Looking over Sgeir Bhuidhe to Fladda (Sound of Luing)

The land in the foreground is the central section of the near-coast skerry of Sgeir Bhuidhe (translates as Yellow Skerry). The island with the lighthouse on it is Fladda. The lighthouse emits two flashes every 9 seconds (Fl(2) 9s) and was built in 1860 by David & Robert Stevenson. The tower is just 13m (43') high and has a range of 11 nautical miles. The area of the island is c. 1.2ha (3.1 acres) at MHWS increasing to c. 4.7ha (11.5 acres) at the lowest tides. Fladda means "flat island" and indeed it rises only a metre or two above sea level at MHWS. "Fladda" and variants on it, is one of the commonest names for Scottish islands along with Flodday (and variants) which means "raft island" - see Link

See also NM7212 : Fladda from Easdale and NM7212 : Fladda lighthouse and boat

Show me another place!

Diar Sgeir is located at Grid Ref: NM7311 (Lat: 56.242499, Lng: -5.6645214)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire

What 3 Words

///lends.disposal.rebel. Near Lochbuie, Argyll & Bute

Nearby Locations

Glas Eilean Eilean Loisgte Poll Gorm Fraoch Eilean Diar Sgeir

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Located within 500m of 56.242499,-5.6645214

Source: PGS

Lat/Long: 56.2384973/-5.6659933

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The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Eilean Giubhais Inverness-shire

Campbell's Rock Argyllshire

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