Heiskeir

Island in Sutherland

Scotland

Heiskeir

Coastal cliffs at Aird Torrisdale The distant sandy beach is on Neave, an island off Skerray. — Coastal cliffs at Aird Torrisdale Credit: Alan Reid

Heiskeir is a small uninhabited island located off the coast of Sutherland in the Highlands of Scotland. It is situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately 4 miles southwest of Cape Wrath. The island is part of the North West Highlands Geopark and is known for its rugged and picturesque landscape.

Heiskeir covers an area of around 48 hectares and is characterized by its rocky terrain, cliffs, and stunning sea views. The highest point on the island rises to about 100 meters above sea level. It is mostly composed of ancient Lewisian Gneiss, a type of metamorphic rock that dates back billions of years.

The island is rich in wildlife, attracting various seabirds such as razorbills, guillemots, and kittiwakes. It is also a breeding ground for a variety of marine mammals including seals and occasionally dolphins and whales.

Access to Heiskeir is limited, with no regular ferry service available. However, the island is a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts who can visit by arranging private boat trips from nearby ports such as Keoldale or Durness.

Heiskeir offers a unique opportunity to explore a remote and unspoiled part of the Scottish coastline. Its wild and untamed beauty, along with its diverse range of flora and fauna, make it a captivating destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst nature's wonders.

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Heiskeir Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.543423/-4.2991504 or Grid Reference NC6663. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Coastal cliffs at Aird Torrisdale

The distant sandy beach is on Neave, an island off Skerray.

Alan Reid

Coastal erosion at Aird Torrisdale

A large rock slip, but how long ago did it occur? Was it the result of an earth tremor or simply the erosive forces of sea and weather?

Alan Reid

Skerray War Memorial

Unveiled and dedicated in 1922.

David Bremner

Old Store, Skerray

The ruin of the old store at Skerray.

David Bremner

Skerray Post Office

Village Post Office in a nicely restored building.

David Bremner

Postbox at Skerray

KW14 32. Royal Mail list this box as 'Skerray'.

David Bremner

The hamlet of Skerray

Looking south-south-west towards Ben Loyal.

David Purchase

Stac an Fhamhair

A small stack, perhaps 15m high, at the east end of Neave (or Coomb) Island, seen across Caol Beag.

David Purchase

Skerray Bay

Not a bay I would be very happy to navigate into (although there is, or was, a pier on the far side, just out of shot on the left). The southern part of Eilean nan Ron is beyond the bay, with a few deserted houses visible.

David Purchase

Neave or Coomb Island

The central part of the island seen at close range (but still across a gridline!) across Caol Beag.

David Purchase

Phonebox near Skerray

Peter Moore

Stony beach at Skerray

Peter Moore

Skerray Post Office

Peter Moore

Old jetty in Lamigo Bay

The relatively new creel on the rocks indicates that the jetty is still in use, although no boat was visible at this time.

Bob Jones

Telephone Box & sign

Whilst the number of iconic red phone boxes dwindles there are even fewer with the "Telephone " roadside sign. At Skerray there is also a "Telegraph" sign on the old Post Office.

John Tustin