List of Inner Hebrides

This list of Inner Hebrides summarises a chain of islands and skerries located off the west coast of mainland Scotland. There are 36 inhabited islands in this archipelago, of which Islay, Mull and Skye are the largest and most populous.

A map of the island chain of the Outer Hebrides that lie to the west with numerous other islands – the Inner Hebrides – closer to the mainland of Scotland in the east.
The Hebrides. The Outer Hebrides lie to the west, with the Inner Hebrides (in red) closer to the mainland of Scotland in the east.
A body of water in the foreground contains several sailing vessels, including yachts, small fishing boats and an orange lifeboat. In the middle distance a variety of modern cottages are set amongst coniferous trees on a long grassy slope. Large and precipitous black mountains dominate the background.
The Cuillin ridge from Portree harbour, Skye

The islands of Scotland's west coast are known collectively as the Hebrides; the Inner Hebrides are separated from the Outer Hebrides by The Minch to the north and the Sea of the Hebrides to the south. The Inner Hebrides that lie respectively north and south of Ardnamurchan are administered by two separate local authorities as part of larger territories. The northern Inner Hebrides, including Skye, the Small Isles and the Summer Isles, are part of the Highland unitary council region. The southern group, including Islay, Jura, the Slate Islands and Gigha are part of the Argyll and Bute council region.

In the past, the Hebrides as a whole were a strong Scottish Gaelic-speaking area, and in 1921 more than 50% of the populations of most of these islands, including Skye, Mull and Islay, were proficient in the language. However, although the Outer Hebrides have retained many Gaelic speakers, in the 2001 census only Skye (31%) and Tiree (48%) had more than 25% of the resident population able to speak Gaelic; Mull, Jura, Gigha and Coll each recorded figures of less than 15%.[1]

The modern economy centres on tourism, crofting, farming, fishing, and whisky distilling. The archipelago is exposed to wind and tide. There are numerous lighthouses as an aid to navigation.[2]

There are various descriptions of the scope of the Hebrides. The Collins Encyclopedia of Scotland describes the Inner Hebrides as lying "east of The Minch", which would include any and all offshore islands. There are various islands that lie in the sea lochs, such as Eilean Bàn and Eilean Donan, that might not ordinarily be described as "Hebridean", but no formal definition exists and for simplicity they are included in this list rather than elsewhere.[3][4][Note 1]

Etymology

Various Gaelic names are used repeatedly. The suffix ay or aigh or aidh is generally from the Norse øy meaning "island". Eilean (plural: eileanan) also means "island". Beag and mòr (also bheag and mhòr) mean "little" and "big" and are often found together. Sgeir is "skerry" and often refers to a rock or rocks that lie submerged at high tide. Dubh is "black", dearg is "red" and glas means "grey" or "green". Orasaigh is from the Norse Örfirirsey meaning "tidal" or "ebb island".[5]

Inhabited islands

The Clachan Bridge, Seil, also known as the "Bridge Over the Atlantic"[6]
Eilean Donan castle
The Bullough mausoleum with the Rùm Cullin in the distance
A restored traditional house on Tiree
Bowmore, Islay with its distinctive round church
Tobermory harbour, Mull

The inhabited islands of the Inner Hebrides had a population of 18,257 in 2001,[7] and 18,948 at the time of the 2011 census.[8] The highest peaks of the islands have names deriving from both Gaelic and Old Norse, indicating the historical importance of these two cultures. The archaeological record for the period of Viking domination during the Early Historic period is, however, limited.

In the Outer Hebrides all of the inhabited islands are now connected to at least one other island by a land transport route, but only four Inner Hebridean islands are connected by road, all to the mainland. The Clachan Bridge from Argyll to Seil was designed by Thomas Telford and dates from 1792.[6] Skye has been connected to Kyle of Lochalsh by the Skye Bridge since 1995.[9] Danna is also connected to the Tayvallich peninsula in Argyll by a stone causeway; and tiny Eilean Donan, dominated by its castle, has had a connection to the mainland perhaps from as early as the 13th century. The arched bridge in use today was constructed in the early 20th century.[10]

