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NP 66
RECORD OF AMENDMENTS
The table below is to record Section IV Notice to Mariners amendments affecting this volume.
Sub paragraph numbers in the margin of the body of the book are to assist the user when making amendments to this volume.

Weekly Notices to Mariners (Section IV)

2004 2005 2006 2007

IMPORTANT − SEE RELATED ADMIRALTY PUBLICATIONS

This is one of a series of publications produced by the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office which should be consulted by users of
Admiralty Charts. The full list of such publications is as follows:
Notices to Mariners (Annual, permanent, temporary and preliminary), Chart 5011 (Symbols and abbreviations), The Mariner’s
Handbook (especially Chapters 1 and 2 for important information on the use of UKHO products, their accuracy and limitations),
Sailing Directions (Pilots), List of Lights and Fog Signals, List of Radio Signals, Tide Tables and their digital equivalents.
All charts and publications should be kept up to date with the latest amendments.
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NP 66

WEST COAST OF
SCOTLAND PILOT
West coast of Scotland from Mull of Galloway
to Cape Wrath including the Hebrides
and off−lying islands

FIFTEENTH EDITION
2004

PUBLISHED BY THE UNITED KINGDOM HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICE

Home Contents Index

E Crown Copyright 2004

To be obtained from Agents for the Sale of

Admiralty Charts and Publications

Copyright of some of the material in

this publication is owned by the authority
named under the item and permission for its
reproduction must be obtained from the owner.

Area formerly covered by part of the following previous editions:

Sound of Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1859

West Coast of Scotland Pilot

1st Edition Part I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1867
Part II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1871
2nd Edition Part I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1874
Part II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1877
3rd Edition Part I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1885
Part II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1886
4th Edition ........................................... 1894
5th Edition ........................................... 1902
6th Edition Part I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1911
Part II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1911
7th Edition Part I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1921
Part II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1921
8th Edition ........................................... 1934
9th Edition ........................................... 1949
10th Edition ........................................... 1958
11th Edition ........................................... 1974
12th Edition ........................................... 1995
13th Edition ........................................... 1998
14th Edition ........................................... 2001

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PREFACE

The Fifteenth Edition of the West Coast of Scotland Pilot has been prepared by Mr S.R. Fernandes, B.Com, Master Mariner, and
Commander D.J.D. Acland, Royal Navy, from the latest information received in the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office to the date given
below.

This edition supersedes the Fourteenth Edition (2001), which is cancelled.

Information on climate, currents and ice has been based on data provided by the Meteorological Office, Exeter.

The following sources of information, other than UKHO Publications and Ministry of Defence papers, have been consulted:

Port Handbooks produced by Port Authorities

Ports of Scotland & Container Bases (Graham Ogilvie) (2003/2004)
Ports of the World (2003)
The Statesman’s Yearbook (2004)
The Yachtsman’s Pilots to the West Coast of Scotland (Martin Lawrence)
The Scottish Islands (Hamish Haswell−Smith) (1996)
Coastguard address list CG40 (October 2003)
RNLI Directory (2003)

Dr D W Williams
United Kingdom National Hydrographer

The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office

Admiralty Way
Taunton
Somerset TA1 2DN
England
19th February 2004

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PREFACE
to the Twelfth Edition (1995)

The Twelfth Edition of the West Coast of Scotland Pilot has been compiled by Commander R.A. Fisher OBE Royal Navy, and contains
the latest information received in the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office to the date given below.

This edition supersedes the Eleventh Edition (1974) and Supplement No.11 (1994), which are cancelled.

The following sources of information, other than Hydrographic Office Publications and Ministry of Defence papers, have been consulted:

Guide to Port Entry 1993/4

Lloyds Maritime Guide 1994
Port Handbooks produced by Port Authorities
Ports of Scotland (Graham Ogilvie) (1992/93)
Ports of the World 1994
The Statesman’s Yearbook (1993/94)
Clyde Cruising Club Sailing Directions
The Yachtsman’s Pilots to the West Coast of Scotland (Martin Lawrence)

N.R. ESSENHIGH
Rear Admiral
Hydrographer of the Navy

The U K Hydrographic Office

Admiralty Way
Taunton
Somerset TA1 2DN
England
25 February 1995

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CONTENTS
Pages
Prefaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii and iv
Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
Explanatory notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix
Glossaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
Chapter index diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiv

CHAPTER 1

Navigation and regulations

Limits of the book (1.1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Navigational dangers and hazards (1.2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Traffic and operations (1.8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Charts (1.24) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Navigational aids (1.26) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Pilotage (1.28) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Radio facilities (1.32) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Regulations — International (1.37) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Regulations — United Kingdom (1.42) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Signals (1.55) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Distress and rescue (1.58) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Countries and ports

United Kingdom (1.75) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Principal ports, harbours and anchorages (1.94) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Port services — summary (1.104) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Natural conditions
Maritime topography (1.109) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Currents, tidal streams and flow (1.110) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Sea and swell (1.116) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Sea water characteristics (1.120) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Climate and weather (1.124) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Climatic tables (1.156) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Meteorological conversion table and scales (1.167) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

CHAPTER 2
Western approaches to Scotland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

CHAPTER 3
Firth of Clyde and approaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

CHAPTER 4
Loch Fyne with approaches through Kilbrannan Sound and Bute Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

CHAPTER 5
Through route between North Channel and the Outer Hebrides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

CHAPTER 6
Routes west of Outer Hebrides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

CHAPTER 7
Sound of Islay and Sound of Jura with approaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177

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CHAPTER 8
Firth of Lorn and approaches, Sound of Mull, Loch Linnhe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

CHAPTER 9
Sea of the Hebrides — eastern part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279

CHAPTER 10
Sound of Sleat, Loch Alsh, Inner Sound and approaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317

CHAPTER 11
Sea of the Hebrides — western part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363

CHAPTER 12
The Little Minch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385

CHAPTER 13
North Minch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 429

APPENDICES AND INDEX

Appendix I — Territorial Sea Act 1987 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464
Appendix II — Territorial Waters Order in Council, 1964 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 465
Appendix III — Clydeport Limited Bye−laws and regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 467
Appendix IV — The Clyde Dockyard Ports of Gareloch and Loch Long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 468
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 471

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EXPLANATORY NOTES

Admiralty Sailing Directions are intended for use by vessels of 12 m or more in length. They amplify charted detail and contain
information needed for safe navigation which is not available from Admiralty charts, or other hydrographic publications. They are intended
to be read in conjunction with the charts quoted in the text.

This volume of the Sailing Directions will be kept up-to-date by the issue of a new edition at intervals of approximately 3 years, without
the use of supplements. In addition important amendments which cannot await the new edition are published in Section IV of the weekly
editions of Admiralty Notices to Mariners. A list of such amendments and notices in force is published in the last weekly edition for each
month. Those still in force at the end of the year are reprinted in the Annual Summary of Admiralty Notices to Mariners.

This volume should not be used without reference to Section IV of the weekly editions of Admiralty Notices to Mariners.

CD−ROM

Status. A compact disc is provided at the back of this volume. The paper publication of Sailing Directions satisfies the requirements of
Chapter V of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. The CD version does not satisfy these requirements and should only
be used in conjunction with the paper publication and any amendments affecting the paper publication. Where any discrepancy exists
between data on the CD and in the paper publication of Sailing Directions, the paper publication (inclusive of amendments) is to be relied
upon.

Disclaimer. Whilst the UKHO has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that the data on the CD was accurate at the time of production, it
has not verified the data for navigational purposes and the CD is not suitable, and is not to be relied upon, for navigation. The use of the CD for
this purpose is at the user’s own risk. The UKHO accepts no liability (except in the case of death or personal injury caused by the negligence
of the UKHO) whether in contract, tort, under any statute or otherwise and whether or not arising out of any negligence on the part of the
UKHO in respect of any inadequacy of any kind whatsoever in the data on the CD or in the means of distribution.

Conditions of Release. The material supplied on the CD−ROM is protected by British Crown Copyright. No part of the data may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or
otherwise without the prior written permission of the UKHO. The copyright material, its derivatives and its outputs may not be sold or
distributed or commercially exploited in either an original or derived form without the prior written permission of the UKHO. For the
avoidance of doubt, the supplied material, its derivatives and its outputs shall not be placed, or allowed to be placed, on a computer accessible
to Third Parties whether via the Internet or otherwise. The release of the supplied material in no way implies that the UKHO will supply
further material.

References to hydrographic and other publications

The Mariner’s Handbook gives general information affecting navigation and is complementary to this volume.

Ocean Passages for the World and Routeing Charts contain ocean routeing information and should be consulted for other than coastal
passages.

Admiralty List of Lights should be consulted for details of lights, lanbys and fog signals, as these are not fully described in this volume.

Admiralty List of Radio Signals should be consulted for information relating to coast and port radio stations, radio details of pilotage
services, radiobeacons and direction finding stations, meteorological services, radio navigational aids, Global Maritime Distress and Safety
System (GMDSS) and Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) stations, as these are only briefly referred to in this volume.

Admiralty Maritime Communications is a comprehensive guide on all aspects of maritime communications for the yachtsman and small
craft user. It provides general information on Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), the management of VHF, Maritime
Safety Information, NAVTEX, Inmarsat and Radio Facsimile, and detailed information and procedures for marinas and harbours used by
small craft.

Annual Summary of Admiralty Notices to Mariners contains in addition to the temporary and preliminary notices, and amendments and
notices affecting Sailing Directions, a number of notices giving information of a permanent nature covering radio messages and navigational
warnings, distress and rescue at sea and exercise areas.

The International Code of Signals should be consulted for details of distress and life-saving signals, international ice-breaker signals as
well as international flag signals.

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EXPLANATORY NOTES

Remarks on subject matter

Buoys are generally described in detail only when they have special navigational significance, or where the scale of the chart is too small
to show all the details clearly.

Chart index diagrams in this volume show only those Admiralty charts of a suitable scale to give good coverage of the area. Mariners
should consult NP 131 Catalogue of Admiralty Charts and Publications for details of larger scale charts.

Chart references in the text normally refer to the largest scale Admiralty chart but occasionally a smaller scale chart may be quoted where
its use is more appropriate.

Firing, practice and exercise areas. Except for submarine exercise areas, details of firing, practice and exercise areas are not mentioned
in Sailing Directions, but signals and buoys used in connection with these areas are sometimes mentioned if significant for navigation.
Attention is invited to the Annual Notice to Mariners on this subject.

Names have been taken from the most authoritative source. When an obsolete name still appears on the chart, it is given in brackets
following the proper name at the principal description of the feature in the text and where the name is first mentioned.

Tidal information relating the daily vertical movements of the water is not given; for this Admiralty Tide Tables should be consulted.
Changes in water level of an abnormal nature are mentioned.
Time difference used in the text when applied to the time of High Water found from the Admiralty Tide Tables, gives the time of the event
being described in the Standard Time kept in the area of that event. Due allowance must be made for any seasonal daylight saving time which
may be kept.

Wreck information is included where drying or below-water wrecks are relatively permanent features having significance for
navigation or anchoring.

Units and terminology used in this volume

Latitude and Longitude given in brackets are approximate and are taken from the chart quoted.

Bearings and directions are referred to the true compass and when given in degrees are reckoned clockwise from 000° (North) to 359°
Bearings used for positioning are given from the reference object.
Bearings of objects, alignments and light sectors are given as seen from the vessel.
Courses always refer to the course to be made good over the ground.

Winds are described by the direction from which they blow.

Tidal streams and currents are described by the direction towards which they flow.

Distances are expressed in sea miles of 60 to a degree of latitude and sub-divided into cables of one tenth of a sea mile.

Depths are given below chart datum, except where otherwise stated.

Heights of objects refer to the height of the structure above the ground and are invariably expressed as “... m in height”.

Elevations, as distinct from heights, are given above Mean High Water Springs or Mean Higher High Water whichever is quoted in
Admiralty Tide Tables, and expressed as, “an elevation of ... m”. However the elevation of natural features such as hills may alternatively be
expressed as “... m high” since in this case there can be no confusion between elevation and height.

Metric units are used for all measurements of depths, heights and short distances, but where feet/fathoms charts are referred to, these
latter units are given in brackets after the metric values for depths and heights shown on the chart.

Time is expressed in the four-figure notation beginning at midnight and is given in local time unless otherwise stated. Details of local time
kept will be found in Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 2.

Bands is the word used to indicate horizontal marking.

Stripes is the word used to indicate markings which are vertical, unless stated to be diagonal.

Conspicuous objects are natural and artificial marks which are outstanding, easily identifiable and clearly visible to the mariner over a
large area of sea in varying conditions of light. If the scale is large enough they will normally be shown on the chart in bold capitals and may be
marked “conspic”.

Prominent objects are those which are easily identifiable, but do not justify being classified as conspicuous.

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ABBREVIATIONS
The following abbreviations are used in the text.

Directions
N north (northerly, northward, northern, S south
northernmost) SSW south-south-west
NNE north-north-east SW south-west
NE north-east WSW west-south-west
ENE east-north-east W west
E east WNW west-north-west
ESE east-south-east NW north-west
SE south-east NNW north-north-west
SSE south-south-east

Navigation
AIS Automatic Indentification System Satnav Satellite navigation
CVTS Co−operative Vessel Traffic System TSS Traffic Separation Scheme
DGPS Differential Global Positioning System VMRS Vessel Movement Reporting System
GPS Global Positioning System VTC Vessel Traffic Centre
Lanby Large automatic navigation buoy VTS Vessel Traffic Services
MCTS Marine Communications and Traffic Services VTMS Vessel Traffic Management System
Centres
ODAS Ocean Data Acquisition System

Offshore operations
ALC Articulated loading column FSO Floating storage and offloading vessel
ALP Articulated loading platform PLEM Pipe line end manifold
CALM Catenary anchor leg mooring SALM Single anchor leg mooring system
CBM Conventional buoy mooring SALS Single anchored leg storage system
ELSBM Exposed location single buoy mooring SBM Single buoy mooring
FPSO Floating production storage and offloading SPM Single point mooring
vessel

Organizations
IALA International Association of Lighthouse NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Authorities RN Royal Navy
IHO International Hydrographic Organization UKHO United Kingdom Hydrographic Office
IMO International Maritime Organization

Radio
DF direction finding RT radio telephony
HF high frequency UHF ultra high frequency
LF low frequency VHF very high frequency
MF medium frequency WT radio (wireless) telegraphy
Navtex Navigational Telex System

Rescue and distress

AMVER Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue JRCC Joint Rescue Cooperation Centre
System MRCC Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre
EPIRB Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon MRSC Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre
GMDSS Global Maritime Distress and Safety System SAR Search and Rescue

Tides
HAT Highest Astronomical Tide MHWS Mean High Water Springs
HW High Water MLHW Mean Lower High Water
LAT Lowest Astronomical Tide MLLW Mean Lower Low Water
LW Low Water MLW Mean Low Water
MHHW Mean Higher High Water MLWN Mean Low Water Neaps
MHLW Mean Higher Low Water MLWS Mean Low Water Springs
MHW Mean High Water MSL Mean Sea Level
MHWN Mean High Water Neaps

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ABBREVIATIONS

Times
ETA estimated time of arrival UT Universal Time
ETD estimated time of departure UTC Co-ordinated Universal Time

Units and miscellaneous

°C degrees Celsius kHz kilohertz
DG degaussing km kilometre(s)
dwt deadweight tonnage kn knot(s)
DZ danger zone kW kilowatt(s)
feu forty foot equivalent unit m metre(s)
fm fathom(s) mb millibar(s)
ft foot (feet) MHz megahertz
g/cm3 gram per cubic centimetre mm millimetre(s)
GRP glass reinforced plastic MW megawatt(s)
grt gross register tonnage No number
gt gross tonnage nrt nett register tonnage
hp horse power teu twenty foot equivalent unit
hPa hectopascal

Vessels and cargo

CDC Certain Dangerous Cargo MV Motor Vessel
HMS Her (His) Majesty’s Ship MY Motor Yacht
HSC High Speed Craft POL Petrol, Oil & Lubricants
LASH Lighter Aboard Ship RMS Royal Mail Ship
LHG Liquefied Hazardous Gas Ro-Ro Roll-on, Roll-off
LNG Liquefied Natural Gas SS Steamship
LOA Length overall ULCC Ultra Large Crude Carrier
LPG Liquefied Petroleum Gas VLCC Very Large Crude Carrier

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GLOSSARY
GAELIC WORDS AND GEOGRAPHICAL TERMS
The definite article in gaelic

Singular Plural

Masculine Feminine Masculine and feminine

Nominative: an a’ na
am (before b, f, m, p) an (before d, t, l,n, r, na h− (before vowels)
an t− (before vowels) fh and s followed by b,
g, m, p, t)
an t− (before s followed by a
vowel, or s followed by
l, n, r)

Genitive: a’ na nan
an (before d, t, l, n, na h− (before vowels) nam (before b, f, m, p)
r, fh)
an t− (before s followed by
a vowel, or s followed
by l, n, r)

Gaelic English Gaelic English

abhainn, g. aibhne . . . . . . . . . . . . . river carraig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rock

abhainn, g. aibhne . . . . . . . . . . . . . river carse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . low flat land near a river
acair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . anchor cas, g. chais, caise . . . . . . . . . . . . . steep
acairseid, acarsaid . . . . . . . . . . . . . anchorage ceann, g. c(h)inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . head, headland
achadh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . field cill, g. cille, g.pl. ceall . . . . . . . . . . church, burial place
ail, aileach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rocky or stony place clach, g. cloiche . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . stone
ailean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . green spot, enclosure, meadow cladach, g. c(h)ladaich . . . . . . . . . . shore, beach
airbhe, eirbhe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dividing wall or boundary cleit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rock, cliff
aird, Ard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . height, promontory cnap, cnoc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hillock
aiseag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ferry cóig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . five
aisir, aisridh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pass between rocks coille . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . wood, forest
allt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . burn, stream coire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . whirlpool
aoineadh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . steep brae with rocks, moraine corran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . low cape tapering to a point
aonach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . moor, market place craobh, g. craoibhe . . . . . . . . . . . . . tree
àth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ford (m); kiln (f) crasg, g. c(h)raisg, c(h)roisg . . . . . . a crossing
creag, g. creiga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . crag, rock, cliff
bac, g. b(h)aic, pl. bacaichean . . . . bank, peat bank crois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cross
bad, g. b(h)aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tuft, clump of trees, place cruach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . heap, stack, bold hill
bàgh, g. b(h)àigh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bay cuan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sea
baile, g. b(h)aile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . town, hamlet, homestead cùl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . back, hill−back
bàn, (f) bhàn, g. (m) bhàin cumhann, g. chumhainn,
(f) bàine, pl. bàna . . . . . . . . . . . . . fair, white cuinge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . narrow, strait
barr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . top, summit
beag, (f) bheag, g. (m) bhig dà . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . two
(f) bige, pl. beaga . . . . . . . . . . . . . little dail, g. dalach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . field, dale
bealach, g. b(h)ealaich . . . . . . . . . . pass dearg, g. d(h)eirge . . . . . . . . . . . . . red
bearn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . gap deas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . south
beinn, g. beinne, g.pl. beann . . . . . mountain dobhar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . water
ben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mountain dóirlinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . isthmus, usually covered at HW
b(h)reac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . speckled domhain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . deep
b(h)uidhe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . yellow donn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . brown
bidean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pinnacle dorcha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dark
binnean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . small and peaked mountain drochaid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bridge
biod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . peak dubh, (f) dhubh, g.(m) dhuibh
biorach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sharp pointed (f) duibhe, pl. dubha . . . . . . . . . . . black
bo, boghar, bodha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . below−water rock dùn, g. dùin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . fortress, castle, heap, mound
bràighe, g. b(h)ràghad . . . . . . . . . . upper part
breun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . foul ear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . east
bruach, g. bruaich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bank, brink eas, g. easa, pl. easan . . . . . . . . . . . waterfall
bruthach, g. b(h)ruthaich . . . . . . . . steep place, brae eileach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . narrow shallow stream joining . .
bun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . foot, mouth of river two lochs
eilean, g. eilein, pl. eileanan . . . . . . island
cabhsair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . causeway
caisteal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . castle fada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . long
cala, caladh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . harbour fadhail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ford in sea channel
camas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . channel, bay fang, g. f(h)aing, fank . . . . . . . . . . . sheep pen
caol, caolas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . narrow, strait, firth, kyle faoilinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . beach

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GLOSSARY

Gaelic English Gaelic English

feadan, g. f(h)eadain . . . . . . . . . . . . narrow glen, streamlet mòinteach, monadh . . . . . . . . . . . . mossy ground, moor
fearnan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . land mol, mal, mul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . shingly beach
féith, g. féithe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bog, slow moving stream mor, mór, mòr, (f) mhór,
fireach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hill ground g.(m) mhóir, (f) móire,
fliuch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . wet pl. mora . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . large, great
fraoch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . heather muckle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . great
fuar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cold muir, g. m(h)ara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . the sea
mull . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . promontory
garbh, (f) gharbh, mullach, g. m(h)ullaich . . . . . . . . . top, summit
g.(m) ghairbh (f) gairbhe,
pl. garbha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rough ob, g. òba, òib . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bay
geal, (f) gheal, g.(m) ghil oitir, g. oitire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sandbank
(f) gile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . white ord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . steep hill, mountain
gearr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . short os, g. òsa, òis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . river mouth
geò, geodha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . chasm, rift
gil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ravine, water−course ploc, g. p(h)luic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lumpish promontory
glais . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . stream poll, g. p(h)uill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pool, mud
glas, (f) ghlas, g.(m) ghlais port, g. p(h)uirt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . port, harbour, ferry
(f) glaise, pl. glasa . . . . . . . . . . . . grey, green
gleann, g. g(h)linne . . . . . . . . . . . . narrow valley rathad, g. rathaid, rothaid . . . . . . . . road
gob, g. g(h)uib . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . point, beak reamhar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . thick, fat
gorm, (f) ghorm, riabhach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . brindled, greyish
g.(m) ghuirm (f) guirme, rinn, roinn, pl. reanna . . . . . . . . . . . point, promontory
pl. gorma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . green, blue ruadh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . red, brown
guala, gualainn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . shoulder of a hill rubha, rhu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . promontory, cape

heugh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . crag, steep hill sàl, sàil, g. sàile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . salt water, sea
salach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . foul, dirty
iar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . west salann, salean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . salt water bay
inbhir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . junction of two rivers seachd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . seven
inis, g. In(n)se . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . island sean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . old
iochdar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lower part sgarbh, g. sgairbh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cormorant
iosal, g. isle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . low sgeir, g. sgeire,
pl. sgeirean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rock in the sea, skerry
klet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rugged eminence sgorr, sgurr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rocky peak
kyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . narrow passage or strait sròn, g. sròine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . nose, point
sruth, g. srutha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . current
lag, g. luig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . a hollow stac, g. staca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . steep conical hill or rock
leac, g. lice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . flat stone, slab strath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . river valley
learg, g. leirge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . plain, hillside
leth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . half tigh, g. tighe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . house
liath, g. léith, léithe . . . . . . . . . . . . . grey, blue tòb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bay
linn, linne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pool tobar, g. tobair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . well
loch, g. locha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lake torr, g. torra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hill, castle
lòn, g. lòin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . a slow stream tràigh, g. tràighe, tràghad . . . . . . . . beach (tidal)
long, g. luinge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ship tri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . three
tuath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . north
machair, g.(m) m(h)achaire, tulach, g. tulaich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . knoll, hillock
mach(d)rach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . plain
maol, g. maoile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bare top uaine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . green
meall, g. m(h)ill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lump, rounded hill uamg, g. uamha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cave
meikle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . great uig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bay

Note: In the pronunciation of Gaelic, dh and gh at the ends of syllables are very frequently silent; bh is frequently pronounced as v.

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Barra Head and Lighthouse, Berneray from W (11.55)

(Original dated 2000)
(Photograph Air Images)

Cape Wrath from NE (13.282)

(Photograph Air Images) (Original dated 2000)

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Chapter Index Diagram

10° 9° 8° 7° 6° 5° 4°

60° 60°
NP 52
NORTH COAST OF
SCOTLAND PILOT

1954

1128 1234

2635
59° 1129 59°

Cape Wrath
2
219

13
S
E

2720
L
IS

13

H
RN

C
58° 58°
IN
E

6
ST

Ullapool
E
H
WE

12
or

Rockall, (Lat. 57°36´N., Long. 13°42´W.),

is shown on charts 2 & 13
ES

2721
RID
HEB

9 10
57° 1127
57°
Mallaig
11
11
Fort William

S C O T L A N D

9
Oban 2724
8

2722 5 8 8
56° 1778 56°
4
3 Glasgow

1121
2 Arran
1770
7 4
4 Ayr
N

3
O
R
TH

3
C
H

55° 55°
A
N
N

2723
E
L

NP 40
IRISH COAST PILOT
Mull of Galloway
NP 37
NORTHERN WEST COASTS OF
IRELAND ENGLAND AND WALES
PILOT

10° 9° 8° Longitude 7° West from Greenwich 5° 4°

February 2004
West coast of Scotland Pilot
NP 66
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LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPERTAINING TO NAVIGATION

While, in the interests of safety of shipping, the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office makes every endeavour to include in its hydrographic
publications details of the laws and regulations of all countries appertaining to navigation, it must be clearly understood:
(a) that no liability whatever will be accepted for failure to publish details of any particular law or regulation, and
(b) that publication of the details of a law or regulation is solely for the safety and convenience of shipping and implies no recognition
of the international validity of the law or regulation.

WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND

PILOT
CHAPTER 1
NAVIGATION AND REGULATIONS
COUNTRIES AND PORTS
NATURAL CONDITIONS

NAVIGATION AND REGULATIONS

LIMITS OF THE BOOK bold rocky cliffs and headlands which are inhospitable and
to be avoided. The lochs form magnificent harbours which
Charts 2635, 4102
in many cases are too deep for convenient anchorage and
Area covered refuge. A chain of about 30 islands, known as The
1.1 Hebrides, lies parallel to and a short distance from the
1 This volume contains Sailing Directions for the coastal mainland. These islands are in two groups, the Outer
and offshore waters bordering the W coast of Scotland Hebrides and the Inner Hebrides, separated by the Sea of
from the Mull of Galloway to Cape Wrath. It includes the The Hebrides and The Little Minch. Farther N the Outer
Firth of Clyde and River Clyde as far as Glasgow; Firth of Hebrides are separated from the mainland by North Minch.
Lorn to Fort William, but not including the Caledonian The outer islands and those parts of the mainland coast
Canal; Inner and Outer Hebrides; Rockall, St Kilda, which are exposed to the Atlantic Ocean are subject to the
Flannan Isles and Rona. full force of winter gales and their accompanying sea and
2 The sea area covered is defined as within the following swell. Moreover, in bad weather, parts of the islands and
limits: coast may be obscured by low cloud and driving rain.
Lat N Long W Outer passage
From Cape Wrath 58°38′ 5°00′ 1.3
N to 60°00′ 5°00′ 1 To the W of the Outer Hebrides, which are generally
low lying, the coastal bank extends up to 15 miles offshore
Thence W to 60°00′ 20°00′ in places and rock pinnacles extend beyond the bank, as
Thence S to 55°30′ 20°00′ given at 6.12. Depths within a Deep Water Route and its
approaches have been surveyed to modern standards but
Thence E to 55°30′ 6°20′
outside these areas lie regions that have been incompletely
Thence SE to 54°35′ 5°00′ surveyed, as shown on the charts. When proceeding outside
Thence NE to Mull of Galloway 54°40′ 4°50′ the Outer Hebrides mariners are strongly recommended to
follow the Deep Water Route given at 6.10 and to heed the
recommendations given at 1.42.
NAVIGATIONAL DANGERS AND HAZARDS
Inner passage
Coastal conditions 1.4
1 The passage E of the Outer Hebrides, between these
General information islands and the Inner Hebrides, passing through the Sea of
1.2 the Hebrides, The Little Minch and North Minch, affords
1 The West Coast of Scotland presents an almost some shelter from the Atlantic. However, depths within The
uninterrupted succession of deep indentations fronted by Little Minch are very irregular and several banks, some of

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CHAPTER 1

which are extensive, lie across its NE entrance, as given at recommended by IMO as given at 1.42 and in a note on
12.8. As a result, passage through The Little Minch is the chart.
restricted to separate traffic routes, as given at 12.2. In See 1.42 for areas to be avoided.
addition, in bad weather The Little Minch forms a 1.10
dangerous sea area due to the wind, tidal streams and 1 Traffic separation. In order to increase the safety of
uneven nature of the bottom, all combining to produce high navigation in the NW approaches to North Channel,
and turbulent seas. Laden tankers over 10 000 grt should between Mull of Kintyre (55°18′N, 5°48′W) and Rathlin
not pass through these waters, as given at 1.42 and in notes Island, 12½ miles W, traffic separation lanes have been
on the charts. established as shown on the chart and described in the Irish
Coast Pilot; for regulations see 1.41.
Inshore route 2 Traffic routes. In The Little Minch, between the Island
1.5 of Skye and the Isle of Lewis, separate routes are
1 The Inshore Traffic Route, summarised at 1.11, is established for the N-bound and S-bound traffic as given at
subject to limiting conditions, as given at the reference and 12.2.
to very strong tidal streams in Kyle Rhea (up to 8 kn) 1.11
which may constitute a hazard, as given at 10.124. 1 Inshore Traffic Route, along the W coast of Scotland,
in which there is shelter and many anchorages, connects
Small craft the Mull of Kintyre (55°18′N, 5°48′W), at the N end of
1.6 North Channel, with Rubha Reidh (57°52′N, 5°49′W), at
1 Particular attention should be paid to areas on the charts, the S end of North Minch. This route is recommended only
with depths of less than 30 m, which are marked for small vessels, due to the limiting conditions in Kyle
“Breakers” or “Breaks in gales”, as these can cause Akin (57°17′N, 5°43′W) as given at 10.138.
considerable damage to small craft. 2 Within this volume successive parts of the Inshore
2 In general, in a normal fine to moderate summer, in Traffic Route are summarised or described as follows:
semi-sheltered waters, depths of 4 m are unlikely to break, From Mull of Kintyre to Sound of Islay (55°50′N,
except possibly at LW or with heavy swell. In the open sea 6°05′W) at 7.22;
the critical depths are more like 4 to 6 m, while off Through Sound of Islay at 7.101;
headlands where the tidal streams are strong, it is 6 to 8 m. From sound of Islay, through Firth of Lorn (56°22′N,
Tidal races or rips, which are usually marked on the charts, 5°40′W) to the S approaches to sound of Mull at
should be treated with respect. When a rock is on the point 8.12;
of breaking, the sea will often build up into a steep 3 Through Sound of Mull (56°33′N, 5°55′W) and on to
pinnacle over it and then subside. These so-called blind Point of Ardnamurchan (56°44′N, 6°14′W) at
breakers are very clear from leeward but almost impossible 8.193;
to see from windward. From Point of Ardnamurchan to Sound of Sleat
(57°05′N, 5°50′W) at 9.128;
Overhead cables Through Sound of Sleat, Kyle Rhea (57°14′N,
1.7 5°39′W) and Kyle Akin (57°17′N, 5°43′W) at
1 Overhead cables are mentioned in the text where the 10.11;
clearance beneath them may be a hazard to navigation. See From Kyle Akin through Inner Sound (57°30′N,
The Mariner’s Handbook for information on safety 5°55′W) to North Minch at 10.185;
clearances and radar responses to be expected.
Ferries
1.12
TRAFFIC AND OPERATIONS 1 Communication by sea is well maintained with all places
of the slightest importance on the W coast of Scotland as
Traffic well as on the offshore islands. Main ferry routes which
cross the N/S shipping lanes are as follows:
Chart 2635 Loch Ryan (55°00′N, 5°05′W) to Larne (54°50′N,
Concentrations of shipping 5°50′W) (chart 1121) (Irish Coast Pilot);
1.8 Troon (55°33′N, 4°41′W) to Belfast (54°37′N,
1 Major routes through the area covered by this volume 5°54′W) and to Larne (54°50′N, 5°50′W) (chart
lead N/S, passing both sides of the Outer Hebrides. Ocean 1121) (Irish Coast Pilot);
routes across the Atlantic, bound for the Firth of Clyde or 2 West Loch Tarbert (55°45′N, 5°35′W) to Port Askaig
Irish Sea, converge on North Channel (55°30′N, 6°30′W). (Islay) (55°50′N, 6°07′W), Port Ellen (Islay)
Those bound for the E coast of Scotland and N ports in (55°48′N, 5°29′W), Scalasaig (Colonsay) (56°04′N,
Europe pass W and N of the Outer Hebrides, aiming to fix 6°11′W), and Oban (56°25′N, 5°29′W);
on Butt of Lewis (58°31′N, 6°16′W) enroute. Areas of Oban to Scalasaig (Colonsay) (56°04′N, 6°11′W),
convergence are thus created between these ocean routes Craignure (56°28′N, 5°42′W), Coll (56°37′N,
and the N/S routes through the area, as given at 5.6 for the 6°31′W), Tiree (56°30′N, 6°48′W), Castlebay
S area and 6.13 for the N area. (56°57′N, 7°30′W) and Lochboisdale (57°09′N,
7°19′W);
Navigation routeing 3 Lochaline (56°32′N, 5°46′W) to Fishnish (Mull)
1.9 (56°41′N, 5°48′W);
1 Deep draught vessels. A through route for deep draught Mallaig (57°00′N, 5°49′W) to Armadale (Skye)
vessels and laden tankers over 10 000 grt bound N/S (57°04′N, 5°54′W), Galmisdale (Eigg) (56°53′N,
through the area is given at 5.2 and at 6.10. This route 6°15′W), Port Mór (Muck) (56°50′N, 6°13′W),
includes a Deep Water Route, the use of which is Kinloch (Rum) (57°01′N, 6°16′W) and Canna

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CHAPTER 1

(57°03′N, 6°29′W), and to Castlebay and midwater trawlers fishing for herring or sprats move much
Lochboisdale during the summer only; faster. As a rule trawlers do not operate as a fleet but
4 Uig (57°35′N, 6°22′W) to Lochmaddy (57°37′N, usually fish singly or in pairs.
7°10′W) and East Loch Tarbert (Harris) (57°54′N,
6°48′W); Marine farms
Ullapool (57°54′N, 5°10′W) to Stornoway (58°12′N, 1.17
6°23′W). 1 Marine farming equipment has been established in most
5 High Speed Ferries operate in the area covered by this of the lochs and inlets covered by this volume. The
volume, and mariners are advised to keep a good lookout. approximate position of known farms is shown on the
Some high speed craft may generate large waves, which charts and reported in this text; however, development has
can have a serious impact on small craft and their been rapid and is continuing at a fast rate, further farms
moorings close to the shoreline and on shallow off-lying may therefore be established without notice. Marine farms,
banks. which may be fixed or floating structures sometimes
1.13 moored to the seabed by a spread of anchors, are marked
1 At its S end, the W coast of Scotland provides attractive by buoys or beacons (special) which may be lit. The
water areas which are sheltered by islands or within lochs. position of anchors when used may be marked by a
This natural attraction has produced a considerable increase different type and colour of buoy. The charted positions of
in the number of leisure craft using the area and the the farms are approximate and the area covered by
creation of several marinas within the Firth of Clyde and individual farms and associated moorings can be extensive.
between the firth and the E entrance to the Sound of Mull, 2 These farms are visited frequently by service craft of
50 miles NNW. During the summer, concentrations of various types and sizes and diving operations on the
leisure craft will be found within the Firth of Clyde and installations are a frequent occurrence.
along a broad route to the N, through the Crinan Canal and The ground tackle of sites temporarily vacated for
along the coast to the head of Loch Linnhe and the biological recovery may remain in place.
entrance to the Caledonian Canal (North Coast of Scotland Caution. Mariners are cautioned to avoid areas of
Pilot). marine farms, and to note that their presence has rendered
many hitherto accepted anchorages either unsuitable or
limited in swinging space.
Fishing
General Exercise areas
1.14
1 The whole area covered by this book is fished Submarine exercises and operations
intensively throughout the year by craft ranging in size 1.18
from small boats operating close inshore to large deep-sea 1 Practice Exercise Area (PEXA) Charts Q6403 and
vessels which may be encountered either singly, in pairs or Q6404 show the limits of British exercise areas covered by
more usually in groups throughout the area; these vessels this book. Submarines frequently exercise in areas W of
may be of many nationalities. Fishing vessels are often Scotland including the Firth of Clyde, the lochs leading
hampered and may need to make immediate and from it, and the Inner Sound and Sound of Raasay, E of
unannounced manoeuvres; other vessels are advised to keep the Island of Skye.
well clear of them. 2 Subfacts. Information relating to the activity of
2 Fishery limits around the United Kingdom are given at submarines off the W coast of Scotland is broadcast by
1.78. Belfast Coastguard, Clyde Coastguard, and by Stornoway
Coastguard (Subfacts − Clyde). See Admiralty List of Radio
Methods of fishing Signals Volume 3(1) for details.
1.15
1 The principal methods of sea fishing in the area covered Firing practice areas
by this volume are trawling, twin trawling, pelagic pair 1.19
trawling, industrial trawling and seining. Escallop dredging 1 Firing and bombing practice and defence exercises, take
is now an important feature of the Scottish shellfish place in a number of sea areas around the coasts of the
industry, with vessels 10 to 20 m in length, towing an United Kingdom. These areas, many of which are shown
average of up to six 1¼ m dredges. Light trawling for on navigational charts, are in use or are available for use,
white fish and shellfish with vessels under 25 m in length by the Ministry of Defence for practice and exercises, with
is also an important feature of the Scottish Fisheries which or without live ammunition.
has developed in recent years. The designated Range Authorities are responsible for
2 A general description of the fishing methods common in ensuring that there should be no risk of damage to any
European waters together with a description of associated vessel which may be in a practice area.
equipment and type of vessel are given in The Mariner’s 2 Gunfacts. Information relating to missile firing, firing of
Handbook. 20 mm calibre guns and above, and controlled underwater
The methods employed and probable season during explosions is broadcast by Belfast Coastguard, Clyde
which fishing takes place vary around the area and are Coastguard and Stornoway Coastguard (Gunfacts − Clyde).
therefore described in the introduction to each chapter. See Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 3(1) for details.

Action with regard to vessels engaged in fishing Mine warfare exercises

1.16 1.20
1 Trawlers. Care should be taken to pass trawlers at a 1 Minelaying and minesweeping exercises normally take
distance of at least 1 cable. Trawlers fishing for white fish place in the Firth of Clyde, but occasionally elsewhere as
and bottom fish move at a speed of 2 to 4 kn, whereas well.

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Further information. 3 The following description of the discovery of an

1.21 uncharted rock gives some indication of the degree of
1 See The Mariner’s Handbook for information concerning danger. In 1976 the skipper of a fishing vessel reported a
vessels requiring special consideration, warning signals used steep rise on his echo sounder trace when about 1½ miles
to indicate the presence of submarines and the navigation SW of Fair Isle (59°32′N, 1°38′W) (North Coast of
lights they show. The Mariner’s Handbook also describes Scotland Pilot) close to a charted depth contour
procedures in the event of a dived submarine being unable representing 55 m. A survey in 1979 found a depth of
to surface. Further details of firing practices, submarine and 16⋅8 m 1½ miles SSW of the SW extremity of the island at
minesweeping exercises are contained in the Annual the outer edge of a submarine ridge, aligned with the main
Summary of Admiralty Notices to Mariners for the current axis of Fair Isle. This ridge was found to extend farther
year. seaward than shown on a 19th century survey of the island,
which was concerned mainly with charting the lesser depths
closer inshore. This example may be considered typical of
Marine exploitation the potential hazards to deep draught vessels in waters that
Seismic surveys. have been incompletely surveyed; it is not an exceptional
case.
1.22
4 Modern hydrographic surveys have covered large areas
1 Vessels carrying out seismic surveys may be encountered
of the Firth of Clyde, North Channel, The Little Minch,
in the area covered by this volume. See The Mariner’s
North Minch and the Deep Water Route to the W of the
Handbook for further information.
Outer Hebrides.
Information concerning oil and gas fields 1.25
1 Horizontal datum. The United Kingdom Hydrographic
1.23
Office is in the process of converting British Admiralty
1 Information relevant to the mariner is contained in The
charts of Great Britain to a World Geodetic System 1984
Mariner’s Handbook and includes information about
(WGS 84) compatible datum. In the area covered by this
surveys, mobile drilling units, methods of exploitation,
volume those charts covering the River Clyde and
Development Areas, wells, types of platforms and rigs,
approaches, Loch Fyne and approaches, and the Sound of
mooring and loading systems, navigational and visual
Harris have already been converted; the remainder will be
identification marking of offshore installations, visual
converted during the period 2004−2007.
signals and international safety regulations (see also the
2 Of those charts which have not yet been converted,
Annual Summary of Admiralty Notices to Mariners).
coastal charts are referred to the Ordnance Survey of Great
2 Single Well Oil Production System. In this system
Britain (1936) Datum and offshore charts normally to the
(SWOPS), the submerged wellhead structure is, for
European Datum 1950. Satellite derived positions are
substantial periods of time, serviced by a tanker
normally referred to WGS 84 and the difference between
dynamically positioned over it. When oil recovery is in
this and the horizontal datum of the published chart is
progress the tanker is lit as an offshore installation and
given on the chart.
protected by a 500 m radius safety zone.
3 Vertical datum (chart datum) used for the reduction of
soundings equates approximately to LAT (lowest
astronomical tide). When predicting offshore tidal heights
CHARTS reference should be made to the Co-Tidal Charts. For an
Admiralty charts explanation of LAT and other datums see Admiralty Tide
1.24 Tables. For the factors to be taken into account when
determining an Under-keel Allowance see The Mariner’s
1 The area described in this volume is well covered by
modern metric British Admiralty Charts which include large Handbook.
scale plans of all harbours and anchorages of any
consequence. However, it must be stressed that in some NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
areas, both offshore and inshore of the areas described Buoyage
below, the charted depths may be taken from incomplete, 1.26
small scale, lead and line surveys with soundings widely 1 System. The IALA Maritime System, Region A, is in
spaced, supplemented by lesser depths which have been force throughout the area described in this volume; for
reported from time to time. Where the sea bed is rocky and details of this system see The Mariner’s Handbook. For
irregular, as it is close to all the islands and over some of positioning lateral marks the Conventional Direction of
the isolated banks, there is little doubt that dangerous and Buoyage for general purposes runs N along the W coast of
uncharted rocks, shoaler than the charted depths, may still Scotland and through the islands. The Conventional
remain to be discovered. All mariners should be aware of Direction of Buoyage is indicated on the appropriate chart
the limitations of the charts, as given in The Mariner’s of the area.
Handbook, and, when planning routes, consult the Source 2 Radar reflectors are not included with the descriptions of
Data Diagram on the relevant chart which gives the date the buoys in this book as they are fitted to most of the
and scale of survey for specific areas. important buoys.
2 Masters of deep draught vessels bound to or from oil
terminals in the Orkney or Shetland Islands (North Coast of Ocean Data Acquisition Systems
Scotland Pilot), and all laden tankers over 10 000 grt, are 1.27
advised to follow the Deep Water Route (58°00′N, 7°36′W) 1 Ocean Data Acquisition Systems (ODAS) light-buoys
as shown on the charts and to allow large safety margins may be established in the area covered by this book.
whenever possible. Headlands and islands away from Permanent buoys are mentioned in the text; temporary
harbours and well established routes should be given a buoys are promulgated by Temporary Notices to Mariners.
wide berth. See The Mariner’s Handbook for details of these buoys.

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PILOTAGE Racons are fitted to many lighthouses, light-floats and

buoys.
United Kingdom VHF direction-finding service for emergency use only
is operated by HM Coastguard; see 1.69.
General
1.28 Automatic Identification System
1 Every port of consequence covered by this volume has a 1.34
designated Competent Harbour Authority under the Pilotage 1 For details see The Mariner’s Handbook.
Act (1987). It is the duty of these authorities to provide
Radio navigational warnings
licensed pilots if required and to decide whether pilotage
1.35
should be compulsory.
1 The area lies within the limits of NAV/METAREA I.
Information relevant to entry is given under the port
Navigation warnings can be obtained via NAVTEX service
concerned; see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6(1)
or from HM Coastguard stations.
for full details of those ports which man a port radio.
For further details of navigational warnings see
Signals Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 3(1).
1.29 Radio weather reports
1 The usual signals to be made by mariners requiring a 1.36
pilot are laid down in the International Code of Signals: 1 For details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals
Volume 3(1).

REGULATIONS

International regulations
Signals (1.29)
These signals should only be made when the vessel is Submarine pipelines
ready for the pilot to board. 1.37
1 The area covered by this volume is crossed by a number
Pilot vessels of submarine pipelines connecting individual islands and
1.30 the mainland. These are shown on the chart with the
1 Most British pilot vessels are black-hulled with the letter appropriate legend (gas, water); where pipelines are close
“P” or PILOT painted on the bow or side. A pilot flag is together, only one may be charted. See The Mariner’s
flown when pilots are embarked. In low visibility pilot Handbook for a full description of pipelines.
vessels may sound Morse letter H (VVVV). 1.38
1 Caution. Mariners are advised not to anchor or trawl in
Deep Sea Pilots the vicinity of pipelines. Gas from a damaged oil or gas
1.31 pipeline could cause an explosion, loss of a vessel’s
1 The services of a licensed deep sea pilot may be buoyancy or other serious hazard. Pipelines are not always
obtained from Clydeport Operations Limited which is the buried and may effectively reduce the charted depth by up
only agency in the area covered by this volume. By prior to 2 m. They may also span seabed undulations and cause
arrangement only, deep sea pilots may be embarked at fishing gear to become irrecoverably snagged, putting a
ports away from the Clyde; however, as this involves vessel in severe danger. See Annual Notice to Mariners
travelling considerable distances, as much notice as possible No 24 and The Mariner’s Handbook.
should be given to the pilotage agency. See Admiralty List
of Radio Signals Volume 6(1) for location and contact Submarine cables
details. 1.39
1 See The Mariner’s Handbook for information on the
International Convention for the Protection of Submarine
RADIO FACILITIES cables.

Electronic position fixing systems Pollution of the sea

1.32
1 Full details of electronic position fixing systems, General
including satellite navigation systems, are given in 1.40
Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 2; those with a 1 In the area covered by this volume pollution of the sea
limited applicability are described below. by oil is forbidden. See The Mariner’s Handbook for
Loran C. The Ejde Chain provides groundwave information on the International Convention for the
coverage over the whole of the area. Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973 (MARPOL 1973)
and the 1978 Protocol to MARPOL 1973, jointly known as
Radio navigational aids MARPOL 73/78.
1.33
1 Full details of radio navigational aids outlined below are Traffic separation
given in Admiralty list of Radio Signals Volume 2. 1.41
Individual stations and services which may be of assistance 1 The traffic separation scheme mentioned at 1.10 is IMO
to the mariner are listed as necessary within the text of this adopted and Rule 10 of the International Regulations for
volume. Preventing Collisions at Sea (1972) applies. General
DGPS. Beacons transmitting corrections for differential guidance on Traffic Separation Schemes is given in The
GPS operate throughout the area. Mariner’s Handbook.

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National regulations The Dangerous Substances in Harbour Areas

Regulations
Routeing measures — Areas to be Avoided 1.45
1.42 1 These regulations concern the marking, movements and
1 In order to avoid the risk of oil pollution and severe berthing of vessels with Dangerous Substances embarked.
damage to the environment of the W coast of Scotland, They define the various substances (IMO Dangerous Goods
Laden Tankers of over 10 000 grt should avoid the Code) and require that the Harbour Master be given notice
following areas: of the entry of such substances into the Harbour Area. The
North Channel, between the Traffic Separation Harbour Master is empowered to prohibit or remove any
Scheme and the Mull of Kintyre (55°18′N, Dangerous Substance, which in his opinion is a risk to
5°48′W). health or safety. A red flag (International Code B) is to be
2 E of the Outer Hebrides, through The Little Minch shown by day and a red light at night, in vessels carrying
(57°35′N, 6°45′W) and North Minch (58°28′N, Dangerous Substances, including when moored or anchored.
5°39′W), except when due to stress of weather, or They are also to be equipped with VHF radio.
any other case of force majeure. 2 Copies of these regulations may be obtained from Her
These areas are approved by IMO. Majesty’s Stationery Office.
Alternative routes are mentioned at 1.9.
Radio reporting. For reporting procedures in the area Closure of ports
of the Sea of The Hebrides, The Little Minch and
North Minch see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Signals
Volume 6(1). 1.46
1.43 1 Should it become necessary to control the entrance of
1 For ecological reasons and to protect a number of Sites ships into, and the movement of ships within, certain ports
of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and the local marine under the control of the Ministry of Defence in the United
economy, mariners are advised that: Kingdom, the signals described below will be displayed.
Ships proceeding to the W of the main chain of the They will be shown from some conspicuous position in or
Outer Hebrides or Western Isles should keep well near the approaches to the ports concerned and may also be
to seaward of the Flannan Isles (58°17′N, 7°35′W) displayed by an Examination or Traffic Control Vessel
(6.35) and Saint Kilda (57°49′N, 8°35′W) (6.26) in (1.49) operating in the approaches.
bad weather. 2 The signals and their meanings are listed below.
2 At all times vessels should be navigated several miles
off the entire W coast of Barra (57°00′N, 7°30′W)
(11.46), South Uist (57°15′N, 7°20′W) (1.85),
North Uist (57°35′N, 7°20′W) (1.85), Harris
(57°55′N, 6°50′W) (1.87) and Lewis (58°10′N,
6°35′W) (1.87).

Hazardous cargo
Regulations for ships carrying Dangerous and
Polluting Goods
1.44
1 Application of the regulations. Regulations came into
force on 31st October 1995 relating to vessels bound for or
leaving European Community ports carrying dangerous and
polluting goods. This includes oil tankers, chemical tankers,
gas carriers and all ships carrying dangerous or polluting
packaged cargo.
2 These regulations define the minimum reporting
requirements to be provided by:
(a) the Operator of the vessel (defined as the owner,
charterer, manager or agent).
(b) the Master of the vessel. Signals (1.46)
3 The Master of the vessel must submit a check list to the These lights, when exhibited by Examination Vessels,
Pilot and the Harbour Authorities giving the following will be carried in addition to their ordinary
information: navigation lights.
Details and classification of the vessel.
Brief description of the type of cargo and quantity in Declared and classified areas
tonnes. 1.47
State of machinery, anchor, fire-fighting, navigational 1 Declared Dangerous Areas. Masters of vessels are
and radio equipment. warned that should they approach the entrance to a port
State of safety certificates and other documents. being controlled by the Ministry of Defence, they should
Details of officers’ certificates of competence. not enter a declared Dangerous Area, or close boom
4 Individual member States of the European Community defences, without permission; nor anchor or stop in a
will make separate arrangements for implementing the Dangerous Area or prohibited anchorage unless instructed
regulations. For further details see Admiralty List of Radio to do so. Masters are advised therefore to communicate
Signals Volume 6(1). with any Government or Port Authority Vessel found

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patrolling in the vicinity to ascertain the recommended Man, except one for which an import licence has been
approach route to the port. issued:
1.48 2 “It shall be the duty of a person having charge or
1 Classified areas. Certain areas covered by this volume control of a vessel in harbour in Great Britain to ensure
are classified Restricted, Protected or Prohibited. Their that an animal which is onboard that vessel:
limits are shown on the appropriate charts and the (a) is at all times restrained, and kept securely
regulations regarding activities within them, together with confined within a totally enclosed part of the
the relevant signals, are given in Appendix IV. vessel from which it cannot escape;
(b) does not come into contact with any other animal
Examination Service or any contact animal (other than an animal or
1.49 contact animal with which it has been transported
1 In certain circumstances it may be necessary to take to Great Britain); and
special measures to examine or establish the identity of (c) is in no circumstances permitted to land.”
individual vessels desiring to enter ports and to control 3 If an animal to which the above extract applies is lost
their entry. This is the function of the Examination Service, from a vessel in harbour, the person having charge or
whose officers will be afloat in Examination Vessels or control of that vessel must immediately inform an Inspector
Traffic Control Vessels. These vessels will wear the of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, or the
distinguishing flag of the Examination Service, as Police, or an officer of H.M. Customs and Excise.
illustrated, together with a Blue Ensign, or exceptionally a 4 No “native” animals or contact animals are permitted to
White Ensign. go on board the vessel on which there is an animal from
2 If ordered to anchor in an Examination Anchorage, abroad. This does not apply to dogs belonging to the
Masters are warned that it is forbidden, except for the Police, H.M. Customs or the Armed Forces and under the
purposes of avoiding an accident, to do any of the constant control of a trained handler or to animals being
following without the prior permission of the Examination loaded for export.
Officer: 5 A “contact animal” is any one of 25 species, listed in an
Lower any boat. Appendix to the Order, which are not normally subject to
Communicate with the shore or any other vessel. quarantine for Rabies unless they have been in contact with
Work cables. an animal which is subject to quarantine; for example, a
Allow any person or thing to leave the ship. horse, listed as a “contact animal”, could become subject to
3 The permission of the Immigration Officer must be quarantine if it came into contact with a dog or other
obtained before any passenger or member of the crew, who animal which is subject to quarantine.
has embarked outside the United Kingdom, is allowed to 6 Other than in exceptional circumstances, only certain
land. ports are authorised for the landing of animals for which an
Nothing in the above paragraphs is to be taken as import licence has been issued.
over-ruling any regulations issued by local authorities at 7 The Pet Travel Scheme (Pilot Arrangements) (England)
particular ports or by routeing authorities. Order 1999 amends the above mentioned Order in respect
of certain pet animals (cats and dogs only) which may be
brought into the United Kingdom without being subject to
Quarantine quarantine provided a number of conditions are fulfilled.
Quarantine and Customs Regulations The scheme is limited to pets coming from certain
designated countries and territories, and operates only on
1.50
certain sea, air and rail routes to England by designated
1 Vessels arriving at any ports or harbours in the United
carriers. Pets may not be brought into the United Kingdom
Kingdom are subject to British Quarantine and Customs
in any private vessel. The scheme is administered by the
Regulations.
Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,
In British Territorial Waters (1.77), no person is
from whom advice is available.
permitted to leave a vessel coming from a foreign place,
except in the case of an emergency, until pratique has been
granted by the local authority.
Protection of wrecks
1.52
2 The Master of a foreign-going vessel is required to
1 In waters around the United Kingdom, the sites of
inform the Port Health Authority by radio if any person
certain wrecks are protected by the Protection of Wrecks
onboard is suffering from an infectious disease or has
Act (1973) from unauthorised interference on account of
symptoms which may be indicative of an infectious disease,
the historic, archaeological or artistic importance of the
or if there are any circumstances requiring the attention of
wreck or anything belonging to it for; further details and a
the Port Medical Officer. This message should be made not
list of protected wrecks, see NP 100 and Annual Summary
more than 12 hours and not less than 4 hours before
of Admiralty Notices to Mariners.
arrival. See Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6(1).
2 To prevent the disturbance of the dead, similar
protection applies to certain other wrecks, including
Regulations to prevent the spread of Rabies aircraft, which sank in the last 200 years, both in the
1.51
United Kingdom and international waters under the terms
1 Stringent regulations are in force to prevent the spread
of Protection of Military Remains Act 1986.
of Rabies into the British Islands.
The following is an extract from Article 12 of The
Protection of wildlife
Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Other Mammals)
Order 1974 (as amended 1977). This extract is applicable General information
to any animal which has, within the preceding 6 months, 1.53
been in a place outside Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the 1 Until 1991 the main government body responsible for
Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of nature conservation was the Nature Conservancy Council

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(NCC). Since 1992 the NCC has been replaced in Scotland DISTRESS AND RESCUE
by Scottish Natural Heritage, 12 Hope Terrace, Edinburgh,
EH9 2AS. This organisation gives advice on nature General information
conservation to government and to all those whose General arrangements for Search and Rescue
activities affect wildlife and wild places. It is also 1.58
responsible for establishing, maintaining and managing a 1 General arrangements for Search and Rescue (SAR) in
series of National Nature Reserves and Marine Reserves, UK waters are given in the Annual Summary of Admiralty
and for identifying and notifying Sites of Special Scientific Notices to Mariners.
Interest. This work is based on detailed ecological research Mariners are reminded that the radio watch on the
and survey. international distress frequencies which certain classes of
2 Information concerning bye-laws, codes of conduct, ships are required to keep when at sea is one of the most
descriptions and positions of Reserves and Sites of Special important factors in the arrangements for the rescue of
Scientific Interest within the area covered by this volume people in distress at sea.
can be obtained from the Scottish Natural Heritage. Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
National Nature Reserves. There are about 300
1.59
National Nature Reserves in the United Kingdom. Those 1 For full details of the Global Maritime Distress and
established on or near the coastline, which may be of Safety System (GMDSS) see Admiralty List of Radio
interest to the mariner, are mentioned in the text and may
Signals Volume 5.
be shown on the charts.
3 Marine Nature Reserves provide protection for marine United Kingdom
flora and fauna and geological and physiographical features General information
on land covered by tidal waters up to and including the
1.60
limit of territorial waters; they are shown on the charts.
1 HM Coastguard (HMCG) (1.61) is the authority
These areas provide opportunities for study and research.
responsible for initiating and co-ordinating all civil
Local Nature Reserves. District councils in Scotland, in
maritime SAR operations in the United Kingdom Search
consultation with Scottish Natural Heritage, are able to
and Rescue Region (UK SRR). This includes the
acquire and manage local nature reserves.
mobilisation, organisation and tasking of adequate resources
1.54
to respond to persons either in distress at sea, or at risk of
1 Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is
injury or death on the cliffs or shoreline of the United
an organisation whose primary interest lies in the
Kingdom.
preservation of the many species of wild birds seen in
2 The Ministry of Defence provides units to assist
Britain. For the purposes of this volume, only important
casualties on request from HMCG. RN and RAF SAR
bird reserves lying in and around the coastal areas which
resources consist mainly of helicopters and maritime patrol
may be of direct interest to the mariner are mentioned.
aircraft, supplemented as necessary by other aircraft and
Visiting a reserve in many cases is not encouraged, and
surface vessels. The RN provides Explosive Ordnance
often not permitted, whilst at others it is permitted but
Disposal Teams to deal with unexploded or suspect
under arrangement and strict control.
ordnance.
2 Further details can be obtained from: Head of Reserve
HMCG administers a civil helicopter at Stornoway (Isle
Management, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds,
of Lewis) for SAR and medical evacuation.
The Lodge, Sandy. Bedfordshire. SG19 2DL.
3 The Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre (ARCC)
at Kinloss co-ordinates the operations of all air resources
within the UK SRR and controls the air aspects of all such
SAR operations.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) (1.71)
SIGNALS provides all-weather and inshore lifeboats around the coast
for saving life at sea.
Traffic signals H M Coastguard
1.55
1 Port signals used in the control of shipping are given at General information.
1.46. 1.61
1 HMCG is responsible for requesting and tasking SAR
resources made available by other authorities and
Speed trials co-ordinating the subsequent SAR operations unless they
1.56 fall within the jurisdiction of the military ARCC. Close
1 International code “SM” indicates that a vessel is liaison is maintained with adjacent SAR organisations.
undergoing speed trials, usually over a measured distance. Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams (Auxiliary CRTs)
A steady course is required over the distance in both are situated at strategic locations around the coast, and are
directions, and sufficient sea room to turn through 180° at equipped to deal with incidents appropriate to the risks
speed at each end. For mutual safety all other vessels associated with local terrain, activities and conditions. The
should endeavour to keep clear while these trials are in smaller teams only provide an intial response for
progress. investigation, surveilllance and reporting. The larger
Auxiliary CRTs provide the initial response and additional
capability.
Storm warnings 1.62
1.57 1 HMCG network. The UK SRR is bounded by latitudes
1 For details of radio warnings see Admiralty List of Radio 45°N and 61°N, by longitude 30°W and to the E by the
Signals Volume 3(1). adjacent European Search and Rescue Regions.

