The Shiant Isles

The Bewitched Isles

Na h-Eileanan Shianta – Shiant Isles – The Bewitched Islands – so-called as they continually change shape according to the weather and visibility. Geologically they belong to Skye, and historically to Lewis, though Lord Leverhulme, when he owned both islands, transferred them officially to Harris!

Compared to the ancient Gneiss rocks of Harris, na h-Eileanan Shianta are very young, belonging to the same volcanic complex as the Quirang area of Trotternish area of Skye. There are three main islands in the group: Eilean Garbh (rough island);  Eilean an Taighe (house island);  and Eilean Mhuire (Mary’s island) with a chain of weirdly shaped rocks – na Galtaichean – running west from the west point of Eilean Garbh, which is joined to Eilean an Taighe by a shingle beach. At one time, the house on Eilean an Taighe was occupied by shepherds, but the last of them left in 1901, and there have been no permanent residents since them.

The most impressive feature of the na h-Eileanan Shianta is the great columnar cliffs of the north coast, rising to some 100m sheer from the water, with their cliff ledges occupied in the breeding season by myriads of seafowl.
Eilean an Taighe is fairly easy to explore, but the climb up the face of Eilean Garbh is strenuous, and dangerous in places. Please be aware there is no pier at the Shiant Isles and you go ashore to a rocky beach. Please ensure you have suitable footwear for this landing.

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