IslandGaelic nameGroup[Note 2]Area (ha)[11]Population[8]Highest point[12]Height (m)[13]
CannaCanaighSmall Isles1,13012Càrn a' Ghaill210
CollColaMull7,685195Ben Hogh104
ColonsayColbhasaIslay4,074124Carnan Eoin104
DannaDannaIslay315[14]1Cruiadh Bharr54
EasdaleEilean ÈisdealSlate Islands205938
EiggEigeSmall Isles3,04983An Sgurr393
Eilean BànAn t-Eilean BànSkye2.40c. 6
Eilean dà MhèinnEilean dà MhèinnKnapdale3116
Eilean DonanEilean DonnainLoch Duich103
Eilean ShonaEilean SeonaLoch Moidart525[14]2Beinn a' Bhàillidh265
Eilean TioramEilean TioramNorth Highland2[14]610
EriskaAoraisgeLoch Linnhe310[14]?[Note 3]Ceann Garbh47
ErraidEilean Earraid Mull1876Cnoc Mòr75
GighaGioghaIslay1,395163Creag Bhàn100
GometraGòmastraMull4252155
Isle of EweEilean IùbhNorth Highland3097Creag Streap72
IonaÌ Chaluim ChilleMull877177Dùn Ì101
IslayÌleIslay61,9563,228Beinn Bheigeir491
JuraDiùraIslay36,692196Beinn an Òir785
KerreraCearraraFirth of Lorn1,21434Carn Breugach189
LismoreLios MòrFirth of Lorn2,351192Barr Mòr127
LuingLuinnSlate Islands1,430195Binneinn Furachail87
LungaLungaSlate Islands2540Bidean na h-Iolaire98
MuckEilean nam MucSmall Isles55927Beinn Airein137
MullMuileMull87,5352,800Ben More966
OronsayOrasaighIslay5438Beinn Orasaigh93
RaasayRatharsairSkye6,231161Dùn Caan444
RonaRònaighSkye9303Meall Acairseidh125
RùmRùmSmall Isles10,46322Askival812
SandaySandaighSmall Isles1849Tallabric59
ScalpaySgalpaighSkye2,4834Mullach na Càrn396
SeilSaoilSlate Islands1,329551Meall Chaise146
ShunaSiunaSlate Islands4513Druim na Dubh Ghlaic90
SkyeAn t-Eilean SgitheanachSkye165,62510,008Sgurr Alasdair993
SoaySòdhaighSkye1,0361Beinn Bhreac141
Tanera MòrTannara MòrSummer Isles3104Meall Mòr124
TireeTiriodhMull7,834653Ben Hynish141
UlvaUlbhaMull1,99011Beinn Chreagach313

Lunga in the Firth of Lorn had a population of 7, Eilean Bàn a population of 2 and Eilean Donan a single resident in 2001 but none recorded a usually resident population in 2011.[8]

Castle Stalker, Eilean Horrisdale, Eilean Loain and Inch Kenneth are "included in the NRS statistical geography for inhabited islands but had no usual residents at the time of either the 2001 or 2011 censuses".[8]

Uninhabited islands

Cara from the air
Fingal's Cave, Staffa

There are 43 uninhabited Inner Hebrides with an area greater than 30 hectares (approximately 74 acres). Records for the last date of settlement for the smaller uninhabited islands are incomplete, but most of the islands listed here would have been inhabited at some point during the Neolithic, Iron Age, Early Historic or Norse periods.

In common with the other main island chains of Scotland many of the more remote islands were abandoned during the 19th and 20th centuries, in some cases after continuous habitation since prehistoric times. These places had been perceived as relatively self-sufficient agricultural economies,[15] but both island residents and outsiders later came to consider that the more remote islands lacked the essential services of a modern industrial economy.[16]

Some of the islands continue to contribute to modern culture. Staffa came to prominence in the late 18th century after a visit by Sir Joseph Banks. He and his fellow travellers extolled the natural beauty of the basalt columns in general, and in particular of the island's main sea cavern, which Banks renamed "Fingal's Cave". Many other prominent personalities visited Staffa over the next two centuries, including Felix Mendelssohn, whose Hebrides Overture brought further fame to the island.[17] During the Second World War, Gruinard was the site of a biological warfare test by British military scientists.[18] At that time there was an investigation by the British government to test both the vulnerability of Britain to attack and the possibility of attacking Germany using anthrax.[19]

The difficulties of definition are considerable in some cases. For example, Haswell-Smith (2004) treats Lunga[Note 4] as a single island, although during high tides it becomes one inhabited island and numerous uninhabited tidal islets. Another example is the smaller island of Eilean Mòr in Loch Dunvegan, which joins with nearby Eilean Dubh and Garay Island at low tides.[Note 5]