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2 HMCG is organised into four SRRs each under the Tiree (56°30′N, 6°48′W)
authority of a Regional Inspector operating from a Knock (56°29′N, 6°00′W)
Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC). Each 11 STORNOWAY DISTRICT
Coastguard SRR contains one or more Maritime Rescue Fort William Sector Base
Sub-Centre (MRSC), centred on a search and rescue Fort William (Corpach) (56°51′N, 5°07′W)
District and under the authority of a District Controller. Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams:
Eigg (56°53′N, 6°08′W)
Rum (57°01′N, 6°17′W)
Coastguard Stations Canna (57°03′N, 6°29′W)
12 Muck (56°50′N, 6°14′W)
1.63
Lochaline (56°32′N, 5°46′W)
1 The sea area within the limits of this book lies wholly
Kilchoan (56°42′N, 6°06′W)
within the West of Scotland and Northern Ireland Search
Salen (56°42′N, 5°47′W)
and Rescue Region. The co-ordination centre for the region
Mallaig (57°00′N, 5°49′W)
is Clyde MRCC at Navy Buildings, Eldon Street,
13 Skye Sector Base
Greenock, PA16 7QY. The region is sub-divided into 3
Portree (57°25′N, 6°11′W)
districts as follows:
Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams:
2 Clyde, with an MRCC at Greenock.
Barra (Castlebay) (56°57′N, 7°30′W)
Belfast, with an MRSC at Bangor; see Irish Coast
Sleat Peninsula (57°05′N, 5°55′W)
Pilot.
Lochboisdale (57°09′N, 7°19′W)
Stornoway, with an MRSC at Stornoway.
Lochmaddy (57°36′N, 7°10′W)
Unmanned Coastguard Sector Bases and Auxilliary
Kyle of Lochalsh (57°17′N, 5°43′W)
Rescue Teams are located as follows:
Broadford (57°15′N, 5°55′W)
3 CLYDE DISTRICT
Dunvegan (57°26′N, 6°35′W)
Galloway Sector Base
Benbecula (Balivanich) (57°28′N, 7°22′W)
Drummore (see West Coasts of England and Wales
Griminish (57°40′N, 7°30′W)
Pilot)
Duntulm (57°41′N, 6°21′W)
4 Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams:
14 Western Isles Sector Base and Stornoway MRSC
Portpatrick (54°50′N, 5°07W)
Stornoway (58°12′N, 6°23′W)
Ballantrae (55°06′N, 5°00′W)
Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams:
Stranraer (54°54′N, 5°01′W)
Saint Kilda (57°49′N, 8°35′W)
Girvan (55°15′N, 4°51′W)
Bragar (58°20′N, 6°38′W)
Arran (Lamlash) (55°32′N, 5°08′W)
Miavaig (58°12′N, 6°56′W)
Ayr (55°28′N, 4°38′W).
15 Breasclete (58°13′N, 6°45′W)
5 Clyde Sector Base and MRCC
Leverburgh (57°46′N, 7°00′W)
Greenock (55°57′N, 4°44′W)
Scalpay (57°51′N, 6°38′W)
Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams:
Tarbert (Stornoway) (57°54′N, 6°48′W)
Ardrossan (55°39′N, 4°49′W)
Port of Ness (58°30′N, 6°13′W)
Cumbrae (Millport) (55°45′N, 4°56′W)
South Lochs (58°00′N, 6°30′W)
Dunoon (55°57′N, 4°55′W)
16 Ullapool Sector Base
Largs (55°48′N, 4°52′W)
Ullapool (57°54′N, 5°10′W)
Kilcreggan (55°59′N, 4°49′W)
Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams:
Lochgoil (56°08′N, 4°54′W)
Gairloch (57°43′N, 5°41′W)
6 Rothesay (55°50′N, 5°03′W)
Torridon (57°33′N, 5°31′W)
Helensburgh (56°00′N, 4°44′W)
Lochinver (58°09′N, 5°14′W)
Inveraray (Loch Fyne) (56°14′N, 5°04′W)
Loch Ewe (57°50′N, 5°36′W)
Kames (West Kyle) (55°53′N, 5°14′W)
Achiltibuie (58°01′N, 5°21′W)
7 Kintyre Sector Base
Scourie (58°21′N, 5°09′W)
Tarbert (Clyde) (55°52′N, 5°25′W)
Kinlochbervie (58°28′N, 5°03′W)
Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams:
1.64
Southend (55°19′N, 5°39′W)
1 HMCG communications.
Campbeltown (55°25′N, 5°36′W)
HMCG maintains a listening watch on Channel 16 and
Carradale (55°35′N, 5°28′W)
2182 kHz. Coverage is provided out to 30 miles from the
8 Gigha (55°41′N, 5°43′W)
coast on VHF, and out to 150 miles on MF. An electronic
Ardpatrick (55°46′N, 5°37′W)
watch is also maintained on VHF DSC Channel 70, and
Port Charlotte (55°44′N, 6°23′W)
MF DSC 2187⋅5 kHz.
Port Ellen (55°38′N, 6°12′W)
Jura (Craighouse) (55°50′N, 5°57′W)
9 Oban Sector Base Reports of missing or overdue vessels.
Oban (56°25′N, 5°28′W) 1.65
Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams: 1 HM Coastguard makes enquires to determine the
Crinan (56°05′N, 5°33′W) whereabouts of any vessel reported as missing or overdue
Colonsay (56°04′N, 6°14′W) to establish whether the vessel, its crew or passengers are
Ross of Mull (56°20′N, 6°20′W) at risk. Enquiries are made to owners, agents, Lloyds of
10 Craignure (56°28′N, 5°42′W) London, port authorities and yacht clubs. If enquiries and
Tobermory (56°37′N, 6°03′W) broadcasts fail to locate the missing or overdue vessel then
Appin (56°33′N, 5°24′W) SAR operations will be initiated. Assistance may be
Coll (56°37′N, 6°31′W) requested from services outside UK SRR.

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1.66 stations around the coast of the United Kingdom. It is a

1 Provision of Medical Link Calls. HMCG is responsible privately run organisation supported entirely by voluntary
for the handling of Medical Link Calls and PAN PAN contributions.
MEDICO calls. Following initial contact by DSC or on 3 There are over 220 lifeboat stations around the coasts of
Channel 16, the vessel will be connected to a doctor on a the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. A great
designated VHF or MF frequency. If requested following number operate all-weather lifeboats, often supported by
medical advice, HM Coastguard is responsible for arranging inshore lifeboats, and others operate only inshore lifeboats.
transfer from the vessel to a hospital, generally by The majority of the inshore lifeboats are permanently on
helicopter. station, while the remainder are on station only during the
1.67 summer.
1 Provision of Maritime Safety Information. MRCCs
and MRSCs broadcast Maritime Safety Information (MSI).
For details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 3(1). Lifeboats
1.68 1.72
1 Yacht and Boat Safety Scheme. Small craft owners can 1 All-weather lifeboats have the following characteristics:
join the Yacht and Boat Safety Scheme. Information is filed Length between 10 and 17 m.
with HMCG and can be used if the safety of the vessel is Speed 16 kn or more.
in doubt. Radius of operation about 140-250 miles.
1.69 Equipment: radar; D/F on 2182 kHz and VHF;
1 Direction-finding service for use in emergency. HMCG communications on MF (2182 kHz) and VHF(FM)
operates a VHF direction-finding (DF) service for SAR multi-channel RT; Electronic Navigator.
purposes at over 40 stations around the United Kingdom. Blue quick flashing light exhibited at night, when on
In the area covered by this volume there are six such service.
stations: 2 Inshore lifeboats have the following characteristics:
Law Hill (55°42′N, 4°50′W) (Clyde District) Inflatable or rigid inflatable construction.
2 Kilchiaran (55°46′N, 6°27′W) (Clyde District) Length 5−7⋅3 m.
Tiree (56°30′N, 6°57′W) (Clyde District) Outboard motor(s).
Barra (57°01′N, 7°30′W) (Stornoway District) Speed 20 to 30 kn.
Rodel (57°45′N, 6°58′W) (Stornoway District) VHF(FM) multi-channel RT.
Portnaguran (58°15′N, 6°10′W) (Stornoway District) Blue quick flashing light exhibited at night in all
For further details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals rigid inflatables.
Volume 2.
1.70
1 Emergency Towing Vessels. The Maritime and
Coastguard Agency charters Emergency Towing Vessels
Lifeboat stations
(ETVs), to protect areas judged to be at higher risk from 1.73
environmental damage as a result of mechanical failure or 1 All-weather lifeboats are stationed within the area
grounding. An ETV is based in the Minches during the covered by this volume, as follows: Portpatrick; Girvan;
winter. Troon; Campbeltown; Port Askaig (Islay); Oban;
Tobermory; Mallaig; Castlebay (Barra Island); Portree;
Royal National Lifeboat Institution Stornoway (Lewis); Lochinver.
1.74
General information 1 Inshore lifeboats are stationed within the area covered
1.71 by this volume as follows: Stranraer; Largs; Helensburgh;
2 The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Campbeltown; Tighnabruaich; Lamlash (Arran); Kyle of
maintains a fleet of over 450 lifeboats of various types at Lochalsh.

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COUNTRY AND PORT INFORMATION

UNITED KINGDOM These 6 nautical mile and 12 nautical mile limits are
depicted on selected Admiralty charts. Foreign fishing
Charts 2635, 2 rights in these waters are depicted on chart Q6385.
General description 2 The Fishery Limits Act 1976 extended British fishery
1.75 limits to 200 nautical miles measured from the baselines of
1 The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern the Territorial Sea, or to such limits as may be specified.
Ireland is a constitutional monarchy comprising England, This limit is depicted on Admiralty chart Q6353 and is
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but does not include administered in accordance with the European Union’s
the Isle of Man or Channel Islands, which are Common Fisheries Policy.
Dependencies of the Crown. The Sovereign is also Head of
the Commonwealth. History of Scotland and the northern isles
2 The population (2001 Census) of the United Kingdom is 1.79
as follows: 1 Unlike England, Scotland was never a province of the
Country Population Roman Empire from which it was separated by a fortified
wall, 75 miles long, built by the Emperor Hadrian in
England & Wales 52 041 916 AD 122 to 128 to secure the N frontier of the Roman
Scotland 5 062 011 province of Britannia, present day England.
2 Following the withdrawal of the Roman Legions from
Northern Ireland 1 685 267
England in 410 AD, invading Saxons from NW Europe
gradually, in the fifth and sixth centuries, drove some of
Definitions the remaining Britons and Angles N of Hadrian’s Wall. At
1.76 about the same time there was a large incursion of Scots
1 Great Britain: from Ireland into the W part of the territory N of the wall,
England, including the Isles of Scilly, Wales and and in the incessant tribal warfare of the next four centuries
Scotland; the Shetland and Orkney Islands are part the Scots gradually achieved a unifying supremacy over the
of Scotland. other tribes. In 1034 they established an effective Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern of Scotland in the central and S parts of the territories N of
Ireland: Hadrian’s Wall. However the Hebrides did not become part
Great Britain, as above, and Northern Ireland. of the Kingdom of Scotland until 1266, when they were
2 British Isles: ceded to Alexander III by Magnus of Norway.
Great Britain, The Isle of Man and Ireland both the 3 Meanwhile Vikings, or Norsemen, from Scandinavia
Republic and the North. carried out repeated invasions of Britain during the eighth,
British Islands: ninth and tenth centuries and overran that part of France
British Isles, as above, and Channel Islands. now known as Normandy. They also occupied Orkney and
Scotland, the N part of Great Britain, lies between the Shetland Islands which remained Danish until 1472 when
parallels of 54°38′N and 58°40′N, and the meridians of they were ceded to Scotland as part of the dowry of
1°46′W and 6°14′W. Margaret of Denmark who became the wife of King
James III of Scotland. Strong traces of Scandinavian culture
National limits remain to the present day in both Orkney and Shetland
Islands.
Territorial waters 4 In 1066 William, Duke of Normandy, overcame the
1.77 resistance of the Saxons in Britain at the Battle of
1 The breadth of the Territorial Sea adjacent to the United Hastings. During the next 250 years the English crown,
Kingdom and the Isle of Man extends for a distance of with a far more populated kingdom, made a number of
12 nautical miles as defined by the Territorial Sea Act attempts to overrun and annex the Scottish Kingdom but
1987, given in Appendix I, and the Territorial Sea Act after a crushing defeat by the Scots, led by King Robert
1987 (Isle of Man) Order 1991. The breadth of the the Bruce, at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, the
Territorial Sea adjacent to the Channel Islands is 3 nautical English finally and formally recognised the independence
miles. of Scotland as a sovereign state in 1328.
2 Baselines to be used for measuring the breadth of the 5 In 1603 the crowns of England and Scotland were
territorial sea adjacent to the United Kingdom, the Channel united by the accession, through inheritance, of King
Islands and the Isle of Man are defined in the Territorial James VI of Scotland as King James I of England and
Waters Order in Council 1964 as amended by the Scotland.
Territorial Sea (Amendment) Order 1998, given in Final legislative union of the parliaments of the
Appendix II. This 12 nautical mile Territorial Sea limit is two countries was enacted by The Act of Union of 1707.
depicted on selected Admiralty charts. The Scottish Parliament was revived in 1999 as a result of
See also Annual Summary of Admiralty Notices to the government’s policy of devolution.
Mariners.
Government
Fishery limits 1.80
1.78 1 Supreme legislative power is vested in Parliament, which
1 The exclusive fishing limits of the United Kingdom is divided into two Houses of Legislature, the House of
extend up to 6 nautical miles from the baselines of the Lords and the House of Commons, and in its present form
Territorial Sea and for the next 6 nautical miles fishing is dates from the middle of the fourteenth century, although in
limited to countries with established rights in accordance 1999 the House of Lords was reformed to exclude the
with the European Union’s Common Fisheries Policy. majority of hereditary peers and peeresses.

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2 The House of Lords is non-elected and consists of life dislocation from Fort William (56°50′N, 5°05′W) to
peers and peeresses, Law Lords, 2 archbishops and Inverness, 50 miles NNE.
24 bishops of the established Church of England, and, as an 4 The W coast of Scotland presents an almost
interim measure, 92 hereditary peers and peeresses. The uninterrupted succession of deep indentations, known as
House of Lords has judicial powers as the ultimate Court lochs, which penetrate the coast far inland and are fronted
of Appeal for courts in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, by bold rocky cliffs and headlands. This results in a
except for criminal cases in Scotland. coastline which has approximately the same length as the
3 The House of Commons consists of members rest of Britain put together.
representing county and borough constituencies. Every 5 At the S end, Kintyre (55°35′N, 5°35′W), a peninsula
constituency returns a single member. In 1999 there was a which protects the Firth of Clyde from the Atlantic Ocean,
total of 659 members; 529 from England, 72 from is joined to the mainland by a narrow isthmus which
Scotland, 40 from Wales and 18 from Northern Ireland. separates East Loch Tarbert from West Loch Tarbert,
Suffrage is limited to men and women of 18 years and 36 miles NNE of the S extremity of the peninsula.
above.
4 Executive government is vested nominally in the Crown, The Hebrides
but is exercised in practice by the Cabinet, a committee of 1.83
ministers, which is dependent on the support of the 1 The Hebrides or Western Isles, which lie between the
majority in the House of Commons. The Prime Minister parallels of 55°35′N and 58°30′N, and the meridians of
presides over the Cabinet and dispenses the greater portion 5°26′W and 8°40′W, form two groups of islands off the W
of the patronage of the Crown. coast of Scotland: namely the Outer Hebrides and the Inner
Parliament can be dissolved by the will of the Hebrides, which are separated by the Sea of the Hebrides
Sovereign, or by proclamation during its recess or by lapse and The Little Minch.
of the statutory duration of five years. 2 The fundamental rock of The Hebrides generally is
5 In Scotland, where the judiciary and certain other areas gneiss, traversed by veins of granite and trap. The soil is
of government still differ significantly from those of the bog, varying from a few centimetres to 6 metres in depth.
remainder of the United Kingdom, the Scottish Parliament, On the W side, blown shelly sand, mixing with the bog,
first elected in 1999, has legislative power over all matters produces a good pasture land. The E coasts, with the
not reserved to the United Kingdom Parliament in exception of a portion of the N part of Lewis, and a few
Westminster, or otherwise outside its powers. small patches on the other islands, are bleak and sterile.

Outer Hebrides
International relations 1.84
1.81 1 The Outer Hebrides comprise some 20 islands and a
1 The United Kingdom is a permanent member of The great many islets and rocks which extend from Barra Head
Security Council of The United Nations, and a member of (56°47′N, 7°38′W), at the S end, 113 miles NNE to Butt of
the Commonwealth, the European Union, the Western Lewis at the N end. Except at its S extremity, the only
European Union, the Council of Europe, the Organisation navigable channels through this chain of islands are the
for Economic Co-operation and Development and the North Sound of Barra (11.89) and the Sound of Harris (12.195).
Atlantic Treaty Organisation. The islands are comparatively low, being mostly less than
150 m high; they consist chiefly of bleak stretches of bog
or moorland, interspersed with numerous lakes and inlets
Physical features from the sea, and by ranges of hills in Barra, South Uist
and Harris. A general description of the major islands is
Mainland given below.
1.82 2 The principal Harbour Authority for the Outer Hebrides
1 The total area of Scotland is 29 795 square miles (68 is Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar, Balivanich, Benbecula HS7
598 square kilometres. 5LA.
The S part of the area, extending between Galloway and 3 The Outer Hebrides are separated from both the Inner
Ayr, in the W, and Berwickshire and Firth of Forth, in the Hebrides (1.88) and the mainland. Minch is the general
E, is a belt of high ground known as the Southern Uplands. name given to the channels between the Outer Hebrides
These mountains are flat-topped with broad round shoulders and the N of the Inner Hebrides (The Little Minch); and
and smooth grassy slopes, forming irregular groups. Mount between the Isle of Lewis and the mainland (North Minch).
Merrick, 842 m high, which rises 25 miles E of Corsewall The narrowest part of the Minch is The Little Minch
Point (55°00′N, 5°10′W), is the highest point. (12.1). The Sea of the Hebrides, which separates the Outer
2 The central plain, lying between the Southern Uplands Hebrides from the S end of the Inner Hebrides, has a width
and the Highlands, is a broad valley connecting the Firth of of 26 miles between Berneray (11.46) and Tiree (9.4), at its
Clyde with the Firth of Forth. Within this valley there are S end, and extends 85 miles NNE to The Little Minch.
several hills which are generally abrupt and isolated.
3 The Highlands of Scotland, which lie N of a line drawn Chart 2722
from Helensburgh (56°00′N, 4°43′W) to Stonehaven, The Uists
100 miles NE, are a mountainous tract built up largely of 1.85
crystalline schists and granite rocks. The mountains, which 1 South Uist (57°15′N, 7°20′W) and North Uist (57°35′N,
form irregular groups, are massive and generally 7°20′W) are separated by Benbecula (1.86) to which they
flat-topped, while there is no great disparity of height are both connected by causeways.
among the summits of any individual group. The greatest South Uist has an E coast which is of rugged
elevation is achieved in Ben Nevis (56°48′N, 5°00′W). appearance, with barren mountains, hills and vertical cliffs
However, the Highlands are intersected from SW to NE by to the sea. The W side, where the inhabitants are chiefly
the Great Glen which probably occupies a line of congregated, is flat and low, whilst the middle part is hilly.

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Detailed topography for South Uist is given at 6.60, 11.121 Inshore Traffic Route (1.11), which is protected from the
and 12.123. heavy Atlantic wind and waves over considerable distances.
2 North Uist, in a manner similar to South Uist, has steep
shores and relatively high ground on its E side. The W
side, and particularly the NW side where the inhabitants Island of Mull
are congregated, is low lying. Detailed topography for 1.89
North Uist is given at 6.60 and 12.123. 1 The Island of Mull (56°28′N, 6°00′W) forms, on its SE
side, the NW shore of the Firth of Lorn, which separates it
from the mainland; and, on its NE side, the S bank of the
Benbecula Sound of Mull (8.224). The W side of the island, which is
1.86 predominently open to the Atlantic, is deeply indented and,
1 Benbecula (57°27′N, 7°20′W) is low and flat with only near its centre, Loch na Keal (9.94) penetrates the SW
one hill, which rises in the NE part of the island. The E coast to within 2½ miles of the NE coast.
coast is much indented with many islands, and innumerable 2 This island, which is very mountainous, rises to a
islets, reefs and rocks. The W coast, along which the conical summit in Ben More (56°25′N, 6°00′W).
population of the island is chiefly scattered, is sandy and Tobermory (56°38′N, 6°04′W) (8.252) is the only town
lacking in distinctive features. Benbecula, on which there is on the island.
an airport, is connected to both of the Uists by a causeway
which crosses South Ford (6.83, 12.123) at the S end, and Island of Skye
Oitir Mhor (6.60) at the N end.
1.90
1 The Island of Skye (57°20′N, 6°15′W) is mountainous,
Chart 2721 with moorland. The rocks are mainly volcanic, belonging to
Isle of Lewis the Tertiary Age. This island, which is separated from the
mainland by the Sound of Sleat (57°05′N, 5°50′W) (10.60),
1.87
Kyle Rhea (57°14′N, 5°39′W) (10.120), Loch Alsh
1 The Isle of Lewis, which is one island with two names,
(57°16′N, 5°39′W) (10.136) and Inner Sound (57°30′N,
extends from Renish Point (57°44′N, 6°58′W) to Butt of
5°56′W) (10.191), is connected by a bridge across Kyle
Lewis, 53 miles NNE. Harris, which forms the S part of
Akin (57°17′N, 5°43′W) as given at 10.136.
the island, S of a line joining the head of Loch Resort
2 Portree (57°24′N, 6°12′W) (10.283) is the only town on
(58°03′N, 6°54′W) to the W extremity of Loch Seaforth,
the island.
5½ miles ESE, is itself nearly divided into two by West
Loch Tarbert and East Loch Tarbert, South Harris lying to
the S of this dividing line and North Harris to the N of it. Flora and fauna
2 The S half of Lewis is mountainous, but N of Loch
Erisort, an inlet on the E side, 25 miles S of the Butt of
Lewis, the land is comparatively low, with only three hills. Flora
Many mountains in Harris attain elevations of nearly 550 m 1.91
and Clisham (57°58′N, 6°49′W), is the highest mountain in 1 Outer Hebrides. Trees are found only in three places in
The Hebrides but its summit, which is conical, is generally the Outer Hebrides.
obscured by clouds. A radio mast, 172 m in height, which Inner Hebrides. Owing to the sterile nature of the
stands at an elevation of 367 m on Eitshal (58°11′N, country the area is sparsely inhabited and devoted to the
6°35′W), is marked by red obstruction lights. breeding of stock, allowing an abundance of wildlife
everywhere.

Fauna
1.92
1 Outer Hebrides. The Red Deer is found in North Uist,
Harris and Lewis. Otters are numerous in places, inhabiting
the cairns along the sea shore and at the entrance to Loch
Eport.
2 Sea fowl are numerous and of great variety. The Wild
Swan is seen in winter, but does not breed here. The Eider
Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, from N (1.87)
Duck is numerous and breeds on Flannan Isles (58°17′N,
(Original dated 2000)
7°35′W) and other solitary islands. The Common Wild
Photograph − Air Images Goose breeds on the small islands of inland lochs and
3 Stornoway (58°12′N, 6°23′W) (13.50), a major harbour frequents the W coast of The Hebrides. The Barnacle
and busy fishing port is situated on the E side of Lewis. Goose migrates to Barra and North Uist during autumn and
winter.
Chart 2635
The Inner Hebrides Industry and trade
1.88 1.93
1 The Inner Hebrides include Islay (7.12), Jura (7.13), 1 Britain is more dependent than most countries on its
Colonsay (8.13), Island of Mull (below), Tiree (9.4), Coll industries, and trades world-wide.
(9.4), The Small Isles (9.123), Island of Skye (below), and 2 Major industries are iron and steel, heavy engineering,
numerous smaller islets. A channel through these islands and the processing of imported goods such as wool, cotton
and between them and the mainland coast forms the and tobacco. In recent years, with the decline of some of

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the traditional industries, Britain has had to rely on Place and position Remarks
technical skill and inventiveness and a new range of
industries has developed including motor vehicles, aircraft, Glasgow (3.460) Major commercial port with
nuclear power equipment, instruments, man-made fibres and (55°53′N, 4°23′W) shipbuilding and repair
chemical products as well as electrical goods and machines. yards.
Considerable quantities of crude oil are imported to be Campbeltown (4.30) Fishing and small
refined into petroleum products. (55°25′N, 5°36′W) commercial port within
3 The production of oil and gas from offshore fields plays landlocked anchorage. Fuel
an important part in the country’s industry and technology. depot.
The country is intensively farmed, mainly for home
consumption but an important export trade in agricultural East Loch Tarbert (Loch Fishing port and ferry
products has been established. A considerable fishing fleet Fyne) (4.131) terminal.
is maintained. (55°52′N, 5°24′W)
1.94
1 Scotland has the largest share of the United Kingdom’s Sound of Jura and offshore islands
offshore oil production industry, including rig fabrication 1.96
and repair, the support of offshore installations, and the
export of products from the offshore fields. A substantial Place and position Remarks
part of the offshore gas industry is also Scottish based. West Loch Tarbert (Kintyre) Ferry terminal and
2 Highly technical industries, including advanced (7.48) (55°48′N, 5°30′W) anchorage.
electronics, are concentrated in the Forth/Clyde valley.
Port Ellen (Islay) (7.88) Ferry terminal and
Other important industries include traditional agriculture,
(55°38′N, 6°12′W) anchorage.
tourism and fishing; the farming of salmon and other
marine species has become a major industry, particularly in Port Askaig (7.117) Ferry terminal and
Orkney and Shetland Islands, and development is (55°51′N, 6°06′W) anchorage.
continuing. Loch Melfort (7.305) Anchorage.
(56°15′N, 5°30′W)
Loch Tarbert (Jura) (8.84) Anchorage.
PRINCIPAL PORTS, HARBOURS AND (55°57′N, 6°00′W)
ANCHORAGES
Scalasaig (Colonsay) (8.96) Ferry terminal.
(56°04′N, 6°11′W)
Mainland and Inner Hebrides

Firth of Clyde Firth of Lorn and offshore islands

1.95 1.97
Place and position Remarks Place and position Remarks
Cairnryan (3.61) Ferry terminal. Oban (8.161) Fishing and small
(54°58′N, 5°01′W) (56°25′N, 5°28′W) commercial port. Main ferry
terminal, tourist centre.
Stranraer (3.74) Railhead and ferry terminal.
(54°55′N, 5°02′W) Loch Aline (8.269) Industrial port (minerals).
(56°33′N, 5°45′W)
Girvan (3.84) Fishing and small
(55°15′N, 4°51′W) commercial port. Tobermory (8.251) Fishing port, ferry terminal
(56°37′N, 6°03′W) and anchorage.
Lamlash (3.127) Secure moorings for large
(55°32′N, 5°06′W) vessels. Craignure (8.215) Ferry terminal.
(56°28°N, 5°42′W)
Brodick Bay (3.133) Anchorage and ferry
(55°36′N, 5°08′W) terminal. Loch Sunart (8.315) Anchorage.
(56°40′N, 5°57′W)
Ayr (3.139) Fishing and small industrial
(55°28′N, 4°38′W) port. Glensanda (8.361) Industrial port (minerals).
(56°34′N, 5°32′W)
Troon (3.169) Fishing port, ferry terminal,
(55°33′N, 4°41′W) shipbuilding and repair yard. Ballachulish (8.469) Anchorage.
(56°41′N, 5°13′W)
Ardrossan (3.222) Ferry terminal.
(55°38′N, 4°49′W) Fort William (8.526) Small commercial port.
(56°49′N, 5°07′W)
Hunterston (3.288) Major ore and coal terminal.
(55°45′N, 4°52′W)
Loch Long (3.347) Dockyard port containing Island of Mull — west coast
(56°04′N, 4°53′W) major oil terminal. 1.98

Gareloch (3.387) Dockyard port. Place and position Remarks

(56°04′N, 4°49′W) Loch Scridain (9.84) Anchorage.
Greenock (3.437) Major commercial port with (55°21′N, 6°12′W)
(55°57′N, 4°46′W) shipbuilding and repair Loch na Keal (9.94) Anchorage.
yards. (56°27′N, 6°10′W)

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Island of Skye — west coast Place and position Remarks

1.99
Loch Laxford (13.309) Anchorage.
Place and position Remarks (58°24′N, 5°05′W)
Loch Bracadale (9.245) Anchorage. Kinlochbervie and Loch Fishing port and anchorage.
(57°20′N, 6°30′W) Inchard (13.288)
Place and position Remarks (58°27′N, 5°03′W)

Loch Dunvegan (12.36) Anchorage.

(57°28′N, 6°38′W)
Outer Hebrides
1.103
Uig Bay (12.73) Ferry terminal, fishing port Place and position Remarks
(57°35′N, 6°22′W) and anchorage.
Castle Bay (Barra) (11.70) Ferry terminal and
(56°57′N, 7°30′W) anchorage.
Oitir Mhór (11.109) Anchorage.
Sound of Sleat and Loch Alsh (57°02′N, 7°21′W)
1.100 Loch Boisdale (11.131) Ferry terminal and
Place and position Remarks (57°09′N, 7°16′W) anchorage.
Place and position Remarks
Mallaig and Loch Nevis Major fishing port and ferry
(10.16) (57°20′N, 5°49′W) terminal, with anchorage in Loch Skipport (12.139) Anchorage.
Loch Nevis. (57°20′N, 7°14′W)
Loch Maddy (12.169) Ferry terminal and
Kyle of Lochalsh (10.161) Railhead and small
(57°36′N, 7°08′W) anchorage.
(57°15′N, 5°43′W) commercial port. Anchorage
in Loch Alsh. East Loch Tarbert (Harris) Ferry terminal, fishing port
(12.266) (57°53′N, 6°45′W) and anchorage.
Loch Seaforth (12.316) Anchorage.
(57°55′N, 6°40′W)
Inner Sound and approach from south
1.101 Loch Shell (12.327) Anchorage.
(58°00′N, 6°27′W)
Place and position Remarks Loch Erisort (13.36) Anchorage.
Loch Kishorn (10.255) Anchorage. (58°07′N, 6°23′W)
(57°23′N, 5°38′W) Stornoway (13.51) Major commercial and
(58°12′N, 6°23′W) fishing port. Ferry terminal.
Loch Carron (10.256) Anchorage.
(57°21′N, 5°40′W) West Loch Tarbert (Harris) Anchorage.
(6.129) (57°55′N, 7°01′W)
Portree (10.283) Small commercial port and
(57°25′N, 6°11′W) ferry terminal. Loch Roag (6.178) Anchorage and harbour of
(58°15′N, 6°52′W) refuge.
Loch Torridon (10.340) Anchorage.
(57°35′N, 5°45′W)
PORT SERVICES — SUMMARY
Loch Gareloch (10.322) Fishing port and anchorage.
(57°43′N, 5°45′W) Docking facilities
1.104
1 The summary below lists ports with docking facilities;
dimensions, where given, relate to the largest vessel that
West side of North Minch can be accommodated; further details of the facilities are
1.102 given at the reference quoted for each port.
Place and position Remarks Firth of Clyde:
Troon. Two dry docks (3.192).
Loch Ewe (13.138) Anchorage and fuelling Port Bannatyne. Patent slip, 200 dwt (3.343).
(57°50′N, 5°38′W) depot. 2 Greenock. Several dry docks (3.455).
Glasgow. Many dry docks (3.492).
Ullapool and Loch Broom Major fishing port, ferry Firth of Lorn:
(13.165) (57°54′N, 5°10′W) terminal and anchorage. Oban. Two patent slips, 300 dwt (8.184).
Little Loch Broom (13.221) Anchorage. Outer Hebrides.
(57°54′N, 5°20′W) Stornoway. Patent slip, 850 dwt (13.84).

Lochinver (13.249) Major fishing port. Other facilities

(58°09′N, 5°14′W)
Compass adjustment
Loch Glendhu (13.337) Anchorage. 1.105
(58°15′N, 4°59′W) 1 Glasgow (3.494).

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Degaussing Glasgow (3.460).

1.106 Ullapool (13.165).
1 Faslane (3.395). Exemption certificates only:
NATO establishment at Coulport (3.368) and Faslane
Base (3.409).
Deratting
1.107 Measured distances
1 Deratting and exemption certificates: 1.108
Ayr (3.139). 1 Skelmorlie (55°51′N, 4°53′W) (3.265).
Ardrossan (3.222). Rothesay Sound (55°53′N, 5°05′W) (3.329).
Greenock (3.437). Arran (55°41′N, 5°10′W) (4.101).

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NATURAL CONDITIONS
MARITIME TOPOGRAPHY be enhanced after prolonged SW gales. North and NE
gales, however, often induce a S drift through North
Charts 2635, 4102 Channel (55°30′N, 6°30′W), and within the 200 m depth
Sea bed contour the effect of wind upon tidal streams is even more
1.109 marked.
1 The general characteristics in the coastal waters covered
by this volume are rock, with coarse sedimentary materials Open ocean
fronting the coasts and mud and/or fine sand flooring the 1.113
lochs and sounds. Between the coastal waters and the edge 1 In the ocean area covered by this volume the current
of the continental shelf (200 m contour), sand is the sets in a predominantly ENE to NE direction, but there are
dominant sea bed constituent interspersed with rock, stone also indications of more persistent eddies in the vicinity of
and shell. From the shelf edge to the deep oceanic waters, Rockall (57°36′N, 13°41′). On the continental shelf (within
there is a transition from the coarse terrigenous materials to the 200 m depth contour) the flow of water is chiefly
the pelagic sediments. This change occurs at about the controlled by tidal influences.
2000 m depth contour. The change from sandy sediments to 2 The constancy of the predominant ENE to NE set lies
mud and ooze is a gradual process with no marked between 53 and 70 per cent over the greater part of the
boundary. To the W of longitude 17°W ooze or very soft area. It decreases to 45 to 55 per cent in the extreme NW
mud is the main constituent. of the area and to less than 40 per cent in the extreme SE.
2 In the Firth of Clyde the bottom is mainly mud, with The mean rate of all currents over the area is ½ kn.
isolated patches of rock, sand, stone and shell. Around 90 per cent of observed currents are less than 1 kn
and of the remainder only a very small percentage exceed
2 kn.
CURRENTS, TIDAL STREAMS AND FLOW
Coastal waters
Currents 1.114
1 In coastal areas the set of the current is very variable.
North Atlantic current North of Coll and Tiree there is often a weak NNE set to
1.110 the W of the Outer Hebrides and through the Sea of The
1 In the North Atlantic Ocean, E of about 46°W, the Gulf Hebrides, Little Minch and North Minch. Further S the
Stream ceases to be a well defined current, becoming current appears to divide, setting NE into the Firth of Lorn
weaker as it fans out up the E side of the Grand Banks of (56°22′N, 5°40′W) and SE towards North Channel. North
Newfoundland. The resulting wide NE and E flow is of the Outer Hebrides the current frequently sets E across
directed across the Ocean towards the British Isles, and the the N entrance to North Minch and towards the Orkneys.
adjacent European coasts, and is known as the North Currents are, however, often weak or negligible when
Atlantic Current. compared with the tidal stream.
2 Currents caused by persistent strong winds and a large
Currents diagram inflow of fresh water may have a considerable effect on the
1.111 tidal streams in the firths and lochs. Persistent strong SW
1 In the currents diagram (1.111) arrows indicate winds over the Firth of Lorn are likely to induce an
predominant direction, average rate and constancy, which appreciable current with a NE set in the Lynn of Lorn and
are defined as follows: the Lynn of Morvern, continuing into Loch Linnhe.
Predominant direction. The mean direction within a 3 Melting snow and heavy persistent rainfall can produce
continuous 90° sector containing the highest proportion of currents which set towards the open sea, with a strength
observations from all sectors. which depends upon the drainage area of the loch and the
2 Average rate, to the nearest ¼ kn, of the highest 50 per width of its entrance. The effect is most noticeable in Loch
cent in the predominant sectors as indicated by the figures Linnhe and Loch Eil, where the duration and rate of the
in the diagram. It is emphasised that rates above and below average outgoing tidal stream can be much enhanced and
those shown may be experienced. the in-going stream much reduced.
Constancy, as indicated by the thickness of the arrows,
is a measure of its persistence, eg low constancy implies Tidal streams
marked variability in rate and, particularly, direction. 1.115
1 In this volume the streams are referred to according to
Effects of strong winds the direction towards which they set, including the terms
1.112 in-going and out-going.
1 Strong and persistent winds from any quarter can induce The main flood stream sets NE along the W coast of
a surface current which may either accentuate or retard the Scotland and between the offshore islands, except in the
average current indicated in the diagram. Over the area Inner Sound where it sets S, as shown in the Admiralty
covered by this volume the rate of the surface current due Tidal Stream Atlas: North Coast of Ireland and West Coast
to the wind may be estimated at one fortieth of the speed of Scotland.
of the wind, and its direction as about 30° to the right of 2 At the S end of the area, between the Inner Hebrides
the direction towards which the wind is blowing. There is and the NW point of Ireland, the streams are in-going
usually a lag of some hours between the setting in of the towards the W coast of Scotland and out-going into the
wind and the full establishment of its associated current, Atlantic. Farther N, part of the in-going stream turns N
which if strong, is likely to persist for a day or more after round Barra Head into the Sea of The Hebrides whilst the
the wind has ceased. remainder sets NE along the NW coasts of Coll and Tiree,
2 In the area covered by this volume, these effects are through the channels between The Small Isles and between
particularly apparent. The predominant ENE to NE set may Eigg and the mainland before turning NW along the SW

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20° 15° 10° 5° 0° 5°

VARIABLE

3/4kn
1/2kn

60° 60°

1/2kn

1/2kn

VARIABLE
1/2 KNOT

1/2kn
VARIABLE
1/2 KNOT

50° 50°

1kn
1/2kn
KEY TO ARROWS
Average rate in knots is indicated in figures.
Arrows indicate the predominant direction.
3/4kn The constancy of a current is indicated by the
thickness of the arrow thus:

High constancy >75%

Moderate constancy 50%-75%

Low constancy <50%

Probable direction when

observation count is low
1/2kn
1/2kn

20° 15° Longitude 10° West from Greenwich 0° 5°

Predominant surface currents JANUARY to DECEMBER (1.111)

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coast of the Island of Skye towards Neist Point. Details of 35 to 40 per cent of observations record a swell height of
the individual streams are shown in the Admiralty Tidal 4 m and above, falling to around 20 per cent at the SE end.
Stream Atlas: North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of The frequency decreases to about 10 per cent in the NW
Scotland and at the tidal stream stations on the charts. and less than 5 per cent elsewhere by mid-summer.
3 Tidal streams off the N coast of Ireland, in North 3 The W coasts of the Outer Hebrides, of the Inner
Channel and in the Firth of Clyde are shown in the Hebrides S of The Little Minch, and of Kintyre S of Gigha
Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: Firth of Clyde and (55°40′N, 5°45′W), are open to the long Atlantic swells;
Approaches and at the tidal stream stations on the charts. the Minch is largely protected.
Sea and swell waves
SEA AND SWELL 1.119
General information 1 Over the open ocean in winter, the percentage frequency
1.116 of waves, either sea or swell, 4 m and over is about 30 per
1 For the definitions of sea and swell, and the terminology cent in the E and around 50 per cent in the extreme NW of
used in describing their characteristics see The Mariner’s the area covered by this volume. By July the percentage
Handbook. frequency falls to about 5 per cent in the E and around 10
to 15 per cent in the extreme NW.
Sea conditions
1.117 SEA WATER CHARACTERISTICS
1 Sea waves, generated locally by the wind, can be very
variable in direction, however, the highest frequency of
Salinity
rough to high seas over the open ocean are associated with 1.120
winds from between SSE and WNW. In January, about 30 1 For an explanation of salinity as applied to sea water,
per cent of observations over the open ocean record sea see The Mariner’s Handbook.
waves of 4 m and over, except in the extreme NW of the Salinity values in winter (February) vary along the
area where the percentage is around 40 per cent. These coastal region from 34⋅00‰ in the SE of the area covered
percentages fall to around 5 and 10 percent respectively by by this volume to 34⋅75‰ off the N coast of Scotland. In
July. summer (August) the values vary from 33⋅00‰ to 34⋅75‰.
2 Strong N to NE winds can produce rough seas in The The salinity values for the ocean area at the W limit of this
Little Minch (57°40′N, 6°45′W), North Minch (58°10′N, volume remain constant at approximately 35⋅25‰
5°50′W) and the Sound of Raasay (57°35′N, 6°45′W); throughout the year.
while a NW force 7 wind with a fetch of less than 2 Within the area generally, saline waters of Gulf Stream
20 miles has raised 5 m waves a few miles NE of Eilean origin are distributed throughout the oceanic and shelf
Trodday (57°44′N, 6°18′W). Strong SW winds can produce regions by the North Atlantic Current system. In coastal
very rough seas to the S of the Shiant Islands (57°55′N, waters, land drainage, particularly in spring, results in
6°20′W), while S gales give rise to very rough seas in The dilution of the surface water and a reduction of surface
Little Minch and along the SE coast of Harris. salinity.
3 The Sea of The Hebrides, between The Little Minch and Density
Tiree (56°30′N, 6°55′W), can be twice as rough for a given 1.121
wind as the Minch (1.84). For example, a strong SW wind 1 For an explanation of density as applied to sea water,
may produce waves up to 7 m between Barra (57°00′N, see The Mariner’s Handbook.
7°25′W) and Tiree but only 4 m in the vicinity of the The density values for the area covered by this volume
Shiant Islands and Trodday. Waves up to 10 m have been vary across the area and also vary according to season.
observed in the Sea of The Hebrides with a S force 7 Reduction in surface density values occur in coastal waters
wind. as a result of the dilution of surface water by land
4 The sounds and lochs between the Inner Hebrides (1.88) drainage, particularly in spring.
and the mainland can at times be affected by rough seas 2 In winter, density values across the ocean area vary
and moderate swells, in particular the S part of the Sound from 1⋅02725 g/cm 3 in the SW of the area to
of Sleat (57°08′N, 5°46′W). Observations taken in the 1⋅02750 g/cm3 in the NW of the area. Along the coastal
Sound of Sleat indicate that the height of the waves for a area the values vary from 1⋅02650 g/cm3 in the SW of the
given wind blowing up the channel is directly proportional area to 1⋅01725 g/cm3 off the N coast of Scotland. Values,
to the width of the sound. in summer, vary along the coastal area from 1⋅02550 g/cm3
5 Further S, rough seas are possible in the Sound of Mull in the SE of the area to 1⋅02600 g/cm3 off the N coast of
(56°33′N, 5°55′W) with N to NW gales and in Loch Scotland. In the ocean area, values of 1⋅02650 g/cm3 will
Linnhe (56°35′N, 5°25′W) during SW gales. In general, be found in the SW and 1⋅02675 g/cm3 in the NW of the
rough seas are possible in any narrow steep-sided sound or area.
loch where the wind is parallel to the run of the channel.
Sea surface temperature
Swell conditions 1.122
1.118 1 Diagram 1.122 shows the average sea surface
1 Diagrams 1.118.1 to 1.118.4 give swell roses for several temperature of the waters surrounding the British Isles for
areas for January, April, July and October. The roses show February, May, August and November.
the percentage of observations recording swell waves from 2 The sea surface temperature is at its lowest in late
each sector and for several ranges of wave height. February or early March and at its highest in August.
2 Swell waves over the open ocean, in the area covered Average temperatures, in winter, range from around 7°C in
by this volume, are predominately from between W and the E to between 9° and 10°C in the W. In summer,
SSW with a slight decrease in the percentage of N swells average temperatures range from about 12°C in the N to
in January. In the extreme NW of the area, in winter, about 14°C in the S. In coastal areas where there are major fresh

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20° 15° 10° 5° 0° 5°

<1

0 0 0 0

60° 60°

0 0 0 4 <1

7
<1 <1

50° 50°
8

<1 <1 1
EXPLANATION. The frequency of swell from any direction
is given according to the scale:-
0% 10 20 30 40 50%

This scale is further subdivided to indicate the frequency of

swell of different heights (in metres) according to the legend:-
0.1-2.2 4.3-6.2 8.3+

2.3-4.2 6.3-8.2
Swell direction is towards the circle centre. The figure within
the circle gives the percentage of calms.

20° 15° Longitude 10° West from Greenwich 0° 5°

Swell distribution JANUARY (1.118.1)

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20° 15° 10° 5° 0° 5°

<1 <1 1 <1

60° 60°

<1 0 <1 <1 <1

<1 <1 5

50° 50°
7

<1 <1 1
EXPLANATION. The frequency of swell from any direction
is given according to the scale:-
0% 10 20 30 40 50%

This scale is further subdivided to indicate the frequency of

swell of different heights (in metres) according to the legend:-
0.1-2.2 4.3-6.2 8.3+

2.3-4.2 6.3-8.2
Swell direction is towards the circle centre. The figure within
the circle gives the percentage of calms.

20° 15° Longitude 10° West from Greenwich 0° 5°

Swell distribution APRIL (1.118.2)

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20° 15° 10° 5° 0° 5°

<1

<1 <1 <1 <1

60° 60°

<1 <1 2 3 <1

<1 <1 7

50° 50°
7

<1 <1 1
EXPLANATION. The frequency of swell from any direction
is given according to the scale:-
0% 10 20 30 40 50%

This scale is further subdivided to indicate the frequency of

swell of different heights (in metres) according to the legend:-
0.1-2.2 4.3-6.2 8.3+

2.3-4.2 6.3-8.2
Swell direction is towards the circle centre. The figure within
the circle gives the percentage of calms.

20° 15° Longitude 10° West from Greenwich 0° 5°

Swell distribution JULY (1.118.3)

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20° 15° 10° 5° 0° 5°

<1 <1 <1 <1

60° 60°

<1 <1 <1 2 <1

<1

<1 7
0

<1

50° 50°
7

<1 <1 <1

EXPLANATION. The frequency of swell from any direction
is given according to the scale:-
0% 10 20 30 40 50%

This scale is further subdivided to indicate the frequency of

swell of different heights (in metres) according to the legend:-
0.1-2.2 4.3-6.2 8.3+

2.3-4.2 6.3-8.2
Swell direction is towards the circle centre. The figure within
the circle gives the percentage of calms.

20° 15° Longitude 10° West from Greenwich 0° 5°

Swell distribution OCTOBER (1.118.4)

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20° 15° 10° 5° 0° 5° 20° 15° 10° 5° 0° 5°

5
6 7 6
7 8
8
9

60° 60° 60° 60°

9
10

6 5 11
10
6 <5
7 9
8 <6 10
6 >11 10
12 11
9 <6 7 11
50°
11 50° 50° 50°
8 11
9

13
12

13 14

20° Longitude 10° West from Greenwich 5° 20° Longitude 10° West from Greenwich 5°

FEBRUARY MAY

20° 15° 10° 5° 0° 5° 20° 15° 10° 5° 0° 5°

9 6
10 7
11 8

12 9

60° 60° 60° 60°

13
10
13
14

14 15 11
14 10
16
10
15 1516 11 11
12 12 <10
<16
12
16
50° 50° 50° 13 50°

17
14
18
19
19 15
20
20 16
20° Longitude 10° West from Greenwich 5° 20° Longitude 10° West from Greenwich 5°

AUGUST NOVEMBER
Mean sea surface temperature (°C) (1.122)

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water outflows, temperatures are generally below average in changes of 40 hPa (mb) in a period of 24 hours are
winter and above average in summer. possible, especially in winter.

Variability Diurnal variation

1.123 1.128
1 Mean sea surface temperature variations from one period 1 The regular diurnal variation is less than 1 hPa (mb), and
to another tend to be smaller in winter than in summer and is nearly always masked by other changes in the pressure
are unlikely to exceed 3°C in the S and 2°C in the N. pattern.

Anticyclones
CLIMATE AND WEATHER
Azores anticyclone
1.129
General information 1 Daily weather charts frequently show an anticyclone in
1.124
1 The following information on climate and weather the vicinity if the Azores throughout the year. In summer, a
should be read in conjunction with the information ridge of high pressure often extends NE from the
contained in The Mariner’s Handbook, which explains in anticyclone towards France and central Europe. This ridge
more detail many aspects of meteorology and climatology commonly brings settled weather to the area covered by
of importance to the mariner. this volume while forcing E-moving depressions further N.
Weather reports and forecasts, that cover the area, are Scandinavian anticyclone
regularly broadcast in a number of different languages; see 1.130
Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 3(1) for details. 1 The Scandinavian anticyclones usually develop in winter
2 Ice accumulation. In certain weather conditions, ice and often give rise to a cold dry E airflow over the region.
accumulation on hulls and superstructures of ships can be a The E airflow normally persists for 2 to 3 days but has, on
source of serious danger. This hazard may occur on rare occasions, lasted several weeks. During these periods,
occasions in the area covered by this volume. See The mobile depressions are prevented from approaching the
Mariner’s Handbook for details on the causes of ice region and are often deflected N towards Iceland.
accumulation and the recommended course of action.
Depressions
General conditions Atlantic depressions
1.125
1 The climate of the region covered by this volume is 1.131
greatly affected by the high degree of exposure to winds 1 The area covered by this volume lies just to the SE of
from the N and W and the mountainous terrain to the E. the locality where the semi-permanent Icelandic low is
The SE part of the area is, to some extent, sheltered from situated. This low pressure region is most intense in winter
W winds by N Ireland; and the N part of the mainland because of the frequent deep moving depressions that
coast is sheltered by the Outer Hebrides. Gales and rough transit that area. However, some move on a more S track
seas are frequent in winter, especially in the more exposed to cross the NW part of the area and are often
locations, with winds reaching storm or hurricane strength accompanied by secondary depressions. These secondary
on occasions. depressions, on increasingly S tracks, frequently move E or
2 There is abundant rainfall across the area with the NE to affect the W coast of Scotland.
highest amounts recorded on wind-facing mountainous 2 Depressions are generally more frequent and intense in
coasts. The climate is generally mild and, considering the winter than summer, with the intervals between depressions
latitude, snow is infrequent. Fog, except in the vicinity of being as short as 24 hours or as long as 3 to 4 days. When
the Clyde in winter, and thunderstorms are uncommon. the intervals between intense depressions are small, gale or
Visibility is often good, although the average humidity and storm force winds can affect the more exposed locations
cloud cover are high. for considerable periods of time.
3 Generally, weather conditions can be very variable, Polar depressions
especially in winter, due to the frequent E-moving mobile 1.132
depressions that affect the region and the rugged 1 Polar depressions, which generally develop in cold
mountainous topography of the coast. unstable N airstreams in the region of the Norwegian Sea,
bring snow or frequent wintry showers to the area as they
Pressure move S in winter.
Average distribution Fronts
1.126
1 Diagram 1.126 shows the mean barometric pressure at Polar front
mean sea level in January, April, July and October. In 1.133
general, pressure increases from N to S with the lowest 1 The polar front is the most important front in the region
pressure in the N in winter and the highest in the S in and plays a dominant role in the weather throughout the
summer. year. It marks the boundary between the cold air to the N
and the warm moist air to the S. Throughout the year the
Variability mean position of the polar front, in the E part of the North
1.127 Atlantic, is to the S of the area covered by this volume.
1 The actual pressure distribution can vary significantly However, the front frequently moves N in association with
from the mean, due to the numerous E-moving mobile mobile depressions that form within the polar frontal zone.
depressions that affect the area, and when high pressure See The Mariner’s Handbook for details of fronts and
cells become established over N Europe in winter. Pressure associated weather conditions.

25
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CHAPTER 1

20° 15° 10° 5° 0° 5° 20° 15° 10° 5° 0° 5°

1006 0
101

00
10
60° 60° 60° 60°

02
10 101
0
4
100
1012
6
1 00
8
100 1014
0
101
2
101 50° 50°
50° 50°
4
101 1016
6
101

8
101 1018

20° Longitude 10° West from Greenwich 5° 20° Longitude 10° West from Greenwich 5°

JANUARY APRIL

20° 15° 10° 5° 0° 5° 20° 15° 10° 5° 0° 5°

04
10
1002

10
10
60° 60° 60° 60°

04
10
1012
6
100
1014
1008
1016
1010

1018 1012
50° 50° 50° 50°

1014
1020
1016

20° Longitude 10° West from Greenwich 5° 20° Longitude 10° West from Greenwich 5°

JULY OCTOBER
Mean barometric pressure (hPa) (1.126)

26
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CHAPTER 1

Arctic front Clyde. The sea breeze normally sets in from the SW and
1.134 the land breeze from the E.
1 The mean position of the Arctic front, in winter, is to Squalls
the N of Scandinavia but vigorous depressions over the 1.141
Norwegian Sea can, on occasions, cause the front to move 1 Violent squalls are relatively infrequent but are more
S bringing squally wintry showers to the region. The arctic common with N winds and, especially in winter, near
front is of negligible importance in summer, as the air mountainous coasts with offshore winds; areas in which
becomes almost indistinguishable from polar air at it moves these are likely to occur are mentioned in the geographical
S to affect the area. text. Wind speeds may vary greatly within very short
Warm and cold fronts distances due to the different degrees of shelter and the
distance from the leeward shore. For example, gale force
1.135
1 Warm and cold fronts, as described in The Mariner’s winds at the NW entrance to the Sound of Mull (56°40′N,
6°12′W) may only give rise to light winds at Tobermory,
Handbook, are usually very active and are mainly
some 5 miles away.
responsible for much of the bad weather that affects the
area covered by this volume. Warm fronts usually approach Gales
the area from the SW to bring mild and wet conditions. 1.142
Cold fronts frequently move into the area from the NW 1 Diagram 1.142 gives the percentage frequency of winds
and may give rise to a sudden veer in the wind, together of force 7 and over in January and July.
with squally showers and improved visibility. Gale force winds, over the open ocean, can be expected
in all seasons with, in winter, 20 per cent of all
Winds observations recording winds of Force 8 or more in the W
of the area and 17 per cent in the E. In the spring the
Average distribution frequency is between 4 and 8 per cent and, in the autumn,
1.136 between 8 and 12 per cent with the higher frequencies in
1 The wind roses in Diagrams 1.136.1 to 1.136.4 show the the W of the area.
percentage frequency of winds from various directions and 2 The average duration of gales depends upon exposure,
their Beaufort force. and may last from between 5 to 7 hours in exposed places.
The Butt of Lewis, at the N end of the Outer Hebrides, has
Variability experienced continuous gale force winds for nearly
1.137 48 hours when gales were recorded on 8 successive days.
1 Winds are very variable in both direction and speed in The most frequent direction for gales is from between SW
all seasons due to the frequent mobile depressions that and W and although gales from between S and SE are not
affect the area. However, in the late winter and early uncommon they are usually short-lived.
spring, E to NE winds may persist for several days when a
high cell becomes established over NW Europe. Storms
1.143
Open ocean 1 Severe gales (force 10 or more) have a percentage
1.138 frequency, in winter, of about 6 per cent in the W of the
1 Over the open ocean to the W of the area, winds blow area but only around 2 to 3 per cent in more sheltered
most frequently from between W and S in all seasons, areas to the E.
although less so in the E of the area in spring. In winter,
winds of Force 5 and over are reported on about 70 per Cloud
1.144
cent of occasions in the W of the area and around 60 per
1 The average cloud cover, in winter, over the whole of
cent in the E. By July, the percentage frequency falls to
the area is between 6 and 7 oktas, whilst in late spring and
about 35 per cent in the W and around 30 per cent in
early summer the average cover is about 5 oktas in the SE
the E.
of the area and around 7 oktas in the NW. Clear days are
Coastal areas rare, but are more common with E winds in the E part of
1.139 the area. Completely overcast days number between 6 and
1 Due to the rugged, mountainous topography of the coast, 10 per month, however on any particular day the actual
and to the numerous islands, there are many local wind cloud amount can vary significantly from the mean, due to
effects, the more important of which are described in the the frequent E-moving mobile depressions that affect the
geographical chapters. area.
2 Increases in wind strength, due to funnelling, may occur
Precipitation
in steep-sided sounds and lochs where the wind blows 1.145
parallel to the channel. Examples of this are Castle Bay 1 The climatic tables (1.156) give the average amounts of
(56°57′N, 7°30′W) with W to NW winds blowing over precipitation for each month at several coastal stations and
Vatersay Sound; also in Kerrera Sound, leading to Oban the mean number of days in each month when significant
(56°25′N, 5°28′W), with SW winds. Elsewhere there is a precipitation is recorded.
tendency for SW winds to be deflected to the S by the
islands of Mull, Jura and Islay, and by Kintyre; to some Rain
extent this also occurs in the Minch. 1.146
1 At sea, rain can be expected on about 25 days a month
Land and sea breezes in winter and, in late spring and early summer, on about
1.140 20 days per month in the NW of the area and 15 days in
1 Well developed land and sea breezes are not very the S and E. The amount of precipitation, and the duration,
common, although they can occur on occasions near the can vary significantly from one day to the next.

