Sgeir a' Chais

Island in Ross-shire

Scotland

Sgeir a' Chais

Cappadale Sands
Cappadale Sands Credit: Sandy Gerrard

Sgeir a' Chais is a small uninhabited island located off the coast of Ross-shire in the Scottish Highlands. Situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, it is part of the Inner Hebrides archipelago. The island is approximately 10 acres in size and is known for its rugged and rocky terrain.

The name "Sgeir a' Chais" translates to "rock of the cheese" in English, although the origin of this name is unclear. The island is composed mainly of basalt and has a distinctive jagged coastline, dotted with numerous sea stacks and caves. Its remote location and challenging terrain make it an attractive destination for adventurous hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Sgeir a' Chais is also renowned for its abundant wildlife. Seabirds such as guillemots, razorbills, and puffins nest on the cliffs, while seals can often be seen basking on the rocks or swimming in the surrounding waters. The island's waters are also home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, porpoises, and occasional sightings of whales.

Due to its small size and lack of facilities, Sgeir a' Chais is not suitable for permanent habitation. However, it attracts visitors who appreciate its untouched natural beauty and the opportunity to explore its untamed landscapes. Access to the island is usually by boat, and visitors are advised to take caution due to the challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions.

Overall, Sgeir a' Chais offers a unique and remote island experience, providing visitors with a glimpse into the wild and untamed beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