IslandGaelic nameGroup[Note 2]Area (ha)[20]Last inhabited[Note 6]Highest point[12]Height (m)[13]
Calbha BeagCalbha BeagEddrachillis Bay31Unknown41
Calbha MorCalbha MòrEddrachillis Bay70[22]Unknown67
Calve IslandEilean ChailbheMull72Unknown20
CaraCaraGigha661940s56
CàrnaCàrnaLoch Sunart2131980sCruachan Chàrna169
Eileach an NaoimhEileach an NaoimhGarvellachs5610th century80
Eilean an Ròin MòrEilean an Ròin MòrNorth Highland33Unknown63
Eilean Dubh MòrAn t-Eilean Dubh MòrSlate Islands65No census records53
Eilean FladdayEilean FhladaighSkye1371970s39
Eilean HorrisdaleEilean ThòireasdalNorth Highland3220th centuryCarn Garbh38
Eilean IgheEilean IgheSound of Arisaig35Unknown20
Eilean MacaskinEilean MhicAsgainLoch Craignish501880s65
Eilean MeadhonachAn t-Eilean MeadhanachCrowlin Islands77Unknown54
Eilean Mhic ChrionEilean MhicChrìonLoch Craignish54[14]Unknown63
Eilean MòrAn t-Eilean MòrCrowlin Islands170circa 1920Meall a' Chòis114
Eilean RìghEilean RìghLoch Craignish861939Dùn Righ55
Eilean TighEilean an TaigheSkye58UnknownMeall Mòr111
Eilean TroddayEilean ThrodaighSkye42[13]Unknown45
EorsaEòrsaMull122No census records98
Garbh EileachGarbh EileachGarvellachs142Pre-modern[Note 7]110
GruinardEilean GhruinneartNorth Highland1961920sAn Eilid106
GunnaGunnaighMull69Pre-modern[Note 8]35
HandaEilean ShanndaNorth Highland3091848Sithean Mòr123
Harlosh IslandEilean HeàrrloisSkye34Unknown51
Horse IslandEilean nan EachSummer Isles5319th centurySgurr nan Uan60
Inch KennethInnis ChoinnichMull551970s49
InshAn InnisSlate Islands36Unknown69
IsayÌosaighSkye60186028
Isle MartinEilean MhàrtainnSummer Isles1571948[Note 9]120
Isle RistolEilean RuisteilSummer Isles22518th century?71
Little ColonsayColbhasa BeagMull881940s61
Longa IslandLongaNorth Highland126late 19th centuryDruim am Eilean70
LongayLongaighSkye5016th century67
LungaLungaighMull811857Cruachan103
Oldany IslandEilean AlltanaidhEddrachillis Bay200UnknownSidhean nan Ealachan104
OrnsayEilean IarmainSkyec. 35[14]Unknown46
OronsayOrasaighLoch Sunart230[14]UnknownDruim Mòr58
PabayPabaighSkye1221980s28
Priest IslandEilean a' ChlèirichSummer Isles122No census records78
ScarbaSgarbaIslay1,4741960sCruach Scarba449
ShunaSiunaMull1551960sTom an t-Seallaidh71
StaffaStafaMull3318th century42
Tanera BeagTannara BeagSummer Isles66No census records83
TexaTeacsa [Note 10]Islay48Early 19th centuryCeann Garbh48
TorsaTorsaSlate Islands1131960s62
WiayFuidheighSkye14819th century60

Smaller islets and skerries

Skerryvore lighthouse[28]
The Old Man of Stoer, a 60 metres (200 ft) high stack of Torridonian sandstone

Smaller islands, tidal islets only separated at higher stages of the tide, and skerries which are only exposed at lower stages of the tide pepper the seas surrounding the main islands. Many of them are obscure and only a few have ever been inhabited. Nonetheless, some have a significant degree of notability. Lady's Rock, a skerry in Loch Linnhe, was the site of the attempted murder of Lady Catherine Campbell by her husband Lachlan Maclean of Duart in 1527. He rowed out to the rock one night at low tide and left his wife stranded on the rock to die.[29][30] Nearby Castle Stalker was in the possession of Clan Stewart of Appin at this time, but its more recent claim to fame is as a location in the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Remote Dubh Artach and Skerryvore are the sites of two unmanned lighthouses; the latter reaches 48 metres (157 ft) in height and is the tallest in the United Kingdom.[31] Belnahua supported a population of slate workers in its substantial and now flooded central quarry during the 19th century.[32]Nearby Eilean-a-beithich once stood in the Easdale Sound between Easdale and Seil. However, it was quarried to a depth of 76 metres (249 ft) below sea level leaving only the outer rim of the island. This was eventually swept away by the sea and little visible sign of the island now remains.[33]

In addition to being a hazard to navigation, the Torran Rocks south of Erraid are one of the locations featured in the novel Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson. It was here that Alan Breck Stewart and David Balfour were ship-wrecked.[34]

The smaller Inner Hebridean islands, grouped by location (from south to north), in the vicinity of:

South Argyll Coast

Eilean Mor in the MacCormaig Isles, looking towards Jura
Crinan locks with tiny Black Rock beyond
  • Kintyre: Mull, Scart Isle, The Merchants
  • Gigha: Còrr Eilean, Craro, Eilean á Chuill, Eilean Leim, Eilean Liath, Eilean na h-Aird, Eilean na h-Uilinn, Gamhna Giogha, Gigalum
    • Cara: Coire Cara, Sgeir à Bhuntata, Sgeir Buideil
  • West Loch Tarbert: Eilean Ceann na Creige, Eilean da Ghallagain, Eilean Eòghainn, Eilean nan Craobh, Eilean Traighe
  • Loch Stornoway: Carriag Mhaidean, Eilean Clach nan Uamhannan, Sgeir Choigreach
  • Loch Caolisport: Eilean Fada, Eilean na h-Uamhaidh, Eilean nam Muc, Eilean Naomhachd, Glas Eilean, Liath Eilein
  • MacCormaig Isles: Corr Eilean, Eilean Ghamna, Eilean Mòr, Eilean nan Leac, Eilean Puirt Leithe
  • Loch Sween: Cala, Eilean Loain, Eilean Mhartan, Eilean na Circe, Taynish Island, Ulva Islands
    • Danna: Eilean à Chapuill, Eilean nan Uan, Liath Eilean
    • Fairy Islands: Eilean a' Bhrein
  • West Taynish: Carsaig Island, Eilean Dubh, Eilean Fraoich, Eilean nan Coinean, Eilean Traighe, Leth Sgeir, Ruadh Sgeir
  • Loch Crinan: An-unalin, Black Rock, Eilean Glas, Eilean nan Coinean
  • Loch Craignish: Eilean na Cille, Eilean na-h Eairne, Garbh Rèisa, Sgeir na Maoile
    • Eilean Macaskin: Liath-sgeir Bheag, Liath-sgeir Mhòr
    • Eilean Mhic Chrion: Eilean Buidhe, Eilean Dubh, Eilean Inshaig, Eilean na Nighinn, Eilean Traighte
    • Eilean Rìgh: Eilean nan Gabhar,
  • West Craignish: Coiresa, Creagach Chrosgach, Culbhaic, Eilean Ona, Reisa an t-Sruith, Reisa Mhic Phaidean
  • Craobh Haven: Eich Donna, Eilean an Duin, Eilean Arsa, Eilean Buidhe, Eilean Creagach, Fraoch Eilean, Liath Sgeir
  • Loch Melfort: Eilean Coltair, Eilean Gamhna, Scoul Eilean

Islay group

The lighthouse at Carraig Fhada, Islay, looking towards Caolas Eilean nan Caorach, Sgeir Fhada and Sgeir Phlocach with Port Ellen at left
Looking north from Na h-Urrachann towards Rubha nam Faoilean, Scarba, with Guirasdeal, Lunga and Eilean Dubh Mòr in the Slate Islands beyond
  • Islay:
    • Mull of Oa and Laggan Bay: Eileanan Mòra, Sgeirean Buidhe Ghil
    • Loch Indaal: Carraig Dhubh
    • Rinns of Islay: Am Ballan, Eilean Liath, Eilean Mhic Coinnich, Frenchman's Rocks, Orsay, Sgeiran Dubha
    • North west coast: Boghachan Mòra, Eilean an Tannais-sgeir, Eilean Beag, Eilean Mòr, Nave Island, Post Rocks
    • East coast: Eilean Liath
    • Kildalton: Ceann nan Sgieran, Eilean á Chùirn, Eilean an Droighinn, Eilean Bhride, Eilean Craobhach, Eilean Mhic Mhaolmhoire, Outram, Sgeir nam Ban
    • Ardbeg: Carmichael's Rocks, Cleit Buidhe, Corr Sgeir, Eilean an t-Sluic, Eilean Imersay, Iseanach Beag, Iseanach Mòr
    • Carraig Fhada: Am Plodan, An Gànradh, Eilean nan Caorach, Sgeir Fhada, Sgeir Phlocach
  • Colonsay: Eilean à Chladaich, Eilean Dubh, Eilean na Brathan, Eilean Leathann, Eilean Mhártain, Eilean na Bilearach, Eilean nam Ban, Eilean nam Feannaig, Eilean Olmsa, Glas Eilean
  • Jura:
    • East coast: Eilean à Bhorra, Eilean an Rubha, Eilean Buidhe Mòr, Eilean na h-Aorinn, Eilean Traigh an Airgid, Liath Eilean, Na Cuiltean
    • Small Isles: Eilean Bhride, Eilean Diomhain, Eilean nan Coinnean, Eilean nan Gabhar, Pladda
    • Sound of Islay: Am Fraoch Eilean, Brosdale Island, Glas Eilean
    • Loch Tarbert: Eilean an Easbuig, Eilean Ard, Eilean Dubh à Cumhainn Bhig, Eilean Dubh à Cumhainn Mhoir, Eileanan Gleann Righ, Eilean Iosal
    • West coast: Eilean Beag, Eilean Mòr, Shian Island
  • Oronsay: Dubh Eilean, Eileanan à Chuir, Eilean Ghaoideamal, Eilean Mhic Iain Ruaidh, Eilean Mhugaig, Eilean nam Uan, Eilean nan Ron
  • Scarba: Eilean à Bhealach, Eilean Ard, Sgeiran à Mhaoil, Sgeir nan Gobhar
  • Texa: Sgeiran an Lòin, Tarr Sgeir