27
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CHAPTER 1

20° 15° 10° 5° 0° 5°

<1 <1 <1 1

60° 60°

<1 <1 1 <1 <1

<1 2
<1

<1

50° 50°
1

<1 <1 1
EXPLANATION. The frequency of wind from any direction is
given according to the scale:-
0% 10 20 30 40 50%

This scale is further subdivided to indicate the frequency of

winds of different Beaufort force according to the legend:-

Wind direction is towards the circle centre. The figure within

the circle gives the percentage of calms.

20° 15° Longitude 10° West from Greenwich 0° 5°

Wind distribution JANUARY (1.136.1)

28
Home Contents Index

CHAPTER 1

20° 15° 10° 5° 0° 5°

2 1 2 3

60° 60°

1 1 3 3 3

3
1 2

50° 50°
3

1 1 2
EXPLANATION. The frequency of wind from any direction is
given according to the scale:-
0% 10 20 30 40 50%

This scale is further subdivided to indicate the frequency of

winds of different Beaufort force according to the legend:-

Wind direction is towards the circle centre. The figure within

the circle gives the percentage of calms.

20° 15° Longitude 10° West from Greenwich 0° 5°

Wind distribution APRIL (1.136.2)

29
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CHAPTER 1

20° 15° 10° 5° 0° 5°

4 3 4 4

60° 60°

2 2 4 5 4

5
2 2

50° 50°
6

2 3 3
EXPLANATION. The frequency of wind from any direction is
given according to the scale:-
0% 10 20 30 40 50%

This scale is further subdivided to indicate the frequency of

winds of different Beaufort force according to the legend:-

Wind direction is towards the circle centre. The figure within

the circle gives the percentage of calms.

20° 15° Longitude 10° West from Greenwich 0° 5°

Wind distribution JULY (1.136.3)

30
Home Contents Index

CHAPTER 1

20° 15° 10° 5° 0° 5°

2 1 1 1

60° 60°

<1 <1 1 2 1

2
<1 <1

50° 50°
2

1 1 2
EXPLANATION. The frequency of wind from any direction is
given according to the scale:-
0% 10 20 30 40 50%

This scale is further subdivided to indicate the frequency of

winds of different Beaufort force according to the legend:-

Wind direction is towards the circle centre. The figure within

the circle gives the percentage of calms.

20° 15° Longitude 10° West from Greenwich 0° 5°

Wind distribution OCTOBER (1.136.4)

31
Home Contents Index

20° 15° 10° 5° 0° 5° 20° 15° 10° 5° 0° 5°

>30%
<25%
30%
25%

>5%
30%
5%
60° 60° 60° 60°
>30%

>5%

30%
>35%

CHAPTER 1
25%
32

25%
20% 5%
20%
35% 25% 2%
<20%

50° 30% 50° 50° 2% 50°

20%

25%

2%
15%

20° 15° Longitude 10° West from Greenwich 0° 5° 20° 15° Longitude 10° West from Greenwich 0° 5°

JANUARY JULY
Percentage frequency of winds Beaufort force 7 or over (1.142)
 Home Contents Index

CHAPTER 1

2 At coastal stations, precipitation amounts will vary next due to the extremely unsettled conditions that can
according to the station’s exposure to the prevailing wind, affect the area.
the elevation and the proximity to high ground;
considerable variations from one year to the next often Open sea
occur. The driest months are from April to June and the 1.151
wettest from October to December, except in the SE of the 1 In the W of the area in January, the mean air
area where rainfall amounts are fairly uniform from temperature is about 7°C and in the E around 5°C. By July,
September to January. At most coastal stations the average the mean air temperature is around 12°C in the N and
annual precipitation is about 1000 mm but at the more 14°C in the S of the area. In general, the sea is warmer
exposed sites, such as Tiree (56°30′N, 6°53′W), Benbecula than the air throughout the year except in the E of the area
(57°27′N, 7°20′W) and Cape Wrath (58°38′N, 5°00′W), the in summer.
amount is around 1200 mm. However, at the head of some Coastal areas
of the mainland lochs, such as Loch Fyne (56°07′N, 1.152
5°14′W), Loch Etive (56°27′N, 5°15′W), Loch Nevis 1 Air temperatures along the W coast of Scotland are
(57°00′N, 5°40′W), Loch Hourn (57°06′N, 5°30′W) and much more variable than over the open ocean to the W and
Loch Torridon (57°33′N, 5°40′W), the average precipitation have a daily range of about 5°C, which increases to around
is between 1800 and 3000 mm. 9°C near Glasgow in summer. In mid-winter, frost occurs
Snow on about 10 days a month in Glasgow, 5 days a month at
1.147 Cape Wrath and on only 1 or 2 days a month at Castle Bay
1 Snow is most frequent between December and March, in the Outer Hebrides. In summer, the maximum
but is rarely recorded in coastal areas between June and temperature is about 20°C in the N and 25°C in the S of
September. Falls are usually light in coastal areas, and are the area but occasionally reaches 30°C in the SE part.
often associated with squally N winds. The average number
of days per year when snowfall is recorded in coastal areas Humidity
varies between about 18 days in the S to around 35 days in General information
the N. 1.153
1 Humidity is closely related to air temperature. It is
Fog and visibility generally at its highest around dawn, when the air
temperature usually falls to a minimum, and lowest in the
Open ocean afternoon, when the air temperature reaches a maximum.
1.148
1 The occurrence of fog over the open ocean is low but is Open ocean
most likely in summer with SW winds. In winter, the 1.154
percentage frequency of fog is less than 2 per cent and, in 1 Over the open ocean, the humidity is around 78 to 80
summer, around 3 to 5 per cent, except in the NE and per cent in winter and about 83 to 85 per cent in summer.
central parts of the area covered by this volume where it is The daily variation is small, as is the change from one
around 5 to 9 per cent. Details of Sea and Radiation fogs month to the next.
are given in The Mariner’s Handbook.
2 Visibility is generally good or very good throughout the Coastal areas
year. The percentage frequency of occasions, in winter, 1.155
when the visibility is in excess of 5 miles is between 85 1 Large variations in humidity can occur at coastal stations
and 88 per cent in the E of the area and around 79 to 84 depending on the exposure of the site to the prevailing
per cent elsewhere. In summer, the percentage frequency, wind, its distance from the sea and its elevation. The
over the whole of the area, is around 77 to 82 per cent. climatic tables (1.156) give the average humidity for each
month at a number of coastal stations.
Coastal areas 2 Maximum humidity generally occurs around dawn, in
1.149 winter and summer, with the lowest humidities frequently
1 The average number of days with fog for a number of being recorded on spring afternoons. Values below 50 per
coastal stations is given in the climatic tables (1.156). cent are rare but occasionally occur, in the lee of high
Glasgow (55°55′N, 4°28′W) experiences fog on about ground, with the arrival of dry air from the continent
31 days a year with the highest frequency in winter. Winter
fogs are generally most dense around dawn and on Climatic tables
occasions persist throughout the day. 1.156
2 Poor visibility (less than 2 miles) occurs, in the Glasgow 1 The climatic tables which follow give data for several
area, on around 6 to 12 days per month in winter and at coastal stations which regularly, or did so in the past,
Greenock, 12 to 15 miles W, on around 10 to 12 days per undertake weather observations. Some of the stations have
month. In the outer approaches to the Firth of Clyde, the been re-sited and so the positions given in the tables are
frequency of fog and poor visibility is much reduced and the latest available. Other stations only undertake limited
occurs mainly in winter with a light E to NE wind. weather observations and so a few of the weather elements
listed in the tables are estimates based on other climatic
Air temperature stations in the local area.
2 It is emphasised that the data are average conditions and
General information refer to the specific location of the observing station and
1.150 therefore may not be representative of the conditions to be
1 In general, the coldest months are January and February expected over the open sea or in approaches to ports in
and the warmest are June, July and August. The air their vicinity. The following comments briefly list some of
temperature can be extremely variable from one day to the the differences to be expected between conditions over the

33
 Home Contents Index

CHAPTER 1

open ocean and those at the nearest reporting station. generally considerably higher than at sea to
Further details are given in The Mariner’s Handbook. windward.
3 Wind speeds tend to be higher at sea with more 4 Air temperature over the open ocean is less variable
frequent gales than on land, although funnelling in than over the land.
narrow inlets can result in an increase in wind Topography, especially along rugged mountainous
strength. coasts, has a very marked effect on local
Precipitation along mountainous wind-facing coasts is conditions.

34
Home Contents Index

10° 9° 8° 7° 6° 5° 4°

60° 60°
LIMIT OF NP 66

NORTH RONA
59° OCEAN WEATHER SHIP "1" 1.159 59°
POSITION: 59° 00'N, 19° 00'W
1.166

BUTT OF LEWIS
1.161

STORNAWAY
1.165
58° 58°

BENBECULA
1.160

57° 57°

1.164
TIREE
OBAN
1.163

56° 1.157 56°

GREENOCK 1.158
GLASGOW
(ABBOTSINCH)

ORSAY
1.162
LIMIT OF NP 66

55° 55°

10° 9° 8° Longitude 7° West from Greenwich 5° 4°

Location of Climatic Stations

35
 Home Contents Index

1.157

WMO No 03138 GREENOCK (55° 58′ N, 04° 48′ W) Height above MSL − 5 m
Climatic Table compiled from 10 to 20 years observations, 1983 to 2003

Average Average Mean Number

Temperatures cloud Precipitation Wind distribution − Percentage of observations from wind of days
humidity cover speed with
Average pressure
at MSL

No. of days with

Month

1 mm or more
in each month

in each month
0900 1500

Mean highest

Mean lowest
daily min.
daily max.

Thunder
Average
Mean
Mean

Gale
0600

1500

0900

1500

0900

1500

Fog
fall

Calm

Calm
NW
SW

NW
SW
SE
NE

NE

SE
W

W
E

S
N

E
N

S
hPa °C °C °C °C % % Oktas mm Knots
January 1009 7 3 83 80 7 7 2 4 19 9 10 28 17 5 7 2 5 16 8 10 27 19 5 8 12 14 4 1 1
February 1008 7 3 81 75 7 7 2 6 13 4 9 31 22 7 7 3 5 12 2 9 32 22 10 6 13 14 4 1 |
March 1010 9 4 83 72 7 7 2 4 21 3 7 27 21 7 7 4 4 14 5 10 27 24 9 3 12 15 3 1 |

CHAPTER 1
April 1011 11 5 84 68 7 7 4 6 32 4 8 15 17 7 8 6 7 19 6 7 19 21 11 4 10 11 1 1 |
36

May 1017 15 8 83 61 7 6 2 6 33 5 3 15 16 6 14 3 6 25 3 7 20 18 11 7 9 11 | 1 |
June 1015 18 10 84 65 6 6 2 5 27 2 6 14 21 11 12 3 3 15 2 8 23 28 10 9 9 10 | 1 |
July 1014 19 12 86 68 7 7 1 4 27 3 4 19 24 8 10 2 5 14 1 6 25 31 10 6 9 11 | 1 1
August 1014 18 12 87 68 7 6 2 4 22 3 6 24 19 8 12 2 3 11 2 9 27 30 10 5 9 11 | 1 1
September 1013 15 10 86 71 6 7 2 4 28 4 6 19 20 7 12 1 3 17 4 4 26 24 9 10 9 11 1 1 1
October 1009 12 7 85 76 6 7 1 6 24 6 8 20 16 7 12 3 7 18 6 5 23 20 9 9 10 11 2 1 |
November 1011 9 4 83 78 6 6 3 6 21 9 6 22 18 8 7 4 5 23 7 6 19 20 7 8 10 11 1 1 |
December 1012 8 3 83 79 7 7 1 6 23 10 8 26 13 4 9 3 4 28 5 8 22 16 7 7 11 12 2 2 1
Means 1012 12 7 _* _§ 84 72 7 7 _ _ 2 5 24 5 7 22 18 7 10 3 5 18 4 7 24 23 9 7 10 12 _ _ _ _
Totals _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 18 13 5 _
Extreme values _ _ _ 31 † −7 ‡ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
No. of years ƒ††††††††…††††††††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††††††††††††††…†††††††††††††††„ ƒ†††††††††††††††…†††††††††††††††„ ƒ†††…†††„
observations 20 10 20 20 _ 20 20 20 10 10 10 _

* Mean of highest each year † Highest recorded temperature | Rare

§ Mean of lowest each year ‡ Lowest recorded temperature { All observations
 Home Contents Index

1.158

WMO No 03140 GLASGOW (ABBOTSINCH) (55° 52′ N, 04° 26′ W) Height above MSL − 5 m
Climatic Table compiled from 17 to 30 years observations, 1966 to 1999

Average Average Mean Number

Temperatures cloud Precipitation Wind distribution − Percentage of observations from wind of days
humidity cover speed with
Average pressure
at MSL

No. of days with

Month

1 mm or more
in each month

in each month
0900 1500

Mean highest

Mean lowest
daily min.
daily max.

Thunder
Average
Mean
Mean

Gale
0600

1500

0900

1500

0900

1500

Fog
fall

Calm

Calm
NW
SW

NW
SW
SE
NE

NE

SE
W

W
E

S
N

E
N

S
hPa °C °C °C °C % % Oktas mm Knots
January 1010 6 0 11 −7 87 81 6 6 121 17 2 7 17 3 12 28 19 5 7 3 6 18 5 12 28 20 6 4 10 12 2 5 1
February 1013 7 0 11 −7 85 74 6 6 80 12 3 7 16 3 10 26 23 4 8 4 9 15 5 10 27 22 6 2 10 12 1 2 |
March 1011 9 2 13 −5 87 70 6 7 96 15 3 7 14 5 9 30 23 6 3 4 6 10 5 11 28 25 10 1 10 13 | 1 1

CHAPTER 1
April 1012 12 3 17 −3 87 63 6 6 52 10 6 13 23 4 9 18 18 8 1 6 13 15 6 10 20 21 9 | 9 11 | 1 |
37

May 1016 15 6 21 −1 86 59 6 6 63 11 6 13 30 4 8 15 14 10 1 6 10 24 3 7 20 21 9 | 9 11 | 1 2
June 1015 18 9 25 3 86 62 6 6 58 10 5 14 19 4 6 18 23 9 1 4 9 15 2 6 23 30 11 | 8 10 | 1 1
July 1014 19 11 25 5 88 66 6 6 63 11 4 8 19 4 6 20 28 10 1 4 7 9 2 7 29 33 10 | 8 11 | | 1
August 1014 19 10 24 4 90 65 6 6 79 12 4 9 17 2 9 24 22 10 2 3 5 9 2 11 29 30 9 1 8 11 | 2 2
September 1013 16 8 20 1 90 70 6 6 105 14 5 11 17 2 7 19 27 9 3 4 11 11 3 7 26 28 10 1 8 11 | 3 1
October 1010 13 6 17 −2 89 75 6 6 117 16 3 8 16 4 11 25 20 3 9 3 9 12 5 13 23 27 7 1 8 11 | 3 |
November 1011 9 2 14 −6 88 79 6 6 114 15 4 12 16 4 12 23 15 3 10 5 12 16 5 10 22 20 6 4 8 9 | 3 |
December 1011 7 1 12 −7 88 84 6 6 111 16 1 10 16 4 10 28 19 3 11 3 12 15 3 7 30 19 4 8 9 10 | 5 1
Means 1013 13 5 27 * −10 § 88 72 6 6 _ _ 4 10 18 3 9 23 21 7 5 4 9 14 4 9 25 25 8 2 9 11 _ _ _ _
Totals _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 1059 159 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 4 27 10 _
Extreme values _ _ _ 31 † −20 ‡ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
No. of years ƒ††††††††…††††††††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††††††††††††††…†††††††††††††††„ ƒ†††††††††††††††…†††††††††††††††„ ƒ†††…†††„
observations 17 30 17 17 30 17 17 17 20 20 20 _

* Mean of highest each year † Highest recorded temperature | Rare

§ Mean of lowest each year ‡ Lowest recorded temperature { All observations
 Home Contents Index

1.159

WMO No 03011 NORTH RONA (59° 07′ N, 05° 49′ W) Height above MSL − 98 m
Climatic Table compiled from 7 years observations, 1990 to 1996

Average Average Mean Number

Temperatures cloud Precipitation Wind distribution − Percentage of observations from wind of days
humidity cover speed with
Average pressure
at MSL

No. of days with

Month

1 mm or more
in each month

in each month
0900 1500

Mean highest

Mean lowest
daily min.
daily max.

Thunder
Average
Mean
Mean

Gale
0600

1500

0900

1500

0900

1500

Fog
fall

Calm

Calm
NW
SW

NW
SW
SE
NE

NE

SE
W

W
E

S
N

E
N

S
hPa °C °C °C °C % % Oktas mm Knots
January 1003 7 3 80 81 6 3 3 15 18 31 17 7 0 7 2 6 16 12 34 17 5 0 31 31 21
February 1009 6 3 82 79 7 7 4 14 11 33 17 8 0 8 3 6 12 16 34 11 8 0 27 27 17
March 1007 7 3 82 81 9 4 4 13 14 30 14 10 0 8 5 3 12 13 30 18 11 0 25 26 18

CHAPTER 1
April 1009 8 5 84 83 13 9 6 17 13 24 6 11 0 8 8 10 16 11 25 12 11 0 24 24 13
38

May 1016 9 6 84 82 13 19 14 10 13 13 12 7 0 12 20 18 5 8 19 9 9 0 19 19 6
June 1015 12 8 86 86 9 8 7 9 11 29 14 12 0 12 7 7 7 7 31 18 10 | 19 19 4
July 1012 13 10 88 87 7 5 15 10 16 27 17 4 0 4 7 14 9 8 35 15 8 | 17 17 4
August 1012 13 10 89 89 10 3 5 8 17 29 13 14 0 7 6 4 7 15 35 15 13 0 17 17 4
September 1011 11 9 86 86 14 8 7 13 10 21 15 12 | 13 12 7 10 12 21 12 13 0 20 20 8
October 1007 10 7 83 82 13 7 8 16 11 20 15 10 0 13 7 4 16 16 21 12 12 0 24 24 15
November 1006 8 5 82 81 8 7 8 13 12 26 12 13 | 10 5 7 13 11 25 18 12 0 25 25 15
December 1007 7 3 78 78 6 5 8 11 10 38 12 9 0 6 5 8 9 11 40 12 10 0 28 27 18
Means 1008 9 6 _* _§ 84 83 _ _ _ _ 10 7 7 12 13 27 14 10 | 9 7 8 11 12 29 14 10 | 23 23 _ _ _ _
Totals _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 143 _ _ _
Extreme values _ _ _ 22 † _‡ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
No. of years ƒ††††††††…††††††††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††††††††††††††…†††††††††††††††„ ƒ†††††††††††††††…†††††††††††††††„ ƒ†††…†††„
observations 7 7 7 _ _ 7 7 7 7 _ _ _

* Mean of highest each year † Highest recorded temperature | Rare

§ Mean of lowest each year ‡ Lowest recorded temperature { All observations
 Home Contents Index

1.160

WMO No 03022 BENBECULA (57° 28′ N, 07° 22′ W) Height above MSL − 6 m
Climatic Table compiled from 20 to 35 years observations, 1961 to 1995

Average Average Mean Number

Temperatures cloud Precipitation Wind distribution − Percentage of observations from wind of days
humidity cover speed with
Average pressure
at MSL

No. of days with

Month

1 mm or more
in each month

in each month
0900 1500

Mean highest

Mean lowest
daily min.
daily max.

Thunder
Average
Mean
Mean

Gale
0600

1500

0900

1500

0900

1500

Fog
fall

Calm

Calm
NW
SW

NW
SW
SE
NE

NE

SE
W

W
E

S
N

E
N

S
hPa °C °C °C °C % % Oktas mm Knots
January 1006 7 2 10 −3 85 83 6 6 142 21 9 4 6 11 22 17 19 7 4 10 5 6 11 20 18 22 7 2 16 17 6 1 1
February 1010 7 2 10 −4 85 80 6 6 93 15 5 7 10 16 26 16 13 6 3 7 5 10 12 24 18 15 8 1 15 16 5 1 1
March 1007 8 3 11 −2 86 79 6 6 110 18 8 8 6 11 22 18 19 8 1 7 7 4 11 16 24 21 10 | 16 17 4 1 |

CHAPTER 1
April 1012 10 4 14 −1 88 75 6 6 68 13 10 14 11 11 15 15 14 9 1 10 11 10 7 12 21 15 15 | 14 14 1 2 |
39

May 1015 13 7 19 1 86 70 5 5 60 12 8 16 11 16 16 13 8 11 1 8 13 10 9 13 21 10 17 | 13 14 1 2 |
June 1015 15 9 20 5 87 76 6 6 68 12 12 12 10 8 14 18 13 12 | 10 9 6 6 9 23 15 21 | 12 13 | 2 |
July 1014 16 11 20 7 90 79 7 6 84 14 9 6 7 10 16 18 20 13 1 6 4 4 8 12 27 22 16 | 12 13 | 3 1
August 1013 16 11 20 6 90 78 6 6 95 15 9 8 5 9 16 21 17 12 2 8 6 3 5 13 30 20 15 | 12 13 1 2 |
September 1011 14 9 18 4 88 79 6 6 121 18 10 9 7 10 16 18 20 9 2 10 7 4 8 15 22 21 13 | 14 15 2 1 |
October 1008 12 7 15 2 87 80 6 6 141 20 10 8 4 12 21 17 16 8 2 7 8 5 9 21 20 18 11 1 14 15 3 1 |
November 1008 9 4 12 −2 85 82 6 6 140 20 9 7 5 11 22 18 15 11 2 9 7 5 10 22 17 17 11 2 14 15 5 | |
December 1007 8 3 11 −3 85 84 6 6 136 22 6 6 9 12 24 15 17 8 3 6 5 8 13 21 17 18 9 3 14 15 6 1 1
Means 1011 11 6 23 * −5 § 87 79 6 6 _ _ 9 9 7 11 19 17 16 10 2 8 7 6 9 17 21 18 13 1 14 15 _ _ _ _
Totals _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 1258 200 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 34 17 4 _
Extreme values _ _ _ 27 † −11 ‡ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
No. of years ƒ††††††††…††††††††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††††††††††††††…†††††††††††††††„ ƒ†††††††††††††††…†††††††††††††††„ ƒ†††…†††„
observations 20 35 20 20 35 20 20 20 20 20 20 _

* Mean of highest each year † Highest recorded temperature | Rare

§ Mean of lowest each year ‡ Lowest recorded temperature { All observations
 Home Contents Index

1.161

WMO No 03025 BUTT OF LEWIS (58° 31′ N, 06° 16′ W) Height above MSL − 15 m
Climatic Table compiled from 8 to 16 years observations, 1983 to 1998

Average Average Mean Number

Temperatures cloud Precipitation Wind distribution − Percentage of observations from wind of days
humidity cover speed with
Average pressure
at MSL

No. of days with

Month

1 mm or more
in each month

in each month
0900 1500

Mean highest

Mean lowest
daily min.
daily max.

Thunder
Average
Mean
Mean

Gale
0600

1500

0900

1500

0900

1500

Fog
fall

Calm

Calm
NW
SW

NW
SW
SE
NE

NE

SE
W

W
E

S
N

E
N

S
hPa °C °C °C °C % % Oktas mm Knots
January 1001 6 3 85 83 7 7 4 4 4 11 32 23 16 5 2 4 4 5 9 30 25 17 5 1 20 20 16 1 2
February 1001 6 2 85 81 6 6 7 3 8 6 27 23 21 6 0 6 3 7 7 22 25 21 8 1 20 20 12 1 1
March 1002 6 2 86 83 6 6 7 3 7 8 22 27 19 6 2 8 2 5 10 13 28 25 8 2 19 20 12 1 1

CHAPTER 1
April 1008 8 4 86 81 7 6 9 8 14 11 19 18 13 5 2 9 12 15 6 10 19 18 8 2 17 17 5 1 |
40

May 1012 11 6 85 80 6 6 7 12 22 10 11 13 17 7 2 7 20 19 5 7 14 17 9 2 15 16 3 2 |
June 1012 12 9 86 81 6 6 12 11 15 8 10 16 18 8 2 15 13 12 7 6 12 23 9 2 15 15 | 2 |
July 1010 16 11 90 84 7 6 6 6 12 12 14 21 19 6 4 7 11 12 5 10 19 27 8 2 14 15 | 4 |
August 1009 14 11 88 82 7 6 10 4 7 5 21 23 21 7 4 10 5 6 3 14 21 27 11 3 15 15 1 1 |
September 1006 13 9 86 80 6 6 8 5 7 10 17 21 20 9 3 8 8 6 6 16 22 21 10 2 17 17 4 1 |
October 1004 11 8 85 81 6 6 12 7 6 17 19 14 13 9 3 13 6 9 12 19 14 17 10 1 17 17 6 | |
November 1004 11 8 84 82 6 7 7 6 7 12 27 17 14 9 | 8 4 7 11 23 17 18 10 1 18 18 8 | |
December 1004 8 4 85 83 6 6 5 5 8 8 31 19 17 6 3 5 3 8 7 28 24 17 8 1 18 19 11 | 1
Means 1006 10 5 _* _§ 86 82 6 6 _ _ 8 6 10 10 21 19 17 7 2 2 8 7 9 7 17 20 21 9 17 17 _ _ _ _
Totals _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 78 14 5 _
Extreme values _ _ _ 23 † −6 ‡ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
No. of years ƒ††††††††…††††††††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††††††††††††††…†††††††††††††††„ ƒ†††††††††††††††…†††††††††††††††„ ƒ†††…†††„
observations 16 8 16 16 _ 16 16 16 8 8 8 _

* Mean of highest each year † Highest recorded temperature | Rare

§ Mean of lowest each year ‡ Lowest recorded temperature { All observations
 Home Contents Index

1.162

WMO No 03102 ORSAY (55° 40′ N, 06° 31′ W) Height above MSL − 23 m
Climatic Table compiled from 12 to 20 years observations, 1983 to 2003

Average Average Mean Number

Temperatures cloud Precipitation Wind distribution − Percentage of observations from wind of days
humidity cover speed with
Average pressure
at MSL

No. of days with

Month

1 mm or more
in each month

in each month
0900 1500

Mean highest

Mean lowest
daily min.
daily max.

Thunder
Average
Mean
Mean

Gale
0600

1500

0900

1500

0900

1500

Fog
fall

Calm

Calm
NW
SW

NW
SW
SE
NE

NE

SE
W

W
E

S
N

E
N

S
hPa °C °C °C °C % % Oktas mm Knots
January 1007 8 3 11 −2 87 85 7 7 136 20 6 5 7 16 25 20 15 4 3 7 6 7 12 31 18 16 4 1 20 20 10 1 1
February 1007 7 3 10 −1 87 83 7 7 97 15 7 6 9 10 21 21 15 9 2 7 3 10 11 20 22 18 8 1 20 20 9 1 1
March 1009 8 4 11 −1 89 86 7 7 126 21 7 4 8 11 23 18 19 8 2 5 2 7 14 21 22 19 10 1 19 19 6 1 |

CHAPTER 1
April 1012 10 5 14 0 90 83 6 6 83 14 14 7 9 15 17 12 12 9 5 15 4 6 19 14 12 15 13 1 15 15 2 3 |
41

May 1013 12 7 17 3 89 82 6 6 52 10 11 6 15 20 14 12 11 11 2 11 3 10 20 9 10 15 19 4 16 14 1 3 1
June 1014 14 9 20 6 90 83 6 6 74 12 13 3 9 16 15 9 13 19 4 14 1 5 20 8 11 18 21 3 13 12 0 4 |
July 1013 16 11 20 9 92 86 7 6 91 16 6 2 9 23 12 16 15 12 5 3 1 5 25 9 13 23 16 5 13 12 | 6 1
August 1014 16 12 19 8 91 84 7 6 121 17 11 1 7 15 16 16 17 11 6 9 0 5 20 12 15 20 16 3 14 13 1 3 |
September 1012 14 10 17 6 88 82 6 6 94 14 13 5 7 9 18 14 19 11 4 14 2 3 14 12 16 21 15 4 16 16 2 1 |
October 1008 12 9 16 4 87 83 7 6 129 16 10 4 11 11 21 17 16 7 2 11 4 7 13 21 15 15 11 2 18 18 4 | |
November 1007 10 6 13 1 86 83 6 6 112 17 7 8 11 11 24 13 17 7 1 9 4 8 15 21 16 16 9 2 19 19 6 | |
December 1008 9 5 12 −1 87 85 7 6 118 17 7 8 12 6 27 16 14 7 2 6 5 13 8 24 19 17 7 2 19 19 8 | 1
Means 1010 11 7 21 * −3 § 89 84 7 6 _ _ 9 5 10 14 20 15 15 9 3 9 3 7 16 17 16 18 12 2 17 16 _ _ _ _
Totals _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 1233 189 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 49 23 5 _
Extreme values _ _ _ 25 † −8 ‡ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
No. of years ƒ††††††††…††††††††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††††††††††††††…†††††††††††††††„ ƒ†††††††††††††††…†††††††††††††††„ ƒ†††…†††„
observations 20 12 20 20 12 20 20 20 12 12 12 _

* Mean of highest each year † Highest recorded temperature | Rare

§ Mean of lowest each year ‡ Lowest recorded temperature { All observations
 Home Contents Index

1.163

WMO No 03114 OBAN (56° 25′ N, 05° 28′ W) Height above MSL − 5 m
Climatic Table compiled from 11 to 20 years observations, 1983 to 2003

Average Average Mean Number

Temperatures cloud Precipitation Wind distribution − Percentage of observations from wind of days
humidity cover speed with
Average pressure
at MSL

No. of days with

Month

1 mm or more
in each month

in each month
0900 1500

Mean highest

Mean lowest
daily min.
daily max.

Thunder
Average
Mean
Mean

Gale
0600

1500

0900

1500

0900

1500

Fog
fall

Calm

Calm
NW
SW

NW
SW
SE
NE

NE

SE
W

W
E

S
N

E
N

S
hPa °C °C °C °C % % Oktas mm Knots
January 1008 7 3 82 78 6 7 6 1 1 10 27 12 10 8 25 9 2 1 6 28 11 15 9 20 7 8 2 1 1
February 1011 7 2 82 74 6 7 8 2 2 8 23 16 12 11 20 11 2 1 6 22 17 12 12 16 8 8 1 | 1
March 1007 9 3 83 73 6 7 9 1 | 5 23 16 11 12 23 13 2 1 5 20 15 18 15 12 7 9 1 | |

CHAPTER 1
April 1009 11 4 82 66 6 6 12 4 1 7 19 10 9 10 27 16 4 1 5 17 15 10 18 14 6 8 | 1 |
42

May 1013 15 7 81 61 6 6 16 4 1 6 15 10 7 13 29 17 2 | 4 18 8 16 19 14 6 8 | 1 |
June 1012 17 9 82 67 6 6 17 2 1 3 13 9 11 17 27 17 1 | 3 13 11 19 19 17 5 7 0 1 |
July 1012 18 12 86 70 7 6 9 1 | 5 15 13 11 14 31 10 2 0 3 17 15 20 15 18 5 6 0 1 1
August 1010 17 11 88 72 6 6 8 | 0 3 17 15 8 13 36 7 | | 2 15 13 19 18 23 5 6 0 | |
September 1012 15 9 86 71 6 6 8 1 | 3 20 8 10 13 37 13 1 1 3 18 15 15 15 20 5 7 | | |
October 1008 12 7 84 74 6 6 9 1 | 6 28 10 8 9 29 13 2 | 7 21 15 10 12 19 6 7 1 | |
November 1008 9 4 82 76 6 6 8 2 2 5 27 11 9 6 29 14 2 1 6 24 12 10 9 23 6 7 1 | 1
December 1009 8 3 83 78 6 6 7 1 1 4 23 15 8 9 31 9 1 1 6 25 14 8 10 27 6 7 1 | 1
Means 1010 12 6 _* _§ 83 72 6 6 _ _ 10 2 1 5 21 12 9 11 29 12 2 1 5 20 13 14 14 19 6 7 _ _ _ _
Totals _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 7 6 5 _
Extreme values _ _ _ 29 † −10 ‡ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
No. of years ƒ††††††††…††††††††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††††††††††††††…†††††††††††††††„ ƒ†††††††††††††††…†††††††††††††††„ ƒ†††…†††„
observations 20 11 20 20 _ 20 20 20 11 11 11 _

* Mean of highest each year † Highest recorded temperature | Rare

§ Mean of lowest each year ‡ Lowest recorded temperature { All observations
 Home Contents Index

1.164

WMO No 03100 TIREE (56° 30′ N, 06° 53′ W) Height above MSL − 9 m
Climatic Table compiled from 20 to 35 years observations, 1961 to 2003

Average Average Mean Number

Temperatures cloud Precipitation Wind distribution − Percentage of observations from wind of days
humidity cover speed with
Average pressure
at MSL

No. of days with

Month

1 mm or more
in each month

in each month
0900 1500

Mean highest

Mean lowest
daily min.
daily max.

Thunder
Average
Mean
Mean

Gale
0600

1500

0900

1500

0900

1500

Fog
fall

Calm

Calm
NW
SW

NW
SW
SE
NE

NE

SE
W

W
E

S
N

E
N

S
hPa °C °C °C °C % % Oktas mm Knots
January 1008 7 3 10 −2 82 80 6 6 125 19 9 7 7 12 23 16 21 7 2 6 6 8 9 25 15 23 7 1 18 18 6 1 1
February 1011 7 3 10 −2 81 77 6 6 80 14 8 6 7 13 18 16 21 10 1 9 5 7 10 19 16 24 11 | 17 18 4 1 |
March 1010 8 4 11 −1 85 78 6 6 85 15 9 5 5 12 20 17 22 10 1 11 5 3 11 19 19 23 10 | 16 17 3 1 |

CHAPTER 1
April 1011 10 5 14 0 86 75 6 6 65 12 16 10 9 15 19 10 12 8 1 22 6 4 14 19 12 13 11 | 14 15 1 2 |
43

May 1015 13 7 18 2 86 74 6 5 56 11 18 7 11 18 17 9 10 9 | 27 4 4 13 16 9 12 15 | 13 13 | 2 |
June 1015 15 9 20 5 87 77 6 6 66 11 20 6 6 12 19 12 13 12 1 24 2 2 9 16 13 17 16 | 12 13 | 2 |
July 1014 16 11 20 7 91 80 6 6 85 14 16 3 4 14 19 12 19 13 1 17 1 2 10 21 13 22 14 | 11 12 | 4 1
August 1013 16 11 20 7 91 79 6 6 91 14 14 4 6 11 21 14 17 12 1 16 2 2 11 19 16 20 15 | 11 12 | 2 |
September 1012 14 10 18 5 87 78 6 6 122 17 15 6 8 12 18 11 21 10 1 18 5 3 10 18 14 19 13 1 13 14 1 1 1
October 1008 12 8 15 3 85 79 6 6 134 18 9 6 4 13 20 18 19 9 1 10 5 4 12 22 14 24 9 | 15 16 2 | 1
November 1009 10 6 13 0 82 79 6 6 124 18 12 7 5 16 18 12 20 8 2 11 7 5 15 19 13 20 10 1 16 16 3 | 1
December 1009 8 4 11 −1 82 80 6 6 125 20 8 7 10 12 22 15 17 8 2 8 8 7 13 19 16 17 10 2 16 16 5 | 1
Means 1011 11 7 22 * −4 § 85 78 6 6 _ _ 13 6 7 13 20 13 17 10 1 15 5 4 12 19 14 19 12 | 14 15 _ _ _ _
Totals _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 1158 183 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 25 16 6 _
Extreme values _ _ _ 26 † −7 ‡ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
No. of years ƒ††††††††…††††††††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††††††††††††††…†††††††††††††††„ ƒ†††††††††††††††…†††††††††††††††„ ƒ†††…†††„
observations 20 20 20 20 35 20 20 20 20 20 20 _

* Mean of highest each year † Highest recorded temperature | Rare

§ Mean of lowest each year ‡ Lowest recorded temperature { All observations
 Home Contents Index

1.165

WMO No 03026 STORNOWAY (58° 13′ N, 06° 19′ W) Height above MSL − 13 m
Climatic Table compiled from 20 to 35 years observations, 1961 to 2003

Average Average Mean Number

Temperatures cloud Precipitation Wind distribution − Percentage of observations from wind of days
humidity cover speed with
Average pressure
at MSL

No. of days with

Month

1 mm or more
in each month

in each month
0900 1500

Mean highest

Mean lowest
daily min.
daily max.

Thunder
Average
Mean
Mean

Gale
0600

1500

0900

1500

0900

1500

Fog
fall

Calm

Calm
NW
SW

NW
SW
SE
NE

NE

SE
W

W
E

S
N

E
N

S
hPa °C °C °C °C % % Oktas mm Knots
January 1006 6 2 11 −4 84 81 6 6 134 21 5 2 8 6 28 23 18 7 3 5 2 9 7 27 25 17 7 1 14 15 5 | |
February 1008 7 2 10 −4 84 77 6 6 96 16 7 2 7 5 26 25 18 8 2 6 5 8 7 25 23 18 9 1 14 15 2 | |
March 1008 8 3 12 −3 86 77 6 6 93 17 8 5 8 7 25 23 16 7 2 7 7 7 6 27 17 19 10 | 14 16 2 | |

CHAPTER 1
April 1011 9 4 14 −2 87 74 6 6 72 15 13 12 12 9 25 10 12 6 1 10 22 8 8 23 9 13 7 | 12 13 1 | |
44

May 1015 12 6 18 0 87 73 6 6 61 13 9 21 12 10 21 9 11 7 | 6 33 7 9 18 7 12 7 0 11 13 | | |
June 1014 14 8 20 3 87 76 6 6 64 13 12 15 9 10 24 9 12 8 | 8 26 7 7 20 9 14 9 0 11 12 | | |
July 1013 16 10 20 5 91 78 7 7 75 14 9 11 8 8 27 13 15 9 1 7 18 3 7 25 14 18 9 0 10 12 | | |
August 1012 16 10 20 5 91 76 7 6 92 16 9 10 5 7 32 14 13 9 2 7 14 6 7 29 13 14 9 0 10 11 | | |
September 1011 14 9 18 3 89 78 6 6 107 17 11 5 10 8 22 16 17 9 2 10 13 7 6 23 13 18 9 0 11 12 1 | |
October 1007 11 7 15 0 87 79 6 6 132 20 8 4 8 9 23 22 16 9 2 6 6 8 7 24 20 19 9 | 12 13 2 | |
November 1007 9 4 12 −2 85 81 6 6 133 20 10 3 8 9 25 21 14 7 3 10 4 7 10 22 23 14 8 1 12 13 3 | |
December 1008 7 3 11 −5 85 82 6 6 137 21 7 3 10 6 25 22 16 8 3 7 2 11 7 24 24 14 9 2 12 13 4 | |
Means 1010 11 6 22 * −6 § 89 78 6 6 _ _ 9 8 8 8 25 17 15 8 2 7 13 7 7 24 16 16 9 1 12 13 _ _ _ _
Totals _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 1196 203 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 20 | | _
Extreme values _ _ _ 26 † −14 ‡ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
No. of years ƒ††††††††…††††††††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††††††††††††††…†††††††††††††††„ ƒ†††††††††††††††…†††††††††††††††„ ƒ†††…†††„
observations 20 20 35 20 20 35 20 20 20 20 20 20 _

* Mean of highest each year † Highest recorded temperature | Rare

§ Mean of lowest each year ‡ Lowest recorded temperature { All observations
 Home Contents Index

1.166

WMO No OCEAN WEATHER SHIP ‘‘I’’ (59° 00′ N, 19° 00′ W) Height above MSL − 0 m
Climatic Table compiled from 10 years observations, 1950 to 1960

Average Average Mean Number

Temperatures cloud Precipitation Wind distribution − Percentage of observations from wind of days
humidity cover speed with
Average pressure
at MSL

No. of days with

Month

1 mm or more
in each month

in each month
0900 1500

Mean highest

Mean lowest
daily min.
daily max.

Thunder
Average
Mean
Mean

Gale
0600

1500

0900

1500

0900

1500

Fog
fall

Calm

Calm
NW
SW

NW
SW
SE
NE

NE

SE
W

W
E

S
N

E
N

S
hPa °C °C °C °C % % Oktas mm Knots
January 1002 7 5 11 0 79 79 6 27 11 7 10 9 14 18 21 9 1 8 7 14 10 17 19 18 6 1 25 25 13 1
February 1007 8 5 10 1 80 79 6 21 13 13 15 12 12 15 10 10 0 17 12 11 12 16 12 10 7 3 24 23 8 |
March 1005 8 6 10 2 80 79 6 24 9 8 16 23 15 10 11 5 3 10 10 19 19 17 9 9 5 2 24 25 11 1

CHAPTER 1
April 1011 8 6 11 3 79 78 6 24 6 5 8 7 15 18 29 8 4 6 5 8 8 19 22 23 9 0 22 23 8 1
45

May 1014 10 8 12 4 83 82 6 24 11 12 13 12 20 10 11 9 2 9 10 14 11 20 12 14 10 0 18 18 4 2
June 1012 11 10 13 7 85 83 7 24 9 10 18 11 17 12 13 5 5 10 10 18 16 18 11 10 6 1 16 17 2 4
July 1011 13 11 15 10 85 84 7 27 12 12 8 7 12 16 20 12 1 13 10 10 8 12 13 18 13 3 15 15 1 3
August 1009 13 12 15 10 82 82 6 24 14 11 13 9 9 10 17 12 5 13 11 13 10 9 9 17 17 1 15 15 1 1
September 1007 12 11 14 8 82 82 6 23 6 6 12 12 21 17 16 7 3 6 8 16 11 20 15 14 9 1 19 19 6 2
October 1003 11 9 13 5 80 80 6 26 5 5 7 9 21 15 26 10 2 7 6 7 8 21 21 21 8 1 24 24 11 1
November 1004 9 7 12 3 81 81 6 26 6 7 10 11 21 15 20 9 1 5 5 12 10 19 19 20 9 1 24 24 11 |
December 1000 8 6 11 3 81 80 6 26 9 7 9 7 16 14 24 13 1 10 8 7 8 17 16 20 13 1 25 25 15 |
Means 1007 10 8 15 * −1 § 81 81 6 _ _ _ 9 9 12 11 16 14 18 9 2 10 9 12 11 17 15 16 9 1 21 21 _ _
Totals _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 296 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 91 17
Extreme values _ _ _ 18 † −2 ‡ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
No. of years ƒ††††††††…††††††††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††…†††„ ƒ†††††††††††††††…†††††††††††††††„ ƒ†††††††††††††††…†††††††††††††††„ ƒ†††…†††„
observations 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

* Mean of highest each year † Highest recorded temperature | Rare

§ Mean of lowest each year ‡ Lowest recorded temperature { All observations
Home Contents Index

CHAPTER 1

1.167
METEOROLOGICAL CONVERSION TABLE AND SCALES
Fahrenheit to Celsius
°Fahrenheit

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

°F Degrees Celsius
−100 −73⋅3 −73⋅9 −74⋅4 −75⋅0 −75⋅6 −76⋅1 −76⋅7 −77⋅2 −77⋅8 −78⋅3
−90 −67⋅8 −68⋅3 −68⋅9 −69⋅4 −70⋅0 −70⋅6 −71⋅1 −71⋅7 −72⋅2 −72⋅8
−80 −62⋅2 −62⋅8 −63⋅3 −63⋅9 −64⋅4 −65⋅0 −65⋅6 −66⋅1 −66⋅7 −67⋅2
−70 −56⋅7 −57⋅2 −57⋅8 −58⋅3 −58⋅9 −59⋅4 −60⋅0 −60⋅6 −61⋅1 −61⋅7
−60 −51⋅1 −51⋅7 −52⋅2 −52⋅8 −53⋅3 −53⋅9 −54⋅4 −55⋅0 −55⋅6 −56⋅1
−50 −45⋅6 −46⋅1 −46⋅7 −47⋅2 −47⋅8 −48⋅3 −48⋅9 −49⋅4 −50⋅0 −50⋅6
−40 −40⋅0 −40⋅6 −41⋅1 −41⋅7 −42⋅2 −42⋅8 −43⋅3 −43⋅9 −44⋅4 −45⋅0
−30 −34⋅4 −35⋅0 −35⋅6 −36⋅1 −36⋅7 −37⋅2 −37⋅8 −38⋅3 −38⋅9 −39⋅4
−20 −28⋅9 −29⋅4 −30⋅0 −30⋅6 −31⋅1 −31⋅7 −32⋅2 −32⋅8 −33⋅3 −33⋅9
−10 −23⋅3 −23⋅9 −24⋅4 −25⋅0 −25⋅6 −26⋅1 −26⋅7 −27⋅2 −27⋅8 −28⋅3
−0 −17⋅8 −18⋅3 −18⋅9 −19⋅4 −20⋅0 −20⋅6 −21⋅1 −21⋅7 −22⋅2 −22⋅8
+0 −17⋅8 −17⋅2 −16⋅7 −16⋅1 −15⋅6 −15⋅0 −14⋅4 −13⋅9 −13⋅3 −12⋅8
10 −12⋅2 −11⋅7 −11⋅1 −10⋅6 −10⋅0 −9⋅4 −8⋅9 −8⋅3 −7⋅8 −7⋅2
20 −6⋅7 −6⋅1 −5⋅6 −5⋅0 −4⋅4 −3⋅9 −3⋅3 −2⋅8 −2⋅2 −1⋅7
30 −1⋅1 −0⋅6 0 +0⋅6 +1⋅1 +1⋅7 +2⋅2 +2⋅8 +3⋅3 +3⋅9
40 +4⋅4 +5⋅0 +5⋅6 6⋅1 6⋅7 7⋅2 7⋅8 8⋅3 8⋅9 9⋅4
50 10⋅0 10⋅6 11⋅1 11⋅7 12⋅2 12⋅8 13⋅3 13⋅9 14⋅4 15⋅0
60 15⋅6 16⋅1 16⋅7 17⋅2 17⋅8 18⋅3 18⋅9 19⋅4 20⋅0 20⋅6
70 21⋅1 21⋅7 22⋅2 22⋅8 23⋅3 23⋅9 24⋅4 25⋅0 25⋅6 26⋅1
80 26⋅7 27⋅2 27⋅8 28⋅3 28⋅9 29⋅4 30⋅0 30⋅6 31⋅1 31⋅7
90 32⋅2 32⋅8 33⋅3 33⋅9 34⋅4 35⋅0 35⋅6 36⋅1 36⋅7 37⋅2
100 37⋅8 38⋅3 38⋅9 39⋅4 40⋅0 40⋅6 41⋅1 41⋅7 42⋅2 42⋅8
110 43⋅3 43⋅9 44⋅4 45⋅0 45⋅6 46⋅1 46⋅7 47⋅2 47⋅8 48⋅3
120 48⋅9 49⋅4 50⋅0 50⋅6 51⋅1 51⋅7 52⋅2 52⋅8 53⋅3 53⋅9

Celsius to Fahrenheit
°Celsius

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

°C Degrees Fahrenheit
−70 −94⋅0 −95⋅8 −97⋅6 −99⋅4 −101⋅2 −103⋅0 −104⋅8 −106⋅6 −108⋅4 −110⋅2
−60 −76⋅0 −77⋅8 −79⋅6 −81⋅4 −83⋅2 −85⋅0 −86⋅8 −88⋅6 −90⋅4 −92⋅2
−50 −58⋅0 −59⋅8 −61⋅6 −63⋅4 −65⋅2 −67⋅0 −68⋅8 −70⋅6 −72⋅4 −74⋅2
−40 −40⋅0 −41⋅8 −43⋅6 −45⋅4 −47⋅2 −49⋅0 −50⋅8 −52⋅6 −54⋅4 −56⋅2
−30 −22⋅0 −23⋅8 −25⋅6 −27⋅4 −29⋅2 −31⋅0 −32⋅8 −34⋅6 −36⋅4 −38⋅2
−20 −4⋅0 −5⋅8 −7⋅6 −9⋅4 −11⋅2 −13⋅0 −14⋅8 −16⋅6 18⋅4 −20⋅2
−10 +14⋅0 +12⋅2 +10⋅4 +8⋅6 +6⋅8 +5⋅0 +3⋅2 +1⋅4 −0⋅4 −2⋅2
−0 32⋅0 30⋅2 28⋅4 26⋅6 24⋅8 23⋅0 21⋅2 19⋅4 +17⋅6 +15⋅8
+0 32⋅0 33⋅8 35⋅6 37⋅4 39⋅2 41⋅0 42⋅8 44⋅6 46⋅4 48⋅2
10 50⋅0 51⋅8 53⋅6 55⋅4 57⋅2 59⋅0 60⋅8 62⋅6 64⋅4 66⋅2
20 68⋅0 69⋅8 71⋅6 73⋅4 75⋅2 77⋅0 78⋅8 80⋅6 82⋅4 84⋅2
30 86⋅0 87⋅8 89⋅6 91⋅4 93⋅2 95⋅0 96⋅8 98⋅6 100⋅4 102⋅2
40 104⋅0 105⋅8 107⋅6 109⋅4 111⋅2 113⋅0 114⋅8 116⋅6 118⋅4 120⋅2
50 122⋅0 123⋅8 125⋅6 127⋅4 129⋅2 131⋅0 132⋅8 134⋅6 136⋅4 138⋅2

HECTOPASCALS TO INCHES
HECTOPASCALS
950 960 970 980 990 1000 1010 1020 1030 1040 1050

28 29 INCHES 30 31

MILLIMETRES TO INCHES (1) (for small values)

millimetres
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

0⋅5 1⋅5 2⋅5 3⋅5

0 1 2 3 4
inches

(2) (for large values)

millimetres
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000

20 30 40 60 70 80 90 110 120
0 5 10 50 100
inches

46
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CHAPTER 2

WESTERN APPROACHES TO SCOTLAND

GENERAL INFORMATION
Chart 4102 Charts 1127, 1128
Synopsis Rockall Bank
2.1 2.5
1 This is an offshore chapter which covers that part of the 1 Rockall Bank (57°00′N, 14°00′W), which extends
Atlantic Ocean in the W approaches to Scotland which 25 miles N and 100 miles SSW from Rockall (2.11), has
extends E from the meridian of 20°W to that of 9°W, and depths of 65 to 220 m over it, in addition to the dangers in
from 55°30′N to the parallel of 60°N. The only visible the vicinity of the island. The SW extremity of Rockall
feature in the area is Rockall (57°36′N, 13°41′W) (2.11). Bank is known as Empress of Britain Bank, even though it
is separated by a channel with depths of more than 200 m.
Between this bank and the island of Rockall a number of
Routes other banks, with depths of less than 200 m over them, lie
2.2 along the W side of Rockall Bank; one of these, Bryony
1 Ocean routes across the Atlantic generally lead E/W Bank, lies 42 miles SW of Rockall. Depths in the vicinity
through the area, as given in Ocean Passages for the of the island are given at 2.11.
World. On the S side of the area these route comprise those
between ports on the E coast of North America and a point Exercise areas
in North Channel (55°30′N, 6°30′W), between Northern 2.6
Ireland and the W coast of Scotland. On the N side of the 1 Submarines exercise frequently, both on the surface and
area these routes comprise those between the E coast of dived, in a large part of the area covered by this chapter to
North America and Cape Wrath (58°37′N, 5°00′W), the the E of 12°W and to the S of 57°31′N, as shown on the
NW extremity of the Scottish mainland. Areas of charts. A good lookout is to be kept for them when passing
convergence between these ocean routes and the through these waters.
offshore/through routes W of the Outer Hebrides and the
Fishing
Scottish Mainland, are given at 5.6 and at 6.13.
2.7
1 Large trawlers trawl for white fish off Rockall
throughout the year, with the greatest effort taking place
International boundary
between April and October.
2.3
Other fishing vessels, engaged in long line fishing
1 The international boundary between the United Kingdom
(1.14), may be encountered in the vicinity of Rockall from
and the Republic of Ireland, from a position 56°49′N,
February to November, the period of greatest activity being
15°10′W, is drawn in a series of E/S steps to position
from March to June.
56°10′N, 9°00′W, as shown on chart 1127. Continuation E
2 Darwin Mounds (centred on 59°46′N, 7°13′W). Fishing
of 9°W is given at 5.3.
or trawling activity that is likely to cause environmental
damage to the seabed is prohibited within this area.
Depths Rescue
2.4 2.8
1 The vast majority of the area covered by this chapter 1 A general description and the position of all lifeboats in
lies in deep water, off the continental shelf. However the Hebrides and on the W coast of Scotland is given at
depths vary greatly within the area as described below. 1.71.
2 Rockall Plateau. The W part of the area is occupied, in Details of the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination
the main, by Rockall Plateau (56°N, 19°W) which, with a Organisation is given at 1.61.
width of 230 miles, extends 400 miles SW from George Direction finding service. A VHF direction finding
Bligh Bank (59°N, 14°W) which is centred 80 miles N of service for emergency use only is established off the W
Rockall. Hatton Bank (58°15′N, 18°30′W), 160 miles coast of Scotland; for details see Admiralty List of Radio
WNW of Rockall, lies along the NW side of Rockall Signals Volume 2.
Plateau, and Rockall Bank (57°00′N, 14°00′W) (2.5) which
lies along the SE side of the plateau, is separated from Natural conditions
Hatton Bank by Hatton—Rockall Basin. 2.9
3 Isolated banks and seamounts: 1 Currents. The area covered by this chapter is subject to
Rosemary Bank (59°10′N, 10°10′W) lies 150 miles the North Atlantic Current, as described at 1.110.
NE of Rockall. Local magnetic anomaly. The normal magnetic
Anton Dohrn Seamount (57°25′N, 11°10′W) lies variation is reported to be increased or decreased by up to
83 miles E of Rockall. 6° within a 15 mile radius of Rockall. Further anomalies
Hebrides Terrace Seamount (56°28′N, 10°22′W) lies have been reported 23 miles NW, and between 35 miles N
127 miles SE of Rockall. and 80 miles NE of the island.
4 Other unnamed seamounts, which are spread over the Climatic table for position 59°00′N, 19°00′W is given
area, have depths of more than 450 m over them. at 1.166.

47
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CHAPTER 2

Other navigational aids periods following weather damage as access is extremely

2.10 difficult.
1 In addition to the visual marks on Rockall, radio 3 Depths and dangers. Rockall is surrounded by a bank,
navigation aids are available as given at 1.33. ODAS with charted depths of less than 100 m, on the E edge of
light-buoys (special) are moored in approximate positions which, 5 miles E of the islet, the sea has been reported to
59°03′N 11°25′W, 57°00′N 9°24′W and 55°36′N, 12°57′W. break. In addition, a large number of pinnacles, with depths
Positions obtained from satellite navigation systems of less than 100 m over them, lie within 6 miles of Rockall.
require some adjustment before being plotted on the chart, Within this area, a narrow ridge, with depths of less than
until new editions of charts are published using the 75 m over it, extends 6 cables S and 5 cables N from the
European Terrestrial Reference System 1989 Datum. See islet.
individual charts for details. 4 Hasselwood Rock, 1 cable N of Rockall, is a small
drying rock on the ridge, separated from the islet by a
Rockall and vicinity channel with a depth of 55 m in it. Helen’s Reef, 2 miles
ENE of Rockall, is small, steep-to and generally marked by
Charts 2524 plan of Rockall, 1128 breakers. The summit of this reef has been seen in the
Rockall trough of the sea at LW spring tides, but towards HW and
2.11 in fine weather, the sea only breaks over it at long
1 Rockall (57°36′N, 13°41′W), a remarkable rocky islet on intervals. There is nothing except the breakers to indicate
Rockall Bank (2.5), is situated 200 miles W of the Outer approach to this reef which lies within a quadrant (200° to
Hebrides. It has a width of 25 m at the base and is 19 m 290°) of Rockall Light.
high. This islet, which is composed of coarse granite, said 5 History. The first authenticated landing on Rockall was
to be highly magnetic, is sharp-pointed and steep-to on all achieved in 1811, but its position was not accurately
sides. It can best be climbed on its W and NW sides, after determined until 1831; few other landings have been
landing on a rocky ledge at its S corner and working along obtained since then. On 18th September 1955 a party from
the SW face. Such a landing is only possible after a HM Surveying Ship Vidal landed by helicopter, raised the
prolonged period of calm weather; even then there is likely union flag and declared possession of the island in the
to be a heavy swell. name of Her Majesty the Queen. On February 10th 1972
2 Rockall Light (red lantern, 1 m in height) stands on the Rockall was incorporated into the United Kingdom, as part
summit of the islet. This light may be extinguished for long of the County of Inverness.

