Sgeir an Eich

Island in Ross-shire

Scotland

Sgeir an Eich

Meall na h-Airighe Riabhaich Fine lichen covered cairn — Meall na h-Airighe Riabhaich Credit: David Brown

Sgeir an Eich is a small uninhabited island located off the coast of Ross-shire in the Scottish Highlands. Also known as Horse Rock in English, this rocky outcrop is situated in the inner Moray Firth, approximately 1.5 kilometers northeast of the village of Rosemarkie.

Covering an area of just 0.3 hectares, Sgeir an Eich is characterized by its rugged and exposed terrain, consisting mainly of steep cliffs and rocky slopes. The island is home to a diverse range of seabird species, including gulls, cormorants, and fulmars, which nest and roost on its rocky ledges.

Access to Sgeir an Eich is challenging due to its remote location and lack of any permanent structures. The island can only be reached by boat, making it an ideal destination for birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking solitude in a wild and untamed environment.

The surrounding waters of Sgeir an Eich are also of great interest, as they are part of the Inner Moray Firth Special Area of Conservation, designated to protect the diverse marine habitats and species found in this area. This includes important populations of bottlenose dolphins, seals, and various fish species.

Overall, Sgeir an Eich offers a unique opportunity to experience the raw beauty of Scotland's coastal landscapes, observe seabird colonies, and enjoy the tranquility of an uninhabited island in the Moray Firth.

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Sgeir an Eich Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.856887/-5.6884814 or Grid Reference NG8191. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Meall na h-Airighe Riabhaich

Fine lichen covered cairn

David Brown

Loch na h-Uamhaidh Beag

David Brown

The car park at Cove

Here there are information boards describing the part Loch Ewe played in the WW2 Arctic Convoys.

Gordon Brown

Information board at Rubha nan Sasan, Cove

This describes the part Loch Ewe played in the WW2 Arctic Convoys.

Gordon Brown

New house near Cove

Gordon Brown

View from Airigh Riahach

Looking South across the grid square towards Meall na h-Airighe Riabhaich

Roger McLachlan

Lochan on Meall na h-Uamhaidh

David Brown

Command post at Rubha nan Sasan

Peter Moore

Boats at Cove

Peter Moore

Loch Ewe and the road to Cove

Peter Jeffery

Loch Ewe

Peter Jeffery

Light anti-aircraft gun emplacement, Rubha nan Sasan, Ross and Cromarty

The gun emplacement lies within the Rubha nan Sasan coastal battery which was part of the Second World War defences of Loch Ewe from where Russian Arctic Convoys sailed.

Claire Pegrum

Light anti-aircraft gun emplacement, Rubha nan Sasan, Ross and Cromarty

The gun emplacement lies within the Rubha nan Sasan coastal battery.

Claire Pegrum

Memorial stone for over 3000 men lost on Russian Convoys

Erected on the headland of Rubha nan Sasan by the Russian Arctic Convoy Club. Loch Ewe was the heavily fortified base for the convoys to assemble prior to departure. Link

is the museum at Aultbea on the A832 which is well worth a visit

Martin Dawes

WW2 buildings NW of the Arctic Convoy Memorial

This whole headland was a military camp covering the entrance into Loch Ewe

Martin Dawes

Hydrographic Survey Pillar overlooking Loch Ewe

On the headland of Rubha nan Sasan which in WW2 was a protective battery covering the entrance to Loch Ewe. This survey pillar was placed here in 1951 by HMS Cook during survey work on the west coast of Scotland

Martin Dawes