Firth of Lorn

Fladda lighthouse
  • Slate Islands:
    • Easdale: None
    • Eilean Dubh Mòr: Eilean Dubh Beag, Liath Sgeir, Sgeir à Gheòidh, Sgeir nan Taod
    • Insh: Dubh-sgeir, Eilean Bàn-leac
    • Luing: Diar Sgeir, Dubh-fheith, Dubh Sgeir, Eilean Loisgte, Fraoch Eilean (2), Funaich Mhòr, Glas Eilean, Rubh Aird Luing, Sgeir Bhuidhe
    • Lunga: An Tudan, Belnahua, Eilean Ioasal, Eilean nan Ceann, Fiola an Droma, Fiola Meadhonach, Fladda, Guirasdeal, Liath Sgeir, Ormsa, Rubha Fiola, Sgeir Mhic an Altair, Sgeir Poll nan Corran
    • Torsa: Eilean Fraoch, Glas Eilean
    • Seil: Eilean à Chomraidh, Eilean Buidhe, Eilean Dùin, Eilean nam Beathach, Eilean nam Freumha, Eilean Tornal, Henderson's Rock,
    • Shuna: None
  • Garvellachs:
    • Eileach an Naoimh: Sgeiran Dubha, Sgeir Leth à Chuain
    • Garbh Eileach: À Chùli, Dùn Chonnuill

Loch Linnhe

Castle Stalker
  • Loch Feochan: Eilean an Ruisg
  • Kerrera: Bach Island, Eilean nan Gamhna, Eilean nan Uan, Eilean Orasaig, Heather Island,[Note 11] Maiden Island, Rubh'a Cruidh, Sgeir à Gheòidh
  • Loch Etive: Abbot's Isle, Eilean Beag, Eilean Mòr, Eilean nam Meann, Eilean Traighe, Kilmaronag Islands
  • Eriska: Glas Eilean, Sgeir Caillich,
  • Lismore: Bernera Island, Branra, Creag Island, Eilean Dubh (2), Eilean Loch Oscair, Eilean Musdile, Eilean na Cloich, Eilean nam Bàn, Eilean nam Meann, Eilean nan Caorach, Eilean nan Chaorainn, Eilean nan Gamhna, Eilean Ramsay, Inn Island, Lady's Rock, Pladda Island,
  • Shuna: Eilean Balnagowan, Castle Stalker
  • Loch Leven: Eilean à Chòmraidh, Eilean Coinneach, Eilean Munde, Eilean nam Ban
  • Loch Eil: Eilean à Bhealaidh, Eilean na Creich, Eilean nan Craobh, Rubha Dearg