48
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NOTES

49
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Chapter 3 - Firth of Clyde and approaches

6° 30´ 5° 30´

Limits of uncorrected fathoms charts

3746 are shown with a pecked line

L. Goil
3.381 3746 3.369
Finnart 5077

2000
Faslane 2000
L. Long 3.408
3.347 2000
L. Striven
56° 5077 56°
1994

1906 Dunoon 3.421

3.282 2007

Gr
re

ee

G
o c at H

n
3.258 k r. 1
BUTE 9
1867 3.437 94
1867 Rothesay Glasgow
3.335 3.459
3.288
Fairlie Quay 1867
Hunterston Jetty 1867
Hunterston
2383 1907 1867 3.288
RE

3.288
TY

1866 Ardrossan
ARRAN 3.222
KIN

2221 2491 1866

Irvine
1864 3.196
Brodick
OF

3.133 3.111 1866

Troon
Lamlash 3.169
ULA

CHAPTER 2131 3.127 1864

30´ 30´
7 1866
INS

CHAPTER Ayr
4 3.139
PEN

2220

2199
3.92

2126 Ailsa
Craig Girvan 1866
3.84

3.47

1826
1403 2198
55° 55°

Cairnryan 1403
3.74

Stranraer 1403
T

2094
3.74
H
E

NP 40 Portpatrick 2198
Irish Coast Pilot
3.32
R
H
I
N
N

2093
S

NP 37
West Coasts of England
and Wales Pilot
2094

30´ 30´
6° 30´ Longitude 5° West from Greenwich 30´

February 2004

50
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CHAPTER 3
FIRTH OF CLYDE AND APPROACHES

GENERAL INFORMATION
Chart 2724 Marine farms
Synopsis 3.5
3.1 1 Marine farms (1.17) have been established in many of
1 The area covered by this chapter extends NE from a line the sounds and lochs covered by this chapter. The
joining the Mull of Galloway (54°38′N, 4°51′W) to the approximate position of known farms is shown on the
Mull of Kintyre 52 miles NW. This area, which charts and reported in this text; however further farms may
encompasses the approach to the Firth of Clyde from S and be established without notice and may constitute a hazard
SW, includes the Firth of Clyde and River Clyde, Loch to navigation and anchoring.
Long (56°05′N, 4°52′W) and the Gareloch (56°02′N,
4°49′W), Loch Striven (55°55′N, 5°05′W) and Loch Satellite derived positions
Lomond (56°10′N, 4°40′W) (chart 5077). 3.6
2 To the W of this area Kilbrannan Sound (55°35′N, 1 Positions obtained from satellite navigation systems
5°25′W) Bute Sound (55°44′N, 5°08′W), Inchmarnock require some adjustment before being plotted on the chart,
Water (55°45′N, 5°15′W), Kyles of Bute (55°56′N, 5°10′W) until new editions of charts are published using the
and Loch Fyne (56°00′N, 5°22′W) are all described in European Terrestrial Reference System 1989 Datum. See
Chapter 4. 1.25 and individual charts for details.
Rescue
3.7
Sea level 1 A Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre is operated by
3.2 Greenock Coastguard; for details see 1.61.
1 Strong winds from the S and W raise the sea level in A VHF direction finding service for emergency use only
the Firth of Clyde; winds from the N and E have the is established in the area of this chapter; for details
opposite effect. These changes are most noticeable, though see 1.69.
not the greatest, at the Mull of Kintyre, where the range of
the tide is very small. The changes are probably greatest in Flow
the upper part of the Firth of Clyde and in the entrance to 3.8
River Clyde, where winds from the SW will have more 1 After periods of heavy rain, or in the spring when the
effect than winds from the NE. In Rothesay Bay (55°51′N, snow is melting, the quantity of water draining into the
5°02′W) (3.335) the sea level may be raised as much as Firth of Clyde from the land is considerable and will
1⋅5 m with strong and continued winds from the SW, and increase the rate and duration of the out-going flow; the
depressed by 0⋅3 m with winds from the NE. In Gourock in-coming flow will be correspondingly reduced. This
Bay (55°58′N, 4°49′W) (3.434), with similar winds, the sea difference is noticeable everywhere in the Firth of Clyde
level may be raised by more than 1⋅2 m and depressed by and is probably greatest in the upper part (3.253). There is
nearly 0⋅9 m. no actual data available but it is possible that, in
2 Sea level, especially in the upper part of the Firth of exceptional circumstances, the out-going flow may set
Clyde and River Clyde entrance, is also raised during continuously, especially near to neap tides.
periods of heavy rain and melting snow, and is depressed 2 Land drainage water usually remains on or just below
during periods of very dry weather. the surface and thus, a few metres down, the tidal streams
are probably not affected.
3 The flow in the Firth of Clyde is also affected by
Exercise areas wind-driven currents. With strong and long-continued winds
3.3 from the S and W, both the rate and duration of the
1 Submarines exercise frequently, both on the surface and in-going flow are increased and those of the out-going flow
dived, in large parts of the area covered by this chapter, as correspondingly reduced. This effect is probably greatest in
shown on the charts and described in the text. A good the upper part of the firth. Strong winds from the N and E
lookout is to be kept for them when passing through these have the opposite effect.
waters. Surfaced submarines occasionally tow sonar Buoyage
equipment; other vessels are recommended to remain 3.9
1500 m clear when crossing astern of surfaced submarines. 1 During the yachting season (April–October inclusive)
temporary yacht racing marks are laid throughout the Firth
of Clyde, River Clyde, and adjacent waters. These marks
Fishing are unlit, mainly orange in colour but some may be painted
3.4 red or yellow. Details are promulgated locally by Clyde
1 A general description of fishing methods is given in The Warning Message and Clydeport Notices to Mariners.
Mariner’s Handbook and a summary of the methods used
within the area covered by this volume is given at 1.14. Traffic
Within the Firth of Clyde and approaches concentrations of 3.10
vessels fishing for herring and mackerel may be 1 Through route traffic. A traffic separation scheme
encountered from June to December. which commences from a line SW of the Mull of Kintyre

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CHAPTER 3

(55°18′N, 5°48′W), with its NW route passing about Estuary Control Radio before sailing, berthing or moving
2 miles off the mull, is described in the Irish Coast Pilot. within the harbour. See Admiralty List of Radio Signals
Laden takers of over 10 000 grt should avoid the area Volume 6(1) for procedures and working details. Positions
between the TSS and the Mull of Kintyre, as given in a of reporting points are shown on the chart.
note on the chart.
2 In-bound traffic. Tankers in excess of 200 000 tonnes Recommended channels
regularly call at the BP Oil Terminal at Finnart (56°07′N, 3.15
4°50′W) (3.369) in Loch Long; fast container ships trade 1 General information. To facilitate the safe passage of
from the Clydeport Greenock Ocean Terminal (55°57′⋅4N, the traffic outlined above, a number of Recommended
4°45′⋅8W) (3.453), at the mouth of the River Clyde; and Channels have been defined and buoyed in the upper part
submarines visit the Dockyard Ports of Gareloch (56°02′N, of the Firth of Clyde and in the River Clyde as shown in
4°49′W) (3.387) and Loch Long (56°05′N, 4°52′W) diagram 3.15 and on the larger scale charts. These channels
(3.347). All this is in addition to normal coastal and regular are described, in order from seaward, in the paragraphs
ferry traffic, through an active fishing area. following the regulations and signals (below).
3.16
1 Regulations. Whilst navigating within the Recommended
Chart 2131 Channels vessels should be considered to be in “narrow
Major harbours channels” within the meaning of Rule 9 of The
3.11 International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
1 Clydeport encompasses the major ports of Glasgow (1972).
(55°52′N, 4°18′W) (Chart 2007) (3.459); Greenock Mariners wishing to leave a channel and proceed to
(55°57′N, 4°46′W) (3.437); Ardrossan (55°39′N, 4°49′W) anchor should obtain permission to anchor through
(3.222) and Hunterston (55°45′N, 4°52′W) (3.288), which Clydeport Estuary Radio.
is a major ore and coal terminal. These ports and facilities 3.17
are under the authority of Clydeport Operations Ltd, 16 1 Signals. Numeral pendants of the International Code of
Robertson Street, Glasgow G2 8DS, and of Estuary Signals should be displayed in those vessels approaching or
Control, Clydeport Operations Limited, Greenock Ocean passing through a Recommended Channel, or bound for
Terminal, Patrick Street, Greenock PA16 8UU. Holy Loch (55°59′N, 4°55′W), as given in the following
2 Clyde Dockyard Ports, as given in Appendix IV, table.
includes major berths such as the Coulport berths (56°03′N,
Channel/Loch Pendant
4°53′W) (3.368) and Glenmallan Jetty (56°07′⋅9N,
4°49′⋅1W) (3.370) in Loch Long, and Faslane Base Firth of Clyde Channel (3.19) 1
(56°04′N, 4°49′W) in the Gareloch. Skelmorlie Channel (3.20) 2
3 In addition, the ports of Ayr (55°28′N, 4°38′W) and
Troon (55°33′N, 4°41′W) are important ports situated on River Channel (bound Greenock and upstream) 3
the mainland. Finnart Ocean Terminal (56°07′N, 4°50′W) is (3.477)
a major oil terminal. Ardmore Channel (3.22) 4
Minor ports and facilities for small craft are
Loch Long Channel (3.21) 5
summarised at 3.29, 3.109 and 3.256.
Holy Loch (3.375) 6
Kilcreggan Channel (3.23) 7
Traffic regulations
3.12 2 The 1st Substitute should be displayed in those vessels
1 A seaward limit ofthe authority of Clydeport extends which are about to leave the channel and proceed to
across the lower part of the Firth of Clyde as defined by a anchor.
line drawn E from Corriegills Point (55°34′N, 5°06′W), as Note. There is no signal for Hunterston Channel (3.18).
shown on the chart and given in Admiralty List of Radio
Signals Volume 6(1). The area to the N of this limit is Chart 1907
subject to the regulations and bye-laws enacted by Hunterston Channel
Clydeport Operations Limited as summarised in Appendix 3.18
III. Special bye-laws are in force for vessels carrying 1 Hunterston Channel is the Recommended Channel
explosives and petroleum products. Any vessel entering or designed to serve Hunterston Ore and Coal Terminal
leaving the area which has explosives onboard will be (55°45′N, 4°52′W) (3.288). This channel, which occupies
directed to Anchorage A3 (3.25). Details of the type and the fairway of Largs Channel (3.289), affords the deepest
quantity of explosives are to be notified to Clydeport and widest approach to Hunterston Jetty from N, in
Operations Limited (General Marine Manager). continuation of Skelmorlie Channel (3.20) from a position
3.13 N of Great Cumbrae Island (55°46′N, 4°55′W). From
1 Pilotage. For details on compulsory pilotage areas and abreast Hunterston Jetty the channel continues SW then S,
regulations that apply to specific vessels, see Admiralty List between Little Cumbrae Island (55°43′N, 4°57′W) and the
of Radio Signals Volume 6(1). mainland, with a least charted depth of 30⋅5 m (55°44′⋅8N,
3.14 4°54′⋅0W) in the fairway. The 30 m depth contour infringes
1 Vessel Traffic Service. The Clydeport Port Operations the Recommended Channel both sides of the least charted
and Information Service is in operation for the control of depth.
shipping within Clydeport Operations Limited’s Area. This 2 Buoyage. Direction of buoyage is from S to N.
service is maintained by Estuary Control, Clydeport Regulations are given at 3.16.
Operations Ltd, Greenock Ocean Terminal, Patrick Street, Signals are given at 3.17.
Greenock PA16 8UU. Mariners should make contact with Directions are given at 3.310.

52
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CHAPTER 3

05´ 5° 55´ 50´ 45´ 40´

LO

GA
CH

R
E
L
LO

O
C
H

N
G
56° 56°

LOCH

KILCR
H

EG
LONG CHANNEL (3.19)
O
LY

GA
N
LO CH
CH AN EL (3.20)
N EL (3.21) CHANN
RE
MO
A RD
B A
CLYDE CHANNEL (3.17)
F
O
R TH
Dunoon FI RI
VE
Gourock Greenock R C
LY
DE

Cloch Pt.
Port Glasgow
LOC
H ST

55´ 55´
NEL
RIV

HAN
EN

DE C
C LY
H OF
FIRT

Toward Pt.
7
5
E C H A N N E L (3.18)

Rothesay
4 50´
50´
)
L (3.17

6
3
NNE

RLI
HA

O
M

L
DE C

ISLAND E HUN
T
K

OF
S

2
R S T O N C H A N N E L (3 .16)
C LY

BUTE
Largs
H OF
FIRT

Great
Cumbrae I.

1 Hunterston
45´ Jetty 45´

Garroch Hd. Little

Cumbrae I.

Farland Hd.

05´ Longitude 5° West from Greenwich 55´ 50´ 45´ 40´

Firth of Clyde - Recommended channels (3.15) and designated anchorages (3.25)

53
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CHAPTER 3

Charts 1907, 1994 Kilcreggan Channel

Firth of Clyde Channel 3.23
3.19 1 Kilcreggan Channel is the Recommended Channel which
1 Firth of Clyde Channel is the Recommended Channel connects Loch Long, in position 56°00′N, 4°52′W, with
for vessels bound through Firth of Clyde. This channel Ardmore channel, 2½ miles SE (3.22), passing close off the
extends from a position W of Little Cumbrae Island coast at Kilcreggan (55°59′N, 4°50′W). A depth of 21⋅9 m
(55°43′N, 4°57′W) (3.272) to Whiteforeland Point can be carried through the channel by avoiding shallow
(55°57′⋅8N, 4°47′⋅5W) (3.432), between Gourock and patches as described in Directions at 3.367.
Greenock. A depth of 18⋅9 m can be carried through the Regulations are given at 3.16.
channel except to the W of Skelmorlie Bank (55°52′N, Signals are given at 3.17.
4°55′W) (3.273) where there is a depth of 17⋅9 m in the
channel; see Skelmorlie Channel (3.20) for vessels with a River Channel
draught of more than 15 m. 3.24
2 Regulations are given at 3.16. 1 River Channel (3.477) is the Recommended Channel for
Signals are given at 3.17. River Clyde.
Directions are given at 3.272. Regulations are given at 3.16.
Signals are given at 3.17.
Skelmorlie Channel Directions are given at 3.481.
3.20
1 Skelmorlie Channel is the Recommended Channel for Designated anchorages
N-bound vessels drawing more than 15 m. This channel, 3.25
which branches NE from Firth of Clyde Channel 3.19 in 1 To facilitate the safe anchorage of vessels within the
position 1 mile W of Great Cumbrae Island (55°46′N, upper part of the Firth of Clyde, a number of anchorage
4°55′W), leads generally N to pass E of Skelmorlie Bank areas have been designated and defined as given below and
(55°52′N, 4°55′W) (3.273) then rejoin 3 miles N of the shown in the diagram at 3.15. These anchorages are subject
bank. The least depth in this channel is 31 m (55°48′⋅4N, to the regulations given at 3.16.
4°55′⋅1W). 2 Anchorage A, established between the Tail of the Bank
2 Regulations are given at 3.16. (55°57′N, 4°45′W) and Rosneath Point, 2 miles NNW, has
Signals are given at 3.17. been sub-divided for reference purposes, as shown on chart
Directions are given at 3.278. 1994, with A3 as the explosives anchorage.
3 Anchorage B, established 1¼ miles N of McInroy’s
Loch Long Channel Point (55°57′⋅1N, 4°51′⋅2W), lies in an area between
3.21 four Recommended Channels, and has been sub-divided for
1 Loch Long Channel is the Recommended Channel in the reference purposes, as shown on chart 1994.
S approach to Loch Long. This channel, which branches N Deep water anchorages, usable for very large
from Firth of Clyde Channel in position 8 cables N of deep-draught vessels which cannot be anchored in areas A
Cloch Point (55°56′⋅6N, 4°52′⋅6W), leads generally N for or B (above), have been established in the wider part of the
about 2¼ miles. There are no depths of less than 35 m in firth, S of Toward Point (55°52′N, 4°59′W), as shown on
this channel, nor in those parts of Firth of Clyde channel chart 1907 and in the diagram at 3.15.
(3.19) which connects it with Skelmorlie Channel (3.20).
2 Regulations are given at 3.16. Isle of Arran
Signals are given at 3.17.
Directions are given at 3.361. Chart 2724
3.26
Ardmore Channel 1 The Isle of Arran (55°35′N, 5°15′W) lies in the Firth of
3.22 Clyde between Kintyre, from which it is separated by
1 Ardmore Channel is the Recommended Channel Kilbrannan Sound (4.61), and the coast of Ayrshire, from
connecting Firth of Clyde Channel (3.19) with the approach which it is separated by the lower part of the Firth of
to the Gareloch. This channel, which branches ENE from Clyde (3.107).
Firth of Clyde Channel in position 7 cables NW of 2 In its N part the island rises into mountains of conical
Kempock Point (55°57′⋅8N, 4°49′⋅0W), leads ENE then E form, connected by sharp serrated ridges and intersected by
for about 3 miles passing N of Rosneath Patch (55°58′⋅5N, deep gullies. Goat Fell, standing 6½ miles from the N end,
4°47′⋅4W) (3.400). The least charted depth in the channel is is the highest peak on the island. At the S end the island
15⋅9 m (55°58′⋅7N, 4°48′⋅2W) which can be passed to the consists of undulating hilly ground which slopes gently
S, where deeper water will be found, as described in towards the sea. The coasts are generally low and indented
Directions at 3.399. Ardmore Channel crosses the E end of with several bays which includes Lamlash Harbour (3.127)
Kilcreggan Channel (3.23) 3 cables SW of Portkil Point at the S end of the E side.
(55°59′⋅0N, 4°48′⋅2W). 3 The Isle of Arran has been described as Scotland in
2 Regulations are given at 3.16. miniature: an island of craggy peaks, glens, forest and a
Signals are given at 3.17. ribbon of coastal towns and villages.

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APPROACHES TO FIRTH OF CLYDE

GENERAL INFORMATION 3 For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
Firth of Clyde and Approaches and tidal stream stations on
the chart.
Chart 2724
Synopsis
3.27 MULL OF GALLOWAY TO
1 This section describes the approaches to the Firth of CRAIG LAGGAN
Clyde from the S and from the W. It includes the water
area between, to the N, a line joining the Mull of Kintyre General information
(55°18′N, 5°48′W) to Sanda Island (55°17′N, 5°35′W)
thence towards and along the S coast of the Isle of Arran Chart 2198
to Kildonan Point (55°27′N, 5°07′W), and, to the S, the Coastal passage
coast from Mull of Galloway (54°38′N, 4°51′W) to 3.32
Turnberry Point (55°20′N, 4°50′W). 1 From a position 5 miles W of the Mull of Galloway
3.28 (54°38′N, 4°51′W) the coastal passage off the W coast of
1 Directions are given for a coastal passage from Mull of The Rhins (below) leads NNW for about 25 miles, in deep
Galloway to Craig Laggan, 23 miles NNW, at 3.43, for an water outside the coastal bank, to a position W of Craig
approach route to the Firth of Clyde from SSW at 3.58 and Laggan (54°58′⋅5N, 5°11′⋅4W).
for an approach route from W at 3.102.
3.29
Topography
1 Harbours. There are no major harbours within the area 3.33
covered by this section. 1 The Rhins, also known as The Rhins of Galloway, with
Minor harbours of importance are Stranraer (54°55′N, Mull of Galloway at its S end, is a remarkable peninsula
5°02′W) and Cairnryan (54°58′N, 5°01′W), both in Loch extending 25 miles NNW. The W coast is steep-to and
Ryan (3.61), and Girvan (55°15′N, 4°51′W) on the E side backed by hills, the highest being Cairn Pat, 15¼ miles
of the approach to the Firth of Clyde. NNW of Mull of Galloway. There are many indentations
2 Small craft facilities. There are no marinas within the along this inhospitable and rocky stretch of coast but no
area covered by this section; however, moorings and natural harbours except for Portpatrick (54°50⋅5′N,
limited facilities are available in Loch Ryan, as given at 5°07′⋅1W) (3.45).
3.83. Few bays afford safe anchorage and Portpatrick Depths
(54°50′⋅5N, 5°07′⋅3W) (3.45) is visited during the summer 3.34
months only. 1 Charted depths off the W coast of The Rhins, for a
distance of 1½ miles, and up to 2½ miles W of Mull of
Galloway, as shown in the Source Data Diagram, are based
Depths
on old lead-line surveys with widely spaced lines of
3.30
soundings. Thus, whilst this coast is free from known
1 The approach to the Firth of Clyde is crossed by a bar,
dangers, except for those given in Directions at 3.43,
with charted depths of less than 50 m, extending WNW and
uncharted dangers may exist within this area.
ESE from Ailsa Craig (55°15′N, 5°07′W). Charted depths
2 Beaufort’s Dyke, a deep water trench lying about 6 miles
over the bar are generally more than 40 m to the WNW of
WSW of The Rhins, which has its deepest point in position
Ailsa Craig and generally less than 40 m to the ESE, where
54°43′⋅5N, 5°14′⋅0W, is described in the Irish Coast Pilot.
the bar joins the coastal bank. Isolated patches, with
charted depths of less than 40 m, extend up to 8 miles Hazards
NE/SW from the bar. 3.35
1 The coastal passage described above passes through an
area of fishing activity, as given at 3.4, and includes a
Tidal streams submarine exercise area, as given at 3.3.
3.31 Routes for the main flow of traffic through North
1 Tidal streams in North Channel and in the approaches to Channel, which lies to seaward of the coastal passage given
the Firth of Clyde are well illustrated in the Admiralty above, are described in the Irish Coast Pilot.
Tidal Stream Atlas: Firth of Clyde and Approaches. This
publication shows that the SE-going stream in North Dumping ground
Channel coincides with the in-going stream in the Firth of 3.36
Clyde, and the NW-going stream with the out-going stream. 1 Caution. Potentially hazardous unexploded ordnance is
2 The dividing line between the two movements lies reported to exist on the seabed in several areas, shown on
between Bennane Head (55°08′N, 5°00′W) and the Mull of the chart, adjacent to Beaufort’s Dyke (3.34), which was
Kintyre, 30 miles WNW. During the SE-going stream the formerly used as a dumping ground. It is recommended
water NE of this line turns E and NE into the Firth of that any activity which is likely to disturb the seabed
Clyde, whereas the water SW of the line turns S to rejoin should not be carried out in these areas.
the main stream in North Channel. During the NW-going
stream in North Channel a branch turns N towards the Rescue
Firth of Clyde and continues as far as the dividing line, 3.37
where it meets the out-going stream from the Firth of 1 An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) and an
Clyde and gradually turns W towards Sanda Island and the all-weather lifeboat (1.72) are maintained at Portpatrick
Mull of Kintyre. (54°50⋅5′N, 5°07′⋅1W) (3.45).

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Rescue facilities on the Irish side of North Channel are Other navigational aids
given in the Irish Coast Pilot. 3.42
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the
Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at
Natural conditions 1.33.
3.38 Directions
1 Tidal streams. The tidal streams and a race to the S of (continued from
the Mull of Galloway are given in West Coasts of England West Coasts of England and Wales Pilot)
and Wales Pilot.
Between Mull of Galloway and Craig Laggan the tidal Mull of Galloway to Craig Laggan
streams set in the direction of the coast, as follows: 3.43
1 From the vicinity of 54°38′N, 5°00′W the coastal
Interval from HW Greenock Remarks passage leads NNW, passing (with positions from
+0310 S-going stream begins Killantringan Light):
WSW of Crammag Head (54°40′N, 4°58′W) on
–0250 N-going stream begins
which stands Crammag Head Light, thence:
WSW of Mull of Logan (9½ miles SE), the N
2 The rate at spring tides is 5 kn in both directions off entrance point of Port Logan Bay (3.46), thence:
Black Head (54°52′N, 5°09′W) and along the coast S of it. 2 WSW of Money Head (5½ miles SE), thence:
To the N of Black Head it decreases to 4 kn off Craig WSW of Tandoo Point (2½ miles SE), the N entrance
Laggan. point of Morroch Bay, thence:
In mid-channel the streams begin 1½ hours later than WSW of Portpatrick (1½ miles SE) (3.45), thence:
near the coast, for details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: WSW of Black Head on which stands Killantringan
Firth of Clyde and Approaches and tidal stream stations on Light (3.40), thence:
the chart. 3 WSW of Craig Laggan (7 miles NNW), a drying rock
3.39 which lies 2 cables offshore and on which stands
1 Tidal races, as shown on the chart, occur off the W Craig Laggan Beacon. This rock lies at the SW
coast of The Rhins as follows: up to 2 miles S from end of a rocky ledge which fringes the coast for
Crammag Head (54°40′N, 4°58′W); close off the Mull of 2½ miles NE.
Logan, 4 miles NNW; SE of Money Head (54°48′N, See 3.39 for information on tidal races.
5°02′W); and up to 1¼ miles off Morroch Bay, 3.44
3 miles NW. 1 Useful marks:
Conspicuous ruined tower (54°43′⋅4N, 4°57′⋅5W) in
Port Logan (3.46), not to be confused with a
Principal marks structure on the summit of Mull of Logan,
3.40 1½ miles NW.
1 Landmarks: A beacon (54°51′⋅1N, 5°07′⋅7W) which marks the
Mull of Galloway Lighthouse (54°38′N, 4°51′W), landing place of submarine cables laid between
(white round tower, 26m in height) stands on Mull Scotland and Ireland.
of Galloway which is a bold and precipitous (Directions continue for the approach to
headland forming the S point of Scotland. It is a the Firth of Clyde at 3.58)
good radar target.
2 Conspicuous white building, formerly the Coast Radio Portpatrick
Station, (54°50′⋅6N, 5°07′⋅4W) with a conspicuous Chart 2198, Plan of Portpatrick
flagstaff on its S side and three radio masts General information
adjacent. A large hotel, 1 cable E of the radio 3.45
station, as shown on the plan, is also reported to 1 Portpatrick Harbour (54°50′⋅5N, 5°07′⋅0W) is a small,
be conspicuous. natural indentation with a tidal basin on the N side of the
3 Conspicuous lattice-work mast (54°51′N, 5°05′W). harbour which has a maximum depth of 2⋅3 m, as shown
Killantringan Lighthouse (white tower, 22 m in on the plan. The village of Portpatrick stands around the
height) (54°52′N, 5°09′W) standing on Black Head shores of the harbour.
(3.43). 2 This harbour, which can only be entered with the help
Group of four conspicuous radio masts (54°55′N, of the tide (mean spring range 3⋅5 m, mean neap range
5°09′W) which display red warning lights. 2⋅1 m), is frequented by fishing vessels and, in the summer,
Agnew Monument (54°56′N, 5°06′W) (elevation by recreational craft. Portpatrick lifeboat lies to moorings in
123 m) is conspicuous but could possibly be the basin.
mistaken for Kinsale Tower, 1½ miles SW, which 3 Topography. Portpatrick can be easily identified by the
is almost hidden by trees. conspicuous radio station, and hotel close NW (3.40), by
3.41 Old Lighthouse on the SE side of the channel, and by the
1 Major lights: ruins of a castle standing near the coast, 5 cables SE of the
Mull of Galloway Light (54°38′N, 4°51′W), (white entrance.
round tower, 26m in height). It is reported that this 4 Entrance channel. The channel has a width of 35 m
light is often obscured by low cloud. between the drying lines on both sides and a least depth of
Crammag Head Light (white tower, 6 m in height) 0⋅3 m in the fairway, ½ cable within the entrance and close
(54°40′N, 4°58′W) standing on Crammag Head. NW of the leading line (below).
Killantringan Light—as above. Caution is required in the approach to Portpatrick as the
Corsewall Point Light (55°00′N, 5°10′W) (3.55) entrance is narrow and the tidal streams may set across it

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Depths
3.49
1 A general description of depths in the approaches to the
Firth of Clyde is given at 3.30.
Coastal bank. The coast between the entrance of Loch
Ryan and Bennane Head, 7 miles NNE, is clear of charted
dangers outside a distance of 2 cables offshore. However,
charted depths up to 1½ miles off the coast, for a distance
of 6 miles N from the entrance of Loch Ryan, as shown in
the Source Data Diagram, are based on old lead-line
surveys with widely spaced lines of soundings, and
uncharted dangers may exist within this area.
2 Between Bennane Head and Girvan, 8 miles NE, the
coast is foul in places for 3 cables offshore, and depths of
less than 10 m extend up to 1¾ miles from the shore. This
coast should be given a good berth.
Portpatrick from SW (3.45) 3 Between Girvan and Turnberry Point (55°19′N, 4°50′W),
(Original dated 2000) 4¾ miles N, the coast is fringed by foul ground extending
(Photograph − Air Images)
a short distance offshore. An outfall, which ends at a
with considerable strength. During moderate or strong diffuser projecting 2 m above the seabed, extends 3¼ cables
winds from the SW, entry is impracticable. from the shore 1½ miles N of Girvan.
5 Leading lights. The alignment (050½°) of Portpatrick Offshore depths. Extensive patches, with depths of less
Leading Lights (at the head of the harbour) leads through than 30 m over them, lie within 5 miles of the coast
the middle of the entrance channel, as shown on the plan. between the entrance of Loch Ryan and Girvan.
Front light (orange stripe on sea wall).
Rear light (orange stripe on the corner of a building) Hazards
68 m inshore of the front light, which is reported 3.50
as difficult to identify. 1 The coastal route described above passes through an
6 Having passed Half Tide Rock, which is reported to be area of fishing activity, as given at 3.4, and includes a
marked by a floating oil drum and which lies ½ cable submarine exercise area, as given at 3.3.
WSW of the front leading light, the track leads N then
NNW to enter the basin. Rescue
3.51
Anchorage 1 An all-weather lifeboat is stationed at Girvan (55°15′N,
4°51′W) (3.84) and an inshore lifeboat is stationed at
Chart 2198 Stranraer Harbour (54°54′N, 5°01′W) (3.74). See 1.72 for
Port Logan Bay details of lifeboats.
3.46 Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams (1.61) are based at
1 Port Logan Bay (54°44′N, 4°58′W), which can be Ballantrae (55°06′N, 5°00′W), Stranraer and at Girvan.
identified by the conspicuous tower given at 3.44, is open Girvan is also an Emergency Co-ordination Centre, for
to the NW but affords secure anchorage when the wind is details see the Admiralty Maritime Communications.
from the E or NE. The recommended position lies with the
head of Port Logan Breakwater, which extends 180 m from Tidal streams
the S side of the bay, bearing 105°, distant 4½ cables, in a 3.52
depth of 12 m, as shown on the chart. 1 A general description of tidal stream movements in the
2 Small craft can find shelter inside the breakwater but the area is given at 3.31.
area dries out. Near the coast S of Corsewall Point (55°00′N, 5°10′W)
and close off the point the tidal streams, which are local,
set as follows:
CRAIG LAGGAN TO TURNBERRY POINT
Interval from HW Greenock Remarks
General information +0440 S-going stream begins

Chart 2724 –0120 N-going stream begins

Route 2 The rate off Corsewall Point is 2 to 3 kn.
3.47 These streams set round Corsewall Point and along the
1 From a position 5½ miles W of Craig Laggan coast into and out of the Firth of Clyde as described at
(54°58′⋅5N, 5°11′⋅4W) (3.43) an approach to the entrance to 3.31.
the Firth of Clyde from SSW leads NNE for about 9 miles, For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
then NE for about 11 miles, then NNE again for about Firth of Clyde and Approaches and tidal stream stations on
11½ miles to a position 8 miles NW of Turnberry Point the chart.
(55°20′N, 4°50′W).
Overfalls
Topography 3.53
3.48 1 A race with overfalls is formed off Bennane Head
1 From the entrance to Loch Ryan (55°01′N, 5°04′W) to (55°08′N, 5°00′W) where the out-going stream from the
Turnberry Point, 20 miles NNE, the coast is generally high Firth of Clyde meets the in-coming stream from North
and rocky with some sandy beaches. Channel, as described at 3.31.

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Local weather Directions

3.54 (continued from 3.44)
1 North of the entrance to Loch Ryan the coast affords no
shelter from fresh to strong on-shore winds and the Chart 2199
entrance to Girvan is difficult for small craft in such Craig Laggan to Ailsa Craig
conditions. 3.58
1 From the vicinity of 54°58′N, 5°21′W the track through
the deepest water, which also passes SE of Ailsa Craig,
Principal marks initially leads NNE for about 8 miles, passing (with
3.55 positions from Bennane Head (55°08′N, 5°00′W)):
1 Landmarks: WNW of Oust Rocks (55°00′N, 5°10′W) which are
A radio mast (55°00′⋅4N, 5°06′⋅3W) (Chart 2199), the W of above-water rocks lying on a rocky ledge
which stands about 8 cables SSW of Milleur Point which fringes the coast for 2 miles SSW from
(3.77), is reported to be an excellent navigation Corsewall Point (below), thence:
mark by day and night. 2 WNW of Corsewall Point (9¾ miles SW) on which
Ailsa Craig (55°15′N, 5°07′W) an island which rises stands Corsewall Point Light (3.55). A helicopter
abruptly from the sea about 8 miles offshore is landing area is situated close to the light. Thence:
reported to be a good radar target. This island has ESE of a detached shoal, with a least depth of 33 m
a conical summit and is precipitous except on its over it (55°06′N, 5°23′W), and:
NE side where it slopes more gently. WNW of a dangerous wreck, with a swept depth of
14⋅3 m (8 miles SW), which lies on an extensive
shoal, with depths of less than 30 m over it,
extending 2 miles W and 6 miles N from
Corsewall Point.
3 Thence from a position 3½ miles ESE of Mermaid Shoal
(55°08′N, 5°24′W), the track then leads generally NE for
11 miles, passing:
NW of a rock with a depth of 27 m over it (8½ miles
W), thence:
4 NW of a rocky ridge, with a least depth of 20⋅4 m
Light
over it (5¾ miles WNW), which lies up to 6 miles
Ailsa Craig from S (3.55) WNW of Bennane Head, a rounded promontory
(Original dated 2000) which warrants a wide berth due to the
(Photograph − Air Images) considerable tidal race in its vicinity (3.53). A silo
stands 3 cables ESE of the headland. Thence:
2 Corsewall Point Lighthouse (55°00′N, 5°10′W) (white SE of Ailsa Craig (8 miles NNW) (3.55) on which
tower, 34 m in height) standing on Corsewall Point stands Ailsa Craig Light.
(3.58).
Conspicuous spire, tall and slender, which rises above
Girvan (55°15′N, 4°51′W) (3.84). Chart 2126
Conspicuous television tower standing 1½ miles E of Ailsa Craig to Turnberry Point
Girvan. 3.59
3 Conspicuous radio mast standing 3 cables N of 1 From a position 1 mile ESE of Ailsa Craig the track
Girvan. continues NNE for about 11½ miles, passing (with positions
Knockdolian (55°07′N, 4°58′W), a conical hill, from Turnberry Point):
similar in outline to Ailsa Craig, which is reported WNW of the coastal bank which, with depths of less
to be conspicuous and is commonly called the than 10 m over it, extends up to 2 miles W from
False Craig. Girvan (4¾ miles S) (3.84), thence:
4 Turnberry Point (55°19′N, 4°50′W), though low, 2 WNW of Brest Rocks (1 mile S), which extend
provides a good radar response and is a 6 cables offshore and are marked by a large green
conspicuous promontory with a cairn on its metal framework beacon with a cage topmark.
summit. Turnberry Point Lighthouse (white tower, Brest Rocks are the W of dangers extending from
24 m in height) stands near the ruins of a castle on the coast between Girvan and Turnberry Point,
the NE side of the point. which should be given a wide berth along the
3.56 entire length. Thence:
1 Major lights: 3 WNW of Turnberry Point (3.55), and:
Corsewall Point Lighthouse—as above. Clear of a detached shoal, with a charted depth of
Ailsa Craig Light (white tower, 11 m in height) which 39 m (6¼ miles WNW).
stands on a spit on the E side of Ailsa Craig. (Directions continue for the Firth of Clyde at 3.125)
Turnberry Point Light—as above.

Landing
Other navigational aids
3.57 Ailsa Craig
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the 3.60
Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at 1 A small pier, which extends from the coast NW of the
1.33. lighthouse, has depths of 0⋅6 to 0⋅9 m alongside and a

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helicopter landing site nearby. Depths are suitable for Limiting conditions
anchoring small craft close inshore, NW of the pier. 3.67
1 Controlling depths. A least charted depth of 6⋅9 m
(54°59′⋅2N, 5°03′⋅1W) exists in the fairway of Loch Ryan
Loch Ryan as far as Cairnryan Ferry Terminal. Continuing to Stranraer,
a least charted depth of 4⋅6 m (54°57′⋅4N, 5°01′⋅4W) exists
Chart 1403, with plans of Stranraer and Cairnryan in the fairway between Cairnryan Ferry Terminal and the
General information entrance to the approach channel (54°57′⋅1N, 5°01′⋅3W).
3.61 The approach channel itself and the basin between East
1 Loch Ryan, entered between Milleur Point (55°01′N, Pier and Ross Pier (3.74) have a maintained depth of
5°06′W) and Finnarts Point, 1½ miles E, is a well sheltered 5⋅0 m.
inlet with Cairnryan (54°58′N, 5°00′W) on its E side and 2 The approach to West Pier has a least charted depth of
Stranraer Harbour at its head. 2⋅4 m; the harbour S of West Pier was dredged to 2⋅0 m in
2 Stranraer Harbour (3.74) is a railhead and terminal for 1992, as shown on the plan.
passenger and freight traffic between Northern Ireland and 3.68
the British mainland, with links to Belfast by high speed 1 Deepest and longest berths. East Pier (3.81) provides
ferries. The town of Stranraer, which stands around the S the deepest and longest berth in Stranraer Harbour.
side of the harbour, had a population of 10 851 in 2001. Cairnryan Jetty (3.81) provides the deepest and longest
Cairnryan, which had a population of 4048 in 2001, has berth in Cairnryan.
a ferry terminal which maintains a service to Larne. 3.69
3.62 1 Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
1 Topography. The W side of the entrance to Loch Ryan, Mean spring range about 2⋅8 m; mean neap range about
which forms the N part of The Rhins (3.33), is 1⋅9 m.
comparatively low, as is the head of the loch. The E side 3.70
of the entrance is high and bounded by precipitous cliffs. 1 Maximum size of vessel handled at Stranraer had a
3.63 length of 128 m and a draught of 5⋅0 m.
Depths. Loch Ryan is shallow in its S half, with the SE
end of the loch drying-out for about 5 cables. Arrival information
1 On the W side of the loch, from a position 2 miles S of 3.71
Milleur Point, to Kirkcolm Point, 1¼ miles S, foul ground, 1 Port Radio station is operated from Stranraer, for details
which dries, extends up to 4 cables offshore. Outside this see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6(1). Ferry
foul ground a bank, with depths of less than 5 m over it, movements are reported on VHF.
extends as much as 8 cables offshore. Several rocks, with 3.72
depths of less than 2 m over them, lie on this bank. The 1 Pilotage is not compulsory and licensed pilots are not
Scar, which is partly above-water, extends SE from on stand-by at the port. However, a pilot can be made
Kirkcolm Point and merges into The Spit. The latter available on request through Stranraer port radio and would
consists of some drying patches which lie on a shallow board NE of Milleur Point, as shown on the chart. For
tongue extending from The Scar to a position 1½ miles SE further details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals
of Kirkcolm Point. Volume 6(1).
2 On the E side of the entrance, a bank, with depths of 2 Tugs are not based in Loch Ryan but towage can be
less than 5 m over it, which fringes the coast between arranged on request.
Garry Point (55°00′⋅7N, 5°03′⋅3W) and Cairn Point, 3.73
2½ miles SSE, extends in places up to 3 cables offshore. 1 Regulations concerning entry. Anchorage is prohibited
Depths of 6 m and less extend up to 4 cables offshore. in the fairway of the approach to Cairnryan Ferry Terminal
3.64 and for 3 cables seaward of the terminal, and also in the
1 Approach and entry. Stranraer is approached through dredged channel in the approach to Stranraer and in the
Loch Ryan and entered through a dredged channel, with a vicinity of the berths. Both areas are shown on the chart.
width of 100 m and a depth as given at 3.67, which 2 Special bye-laws are in force for vessels carrying
extends for 2½ miles through the shallow bank at the head petroleum and carbide of calcium.
of the loch. Speed should be moderate when passing Cairn Point
3.65 (54°58′⋅5N, 5°01′⋅9W).
1 Traffic. In 1999, in addition to normal ferry traffic,
Stranraer Harbour was used by 7 vessels with a total dwt of Harbour
10 627 tonnes. 3.74
Nine vessels, with a total dwt of over 24 000 tonnes, 1 Stranraer Harbour is enclosed by two converging
used Cairnryan in addition to ferry traffic. piers, East Pier and West Pier, with a width at the entrance
3.66 of 240 m. Ross Pier lies within the harbour, parallel to and
1 Port Authority at Stranraer: ½ cable SW of East Pier. The head of the harbour, which
West Pier (3.74) is Dumfries and Galloway Council, dries, is penetrated by a channel, with a least depth of
Council Offices, English Street, Dumfries, DG1 2⋅4 m (1999) which lies parallel to and extends 50 m SE
2DD with local control vested in the Harbour from West Pier. This channel gives access to the ferry
Master, Harbour Office, Stranraer DG9 8EL. terminal, at the root of West Pier, and to a narrow basin,
2 East Pier and Ross Pier (3.74) is the Ship and Port with a depth of 2⋅0 m (1992), which fronts the W end of
Manager, Sealink (Scotland) Ltd, Port Terminal, the quay on the S side of the harbour.
East Pier, Stranraer, DG9 8EL. 2 Cairnryan Jetty, which extends 3¾ cables SE from
Cairnryan is operated by P and O European Ferries Cairn Point (54°58′⋅5N, 5°01′⋅9W), encloses a large area
(Irish Sea) Ltd. which has been fouled by shipbreaking activities.

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Cairnryan Ferry Terminal, 9 cables SE of Cairn Point, 3 NE of a light-buoy (starboard hand) (1 mile NW)
is protected from the N by a breakwater and contains two which is moored on the SW edge of the regulated
Ro-Ro berths. channel and NE of the coastal bank, thence:
3.75 NE of a rock, with a depth of 3 m over it (1 mile
1 Tidal streams outside the entrance to Loch Ryan are NW), which lies on the edge of the coastal bank,
given at 3.52. 1½ cables S of the light-buoy (above).
Off the entrance to the loch the streams set towards and 4 When Cairn Point is distant 7 cables the track is altered
from Corsewall Point, 2½ miles WSW, but W of the SSE to pass 1 cable WSW of the point, passing:
entrance the stream is weak. SW of a light-buoy (S cardinal) (6 cables NW)
2 After +0520 Greenock a branch of the main SSW-going marking a 4⋅9 m patch.
stream sets round Finnarts Point, on the E side of the When Cairn Point is distant 3½ cables astern, with the S
entrance, and into the loch. end of Cairnryan Jetty abeam, the line of bearing 343°,
After HW Greenock the out-going stream from the loch astern, of Cairn Point Light leads SSE in the fairway past
joins the NNE-going main stream from N of Milleur Point. the entrance to Cairnryan Ferry Terminal (3.74).
For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: 5 Useful marks at Cairnryan Ferry Terminal:
Firth of Clyde and Approaches and tidal stream stations on North Breakwater Light (mast) (7½ cables SE).
the chart. Mooring Dolphin Light (mast) (8½ cables SE).
3 Local weather. During winds from the NW the heaviest Ramp Tower Light (framework tower) (1 mile SE).
seas are created just outside the entrance, off Milleur Point, 3.79
especially during the N-going tidal stream. Within the loch 1 Cairnryan Ferry Terminal to Stranraer Harbour.
winds from N and NE are reported to be the most From a position 2½ cables WSW of Cairnryan Ferry
dangerous. Terminal Mooring Dolphin Light (above) the track leads S
3.76 for 1 mile towards then along the dredged channel (3.64),
1 Landmarks: passing (with positions from No 1 Light-beacon (54°56′⋅7N,
Cairn Point Lighthouse (white tower with balcony, 5°01′⋅3W)):
15 m in height) (54°58′⋅5N, 5°01′⋅9W) standing on 2 W of a shoal, with a charted depth of 3⋅9 m
Cairn Point. (6½ cables NNE), which lies less than 1 cable off
Agnew Monument (54°56′⋅2N, 5°06′⋅6W) (3.40) the E side of the track, thence:
which stands on the skyline to the W of the loch. E of a charted depth of 3⋅7 m (4½ cables N) which
Sheuchan Church Tower (54°54′N, 5°02′W), on the lies near the SE extremity of The Spit (3.63) and
W side of Stranraer, is conspicuous. is marked close S by Spit Light-buoy (starboard
hand). This buoy is moored close W of the N end
Directions for entering harbour of the dredged channel.
3.77 3 From a position close E of No 1 Light-beacon (starboard
1 Entrance of Loch Ryan to Jamieson’s Point. From a hand) the track towards Stranraer Harbour then leads SSW
position 1 mile N of Milleur Point (55°01′N, 5°06′W) the for about 2 miles along the centreline of the dredged
track into Loch Ryan leads SSE towards a position 4 cables channel, with Sheuchan Church Tower (3.76) ahead,
E of Jamieson’s Point (54°59′⋅7N, 5°04′⋅5W), passing (with passing (with positions from No 1 Light-beacon):
positions from Milleur Point): E of No 3 Light-beacon (starboard hand) (8 cables S),
2 ENE distant 4 cables from foul ground which extends thence:
1 cable NE from Milleur Point, the W entrance 4 E of No 5 Light-beacon (starboard hand)
point of Loch Ryan. This foul ground is marked (1½ miles S).
by a light-buoy (N cardinal) moored 2½ cables NE Thence as required for berthing.
of the point. Thence: Useful marks in Stranraer Harbour:
WSW of Finnarts Point (1½ miles E) the E entrance West Pier Head Light (grey column, 4 m in height)
point of Loch Ryan, thence: (2¼ miles S).
3 ENE of The Beef Barrel (5½ cables SSE) a drying 5 Ross Pier Head Light and East Pier Head Light
rock which lies close offshore, thence: (2 miles S).
WSW of the bank fringing Garry Point (1½ miles Beacon (pole with triangular topmark, 3 m in height)
ESE), thence: (2 miles S), marking the seaward end of an outfall.
ENE of Jamieson’s Point (1½ miles SSE), which is Anchorage
reported to be the most prominent feature on the 3.80
W side of the loch. 1 Secure anchorage can be obtained as required within
3.78 Loch Ryan clear of the restricted areas (3.73) and of a foul
1 Jamieson’s Point to Cairnryan Ferry Terminal. From ground (55°00′⋅3N, 5°03′⋅7W) as shown on the chart.
a position 4 cables E of Jamieson’s Point, the line of
bearing 138° of Cairn Point (54°58′⋅5N, 5°01′⋅9W), on Berths
which stands Cairn Point Light (3.76), leads SE towards 3.81
the point along the fairway of a regulated channel, as 1 Stranraer Harbour. The largest alongside berth, which
shown on the chart and given at 3.73, passing (with lies on the SW side of East Pier, has a length of 731 m and
positions from Cairn Point Light): a depth of 5 m alongside the outer 130 m. Ro-Ro facilities
2 NE of a 5 m patch (1¼ miles NW) which lies 1 cable are provided by a single tier linkspan which can accept
NE of an obstruction with a depth of 3⋅8 m over loads up to 70 tonnes.
it, and: 2 There is also a major berth at Ross Pier with a double
SW of Forbes Shoal (1¼ miles NNW), a rock which tier linkspan which can accept a 7000 tonne ferry and loads
is marked off its SW side by a light-buoy (port up to 300 tonnes, and a specialist berth on West Pier which
hand), thence: is used by the high speed ferry.

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West Pier
East Pier and Ro-Ro Berths, Stranraer Harbour, from NW (3.81)
(Original dated 2000)
(Photograph − Air Images)

3 Cairnryan. Cairnryan Jetty, also known as 2 Supplies. All types of fuel are available in limited
Queensborough Jetty, has a length of 570 m with depths of quantities from road tanker; water is laid on to all berths;
3⋅0 to 8⋅3 m alongside its SW side. This jetty is in a poor small quantities of provisions are available.
state of repair, making it unsafe for berthing. Due to
shipbreaking activities there may be debris on the seabed in Small craft anchorages and moorings
its vicinity. 3.83
4 Cairnryan Ferry Terminal has two Ro-Ro berths one 1 The Wig (54°58′N, 5°04′W) contains visitor’s moorings
single tier, the other two tier. and is a popular anchorage which receives some protection
from The Spit (3.63). The sailing club at Glenside, on the
SW side of The Wig, has a slipway and provides other
facilities for visiting yachtsmen.
Anchorage may also be obtained in the areas given
below.
2 Lady Bay (55°00′N, 5°05′W), as shown on the chart,
which is easy to reach and sheltered from all except NE
winds.
Head of the loch in position 4 cables N of East Pier, in
a depth of 4 m, as shown on the chart.

Girvan Harbour
Chart 1866 plan of Girvan
Cairnryan terminal from SW (3.81) General information
(Original dated 2000) 3.84
(Photograph − Air Images) 1 Position and function. Girvan Harbour (55°14′⋅6N,
4°51′⋅5W), situated at the mouth of a river known as Water
of Girvan, is primarily a fishing port but is also used by
Port services at Stranraer recreational craft. The town of Girvan, which generally
3.82 stands on the S and E sides of the river, had a population
1 Repairs of a limited nature can be carried out by a local of 4048 in 2001.
engineering firm. 2 Approach and entry. Girvan is approached through
There is a slipway for small craft. open waters keeping 1 mile off the coast, and is entered
Hospital is situated in the town. through a narrow dredged channel between South Pier and

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the head of North Breakwater, 60 m NE of the head of Traffic Signals. When entry is prohibited the following
South Pier. signals are shown from a column at the seaward end of
South Pier Quay, 1 cable SE of the head of North
Breakwater:

Traffic Signals (3.87)

Directions for entering harbour

Girvan from NW (3.84) 3.88
(Original dated 2000) 1 From a position 3 cables WNW of the head of North
Breakwater the track into harbour leads 112°, on the
(Photograph − Air Images)
alignment of the dredged channel, passing (with positions
from the head of North Breakwater):
3 Traffic. In 2000 Girvan was used by 3 vessels with a
NNE of Girvan Patch (4½ cables SW), thence:
total dwt of 2100 tonnes.
Between two shallow patches, one with a depth of
Port Authority is South Ayrshire Council, Strategic
1⋅5 m (¾ cable W), to the SSW; and the other with
Services, MacAdam House, 34 Charlotte Street, Ayr
a depth of 1⋅9 m (¾ cable WNW), to the NNE.
KA7 1EA.
These patches lie either side of the entrance to the
dredged channel. Thence:
Limiting conditions
2 NNE of the head of South Pier (60 m WSW) on
3.85
which stands a light (metal mast on white tower,
1 Controlling depth. The entrance channel was dredged to
6 m in height), thence:
2⋅6 m in 2000. However, depths over the bar vary with
SSW of the head of North Breakwater, on which
freshets and changes in wind, and the harbour is subject to
stands a light (red pole on concrete base, 4 m in
significant siltation as given in a note on the plan. Advice
height) known locally as “Red Man”, thence:
of the Harbour Master should be sought by all users prior
SSW of the head of North Groyne (¾ cable ESE) on
to entry.
which stands a light (column, 3 m in height). This
2 Deepest and longest berth is South Pier Quay,
groyne extends to the edge of the drying bank
1¼ cables SE of the head of North Breakwater (3.89).
which lies parallel to the N edge of the channel.
Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
Mean spring range about 2⋅8 m; mean neap range about Anchorage and berths
1⋅6 m. 3.89
3 Density of water. The water, being sea water mixed 1 Anchorage can be obtained to seaward of Girvan, clear
with a fresh water river discharge, fluctuates between 1⋅000 of the entrance channel. This area is unsafe during NW
g/cm and 1⋅020 g/cm3 gales.
Maximum size of vessel handled. Length 50 m, beam Alongside berths. The largest berth is South Pier Quay,
9 m and draught 3⋅5 m. Such a vessel would be moved at which has a length of 107 m with a depth of 2⋅0 m
or near HW only. alongside.
4 Local weather. Winds from the NW cause heavy seas in There are three other main berths.
the entrance, particularly when there is a strong current
from the river after heavy rains. Port services
3.90
Arrival information 1 Repairs, above and below water, can be carried out on
3.86 fishing vessels up to 25 m in length.
1 Port radio is manned in Girvan between 0900 and 1700 Other facilities: Local cottage hospital; oily waste
Monday to Friday. For details see Admiralty Maritime disposal.
Communications.. Supplies: Diesel fuel and fresh water are available;
Pilotage by local fishermen is available on request to provisions can be obtained in town.
the Harbour Master. Small craft
Quarantine. For quarantine requirements see 1.50. 3.91
1 Pontoon berths for 20 visiting craft at the head of the
Harbour basin, between the screen jetty and Fish Quay.
3.87
1 General layout. Girvan Harbour consists of a single
basin at the SE end of the entrance channel (3.84), which MULL OF KINTYRE TO PLADDA
has a quay and wharves around its W and S sides. This
General information
basin is protected from seaward by North Groyne, ½ cable
inside North Breakwater, and from the scour of the river by Chart 2724
a screen jetty extending N and W from the head of the Routes
basin. 3.92
2 During the summer the harbour may become congested 1 From a position 6½ miles SSE of the Mull of Kintyre
with leisure craft. (55°18′N, 5°48′W) (7.33) an approach to the entrance to

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the Firth of Clyde from W leads E for about 9 miles then (55°26′N, 5°10′W) and Pladda. This stream, which is
ENE for about 22 miles to a position 4½ miles E of Pladda known locally as the Black Tide, is probably joined by a
(55°26′N, 5°07′W) (3.103). branch of the inner stream across the entrance to
The inshore route through Sanda Sound (55°18′N, Kilbrannan Sound. It is also joined later by the out-going
5°35′W) is described at 4.15. stream from Kilbrannan Sound to create a stream which
continuously sets E along the S coast of the Isle of Arran
between Cleiteadh Mór (55°26′N, 5°15′W) (Chart 2126)
Topography and Pladda, 4½ miles E.
3.93 4 West-going or out-going stream. The W-going tidal
1 A general description of Kintyre is given at 1.82 and of stream in a position S of Sanda Island is part of the stream
the Mull of Kintyre at 7.33. Between the Mull of Kintyre which has crossed the approach to the Firth of Clyde, as
and Srón Uamha, 1½ miles ESE, which is the S extremity described at 3.31, and been joined, whilst crossing, by the
of the peninsula, the coast is bold and rocky. out-going stream from the Firth of Clyde. From a position
2 The Isle of Arran (55°35′N, 5°15′W) is described at S of Sanda Island this stream sets W towards the Mull of
3.26. The S coast of the island, from Cleiteadh Mór Kintyre.
(55°26′N, 5°15′W) (chart 2126) (4.26) to Kildonan Point, 5 Pladda and vicinity. Between Pladda (55°26′N, 5°07′W)
4¾ miles E (3.125), is fringed with rocky spurs which and Kildonan Point, 7 cables N, the tidal streams set as
extend up to 2 cables offshore on both sides of Bennan follows:
Head, the S point of the island. Interval from HW Greenock Remarks
+0340 In-going stream begins
Depths –0220 Out-going stream begins
3.94
6 The rate at spring tides is 3½ kn and the early beginning
1 A general description of the depths in the approach to
of these streams is probably caused by the supposed
the Firth of Clyde is given at 3.30.
continuous E-going stream along the S coast of the Isle of
The least charted depth in the fairway of the main
Arran, mentioned above.
approach route given above is 40 m in position 55°20′N,
South and E of Pladda the tidal streams set as follows:
5°11′W.
Interval from HW Greenock Remarks
+0550 In-going stream begins
Hazards
3.95 –0020 Out-going stream begins
1 The coastal passage described above passes through an 7 For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
area of fishing activity, as given at 3.4, and includes a Firth of Clyde and Approaches and tidal stream stations on
submarine exercise area, as given at 3.3. the chart.
Overfalls
Rescue 3.98
3.96 1 Mull of Kintyre and vicinity. A strong tidal race, with
1 A Coastguard Sector Base (1.61) and an all-weather overfalls, may be encountered S and SW of the Mull of
lifeboat (1.72) are maintained in Campbeltown Loch Kintyre, as shown on the chart, and when a S gale opposes
(55°25′N, 5°36′W) (4.30). a strong S-going tidal stream, conditions can be dangerous
An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) is based at to small craft.
Southend (55°19′N, 5°39′W). 2 There is also, at times, a tidal race off Srón Uamha
(55°17′N, 5°46′W) which is formed by the strong streams
setting past the salient points and over inequalities in the
Tidal streams bottom, and by differences in the times at which these
3.97 streams begin and the direction in which they set. In
1 A general description of the tidal stream movement in particular, the E-going inner stream (3.97), during the first
the approaches to the Firth of Clyde is given at 3.31. 1¾ hours, meets the W-going main stream off Srón Uamha
East-going or in-going stream. Close off the Mull of and creates a race which is especially violent during SW
Kintyre the tidal streams, which are local, set as follows: gales. Whilst this race is running the water to the E of it
remains fairly smooth; however, when the race ceases, at
Interval from HW Greenock Remarks the beginning of the E-going main stream (+0450
+0310 S-going stream begins Greenock), the change is accompanied by rollers which
–0250 N-going stream begins break on the beach causing a heavy surf which lasts 5 or
10 minutes.
2 This local or inner stream sets close round the Mull of 3 Pladda. Overfalls or a race occur to the S of Pladda, as
Kintyre then E to Sanda Sound, 7 miles E, and achieves a shown on the chart, during the out-going stream from the E
rate at spring tides of 5 kn in both directions. However, coast of the Isle of Arran.
there is little stream in Dunaverty Bay, along the S coast of
the peninsula. Continuation of the inner stream to the NE is Principal marks
given at 4.20. 3.99
3 Outside this inner stream, part of the main stream from 1 Landmarks:
North Channel (3.31), bends round the Mull of Kintyre and Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse (55°19′N, 5°48′W) (7.31).
sets towards a position S of Sanda Island (55°17′N, Keil Hotel (54°18′⋅6N, 5°39′⋅7W) (chart 2126) which
5°35′W) then across the entrance to Kilbrannan Sound is white and conspicuous, standing 7 cables WNW
(55°22′N, 5°25′W) towards the S coast of the Isle of Arran of Dunaverty Point (4.24).

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2 Sanda Lighthouse (white tower, 15 m in height with of Paterson’s Rock which dries and is usually
white buildings) (55°17′N, 5°35′W) which stands marked by breakers. A light-buoy (port hand) is
on the S extremity of The Ship (3.102). moored on the SE side of Paterson’s Rock but its
position cannot be relied on due to its exposed
situation.