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Sgeir a' Chais Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.18438/-7.0600333 or Grid Reference NB0232. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Cappadale Sands
Cappadale Sands
Beach and headland at Carnais
Beach and headland at Carnais
Beach at Carnais
Beach at Carnais
Wooden sculpture of a Lewis Knight Chess Piece at the Abhainn Dearg Distillery car park
Wooden sculpture of a Lewis Knight Chess Piece at the Abhainn Dearg Distillery car park
Tom A small tidal island near Carnais.
Tom
A small tidal island near Carnais.
The Gravel Pits at Carnais, on the Red River, Uig, Lewis The Abhainn Dearg Distillery lies to the left of the picture. The Red River - Ahbainn Dearg flows to the sea at the foot of the scree slope, but is shown on the OS Sheet as Abhainn Caslabhat.
The Gravel Pits at Carnais, on the Red River, Uig, Lewis
The Abhainn Dearg Distillery lies to the left of the picture. The Red River - Ahbainn Dearg flows to the sea at the foot of the scree slope, but is shown on the OS Sheet as Abhainn Caslabhat.
Cappadale Sands The map names this arm of Tràigh Uige as Cappadale Sands. As the tide is in, the sand is only visible through the water, giving it that characteristic Hebridean turquoise colour. It would have been even better in sunshine. The hill on the skyline is Forsnabhal (205 metres), and the houses at the far side of the bay are at Timsgearraidh.
Cappadale Sands
The map names this arm of Tràigh Uige as Cappadale Sands. As the tide is in, the sand is only visible through the water, giving it that characteristic Hebridean turquoise colour. It would have been even better in sunshine. The hill on the skyline is Forsnabhal (205 metres), and the houses at the far side of the bay are at Timsgearraidh.
Càrnais (Carinish) Two cottages overlooking Tràigh Lèire at the head of Cappadale Sands in Uig Bay.
Càrnais (Carinish)
Two cottages overlooking Tràigh Lèire at the head of Cappadale Sands in Uig Bay.
Wooden King, Uig Sculpture based on one of the famous Lewis chessmen, sited close to the cemetery at Uig.
<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.uigandbernera.com/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.uigandbernera.com/">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>
Wooden King, Uig
Sculpture based on one of the famous Lewis chessmen, sited close to the cemetery at Uig. LinkExternal link
Abhainn Dearg Distillery The first legal distillery in the Western Isles - and now (Oct 2011) selling Red River whisky for the first time - 3 years old Uisgebaugh.
Note the peat stack in the foreground.
<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.abhainndearg.co.uk/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.abhainndearg.co.uk/">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>
Abhainn Dearg Distillery
The first legal distillery in the Western Isles - and now (Oct 2011) selling Red River whisky for the first time - 3 years old Uisgebaugh. Note the peat stack in the foreground. LinkExternal link
Abhainn Dearg Road End Wooden sculpture of a Lewis Chessman at the Abhainn Dearg / Red River Distillery car park, Uig.
Old gravel quarrying is visible on the left.
<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.abhainndearg.co.uk/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.abhainndearg.co.uk/">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>
Abhainn Dearg Road End
Wooden sculpture of a Lewis Chessman at the Abhainn Dearg / Red River Distillery car park, Uig. Old gravel quarrying is visible on the left. LinkExternal link
Abhainn Dearg / Red River Distillery Lewis Chessman figure at the Red River Distillery car park. Abhainn Dearg is the first legal distillery in the Outer Hebrides and has just begun to sell its whisky (October 2011). Slainthe mhaith!
<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.abhainndearg.co.uk/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.abhainndearg.co.uk/">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>
Abhainn Dearg / Red River Distillery
Lewis Chessman figure at the Red River Distillery car park. Abhainn Dearg is the first legal distillery in the Outer Hebrides and has just begun to sell its whisky (October 2011). Slainthe mhaith! LinkExternal link
Berserker, Red River Distillery Shield chewing face of the mounted knight at the Abhainn Dearg Distillery car park. He is modelled on the Lewis Chessmen who were found nearby on Uig sands.
<span class="nowrap"><a title="www.abhainndearg.co.uk" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.abhainndearg.co.uk">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>
Berserker, Red River Distillery
Shield chewing face of the mounted knight at the Abhainn Dearg Distillery car park. He is modelled on the Lewis Chessmen who were found nearby on Uig sands. LinkExternal link
Lewis Chessman Figure, Red River Wooden sculpture of a mounted knight at the car park for the Abhainn Dearg / Red River Distillery. Note the whisky casks.
<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.abhainndearg.co.uk/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.abhainndearg.co.uk/">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>
Lewis Chessman Figure, Red River
Wooden sculpture of a mounted knight at the car park for the Abhainn Dearg / Red River Distillery. Note the whisky casks. LinkExternal link
Traigh Uige Taken from next to <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2651138">NB0534 : Little church at Timsgearraidh (Timsgarry)</a> looking over the vast expanse of sand of Traigh Uige, with the mountains of Mealasta beyond.
Traigh Uige
Taken from next to NB0534 : Little church at Timsgearraidh (Timsgarry) looking over the vast expanse of sand of Traigh Uige, with the mountains of Mealasta beyond.
Kite buggy on Traigh Uige Traigh Uige is a fine expanse of flat firm sand, ideal for whizzing about using one of these contraptions. It was going quite fast as it was pulled along by the parachute-like kite. Looks like fun !
Kite buggy on Traigh Uige
Traigh Uige is a fine expanse of flat firm sand, ideal for whizzing about using one of these contraptions. It was going quite fast as it was pulled along by the parachute-like kite. Looks like fun !
Traigh Uige, view to Mealasta The mountains of Mealasta form an impressive backdrop to the view southwards from Traigh Uige.
Traigh Uige, view to Mealasta
The mountains of Mealasta form an impressive backdrop to the view southwards from Traigh Uige.
Cappadale Sands  The watercourse of Abhainn an Ath' Deirg forms a narrow long inlet from the sands of Traigh Uige. The sands between the camera and this inlet are called Cappadale Sands. A sand and gravel pit can be seen on the far shore, while Mealaisbhal, at 574m (1882ft) the tallest of the mountains of Mealasta rises in the background.
Cappadale Sands
The watercourse of Abhainn an Ath' Deirg forms a narrow long inlet from the sands of Traigh Uige. The sands between the camera and this inlet are called Cappadale Sands. A sand and gravel pit can be seen on the far shore, while Mealaisbhal, at 574m (1882ft) the tallest of the mountains of Mealasta rises in the background.
Show me another place!

Sgeir a' Chais is located at Grid Ref: NB0232 (Lat: 58.18438, Lng: -7.0600333)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///grief.goodbyes.rainy. Near Carloway, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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