Mull group

Dhu Heartach Lighthouse, During Construction by Sam Bough (1822–1878)
Bac Mòr, also known as "The Dutchman's Cap", as seen from Lunga
  • Coll: A' Chairidhe, Airne na Sgeire, An Glas-eilean, Eag na Maoile, Eilean an Eith, Eilean an t-Sean Chaisteil, Eilean Ascaoineach, Eilean Bhoramuil, Eilean Bhuigistile, Eilean Dubh, Eilean Eatharna, Eilean Halum, Eilean Iomallach, Eilean Mòr, Eilean na Bà, Eilean nam Muc, Eilean Odhar, Eilean Ornsay, Eilean Tomaluam, Soa, Sùil Ghorm
  • Eorsa: None
  • Gometra: Eilean Dioghlum, Màisgier
  • Gunna: Eilean nam Maidean, Eilean nan Gamhna
  • Iona: Corr Eilean, Eilean Annraidh, Eilean Chalbha Eilean Didil, Eilean Musimul, Eilean na h-Aon Chaorach, Reidh Eilean, Soa Island, Stac an Aoineidh, Stac Mhic Muhurchaidh
  • Inch Kenneth: Samalan Island
  • Little Colonsay: None
  • Mull:
    • Calve Island: Cnap à Chailbe, Eilean na Beithe
    • Sound of Mull: Am Brican, Dearg Sgeir, Eileanan Bàna, Eileanan Glasa, Eilean Bàn
    • Loch Don: Eilean Bàn, Eilean a' Mhadaidh, Eileanan nan Caorach
    • Loch Spelve: Eilean Amalaig
    • Loch Buie: Eilean Mòr, Eilean Uamh Ghuaidhre, Frank Lockwood's Island[Note 12]
    • Ross of Mull south: Eilean à Chròtha, Eilean Imheir, Eilean Liath, Eilean Mòr, Eilean Nam Boc, Eilean nan Caorann, Gamhnach Mhòr, Garbh Eilean, Na Minn, Na Maoil Mhòra
    • Erraid: Am Baister, Eilean a' Chalmain, Eilean Dubh (2), Eilean Ghomain, Eilean nam Muc, Eilean na Seamair, Livingston's Rocks, Rankin's Rocks, Sgeir à Chobhain, Sgeir na Caillich
      • Torran Rocks: Dearg Sgeir, MacPhail's Anvil, Na Torrain, Torran Sgoilte, Torr an t-Saothaid
    • Sound of Iona: Eilean à Ghearrain, Eilean Dubh, Eilean Dubh na Ciste, Eilean Gainmheinich, Eilean nam Ban, Liath Eilean
    • Loch na Làthaich: Eilean an Fheòir, Eilean Bàn, Na Liathanaich
    • Loch Scridain: Eilean nan Caorach, Sgeir Leathan
    • Ardmeanach: Eilean Dubh Cruinn, Erisgeir
    • Loch na Keal: Eilean Casach, Eilean Feòir,
    • Mishnish: Cuan Mòr, Eilean an Tairt, Eilean nan Gabhar
  • Staffa: Am Buchaille
  • Tiree: Ceann Mòr, Chreachasdal Mòr, Eilean Ghreasamuill (2), Eilean Ghreusgain, Eilean nan Siolag, Eilean Shomhairle, Fadamull, Rubha Liath, Sgeir Mhòr, Soa
  • Lunga: Bac Beag, Bac Mòr, Cairn na Burgh Beag, Cairn na Burgh Mòr, Fladda, Sgeir an Eirionnaich, Sgeir a' Chaisteil
  • Ulva: Eilean à Bhuic, Eilean à Chaolais, Eilean an Dusain, Eilean an Righ, Eilean na Creiche, Eilean na h-Uamha, Eilean Reilean, Garbh Eilean, Geasgill Beag, Geasgill Mòr, Sgeir Feòir, Trealbhan
  • Outliers: Dubh Artach, Skerryvore

Small Isles

The north end of Eilean Chathastail from Eigg
  • Canna: Alman, An Stéidh, Eilean à Bhaird, Haslam
  • Eigg: Eilean Chathastail, Eilean Thuilm
  • Muck: Eagamol, Eilean nan Each
  • Rùm: None
  • Sanday: Dùn Mòr
  • Outliers: Garbh Sgeir, Humla, Hyskeir

North Argyll coast

From Ininmore Bay in Morvern to the River Sheil.[Note 13]

  • Sound of Mull: Eilean na Beitheiche, Eilean Rubha an Ridire, Glas Eileanan, Sgeir Chorrach
  • Loch Sunart: Dun Ghallain, Eilean an t-Sionnaich, Eilean à Chuilinn, Eilean à Mhuirich, Eilean Mòr, Eilean mo Shlinneag, Garbh Eilean, Glas Eilean
    • Càrna: Eilean an Fheidh, Eilean nan Eildean, Eilean nan Gabhar, Eilean nan Gad, Risga
    • Oronsay: Eilean Mòr, Sligneach Mòr
  • Ardnamurchan:
    • South coast: Eilean nan Seachd Seisrichean, Glas Eilean
    • North coast: Eilean Carrach, Eilean Chaluim Cille, Eilean Dubh, Eilean na h-Acairseid, Sanna Island, Sgeir à Chàm Eilein, Sgeir an Eididh, Sgeir an Rathaid, Sgeir nam Meann
    • Kentra Bay: Eilean an Eididh Eilean Dhònuill, Eilean Dubh, Eilean Loisgte, Eilean nan Gad