Sanda Island to Pladda

Sanda Island and Light from S (3.99) 3.103
(Original dated 2000) 1 From the vicinity of 55°12′N, 5°29′W the outer
(Photogrh − Air Images) approach leads ENE, passing (with positions from Ailsa
Craig Light):
Ailsa Craig (55°15′N, 5°07′W) (3.55). NNW of Mermaid Shoal (55°08′N, 5°24′W), thence:
Pladda Lighthouse (white tower, 29 m in height) NNW of a wreck, with a charted depth of 40 m
(55°25′N, 5°07′W) which stands near the S end of (5 miles W), thence:
Pladda (3.103). NNW of Ailsa Craig (3.55), thence:
3.100 2 NNW of a rock, with a charted depth of 31 m
1 Major lights: (3¾ miles NNW), and:
Mull of Kintyre Light (7.31). SSE of a rock, with a charted depth of 40 m
Sanda Light—as above. (5¼ miles NNW), thence:
Island Davaar Light (55°26′N, 5°32′W) (4.21). SSE of an extensive rocky shoal, with a least charted
Pladda Light—as above. depth of 26 m (7½ miles N) which lies at the NE
Turnberry Point Light (55°19′N, 4°50′W) (3.55). end of the shoal, thence:
3 SSE of the coastal bank which, with depths of less
than 30 m over it, extends 2 miles S from Pladda,
Other navigational aids thence:
3.101 4 NNW of a detached shoal, with a charted depth of
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the 39 m (9 miles NNE), thence:
Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at SSE of Pladda (10½ miles N), an island lying
1.33. 7 cables S of Kildonan Point (3.125) to which it is
joined by a reef with no navigable channel; a rock,
with a depth of 9⋅2 m over it, lies 7½ cables SSW
Directions of the island. Pladda gives a good radar response
(continued from the Irish Coast Pilot)
at 8 miles.
(Directions continue for the Firth of Clyde at 3.125)
Charts 2199, 2126
Mull of Kintyre to Sanda Island
3.102 Small craft
1 From the vicinity of 55°12′N, 5°45′W the outer
approach from W leads E in deep water, passing (with
positions from Sanda Light): Anchorages
S of the coastal bank which, with charted depths of 3.104
less than 30 m, extends 7 cables S from Srón 1 Carskey Bay (55°18′N, 5°40′W) affords anchorage in
Uamha (6 miles WNW) (3.93), thence: depths of 7 to 9 m clear of Carskey Rocks, on the W side
S of the coastal bank which, with depths of less than of the bay, and of the rocks off Keil Point on the E side of
30 m over it, extends 1½ miles SW from a drying the bay. This anchorage, which is free from dangers, is
reef which extends 3 cables SW from the W end little affected by the tidal stream and provides shelter from
of Sanda Island (below), thence: NW winds. Local knowledge is required.
2 S of The Ship, a promontory near the middle of the S 3.105
side of Sanda Island which is the largest of the 1 Sanda Island. Good temporary anchorage can be
group of islets on the S side of Sanda Sound obtained in Fliuchach, also known as South Bay, a small
(4.16). Sanda Island gives a good radar response bay 3 cables ENE of Sanda Light.
and The Ship appears to be detached when viewed
from E or W. A rusty wreck, which is prominent Chart 2220
from E and W, lies 1 cable SW of The Ship. 3.106
Thence: 1 Pladda is reported to afford some shelter on its E side,
3 S of a detached patch, with a least charted depth of close inshore and N of a small jetty which extends from
38 m (2 miles ESE), which lies up to 1¾ miles S the middle of the E coast.

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FIRTH OF CLYDE — LOWER PART

GENERAL INFORMATION PLADDA TO LITTLE CUMBRAE ISLAND

General information
Chart 2724
Chart 2724 Routes
Synopsis 3.111
3.107 1 From a position 4½ miles E of Pladda (55°26′N,
1 This section describes the lower part of the Firth of 5°07′W) (3.103) the main route towards the upper part of
Clyde which extends from, at the S end, a line joining the Firth of Clyde, keeping in the deepest water, leads N
Turnberry Point (55°20′N, 4°50′W), on the mainland, to for about 17 miles to a position 7 cables W of Cumbrae
Kildonan Point, 11½ miles NW, at the SE end of the Isle West Light (55°43′N, 5°58′W).
of Arran. At the N end, the area is limited by a line 2 From the initial position given above, approach routes to
joining Farland Head (55°42′N, 4°54′W) on the mainland, Ayr (55°28′N, 4°38′W) (3.139), to Troon (55°33′N,
to the S extremity of Little Cumbrae Island, 2 miles WNW, 4°41′W) (3.169) and Irvine (55°36′N, 4°42′W) (3.196), and
thence to Garroch Head (55°43′N, 5°02′W) at the S end of to Ardrossan (55°39′N, 4°49′W) (3.222), lead ENE, NE
the Isle of Bute, and thence to a point on the Isle of Arran, and NNE, respectively.
5¼ miles SW, which is at the N end of Sannox Bay Topography
(55°40′N, 5°09′W) (Chart 2126). 3.112
3.108 1 The routes given above pass through the lower part of
1 Directions are given at 3.125 for the main route through the Firth of Clyde which extends from, at the S end, a line
the area, from a position SE of Kildonan Point, towards the joining Turnberry Point (55°20′N, 4°50′W) (3.55) to
upper part of the Firth of Clyde, which lies to the N of Pladda, 11 miles WNW, to, at the N end, a line extending
Little Cumbrae Island. WNW and ESE from the S extremity of Little Cumbrae
3.109 Island.
1 Major harbours. Ayr (55°28′N, 4°38′W) (3.139) and 2 The eastern side of the firth consists of a wide
Troon (55°33′N, 4°41′W) (3.169). indentation containing Ayr Bay (55°29′N, 4°42′W) (3.161)
Minor harbours of importance are Irvine (55°36′N, and Irvine Bay (55°36′N, 4°46′W) (3.197). These bays give
4°42′W) (3.196) and Ardrossan (55°38′⋅5N, 4°49′⋅0W) access to the four ports which are spaced round the coast
(3.222), all of which are situated N of Ayr. Lamlash as given at 3.111 above. From the N end of Irvine Bay to
Harbour (55°32′N, 4°06′W) (3.127), on the E side of the Farland Head, 4 miles NW, the coast is generally sandy
Isle of Arran, affords anchorage for larger vessels. with occasional steep hills and woods.
2 Small craft facilities. Troon Marina (3.195), situated in 3 The western side of the firth is formed by the E coast
the inner harbour at Troon and Clyde Marina (3.251) at of the Isle of Arran (3.26). To the S of Holy Island
Ardrossan, are secure havens for small craft, with full (55°31′N, 5°04′W) (3.122) stretch the shores of Whiting
marina facilities. At Ayr a cruising club provides limited Bay which are wooded and fringed only with white
facilities, and in Irvine special facilities are provided for cottages except where the village extends along the central
small craft. part of the bay.
Depths
3.113
Flow 1 Charted depths in the lower part of the Firth of Clyde
3.110 are generally greater than 50 m outside the coastal bank
1 Tidal streams in the approaches to the Firth of Clyde which extends 4 miles from the E shore and 1¾ miles from
are given at 3.31. In the fairway of the lower part of the the W shore. However, detached patches, with a least
Firth of Clyde the streams are very weak, except off the charted depth of 27 m (54°33′N, 4°50′W) lie up to 2 miles
salient points, and more or less rotary. off the coastal bank, and isolated patches, with a least
2 The in-going stream follows the E coast as far as Heads charted depth of 38 m (55°39′N, 5°59′W), are spaced
of Ayr (55°26′N, 4°43′W) and from there on sets directly through the middle of the channel.
to Farland Head, 17 miles NNW, as well as round the bays Hazards
between them. From a position S of Garroch Head 3.114
(55°43′N, 5°02′W), the in-going stream divides into three 1 The routes described above pass through an area of
parts to set through the channels E and W of the Cumbrae fishing activity (3.4), and includes a submarine exercise
Islands and also into the E part of Bute Sound. area (3.3).
3 The out-going streams from the above channels meet to
the S of Garroch Head and a race is formed where the
Pilotage
stream from Bute Sound meets that from the W side of 3.115
Cumbrae Islands, as shown on the chart. The combined 1 Pilotage is not compulsory for the main route described
stream then sets outwards towards Heads of Ayr. above. Details of other pilotage requirements are given in
4 For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6(1).
Firth of Clyde and Approaches and tidal stream stations on Traffic regulations
the chart. 3.116
Flow. Factors affecting the resultant flow of water in the 1 A seaward limit of Clydeport Operations (3.12) extends
Firth of Clyde are given at 3.8. across the lower part of the Firth of Clyde in an E

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direction from a beacon (white, Saint Andrew’s cross Power Station at Hunterston (55°43′N, 4°54′W)
topmark) on the Isle of Arran, 1 cable NW of Corriegills (3.309).
Point (55°34′N, 5°06′W) (Chart 2126). Principal marks in the vicinity of Ayr (55°28′N, 4°38′W)
For Vessel Traffic Service see 3.14 and Admiralty List of are given at 3.160, for Troon (55°33′N, 4°41′W) at 3.188;
Radio Signals Volume 6(1). for Irvine (55°36′N, 4°42′W) at 3.215; and for Ardrossan
(55°39′N, 5°50′W) at 3.243.
Measured distance 3.123
3.117 1 Major lights:
1 Arran Measured Distance, at the S end of Bute Sound, Turnberry Point Light (55°20′N, 4°50′W) (3.55).
in the vicinity of 55°40′N, 5°09′W, is described at 4.101. Pladda Light (3.99).
Caution. Mariners should give a wide berth to vessels Pillar Rock Point Light (white square tower, 23 m in
conducting speed trials in this vicinity, making full height) (55°31′N, 5°04′W), standing near the E
allowance for a wide turning area at both ends. extremity of Holy Island (above).

Military wreck Other navigational aids

3.118 3.124
A restricted area of radius 200 m surrounds a military In addition to visual marks, which are described in
wreck (55°37′⋅7N, 5°00′⋅9W) as shown on the chart. the Directions, radio navigation aids are available
See 1.52. as given at 1.33.
Dumping ground
3.119 Directions
1 A disused dumping ground for spoil and explosives is (continued from 3.59 and 3.103)
centred 5¾ miles SSW of Little Cumbrae, as shown on the
chart. Charts 2220, 2491
3.125
Rescue 1 From the vicinity of 55°23′N, 4°59′W, clear of shallow
3.120 patches, the main route, in deep water, leads N, passing
1 An all-weather lifeboat is maintained at Troon (55°33′N, (with positions from Clauchlands Point (55°33′N, 5°05′W)):
4°41′W), and an inshore lifeboat is maintained at Lamlash W of a point at the N end of Culzean Bay (55°24′N,
(55°32′N, 5°08′W). See 1.72 for details of lifeboats. 4°46′W) on which stands Dunure Castle, thence:
Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams (1.61) are based at E of Kildonan Point (6¾ miles S), the SE extremity
Lamlash, Ayr (55°28′N, 4°38′W) and Ardrossan (55°38′⋅5N, of the Isle of Arran, on which stands the square
4°49′⋅0W). keep of an ancient castle. Pladda (3.103) lies
1 mile S of the point. And:
Tidal streams 2 W of DZ Light-buoy (special) (55°26′N, 4°50′W)
3.121 which is moored 4¼ miles W of Heads of Ayr, a
1 A description of the tidal streams within the lower part distinctive headland consisting of a vertical cliff,
of the Firth of Clyde is given at 3.110. terminating near its base in steep grassy slopes
with comparatively low land on both sides, thence:
Principal marks E of Dippin Head (5¾ miles S), close N of which
3.122 stands Dippin Lodge which is conspicuous, thence:
1 Landmarks: 3 E of detached shallow patches, with a least charted
Pladda Lighthouse (55°25′N, 5°07′W) (3.99). depth of 44 m (2¾ miles SE), which lie up to
Holy Island (55°31′N, 5°04′W) which lies across the 1½ miles SE, E and NE of Pillar Rock Point
entrance to Lamlash Harbour; its lower slopes are (2¼ miles SSE), the E point of Holy Island
grassy and heather-clad but higher up there are (3.122), near which stands Pillar Rock Point Light
rugged columnar masses. (3.123). A shoal, with a charted depth of 28⋅5 m,
lies 1¼ miles SSE of the point. And:
Lam Lash Harbour
4 W of isolated patches, with a least charted depth of
40 m (4¾ miles ESE) (3.113) which lie 7¼ miles
W of Lady Isle (3.188), thence:
E of Jamieson Knoll (1 mile SE), and:
W of a large detached shoal, with a least charted
depth of 27 m (8½ miles E) (3.113), thence:
W of a chain of shallow patches which extend
2¼ miles SSE from the least charted depth of 38 m
(7 miles NNE), and:
5 E of detached shallow patches, with a least charted
depth of 30⋅5 m (4½ miles N), which lie up to
Sw end Light Pillar Rock Point 1¼ miles off the coast in the vicinity of a beacon
Light
(5¼ miles NNW). This beacon marks the W
Holy Island from S (3.122) landing place of submarine cables (1.39) which
(Original dated 2000)
cross the firth from Farland Head, 9 miles ENE, at
(Photograph − Air Images) which end the line of the N cable is indicated by
2 Old Lighthouse on Little Cumbrae Island (55°43′N, the alignment of two beacons on the shore,
4°57′W) (3.269). 9 cables ESE of Farland Head (3.312). Thence:

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6 To a position 7 cables W of Cumbrae West Light 6 Local weather. It is reported that during winds from the
(55°43′N, 5°58′W). NW, the bay is affected by violent squalls from the
mountains of Arran, and that winds from the E send some
Useful marks sea into the harbour which affects even the most sheltered
3.126 of anchorages W of Holy Island.
1 A group of three radio masts (55°25′N, 4°42′W) 7 Marks, which can be readily identified from seaward
which stand on Bron Carrick Hill. (with positions from Old Quay (55°32′⋅1N, 5°07′⋅4W)):
The light on the SW extremity of Holy Island Flagstaff (5 cables NNE).
(3.128). Church with a grey spire (3 cables NNE).
Prominent radio mast, the position of which is Flagstaff (2½ cables NNE).
approximate, standing 3 cables W of Corriegills Red church with a spire (2½ cables SW).
Point (55°34′N, 5°06′W).
2 Lighthouse Pier Light (55°38′⋅5N, 4°49′⋅5W) (3.244)
Directions
at Ardrossan.
3.128
Rubh’ an Eun Light (55°44′N, 5°00′W) (3.272).
1 South Channel. From a position 7 cables S of the light
(Directions continue for
on the SW end of Holy Island the approach and entry into
Firth of Clyde Channel at 3.272,
South Channel leads N then NNW, in deep water, passing
for S end of Hunterston Channel at 3.312,
(with positions from the light):
and for Bute Sound and Inchmarnock Water at 4.107)
W of the S extremity of South Bank (5½ cables S)
which, with charted depths of less than 20 m,
Lamlash Harbour extends 5½ cables S from Holy Island, and:
2 E of the coastal bank which, with charted depths of
Chart 1864 plan of Lamlash less than 20 m, extends up to 2 cables from the
General information coast (6 cables SSW), thence:
3.127 WSW of South Rock (2¾ cables SSE) which lies in
1 Lamlash Harbour (55°32′N, 5°06′W) affords good the middle of South Bank, thence:
anchorage in a well-sheltered bay W of Holy Island ENE of Fullarton Rock (2¾ cables WSW) which is
(3.122). marked by a light-buoy (port hand) moored close
NE of the rock, keeping not less than 2 cables off
Kingscross Point, and:
3 WSW of the reef and bank fringing the SW extremity
of Holy Island on which stands a light (white
tower, 17 m in height). A small pier extends from
the coast close to the light. Thence:
Over a submarine power cable (1.39) which crosses
the channel from a position on Holy Island
(1¼ cables NNW) which is marked by a beacon,
thence:
4 NE of marine farms (1.17) which extend up to
1½ cables NE from the SW shore, as shown on
the chart.
Old Quay 3.129
Lamlash from SE (3.127) 1 North channel. From a position 5 cables ESE of
(Original dated 2000) Clauchlands Point (55°33′N, 5°05′W) the fairway of North
Photograph − Air Images)
Channel leads WSW, passing (with positions from
Clauchlands Point):
SSE of Hamilton Rock (¾ cable ESE), thence:
2 The village of Lamlash, which stands around the head of SSE of the shallow spit, with depths of less than
the harbour, had a population of 1010 in 2001. A pier, 10 m over it, which extends 3¾ cables S from
known as Old Quay, and two slipways which extend from Clauchlands Point. A light-buoy (port hand), which
the coast near the centre of the village, are owned by the marks the N side of the fairway, must be left to
Arran Estate, and the harbour is managed by the Factor, starboard when entering North Channel. And:
Estate Office, Brodick, Isle of Arran. 2 NNW of a shallow spit, with charted depths of less
3 Approach and entry. Lamlash Harbour can be entered than 10 m (5½ cables S), which extends 2½ cables
either from N or S of Holy Island as given below. N from the N coast of Holy Island, thence:
South Channel, between the SW point of Holy Island SSE of the coastal bank which, with charted depths
and Kingscross Point, 3 cables WSW, has a navigable width of less than 10 m, extends up to 3 cables from the
of 1¾ cables with a least depth of 26 m in the fairway. NW shore, and:
4 North Channel, between the N end of Holy Island and NNW of Deacon Rock (1¼ miles SSW).
Clauchlands Point, 7½ cables N, has a navigable width of
1¾ cables with a least depth of 10⋅4 m in the fairway.
5 Tidal streams. The in-going stream in the Firth of Anchorages
Clyde sets into Lamlash Harbour by the South Channel and 3.130
out by the North Channel, with the out-going stream setting 1 The best anchorage, suitable for small vessels, is in the
in the reverse direction, as shown on the chart. In the NW part of the harbour, in depths of 27 to 31 m, sand and
harbour the streams are very weak except near the W coast mud, clear of the small craft moorings which extend
of Holy Island. 2 cables ENE from Old Quay. Anchorage in depths of less

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than 18 m is not recommended as the coastal bank is Small craft

steep-to. 3.135
2 The entire SE part of the bay is encumbered with 1 There are suitable depths to anchor on the NW side of
disused ground tackle, formerly used to secure mooring the bay, below Brodick Castle. Moorings are available on
buoys. the S side of the bay, to the W of the harbour.
Brodick Old Quay, S of Brodick Castle, is a boat
Facilities and supplies camber and has a slipway for boats. Special byelaws are in
3.131 force governing the use of the quay.
1 There is a hospital in Lamlash. 2 The seabed within 1 cable of Brodick Harbour is fouled
Small quantities of provisions and ship chandlery can be by old moorings but temporary accommodation may be
obtained. available alongside, clear of the ferry berth.
A slipway for small craft, which may be used by
Small craft visitors, lies close W of the harbour.
3.132
1 Permanent moorings for small craft are established off
Old Quay and WNW of Kingscross Point. Small craft
Anchorage can be obtained round the Lamlash side of
Chart 2126
the bay or off the W side of Holy Island, dependant on the
wind.
Maidens Harbour
3.136
1 Maidens Harbour (55°20′N, 4°49′W) at the S end of
Brodick Bay Maidenhead Bay, is a fishing port which dries. The harbour
is formed inshore of two breakwaters, which join
Chart 1864 plan of Brodick
Maidenhead Rocks, and contains a pier. The entrance
General information channel into harbour is marked by iron beacons.
3.133 2 Anchorage. It is reported that temporary anchorage can
1 Brodick Bay, entered between Corriegills Point be obtained, in a depth of 2 m, between the harbour
(55°34′⋅3N, 5°06′⋅4W) and Merkland Point, 2 miles NNW,
entrance and Keown Rock, 2½ cables NNE.
affords good anchorage for large vessels during W winds.
Brodick Harbour, on the S side of the bay, is a ferry port Dunure Harbour
with two piers and a Ro-Ro terminal. 3.137
1 Dunure Harbour (55°24′⋅5N, 4°45′⋅5W), situated close N
of Dunure Castle, is a fishing port which dries and has a
depth of 2⋅7 m at HW. This harbour, which is protected
from the N and W by two breakwaters, has a small tower
marking the SW side of the entrance.

Chart 2220
Whiting Bay
3.138
1 Whiting Bay, lying between Largybeg Point (55°28′N,
Brodick Ro-Ro terminal from N (3.133) 5°05′W) and the S entrance of Lamlash Harbour, 2¾ miles
(Original dated 2000)
N (3.127), affords good anchorage during W winds, in
(Photograph − Air Images) depths of 9 to 18 m.
2 The village of Brodick, which had a population of 621 A stone slipway and natural boat harbour are usable in
in 2001, is built around the head of the bay, the beach of offshore winds.
which is pulverised granite and sand. Of the numerous
mountain streams which flow into the bay the principal is
Glenrosa Water, at the head of the bay. AYR HARBOUR AND APPROACHES
Tidal streams in the bay are weak.
3 Local weather. It is reported that fierce squalls are to be General information
expected from the valley at the head of the bay during W
winds. Charts 2220, 1866 plan of Ayr
Marks around the bay are as follows (with positions Position and function
from Brodick Castle (55°35′⋅6N, 5°09′⋅0W)): 3.139
Beacon (white, Saint Andrew’s cross topmark) (1 mile 1 Ayr Harbour (55°28′N, 4°38′W), situated on the E side
NE). of the Firth of Clyde, at the head of Ayr Bay and at the
4 Brodick Castle, which is surrounded by trees and has mouth of River Ayr, is a fishing and industrial port which
a tower with a flagstaff at its SW corner. specialises in scrap metal and the bulk movement of coal,
Pier Head Light (grey post) (1 mile SSE). fertiliser, rock salt, animal feeds, timber and building
Traffic. In 2002, in addition to ferry traffic, Brodick was materials. The town of Ayr, which extends along the coast
used by 25 vessels with a total of 372 167 dwt. on both sides off the harbour, had a population of 46 431
in 2001.
Anchorage
3.134 Harbour limits
1 Anchorage may be obtained as convenient on sand and 3.140
mud, clear of the small foul areas which lie 1½ miles E, 1 Harbour limits, as shown on the plan, extend about
6 cables ESE, and 1 mile SE of Brodick Castle. 2 cables to seaward of the harbour entrance.

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Local weather
3.150
1 Strong winds from the W create a swell in the entrance.
Caution. Heavy rains cause freshets in the river which
tend to deflect the heading of a vessel.
In winter, after the breaking-up of hard frost, the ice on
the out-going stream has swept small vessels out to sea.

Arrival information
Port operations
3.151
Ayr from W (3.139) 1 Port radio is manned in Ayr, for details see Admiralty
(Original dated 2000)
List of Radio Signals Volume 6(1).
(Photograph − Air Images)
Notice of ETA: 24 hours notice is advisable, and
necessary if a Pilot is required.
Approach and entry Outer anchorages
3.141 3.152
1 Ayr Harbour is approached through Ayr Bay and entered 1 Safe anchorage during gales from between SW and NW,
between South Pier and the head of North Breakwater, can be obtained in Whiting Bay (55°30′N, 5°05′W) (3.138).
80 m NNW, which is detached. During winds from the E safe anchorage can be
obtained in Ayr Bay.
Traffic
3.142 Pilotage
1 In 2002, the port was used by 138 vessels with a total 3.153
of 270 164 dwt. 1 Pilotage is compulsory for vessels over 65 m in length,
see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6(1). Pilots,
Port Authority
who are available day and night, board N of Saint Nicholas
3.143
Light-buoy, 4 cables W of South Pier Light, as shown on
1 Ayr Harbour is managed by Associated British Ports,
the plan.
Port Office, Ayr, Ayrshire, KA8 8AH. Local control is
vested in the Harbour Master. Tugs
3.154
Limiting conditions 1 A tug is available.
Controlling depth Regulations concerning entry
3.144 3.155
1 The least charted depth over the bar is 3⋅6 m, 3 cables 1 Special bye-laws are in force for vessels carrying
W of South Pier Light, which is on the leading line given petroleum products.
at 3.161. Attention is drawn to the note on the chart
concerning depths. Quarantine
3.156
Deepest and longest berth 1 For quarantine regulations see 1.50.
3.145
1 The deepest and longest berth is North Quay (3.164),
Harbour
3 cables ESE of South Pier Light.
General layout of harbour
Tidal levels 3.157
3.146 1 Ayr Harbour is formed by the banks of the River Ayr,
1 See information in Admiralty Tide Tables. Mean spring which are quayed at the mouth of the river; and by Griffin
range about 2⋅9 m; mean neap range about 1⋅4 m. Dock, a tidal basin which extends NE from the inner end
of the entrance channel.
Abnormal levels
3.147 Traffic signals
1 A wind from the S increases the height of the tide, 3.158
whereas a wind from the N/NE decreases its height. 1 Traffic signals are shown at night only on a mast near
the Pilot Station, on the outer end of North Quay, 2 cables
Density of water
E of South Pier.
3.148
1 The density of the water in the harbour varies according
to the weather. The average is 1⋅018 g/cm3

Maximum size of vessel handled

3.149
1 River berths: length 110 m, draught 6⋅2 m, 5000 dwt.
Length is restricted by a need to turn in the harbour.
Griffin Dock: Length 95 m, beam 18 m, draught 5⋅8 m, Traffic Signals (3.158)
4000 dwt.

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Tidal streams Entrance channel

3.159 3.163
1 Tidal streams in the Firth of Clyde are given at 3.110. 1 When south Pier Light is distant 1 cable the entrance
In Ayr Bay the tidal streams are barely perceptible. channel, which has a width of 60 m, continues generally E,
passing:
S of the head of North Breakwater on which stands a
light (white metal framework tower, 9 m in
Principal marks height), thence:
3.160 N of the head of South Pier on which stands a light
1 Landmarks, all of which are conspicuous, are given in (white tower, 6 m in height) thence:
order from S to N, with positions from South Pier Light: Between South Pier and North Pier.
Building (2 miles S) which stands near the coast and
near two large chimneys. Berths
A group of three blocks of flats (8 cables SSE). 3.164
Ayr Pavilion (6 cables SSE) which stands near the 1 North Quay has a length of 359 m with depths of 6⋅7 m
coast. alongside at HW. Griffin Dock has a quay length of 610 m
2 The spire on Ayr Town Hall (6 cables SE). and depths alongside of 6⋅0 m at HW.
Gasholder (6 cables ENE) reported to be dark with a
light grey top. Port services
The tower of Saint Nicholas Church (2 miles NNE). Repairs
Swimming Pool (2¼ miles NNE) which stands on the 3.165
coast at Prestwick. 1 Engine and deck repairs can be carried out. For major
repairs see 3.192.
Divers are available.
Other facilities
Directions 3.166
1 Specialist equipment for handling coal and scrap metal
is available and there are extensive storage areas.
Deratting can be carried out.
Approach Customs.
3.161 There is a local hospital.
1 Ayr Bay, between Heads of Ayr (55°26′N, 4°43′W) Facilities available for the reception of oily waste,
(3.125) and Troon, 6½ miles NNE, is strewn with shoal noxious and harmful substances.
patches and approach to Ayr Harbour along the leading line
is recommended. Supplies
Initial position: 3 miles W of South Pier Light 3.167
(55°28′⋅2N, 4°38′⋅7W). 1 All grades of oil fuel can be delivered by road tanker,
2 Leading lights: given 24 hours notice.
Front light (red tower, white lantern, 6 m in height), Fresh water is available at the quayside.
which stands near the Pilot Station 2 cables E of Provisions of all kinds can be obtained in town.
South Pier Light.
Rear light (masonry tower, white lantern, 22 m in Small Craft
height) 130 m from the front light. Ayr Yacht and Cruising Club
3 The alignment (098°) of these light leads E towards the 3.168
harbour entrance, passing (with positions from South Pier 1 The main pontoon lies at the head of the harbour on the
Light): SE side and a shorter access pontoon lies almost opposite,
S of the foul ground surrounding Lady Isle (4½ miles on North Quay.
NW) (3.188), thence:
4 S of Saltpan Patches, a number of detached shallow TROON HARBOUR AND APPROACHES
patches which, with a least depth of 3⋅8 m over
them (1½ miles NW), extend up to 2 miles WNW General information
from the coast. Saltpan Spit (1¾ miles N), with Charts 2220, 1866 plan of Troon
depths of less than 2 m over it, extends 1¾ miles Position and function
WNW from the coast close N of Saltpan Patches.
3.169
Thence:
1 Troon Harbour (55°33′N, 4°41′W), situated on the E
5 S of a light-buoy (special) (9 cables NW) marking a
side of the Firth of Clyde, between Ayr Bay (3.161) and
diffuser at the W extremity of a storm outfall,
Irvine Bay (3.197), lies about 9 miles N of Ayr (3.139).
thence:
The chief industries are shipbuilding and fishing, and the
N of a shoal, with depths of less than 2 m over it
port is the terminal for ferry routes to Belfast and Larne
(2½ cables WSW), which extends up to 4½ cables (see 1.12). The town of Troon, which extends along the
W from Saint Nicholas Rock and is marked near coast on both sides of the harbour, had a population of
its N side by Saint Nicholas Light-buoy (starboard
14 776 in 2001.
hand).
3.162 Harbour limits
1 Useful mark: 3.170
The ruins of Greenan Castle (2 miles SSW) which 1 Harbour limits, as shown on the plan, extend about
stand on the edge of a cliff and are prominent. 2 cables to seaward of the harbour entrance.

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the NW build up heavy seas in the entrance. The most

dangerous wind is reported to be that from the NW.

Arrival information
Port radio
3.180
1 Port radio is manned in Troon, for details see Admiralty
List of Radio Signals Volume 6(1).

Outer anchorages
3.181
Troon Yacht Haven 1 Safe anchorage during gales from between SW and NW,
Troon from N (3.169) can be obtained in Whiting Bay (55°30′N, 5°05′W) (3.138).
(Original dated 2000) During winds from the E safe anchorage can be
obtained in Ayr Bay.
(Photograph − Air Images)

Pilotage
Approach and entry 3.182
3.171 1 Pilotage is not compulsory but if required Pilots can be
1 Troon Harbour, which is easier of access than any other obtained from Ayr, with 24 hours notice, see Admiralty List
harbour on the coast of Ayrshire, is approached from of Radio Signals Volume 6(1)..
WNW through Irvine Bay (3.197) and entered from the N
between West Pier and the head of East Pier, ½ cable SE. Tugs
3.183
Port Authority 1 A tug is available.
3.172
1 Troon Harbour is managed by Associated British Ports Regulations concerning entry
as given for Ayr at 3.143. 3.184
1 Special bye-laws are in force for vessels carrying
Limiting conditions petroleum products and explosives.
An amber flashing light is exhibited from West Pier to
Controlling depth signal temporary closure of the harbour to allow ferries to
3.173 arrive or depart without hindrance from other craft.
1 The approach to the ferry terminal and the channel
between West and East Piers (3.190) have a maintained Quarantine
depth of 5⋅4 m. The Outer Harbour channel to Portland 3.185
Quay was dredged to 3⋅9m (2002). 1 For quarantine regulations see 1.50. The master of a
vessel which has come from an infected port must obtain
Deepest and longest berth pratique from Ayr (3.139) before entering the harbour.
3.174
1 The deepest berth is the ferry terminal NE of East Pier;
the longest berth is West Pier (3.191). Harbour

Tidal levels General layout of harbour

3.175 3.186
1 See information in Admiralty Tide Tables. Mean spring 1 Troon Harbour consists of Outer Harbour, with general
range about 2⋅9 m; mean neap range about 1⋅4 m. depths of 2⋅1 to 4⋅3 m, good quayage and shelter from NW
winds; a wet dock, used for fishing vessels, which extends
Abnormal levels from the SW side of Outer Harbour; and Inner Harbour,
3.176 wholly occupied by Troon Marina (3.195), which continues
1 Winds from the NW reduce the height of the tide. SE from Outer Harbour, as shown on the plan. There is a
Ro-Ro terminal on the NE side of East Pier.
Density of water
3.177 Tidal streams
1 Density:1⋅025 g/cm3 3.187
1 Tidal streams in the Firth of Clyde are given at 3.110.
Maximum size of vessel handled In Irvine Bay the tidal streams are barely perceptible.
3.178
1 Maximum size of vessel handled is 110 m length and Principal marks
6⋅2 m draught. 3.188
The largest vessel docked had a draught of 4⋅4 m and 1 Landmarks:
dwt of 4000 tonnes. Two towers standing on Lady Isle (55°31′⋅6N,
4°44′⋅0W), 2 miles SW of Troon, one of which is
Local weather Lady Isle Light (white tower) situated in the centre
3.179 of the isle.
1 It is reported that strong winds from the SW build up a Conspicuous building at the shipyard in Troon,
very heavy sea in the approach and that strong winds from 2½ cables SSE of West Pier Light.

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Directions Port services

Repairs
Approach 3.192
3.189 1 Repairs of all kinds can be carried out at Troon which
1 Depths in the S part of Irvine Bay (3.197) are very has a modern shipyard with a repair berth of 105 m in
irregular but the approach to Troon from WNW is free length and two dry docks for shipbuilding and repairs with
from dangers. At the S end of the bay, Lady Isle is the following dimensions:
surrounded by foul ground with shoals extending up to a No 1: length 89⋅9 m, width 12 m depth over the sill
mile NE from the island and there may be depths which 3⋅5 m.
are shallower than those shown on the chart. The channel No 2: length 121⋅9 m, width 17⋅2 m, depth over the
between Lady Isle and the coast to the E should only be sill 4⋅7 m.
attempted by mariners in small vessels and with local Other facilities
knowledge. 3.193
2 From a position 2 miles WNW of Troon West Pier Light 1 There is a local hospital.
(55°33′N, 4°41′W) the approach leads ESE, passing (with Facilities available for the reception of oily waste,
positions from West Pier Light): noxious and harmful substances.
NNE of Troon Rock (1¼ miles W), which breaks in Light salvage work can be undertaken.
heavy weather, and:
SSW of the shallow spit extending 9 cables SSW Supplies
from Lappock Rock (1½ miles NNW) (3.216). A 3.194
rock, with a depth of 5⋅2 m over it (1¼ miles NW) 1 All grades of oil fuel can be delivered by road tanker,
lies on the spit. Thence: given 24 hours notice.
3 SSW of a detached shoal, with a least depth of 5⋅8 m Fresh water is available at the berths.
over it (6 cables NW), thence: Ice (for fishing vessels) is available.
NNE of the coastal bank, with charted depths of less Provisions of all kinds can be obtained in town.
than 5 m, which extends up to 1 cable W and N
from Crab Rock (1¼ cables WSW). The NW edge Small craft
of this bank is marked by a light-buoy (starboard 3.195
hand), thence: 1 Troon Yacht Haven, which provides well sheltered
SSW of a light-beacon (red metal pile) (1¼ cables accommodation in the Inner Harbour, has 300 pontoon
NNE). berths, including 40 berths for visitors and large deep water
berths capable of accepting craft up to 36 m in length.
Entry can be made at all states of the tide through an inner
Entrance channel entrance with a width of 11 m and a least depth of 2⋅6 m.
3.190 Full facilities are available including a slipway and
1 From a position ¾ cable NNE of West Pier Light the shiplift for craft up to 12 tonnes.
fairway of the entrance channel leads generally SSW,
passing (with positions from West Pier Light): IRVINE HARBOUR AND APPROACHES
2 E of a shallow bank extending a short distance N and
E from the head of West Pier, on which stands a General information
light (white tower, 8 m in height). A white dolphin
stands near the edge of the coastal bank, close SE
of the light. Thence:
3 W of the coastal bank, with charted depths of less
than 5 m, which extends a short distance W from
the head of East Pier (½ cable SE). A light (red
metal pole on dolphin, 4 m in height) stands on a
dolphin close N of the East Pier head.

Basins and berths

3.191 Garnoch Wharf Retractable Bridge
1 The largest berth, which is on West Pier, has depths of
Irvine from SW (3.196)
5⋅2 to 5⋅8 m alongside for a length of 90 m. The full length
(Original dated 2000)
of this berth is 140 m. A Ro-Ro facility is available at the
(Photograph − Air Images)
S end of West Pier; this berth is used by the daily high
speed ferry service to Belfast. Wee Hurry Quay is at the Charts 2220, 1866 plan of Irvine
NW end of the SW side of Outer Harbour, providing Position and function
160 m of berthing with a minimum alongside depth of 5 m 3.196
(2001). 1 Irvine Harbour (55°36′N, 4°42′W), situated at the
2 A Ro-Ro terminal, with a maintained depth alongside of confluence of River Irvine and River Garnock, penetrates
5⋅4 m, lies on the NE side of East Pier. the Ayrshire coast between Troon and Ardrossan, at the
Wet Dock has a total of over 366 m of berthing space, head of Irvine Bay. This harbour serves the Irvine
for fishing vessels only. A fish market is situated on the Industrial Estate and ICI Industries as well as the leisure
SW wall of the dock. industry, with accommodation for pleasure steamers and

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small craft. The town of Irvine, standing along both sides should contact the bridge operator. For details see
of the river, 1¼ miles above the harbour entrance, had a Admiralty Maritime Communications.
population of 33 090 in 2001. It contains a maritime
museum and large leisure centre and is reported to be Local weather and sea state
expanding rapidly. 3.207
1 Winds from the N or S generally create a down-wind
Topography current across the entrance making local knowledge
3.197 essential when entering harbour, as given in a note on the
1 Irvine Bay, which extends from Troon (55°33′N, plan.
4°41′W) to Ardrossan, 7 miles NW, is generally shallow, Onshore winds create breaking seas over the bar during
with the 20 m depth contour up to 2½ miles offshore in the out-going tidal stream, especially when the rivers are
places, and depths which are very irregular at the SE end swollen by rain or melting snow.
of the bay. The coast around the bay is low.
Arrival information
Harbour limits
3.198 Port operations
1 Harbour limits, as shown on Chart 2220, extend about 3.208
1 mile to seaward of the harbour entrance. 1 Port radio is manned in Irvine Harbour Office for
limited periods, for details see Admiralty Maritime
Approach and entry Communications.
3.199
1 Irvine Harbour is approached from SW, across Irvine Outer anchorages
Bay, and entered through a narrow channel between drying 3.209
banks which extend about 2 cables offshore. 1 Anchorage, with good holding ground, can be obtained
NW of the leading line (3.216), 1 mile from the entrance,
Port Authority in depths of 15 to 22 m, clear of an outfall pipe shown on
3.200 the chart. This anchorage is exposed and its use is limited
1 Irvine Harbour is managed by the Irvine Harbour to fine weather or offshore winds.
Company, c/o ICI Ardeer, Stevenston, Ayrshire KA20 3LN.
Local control is vested in the Harbour Master. Pilotage
3.210
Limiting conditions 1 Pilotage is not compulsory but is available on request,
with 24 hours notice. as given in Admiralty List of Radio
Controlling depth Signals Volume 6(1). Pilots board vessels 5 cables SW of
3.201 the entrance, as shown on the plan.
1 The minimum depth over the bar is 0⋅5 m, situated
between the Entrance Channel Light-beacons. This depth is Regulations concerning entry
affected by the wind, as given in a note on the plan. 3.211
1 Irvine Harbour lies within Clydeport Operations
Tidal levels Limited’s area as given at 3.12, with movement control as
3.202 given at 3.14.
1 See information in Admiralty Tide Tables. Mean spring 2 Dangerous Substances in Harbour Areas (DSHA)
range about 2⋅8 m; mean neap range about 1⋅6 m. regulations, as given in Admiralty List of Radio Signals
Volume 6(1), apply within Irvine Harbour. Reports should
Density of water be sent 24 hours in advance of ETA or as soon as
3.203 reasonably practicable. Special bye-laws are also in force
1 Density varies from fresh (low tide, high flow in river) for vessels carrying explosives.
to fully saline (high tide, low flow in river). 3 Vessels not under the control of Nobel Explosives
Company must not anchor in the fairway of Garnock River
Abnormal levels off Garnock Wharf, 3½ cables N of the Pilot Station.
3.204
1 A wind from the S increases the height of the tide; Quarantine
whereas a wind from the N decreases its height. 3.212
Freshets from the rivers can increase the depth of water 1 For quarantine regulations see 1.50.
by 0⋅3 m or more.
Silting may occur within the harbour during the winter. Harbour
Maximum size of vessel handled General layout of harbour
3.205 3.213
1 The harbour is suitable for vessels of up to 60 m in 1 Irvine Harbour lies along the SE bank of River Irvine,
length and with a draught of 3⋅8 m. with wharves, pontoons and a slipway.

Bridge Natural conditions

3.206 3.214
1 A retractable footbridge links the harbour on the S side 1 Tidal streams in the Firth of Clyde are given at 3.110.
of the channel with an exhibition site on the N side. The In Irvine Bay the tidal streams are barely perceptible.
vertical clearance is 5 m and when opened the navigable Wind. Irvine Harbour, which is protected from all
width is 18 m. Vessels requiring the bridge to be opened winds, provides safe refuge for vessels in any wind.

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Entrance channel
3.217
1 When the front leading light is distant 5 cables the track
is adjusted to the fairway of the entrance channel, with the
leading line marking the SE edge of the channel, passing
(with positions from the front light):
2 Midway between the Entrance Channel Light-beacons.
The N beacon (red metal column with platform,
6 m in height) (3½ cables WSW) stands 60 m
within the drying bank and 20 m from the edge of
Irvine from NW (3.196) the channel; the S beacon (green metal column
(Original dated 2000) with platform, 6 m in height), ½ cable SE of the
(Photograph − Air Images
NW beacon, stands 110 m within the drying bank
and 20 m from the edge of the channel. Thence:
3 Midway between perches on both sides of the
channel which mark the seaward end of numerous
Principal marks groynes and show the limits of the channel.
3.215 Within the harbour and in River Garnock, as far as
1 Landmarks, all of which are conspicuous, are given Garnock Wharf, 3 cables from the front leading light, the
with positions from the Tidal Station (55°36′⋅3N, channel is marked by posts which stand within the drying
4°41′⋅6W): line.
Five blocks of high-rise flats (9 cables ENE) which
are located near the town centre. Alongside berths
Two chimneys (5½ cables E) which stand 40 m apart. 3.218
Tidal Station Tower, which is white and surmounted 1 Main berths. On River Irvine the main berth lies
by a large signal mast. immediately above Visitors Wharf, 2 cables ENE of the
Lady Isle (55°31′⋅6N, 4°44′⋅0W) and a conspicuous front leading light, with a length of 130 m and charted
building in Troon are given at 3.188. depths of between 1⋅3 and 2⋅4 m alongside.

Port services
Directions Repairs
3.219
Approach 1 Minor repairs to hull and machinery can be undertaken.
3.216
Supplies
1 The approach to Irvine from SW is clear of dangers.
3.220
Initial position: 2 miles SW of the harbour entrance.
1 Diesel fuel can be delivered by road tanker.
Leading lights:
Fresh water is available in small quantities.
Front light (green mast, 10 m in height) (55°36′⋅4N,
Stores and provisions of all kinds can be obtained in
4°41′⋅5W) standing at the NE end of Lower
town.
Wharf, on the SE side of the harbour.
Rear light (green mast, 15 m in height) 101 m from
the front light. Small craft
2 The alignment (051°) of these lights leads NE towards 3.221
the harbour entrance, passing (with positions from the front 1 Visitors Wharf, on the S side of River Irvine, 1½ cables
light): above the front leading light, is a two-level wharf, with
NW of shoal patches, with a least depth of 8⋅6 m depths of 2⋅2 m reported alongside. The lower level is
over them (2 miles SW), thence: 0⋅3 m above MHWS and the upper level is 1⋅1 m above
3 SE of IB-B Light-buoy (special) (1½ miles WSW) MHWS.
which marks the seaward end of an outfall pipe A slipway, above the Maritime Museum, is available for
extending 1¼ miles from the coast. IB-C use on request.
Light-buoy (special) (2 miles W) marks the
seaward end of two outfall pipes extending up to ARDROSSAN HARBOUR
9 cables SW from the coast, where they are AND APPROACHES
marked by two beacons (special). IB-D Light-buoy
(special) marks the seaward end of another outfall General information
pipe 4 cables N of IB-C Light-buoy. Thence:
4 NW of isolated shoal patches, with a least charted Charts 2221, 1866 plan of Ardrossan.
depth of 9⋅6 m (1¼ miles SW), which lie up to Position and function
1 mile NW of Lappock Rock (1¾ miles S) on 3.222
which stands a beacon (brown stone tower, ball 1 Ardrossan Harbour (55°38′⋅5N, 4°49′⋅0W) lies on the
topmark), and: NW side of a low peninsula which projects from the
NW of rocky patches, with a least charted depth of Ayrshire coast 6 miles SE of Little Cumbrae Island. This is
3⋅2 m (8 cables S), which lie on the coastal bank, a commercial harbour and ferry port which maintains
8 cables NNE of IB−A Light-buoy (special) which Ro-Ro links with the Isle of Arran and with ports in
marks a diffuser at the seaward end of three outfall Northern Ireland. A marina for small craft is also situated
pipes extending 1⋅2 miles W from the coast. within the port. The town of Ardrossan, which extends to

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Clyde Marina

Ardrossan from NW (3.222)

(Photograph − Air Images) (Original dated 2000)

the W and SW of the harbour, had a population of 31 341 Tidal levels

in 2001. 3.228
1 See information in Admiralty Tide Tables. Mean spring
Approach and entry range about 2⋅8 m; mean neap range about 1⋅5 m.
3.223
1 Ardrossan Harbour is approached and entered from the Density of water
SW along a narrow sector marked by a direction light, as 3.229
given at 3.244. 1 Density: 1⋅025 g/cm3
Port Authority Maximum size of vessel handled
3.224 3.230
1 The Port Authority is Clydeport Operations Ltd, as given 1 The largest vessel handled had a length of 117⋅85m and
at 3.11. a draught of 5⋅9m.

Limiting conditions Local weather

3.231
Controlling depth 1 It is reported that the harbour is likely to be closed by
3.225 gales from the SW.
1 The controlling depth in the entrance and approach to
Berth 10 on the W side of Eglinton Tidal Basin (3.246) is Arrival information
5⋅0 m.
Depth in the approach to Clyde Marina is 4⋅2 m. Port operations and vessel traffic service
3.232
Controlling width 1 Ardrossan is included in the Clydeport Port Operations
3.226 and Information Service, as given at 3.14.
1 The entrance to Ardrossan Harbour has a width of
115 m between Lighthouse Pier (55°38′⋅5N, 4°49′⋅5W) and Port radio
the S end of the breakwater. The entrance to Eglinton Tidal 3.233
Basin has a width of 53⋅33 m and the entrance to Eglinton 1 Port radio is manned in Ardrossan during ferry
Dock (Clyde Marina) has a width of 9m between the storm movements. For details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals
gate and the quay. Volume 6(1).

Deepest and longest berth Notice of ETA

3.227 3.234
1 The deepest and longest berth is Berth 10 on the W side 1 Notice of ETA of 24 hours is required and amendment if
of Eglinton Tidal Basin (3.247). ETA changes.

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Outer anchorages
3.235
1 Anchorage can be obtained in depths of 22 to 27 m,
with Lighthouse Pier Light bearing 034°, distant 1 mile, as
shown on the chart.

Pilotage
3.236
1 Ardrossan lies within the Outer Pilotage area of the
Clyde and pilotage is compulsory as given in Admiralty
List of Radio Signals Volume 6(1). Pilots board off Little
Cumbrae Island in the vicinity of 55°43′N, 4°59′W, as
shown on the chart.

Tugs
3.237
1 Tugs are available from the Clyde but none are based at
Ardrossan.

Regulations concerning entry

3.238
1 Special bye-laws are in force for vessels carrying
petroleum products.

Quarantine
3.239
Traffic Signals (3.242)
1 For Quarantine regulations see 1.50.
Mariners requiring the attention of a Medical Officer 2 The term “commercial vessel” includes any large vessel
should display flag signal ZW of the international code by which, in the opinion of the Clydeport Harbour Master,
day and morse code at night, and, at night, a red light over requires a clear passage inwards or outwards.
a white light, not more than 2 m apart.

Principal marks
3.243
Notice of medical requirements 1 Landmarks:
3.240
Conspicuous stone tower (55°38′⋅6N, 4°50′⋅4W), with
1 Advance notice is only required when medical attention
three windows on either side, which stands on the
is necessary on arrival.
S point of Horse Isle (3.244).
Conspicuous marks at Irvine (55°36′N, 4°42′W) (Chart
2220), 5 miles SE, are given at 3.215, and for Hunterston
(55°45′N, 4°52′W) at 3.309.
Harbour

Directions for entering harbour

General layout of harbour
3.241 Chart 1866 plan of Ardrossan
1 Situated on the S side of the outer harbour, which is 3.244
protected by a detached breakwater, the berthing areas in 1 From the vicinity of 55°38′N, 4°51′W the white sector
Ardrossan Harbour consist of two tidal basins, the inner of (053¾° to 056¼°) of Ardrossan Approach Direction Light
which leads E to an enclosed tidal dock in which a marina (metal framework tower, 12 m in height) (55°38′⋅7N,
is situated. For details of the basins see 3.246. 4°49′⋅1W), standing in front of a tank farm, leads NE
2 In the outer harbour a buoy (port hand), 1½ cables NE towards and into the outer harbour, passing (with positions
of the entrance, marks the N limit of the dredged approach from the direction light):
and turning area. 2 SE of a rock, with a depth of 5⋅6 m over it (8 cables
WSW), which lies on a rocky and uneven spit
extending 3¼ cables S from Horse Isle Shelves
Traffic signals which are rocky spurs extending 1¼ cables S from
3.242 Horse Isle, a low islet partially covered with grass,
1 Traffic signals, consisting of three lights displayed 1m on the S point of which stands a stone tower
apart vertically, are exhibited by day and at night at an (3.243), thence:
elevation of 19 m from a framework tower standing on top 3 NW of Eagle Rock (5 cables SSW), marked by a
of the Harbour Control Tower (55°38′⋅5N, 4°49′⋅1W). light-buoy (starboard hand), which lies on the SW

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corner of rocks and ledges of rock extending Passenger berth, on the NW face of Winton Pier, has a
2¼ cables from the coast with Campbell Rock length of 137 m and a depth of 4⋅26 m alongside.
(6½ cables S), its S extremity, which is joined to There are several other berths as indicated at 3.246.
the coast NE by Castle Craigs. See clearing marks
at 3.245. Thence:
4 SE of West Crinan Rock (4 cables WSW) which is Port services
marked close S by a light-buoy (port hand). This
danger is the S of several detached rocks which
extend across the channel between Horse Isle and Repairs
the coast E, rendering passage unsafe without local 3.248
knowledge. Thence: 1 Diving operations can be undertaken with the approval
5 SE of Breakwater Head Light (red gantry, 1 m in of the harbour authority.
height) (2¾ cables WSW) which stands on the S
extremity of the breakwater; a disused submarine Other facilities
power cable lies across the entrance. And:
3.249
NW of Lighthouse Pier (2¾ cables SW) near the head 1 Deratting can be carried out.
of which stands Lighthouse Pier Light (white There is a hospital near the harbour.
tower, 9 m in height). No facilities for reception of oily waste.
3.245 An additional Ro-Ro berth for car ferries (Arran) is
1 Clearing marks: situated in the SE corner of Old Tidal Basin.
The alignment (025¾°) of the NW extremity of
Lighthouse Pier (above) with the tower of Seafield House,
7½ cables NNE, clears WNW of Eagle Rock (above) and Supplies
the associated dangers. 3.250
1 Fuel can be obtained by road tanker.
Fresh water is available at all berths.
Basins and berths Provisions and stores of all kinds are available.

Basins Small craft

3.246 3.251
1 Old Tidal Basin, at the W end of the harbour, lying 1 Clyde Marina, which is situated in the former Eglinton
between Lighthouse Pier and Winton Pier, has depths of Dock in Ardrossan, at present provides some 200 berths for
3.9 m and 255 m of quayage. The basin is shallow in the small craft, with plans (2003) to expand capacity to 350.
SW part. Most berths are at pontoons, but larger vessels up to 36 m
Eglinton Tidal Basin, the central of 3 basins, lying in length and 4⋅5 m draught can be berthed alongside the
between Winton Pier and Montgomerie Pier, has depths of dock wall. There is a minimum depth of 4⋅5 m at all times
3⋅1 to 5⋅6 m and 530 m of quayage. within the marina. The entrance to the marina, from
2 Eglinton Dock, the E of the 3 basins, which is also Eglinton Tidal Basin, is fitted with a storm gate.
tidal, is occupied by Clyde Marina. See 3.251. 2 Power and water are available at all berths. Other
facilities include a 50 tonne boat hoist and undercover
storage for up to 200 small craft.
Alongside berths 3.252
3.247 1 Saltcoats Harbour (55°38′N, 4°47′W), which is small
1 Dry cargo and Ro-Ro berth on the W side of Eglinton and dries out except at its S end, off New Pier, lies about
Tidal Basin has a charted length of 130 m and an alongside 1 mile ESE of Ardrossan, from which it is separated by
depth of 5⋅0 m. South Bay. This harbour, which is exposed to winds from
There is a Ro-Ro terminal for the Arran ferry on the NE between SSW and W, which cause considerable swell, is
face of Old Tidal Basin. used by local small craft only.

FIRTH OF CLYDE — UPPER PART

GENERAL INFORMATION 2 To the W the area includes Rothesay Sound (55°51′N,
5°02′W) and Loch Striven (55°55′N, 5°04′W). This section
does not include River Clyde (55°57′N, 4°45′W), which is
Chart 2131 given at 3.476, nor East Kyle (55°54′N, 5°07′W), which is
Synopsis given at 4.201.
3.253 3.254
1 This section describes the upper part of the Firth of 1 Channels. The entrance to the upper part of the Firth of
Clyde which is entered between Farland Head (55°42′N, Clyde is divided into two channels by the Cumbrae Islands.
4°54′W) on the mainland, and Garroch Head, 4½ miles The main channel, which lies W of these islands, is given
WNW, the S extremity of the Isle of Bute. The area at 3.258; Largs Channel, to the E of the islands, is given at
extends N to the head of Loch Long (56°12′N, 4°45′W) 3.289.
and includes, at the N end, Loch Goil (56°08′N, 4°54′W), Within the upper part of the Firth of Clyde a number of
Gareloch (56°02′N, 4°49′W), and Holy Loch (55°59′N, Recommended Channels are established as given at 3.15
4°55′W). and shown in a diagram. Regulations within these channels

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Hunterston Jetty

Firth of Clyde Channels Cumbrae Islands Largs Channel

Entrances to Firth of Clyde, Upper part, from SW (3.253)
(Original dated 2000)
(Photograph − Air Images)

are given at 3.16 and signals to be shown are given at LITTLE CUMBRAE ISLAND TO
3.17. MCINROY’S POINT
3.255
1 Major harbours include the following:
The Clyde Dockyard Ports, as given in Appendix IV,
General information
which include major berths such as the Coulport
berths (56°03′N, 4°53′W) (3.368), Glenmallan Jetty
(56°07′⋅9N, 4°49′⋅1W) (3.370), and Faslane Base Chart 2131
(56°04′N, 4°49′W) (3.408). Channels
Finnart Ocean Terminal (56°07′N, 4°50′W) (3.369), 3.258
which is also situated within the area of the Clyde
1 Firth of Clyde Channel. From a position 7 cables W of
Dockyard Ports.
Cumbrae West Light (55°43′N, 4°58′W) the S part of the
2 Greenock (55°57′N, 4°46′W) (3.437) at the mouth of
Firth of Clyde Channel (3.19) leads NNE for 13 miles then
the River Clyde.
NE for 3 miles to a position 1 mile NNE of McInroy’s
Hunterston Ore and Coal Terminal (55°45′N, 4°52′W)
Point (55°57′⋅1N, 4°51′⋅2W).
(3.288), a mainland port on the E side of the Firth
2 Skelmorlie Channel. From a position on the E side of
of Clyde.
the Firth of Clyde Channel, 3¾ miles N of Cumbrae West
3.256
Light, Skelmorlie Channel (3.20) leads NE for 2¼ miles,
1 Minor harbours of importance are Rothesay Harbour
then generally N for 5½ miles to a position 1 mile NNW of
(55°50′N, 5°03′W) (3.335) on the NE side of the Isle of
Wemyss Point (55°53′⋅4N, 4°53′⋅8W) where it rejoins the
Bute; and Dunoon (55°57′N, 4°55′W) (3.282) on the W
Firth of Clyde Channel, as shown on the chart.
side of the Firth of Clyde, at its N end.
Anchorages. Designated anchorages within the upper
part of the Firth of Clyde are given at 3.25.
2 Small craft facilities. Largs Yacht Haven (55°46′⋅4N, Topography
4°51′⋅5W) (3.322), on the mainland coast in the N part of 3.259
Largs Channel, Kip Marina (55°54′⋅6N, 4°52′⋅5W) (3.286), 1 Topography for the Isle of Bute (55°50′N, 5°05′W) is
on the mainland coast at the N end of the Firth of Clyde, given at 3.257. The E side of this island lies off the W
and Rhu Marina (3.417) at the entrance to Gareloch, all side of the Firth of Clyde Channel for the first 8 miles.
provide a secure haven for small craft with a full range of The E side of this channel lies W of the Cumbrae
marina facilities. Rothesay and Dunoon (above) both Islands (55°45′N, 4°55′W) (3.272).
provide berths and supporting facilities for small craft. In
addition, within the sheltered waters of this area, there are
a number of lochs and bays which afford anchorage and Depths
some limited facilities. 3.260
1 Controlling depth within Firth of Clyde Channel is given
at 3.19 and for Skelmorlie Channel at 3.20.
Isle of Bute
3.257
1 Isle of Bute (55°50′N, 5°05′W), with a length of Hazards
13 miles and a width of about 4 miles, separates the upper 3.261
part of the Firth of Clyde from Bute Sound (4.94) and 1 Ferry routes between Dunoon (55°57′N, 4°55′W) and
Inchmarnock Water (4.94). This island, which rises in its N Kempock Point (55°57′⋅8N, 4°49′⋅0W); and between
part to a summit in Windy Hill, has an indented coastline, Hunter’s Quay (55°58′N, 4°54′W) and McInroy’s Point,
forming natural harbours, the most important of which is cross the Firth of Clyde Channel near its junction with
Rothesay Bay (3.335) on the NE coast. Loch Long Channel (3.21).

