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Shiant Isles

Outer Hebrides, Scotland  >  United Kingdom

Uninhabited treeless islands of 500 hectares, between the Scottish mainland and Outer Hebrides. Up to 265,000 breeding seabirds.

Added* by Iain Crawford
Most recent update 3 nóvember 2022

Description

A striking place to visit in early summer, the privately owned Shiant Isles have 240,000 breeding Lundi, 18,000 Langvía, 11,000 Álka, 4,000 Fýll, 2,000 Rita and 1,500 Toppskarfur, plus Haförn and passing waders. The Minch channel is an important route for minke, fin and killer whales and basking sharks.

Rats having recently been eradicated, it is hoped that shearwaters and petrels will return to breed.

Details

Access

Access by boat from Gairloch, between Torridon and Ullapool, and by arrangement with owner Tom Nicholson (tom@shiantisles.net), see link below.

Terrain and Habitat

Mountain , Plain , Canyon/cliff , Grassland , Moors/heathland , Sea

Conditions

Hilly , Open landscape , No shadow

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

Spring , Summer

Best time to visit

Spring , Summer

Route

Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Strenuous

Accessible by

Foot , Boat

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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