South Highland coast

Eilean Tioram and its ruined castle
  • Eilean Shona: An Glas-eilean, Eilean à Choire, Eilean an Feheidh, Eilean an t-Sabhail, Eilean Coille, Eilean Dubh, Eilean Mhic Neill, Eilean Raonuill, Eilean Tioram, Eilean Uaine, Riska
  • Sound of Arisaig:
    • Loch Ailort: Eilean à Bhuic, Eilean à Chaolais, Eilean Buidhe, Eilean Dubh, Eilean Dubh an Aonaich, Eilean na Gualinn, Eilean nam Bairneach, Eilean nan Gabhar, Eilean nan Trom, Samalaman Island, Sgeir Glas
    • Loch nan Uamh: Am Fraoch-eilean, An Garbh-eilean, An Glas-eilean, Còrr Eilean, Eilean à Ghaill, Eilean Aird nam Bùth, Eilean an t-Snidhe, Eilean Ceann Fèidh, Eilean Gobhlach, Eilean nan Cabar, Eilean Port nam Murrach
  • Eilean Ighe: Am Fraoch-eilean, Eilean Ban, Luinga Beag, Luinga Mhòr
  • North Arisaig coast: An Glas-eilean, Bogh' Oitir, Rubha dà Chuain, Sgeirean na Corra-gribhich
  • Morar Bay: Eilean Ruadh, Eilean Toigal
  • Mallaig: Eilean na h-Acairseid
  • Loch Nevis: An Corr-eilean, Eilean Giubhais, Eilean Maol, Eilean na Glaschoille,
  • West Knoydart coast: Airor Island, Eilean an t-Sionnach, Eilean Dearg, Eilean na Gàmhna, Eilean Shamadalain, Glas Eilean, Sgeir Glas
  • Loch Hourn: Corr Eileanan, Eilean à Chuilinn, Eilean à Gharb-Iain, Eilean à Mhuineil, Eilean à Phiobaire, Eilean Chamas nan Doth, Eilean Chlamial, Eilean Choinnich, Eilean Mhartain, Eilean Mhogh-sgeir, Eilean Ràrsaidh, Eilean Tioram, Fraoch Eilean, Glas Eilean
  • Sandaig Islands: An Gurraban, Eilean Carach, Eilean Mòr Fraoich Eilean

Skye group

Macleod's Maidens off the coast of Duirinish
  • Crowlin Islands:
    • Eilean Mòr: None
    • Eilean Meadhonach: Eilean Beag,
  • Eilean Bàn: None
  • Eilean Trodday: None
  • Isay: Clett, Mingay
  • Longay: None
  • Pabay: None
  • Raasay: Eilean Aird nan Gobhar, Eilean an Inbhire, Holoman Island, Manish Island
    • Eilean Fladday: Fraoch Eilean, Glas Eilean, Griana-sgeir
    • Eilean Tigh: Eilean an Fhraoich
  • Rona: Cow Rock, Eilean Garbh, Eilean Seamraig, Garbh Eilean, Sgeirean Buidhe Borlum, Sgeir Shuas
  • Scalpay: Eilean Leac na Gainimh, Guillamon Island, Sgeir Dhearg
  • Skye:
  • Soay: Na Gamhnaichean
  • Wiay: None