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Pilotage 4 The in-going stream divides W of Cloch Point to set N

3.262 towards Loch Long and E towards the entrance to River
1 The channels given above lie within the Outer Pilotage Clyde. The out-going stream sets in the opposite direction.
Area of the Clyde. Details of pilotage requirements are For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
given in Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6(1). Firth of Clyde and Approaches and tidal stream stations on
A pilot boarding area lies W of Little Cumbrae Island, the chart.
as shown on the chart.
Flow
Traffic regulations 3.268
3.263 1 The tidal streams given above may be affected by an
1 Both of the channels given above lie within Clydeport out-going current after heavy rains or when the snow is
Operations Limited’s area, as given at 3.12, with movement melting quickly, see 3.8.
control as given at 3.14. Additional regulations which apply
within the channels are given at 3.16. Principal marks
An area in which anchoring and dredging are prohibited 3.269
extends WNW from Skate Point (55°47′N, 4°56′W), as 1 Landmarks:
shown on the chart. Old Lighthouse (conspicuous ruins of an old tower)
(55°43′N, 4°57′W) standing on the summit of
Vessel Traffic Service Little Cumbrae Island.
3.264
1 A reporting position for vessels inbound and outbound Old Lighthouse (ruin at 121m)
(3.14) lies W of Little Cumbrae.
Charts 1907, 1994
Measured distance
3.265
1 Between Skelmorlie Castle (55°51′N, 4°53′W), on the E
side of the Firth of Clyde, and a position 1 mile N there is
a measured distance:
South limit marks. Two beacons (white pole, with
Old Lighthouse Little Cumbrae
two arms, 3 m in length, forming a broad angle Island Light
with the base, 14 m high) standing on level
ground. Little Cumbrae Island, from W (3.269)
(Original dated 2000)
2 North limit marks. Two beacons as described above,
the inner of which is set in a recess of the cliff (Photograph − Air Images
and is partly concealed until the beacons are nearly
in alignment. Little Cumbrae Lighthouse (disused) (white tower,
Distance: 1853⋅8 m. 11 m in height) which is conspicuous and stands
Running track: 000°/180°. on Cumbrae Elbow (55°43′N, 4°58′W). Cumbrae
Note. It is safe to approach the shore to a distance of West Light (white tower, 11 m in height) stands
4 cables. close S of the disused lighthouse.

Rescue
3.266
1 Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams (1.61) are based at
Cumbrae (Millport) (55°45′N, 4°56′W), Rothesay (55°50′N,
5°03′W) and Dunoon (55°57′N, 4°56′W).

Tidal streams
3.267
1 Tidal streams in the channel W of the Cumbrae Islands
are shown on the chart. In the wider part of the Firth of
Clyde, between Great Cumbrae Island and Toward Point,
5 miles NNW, the streams are weak and rather uncertain.
On the E side of this part of the firth the streams probably
set more regularly, but it is unlikely that the rate exceeds
¾ kn.
2 Between Toward Point (55°52′N, 4°59′W) and Cloch
Point, 6 miles NNE, the streams are more regular and set Toward Point Lighthouse from S (3.270)
as follows: (Original dated 2000)
(Photograph − Air Images
Interval from HW Greenock Remarks
+0605 In-going stream begins 2 Toward Point Lighthouse (white tower, 19 m in
height) which is conspicuous and stands on
–0020 Out-going stream begins Toward Point (55°52′N, 4°59′W) (3.273). There
3 The rate at spring tides is 1 kn in both directions, but are a number of lattice towers standing within
more over Skelmorlie Bank (55°52′N, 4°55′W) and the 1¼ miles N and NW of the lighthouse.
banks on the E side of the channel between Wemyss Point 3 Inverkip Chimney at Inverkip Power Station
(55°53′N, 4°54′W) and Cloch Point, 3¼ miles NNE. (55°54′N, 4°53′W).

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Red roofs at Kip Marina (55°54′⋅7N, 4°52′⋅4W). 4 Over an area containing submarine power cables
(1.39), centred 1¼ miles NW, which extends from
Red Roofs (3.269)
positions on the Isle of Bute to Great Cumbrae
Island, as shown on the chart. Each landing place
is marked by a beacon. Thence:
W of “A” Light-buoy (starboard hand) (2 miles
NNW) which marks the E side of the channel,
thence:
5 To a position W of Skate Point (2½ miles NNE)
where Skelmorlie channel diverts NE from Firth of
Clyde Channel, marked by “B” Light-buoy
(special).
Kip Marina from SW (3.269) (Directions continue for Skelmorlie Channel at 3.278;
(Original dated 2000) directions for Rothesay Sound are given at 3.333)
(Photograph − Air Images)

Conspicuous church tower in Dunoon (55°56′⋅8N,

4°55′⋅4W), partly obscured by trees, and a
conspicuous church spire, 2 cables NNW of the Skate Point to Inverkip
tower. 3.273
4 Conspicuous marks in Gourock (55°57′N, 4°49′W) are 1 From a position 1 mile W of Skate Point (3.278)
given at 3.431. (55°47′⋅0N, 4°55′⋅7W) the inbound track through the Firth
3.270 of Clyde Channel (3.19) continues 011° for about 7 miles,
1 Major lights: along the E side of the centreline, passing (with positions
Toward Point Light — above. from Toward Point (55°52′N, 4°59′W)):
W of “B” Light-buoy (special) (55°47′⋅1N, 4°57′⋅5W)
which marks the point at which Skelmorlie
Other navigational aids Channel (3.20) separates from Firth of Clyde
3.271 Channel, thence:
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the 2 E of Mountstuart Light-buoy (safe water) (55°48′⋅0N,
Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at 4°57′⋅6W) which marks the centreline of the
1.33. channel, thence:
E of Ascog Patches (2¼ miles SSW), with a least
depth of 7 m over them, marked by No 13
Directions for Firth of Clyde Channel
(continued from 3.126) Light-beacon (isolated danger, 7 m in height),
which lie up to 6 cables off Ascog Point, thence:
E of the coastal bank, with a charted depth of 14⋅8 m
Charts 2491, 1907 (6 cables S) (3.333), thence:
Little Cumbrae Island to Skate Point 3 E of a shoal, with a charted depth of 16⋅5 m, lying
3.272 7 cables E of Toward Point. This point, which is
1 From a position 7 cables W of Cumbrae West Light, the low and rocky, and on which stands Toward Point
inbound track through the Firth of Clyde Channel (3.19) Light (3.269), forms the NE entrance point to
leads 011° for about 4 miles, on the E side of the Rothesay Sound (3.325) A pier extends from the
centreline, passing (with positions from Portachur Point shore 1 cable NNE of the point. Thence:
(55°44′⋅6N, 4°56′⋅8W)): E of Skelmorlie Light-buoy (safe water) (1½ miles E)
E of Garroch Head (3 miles WSW), the SW extremity which marks the centreline of the channel, and:
of the Isle of Bute (3.257), which is steep-to. A 4 W of Skelmorlie Bank (1¾ miles E) which is marked
tidal race forms off the point during the out-going on its W side by No 32 Light-buoy (starboard
tidal stream, as shown on the chart. Thence: hand). A spit, with charted depths of less than
2 W of Cumbrae Elbow (1½ miles SSW), the W 20 m and a least depth as given at 3.19, extends
extremity of Little Cumbrae Island, a nature 2½ cables W of the buoy and includes the E side
reserve which is clear of dangers off its W side. of the channel. A wreck, with a least charted depth
Cumbrae West Light (3.269) stands on Cumbrae of 14⋅9 m, lies 2 cables NNE of No 32 Light-buoy.
Elbow. Thence: Thence:
E of the coastal bank fringing Rubh’ an Eun (2 miles 5 E of a shoal, with a charted depth of 17⋅5 m
WSW) on which stands Rubh’ an Eun Light (1½ miles NE), which lies 5½ cables ENE of
(white metal tower, 8 m in height), thence: Innellan Beacon (port hand) which marks the E
3 W of the coastal bank which, with charted depths of end of The Bridges, a rocky ledge which dries and
less than 30 m, extends 8 cables W from Portachur extends 3½ cables offshore. A shoal, with a least
Point, the SW extremity of Great Cumbrae Island. depth of 9⋅3 m over it, lies 3½ cables ENE of
Portachur Spit, with depths of less than 10 m over Innellan Beacon. Thence:
it, extends 2½ cables SW from the point and is 6 W of “N” Light-buoy (special) (3 miles NE) which
marked at its SW end by No 38 Buoy (S cardinal). marks the vicinity in which Skelmorlie Channel
Portachur Light-buoy (starboard hand) (1 mile rejoins Firth of Clyde Channel. This buoy is
WSW) is moored on the 50 m depth contour and moored 7 cables W of the oil jetty at Inverkip
on the E limit of the channel. Thence: (3.283).

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3.274 3 NW of an unmarked wreck, with a least depth of

1 Useful mark: 14 m over it (7½ cables SW), thence:
Prominent cupola on Bogany Point (2 miles SW) SE of Dunoon Bank, with a least depth of 21⋅5 m
(3.333). over it (8½ cables WNW), on the W side of which
lies a wreck, with a depth of 14⋅1 m over it,
Inverkip to Warden Bank marked by a buoy (W cardinal). A light-buoy (E
3.275 cardinal) is moored on the SE extremity of the
1 From a position 1½ miles SW of Ardgowan Point bank. Thence:
(55°55′N, 4°53′W) a combined inbound track through Firth
of Clyde Channel and Skelmorlie Channel continues
generally N, along the E side of the centreline, passing
(with positions from Ardgowan Point):
E of the coastal bank (2 miles WSW) which, with
charted depths of less than 30 m, extends up to
2½ cables from the shore, thence:
2 W of Ardgowan Bank which, with charted depths of
less than 20 m, extends 7½ cables W from
Ardmore Point. A detached shoal, with a least
depth of 14⋅5 m over it (7 cables SW) lies S of
Ardmore Bank. The E edge of the combined
channel is marked by “O” Light-buoy (starboard McInroy’s Point
hand) (1 mile WSW) which is moored outside both Cloch Point Light from W (3.277)
the above shallow areas. Seasonal yacht racing (Original dated 2000)
marks (3.9) are laid up to 2 miles off Kip Marina
(Photograph − Air Images)
(4 cables SSE). Thence:
3 Over a gas pipeline (1¼ miles WNW) which crosses 4 NW of Cloch Point which is situated on the E side of
the firth as shown on the chart. Attention is drawn the firth and is the NW extremity of the mainland
to the caution given at 1.38 and in a note on the round which the channel to River Clyde turns NE.
chart. And: Cloch Point Light (white round tower, black band,
4 W of Lunderston Bank (7 cables NNW) which, with elevation 24 m) stands 1 cable SW of the point.
depths of less than 20 m over it, extends up to Thence:
1 mile offshore. A submarine cable area (1.39) 5 NW of the coastal bank between Cloch Point and
extends across the firth and for a distance of about McInroy’s Point (1 mile NE) which is steep-to with
8 cables N from its S edge, as shown on the chart. the 20 m depth contour within 1½ cables of the
A beacon (yellow with diamond topmark) on each shore. Seasonal yacht racing marks (3.9) are also
shore marks the centreline of the area. And: laid between the two points, and an outfall extends
5 E of the coastal bank (2 miles WNW) which, with 1½ cables from the coast 1¾ miles SW of
charted depths of less than 30 m, extends up to McInroy’s Point.se Thence:
1½ cables from the shore, thence: 6 NW of McInroy’s Point (1 mile NE) which is rocky
W of Warden Bank (1¼ miles NW) which is marked and 6 m high. A Ro-Ro pier which extends from
off its W side by a light-buoy (starboard hand), the point is marked by a light (grey metal
moored 1 cable NW of the least depth over the column).
bank, thence: (Directions continue for Loch Long Channel
6 E of Cowel Light-buoy (safe water) (1½ miles NW) at 3.361,for Ardmore Channel at 3.399,and for
which marks the centreline and a turning point in Firth of Clyde Channel at 3.432)
the channel.
3.276
Directions for Skelmorlie Channel
1 Clearing marks: The alignment (344°) of Gantocks (continued from 3.272)
Light-beacon (2 miles NW) (3.277) with the NE corner of
Dunoon Pierhead, 4 cables NNW, clears 1 cable WSW of Chart 1907
Warden Bank. Skate Point to the junction with Hunterston Channel
3.278
Chart 1994 1 From a position 1 mile W of Skate Point (55°47′⋅0N,
The Gantocks to McInroy’s Point 4°55′⋅8W), at the junction with Firth of Clyde Channel
3.277 (3.19), the track along the centreline of Skelmorlie Channel
1 From a position 1¼ miles WSW of Cloch Point Light leads NE for about 2 miles to the junction with Hunterston
(55°56′⋅5N, 5°52′⋅7W), to the E of Cowal Light-buoy, the Channel (3.18), passing (with positions from Skate Point):
inbound track through the Firth of Clyde Channel leads SE of “B” Light-buoy (special) (1 mile W) which
048°, along the SE side of the centreline, for about 2 miles, marks the point at which Skelmorlie Channel
passing (with positions from Cloch Point Light): separates from Firth of Clyde Channel, thence:
2 SE of the bank surrounding The Gantocks (1¼ miles 2 NW of a wreck, with a charted depth of 26⋅5 m
W) which dry and on the S edge of which stands (5½ cables WNW) which lies close NW of the
Gantocks Light-beacon (white round tower, 13 m outer limit of a prohibited area (3.263) extending
in height). The Gantocks, which are joined to WNW from Skate Point; thence:
Dunoon Point, 3 cables NNW, by a spit with a SE of “D” Light-buoy (port hand) (8½ cables NNW)
least depth of 10 m over it, are marked off their N which is moored on the NW edge of the channel,
side by No 31 Buoy (N cardinal). And: thence:

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3 NW of the coastal bank, with charted depths of less Anchorages and berths
than 30 m, which extends 7 cables N from Stinking
Bay (5 cables NE) and is marked off its NW Anchorages
extremity by “C” Light-buoy (starboard hand) 3.281
which is moored on the S edge of the channel. 1 Anchorages suitable for very large deep draught vessels
This buoy marks the NW end of Hunterston are designated on both sides of Firth of Clyde Channel, as
Channel (3.18). described at 3.25 and shown on the chart.
3.279
1 Useful marks:
The Knock (55°50′N, 4°52′W) which is a prominent
conical hill, surmounted by a cairn. Knock Castle,
5 cables W of The Knock, is partly concealed by
trees. A large castellated building stands in more
open ground 5 cables N of the castle; a red flag is
often flown from a flagstaff on a turret of this
building.
(Directions continue for Hunterston Channel at 3.310)
The Gantocks and Dunoon from SSE (3.282)
Junction with Hunterston Channel to Inverkip (Original dated 2000)
3.280 (Photograph − Air Images)
1 From a position in the channel 2¾ miles SSW of
Skelmorlie Castle (55°51′N, 4°53′W) the track along the Chart 1994
centreline of Skelmorlie Channel leads generally N for Dunoon
about 6 miles to its junction with Firth of Clyde Channel, 3.282
passing (with positions from Skelmorlie Castle): 1 General information. Dunoon (55°57′N, 4°55′W)
E of a detached shoal, with a least charted depth of which, with a population of 9058 in 2001, is the main
23⋅5 m (2½ miles SSW) which is marked off its town on the Cowal Peninsula, maintains links by ferry with
SE side by “F” Light-buoy (port hand) which is Gourock. The ruins of Dunoon Castle are situated close to
moored on the NW edge of the channel, thence: Dunoon Point and there are two conspicuous marks in the
2 Between “H” Light-buoy (port hand) (2¼ miles SSW) town which are described at 3.269.
and “G” Light-buoy (starboard hand), 2 cables E, 2 Pier Authority is Argyll and Bute Council, Department
which are moored close outside the W and E of Transportation and Property, Manse Brae, Lochgilphead
edges of the channel respectively, thence: PA31 8RD.
W of “I” Light-buoy (starboard hand) (1 mile SW) Port radio is manned at Dunoon Pier. For details,
which is moored close E of the E edge of the including hours of operation, see Admiralty List of Radio
channel, thence: Signals Volume 6(1).
3 W of the S pair of beacons of the measured distance 3 Anchorage. In 1992 HMS Argyll (4000 tonnes) anchored
(1½ cables WSW) (3.265), thence: in a depth of 48 m in position 036°, 7 cables from
E of Skelmorlie Bank (1½ miles WNW) (3.273) Gantocks Light-beacon, with good holding in mud and silt.
which is marked off its E side by “J” Light-buoy 4 Alongside berths. The main berth at Dunoon is formed
(port hand) (1 mile WNW) and by “L” Light-buoy by two piers, the heads of which are joined to form one
(port hand) (1½ miles NW), and: pierhead with a total length of 150 m and a depth alongside
4 W of the N beacons of the measured distance (1 mile of 4⋅3 m. A linkspan at the N end provides a Ro-Ro
NNW) (3.265), thence: facility for side-loading vessels. Lights stand on the N and
W of Skelmorlie Pier (1½ miles N) on which stands a S extremities of this pierhead which is for the use of ferry
light (metal mast, 12 m in height), thence: services and not generally available for public use.
W of the coastal bank (1¾ miles NNW), with charted 5 One other small pier, which dries, is situated 1¼ cables
depths of less than 30 m, which extends 3 cables NW of the main pier.
W from the shore at Wemyss Bay, and: Small craft. Temporary anchorage can be obtained in
5 E of a detached shoal, with a charted depth of less East Bay, 1 cable off the small pier (above) at a distance of
than 30 m (2¼ miles NW), thence: 1 cable offshore, also in West Bay, to the S of Dunoon.
W of Wemyss Point (2¼ miles N), a rounded Moorings for visitors are laid in both East Bay and West
promontory which is steep-to with charted depths Bay, but it has been reported (2003) that these moorings
of 30 m at 1 cable from the shore, thence: are no longer maintained and should not be relied upon.
W of “M” Light-buoy (starboard hand) (2½ miles
NNW) which is moored close E of the E edge of Chart 1907
the channel, thence: Inverkip Power Station Jetty
6 W of Inverkip Power Station Jetty (2¾ miles N) 3.283
(3.283) on which stand two lights (towers on 1 Inverkip Power Station Jetty (55°54′N, 4°54′W) is a
dolphins), and: T-headed oil jetty which projects 1¼ cables WNW from the
E of “N” Light-buoy (special) (3 miles NNW) which coast, 4 cables N of Wemyss Point. It has a depth of about
marks the vicinity in which Skelmorlie Channel 16 m alongside. Dolphins, joined to the jetty by catwalks,
rejoins Firth of Clyde Channel. stand about 160 m off both ends of the jetty head.
(Directions continue for The power station is non-operational (2001), and the
Firth of Clyde Channel at 3.275) jetty is no longer in use.

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2 A small breakwater, which extends from the coast close HUNTERSTON AND APPROACHES
SW of the root of the oil jetty, protects berths for small
craft and a slipway. General information
Charts 1867 plan of Hunterston Channel, 1907
Position and function
3.288
1 Hunterston Ore and Coal Terminal (55°45′N, 4°52′W)
extends NW from the mainland coast on the E side of
Largs Channel, half-way along its length.
This terminal, which is part of Clydeport (3.11), forms
one of the world’s largest deep-water ports which can
handle any dry bulk carrier afloat. It also contains one of
the finest facilities in Western Europe for handling coal and
dry bulk cargoes.
Channel
3.289
1 Largs Channel, which separates the Cumbrae Islands
(3.272) from the mainland to the E, has a least width of
Inverkip Jetty (3.283), 3 cables between the 20 m depth contours off the SE end
Chimney and Power Station from SSW of Great Cumbrae Island. The E side of Largs Channel,
(Original dated 2000) which is industrialised and urbanised by the towns of
(Photograph − Air Images) Fairlie and Largs (3.290), is bordered by a wide coastal
bank and drying flats extending up to 1 mile offshore.
These flats, in the vicinity of Hunterston, include
Wemyss Bay Pier Hunterston Sands, Southannan Sands and Fairlie Sands.
3.284 2 The W side of the channel is rural and is reasonably
1 Wemyss Bay Pier (55°52′⋅6N, 4°53′⋅4W), which extends steep-to with coastal banks extending no more than 3 cables
187 m from the coast, is situated by the railhead at the N from the islands.
end of Skelmorlie. This pier, which is fitted with Ro-Ro
facilities on its S side, has depths of 0⋅6 to 3⋅7 m Topography
alongside. It is used frequently by ferries. 3.290
2 Special byelaws are in force for vessels carrying 1 The town of Largs (55°48′N, 4°52′W) extends along the
petroleum products. coast and spreads over a plain, up to 6 cables in width,
Small quantities of provisions and fuel can be obtained. which is backed by hills, partially covered with fields and
Small craft. Temporary anchorage can be obtained N or broken by ravines.
S of the pier, clear of the ferry approach path. Approach and entry
Innellan 3.291
3.285 1 The widest and deepest approach to Hunterston Ore and
1 Innellan (55°53′⋅7N, 4°57′⋅1W) has moorings and offers Coal Terminal is through Firth of Clyde Channel (3.19),
temporary anchorage for small craft. Small quantities of then Skelmorlie Channel (3.20), see 3.15. From a position
provisions can be obtained. off the N end of Largs Channel the final approach is made
through the N part of Hunterston Channel (3.18), thereby
Small craft avoiding the narrowest and shallowest part of this channel.
Approach can also be made from S using the S part of
Kip Marina Hunterston Channel.
3.286
Traffic
1 Kip Marina (55°54′⋅6N, 4°52′⋅5W), with accommodation
3.292
for over 700 yachts including 40 berths for visitors, is
1 In 2002, the terminal was used by 208 vessels with a
entered from Inverkip Bay by a buoyed channel dredged
total of 5 530 130 dwt.
through the drying sand flat. Kip Light-buoy (starboard
hand), which is moored 5 cables N of a conspicuous Port authority
chimney (3.269), lies close W of the entrance channel. 3.293
2 Useful mark: 1 The Port Authority is Clydeport Operations Ltd, as given
A stone monument on the S side of the buoyed at 3.11.
channel.
Maximum acceptable length is 24 m and draught is 3 m. Limiting conditions
There are and repair facilities and a 50-tonne hoist at the Controlling depth
marina. Fuel and water are available, also chandlery and 3.294
provisions at Inverkip. 1 Controlling depth in the approach from N is given at
3.20.
Kilchattan Bay
Controlling depth in the approach from S is given at
3.287
3.18.
1 Kilchattan Bay (55°45′N, 5°01′W), which lies between
White Point and Kerrytonlia Point, 1 mile N, affords Deepest and longest berth
occasional anchorage suitable for small craft. A small 3.295
village with a jetty and a slipway lies on the SW side of 1 The deepest and longest berth is on the outer face of
the bay. Hunterston Jetty (3.315).

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Tidal levels Hazards

3.296 3.305
1 See information in Admiralty Tide Tables. At Millport, 1 Largs Channel contains a submarine exercise area; see
1¼ miles W of Hunterston Jetty, the mean spring range is 3.3.
about 3⋅0 m, mean neap range about 1⋅7 m. A ferry route crosses the N end of the channel from
Largs Pier (55°47′⋅8N, 4°52′⋅2W) to a jetty on Great
Cumbrae Island, 1 mile WSW.
Maximum size of vessel handled 2 Caution. Mariners are warned to keep well clear of the
3.297 outfalls off Little Brigurd Point (55°43′⋅3N, 4°54′⋅2W) as
1 Discharging vessels up to 350 000 dwt with a draught of the discharge of hot water causes considerable turbulence;
20 m, and loading vessels up to 70 000 dwt can be handled. passage W of Outfall Light-buoy (55°43′⋅6N, 4°54′⋅8W) is
recommended.
Fishing floats are reported to be laid up to 5 cables S of
Arrival information Little Cumbrae Island.

Port operations and vessel traffic service Buoyage

3.298 3.306
1 Hunterston is included in the Clydeport Port Operations 1 The direction of buoyage throughout Largs Channel is
and Information Service, as given at 3.14. from S to N, as shown on the chart.
Seasonal yacht racing marks (3.9) are laid between
Fairlie Patch (55°45′⋅4N, 4°52′⋅2W) and Far Bowen Craigs,
Notice of ETA 1¼ miles NNE.
3.299
1 Notice of ETA is required as given in Admiralty List of
Radio Signals Volume 6(1). Rescue
3.307
1 An inshore rescue launch is maintained at Largs
Outer anchorages (55°48′N, 4°52′W).
3.300
1 Designated anchorages within the upper part of the Firth
of Clyde are given at 3.25. Flow
3.308
1 In Largs Channel, the tidal stream changes from
Pilotage out-going to in-going through E without slack water and,
3.301 during the change, it sets SE towards the land at a rate of
1 Largs Channel lies within the Outer Pilotage Area of the ½ kn at spring tides. The change from in-going to
Clyde and pilotage is compulsory, see Admiralty List of out-going is rapid with a very brief slack water period.
Radio Signals Volume 6(1). Pilots board off Little Cumbrae 2 In Cumbrae Pass (55°44′N, 4°56′W) (3.314) the in-going
Island, in position 5°43′N, 4°59′W, as shown on the chart. tidal stream sets E and the outgoing stream sets W. The
rate in mid-channel is unlikely to exceed 1½ kn at spring
tides but a greater rate may be attained off the salient
Regulations concerning entry points.
3.302 3 The resultant flow in these channels may be affected by
1 Largs Channel lies within Clydeport Operations an out-going current after heavy rain or when the snow is
Limited’s area, as given at 3.12 with movement control as melting quickly.
given at 3.14. Additional information regarding Hunterston For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
Channel is given at 3.18. Firth of Clyde and Approaches and tidal stream stations on
the chart.
4 Overfalls. It is reported that overfalls form off the S end
Quarantine of Little Cumbrae Island, particularly during the out-going
3.303 tidal stream with the wind from the S.
1 For quarantine requirements see 1.50.

Principal marks
Hunterston Ore and Coal Terminal 3.309
1 Landmarks:
Old Lighthouse on Little Cumbrae Island (55°43′N,
General layout of terminal 4°57′W) (3.269).
3.304 Hunterston Power Station (55°43′⋅3N, 4°53′⋅6W)
1 Hunterston Ore and Coal Terminal comprises Hunterston which is conspicuous and stands a short distance
Jetty (55°45′N, 4°53′W) (3.315) which lies at the head of a inland.
causeway extending 4½ cables NW from an area of 2 Conspicuous grey stone monument (55°46′⋅8N,
reclamation which leads to the stockyards containing ore 4°51′⋅6W) that is 12 m high and stands on the
and coal. Cranes on the jetty are conspicuous and lights coast at Far Bowen Craigs.
(green metal columns) stand at the NE and SW ends of the Two conspicuous church spires standing near the
jetty. coast in the town of Largs (55°48′N, 4°52′W).

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Directions 2 W of Farland Head (2¾ miles SSE), the SE entrance

point of Largs Channel, which is fairly steep-to on
Approach from north
its W side. Portencross Castle, close N of Farland
(continued from 3.278)
Head, stands on a shelving point with a
3.310
well-wooded background rising abruptly behind it.
1 From position 55°48′⋅3N, 4°55′⋅1W the inbound track
Thence:
through Hunterston Channel leads generally E for 1 mile
3 E of a detached shoal, with a least depth of 18 m
then S for about 3 miles, passing (with positions from the
over rock (1½ miles SSE), which lies 7 cables E of
monument on Far Bowen Craigs):
Gull Point, the S extremity of Little Cumbrae
N of Hun 1 Light-buoy (port hand) which is moored
Island (3.272). The SE extremity of the shoal is
off the N end of a spit, with charted depths of less
marked by Hun 14 Light-buoy (port hand). And:
than 30 m, which extends 5 cables N from Tomont
W of the coastal bank, with charted depths of less
End (1¾ miles WNW), the N extremity of Great
than 30 m, which extends 5 cables from the E
Cumbrae Island, on which stands a monument,
shore of Largs Channel and is marked by Hun 13
thence:
Light-buoy (starboard hand) (1¾ miles SSE),
2 W of Largs Pier (1 mile NNW) (3.317) on which
thence:
stands a light (metal mast, 5 m in height) and from
4 W of a pier (1¾ miles SE), near the head of which
which runs a ferry (3.305), and:
lies the water intake for Hunterston Power Station,
E of Hun 3 Light-buoy (port hand) (1½ miles NW)
thence:
which is moored off the E side of a spit, with
Between Hun 11 Light-buoy (starboard hand) (1 mile
charted depths of less than 30 m, which extends
SE) and Hun 12 Light-buoy (port hand), 2½ cables
2 cables E from Tomont End, thence:
W, which are moored in depths of more the 50 m
3 Over a submarine pipeline (1 mile NW) which crosses
outside the limits of the channel, thence:
the channel from a point 2 cables S of Largs Pier
5 W of Outfall Light-buoy (special) (1 mile ESE) which
to a position 1 mile WSW. This pipeline lies close
marks the seaward limit of the area surrounding
N of and parallel to the N side of a submarine
the outfall pipes from the power station, see
cable area (1.39) which is marked by beacons
caution at 3.305. The S of these pipes extends
(special) at both ends. Thence:
1 cable WNW from Little Brigurd Point and is
4 E of No 5 Buoy (special) (1¼ miles W) which is a
marked by a beacon (yellow with a triangular
cable buoy moored 1 cable within the 30 m depth
topmark). Thence:
contour off Down Craig Water Sports Centre. A
6 ESE of the coastal bank, with charted depths of less
floating breakwater extends NE and then N from
than 30 m, which extends about ¾ cable ESE from
the short promontary close S of the Water Sports
Twelve Foot Spit which lies 3 cables SE of
Centre. Thence:
Sheanawally Point, the N extremity of Little
5 W of Kelburn Bank (6½ cables SSW) which lies on
Cumbrae Island. A light (3.313) stands on
the coastal bank, 3 cables WSW of the entrance to
Sheanawally Point. Thence:
Largs Yacht Haven (3.322). Clearing marks are
7 WNW of Hun 10 Light-buoy (starboard hand)
given below. Thence:
(8½ cables E) which is moored off the NW side of
W of the coastal bank, with depths of less than 30 m,
the coastal bank extending about 4 cables NW
which extends 3 cables W from Fairlie Quay
from Brigurd Spit, the W extremity of Hunterston
(7 cables S) (3.323), on the N and S ends of which
Sands, and:
stand lights, and:
8 ESE of Cumbrae Pass (2 cables NE) (3.314), thence:
6 E of the coastal bank fringing Clashfarland Point
SE of Hun 9 Light-buoy (port hand) which marks the
(1½ miles SW) which is the E extremity of Great
SE edge of the coastal bank, with charted depths
Cumbrae Island, thence:
of less than 30 m, which extends 2 cables S and E
W of Hun 5 Light-buoy (starboard hand) (1 mile
from Farland Point (1 mile NE), the S extremity of
SSW) which is moored well off the coastal bank,
Great Cumbrae Island (3.272), and:
thence:
NW of Hunterston Construction Yard (1½ miles E)
7 W of Fairlie Patch (1½ miles SSW) which dries near
(3.319), thence:
its centre and is marked on its W side by Fairlie
9 Through the narrowest and shallowest part of
Patch Light-buoy (starboard hand).
Hunterston Channel (1½ miles ENE) as given at
3.311
3.18. Hun 8 Light-buoy (starboard hand) and
1 Clearing marks. The alignment (002°) of Largs Pier
Hun 7 Light-buoy (port hand) are moored outside
(1 mile NNW) with The Knock (3.279), 1¾ miles farther
the limits of the channel, about 2 cables beyond
N, clears to the W of Kelburn Bank.
the narrowest part.
3.313
Charts 1867 plan of Hunterston Channel, 2131 1 Useful marks:
Approach from south Sheanawally Point Light (metal post, elevation 6 m)
(continued from 3.126) (55°44′N, 4°56′W).
3.312 Prominent tall spire of the cathedral in Millport
1 From a position 1 mile W of Farland Head (55°42′N, (55°45′N, 4°56′W), a town standing on the shores
4°54′W) the track into Largs Channel (3.289) and through of Millport Bay which had a population of 1253 in
the S part of Hunterston Channel (3.18) leads generally N 2001.
for 2¼ miles then NE for about 2 miles, passing (with Millport Light (post) standing on the W end of the S
positions from Sheanawally Point Light (55°44′N, of The Eileans, 4 cables S of the cathedral (above),
4°56′W)): which is exhibited from September to April.

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Hunterston Jetty from NW (3.315)

(Original dated 2000)
(Photograph − Air Images)

Chart 1867 plan of Hunterston Channel has a least depth of 2⋅1 m alongside, is approached along a
Cumbrae Pass line marked by leading lights (columns) on the pier and
3.314 foreshore. The pier is administered by North Ayrshire
1 Cumbrae Pass (55°44′N, 4°56′W), between Little Council.
Cumbrae Island (3.272) and Great Cumbrae Island (3.272),
has a navigable width of 3½ cables and a least charted Port services
depth of 25 m in the fairway between Sheanawally Point Construction
(3.312) and Portachur Point, 4¾ cables NNW, the SW 3.319
extremity of Great Cumbrae Island. A beacon (yellow with 1 Hunterston Construction Yard (55°44′N, 4°53′W) is a
diamond topmark), which stands close WNW of Portachur platform construction site situated on reclaimed land 1 mile
Point, marks the landing point of a submarine power cable NNE of Little Brigurd Point. Movement, including
(1.39) which crosses the pass from Little Cumbrae Island. temporary buoyage and berthing, is controlled by the Port
Authority.
Berths
Other facilities
Charts 1867 plan of Hunterston Channel, 1907 3.320
Alongside berths Oily waste reception facilities, for limited quantities
3.315 only, are available at Hunterston Jetty.
1 Hunterston Jetty (55°45′N, 4°53′W) has, on its outer
Supplies
face, the largest berth, with a length of 443 m and a depth
3.321
of 20 m alongside.
1 Fuel oil is available at Hunterston Jetty by road tanker.
There is one other berth on the inside of Hunterston
Fresh water is available at Hunterston Jetty, Largs Pier
Jetty.
and Millport Pier.
3.316
1 Keppel Pier (55°45′N, 4°54′W), which extends from the
Small craft
SE side of Great Cumbrae Island, has a least depth of
4⋅9 m alongside the head of the pier. Largs Yacht Haven
3.317 3.322
1 Largs Pier (55°47′⋅8N, 4°52′⋅3W), about 2½ miles N of 1 Largs Yacht Haven (55°46′⋅4N, 4°51′⋅5W) is protected
Hunterston Jetty, has a length of 67 m and a maximum by breakwaters, on the heads of which stand lights (green
depth of 3⋅6 m alongside the head of the pier. Ro-Ro triangle on column, 2 m in height) on S breakwater, (red
facilities exist for vehicles with a maximum weight of square on column, 2 m in height) on W breakwater. A
15 tonnes. This pier is operated by Caledonian MacBrayne light-buoy (safe water) is moored ½ cable WNW of the
Ltd. entrance channel, which has a dredged depth of 2⋅7 m and
3.318 is very narrow.
1 Millport Pier (55°45′N, 4°56′W) extends from the W 2 In 2003 there were 670 berths, with a minimum
side of the head of Millport Bay (3.324) which extends acceptable length of 24 m and a draught of 3 m. The
across the S end of Great Cumbrae Island. This pier, which boatyard has space ashore for 230 boats serviced with

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Root of Fairlie Quay

Largs Yacht Haven from NW (3.322)

(Photograph − Air Images) (Original dated 2000)

power and water. The visitors berths are subject to visitors are laid SSE of the pier and a pontoon landing
availablity. stage is attached to the N side of the pier between April
Radio. VHF is manned at all times. and September.
There is a 70-tonne hoist and repair facilities. Fuel, fresh
water, provisions and waste disposal facilities are available. ROTHESAY SOUND AND LOCH STRIVEN

Fairlie General information

3.323 Chart 2131
1 Fairlie Quay, formerly NATO Pier (55°46′N, 4°52′W), Description
has on its outer face a berth with a length of 185 m and a 3.325
maintained depth of 10⋅4 m alongside. An 8⋅3 m patch lies 1 Rothesay Sound, entered between Toward Point
1 cable WSW of the elbow of the pier. The inner faces of (55°52′N, 4°59′W) and Bogany Point, 2 miles SW, lies
the quay have maintained depths of 2⋅6 and 5⋅5 m. A between the NE side of the Isle of Bute (3.257) and the
pontoon is moored on the N side of Fairlie Quay, near the mainland to the N. This sound forms the outer approach to
root. Rothesay Bay and the entrance to Rothesay Harbour
2 Fairlie Quay is primarily a small craft storage and (55°50′N, 5°03′W) (3.335), as well as providing access to
servicing park, and has undercover storage facilities for 90 East Kyle (55°54′N, 5°07′W) and to Loch Striven (below).
small craft and hard standing space for a further 110. There 2 Loch Striven, a bleak and rather featureless loch,
is a boat hoist with a lifting capacity of 80 tonnes and a entered between Ardyne Point (55°52′N, 5°03′W) and
range of other facilities. Strone Point, 2 miles NW, extends 8 miles NNW to its
3 Moorings for small craft are laid over a large area in head. It is enclosed by hills and mountains and is known as
Fairlie Roads (55°45′⋅5N, 4°52′⋅0W) and across Fairlie the weather-glass of Rothesay, the gathering of clouds and
Sands, to the E. Several slipways extend from the shore mists on the shores being locally interpreted as a sign of
along the edge of the sands. bad weather.
3 This loch is free from dangers in the fairway even
Millport Bay though the head dries out for 2 cables; however, depths are
3.324 mostly too great for anchorage and the loch is but little
1 Millport Bay (55°45′N, 4°56′W), the E end of which is visited on account of the violent squalls which blow from
occupied by moorings for small craft, also affords off the steep mountains.
anchorage 1 cable SSE of the pierhead, as shown on the It is reported that the upper parts of the loch are used
chart, in depths of 4 m, gravel and sand. Moorings for for laying-up tankers.

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Traffic 2 SW of Toward Bank (1 mile ENE) which lies near

3.326 the SW end of a shallow bank, on which lie rocky
1 In 2002, Loch Striven was used by 6 vessels with a shoals with a least depth of 3 m over them, which
total of 61 479 dwt. extend over 1 mile SW from Toward Point (3.273).
No 34 Buoy (E cardinal) is moored in the vicinity
Hazards of the 5 m depth contour, 3½ cables SSW of the
3.327 point and No 35 Light-buoy (starboard hand) is
1 Rothesay Sound and the lower parts of Loch Striven are moored on the SE side of Toward Bank. Thence:
subject to fishing activity, see 3.4, and include a submarine 3 NE of a rocky ledge and a bank which, with depths
exercise area (3.3). of less than 10 m over it, extends 1½ cables from
Bogany Point and is marked on its NE edge by
Pilotage No 36 Buoy (port hand). Bogany Point, which is
3.328 the NE extremity of the Isle of Bute, has, on its
1 Rothesay Sound and Loch Striven lie within the Outer NE extremity, a prominent pavilion with a green
Pilotage Area of the Clyde, as given in Admiralty List of cupola surmounted by a ball. Thence:
Radio Signals Volume 6(1). 4 SW of a shallow bank, with charted depths of less
than 10 m (1 mile N), which is the SW extremity
Chart 1907 of the foul ground bordering the coast between
Measured distance Toward Point and Ardyne Point, 2¼ miles W.
3.329 Seasonal yacht racing marks (3.9) are laid in this
1 Between Undraynian Point (55°52′⋅4N, 5°04′⋅6W), on vicinity. Thence:
the NE corner of the Isle of Bute, and Ardmaleish Point, Through No 7 designated anchorage position (7 cables
6 cables N, there is a measured distance: N) (3.25), and:
South limit marks. Two beacons, with no topmarks, NE of Rothesay Bay (1 mile W) (3.335), thence:
in line bearing 254°. 5 SW of the S limit of a disused oil platform
North limit marks, as above. fabrication yard (1 mile NNW) which extends up
Distance: 927⋅2 m. to 3½ cables offshore around Ardyne Point
2 Running track: 344°/164°. Use of Ardbeg Point (1½ miles NNW) and for a distance of 8½ cables
(3.333) ahead or astern achieves depths of about N of the point, as shown on the charts. The yard
20 m along the track. has been non-operational since 1983 but the seabed
Note. Two single beacons (yellow with diamond in its vicinity still contains abandoned anchors and
topmarks), which stand on the shore between the limit other underwater obstructions as given in a note on
marks (above), identify the landing places of submarine the charts. Thence:
power cables. 6 Over a gas pipeline (1¼ miles NNW) which crosses
the sound from Ardbeg Point (1½ miles NW) to
Rescue
the mainland, as shown on the charts. Attention is
3.330
drawn to the caution given at 1.38 and in a note
1 An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) is based at
on the chart. This pipeline is laid near the
Rothesay (55°50′N, 5°03′W).
centreline of a submarine cable area (1.39) which
Tidal streams also crosses the sound, as shown on the charts.
3.331 Thence:
1 Tidal streams are weak in both Rothesay Sound and 7 SW of Ardyne Light-buoy (starboard hand) which
Loch Striven but see NATO Fuel Jetty at 3.346. marks the SW limit of the disused oil platform
fabrication yard (above).
Principal marks (Directions for East Kyle are given at 4.215)
3.332
1 Landmarks: Chart 1906
Toward Point Lighthouse (55°52′N, 4°59′W) (3.269). Ardyne Point to Loch Striven
Castle Toward, 1¼ miles WNW of the light, which is 3.334
conspicuous. 1 From a position 1¾ miles SSE of Strone Point (55°54′N,
Conspicuous tower, 3½ cables WNW of Ardbeg Point 5°05’W) the track into Loch Striven leads generally N then
(55°51′⋅5N, 5°03′⋅7W). NNW, passing (with positions from Strone Point):
2 Conspicuous features in Rothesay (55°50′N, 5°03′W) are Over a submarine power cable area (1¼ miles SSE)
given at 3.336. (1.39) which crosses the sound from the NE end
Major light: of the Isle of Bute as shown on the chart and is
Toward Point Light (3.269). marked on the shore by four beacons (yellow,
diamond topmarks), and:
Directions 2 E of a shallow bank which extends 1½ cables from
(continued from 3.272) Ardmaleish Point (9 cables S) on which stands two
beacons (3.329). No 41 Light-buoy (N cardinal) is
Charts 1907, 1867 plan of Rothesay Sound moored on the NE side of the bank, and:
Toward Point to Ardyne Point W of a marine farm (1½ miles SE) (1.17), thence:
3.333 W of the NW limit of the foul area adjacent to the
1 From a position 1 mile ESE of Bogany Point disused oil platform fabrication yard (3.333),
(55°50′⋅7N, 5°01′⋅6W) the track into Rothesay Sound leads thence:
NW for about 2½ miles, passing (with positions from 3 E of the entrance to East Kyle (4 cables S) (4.201),
Bogany Point): thence:

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W of Loch Striven NATO Fuel Jetty (1 mile E) 3.337

(3.346), and: 1 Approach through Rothesay Bay is wide and clear
E of Strone Point, the SW entrance point of Loch except for two mooring buoys, one of which is unlit, and
Striven, thence: moorings for small craft and seasonal yacht racing marks
E of a marine farm (7 cables NNE) (1.17), thence: (3.9) which are laid off both shores.
4 E of an experimental area (1¼ miles NNE) as shown A bell is rung from the middle of Rothesay Front Pier
on the chart. A number of mooring buoys, in poor visibility conditions.
sometimes joined by wires, are occasionally laid in 3.338
the area. Mariners should keep to the E side of the 1 Port Authority is Argyll and Bute Council, Department
loch and not enter the area. A submarine cable of Transportation and Property, Manse Brae, Lochgilphead
(1.39) is laid from the E side of the loch to the PA31 8RD. Local control is vested in the Harbour Master.
middle of the area. Thence:
5 WSW of a small pier, known as Kings Landing
Limiting conditions
(3 miles NNE) on the head of which stands a
3.339
beacon (special), and:
1 Deepest and longest berth is on the N side of Rothesay
ENE of a marine farm (1.17) (3 miles N) which
Front Pier (3.341)
extends for about 6 cables along the W shore of
Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
the loch.
Mean spring range about 3⋅1 m; mean neap range about
1⋅8 m.
Rothesay Harbour and approaches 2 Abnormal levels. Generally, in Rothesay Bay, the depths
are increased with W winds and decreased with E winds as
Chart 1867 plan of Rothesay Sound given at 3.2. Heavy SW gales lasting 2 or 3 days, if they
General information occur at spring tides, may increase the depth in the bay by
3.335 1⋅5 m, and a continuance of E winds may decrease the
1 Rothesay Harbour (55°50′N, 5°03′W) is situated at the depths by as much as 0⋅5 m.
head of Rothesay Bay, entered between Bogany Point Local weather. A considerable swell sets into Rothesay
(55°50′⋅7N, 5°01′⋅6W) and Ardbeg Point, 1½ miles NW, on Bay during winds from the NE.
the S side of Rothesay Sound (3.325).
Arrival information
3.340
1 Port radio is manned at Rothesay Front Pier. For
details, including times of operation, see Admiralty List of
Radio Signals Volume 6(1).
Regulations concerning entry. Berths at Rothesay shall
be approached at a slow speed. Beacons (special) on the
shore, 3½ cables NNW and NE of Rothesay Castle,
indicate the positions at which engines are to be slowed
down.

Harbour
3.341
1 General layout. Rothesay Harbour consists of a pier, the
head of which extends across the head of the bay, the E
end of which provides shelter for two basins on its S side.
Rothesay from NE (3.335) These basins, which are known as Outer Harbour and Inner
(Original dated 2000) Harbour have an outer entrance with a width of 29 m and a
(Photograph − Air Images) charted depth of 4⋅6 m. Outer Harbour, which can be used
by craft with a draught not exceeding 2⋅5 m, dries on its S
2 This is a ferry port on a primary route and is the side and the Inner Harbour dries over most of its area.
principal harbour on the Isle of Bute, with fishing and 2 Tidal streams are barely perceptible in Rothesay Bay.
commercial interests. The town of Rothesay, with a Anchorage can be obtained in any part of Rothesay
population of 5017 in 2001, stands at the head of the bay Bay, clear of the Admiralty mooring buoys, foul patches,
and its suburbs extend all round the shores. submarine cables (1.39) and a submarine cable area, the
3.336 positions of which are shown on the plan. A bank, with
1 Topography. The ruins of Rothesay Castle stand in the depths of 15 to 18 m and with a stony bottom, is situated
middle of the town, 1 cable SSW of the harbour. 7 cables W of Bogany Point (55°50′⋅7N, 5°01′⋅6W);
Conspicuous features around Rothesay Bay are as elsewhere in the bay the holding ground is good, with that
follows (with positions from the castle): on the W side being the best.
Saint Brendans Church tower (7 cables NE). 3 Moorings. There are two Admiralty mooring buoys in
Glenburn Hotel (5¼ cables NE). the bay.
Spire of Trinity Church (1 cable E). Alongside berths. Rothesay Front Pier, with an overall
Spire of West Church (2 cables NW). length of 222 m on its N side and depths of 2⋅2 to 4⋅2 m
2 Navigational lights (columns, 8 m in height), which are alongside its N face, provides the main berth. An adjustable
reported to be difficult to identify against the lights of the linkspan near the middle of the N face, where depths are
town, are exhibited from the E and W ends of Rothesay maximum, provides Ro-Ro facilities for side-loading
Front Pier (1½ cables NNE). vessels.

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4 There are several other berths on the S side of Front LOCH LONG, LOCH GOIL AND
Pier and alongside Albert Pier, close E of Front Pier. HOLY LOCH
General information
Port services Chart 3746
3.342 Description
1 There is a good hospital in Rothesay. 3.347
Supplies: Marine diesel is available; water is laid on to 1 Loch Long, entered between Strone Point (55°59′N,
Front Pier; provisions can be obtained in Rothesay. 4°54′W) and Barons Point, 1½ miles ENE, is a narrow arm
of the sea which extends about 14 miles N and NNE to its
head which dries out for 3 cables. This loch provides
Small craft access to the Coulport berths (56°03′N, 4°53′W) (3.368), to
3.343 Finnart Ocean Terminal (56°07′N, 4°50′W) (3.369), and to
1 Visitors moorings are available on the W side of the Glenmallan Jetty (56°07′⋅9N, 4°49′⋅1W) (3.370).
bay, off the Isle of Bute Sailing Club, situated 4 cables NW 2 Holy Loch (55°59′N, 4°55′W), which branches W close
of the W end of Front Pier. Anchoring is also permissible S of the entrance to Loch Long, is described at 3.375.
in this vicinity but the area is exposed to NE winds. Loch Goil (56°08′N, 4°54′W), which branches W from
Pontoon berths are available in the Outer Harbour only. Loch Long 6 miles within the entrance, is described at
3.381.
Approach channels
3.348
Kames Bay 1 Loch Long, Loch Goil and the Holy Loch are all
3.344 approached from S through the Firth of Clyde, using Loch
1 General information. Kames Bay (55°52′N, 5°04′W), Long Channel (55°58′N, 4°52′W) (3.21). An inshore route
which lies on the W side of Rothesay Sound, is entered between the lochs mentioned above and the Gareloch
NW of Ardbeg Point. The head of the bay dries out for (3.387) to the E is provided by Kilcreggan Channel
1½ cables, and E gales cause a heavy swell, but tidal (55°59′N, 4°50′W) (3.23).
streams are barely perceptible.
2 Anchorage can be obtained in depths of 11 to 31 m, Topography
mud, clear of foul areas, numerous small craft moorings 3.349
and a disused submarine cable (1.39) which curves across 1 Both sides of the lower part of Loch Long are hilly,
the S part of the bay, as shown on the chart. whilst Upper Loch Long is enclosed by high and
3 Caution. Mariners are cautioned against anchoring, and precipitous mountains and hills with many rocky crags,
fishing is prohibited, in an area indicated on the chart except for a distance of 1½ miles on its E side above Meall
7 cables WNW of Ardbeg Point. Daraich (56°06′⋅3N, 4°51′⋅8W), where the mountains stand
Alongside berth. A pier, which extends from the S side back from the coast.
of the bay in the vicinity of Port Bannatyne has a depth of 2 Several mountains are over 600 m high and the lower
3 m alongside its head. Small quantities of provisions can slopes of the hills are wooded in many places, with little
be obtained in the port. cultivated or enclosed land. The Cobbler, a conspicuous
4 Small craft, which frequent this bay during the summer, crag of Beinn Arthur, is situated 2 miles W of the head of
can either moor or anchor as required. the loch.
A yacht-building yard lies at the W end of Port Vertical clearance
Bannatyne, and another, at the N end of the bay, has a slip 3.350
capable of handling craft of 200 tonnes. 1 An overhead power cable, with a safe vertical clearance
of 76 m, spans Loch Long 6 miles within the entrance.
Hazards
3.351
Anchorages and berths 1 Loch Long and Loch Goil include submarine exercise
areas (3.3).
Charts 1907, 1897 plan of Rothesay Sound Pilotage
Anchorages 3.352
3.345 1 Loch Long and Loch Goil lie within the Inner Pilotage
1 No 7 designated anchorage (3.25) is positioned 7 cables Area of the Clyde, see Admiralty List of Radio Signals
N of Bogany Point (55°50′⋅7N, 5°01′⋅6W). Volume 6(1).
Buoyage
Chart 1907 3.353
1 The direction of buoyage in Kilcreggan Channel changes
Alongside berth
from E-going to N-going either side of a line drawn SSW
3.346
from Barons Point, as indicated on the chart.
1 Loch Striven NATO Fuel Jetty (55°54′N, 5°03′W)
Seasonal yacht racing marks (3.9) are laid in the S part
extends 100 m from the E shore of the loch. This jetty has
of Loch Long, N of Barons Point.
a length of 65 m, with mooring dolphins at both ends and a
least depth of 12⋅2 m alongside. Lights stand on both ends Traffic regulations
of the jetty head. 3.354
Tidal streams, although weak, set away from the jetty 1 Channels in the approach to Loch Long lie within
during both in-going and out-going streams. Clydeport Operations Limited’s area, as given at 3.12, with

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movement control as given at 3.14. Additional regulations The rate at spring tides in both directions is ¾ kn at the
which apply within Loch Long Channel and Kilcreggan entrance decreasing inwards. In Upper Loch Long and in
Channel are given at 3.16. Loch Goil the streams are barely perceptible.
2 Dockyard Ports. Loch Long, with Loch Goil, forms 2 For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
part of the Clyde Dockyard Ports as given in Appendix IV. Firth of Clyde and Approaches and tidal stream stations on
The S limit of the Dockyard Port of Loch Long is the the chart.
parallel of 56°00′N, 1 mile N of Strone Point as shown on Local weather. Navigation in both Loch Long and Loch
the chart. Within this port area certain activities are Goil is dangerous for craft under sail due to the squalls,
controlled, as described in Appendix IV, and it should be calms and variable winds to which these lochs are subject,
noted that the entire area is deemed to be a narrow channel owing to the surrounding mountains and deep valleys.
within the meaning of Rule 9 of the International
Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (1972), also Principal marks
that a speed limit is imposed. It is recommended that 3.360
Appendix IV should be consulted before entering the port 1 Landmarks:
area. Landmarks in the approach to River Clyde and to the
3 In addition to the rules and regulations which apply Gareloch are given at 3.398 and 3.431.
generally within the port area, Appendix IV contains Inverkip Chimney (55°54′N, 4°53′W) (3.269) which
additional restrictions which apply in designated areas off is off the chart but bearings of which are shown
Coulport Jetty (56°03′⋅2N, 4°52′⋅9W) (3.368) and off by magenta ticks on the chart.
Glenmallan Jetty (56°07′⋅9N, 4°49′⋅1W) (3.370) as shown Conspicuous church spire standing on Strone Point
on the chart and given in a note on the chart. Signals (55°59′N, 4°54′W) (3.334).
which bring specific restrictions into force are described in Conspicuous hotel standing on Ardentinny Point
Appendix IV. In addition, electronic transmissions in the (56°02′⋅7N, 4°54′⋅5W) (3.362).
frequency range of 500 kHz to 20 000 mHz are prohibited 2 Three conspicuous watch towers and a conspicuous
within 100 m of Coulport Jetty. chimney within 3 cables of Coulport Jetty
3.355 (56°03′⋅2N, 4°52′⋅9W), as shown on the chart.
1 Prohibited activities. In addition to the rules and Conspicuous turret (56°03′⋅2N, 4°55′⋅0W).
regulations given for Dockyard Ports an area in which Coulport Covered Berth (56°04′⋅0N, 4°52′⋅5W)
fishing is prohibited is established in the N part of the (3.368).
restricted area off the Coulport berths. The N and S limit Conspicuous pylons (56°05′⋅1N, 4°51′⋅3W and
of this area are marked respectively by pairs of beacons 8 cables W), which support an overhead power
(special), standing on the E shore 2½ cables NNE and cable.
8 cables NNE of Coulport Jetty; however, the N beacons 3 Arddarroch House (56°06′⋅9N, 4°50′⋅1W), a large and
are obscured by Coulport Covered Berth (3.368). conspicuous building which stands in wooded
2 An area in which both anchoring and fishing are grounds close to the shore and close N of Finnart
prohibited extends W from Glenmallan Jetty, as shown on Ocean Terminal.
Plan A. Conspicuous marks in Loch Goil are given at 3.382.
Caution. Mariners are cautioned against anchoring or
fishing in Upper Loch Long owing to the existence of Directions for Loch Long
numerous disused cables and swamped moorings. (continued from 3.277)
3.356 Chart 1994
1 Loch Goil. The frequent closure of Loch Goil, while Approach to Loch Long from south
trials are in progress, is signalled by the display of a large 3.361
red flag on a vessel in the entrance. 1 From position 55°57′⋅5N, 4°52′⋅2W, 7 cables W of
McInroy’s Point, the inbound track through Loch Long
Spoil ground Channel (3.21) leads N for 1¾ miles then 350° for
3.357 8½ cables, on the E side of the centreline, passing (with
1 A spoil ground is established within a radius of positions from Strone Point (55°59′N, 4°54′W)):
2½ cables from 55°58′⋅1N, 4°52′⋅7W; another spoil ground E of Jim Crow Stone (1 mile SSW), thence:
(3.428) lies 1 mile E. 2 W of a shoal, with a least charted depth of 18⋅6 m
(1½ miles SE) which lies on the W extremity of
Anchorage B (3.25), thence:
Rescue E of Hunter’s Quay (8 cables SSW) (3.378) on the S
3.358 side of the entrance to Holy Loch (3.375), thence:
1 Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams (1.61) are based at 3 E of a spit which dries and, with charted depths of
Kilcreggan (55°59′N, 4°49′W) (3.373) and Loch Goil less than 30 m, extends 6 cables S from Strone
(56°08′N, 4°54′W). Point, the W entrance point of Loch Long, which
is a rounded promontory with a jetty extending
50 m SE from it. No 30 Light-buoy (S cardinal) is
Natural conditions moored on the 15 m depth contour, in the middle
3.359 of the spit. Thence:
1 Tidal streams in the lower part of Loch Long set as 4 E of Loch Long Light-buoy (safe water) (8½ cables
follows: E) which marks the centreline of the channel and a
Interval from HW Greenock Remarks change in direction to 350°, and:
W of the coastal bank which, with charted depths of
–0550 In-going stream begins
less than 30 m, extends 4 cables SW from Barons
+0010 Out-going stream begins Point (1½ miles ENE), which is the SW extremity

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of the peninsula separating Loch Long from ESE of Carraig nan Ròn or Dog Rock, which is 3 m
Gareloch. Kil No 3 Light-buoy (starboard hand) is high and on which stands Carraig nan Ròn Light
moored on the bank, thence: (white column, 5 m in height). Carraig nan Ròn
5 Over a submarine power cable (1 mile ENE) (1.39) lies close SE of Meall Darraich, a bold and
which crosses Loch Long from Barons Point, as precipitous headland, to which it is joined by a
shown on the chart, thence: drying reef.
E of a spit which, with a depth of 6⋅9 m over it 3.365
(1 mile NNE), extends 2 cables from the W shore 1 Initial position: 1 mile SSW of Cnap Point (56°07′⋅4N,
of the loch. 4°49′⋅9W).
Leading lights:
Chart 3746 Front light (white column, 5 m in height) on Cnap
Loch Long — lower part Point which projects into the loch.
3.362 Rear light (red rectangular daymark on white metal
1 From the N end of Loch Long Channel (56°00′⋅0N, framework tower) 87 m NNE of the front light.
4°52′⋅5W) the track continues 350°, on the E side of the 2 The alignment (031°) of these lights leads NNE into
centreline, for 3¼ miles, passing (with positions from Upper Loch Long, passing (with positions from the front
Carraig Mhaol (56°03′⋅0N, 4°52′⋅9W)): light):
E of the coastal bank which, with charted depths of ESE of No 4 Light-buoy (port hand) (1 mile SW),
less than 30 m, extends 1 cable E from Gairletter thence:
Point (2 miles SSW), thence: WNW of Finnart Ocean Terminal No 2 Jetty
2 E of Ravenrock Point (1¼ miles SW) on which (7½ cables SSW) (3.369) on the N and S ends of
stands Ravenrock Point Light (white metal which stand lights, thence:
framework tower on white column, 8 m in height), 3 ESE of No 3 Light-buoy (port hand) (7 cables SW),
thence: thence:
W of a foul area (5 cables S) and the coastal bank, WNW of Finnart Ocean Terminal No 3 Jetty
with charted depths of less than 30 m, which (4½ cables SSW) (3.369) on the N and S ends of
extends up to 2½ cables offshore, thence: which stand lights.
3 E of the coastal bank which, with charted depths of
less than 30 m, extends 1 cable E from Ardentinny
Point (9 cables WSW) which is the S entrance
point of Finart Bay, and: Chart 3746 Plan A
W of Carraig Mhaol. 3.366
1 From a position 3 cables SSW of Cnap Point Front
Loch Long — central part Leading Light the track into Upper Loch Long alters to the
3.363 NE for about 4 cables then leads generally NNE in
1 From a position 024°, 1 mile from Ravenrock Point mid-channel for about 5 miles to the head of the loch,
Light (above) the fixed white sector (203½°−204½°) of the passing (with positions from Glenmallan Jetty (56°07′⋅9N,
directional light, astern, leads NNE in mid-channel for 4°49′⋅1W)):
about 3 miles, passing (with positions from Knap Rock 2 SE of Finnart M1 mooring buoy (special) (8½ cables
(56°04′⋅5N, 4°53′⋅0W)): SW), thence:
ESE of Shepherd’s Point (1¼ miles SSW) on which SE of Cnap Point (6 cables SW) (3.365), thence:
stands a beacon (yellow metal framework tower, WNW of a drying bank of stones and boulders which
6 m in height), and: extends ½ cable from the E shore of the loch off
2 WNW of the Protected Area (3.354) around Coulport the mouth of Glenmallan Burn (1½ cables S). The
Jetty (1¼ miles S) (3.368). Lights stand near the S W edge of the bank is marked by a light-beacon
and N ends of the jetty; port closure signals (see (green metal post). And:
Appendix IV) are exhibited from the S 3 Across the S limit of an area in which anchoring and
light-structure (metal framework tower). Thence: fishing is prohibited (3.355), thence:
Across the S limit of an area in which fishing is WNW of an area in which entry is prohibited (3.354)
prohibited (1 mile S) (3.355), thence: which extends ¾ cable from Glenmallan Jetty
ESE of Port Dornaige Light (white column, 4 m in (3.370). A light (column, 2 m in height) stands on
height) (8½ cables SSW) which stands on the each end of the head of the jetty. Thence:
shore, thence: 4 ESE of the drying bank which extends 1 cable S and
3 WNW of Coulport Covered Berth (6 cables SSE) SE from Ardgartan Point (56°11′⋅2N, 4°46′⋅8W)
(3.368), on both the SW and NE corners of which the E edge of which is marked by a beacon (port
stand a light. A third light (port closure signals, hand). Ardgartan Point, which is low and projects
see Appendix IV) stands between the other lights. into the loch, has been formed by the delta of
Thence: Croe Water; Ardgartan House stands on the point
Under an overhead power cable (9 cables NE) and is surrounded by trees. Thence:
(3.350). 5 Useful marks:
(Directions continue for Loch Goil at 3.383) A concrete pillar (5 m in height) (3¾ cables WNW)
which stands near the coast. The pillar is a
Chart 3746 Plan B truncated pyramid painted white on its S face and
Upper Loch Long with orange stripes on its N face.
3.364 Ardmay Hotel (56°11′⋅2N, 4°46′⋅1W), conspicuous.
1 From a position 5 cables S of Carraig nan Ròn Arrochar Hotel (56°12′⋅0N, 4°44′⋅8W), conspicuous.
(56°06′⋅0N, 4°51′⋅7W) the track continues NNE in Conspicuous hotel (56°12′⋅3N, 4°44′⋅6W) near the
mid-channel for about 1 mile, passing: head of the loch.