North Highland coast

The Summer Isles from Ben Mòr Coigach
Am Buachaille – "the shepherd"
  • Wester Ross:
    • Loch Alsh: Glas Eilean
      • Loch Long: À Ghlas-sgeir, Sheep Island
      • Eilean Donan: Eilean Tioram
      • Loch Duich: Am Fraoch-eilean
    • Kyle of Lochalsh: Black Islands, Eilean à Mhal, Eileanan Dubha, Eilean na Crèadha, Eilean nan Gobhar Beag, Eilean nan Gobhar Mòr
    • Loch Carron: An Garbh-Eilean, Eilean an-t-Sratha, Eilean Glasiach, Eilean na Beinne, Eilean na Creige Duibhe, Eilean nan Fraoich, Eilean nan Stac, Kishorn Island, Sgeir Bhuidhe, Sgeir Fhada, Strome Islands,
      • Plockton: À Ghlas-leac, An Garbh-Eilean, Eilean à Bhata, Eilean à Chait, Eilean an Duine, Eilean Dubh, Eilean Dubh Dhurinis, Eilean Lagach, Eilean na Bà Beag, Eilean na Bà Mòr, Eilean nam Fiadh, Eilean na Sgeir-Feor, Eilean nan Gamhainn, Eilean Stacan, Eilean Sgreabach, Sgeir Bhuidhe
    • Inner Sound: An Ruadh-Eilean, Eilean Chuaig, Eilean na Bà, Eilean nan Naomh,
    • Loch Torridon: Eilean à Chaoil, Eilean an Inbhire Bhàin, Eilean Dùghaill, Eilean Mòr, Eilean Tioram, Sgeir Ghlas, Sgeir na Trian, Shieldaig Island
    • Eilean Horrisdale: Eilean Tioram, Sgeir Glas
    • Gairloch: Eilean an t-Sabhail, Eilean Shieldaig, Fraoch-eilean, Glas Eilean, Na Dùnain
    • Longa Island: None
    • Rubha Rèidh: An Sean Sgeir, Stac Buidhe, Stac Dubh
    • Isle of Ewe: Boor Rocks, Eilean Furadh Beag, Eilean Furadh Mòr, Sgeir an Araig, Sgeir Maol Mhoraidh, Sgeir Maol Mhoraidh Shuas, Stac Ruadh
    • Gruinard: Fraoch, Eilean Beag, Fraoch Eilean Mòr
    • Summer Isles:
      • Horse Island: Càrn nan Sgeir, Meall nan Caorach, Meall nan Gabhar
      • Isle Martin: None
      • Isle Ristol: Bò Bhùiridh, Eilean Glas, Eilean Mullagrach
      • Priest Island: Bottle Island, Carn Deas, Carn Iar, Eilean Dubh, Glas-leac Beag, Sgeirean Glasa, Sgeir nam Mult
      • Tanera Beag: Eilean à Chàr, Eilean Choinaid, Eilean Fada Beag, Eilean Fada Mòr, Glas-leac Mòr, Sgeir an Aon Iomairt, Sgeir Loisgte, Sgeir nam Feusgan, Sgeir Ribhinn, Stac Mhic Aonghais
      • Tanera Mor: Eilean à Bhuic, Eilean Beag, Eilean Mòr, Eilean na Saille
    • Enard Bay: À Chleit, Eilean Mòineseach, Eilean Mòr, Fraochlan, Green Island, Rubha à Bhrocaire, Sgeir Bhuidhe, Sgeir Ghlas Bheag, Sgeir Ghlas Mhòr, Sgeir nam Boc
  • Sutherland:
The islets east of Oldany with Mòr Eilean in the foreground
The Kylesku bridge crossing the Loch a' Chàirn Bhàin narrows with Garbh Eilean in the foreground.
    • Loch Inver: Glas Leac, Soyea Island
    • Stoer: Old Man of Stoer
    • Oldany: Bogh' an Tairbh, Eilean Chrona, Eilean na Ligheach, Eilean nam Boc, Eilean nan Gobhar, Eilean nan Uan, Mòr Eilean, Sgeir nan Gall
    • Eddrachillis Bay: An Calbh, Eilean à Bhuic, Eilean Rairidh, Meall Beag, Meall Mòr, Sgeir à Chlaidheimh
      • Badcall Bay: Dubh Sgeir, Eilean à Bhreitheimh, Eilean Garbh, Eilean na Bearachd, Eilean na Rainich, Eilean Riabhach, Glas Leac, Meall Earca, Ox Rock
      • Loch a' Chàirn Bhàin: Eilean à Ghamhna, Eilean na Furaradh, Eilean na Rainich, Garbh Eilean
      • Loch Glencoul: Creag Bàgh an Liath Bhaid, Eilean à Chon' à Chreige, Eilean à Chumhainn, Eilean an Tighe, Eilean an Tuim, Eilean Àrd, Eilean na Moine
    • Loch Dhrombaig: Cul Eilean, Eilean an Achaidh, Sgeir Liath,
    • Handa: Eilean an Aigeich, Glas Leac, Sgeirean Glasa
    • Loch Laxford: Dubh Sgeirean, Eilean à Chadh-fi, Eilean à Mhadaidh, Eileanan Dubha, Eilean an Eireannaich, Eilean an t-Sithein, Eilean Àrd, Eilean Dubh an Teoir, Eilean Dubh na Fionndalach Bige, Eilean Dubh nam Boc, Eilean Meall à Chaorainn, Eilean na Carraig, Eilean na Saille, Eilean Port à Choit, Glas Leac, Rubh' à Cheathraimh Ghairbh, Sgeirean Cruaidhe, Sgeir Eorna, Sgeir Fhanda, Sgeir Iosal, Sgeir Ruadh
    • Kinlochbervie: Eilean à Chonnaidh, Eilean Dubh, Glas Leac, Na Clusnadh
    • Eilean an Ròin Mòr: Dubh Sgeir, Eilean an Ròin Beag, Eilean na h-Aiteg, Na Stacan, Seana Sgeir
    • Sandwood Bay and Cape Wrath: Am Balg, Am Bodach, Am Buchaille, Goedha Ruadh na Fola

Small archipelagos

The Treshnish Isles as seen from Port Haunn on Mull. Nearest are Cairn na Burgh Beag and Cairn na Burgh Mòr. Behind are the low flat island of Fladda and the tallest island, Lunga, which obscures Bac Mòr and Bac Beag beyond.

There are various small island groups within the Inner Hebrides that are included above. The largest of these mini-archipelagos are:

There is another group of islets off Craighouse on the east coast of Jura called the Small Isles.[37]

See also

References and footnotes

General references
  • Baird, Bob (1995) Shipwrecks of the West of Scotland. Glasgow. Nekton Books. ISBN 1-897995-02-4
  • Haswell-Smith, Hamish (2004). The Scottish Islands. Edinburgh: Canongate. ISBN 978-1-84195-454-7.
  • Hunter, James (2000) Last of the Free: A History of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Edinburgh. Mainstream. ISBN 1-84018-376-4
  • Keay, J. & Keay, J. (1994) Collins Encyclopaedia of Scotland. London. HarperCollins.
  • Mac an Tàilleir, Iain (2003) Ainmean-àite/Placenames. (pdf) Pàrlamaid na h-Alba. Retrieved 26 August 2012.
Notes
Citations

External links