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Chart 1994 5 S of a spit from the coastal bank which, with depths
Inshore channel from Loch Long to Gareloch of less than 20 m over it, extends across more than
3.367 half the channel width (1¼ miles SE) and forms
1 Kilcreggan Channel (55°59′N, 4°50′W) (3.23) is the least depth in the channel, as given at 3.23,
entered at its N end in position 56°00′N, 4°52′W and leads thence:
S, SE, then E, close around the N shore of the entrance to S of Ard No 4 Light-buoy (port hand) (1¾ miles
River Clyde, as shown on the chart, passing (with positions ESE) (3.399).
from Barons Point (55°59′⋅4N, 4°51′⋅2W)): (Directions for Ardmore Channel are given at 3.399)
2 W of moorings for small craft which are moored on
the coastal bank which, with depths of less than Major berths in Loch Long
20 m, extends 1½ cables from the shore to the N Chart 3746
of Barons Point, thence: Coulport berths
SW of Kil No 3 Buoy (starboard hand) (2½ cables 3.368
SW) which is moored on the NE edge of the 1 Coulport Jetty (56°03′⋅2N, 4°52′⋅9W), which has a
channel and where the direction of buoyage length of 245 m and depths alongside maintained at 10⋅7 m,
changes (3.353), thence: lies parallel to the shore 2 cables N of Carraig Mhaol. A
3 NNE of an area in which anchoring and fishing is pier extends 45 m from the shore close S of the jetty.
prohibited (5 cables S) due to the existence of a Designated areas around Coulport Jetty are subject to
degaussing range (1.106) which is marked on both restrictions (3.354).
its NE and SW limits by a light-buoy (special), 2 Coulport Covered Berth (56°04′⋅0N, 4°52′⋅5W), a large
thence: jetty with a length of 200 m lies parallel to the shore
SSW of the coastal bank which, with charted depths 6½ cables NNE of Coulport Jetty. This berth, which is
of less than 20 m, lies inside the NE limit of the covered by a conspicuous warehouse-type structure, lies
channel (5½ cables SE) along a distance of within the designated area mentioned above.
2 cables, thence: 3 Port services. Deratting exemption certificates can be
4 Across two foul areas (6 cables SSE), as shown on issued
the chart, in which there are swamped moorings,
thence: Chart 3746 plan B
Between Kil No 1 Light-buoy (starboard hand) Finnart Ocean Terminal
(8½ cables SE), which is moored between the S 3.369
side of the channel and the N side of Anchorage B 1 Finnart Ocean Terminal (56°07′⋅0N, 4°50′⋅2W), on the E
(3.25), and Kil No 2 Light-buoy (port hand), side of Loch Long, has two deep water jetties and has
1½ cables NNE, which marks the S edge of a spit handled tankers with a length of 345 m, draught of 25 m
which, with charted depths of less than 15 m, and tonnage up to 330 000 dwt, fully laden.
extends 2¼ cables SSW from the coast and lies Traffic. In 2002, the terminal was used by 118 vessels
alongside the N edge of the channel; thence: with a total of 3 429 037 dwt.

Finnart Ocean Terminal from W (3.369)

(Original dated 2000)
(Photograph − Air Images)

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Terminal Authority is British Petroleum Oil Ltd. Chart 3746

2 Density of water at the berths: 1⋅012 g/cm3 Small craft
Pilotage is compulsory, see 3.12. 3.374
Port radio is manned at the terminal, for details see the 1 Local weather and its effect on small craft is given at
relevant Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6(1). 3.359.
Berths. No 3 Jetty is the N and largest berth, with a Temporary anchorage can be obtained in the bay W of
length of 150 m and a depth alongside of 25 m. Three Cnap Point (56°07′⋅4N, 4°49′⋅9W), as shown on the chart.
dolphins, connected to the shore by catwalks, are situated Good anchorage can be obtained anywhere within
off each end of the jetty. 5 cables of the head of the loch, in depths of 15 to 22 m,
3 Berthing. At No 3 Jetty, vessels can be berthed only in as shown on the chart.
daylight but may sail at any time. Lights in line, which are 2 Moorings for small craft are laid as follows:
established at the N end of both jetties, using the light on Cove Bay (56°00′⋅0N, 4°51′⋅5W), within the 20 m
the N end of the jetty as the front light, and a light on depth contour. Cove Sailing Club offers temporary
shore as the rear light, are available, as shown on the plan, moorings for visiting small craft.
to assist with berthing. S of Ardentinny Point (56°02′⋅7N, 4°54′⋅5W)
4 No 2 Jetty, the S berth, is 90 m long and has a depth of
17⋅7 m alongside.
There is one other jetty, a small pier and a hard slip. Holy Loch
Port services. There are no facilities for oily waste Charts 1994, 3746
reception.
General information
3.375
Chart 3746 Plan A 1 Holy Loch, entered between Hunter’s Quay (55°58′⋅3N,
Glenmallan Jetty 4°54′⋅5W) and Strone Point, 8½ cables NNE, has a least
3.370 width of 3 cables and extends 2 miles WNW to its head,
1 Glenmallan Jetty (56°07′⋅9N, 4°49′⋅1W) is L-shaped with which dries out 4½ cables.
a length of 150 m along the outer face and depths of 11⋅2 2 This loch is being developed by the small craft and
to 11⋅6 m alongside. This jetty, which serves the Glen leisure industry, with occasional commercial logging
Douglas Ammunition Depot, is surrounded by designated shipments.
areas which are subject to restrictions (3.354). 3 Tidal streams are almost imperceptible in the loch.
Local weather. Strong NW winds bring violent squalls,
but good shelter can be found from S and SW gales.
Anchorages, moorings and minor berths Buoys. Seasonal yacht racing marks (3.9) are laid in the
in Loch Long
loch.
Chart 3746
Limiting conditions
Anchorages 3.376
3.371 1 The maximum permitted LOA at Holy Loch Port
1 General information. Anchorage can be obtained at a (Sandbank) is 90 m and maximum draught is 4⋅5 m.
modest distance offshore, on both sides of Loch Long, for Normal operating hours are 0800−1800 or strictly by prior
a distance of 4 miles above the entrance. Beyond this arrangement.
distance the shores have deep water close-to, and, in Upper
Loch Long, numerous disused cables and swamped Arrival information
moorings exist between the parallels of 56°07′⋅5N and 3.377
56°11′⋅8N approximately, see caution at 3.355. 1 Pilotage is compulsory for vessels over 75 m in length
2 Finart Bay (56°03′N, 4°54′W) affords fair anchorage operating to or from Holy Loch Port (Sandbank). The pilot
but, with winds from the NW, squalls develop and blow boards in the vicinity of “O” Light-buoy (55°54′⋅5N
with great violence during gales. 4°54′⋅5W) (Chart 1907).

Moorings Directions
3.372 3.378
1 A mooring buoy is laid 2½ cables offshore in Cove Bay 1 Approach is made through Loch Long Channel (3.21) as
(56°00′⋅0N, 4°51′⋅5W) given at 3.361; thence, from a position 1 mile E of
Hunter’s Quay, the track leads WNW into the loch, passing
Charts 1994, 3746 (with positions from White Farlane Point (55°58′⋅9N,
Alongside berths 4°55′⋅9W)):
3.373 SSW of the spit extending S from Strone Point
1 Blairmore Pier (55°59′⋅7N, 4°53′⋅7W), 7 cables N of (1 mile E) (3.334), and:
Strone Point, has a depth of 2⋅4 to 3 m alongside and is 2 NNE of Hunter’s Quay (1 mile SE). A light (grey
frequently used by ferries. metal column) stands on the NW end of the pier
Arrochar (56°12′⋅0N, 4°44′⋅9W) has a wooden pier with which extends ½ cable NNE from the coast.
a T head and a least depth of 2⋅7 m alongside. A second Thence:
pier, with charted depths of 5 m, extends from the NW side SSW of Gibb’s Point (5½ cables ENE) which projects
of the loch, 5 cables WSW of Arrochar. from the NE side of the loch, thence:
2 Kilcreggan Bay (55°59′⋅0N, 4°49′⋅0W) contains a pier 3 NNE of White Farlane Point or Lazaretto Point, on
with a least depth of 3 m alongside, which is used by the which stands a conspicuous monument, thence:
ferry to Kempock Point, 1¼ miles S. Moorings for small SSW of Graham’s Point (4 cables NNE), on the
craft are laid within the 2 m depth contour E of the pier. extremity of which stands a monument.

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Anchorages and berths Leading lights:

3.379 Front light: The Perch (orange rectangle on metal
1 Anchorage. See 3.375. column) (56°06′⋅9N, 4°54′⋅3W).
Berths. The pier at Hunter’s Quay is a ferry terminal Rear light: (similar structure, 3 m in height) 3½ cables
with Ro-Ro facilities. NW of the front light.
Piers also extend from the S side of the loch at 2 The alignment (318°) of these lights in the white sector
Ardnadam, 3 cables W of White Farlane Point, and at (317°–320°) of a directional light situated below the front
Sandbank, 5 cables W of the same point. leading light leads NW through the entrance of Loch Goil,
2 On the N side of the loch there are several small jetties in a least depth of 13 m, passing (with positions from
and piers of which the largest is at Kilmun, 6 cables N of Rubhana Beithe):
White Farlane Point. SW of Carraig nan Ròn (1¾ miles SSE) (3.364),
thence:
3 NE of the coastal bank which, with charted depths of
Small craft less than 10 m, extends 2¼ cables N from Rubha
3.380 nan Eòin (2 miles S) and is marked on its N
1 Holy Loch Marina is situated at Sandbank, on the SW extremity by No 1 Light-buoy (port hand), thence:
side of the loch. There are 90 pontoon berths with depths Between No 2 Light-buoy (port hand) (1½ miles S),
of 3⋅0 m, a launching slip and a 23-tonne boat hoist. Fuel, which marks the outer edge of a drying spit which
water, electricity and bottled gas are available at the berths. extends 1½ cables NE from Roinn Diomhain, and
Further development of the marina is planned (2001). No 3 Light-buoy (starboard hand) (1¼ miles S)
2 Anchorage can be obtained off the jetties and piers which marks the drying spit extending ½ cable SW
mentioned above. from Carraig na Maraig, thence:
Several moorings are established at Hunter’s Quay. 4 NE of Rubha Ardnahein, marked by a light (steel
frame, dayglow panel, 3 m in height, thence:
Close SW of a rock, with a depth of 13⋅7 m over it
Loch Goil (1 mile S).
3.384
1 When The Perch is distant 4½ cables the track alters to
Chart 3746
the N and leads along the E side of the channel, where the
General information loch is almost steep-to and is free from dangers, passing E
3.381 of the reef, with a depth of less than 2 m over it
1 Loch Goil, entered between Rubha nan Eòin (56°05′⋅6N, (7½ cables SW) upon which stands The Perch.
4°52′⋅5W) and Meall Darraich, 6 cables NE, is a narrow
loch which extends generally N for about 5 miles to its
head which dries out 2 cables. Moorings
Tidal streams are almost imperceptible in the loch. 3.385
2 Regulations. This loch, which is part of the Clyde 1 D16 Mooring Buoy is laid on the N side of the
Dockyard Ports (3.354), contains an Admiralty Trials Range entrance, 5 cables W of Carraig nan Ròn, and several other
and two Experimental Areas which are situated 9 cables mooring buoys are laid 1½ cables SSE of Douglas Pier. See
and 1¾ miles from the head of the loch, as shown on the regulations at 3.381.
chart. These areas contain rafts and unlit mooring buoys
joined by wires and, when in use by nuclear submarines,
the areas are patrolled by safety craft. Small craft
3 Civil craft must keep clear of Douglas Pier (56°09′⋅3N, 3.386
4°54′⋅4W) and of naval buoys, rafts, craft, underwater 1 Good anchorage can be obtained in the loch, as shown
moorings and other obstructions. on the chart: 2 cables NE of Carrick Castle, in a depth of
3.382 18 m, sand and mud; 3 cables N of The Perch, in a depth
1 Useful marks. The following marks, which are of 18 m, mud; and 3 cables from the head of the loch, in a
conspicuous, are positioned from Rubhana Beithe depth of 42 m, mud.
(56°07′⋅5N, 4°53′⋅5W)): Carrick Pier is used regularly by local vessels.
Yellow house (1½ miles S) situated at Rubha
Ardnahein.
Ruins of Carrick Castle (1 mile SSW) which stands GARELOCH AND APPROACHES
on a point fronting the village of Carrick with a
conspicuous hotel about ½ cable SE.
2 White house (6 cables WNW) standing on the N side General information
of Cormonachan Burn.
Flagstaffs (1½ miles N and 2 miles NNW).
Drimsynie House (3 miles NNW) which stands Charts 1994, 2000
4 cables W of the village of Lochgoilhead and at Description
the N end of an area containing holiday chalets 3.387
and caravans which extend 8 cables SSW and are 1 Gareloch, entered between Rhu Point (56°00′⋅9N,
reported to be prominent. 4°47′⋅2W) and Limekiln Point, 3¼ cables WSW, has a
width of about 7 cables and extends 3 miles NNW then
Directions 1 mile N to its head which dries out for 1¼ cables.
(continued from 3.363) 2 Channels. Gareloch is approached from W through
3.383 Ardmore Channel (55°59′N, 4°47′W) (3.22) thence N and
1 Initial position: 5 cables SE of Rubha nan Eòin. NW along a restricted channel (3.394) through Rhu

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Narrows (56°01′N, 4°48′W) which has a least width of Considerable traffic proceeds to and from Helensburgh
225 m and a depth as given at 3.390. The centrelines of Pier (56°00′⋅1N, 4°44′⋅2W).
these channels are marked by Port Entry Lights (PEL) as
described in Directions at 3.400 and 3.401.
Pilotage
3.392
Topography 1 The Gareloch lies within the Inner Pilotage Area of the
3.388 Clyde and pilotage is compulsory, see Admiralty List of
1 Approach to Gareloch from south. The W side of the Radio Signals Volume 6(1).
approach, between Rosneath Point (55°59′⋅3N, 4°46′⋅1W)
and Castle Point, 1 mile NNW, is low and wooded with a
shoreline composed of sand, stones and boulders. Green Buoys
Islet, 2 cables NNE of Rosneath Point, is covered with 3.393
grass and difficult to distinguish, and to the N of this islet 1 Seasonal yacht racing marks (3.9) are laid off
lies Culwatty Bay, which dries. Rosneath Bay, which Craigendoran and Helensburgh, in the approach to Gareloch
extends from Castle Point to Limekiln Point (56°00′⋅7N, and in the S part of the loch.
4°47′⋅7W) 9 cables NW, is backed by a wooded coast with Buoys (special) are used to mark degaussing ranges in
sloping fields in the background; the shoreline is fringed the approach to Gareloch.
with stony flats.
2 The NE side of the approach, between Ardmore Head
(55°58′⋅3N, 4°42′⋅3W) (3.481) and Craigendoran, 1½ miles Traffic regulations
N, is low and fronted by extensive drying mud flats on 3.394
which lie a number of boulders. To the WNW of 1 Ardmore Channel, in the approach to Gareloch, lies
Craigendoran the coast continues low and is fronted by a within Clydeport Operations Limited’s area, as given at
seawall, 2 m in height, forming the seafront of Helensburgh 3.12, with movement control as given at 3.14. Additional
(56°00′N, 4°44′W), a substantial town which had a regulations which apply within this channel are given at
population of 14 626 in 2001, extending inland from the 3.16.
coast. A flat of sand and stones extends 1¼ cables offshore 2 Dockyard Port. Gareloch forms part of the Clyde
from the seawall at Helensburgh. This seawall then Dockyard Ports as given in Appendix IV. The S limit of
continues beyond Cairndhu Point (56°00′⋅5N, 4°45′⋅7W) at the Dockyard Port of Gareloch is a line drawn E from
the W end of Helensburgh, to front the coast around two Rosneath Point (55°59′⋅3N, 4°46′⋅1W) as shown on the
small bays between Cairndhu Point and Rhu Point, 1 mile chart. Within the port area certain activities are controlled,
WNW. The land at the back of these bays slopes steeply as described in Appendix IV, and it should be noted that
from high moorland, with the village of Rhu scattered over the entire area is deemed to be a narrow channel within the
the lower slopes. meaning of Rule 9 of the International Regulations for
3.389 Preventing Collisions at Sea (1972), also that a speed limit
1 Gareloch. The E side of the loch is largely built up is imposed.
with a ribbon of dwellings which connect Rhu (56°01′N, 3 In addition to the rules and regulations which apply
4°47′W) with Faslane Base, 2 miles NNW, against a generally within the port area, Appendix IV contains
background of wooded slopes which rise to high moorland. additional restrictions which apply in a designated channel
The E shore, which is steep-to except in the bay N of Rhu through Rhu Narrows (56°01′N, 4°48′W) and within
Point, where a shallow bank extends up to 2 cables designated areas off Faslane Base (56°04′N, 4°49′W) as
offshore, is fringed with moorings for small craft, as shown shown on chart 2000 and given in notes on the chart.
on the chart. Signals which bring specific restrictions into force are
2 The W side of the loch is wooded throughout with described in Appendix IV. In addition a submarine
scattered habitation along the shoreline, mainly at the S end operating area, centred on 56°03′⋅0N, 4°49′⋅7W, is
where the villages of Rosneath and Clynder, which is established within the Gareloch, as shown on the chart.
fronted by a low seawall, are situated. The W shore is When trials are in progress a vessel, which will be in
steep-to and fringed with moorings for small craft, as attendance in the operating area, will display Flag 4 of the
shown on the chart. International Code of Signals; ships near the area should
3 The head of the loch, which narrows to a width of then navigate with caution and keep well clear.
3 cables, is entered at Rowmore Point (56°04′⋅1N, 4 Traffic signals. When Rhu Narrows is closed, port
4°49′⋅6W). Garelochhead is a large village around the head closure signals are shown from Whiteforland Point (3.432),
of the loch, off which the beach dries for 1 cable. Rosneath Point (3.400) and Rhu Hard (3.412).
3.395
1 Prohibited activities. In addition to the rules and
Depths regulations given for Clydeport Operations Limited’s area,
3.390 anchoring is prohibited in a submarine cable area (1.39)
1 The controlling depth in the approach and entry to the close W of Rosneath Patch (55°58′⋅5N, 4°47′⋅4W) as
Gareloch is 13⋅4 m which is the depth maintained in the shown on the chart. Also, an area in which both anchoring
channel towards and through Rhu Narrows. and fishing are prohibited extends up to 4½ cables S,
7½ cables ENE and 6 cables NE from Rosneath Point
(55°59′⋅3N, 4°46′⋅1W) as shown on the chart. This area,
Hazards the N part of which lies in the Dockyard Port of Gareloch,
3.391 contains degaussing (DG) ranges and associated cables. The
1 The Gareloch and approaches include submarine exercise area is also crossed by submarine power cables, as shown
areas (3.3). on the chart.

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Rescue Ardmore Channel at its junction with the N side of

3.396 Kilcreggan Channel (3.23), is moored 2½ cables
1 An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) and an SSW of Portkil Point.
inshore lifeboat (1.72) are based at Helensburgh (56°00′N, 3.400
4°44′W). 1 Initial position: 3 cables SSE of Portkil Point.
An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) is also Port Entry Lights:
based at Kilcreggan (55°59′N, 4°49′W) (3.373). Front light: No 8N light-beacon (special, on yellow
pile structure with platform) (55°59′⋅1N, 4°44′⋅2W)
Flow with directional light.
3.397 Rear light: No 1 Light-beacon (special), 1¾ cables E
1 Tidal streams in the approach to the Gareloch are shown of the front light.
on the charts and it is known that the streams also set 2 The alignment (080°) of these lights leads E for about
across the shoals at the E end of Ardmore Channel. 1½ miles, within the white sector (079½°–080½°) of the
2 In the area to the S of the Gareloch the streams are not front light, passing (with positions from Rosneath Point
strong and are much affected by currents caused by winds, (55°59′⋅3N, 4°46′⋅1W)):
heavy rain or melting snow, as given at 3.8. There are 3 N of shoal water extending N from Rosneath Patch
considerable differences between the times at which streams (1 mile SW), near the middle of which stands a
begin in different parts of the area. The effects of these light-beacon (isolated danger, red hut on concrete
differences and of the meteorological changes are such that, pile structure). The N limit of the 15 m depth
for all practical purposes, the weak streams in the central contour, which touches the S edge of Ardmore
parts are unpredictable, and even near the land the streams Channel, is marked by Ard No 5 Light-buoy
are much affected by meteorological conditions. (starboard hand). Thence:
3 Within the Gareloch the flow is imperceptible, except 4 S of Ard No 8 Light-buoy (port hand) (4¾ cables
near the narrows at the entrance; and, during winter SW), thence:
freshets, rates of up to 2 kn may sometimes be experienced Across the W limit of the degaussing area (4 cables
off Faslane Base. S) (3.395) and N of an area designated as
Caution. During the outgoing flow a set across Rhu Anchorage A (3.25), thence:
Narrows, towards the shallow water off Limekiln Point 5 S of the coastal bank which, with charted depths of
(56°00′⋅7N, 4°47′⋅7W), will be experienced. less than 10 m, extends 3¼ cables SE from
Rosneath Point, the SE extremity of the peninsula.
Principal marks A depth of 8⋅2 m (2¾ cables SE) lies near the S
3.398 edge of the bank which is marked by Ard No 10
1 Landmarks: Light-buoy (port hand). Rhu Narrows port closure
Conspicuous lattice radio mast (55°59′⋅5N, 4°47′⋅6W) signals (metal column adjacent to DG Range
standing on Gallow Hill. building) are shown from Rosneath Point.
Conspicuous building (56°00′⋅8N, 4°46′⋅1W) situated
near the root of Rhu Hard (3.412).
Conspicuous tower (56°01′⋅1N, 4°46′⋅9W) of a church Approach to Gareloch from south
with a flat roof and 8 small spires, which is 3.401
surrounded by trees but is still conspicuous from 1 Initial position: 6 cables W of No 8N Light-beacon
the approach to Gareloch. (55°59′⋅1N, 4°44′⋅2W).
2 Conspicuous block of boat sheds (56°00′⋅4N, Port Entry Lights.
4°47′⋅8W) which are similar to aircraft hangars. Front light: No 7N Light-beacon (starboard hand, on a
Landmarks in the approach to River Clyde are given at green pile structure) (56°00′⋅1N, 4°45′⋅4W) with
3.431. directional light.
2 Rear light: (stone tower on NW corner of Ardencaple
Directions Castle, 14 m in height), 5 cables N of the front
(continued from 3.277 and from 3.367) light.
The alignment (356°) of these lights leads N for
Approach to Gareloch from west 8 cables, within the white sector (355°–357°) of the front
3.399 light, passing (with positions from Rosneath Point):
1 From position 55°58′⋅0N, 4°50′⋅6W, the inbound track 3 E of a wreck, over which there is a swept depth of
through Ardmore Channel (3.22) leads ENE for about 11⋅5 m (3½ cables E), which lies close S of the SE
1¾ miles, on the SE side of the centreline, passing (with extremity of a spit which, with charted depths of
positions from Portkil Point (55°59′⋅0N, 4°48′⋅2W)): less than 15 m, extends up to 4 cables E from
SSE of Ashton Light-buoy (safe water) (1½ miles Rosneath Point. And:
WSW) which marks the centreline of Firth of 4 Across the S limit of the Dockyard Port of Gareloch,
Clyde Channel (3.19) and a change in its direction then into Rhu Narrows Restricted Channel (3.394),
to the E, thence: thence:
2 NNW of a light-buoy (special) (6 cables S), thence: E of No 24 Light-buoy (port hand) which is moored
NNW of a detached shoal, with a least charted depth 1½ cables ESE of Perch Rock (2¾ cables NE), a
of 14⋅5 m (5½ cables S), thence: small, flat, drying rock which is covered with
3 SSE of a spit, with a least charted depth in the seaweed; a similar rock lies close NE. A buoy
channel as given at 3.22 (2½ cables S), which (special) is moored ½ cable E of Perch Rock.
extends 3½ cables S from Portkil Point, 1 cable E 5 Useful marks:
of which stands a beacon (special). Ard No 4 Prominent square clock tower and steeple of Saint
Light-buoy (port hand), which marks the N side of Columba’s Church (1½ miles NE).

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Rosneath Farm (6 cables NW), a prominent spit and extends up to 2 cables NNW and
castellated building, which on certain bearings is 1¼ cables SSE from it, along the edge of the
screened by trees. Restricted Channel. The NW corner of the bank is
marked by Rhu NE Light-buoy (starboard hand).
Chart 2000 And:
3.402 4 ENE of the bank fringing and extending 1½ cables N
1 From a position 2¾ cables S of No 7N Light-beacon the from Limekiln Point (3½ cables WSW) on which
track alters to 318° for 6 cables and leads within the white stands a yellow beacon with a diamond topmark.
sector (317°–319°) of Rhu Point Light (metal framework The bank, with charted depths of less than 10 m,
tower with orange daymark, 7 m in height) standing on extends to the SW edge of the Restricted Channel,
Rhu Point (56°00′⋅9N, 4°47′⋅2W), and also within the white and is marked off its N edge by a light-buoy (port
sector (137°–139°) astern, of No 8N Light-beacon, passing hand). See caution at 3.397.
(with positions from No 7N Light-beacon):
SW of Row Light-buoy (starboard hand) (2½ cables
SSE) which is moored on the 10 m depth contour Chart 2000
of the coastal bank extending SW from Gareloch
Helensburgh, thence: 3.405
2 SW of No 7N Light-beacon which stands on the 10 m 1 When clear of Rhu Narrows (above) the white sector
depth contour, on the NE side of the channel, (330°–332°) of Mambeg Directional Light (white column,
thence: 4 m in height) (56°03′⋅7N, 4°50′⋅5W), which is also shown
Over submarine power cables (3 cables WNW) (1.39) by day, leads NNW through the middle of the loch, passing
which cross the channel at right angles and are (with positions from Crossowen Point (56°01′⋅4N,
marked on the shore by beacons (special). 4°48′⋅9W)):
2 ENE of the coastal bank which, with charted depths
Chart 2000 and plan of Rhu Narrows of less than 10 m, extends ¾ cable WNW from
3.403 Carraig an Roin (5 cables SSE), a drying rock on
1 From a position 4¼ cables WNW of No 7N which stands a beacon (black, can topmark), which
Light-beacon the track alters to 295° for 7 cables and leads lies on the NW side of Stroul Bay (3.419), thence:
within the white sector (294°–296°) of No 2N Light-beacon WSW of an obstruction (9 cables E) which has a
(port hand) (56°00′⋅7N, 4°47′⋅6W) and also within the depth of 3 m over it, thence:
white sector (114°–116°) astern of No 7N Light-beacon, 3 Across the NW limit of the Rhu Narrows Restricted
passing (with positions from Castle Point (56°00′⋅2N, Channel (4½ cables E) (3.394), thence:
4°46′⋅5W)): Across the S limit of a Submarine Operating Area
2 SSW of Cairndhu Light-buoy (starboard hand) (1 mile N) (3.394), thence:
3¼ cables ENE) which marks the 10 m depth ENE of No 1 Trot of mooring buoys (1¼ miles
contour of the coastal bank extending 2¼ cables NNW) which lie parallel to the W shore, thence:
SW from Cairndhu Point, which has a gentle 4 WSW of “S” mooring buoy (1½ miles N) which
grassy slope with trees in the background, and: exhibits a light and is moored 2½ cables off the E
3 NNE of the bank fringing Castle Point, which is low shore where two beacons (special) in line mark the
and grassy and on which stands Castle Point Light S limit of the designated areas (3.394) off Faslane
(red mast, 5 m in height), thence: Base, and:
SSW of Rhu Marina (3.417), thence: 5 ENE of No 2 Trot of mooring buoys (1½ miles
NNE of a detached rock, with a charted depth of NNW) which lie parallel to the W shore, thence:
9⋅5 m (4 cables WNW) which lies on the SW edge WSW of Carnban Point (1¾ miles N) and across the
of the Restricted Channel. S limit of a designated area (above).
3.404 3.406
1 When No 2N Light-beacon is distant 3 cables the track 1 Useful marks:
alters to 329° for 1 mile and leads within the white sector Rosneath Church Spire (7½ cables SSE) which is a
(148°–150°), astern, of No 3N Light-beacon (orange metal modern building rising to an apex that is like a
column, 7 m in height), 2 cables SW of Castle Point Light, flagpole.
through Rhu Narrows, passing (with positions from Rhu Clynder Church Spire (3 cables SSE) which is a small
Point Light (56°00′⋅9N, 4°47′⋅2W)): building with a belfry.
ENE of Rosneath Jetty (6 cables SSW) (3.416) on the 2 Conspicuous periscope tower (56°03′⋅3N, 4°49′⋅2W),
NW end of which stands a light (white concrete at the S end of Faslane Bay.
column, 3 m in height), thence: Conspicuous chimney (56°04′⋅0N, 4°49′⋅0W) and a
2 WSW of Rhu SE Light-buoy (starboard hand) conspicuous building, 1½ cables W, at the N end
(3 cables S) which marks the NE edge of the of Faslane Base.
Restricted Channel, thence: 3.407
ENE of Hotel Light-buoy (port hand) (3½ cables SW) 1 When Mambeg Light is distant 8 cables, the white sector
which is moored outside the Restricted Channel, (356°–006°) of the light on the elbow of the N fuel jetty
1 cable E of No 2N Light-beacon, thence: (white floodlighting tower, 12 m in height) (56°04′⋅3N,
3 WSW of a stony spit which dries and extends 4°49′⋅7W) leads N towards the fuel jetties, passing (with
1¼ cables SW from Rhu Point to within close positions from Mambeg Light):
proximity of the NE edge of the channel. Rhu Spit 2 W of the protected area off Faslane Base (3.394).
Light-beacon (white round tower, green band, 8 m Lights (metal masts) stand on the jetties which
in height) stands on the spit about ¼ cable inshore front the base, as shown on the chart. A light also
of the SW extremity of the bank which fringes the stands on a pontoon (56°03′⋅7N, 4°49′⋅5W) and at

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the W extremity of a floating barrier, 2 cables Anchorages and moorings

NNW of the pontoon. And:
Charts 1994, 2000
3 E of C33 head and stern mooring buoys (5 cables
SSE), thence: Anchorages
W of Rowmore Point (6 cables NE) which is the N 3.410
entrance point of Faslane Bay, and: 1 Designated anchorages are given 3.25.
4 W of the S of two fuelling jetties (6¼ cables NE). On Anchorage in the approach to the Gareloch can be
the S extremity of the S jetty and on the N obtained off the coast between Ardmore Head (55°58′⋅3N,
extremity of the N jetty stands a light (white 4°42′⋅3W) (3.481) and Craigendoran, 1½ miles NNW,
floodlighting tower, 12 m in height). (3.388), in depths of 4 to 6 m, mud and clay, clear of an
outfall pipe which extends W from the coast to a position
8 cables NW of Ardmore Point. Tidal streams are not
Faslane Base strong in this area but winds from the SW cause a short
choppy sea as the bottom is uneven.
Chart 2000 plan of Faslane Base
2 Mooring buoys are plentiful within the Gareloch where
General information they are laid in depths of 30 m or more, mostly along the
3.408 W side of the loch, as shown on the chart.
1 Faslane Base, situated on the E side of the Gareloch,
1 mile from its head, is a naval base within a protected
Alongside berths
area, as given at 3.394.
Helensburgh Pier
3.411
1 Helensburgh Pier (56°00′⋅1N, 4°44′⋅2W), which extends
245 m from the coast, has a charted depth of 2⋅3 m off the
head of the pier but depths of less than 2 m are charted in
the approach, 1 cable seaward.
The pierhead is of wood and there is an area of
reclaimed land, with a slipway on its seaward face, along
much of the E side of the pier.
2 This pier is used by excursion steamers and a vessel of
609 dwt has berthed alongside.
Small craft can anchor off Helensburgh and a temporary
berth can be obtained along the side of the pier. Landing
steps are fitted.
Chart 2000, plan of Rhu Narrows
Rhu Military Port
3.412
1 Rhu Hard (56°00′⋅7N, 4°46′⋅1W), which is at the
seaward end of a pier extending 120 m from the coast, is
designed to accommodate landing craft. A conspicuous
building 1 cable from the root of the pier is given at 3.398.
Port closure signals (metal mast on gantry) are shown
Faslane from S (3.408) from the pier.
(Original dated 2000)
2 Approach from seaward. The approach leads NW
(Photograph − Air Images) towards the hard, passing (with positions from the signal
gantry):
The Naval Jetty, which fronts the base at its S end,
Close SE of a wreck, with a least depth of 4⋅5 m
contains 6 berths, numbered from S to N as shown on the
over it (2 cables SW), thence:
plan, and has a least known depth of 10⋅8 m alongside.
SE of the breakwater for Rhu Marina (1½ cables
2 There are several other jetties and quays associated with
WSW) (3.417).
the base. Those at the N end are protected by a floating
barrier which encloses the NE corner of Faslane Bay. Chart 2000
An overhead power cable is suspended between two Garelochead fuelling jetties
dolphins, close W of Carnban Pt (56°04′⋅2N, 4°49′⋅1W), as 3.413
shown on the chart. Passage between the dolphins is 1 Two fuelling jetties (56°04′⋅3N, 4°49′⋅7W), situated
prohibited. 2 cables N of Rowmore Point, are both 60 m in length with
a depth of 11⋅3 m alongside the S jetty and 9⋅4 m alongside
Port services the N jetty.
3.409
1 Repairs. There is a covered mechanical ship lift at the Small craft
N end of the base which has an overall length of 165 m,
width of 25⋅5 m and a platform travel of 23 m. This facility Chart 2000 and plan of Rhu Narrows
is for Ministry of Defence vessels only. General information
2 Deratting exemption certificates can be issued at the 3.414
naval base. 1 The Gareloch is home to many hundreds of yachts,
Compass adjustment: see 3.494. resulting in large stretches of the coast, both within the
Degaussing ranges are operated in the approach to the loch and in the approaches, being occupied by moorings
Gareloch, as given at 3.395. for small craft.

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Rosneath Bay 4°47′⋅2W). Moorings surround the jetty and extend for
3.415 some distance N from it.
1 Rosneath Bay, to the W of Castle Point (56°00′⋅2N,
Stroul Bay
4°46′⋅5W) affords anchorage for small craft but local
3.419
knowledge is required as the bottom is irregular and rocky
1 Stroul Bay (56°00′⋅9N, 4°48′⋅3W) contains a boat pier
in places, and drying rocks extend over a cable from the
and some slipways fronting a boatyard, 1½ cables W of
shore. This anchorage, which is sheltered from S winds, is
Limekiln Point, which are protected by a breakwater
encumbered with moorings for small craft, which extend W
extending about 1 cable NNW from the shore.
from Castle Point as shown on the chart, and contains a
The area is full of moorings for small craft and there is
diving target, 3½ cables W of the point, which is marked
no space for an anchorage.
by a buoy (special).
Good repair and replenishment facilities are available.
2 Landing is possible at a small jetty close W of Castle
Point. Garelochhead
Facilities are available at Silvers Marine in Stroul Bay 3.420
(3.419), see Admiralty Marine Communications. 1 Garelochhead (3.389) is fronted by moorings for small
craft and the head of the loch contains several landing
Rosneath Jetty places.
3.416
1 Rosneath Jetty (56°00′⋅4N, 4°47′⋅5W), which has a MCINROY’S POINT TO RIVER CLYDE
T-head, extends 170 m from the coast at the N end of
Rosneath Bay. The berth on the outer face, which has a General information
length of 90 m and a charted depth of 7⋅9 m alongside;
provides a boat storage facility; 40 tonne crane; 18 tonne Chart 1994
hoist; 16 tonne Wise travel hoist and tractor; and 10 tonne Channels
Iron Fairy. 3.421
Conspicuous boat sheds close W of the pier, which are 1 Firth of Clyde Channel. From a position 1 mile NNE
described at 3.398, have a slipway in front of them. of McInroy’s Point (55°57′⋅1N, 4°51′⋅2W) the N part of the
Firth of Clyde Channel (3.19) leads E for about 2 miles to
Rhu Marina a position 3½ cables NNE of Whiteforeland Point. From
3.417 this position the S edge of the channel continues ESE for
1 Rhu Marina (56°00′⋅7N, 4°46′⋅4W), which extends S 8 cables to the entrance of the dredged channel of River
from a point at the SE end of Rhu Bay, can accommodate Clyde, known as River Channel.
up to 200 small craft, including some visitors, with River Channel (3.477) leads to and passes the Greenock
maximum length 18⋅2 m. The berths are protected by berthing areas as given at 3.452.
floating breakwaters to the W and S, and by a rock Topography
breakwater on its E and SE sides. A light-buoy (starboard 3.422
hand) marks a drying patch extending ½ cable SW from 1 The coast between McInroy’s Point and Greenock,
the end of the rock breakwater. The entrance is on the SW 3 miles E, is generally occupied by the towns of Gourock
corner of the marina, between floating breakwaters from (55°57′N, 4°49′W), a residential town, and Greenock
the ends of which lights are exhibited, and it is reported (55°57′N, 4°46′W), a large industrial town (3.437).
that a strong flow sets across this entrance. Ardmore Head (55°58′⋅3N, 4°42′⋅3W), at the E end of
Rhu Hard the estuary, is described at 3.481.
Depths
3.423
1 Controlling depth within the Firth of Clyde Channel is
given at 3.19.
The Hole (55°58′⋅3N, 4°46′⋅1W), situated near the
centreline of the estuary contains depths up to 30 m greater
than the surrounding seabed. The centre of this deep area
can be established by two lights (yellow metal columns)
standing on the shore, 7 cables SSW, in line bearing 196°,
and the light-beacon on Rosneath Patch, 6 cables WNW,
bearing 285°.
Hazards
Rhu Marina from SW (3.417) 3.424
(Original dated 2000) 1 The N part of the channel passes through an area in
(Photograph − Air Images) which submarines exercise (3.3).
Ferry routes cross the channel from Kempock Point
2 Anchorage is not recommended on either side of the (55°57′⋅8N, 4°49′⋅0W) to Kilcreggan, 1¼ miles N, and
marina as the area is encumbered with yacht moorings, as Helensburgh, 3½ miles NE.
shown on the chart, and with discarded ground tackle.
Pilotage
Royal Northern Yacht Club Jetty 3.425
3.418 1 The N part of the Firth of Clyde Channel lies within the
1 The Royal Northern Yacht Club Jetty extends 160 m Inner Pilotage Area of the Clyde, see Admiralty List of
NW from the NW side of Rhu Point (56°00′⋅9N, Radio Signals Volume 6(1).

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A Pilot boarding area is positioned 3½ cables NW of Principal marks

Kempock Point, as shown on the chart. 3.431
1 Landmarks:
Darroch Tower (55°57′⋅4N, 4°49′⋅3W), which is a
Buoys conspicuous round stone tower on a hill SSW of
3.426 Kempock Point.
1 Seasonal yacht racing marks (3.9) are laid off West Bay Conspicuous church tower, 2½ cables NNE of
(55°57′N, 4°50′W), off Whiteforeland Point (55°57′⋅8N, Darroch Tower.
4°47′⋅5W) and 5 cables W of Ardmore Head. Craigs Top (55°57′⋅3N, 4°47′⋅6W) has a flagstaff on
its summit and is conspicuous.
2 Greenock Town Hall (55°56′⋅9N, 4°45′⋅4W) which is
Traffic regulations conspicuous.
3.427 Landmarks in the approach to Gareloch are given at
1 The N part of the Firth of Clyde Channel lies within 3.398.
Clydeport Operations Limited’s area, as given at 3.12 with Compass adjustment mark is given in a note on the
movement control as given at 3.14. Additional regulations chart.
for the Firth of Clyde Channel are given at 3.19.
In addition to the rules and regulations given above, Directions
anchoring is prohibited in a submarine cable area (1.39) (continued from 3.277)
which extends across the channel close W of Rosneath
Patch (55°58′⋅5N, 4°47′⋅4W), as shown on the chart.
McInroy’s Point to Whiteforeland Point
2 A foul area in which mariners are warned not to anchor 3.432
lies from 2 to 5 cables offshore in West Bay, as shown on 1 From position 55°58′⋅0N, 4°50′⋅6W the inbound track
the chart. along the N part of Firth of Clyde Channel (3.19) leads E
for about 2 miles, on the S side of the centreline, passing
(with positions from Kempock Point):
2 N of a spit, with charted depths of less than 20 m,
Spoil ground
extending 2¾ cables NE from Kempock Point on
3.428
which stands a light (metal column). This spit,
1 A spoil ground area is established within a radius of
with a charted depth of 18⋅7 m, protrudes into the
2½ cables from 55°58′⋅2N, 4°51′⋅0W; another spoil ground
S side of the channel and charted depths of less
(3.357) lies 1 mile W.
than 15 m lie close S of the channel. Thence:
3 S of a light-buoy (special) (7 cables NE) which marks
the N end of an outfall pipeline extending 7 cables
Rescue NNW from Ironotter Point (6 cables E). The
3.429 direction of the pipeline, which is mostly buried, is
1 The regional Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre given by two beacons (special) at its inner end,
(1.61) is based at Greenock (55°57′N, 4°46′W) which also
where the coastal bank extends 1½ cables from the
maintains an Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61).
point. Thence:
An inshore lifeboat (1.72) is maintained at Helensburgh
4 N of Whiteforeland Point (9 cables E) on which
(3.396).
stands Navy Building which is a prominent brick
structure with a metal framework radio mast, 18 m
in height, and two flagstaffs, on its flat roof. Rhu
Flow Narrows port closure signals are shown from the
3.430 roof. A beacon (yellow with a diamond topmark)
1 Tidal streams in the N part of the area are shown on the stands on the shore close NNW of Navy Building.
chart. These streams are not strong and are much affected Thence:
by winds, heavy rain or melting snow, as given at 3.8. 5 S of Whiteforeland Light-buoy (safe water) (1 mile
2 There are considerable differences between the times at ENE) which marks the centreline of the channel
which streams begin in different parts of the area. The and its E limit. This light-buoy is moored 2 cables
effects of these differences and of the meteorological S of No 27 Light-buoy (port hand) which marks
changes are such that, for all practical purposes, the weak the S side of the shallow water extending SSE
streams in the central parts are unpredictable; and, even from Rosneath Patch (3.400). A wreck, with a
near the land the streams are much affected by charted depth of 22⋅5 m, lies close SE of
meteorological conditions. Whiteforeland Light-buoy.
3 In Gourock Bay (55°58′N, 4°48′W) the streams are
weak and irregular, with a rate at spring tides of not more Whiteforeland Point to River Clyde
than ½ kn. At any time, the stream will be found to set in 3.433
different directions in different parts of the bay. 1 From position 55°58′⋅0N, 4°47′⋅2W the approach to
4 Tidal streams set regularly along the coast between River Channel leads ESE for 8 cables, keeping about
Whiteforeland Point and the entrance to River Channel; ½ cable NNE of the SW limit of Firth of Clyde Channel.
these streams begin as in the approach channel between The least charted depth along this track is 19⋅8 m.
Kempock Point (55°57′⋅8N, 4°49′⋅0W) and Portkil Point, (Directions continue for River Channel at 3.481)
1¼ miles NNE, as shown on the chart.
5 Tidal streams in the entrance to River Channel are given Gourock Bay
at 3.479. 3.434
For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: 1 Gourock Bay, entered between Kempock Point
Firth of Clyde and Approaches. (55°57′⋅8N, 4°49′⋅0W) and Ironotter Point, 6 cables E, is

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sheltered and much frequented by yachts, ferries and Approach and entry
pleasure craft. However, unpleasant conditions can be 3.438
experienced with strong winds from between NW and NE. 1 Greenock is approached through the Firth of Clyde, see
The sea level may also be changed, as given at 3.2. 3.15, and entered through River Channel (3.477).
2 The town of Gourock, a railhead with a population of
11 511 in 2001, stands on the W side of the bay. Traffic
Berth. The longest berth, 115 m in length, lies 3.439
immediately S of a Ro-Ro terminal near the middle of the 1 In 2002, Greenock was used by 460 vessels with a total
W side of the bay. A light (metal column, 5 m in height) is of 3 445 233 dwt.
exhibited at the Ro-Ro berth. Holding-off wires for the Port Authority
ferries foul an area adjacent to these berths.
3.440
3 A set of steps, with embarkation points at three levels, 1 The Port Authority is Clydeport Operations Ltd (3.11).
stands N of the Ro-Ro berth. A wooden wharf formerly
extended from the Ro-Ro berth to Kempock Point; the Limiting conditions
wharf has been demolished, but submerged parts of the
structure foul the area adjacent to the wall of the railway Controlling depth
station. 3.441
4 A disused pier, reported (2000) to be in ruins, extends 1 Controlling depth in the approach channel is given at
from the head of the bay. A light-buoy (special), 1½ cables 3.19.
NW of the pier, is moored close N of the seaward end of a Controlling depths in the approach to the main berthing
submarine pipeline which extends 1 cable N from the areas are given after 3.452.
shore.
5 Small craft. There are a number of small craft moorings Deepest and longest berth
in the bay. 3.442
1 The deepest and longest berth is Clydeport Greenock
Ocean Terminal (3.453).
Anchorages and moorings
3.435 Tidal levels
1 Designated anchorages are given at 3.25. Transit lights 3.443
to and from Anchorage A stand on the S side of the firth: 1 See information in Admiralty Tide Tables. Mean spring
Front light (building) (55°57′⋅4N, 4°45′⋅9W). range about 3⋅1 m; mean neap range about 1⋅8 m.
Rear Light (pylon), 360 m SSW of the front light.
2 The alignment (194½°), astern, of these lights leads Density of water
from the entrance of River Channel towards the E end of 3.444
Anchorage A and into the Explosives Anchorage. 1 The water is reported as being brackish.
Mooring buoys, the positions of which can best be seen Maximum size of vessel handled
on the chart, are established at the E end of the estuary, in 3.445
the vicinity of 55°58′N, 4°45′W. 1 Unladen tankers of 150 000 dwt have been
Vessels at anchor and at buoys can be supplied with accommodated in Great Harbour (3.455).
water from Greenock.
Arrival information
Small craft Port operations and vessel traffic service
3.436
1 West Bay, entered between McInroy’s Point (55°57′⋅1N, 3.446
4°51′⋅2W) and Kempock Point, 1½ miles NE, contains 1 Greenock is included in the Clydeport Port Operations
numerous moorings for small craft, as shown on the chart. and Information Service (3.14).
This bay is fronted by a large foul area (3.427). Notice of ETA
3.447
1 Notice of ETA is required, as given in Admiralty List of
GREENOCK Radio Signals Volume 6(1).

General information Outer anchorages

3.448
Chart 1994 1 Designated anchorages within the upper part of the Firth
Position and function of Clyde are given at 3.25.
3.437
1 Greenock (55°57′N, 4°46′W) lies close E of Gourock Pilots
and extends about 4 miles along the S bank of the River 3.449
Clyde from its entrance at Tail of the Bank. 1 Greenock lies within the Inner Pilotage Area of the
The port complex at Greenock, which is part of Clyde and pilotage is compulsory, see Admiralty List of
Clydeport (3.11), has the capacity to handle tankers, bulk Radio Signals Volume 6(1).
carriers, cruise, container, forest products and Ro-Ro Tugs
vessels at a number of harbours and terminals along 3.450
2 miles of the river bank. It also has shipbuilding and 1 Tugs are available, as required.
repair yards.
2 Greenock, which backs the port complex, is a major Quarantine and port health requirements
town with a population of 45 467 in 2001. 3.451
Climatic table is given at 1.157. 1 Quarantine requirements are given at 1.50.

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Albert Harbour Wall

Clydeport Greenock Ocean Terminal from N (3.453)
(Original dated 2000)
(Photograph − Air Images)

Basins and berths only the main berthing complexes are given in the
following paragraphs.
General information Clydeport Greenock Ocean Terminal
3.452 3.453
1 Greenock has numerous alongside berths fronting the 1 Clydeport Greenock Ocean Terminal, which lies on the
river and several tidal harbours, basins and docks. Of these, SW side of the entrance to River Channel, is marked on its
Victoria Harbour East India Harbour

Firth of Clyde dry Dock Great Harbour James Watt Dock

Greenock from NE −( 3.453 to 3.456)
(Original dated 2000)
(Photograph − Air Images)

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NW corner by a light (grey metal column). The approach NE side of the harbour. This jetty, which has a length of
to the terminal has a maintained depth of 11⋅7 m and the 90 m and a dredged depth alongside of 8⋅5 m (1998), is
berth, which has an overall length of 376 m, has a depth designed to handle bulk molasses.
alongside maintained at 12⋅6 m. There are four other major berths in Great Harbour,
2 This terminal is specifically designed for containers and including Repair Quay which is mentioned at 3.456.
also handles forest products and passenger vessels.
Two large container ships can be handled simultaneously Port services
and, draught permitting, can be berthed at any state of the
tide. Repairs
3.456
James Watt Dock 1 Greenock, which has a shipbuilding yard and fitting-out
3.454 berths, has the facilities to carry out repairs of all kinds.
1 James Watt Dock, a tidal dock which is entered through Dry docks. The largest dry dock, Firth of Clyde Dry
Garvel Basin, 1½ miles above the entrance to River dock, which has a length of 304⋅8 m, width of 44⋅2 m and
Channel, has a maintained depth of 6⋅5 m in the approach. depth over the sill of 11⋅3 m, is situated at the SW end of
This dock has a width of 23⋅15 m at the entrance and total Repair Quay (Great Harbour) which has a length of 380 m
berthing space of 1606 m. Depth in the dock is 5⋅8 m; and depths from 7⋅8 to 11⋅7 m (1999).
however, there are shoaler patches and the latest depths 2 Garvel Dry dock, situated close NW of Great Harbour,
should be obtained from Clydeport Estuary Control. Vessels has a length of 193 m, a width of 21⋅3 m and a depth over
with a salt water draught of 4⋅9 m and a width of 21⋅5 m, the sill of 2⋅9 m.
can be berthed in the dock.
Other facilities
Great Harbour 3.457
3.455 1 Compass adjustment: see 3.494.
1 Great Harbour, an enclosed complex on the SW side of Deratting can be carried out and exemption certificates
the river, 2 miles from the entrance of River Channel, is can be issued.
entered SE of Maurice Clark Point (55°56′⋅6N, 4°42′⋅8W) Customs.
on which stands a light (green stone tower). The entrance Oily waste reception facilities are available.
has a width of more than 1 cable and the approach is
through a maintained depth of 8 m. The harbour has a Supplies
length of 5½ cables and a width of 1 cable with depths of 3.458
8⋅5 m to 11⋅7 m (1999) alongside the outer berths; within 1 Fuel. Ample supplies of all grades of fuel oil are
the harbour depths decrease and are best seen on the chart. available by road tanker.
2 The principal berth is Molasses Jetty which extends SW Water is laid on to most berths.
from the SE end of Garvel Embankment, which forms the Provisions and ship’s stores can be obtained.

GLASGOW, RIVER CLYDE AND LOCH LOMOND

GLASGOW AND RIVER CLYDE Traffic
3.462
General information 1 In 2002, Glasgow was used by 313 vessels with a total
of 1 872 031 dwt.
Chart 2007
Position Port Authority
3.459 3.463
1 The port complex at Glasgow extends along both banks 1 The Port Authority is Clydeport Operations Ltd (3.11).
of the River Clyde for about 6 miles from Clydebank
(55°54′N, 4°25′W), 12 miles above the entrance, to
Kingston Bridge (55°51′⋅4N, 4°16′⋅2W), at the head of the Limiting conditions
navigable channel.
Controlling depth, height and width
Function 3.464
3.460 1 Controlling depths in the approach channel are given at
1 The port of Glasgow, which is part of Clydeport (3.11), 3.19 and in River Channel at 3.477.
has the capacity to handle tankers, bulk carriers, general Controlling height. Erskine Bridge, which crosses the
cargo and Ro-Ro vessels. It also has major shipyards and river 10½ miles within the entrance, has a vertical
repair facilities. clearance of 55 m which is reduced to 52 m when painting
Glasgow, with a population of 578 710 in 2001, is the gantries are in position.
largest city in Scotland and is the administrative centre of 2 Science Centre Footbridge which crosses the river
the region. It is also the most important manufacturing and 7½ cables below Kingston Bridge has a vertical clearance
commercial centre in Scotland. of 3⋅7m, but part of each span can be opened given 2 hours
2 Climatic table is given at 1.158. notice to Clydeport Estuary Control.

Approach and entry Deepest and longest berth

3.461 3.465
1 Glasgow is approached through the Firth of Clyde, see 1 The deepest and longest berth is King George V Dock
3.15, and entered through River Channel (3.477). (55°52′⋅0N, 4°21′⋅1W) (3.489).

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Tidal levels numerous streams in the S part of Lanarkshire. After

3.466 flowing 100 miles N and NW, passing Lanark, Glasgow,
1 See information in Admiralty Tide Tables. Mean spring Renfrew and Dumbarton, it flows into the Firth of Clyde at
range about 3⋅8 m at Clydebank and 4 m at Kingston the Tail of the Bank abreast Greenock (55°57′N, 4°46′W).
Bridge; mean neap range about 2⋅1 m and 2⋅4 m at the Depths in the entrance to the river can be affected by
same places. wind and rain, as given at 3.2.
A tide gauge is situated near the NW corner of River Channel
Clydeport Greenock Ocean Terminal (55°57′⋅5N, 4°45′⋅8W).
3.477
Density of water 1 The dredged channel of the River Clyde, which is
3.467 known as River Channel, is entered between the Tail of the
1 At LW the water in the river is 70% fresh. Bank (55°57′⋅5N, 4°45′⋅5W) (3.481) (chart 1994) and
Clydeport Greenock Ocean Terminal, 2 cables W. The
Maximum size of vessel handled channel is marked by light-buoys, light-beacons and
3.468 beacons to Erskine Bridge, thereafter it follows the
1 The maximum draught for vessels proceeding to or from centreline of the river. From a position 2 cables within the
berths E of the Erskine Bridge is 8⋅7 m in fresh water. entrance, to Shieldhall Riverside Quay 16½ miles up river,
Vessels with deeper draughts may be accommodated the channel has maintained depths of between 8⋅2 and
following consultation with the Harbour Master. 7⋅4 m, as shown on the chart. Beyond Shieldhall Riverside
Quay depths are not maintained, and Clydeport Estuary
Arrival information Control should be contacted for clearance and for the latest
depth information. The channel width, which is about
Port operations and vessel traffic service 100 m for the first 13 miles, decreases above Rothesay
3.469 Dock (55°53′⋅6N, 4°24′⋅0W) and, in places is as little as
1 Glasgow is included in the Clydeport Port Operations 40 m, as shown on the chart.
and Information Service (3.14). 2 Forth and Clyde canal is open to small craft. The
Notice of ETA opening timings for the lock are seasonal; the lock-keeper
can by contacted by VHF.
3.470
3 Caution. Canal and shallow water effects are likely to
1 Notice of ETA is required, as given in Admiralty List of
be experienced in the channel, and it is recommended that
Radio Signals Volume 6(1).
speed should not exceed 12 knots below Erskine Road
Outer anchorages Bridge (55°55′⋅2N, 4°27′⋅6W) and 8 kn above this bridge.
3.471 Harbour
1 Designated anchorages within the upper part of the Firth 3.478
of Clyde are given at 3.25. 1 The lower harbour, below Kingston Bridge (55°51′⋅4N,
Pilots 4°16′⋅2W) which has a navigable width of 50 m and a
3.472 vertical clearance of 19 m, is no longer used for
1 River Clyde and Glasgow lie within the Inner Pilotage commercial traffic. Shieldhall Riverside Quay marks the
Area of the Clyde and pilotage is compulsory, see upper limit of commercial berths.
Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6(1). Natural conditions
3.479
Tugs
1 Flow. Tidal streams at the entrance to River Channel set
3.473
as follows:
1 Tugs are available, as required.
Interval from HW Greenock Remarks
Regulations concerning entry
–0550 In-going stream begins
3.474
1 River Clyde lies within Clydeport Operations Limited’s +0010 Out-going stream begins
area, as given at 3.12. Regulations which also apply within 2 The duration of the in-going stream decreases, whilst
River Channel (3.477) are given at 3.16. In addition, that of the out-going stream increases, with distance up
Mariners are advised, before making passage through river. Off Glasgow the streams set as follows:
Renfrew Reach (55°53′N, 4°23′W), to contact Clydeport
Interval from HW Greenock Remarks
Estuary Control for clearance and an update of information.
2 Speed. All vessels are required to proceed at dead slow –0450 In-going stream begins
speed between Rothesay Dock (55°53′⋅6N, 4°24′⋅0W) and +0055 Out-going stream begins
BAE Systems shipyard, 1 mile SE.
3 In general the streams set in the direction of the
Quarantine and port health requirements channel, but at bends both the in-going and out-going
3.475 streams trend towards the outer side. When meteorological
1 For quarantine requirements see 1.50. effects are absent the streams are not strong, but with
heavy rain or melting snow, and strong winds from
River Clyde between N and E, the rate and duration of the out-going
stream are much increased, and the in-going stream
Charts 1994, 2007 correspondingly reduced. In very dry weather, with strong
Description winds from between S and W, the reverse conditions occur.
3.476 4 It has been reported that both the in-going and the
1 The River Clyde, which is the first in commercial out-going streams set strongly during the first hour and do
importance in Scotland, is formed by the confluence of not affect navigation in the river except off the mouth of

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the River Cart (55°53′⋅5N, 4°24′⋅3W) during the out-going 8 S of Pillar Bank (1¾ miles E) which extends up to
stream. 1¼ miles S from the N bank of the river and dries.
It has also been reported that, off Yorkhill Quay The ruins of Cardross Lighthouse (2 miles E) stand
(55°51′⋅8N, 4°18′⋅0W), heavy rains create a permanent near the S edge of the bank.
out-going flow of surface water.
3.480 Chart 2007 plan A
1 Local weather. Climatic table is given at 1.158. Port Glasgow to Bowling
It is reported that when fog is likely, it is generally to 3.482
be found in the vicinity of Erskine Bridge. 1 After passing Cardross Lighthouse (55°56′⋅5N,
4°38′⋅9W) the track continues generally E for about
6 miles, within the dredged channel, passing (with positions
Directions for River Channel from Dumbarton Castle (55°56′⋅2N, 4°33′⋅8W)):
(continued from 3.433) N of Finlayston Point (2 miles W), for 1 mile on both
sides of which extend the remains of timber ponds,
thence:
Charts 1994, 2007 plan A
2 S of the ruins of Havock Beacon (1½ miles W)
Greenock to Port Glasgow which stands on the edge of the drying bank,
3.481 1½ cables E of another beacon (yellow with a
1 From a position 2 cables N of the Clydeport Estuary cylinder topmark) which marks the outer end of an
Control Tower (55°57′⋅4N, 4°45′⋅9W), which is a reporting outfall pipe, thence:
position as shown on the chart, the track into and along N of the ruins of Puddledeep Beacon (7 cables SW)
River Channel (3.477) leads SE then E for about 4 miles, which stands near the edge of the drying bank.
within the dredged channel, passing (with positions from The ruins of two other beacons stand within
Maurice Clark Point (55°56′⋅6N, 4°42′⋅8W)): 2½ cables E and W of Puddledeep Beacon.
NE of No 1 Light-buoy (starboard hand) (2 miles Thence:
WNW), which marks the NW entrance point of 3 S of Leven Perch (S cardinal) (3 cables SW) which
River Channel, thence: stands on the edge of the drying bank and marks
2 SW of No 2 Light-buoy (port hand) (1¾ miles the E entrance point of River Leven. This river,
WNW), which marks the NW extremity of the Tail with a width of 30 m and a least depth of 2⋅4 m,
of the Bank and the SE entrance point of River (1999) leads into the middle of Dumbarton, a
Channel. Tail of the Bank is the W side of the substantial town which had a population of 20 527
NW extremity of Greenock Bank, which dries in in 2001. A conspicuous school stands on the SW
places and extends across the entrance to River side of Dumbarton. Thence:
Clyde S of a line between Ardmore Head 4 N of Garrison Light (green pedestal on a green
(1¾ miles N) (below) and No 2 Light-buoy. And: masonry base, 11 m in height) (4 cables SSW),
3 NE of Clydeport Greenock Ocean Terminal (3.453), thence:
noting that the travelling cranes on this terminal S of Dumbarton Castle, a double-peaked mound of
are prominent, thence: stone, so steep as to be inaccessible except by
Between the buoys and light-buoys which are moored steps on its S side, and:
along both sides of River Channel for the first
10 miles and generally mark the 5 m depth contour
rather than the edge of the dredged channel, and:
4 NE of East India Harbour (1¼ miles W) and Victoria
Harbour, adjacent, at the entrance to which stands
a light (green mast, 5 m in height), thence:
N of the entrance to Garvel Basin (7½ cables WNW)
(3.454) which is marked by a light-buoy (special),
River Leven
thence:
5 NE of Garvel Embankment (3 cables WNW) (3.455), Dumbarton Castle from SE (3.482)
(Original dated 2000)
on the NW extremity of which stands a light
(Photograph − Air Images)
(mast), thence:
NE of the entrance to Great Harbour (3.455), and: 5 N of a dyke, known as Long Dyke, which, from its
6 SW of Cockle Bank (4 cables NE) which dries in W end (3½ cables S) extends 1¾ miles E, along
places and extends from River Channel to the N edge of the drying bank close to the S side
Ardmore Head (1¾ miles N), a peninsula of the channel. Two lights, Dumbuck (green
projecting 7 cables W from the NE entrance point masonry tower, 12 m in height) (8½ cables ESE)
of River Clyde. This peninsula is low, rocky, and and Longhaugh (grey pedestal on a green masonry
covered with grass except on the Hill of Ardmore base, 11 m in height) (1¾ miles ESE), are
which is crested with trees. And: equi-spaced with seven stone beacons (green)
7 NNE of Kingston Basin, at Port Glasgow (6 cables along the length of the dyke, which is reported to
ESE). A light (black and white chequered column, show only at LW springs. And:
11 m in height) (9 cables ESE) stands on the NW 6 S of the ruins of Petty Roy Beacon (4½ cables SE)
extremity of Steamboat Quay, 5 cables SE of the which stands on the 5 m depth contour, ½ cable
basin. This light, which covers a limited arc only, ESE of a beacon (yellow with a cylindrical
stands 1 cable W of another light (black and white topmark) marking the seaward end of an outfall,
chequered tower and cupola, 8 m in height) which thence:
stands in the middle of a drying shoal close S of S of the ruins of Dumbuck Beacon (8 cables ESE)
the channel. Thence: which stands on the 5 m depth contour, thence:

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7 S of Dunglass Light (red pedestal, 11 m in height) Chart 2007 plan C

(2 miles ESE), which stands ½ cable SW of Rothesay Dock to Fairfield’s Basin
Dunglass Castle. Thence: 3.484
S of Bowling Harbour (2½ miles E), the W part of 1 After passing the entrance to Rothesay Dock (55°53′⋅6N,
which is usually occupied by laid-up vessels. 4°24′⋅0W) the track continues SE then E for about 3 miles,
Bowling Harbour Light (red metal column) stands within the dredged channel, passing (with positions from
on the head of the W breakwater. Braehead Light (55°52′⋅6N, 4°21′⋅8W)):
NE of Blythswood Light (green tower on green base,
11 m in height) (1¾ miles WNW) standing on the
Chart 2007 plan B S bank opposite Rothesay Quay, thence:
Bowling to Rothesay Dock 2 Over a submarine power cable (1¼ miles NW) (1.39)
3.483 which is marked by a beacon (special) at both
1 Having passed Bowling Harbour (55°55′⋅8N, 4°29′⋅2W) ends, thence:
the track continues generally SE for about 4 miles, within NE of Renfrew West Light (green metal column,
the dredged channel, passing (with positions from Dalmuir 11 m in height) (1 mile NW) which stands close W
West Light (55°54′⋅4N, 42°6′⋅3W)): of three submarine power cables which cross the
SW of Donald’s Quay Light (red framework tower on river and are marked by beacons and notice boards
red hut, 11 m in height) (1½ miles NW), thence: at both ends, thence:
2 NE of Saint Patrick’s Stone Light (green pedestal on 3 Across the route of a ferry (8½ cables NW) which
a masonry base, 11 m in height) (1¼ mile NW), crosses the river between two slipways which are
thence: both marked by a light (bracket above a dolphin),
Under Erskine Bridge (1⋅2 miles NW) (3.464). Pairs thence:
of lights exhibited from brackets on the bridge NE of Renfrew East Light (green metal column, 11 m
mark both edges of the dredged channel. Thence: in height) (7½ cables NW) which stands at the SE
end of Renfrew Harbour, thence:
4 NE of Braehead Shopping Centre, in front of which
stands Braehead Light (green pedestal, 11 m in
height), thence:
NE of the entrance to King George V Dock (4 cables
SE) (3.489), thence:
N of Shieldhall Light (green mast, 18 m in height)
(9½ cables ESE) which stands at the E end of
Shieldhall Wharf, thence:
5 Through a narrow part of River Channel and N of
Erskine Bridge from NW (3.483)
(Original dated 2000)
Linthouse Light (green metal framework tower,
(Photograph − Air Images)
11 m in height) (1¼ miles ESE), thence:
N of Fairfield’s Basin (1½ miles ESE), on the NE
corner of which stands Fairfield Light (green mast,
3 SW of Old Kilpatrick Light (red metal column, 11 m 11 m in height).
in height) (1⋅1 miles NW), thence:
NE of Erskine Light (green pedestal, 11 m in height) Chart 2007 plan D
(7 cables NW) which stands on the SW bank, Fairfield’s Basin to Kingston Bridge
¾ cable N of a conspicuous hotel, thence: 3.485
Under an overhead power cable (5 cables NW) which 1 After passing Fairfield Light (55°52′⋅1N, 4°19′⋅4W) the
has a safe overhead clearance of 74 m, as shown track continues generally ESE for about 2 miles, within the
on the chart, thence: dredged channel, passing (with positions from Workshops
4 SW of the mouth of Duntocher Burn, thence: Light (55°51′⋅6N, 4°17′⋅9W)):
NE of Rashielee Light (green pedestal, 11 m in Through a narrow section of River Channel and SW
height) (1¾ cables S), thence: of the mouth of River Kelvin (4 cables NW),
SW of Dalmuir West Light (red metal column on thence:
masonry base, 11 m in height), thence: Round a kink in the river and NE of Workshops
NE of Newshot Light (green pedestal, 11 m in height) Light (green mast, 11 m in height), thence:
(5 cables ESE), thence: 2 Through openings in Science Centre Footbridge and
5 SW of Dalmuir East Light (red framework tower on Bells Bridge (2½ and 3½ cables ESE) (3.464).
red base, 11 m in height) (7 cables ESE), thence: Lights on piles to the NNW and SSE of the
ENE of Algie’s Light (green metal gantry, 6 m in bridges indicate the limits of the channel through
height) (1 mile SE), and: the openings. Glasgow Science Tower (131 m in
WSW of UIE Shipbuilding yard (1 mile ESE). Large height) stands on Plantation Quay (1 cable SE).
barges, offshore modules and production vessels
may be moored alongside during construction or
conversion. Thence: Basins and berths
6 SW of a light (red metal pole) (1¼ miles ESE) which
stands on the edge of the channel and marks the Chart 2007
outer end of a slipway, 1 cable NW of the entrance General information
to Rothesay Dock (3.488), and: 3.486
NE of the mouth of River Cart (1½ miles SE), the 1 Glasgow has numerous alongside berths fronting the
entrance to which is well marked; see 3.479. river and several tidal harbours or basins and wet docks.

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Of these, only the main berthing complexes are given in

the following paragraphs, in order from seaward.

Chart 2007 plan A

Dunglass
3.487
1 Dunglass (55°55′⋅8N, 4°30′⋅8W), a former oil terminal
on the N side of the river, is now disused and is being
developed for housing and industrial use.

Chart 2007 plan B

Rothesay Dock
3.488
1 Rothesay Dock (55°53′⋅6N, 4°24′⋅0W), a tidal basin on
the N side of the river, 2½ miles above Erskine Bridge, is
fronted by River Quay, with a length of 180 m and depths
alongside of 6⋅2 m. The entrance to the dock has a width Rothesay Dock from W (3.488)
(Original dated 2000)
of 55 m which leads to two basins, outer and inner, with a
total quayage of 1,900 m and depths alongside Berths 1, 2, (Photograph − Air Images)
3 and 4 of 6⋅7 m. Three small light-buoys (starboard hand)
mark the toe of a rock armoured slope on the South Wall; Chart 2007 plan C
width of the dock in this area is 50 m. Clydeport Estuary King George V Dock
Control should be contacted for clearance and the latest 3.489
information. 1 King George V Dock (55°52′⋅0N, 4°21′⋅1W), a tidal
2 This dock handles small bulk cargoes and contains a basin on the S side of the river, has a length of 756⋅8 m, a
petroleum import and storage facility. width of 106 m and depths vary between 8⋅0 m to 4⋅8 m.

King George V Dock from SSW (3.489)

(Original dated 2000)
(Photograph − Clydeport plc)

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This dock, which has a 350 tonne mobile crane and Ro-Ro Small craft
capacity, is equipped to handle steel, timber, minerals and
general bulk cargo. Regulations
3.496
Shieldhall Riverside Quay 1 Owners of all small craft intending to proceed up river
3.490 above Clydeport Greenock Ocean Terminal are required to
1 Shieldhall Riverside Quay, which extends SE along the contact Clydeport Estuary Control (3.14) 12 hours
S bank of the river adjacent to King George V Dock, has a beforehand. It is reported that passage up river beyond
length of 528⋅5 m with a depth alongside of 8⋅5 m. This Rothesay Dock (55°53′⋅6N, 4°24′⋅0W) is only permitted for
quay is fitted to handle general and bulk cargo and scrap the purpose of proceeding to a laying-up yard, and that a
metal. The adjacent scrap berth has a depth of 5⋅2 m permit is required.
alongside. Chart 2007 plan A
Berths
Chart 2007 plan D 3.497
Meadowside Quay 1 A marina has been established in Bowling Basin, the
3.491 terminus of the Forth and Clyde Canal, entered through a
1 Meadowside Quay (55°52′⋅1N, 4°19′⋅0W), which is lock at the E end of Bowling Harbour (55°55′⋅8N,
situated on the N side of the river, about 1¼ miles above 4°29′⋅2W) (3.482), which operates 4 hours either side of
King George V Dock, has a length of 696 m with a depth HW.
alongside of 3⋅7 m (2003). Redevelopment work is in 2 Forth and Clyde Canal. A sea lock into the Forth and
progress (2003) and the latest information on depths should Clyde Canal operates between the following times:
be obtained from the Port Authority.
April 1 − Sept 30 0800 − 2000
Stobcross Quay Oct 1 − Mar 31 0800 − 1600
3.492 3 Open hours are 2 hours either side of HW Greenock
1 Stobcross Quay (55°51′⋅6N, 4°17′⋅6W), which is situated + 15 minutes. The lock-keeper can be contacted on VHF
on the N side of the river, has a length of 190 m and a and by telephone. For details see Admiralty List of Radio
depth alongside of less than 2⋅0 m (2000). Depths at the Signals Volume 6(1). Mariners should exercise caution and
berth are no longer maintained, and latest information on keep strictly to the leading lines (orange poles with
depths should be obtained from the Port Authority. A rectangular and diamond topmarks) when navigating in
prominent crane, no longer operational, stands on the quay Bowling Harbour, due to the large number of unmarked
which is occasionally used in connection with the nearby wrecks. On approaching the lock, mariners should adhere
Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre and by visiting to the instructions of the lock-keeper.
vessels. 4 Passage to the Scottish E coast is possible using the
Forth and Clyde Canal which is limited by 1⋅83 m depth;
Port services 3 m vertical clearance; 6 m width and 20⋅88 m length.
Passage to Edinburgh is possible via the Forth and
Chart 2007 plans C and D Clyde and Union Canals. Limited at the Falkirk Wheel by
Repairs 1⋅37 m depth; 2⋅74 m vertical clearance.
3.493 5 Facilities for repair and laying-up are provided at
1 Glasgow, which has large shipbuilding yards and Dumbarton (55°56′N, 4°34′W), see Admiralty List of Radio
fitting-out berths, has the facilities to carry out limited Signals Volume 6(1), and at Renfrew (55°53′N, 4°23′W).
repairs.
LOCH LOMOND
Chart 2007 plan A
2 Port Glasgow (55°56′N, 4°41′W), situated on the S side Chart 5077
of the river, 3 miles above the entrance, has a shipbuilding General information
yard and fitting-out berth. 3.498
1 Loch Lomond (56°10′N, 4°40′W), the largest and
Chart 2007 perhaps the most beautiful of Scottish inland lochs, lies
Other facilities 4½ miles N of Dumbarton, on the River Clyde, to which it
3.494 is connected by River Leven which is virtually
1 Compass adjustment. A compass adjuster is based in non-navigable due to a barrage and lack of water below the
Glasgow and facilities exist in the upper part of the Clyde barrage. This loch is a popular yachting and holiday resort
Estuary for swinging the compass, as given in a note on with pleasure vessels cruising between its N and S ends,
Chart 1994. stopping at various piers on both sides of the loch on the
Deratting can be carried out and exemption certificates way.
can be issued. 2 Topography. Loch Lomond, which has a length of
Hospitals are available in the town. 18½ miles, has a width of 4½ miles at its S end, tapering
Oily waste reception facilities are available. to only 2 cables at its N end. It is surrounded by
mountains, except at its S end where the land is
Supplies comparatively low. Ben Lomond rises 1¼ miles from the E
3.495 side of the loch and Ben Vorlich rises 1½ miles from the
1 Fuel. Ample supplies of all grades of fuel oil are W side.
available by road tanker. 3 Depths. The S end of the loch is shallow and
Water is laid on to most berths. encumbered with islands, islets and rocks whereas the N
Provisions and ship’s stores can be obtained. end is deep, with a maximum depth of 192 m (105 fm),

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and free from dangers in the fairway. The normal water channels, marked by buoys and beacons, which lead
level in Loch Lomond is 7 m above mean sea level which between the islands and rocks as shown on the chart. In the
drains into the River Clyde through River Leven at its S central and N parts the channel leads along and across the
end. loch, as shown on the chart, to include landing places.
4 Caution. Attention is drawn to the date of the reference Clearing marks are given on the chart.
chart, which is based on lead-line surveys. This chart has 6 Facilities. Tourist facilities include a small craft marina,
not been kept corrected since 1953 and should be used hotels, camping sites and youth hostels along both sides of
with caution. the loch, but mainly on the W side which is bordered by
5 Channels. In the S part of the loch there are two the main road.

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NOTES

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Chapter 4 - Loch Fyne with approaches through

Kilbrannan Sound and Bute Sound

50´ 40´ 30´ 20´ 10´ 5° 50´

2326

10´ 10´
2382
E
N

Y
4.170

F
2320

H
Crin 4.159

C
LO
an
C

an
al
L. Gilp
56° 4.148 56°
2381 4.222
L.Riddon

4.221
Caladh Hr. 1906
2169 1906
4.201

Bur
1907

nt I
NATO
4.115 Fuel Jetty
2381 s
4.216
.
East Loch Tarbert 4.201
4.131
50´ 50´
2381 1906 BUTE

CHAPTER
7
Bute
Sound
4.94 4.94
2383 1907
RE

40´ 40´
TY
KIN

2221
OF

ARRAN
ULA

CHAPTER
4.61
3
INS
PEN

2131
30´ 30´
Kilbrannan
Sound

1864
1864
Campbeltown 1864 4.15
4.30
r
Pie
TO
NA

4.57
20´ 4.15 20´

CHAPTER
3
2126

10´ 10´
50´ 40´ Longitude 5° 30´ West from Greenwich 10´ 5° 50´

February 2004

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CHAPTER 4
LOCH FYNE WITH APPROACHES THROUGH KILBRANNAN SOUND AND
BUTE SOUND

GENERAL INFORMATION
Chart 2724 Exercise areas
Synopsis 4.6
4.1 1 Submarines exercise frequently, both on the surface and
1 The area covered by this chapter extends from Sanda dived, in parts of the area covered by this chapter, as
Island (55°17′N, 5°35′W), at the SW end, to the head of shown on the charts and described in the text. A good
Loch Fyne, 63 miles NNE. It includes, from S to N: Sanda lookout is to be kept for them when passing through these
Sound, close N of Sanda Island; Kilbrannan Sound waters.
(55°35′N, 5°25′W); Bute Sound (55°44′N, 5°08′W) and the
Kyles of Bute, extending N from the sound; Inchmarnock Fishing
Water, the continuation NW of Bute Sound; and Loch Fyne 4.7
(56°00′N, 5°22′W), which extends 37 miles from its 1 A general description of fishing methods is given in The
entrance to its head. Mariner’s Handbook, and a summary of the methods used
within the area covered by this volume is given at 1.14.
Routes Within the Firth of Clyde and approaches, concentrations of
4.2 vessels fishing for herring and mackerel may be
1 The area described above includes several sounds which encountered from June to December.
are wide, with deep water in the fairway; however, routes Marine farms
within the area tend only to fulfil local requirements, which 4.8
are non-industrial and few. Routes for the Firth of Clyde 1 Marine farms (1.17) have been established in many of
are given at 3.15. the sounds and lochs covered by this chapter. The
2 A route for small craft, through Lower Loch Fyne and approximate position of known farms is shown on the
the Crinan Canal (56°01′N, 5°27′W) (4.159), gives access charts and reported in this text; however, further farms may
to the Firth of Lorn (56°15′N, 55°0′W) and the Inshore be established without notice and may constitute a hazard
Traffic Route (1.11) to the N. to navigation and anchoring.
Regulations Satellite derived positions
4.3 4.9
1 All the waters within this chapter N of latitude 1 Positions obtained from satellite navigation systems
55°42′⋅7N are within Clydeport Operations Limited’s area, require some adjustment before being plotted on the chart,
as shown on the chart and given in Admiralty List of Radio until new editions of charts are published using the
Signals Volume 6 (1). This area is subject to the regulations European Terrestrial Reference System 1989 Datum. See
given in Appendix III. 1.25 and individual charts for details.

Harbours and lochs Rescue

4.4 4.10
1 Campbeltown Loch (55°25′N, 5°36′W) (4.30) is the only 1 A Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre is operated by
major harbour within the area covered by this chapter, and Greenock Coastguard as given at 1.61.
East Loch Tarbert (55°52′N, 5°24′W) (4.131) is the only A VHF Direction Finding Service for emergency use
minor harbour of importance. only is also established within the area of this chapter; for
2 Small craft facilities. There are no marinas within the details see 1.69.
area, although Campbeltown Loch and East Loch Tarbert Local weather
both provide pontoon berths and supporting facilities. In 4.11
addition, within the sheltered waters of this area, there are 1 The waters generally are sheltered from the W but
a number of lochs and bays which afford anchorage and exposed to the S over a long reach. The nature of the hills
some limited facilities for small craft. accelerates the wind and creates squalls in some areas.
Topography Tidal streams
4.5 4.12
1 Topography for Kintyre (55°35′N, 5°35′W) is given at 1 General information regarding tidal streams in North
1.82, for the Isle of Arran (55°35′N, 5°15′W) at 3.26, and Channel (55°10′N, 5°45′W) and in the approaches to the
for the Isle of Bute (55°50′N, 5°05′W) at 3.257. Firth of Clyde is given at 3.31.

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KILBRANNAN SOUND AND APPROACHES

GENERAL INFORMATION least charted depth of 22⋅5 m (4.26), are scattered over the
bar.
Charts 2126, 2131
Synopsis Hazards
4.13 4.18
1 This section describes Kilbrannan Sound (55°35′N, 1 The route described above passes through an area of
5°25′W) (4.61) and its S approaches, as follows: fishing activity (4.7), and includes submarine exercise areas
From SW. From a position 2½ miles WSW of Sanda (4.6).
Island (55°17′N, 5°35′W), through Sanda Sound,
close NW of Sanda Island, (4.16), to a position at Rescue
the S end of Kilbrannan Sound that is E of the 4.19
entrance to Campbeltown Loch (55°25′N, 5°36′W). 1 A Coastguard Sector Base (1.61) is maintained at
2 From SSE. From the vicinity of 55°23′N, 5°22′W to Tarbert (55°52′N, 5°24′W) and Auxiliary Coastguard
the same position off Campbeltown Loch, as given Rescue Teams (1.61) are based at Campbeltown (55°25′N,
above. 5°36′W) (4.30) and Southend (55°19′N, 5°39′W).
4.14 2 An all-weather lifeboat and an inshore lifeboat are
1 Harbours. Within the area described above the text maintained at Campbeltown. See 1.72 for details of
includes only one major harbour, which is in Campbeltown lifeboats.
Loch (55°25′N, 5°36′W) (4.30), and several minor For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 11.12.
anchorage areas.
2 Small craft facilities. There are no marinas within the Tidal streams
area covered by this section; however, pontoon berths and 4.20
repair facilities are available in Campbeltown Loch. In 1 Sanda Sound. Tidal streams to the W, SE and E of
addition there are a number of bays which afford anchorage Sanda Sound are given at 3.97.
and some limited facilities for small craft, as given in the In mid-channel in Sanda Sound the tidal streams set as
text. follows:
Interval from HW Greenock Remarks
MULL OF KINTYRE TO +0340 E-going stream begins
KILBRANNAN SOUND –0230 W-going stream begins
2 The maximum rate at spring tides is 5 kn in both
General information directions. Close inshore on the N side of the sound the
Chart 2126 streams begin 1 hour 10 minutes later than in mid-channel.
Route After passing through Sanda Sound, the E-going inner
4.15 stream sets around Ru Stafnish, 5 miles NNE of the sound,
1 The inshore route from Mull of Kintyre (55°18′N, towards Kilbrannan Sound, 9 miles NNE. The W-going
5°48′W) (Chart 2798) (7.33), 7 miles WNW of Sanda stream follows the same path in the opposite direction.
Island, to the S entrance to Kilbrannan Sound (55°27′N, 3 A heavy race, known locally as Tum ba nach, extends N
5°25′W) (4.61), from a position 2½ miles WSW of Sanda from Sheep Island, 4 cables N of Sanda Island, to a
Island (55°17′N, 5°35′W), leads NE through Sanda Sound position half-way across Sanda Sound; races also form W
and along the coast for about 7 miles, then NNE for of Sheep Island and off the NW coast of Sanda Island, as
7½ miles to a position at the S end of Kilbrannan Sound shown on the chart. During the W-going inner stream an
that is E of the entrance to Campbeltown Loch (55°25′N, eddy sets E from the W end of Sanda Island towards the
5°36′W) (4.30). anchorage in Sanda Roads (4.29). There appears to be no
2 Approach can also be made to Kilbrannan Sound from eddy E of the island during the E-going stream, but streams
the E, from the Firth of Clyde Estuary; or from SSE, direct set strongly between the islets and rocks N and E of it.
from North Channel, between Scotland and Ireland. 4 Island Davaar. Tidal streams set strongly N and S to
the E of Island Davaar (55°26′N, 5°32′W), as shown on the
Topography chart, and there are overfalls SE of the island during the
4.16 outgoing stream from Campbeltown Loch, as shown on the
1 A general description of Kintyre is given at 1.82, and of chart.
the Mull of Kintyre at 7.33. The Isle of Arran (55°35′N, 5 Entrance to Kilbrannan Sound. The E-going stream
5°15′W) is described at 3.26. sets across the entrance to Kilbrannan Sound towards the S
Sanda Sound (55°18′N, 5°35′W), passes between a coast of Arran (55°26′N, 5°10′W) and Pladda, 5 miles E.
group of islets and rocks of which Sanda Island (3.102) is For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
the largest, and Kintyre, along a part of the coast known as Firth of Clyde and Approaches and tidal stream information
the Southend Coast. on the chart.

Depths Principal marks

4.17 4.21
1 The least charted depth in the fairway of Sanda Sound is 1 Landmarks:
19⋅4 m, 8 cables NW of Sanda Island. Island Davaar Lighthouse (white tower, N side of
The S entrance to Kilbrannan Sound is crossed by a balcony, 20 m in height) (55°26′N, 5°32′W)
wide bar between the SE end of Kintyre and the SW end standing near the N end of Island Davaar (4.25),
of the Isle of Arran. This bar, in general, has charted which is obscured over Sanda Sound.
depths of 30 m or more; however, isolated patches with a Sanda Lighthouse (55°17′N, 5°35′W) (3.99).

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4.22 ESE of Ru Stafnish which is easily identified by

1 Major lights: three radio masts and an aero radiobeacon standing
Island Davaar Light—as above, which is obscured on a hill 6 cables W of the point, thence:
over Sanda Sound. 2 ESE of Blindman Rock (1½ miles N), a reef fringing
Sanda Light (55°17′N, 5°35′W) (3.99), which is the coast, with depths of less than 2 m over it,
obscured over Sanda Sound. which extends 1¾ cables offshore. An above-water
Pladda Light (55°25′N, 5°07′W) (3.99). wreck is situated 5 cables SSE of the rock.
Thence:
Other navigational aids 3 ESE of Island Davaar (3½ miles NNW) which is
4.23 prominent and highest on its S side. Island Davaar
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the Light (4.21) stands on the N end of the island,
directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at thence:
1.33. ESE of the entrance to Campbeltown Loch (4 miles
NNW) (4.30), thence:
4 ESE of Otterard Rock (5 miles N) (4.52).
Directions Clearing marks:
The alignment (004°) of Ross Island (55°29′N,
Sanda Sound 5°30′W) (4.73) with the coast, 1¾ miles N, clears
4.24 E of Otterard Rock, as shown on the chart.
1 From the vicinity of 55°16′N, 5°40′W the track through (Directions continue for Kilbrannan Sound at 4.73;
Sanda Sound and along the SE coast of Kintyre leads NE, directions for Campbeltown Loch are given at 4.51)
passing (with positions from Sanda Light):
SE of drying rocks which extend 1¾ cables SW from Approach to Kilbrannan Sound from south-south-east
Dunaverty Point (2¾ miles NW), which has two 4.26
noticeable dark mounds on it and is easily 1 From the vicinity of 55°23′N, 5°22′W the approach to
identified by Keil Hotel, 6 cables WNW (3.99) and Kilbrannan Sound from SSE, with the deepest water, leads
the village of Southend, 5 cables N, thence: NNW over the bar described at 4.17, passing (with
2 SE of a detached rock, with a depth of 0⋅5 m over it positions from Island Davaar Light):
(2½ miles NW), which lies at the S end of shoal ENE of Ru Stafnish (3¾ miles SSE) (4.25), and:
water and has a depth of 8⋅7 m close SSE of it, 2 WSW of the drying reef which extends 3 cables from
thence: Cleiteadh Mór (10 miles E) which is the SW
NW of a drying reef which fringes the NW side of extremity of the Isle of Arran (3.26), thence:
Sanda Island (3.102) and: ENE of detached shoals, with a least charted depth of
3 SE of Macosh Rocks (2 miles NNW) which extend 22⋅5 m (2¾ miles ESE), and:
2½ cables SE from Rubha McShannuich, on which Clear of an isolated rock, with a charted depth of
stands a framework radio mast. Macosh Rock 26 m (4¼ miles ESE), and:
Light-buoy (port hand) is moored 2 cables S of the 3 WSW of detached shoals, with a least charted depth
rocks. Thence: of 22⋅5 m (5½ miles E), thence:
4 NW of a rocky spur which extends ¾ cable NNW WSW of Iron Rock Ledges (8 miles E) which extend
from Beinn a Theine (7 cables N), the N extremity 8 cables offshore on the E side of the S entrance
of Sanda. This spur is marked by a beacon (green to the sound. This reef, which dries in places, is
pillar, ball topmark) which is reported to stand marked off its SW side by a light-buoy (starboard
well inside the edge of the reef. And: hand), thence:
5 SE of Barley Ridges (2 miles NNW) which are a 4 WSW of Sgeir Chrubain (7¾ miles ENE) which dries
series of rocky ridges extending 2 cables offshore in places and extends up to 3½ cables off the
for 1¼ miles NE from Macosh Rocks, which form coast, thence:
the W part of these reefs, and: ENE of Island Davaar (4.25), thence:
NW of Sheep Island (1 mile NNE), which gives a ENE of the entrance to Campbeltown Loch
good radar response, has drying rocks on all sides (3 cables N) (4.30).
and lies near the N edge of foul ground extending (Directions continue for Kilbrannan Sound at 4.73;
6 cables NE from Sanda Island, thence: directions for Campbeltown Loch are given at 4.51)
6 SE of Arranman’s Barrels (3 miles NNE) which is a
rocky ledge extending 2½ cables E from Dùn na Anchorage
h-Oighe, an isolated and prominent mound which
can be identified from a granite cross standing Chart 1864 plan of Campbeltown Loch
near the coast 4 cables WSW. Arranman’s Barrels Kildalloig Bay
consist of several large stones which dry well 4.27
before the main part of the ledge shows, and bear 1 Kildalloig Bay (55°25′N, 5°33′W), close S of Island
some resemblance to barrels; they are marked Davaar (4.25) is protected from NW gales by The Doirlinn
3 cables E by a light-buoy (port hand). (4.54).
2 Good anchorage can be obtained in the bay, out of the
Approach to Kilbrannan Sound from tidal stream. A recommended position, with a depth of 9 m
south-south-west but with restricted swinging room, is shown on the plan
4.25 with the E extremity of Island Davaar bearing 014° and
1 From the vicinity of 55°20′N, 5°30′W the coastal Millmore Beacon, 4 cables WSW of Island Davaar, (4.54)
passage continues NNE, towards Kilbrannan Sound, passing bearing 301° and just open NE of Ottercharach Point,
(with positions from Ru Stafnish (55°22′N, 5°31′W)): 5 cables SE of the beacon.

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3 Small craft can anchor closer inshore, clear of the Harbour limits
submarine cables mentioned at 4.53. 4.32
4.28 1 The seaward limit of Campbeltown Harbour is a line
1 It has been reported that anchorage for large vessels can drawn between Macringan’s Point (55°26′N, 5°33′W) and
be obtained 1 mile E of Island Davaar in depths of 35 to the light on Island Davaar, 4½ cables SSE.
45 m, clay, very good holding ground.
Approach and entry
4.33
Small craft 1 Campbeltown Loch is approached from the S end of
Kilbrannan Sound (55°27′N, 5°25′W) (chart 2126) and
Chart 2126 entered between Macringan’s Point and Island Davaar.
Sanda Roads Traffic
4.29 4.34
1 Sanda Roads, on the N side of Sanda Island (55°17′N, 1 In 2002, the port was used by 22 vessels with a total of
5°35′W) (3.102), afford anchorage for small craft in a 109 234 dwt.
depth of 7 to 9 m, sand, 1½ cables NE of Beinn a Theine
(4.24), with good shelter from SW gales but subject to Port authority
strong tidal streams and some swell under most conditions. 4.35
Rocks which dry lie in the middle of the roads and on the 1 The Port Authority is Argyll and Bute Council,
SE side. Department of Transportation and Property, Manse Brae,
2 Landing can be effected at a small pier in the SW Lochgilphead PA31 8RD. Local authority is vested in the
corner of the roads, where there is a track across the island Harbour Master, Harbour Office, Old Quay, Campbeltown.
to the lighthouse.
Limiting conditions
Controlling depth
4.36
CAMPBELTOWN LOCH 1 The least charted depth in the entrance to Campbeltown
Loch is 12⋅9 m in position 7½ cables SW of Macringan’s
Point.
General information
Deepest and longest berths
Chart 1864 plans of Campbeltown Loch, Harbour and 4.37
NATO Pier 1 Campbeltown NATO Pier (4.57) is the deepest and
Position and function longest berth in Campbeltown Loch.
4.30 The Ro-Ro berth on the outer side of New Quay (4.57)
1 Campbeltown Loch (55°25′N, 5°36′W), a landlocked is the deepest and longest berth in Campbeltown Harbour.
anchorage and harbour on the E side of Kintyre, provides Tidal levels
convenient shelter for vessels on passage through the North
4.38
Channel, between Scotland and Ireland.
1 See information in Admiralty Tide Tables. Mean spring
2 Campbeltown, which stands around the head of the loch,
range about 2⋅6 m; mean neap range about 0⋅7 m.
encompasses the harbour which is a fishing centre. In 2001,
the population was 5144. Density of water
4.39
1 Density: 1⋅025 g/cm3.
Maximum size of vessel handled
4.40
1 A vessel with an LOA of 80 m and a draught of 4⋅5 m
has been berthed alongside in Campbeltown Harbour.
A vessel of 40 000 dwt, 11⋅4 m draught and an LOA of
186 m has been berthed alongside Campbeltown NATO
Pier.
Island Davaar and Campbeltown Loch from E (4.30)
(Original dated 2000 Arrival information
(Photograph − Air Images)
Port radio
3 An oil storage depot with associated deep water jetty, 4.41
owned by the Ministry of Defence, is situated on the S side 1 A port radio station is operated from Campbeltown. For
of the loch. details, including times of operation, see Admiralty List of
Radio Signals Volume 6(1).
Topography Notice of ETA
4.31 4.42
1 The entrance to Campbeltown Loch is easily identified 1 Campbeltown NATO Pier: All intended arrivals should
by Island Davaar (55°26′N, 5°32′W) (4.25). be notified to the Officer in Charge, P.O.L. Depot,
The land backing the S shore of the loch rises steeply to Campbeltown, as early as possible. Vessels drawing over
Beinn Ghuilean (55°24′N, 5°35′W) (chart 2126), about 11 m are advised to arrange their ETA and ETD so as to
1 mile S of the loch. berth and unberth at or near HW.

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Campbeltown from E (4.46)

(Original dated 2000)
(Photograph − Air Images)

Campbeltown Harbour: A minimum of 24 hours notice Natural conditions

would be appreciated. 4.47
1 Flow. In the entrance to the loch the tidal streams are
Pilots weak and irregular. Observations obtained in November
4.43 1941, at a position 3¾ cables ESE of Macringan’s Point,
1 Pilotage is not compulsory but is advisable for medium show no appreciable tidal stream, but do show an E-going
sized vessels. There are no licensed pilots at Campbeltown current of ½ kn (1.110).
but they are available on request; for details see Admiralty 2 Within the loch the tidal streams are imperceptible.
List of Radio Signals Volume 6(1). Pilots board about Wind. The prevailing wind is from the W. It is reported
1½ miles NE of Island Davaar Light (4.21). that, with strong onshore winds, the sea surges round the N
end of Island Davaar, warranting a wide berth.
Tugs
4.44 Principal marks
1 Tugs, which are not compulsory, can be obtained by 4.48
giving 24 hours notice. 1 Landmarks:
Island Davaar Lighthouse (55°26′N, 5°32′W) (4.21).
Quarantine 4.49
4.45 1 Major lights:
1 For quarantine regulations see 1.50. Island Davaar Light (55°26′N, 5°32′W) (4.21).
4.50
1 Prominent features. In addition to the leading marks
Harbour given at 4.54, readily identifiable features within the loch
include the following (with positions from the light on the
General layout of harbour head of New Quay):
4.46 2 Conspicuous white building (6 cables E).
1 Campbeltown Harbour is formed by Old Quay and New Conspicuous radio mast (7¼ cables NE) which is a
Quay, both of which extend about 1 cable from the shore in lattice communications tower with dish aerials
front of the town at the head of the loch. These two quays, standing on a hill N of the loch. A second radio
which are about 1 cable apart, form an inner harbour which mast (tapering lattice) which stands 5 cables E of
dries-out for up to ½ cable and has dredged depths (1983) the conspicuous mast is reported to be the more
of 4 m in the entrance. conspicuous of the two when viewed from the NE.
2 A Ro-Ro berth is situated on the outer side of New 3 Dalintober Monument (2½ cables NNW), which is
Quay. made of stone with a white cross on its seaward
Campbeltown NATO Pier extends 1¾ cable N from the side.
S side of the loch about 1 mile ESE of Campbeltown Longrow Church (3 cables W), which has an arched
Harbour. top and corner pinnacles.

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Highland Church Tower (2½ cables SW), which also 4.53

has four pinnacles. 1 Clearing marks. The alignment (237°) of Macringan’s
4 Prominent white stone cross (6 cables SSE), which is Point with the beacon on Trench Flat, 1 mile WSW, clears
a war memorial. SSE of Otterard Rock.
Useful marks:
Beacons on the SW coast of Island Davaar
Directions for entering harbour (4½ cables SW) and on the mainland (8 cables
SW) which mark the landing places of a
Charts 2126, 1864 plan of Campbeltown Loch submarine power cable.
Approaches
4.51 Campbeltown Loch
1 From south. When approaching Campbeltown Loch 4.54
from S the track should clear the E coast of Island Davaar 1 From a position 1 mile ENE of the front light the track
(55°26′N, 5°32′W) (4.25) by at least 2 cables. General alters towards the W and along the alignment (251¼°) of
information is given at 4.15. the school chimney in position 55°25′⋅1N, 5°36′⋅1W with a
From north-east. When approaching from NE the conspicuous television mast (51 m high), 7½ cables WSW,
normal track passes SE of Otterard Rock (55°27′N, passing (with positions from Trench Point (55°25′⋅5N,
5°31′W) (4.52). General information on Kilbrannan Sound 5°34′⋅8W)):
is given at 4.61. 2 SSE of Millbeg Bank (4¾ cables ENE) which is
2 From north. A channel, with a width of 3 cables marked on its SE side by Millbeg Bank
between the 10 m depth contours and a least charted depth Light-buoy (starboard hand), and:
of 15⋅7 m (55°27′⋅0N, 5°31′⋅5W) in the fairway, passes 3 NNW of “A” Light-buoy (port hand) which is
between Otterard Rock (above) and Long Rock, 5 cables W moored ½ cable NW of the NW edge of The
(4.52). Doirlinn (5½ cables E), which is a sandy bank
3 Directions. The line of bearing 015°, astern, of Pluck connecting Island Davaar with the mainland and
Point (55°32′N, 5°30′W) (4.73) seen in the centre of the extending 4½ cables WSW where it is marked by
channel between Ross Island (55°29′N, 5°30′W) (4.73) and Millmore Beacon (red and white, 9 m in height).
Kildonald Point, 2 cables SW (4.73), leads through the The Doirlinn, which is liable to change, is steep-to
channel between Otterard Rock and Long Rock. on its N side, and its N and W sides are bordered
by a gravel ridge, with a road track along the top,
Chart 1864 plan of Campbeltown Loch making it impassable by boats even at HW.
Entrance channel Thence:
4.52 4 SSE of Trench Flat, a sandy bank which dries and is
1 Initial position: 1¼ miles NE of Island Davaar Light. marked on its SE end by a beacon (starboard hand,
Kilkerran Leading Lights: 8 m in height) (1½ cables ENE), and:
Front light (amber ƞ, point up, on a beacon 6 m in NNW of Methe Bank (2¾ cables SE) which is
height) (55°25′⋅0N, 5°35′⋅3W). marked off its NE side by a light-buoy (isolated
Rear light (amber Ɵ, point down, on beacon 7 m in danger), thence:
height), 250 m from the front light. 5 SSE of the bank fringing Trench Point which projects
2 Caution. These lights and their daymarks are very S from the N shore of the loch and has a disused
difficult to distinguish by day and by night, and the small pier extending 60 m S from it. The S end of this
distance between the front and back marks makes the pier is marked by “B” Light-buoy (starboard
transit insensitve. hand), thence:
The alignment (240¼°) of these lights leads WSW in As required for anchoring or berthing.
mid channel towards and through the entrance, passing 4.55
(with positions from Island Davaar Light): 1 Useful marks:
3 SSE of Otterard Rock (1½ miles NNE) which is Lights at both ends of NATO Pier.
marked off its E side by a light-buoy (E cardinal), A light (mast, 4 m in height) standing on the NE
see clearing marks at 4.53, thence: corner of New Quay and a light (column, 5 m in
SSE of a bank, with depths of less than 10 m over it, height) standing on the SE end of Old Quay.
which extends 2 cables SSE from Long Rock A wooden perch (white, triangular topmark, 2 m in
(1¼ miles N), the E of drying rocks lying off height) (1¾ cables NW) which stands near the S
Smerby Rocks. The channel between Long Rock end of Islachattan, 2 cables NW of Trench Point.
and Otterard Rock is given at 4.51. Thence:
4 SSE of a detached rock, with a depth of 3⋅9 m over it Basins and berths
(4½ cables NNW), which lies 1 cable SE of
Yellow Rocks, at the S end of Kilchousland Bay Chart 1864 plans of Campbeltown Loch, Harbour and
which is bordered by a drying reef and bank NATO Pier
which, with depths of less than 5 m over it, Anchorages and moorings
extends up to 2½ cables offshore. A detached rock, 4.56
with a depth of 1⋅9 m over it (6 cables NNW), lies 1 Good anchorage, suitable for small vessels, can be
off the bank. Thence: obtained in the E part of the loch S and E of Trench Point.
5 NNW of the reef fringing the NW side of Island To the W of this point the holding ground is bad.
Davaar (4.25) which is rocky on its N side, and: Vessels should not be anchored near the head of the
SSE of the foul ground which extends ¾ cable SE loch so as to obstruct passage to Campbeltown harbour.
from Macringan’s Point (5 cables NW) which is 2 Mooring. A large mooring buoy is laid 3½ cables SSW
the NW entrance point of the loch. of Trench Point.

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Alongside berths KILBRANNAN SOUND

4.57
1 Campbeltown Harbour. Old Quay provides a berth in General information
the harbour along its outer face; this has a length of 110 m
and a depth alongside of 4⋅3 m. Charts 2126, 2131
2 A Ro-Ro berth with a linkspan is situated on the SE Channel
side of New Quay. This berth, has a dredged depth (1998) 4.61
of 5⋅0 m alongside. 1 Kilbrannan Sound (55°35′N, 5°25′W), which separates
Campbeltown NATO Pier, in the SE corner of the the E side of Kintyre (1.82) from the W side of the Isle of
loch, has a length of 78 m, with berthing dolphins Arran, 3 miles E, extends from a line E of Island Davaar
extending the overall length to 350 m, and a depth of (55°26′N, 5°32′W) (4.25) for 21½ miles N to a line SE of
12⋅8 m alongside. Skipness Point (55°46′N, 5°20′W), where it joins
Inchmarnock Water (4.94) and Bute Sound.
Island of Arran

NATO Pier from NW (4.57)

(Original dated 2000)
(Photograph − Air Images

Campbeltown Loch and Kilbrannan Sound from SW (4.61)

(Original dated 2000)

(Photograph − Kintyre Photography)

Port services
Topography
Facilities 4.62
4.58 1 A general description of Kintyre is given at 1.82 and of
1 Hospitals, casualty and isolation, are available. the Isle of Arran at 3.26.
Waste oil disposal is available on Old Quay.
Customs office in Campbeltown. Depths
4.63
1 Depths in the approach to Kilbrannan Sound from S are
Supplies
given at 4.17.
4.59
Within the sound, deep water is charted through the
1 Fuel oil is available at the NATO Pier; diesel is
fairway of the channel, which is clear of charted dangers.
available in Campbeltown Harbour.
Detached shoals within the channel, which have charted
Fresh Water can be obtained at both Old Quay and
depths of less than 30 m, are mentioned in Directions.
New Quay.
Provisions can be obtained in the town. Hazards
4.64
1 Kilbrannan Sound passes through an area of fishing
Small craft activity, as given at 4.7, 4.82 and 4.87, and includes a
submarine exercise area (see 4.6).
Chart 1864 plan of Campbeltown Harbour Pilotage
Moorings and berths 4.65
4.60 1 Pilotage is compulsory for specified vessels within the
1 Pontoons and berths are available within Campbeltown Clydeport area (3.11), as given in Admiralty List of Radio
Harbour; these have water and electricity provided. Signals Volume 6(1).
A finger pontoon, which extends from the shore close
NW of Old Quay, with dredged depths of 3 m on both Regulations
sides and in the approach, provides up to 40 berths for 4.66
visiting craft. 1 A seaward limit of the authority of Clydeport crosses
2 Dalintober Pier, which extends 50 m from the shore, Kilbrannan Sound due W from the entrance to Loch Ranza
2 cables N of Old Quay, dries out at LW. Campbeltown in position 55°42′⋅6N, 5°17′⋅6W, as given at 4.3. A
Yacht Club is situated close to the root of the pier and the reporting position for inbound vessels is established in the
club’s moorings are laid over a large area SE and E of the fairway at the seaward limit, as shown on Chart 2131. For
pier, as shown on the chart. details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6(1).

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Rescue mid channel, passing (with positions from Pluck Point

4.67 (55°32′N, 5°29′W)):
1 A Coastguard Sector Base (1.61) is maintained at W of Iron Rock Ledges (7½ miles SE) (4.26), and:
Tarbert (55°52′N, 5°24′W) and an Auxiliary Coastguard E of Otterard Rock (4¾ miles SSW) (4.52), thence:
Rescue Team (1.61) is based at Carradale (55°35′N, 2 W of Sgeir Chrubain (7 miles SE) (4.26), thence:
5°28′W). E of shoal patches which lie up to 4 cables E of Ross
An all-weather lifeboat and an inshore lifeboat are Island (2½ miles SSW) which has a jagged outline
maintained at Campbeltown by the RNLI. See 1.72 for and is reported to be conspicuous from N and S.
details of lifeboats and 1.71 for details of RNLI. Ross Island lies 2 cables NE of Kildonald Point, a
For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 11.12. well defined promontory on the W side of the
entrance to Kilbrannan Sound. And:
Natural conditions 3 W of several dangers in Drumadoon Bay, the W of
4.68 which has a depth of 12 m over it (5 miles ESE),
1 Tidal streams across the S entrance to Kilbrannan thence:
Sound are described at 4.20. Information regarding the W of a detached patch, with a depth of 11⋅6 m over
streams off the S coast of Arran is lacking but it seems it, lying 2½ cables WNW of Drumadoon Point
likely that the stream from Sanda Sound (55°18′N, 5°35′W) (4¾ miles ESE) which is a low rocky spur
(4.20) divides off Cleiteadh Mór (55°26′N, 5°15′W) and extending from a base of columnar cliffs, thence:
one arm sets NW into Kilbrannan Sound. 4 W of the reef fringing King’s Caves (4½ miles E)
2 Within Kilbrannan Sound the tidal streams in which lie in the sandstone cliffs forming the W
mid-channel are shown on the chart. These streams face of Torr Righ Mòr and can be identified from
probably set fairly regularly inwards and outwards along a distance, thence:
both shores, setting strongly off the salient points, 5 E of the reef fringing Pluck Point. A prominent sandy
particularly around Skipness Point at the N end, but weak beach between Pluck Point and Saddell Water,
along the coast generally and barely perceptible in the 5 cables WSW, is similar to the beach in Carradale
bays. Bay, 3 miles N. A castle (4.71) near the SW end
4.69 of the beach serves for identification. Pluck Bank
1 Heavy overfalls are experienced during the S-going extends 7 cables E from Pluck Point. Thence:
stream over the area of Erins Bank (55°37′⋅5N, 5°25′⋅5W) Either side of a light-buoy (special) (2 miles E),
and Whitefarland Bank, close E, as shown on the charts. thence:
Two miles SW of this area further overfalls occur off Port 6 E of rocky ledges which dry and extend 2 cables E
Crannaich (4.87) and S of Carradale Point (55°34′⋅5N, from Rubha nan Sgarbh (1¼ miles N). Whitestone
5°27′⋅5W), as shown on the charts. Bank (1¼ miles NE) lies on the coastal bank and
4.70 Middle Bank (2¼ miles ENE) lies near the middle
1 Local weather. It is reported that, within the sound, any of the channel E of Rubha nan Sgarbh. Thence:
wind tends to be deflected along the line of the sound and 7 W of a rocky ledge, with a depth of 10⋅9 m over it
increased in velocity. (4¾ miles NE) which lies 4 cables S of Iorsa
Patch, which dries and lies 1½ cables offshore at
Principal marks the N end of Machrie Bay (4.88), and:
4.71 8 E of Crubon Rock, a rocky ledge which extends
1 Landmarks (with positions from Carradale Point 1 cable SE from Carradale Point (3 miles NNE)
(55°34′⋅5N, 5°27′⋅5W)): which is reported to be prominent and to be
Conspicuous castle (3¼ miles SSW) which stands on identified by a mast (4.71) 4½ cables N. A
the edge of Saddell Bay (4.85), close SW of the light-buoy (port hand) is moored 2½ cables E of
mouth of Saddell Water. Crubon Rock.
2 Conspicuous road bridge (1¼ miles WSW) which 4.74
crosses a stream 2 cables ESE of Torrisdale Castle 1 Useful marks (with positions from Pluck Point):
(4.74). Beacons (4 miles SSW and 5½ miles ESE) which
Conspicuous radio mast (5 cables N) standing near mark the landing points of a submarine cable
the coast. (1.39) which crosses the sound, as shown on the
3 Conspicuous radio mast (3¾ miles NE) which stands chart.
on a hillside 3 cables from the E shore of the 2 Torrisdale Castle (2¼ miles NNW), a large, dark,
sound. stone house which stands on rising ground and is
Other navigational aids surrounded by forestry plantations.
4.72 Carradale House (3¼ miles N) which is a white
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the building, conspicuous from S, standing 1 mile NW
Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at of Carradale Point.
1.33.

Directions Kilbrannan Sound central part

(continued from 4.25 and 4.26) 4.75
1 From a position 1½ miles E of Carradale Point the track
Chart 2126 alters to NNW for 2¾ miles, through a channel with deep
Kilbrannan Sound southern part water on the SW side of the sound, passing (with positions
4.73 from Carradale Point):
1 From the vicinity of 55°27′N, 5°25′W the track through Over submarine power cables (1.39) which cross the
the S part of Kilbrannan Sound leads N for 7½ miles, in sound from position 1½ miles N to a position

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1 mile SSE of Imachar Point (3¼ miles NE); both through N to ESE, is also clear of the main tidal stream
landing places are marked by a beacon, and: (4.68) and overfalls (4.69).
2 WSW of Balliekine Bank (2¼ miles NE) which lies 2 Port Crannaich (4.87) is situated 1 mile N of Carradale
8 cables offshore near the edge of the coastal bank, Point.
thence:
Chart 2221
WSW of the SW corner of Whitefarland Bank
Claonaig Bay
(3¼ miles NE) which extends up to 1¼ miles
4.81
offshore, see note on overfalls at 4.69, and:
1 Claonaig Bay (55°45′N, 5°23′W) has a Ro-Ro ramp at
ENE of a marine farm (2½ miles N) (1.17).
its E end which is the mainland terminal of a vehicular
4.76
ferry operating to Loch Ranza, 4 miles SE, between May
1 Useful mark:
and October.
Port Crannaich Light (metal column, 3 m in height)
standing on the head of the breakwater. Chart 2383
Loch Ranza
Charts 2131, 2221
4.82
Kilbrannan Sound northern part 1 Loch Ranza, entered between Coillemore Point
4.77 (55°42′⋅5N, 5°18′⋅0W) and Newton Point, 4 cables NE, is a
1 From a position 4¾ miles SW of Rubha Àirigh Bheirg narrow inlet, the head of which dries out for 2 cables. This
(55°41′N, 5°22′W) the track alters to NNE for 5¾ miles, loch is often frequented by fishing vessels.
remaining in deep water and passing (with positions from Directions. The recommended entry track into Loch
Rubha Airigh Bheirg): Ranza favours the SW side of the channel to avoid Screeda
WNW of Erins Bank (4 miles SSW) which lies close Reef which extends 1 cable from the shore, close SE of
W of Whitefarland Bank, to which it is joined by Newton Point.
a bar, see overfalls at 4.69, thence: 2 Berth. A Ro-Ro ramp, situated close E of the root of a
2 ESE of The Cour (2¾ miles WSW) which is an ruined pier which extends N from Coillemore Point, is used
isolated rocky patch lying 5 cables off the W shore by a vehicular ferry operating to Claonaig Bay (4.81), on
of the sound, thence: the mainland 4 miles NW. A light (metal pole) is shown at
WNW of Rubha Airigh Bheirg. the berth.
Chart 2221 Mooring buoy in the middle of the entrance is used by
Northern entrance to Kilbrannan Sound the ferry as a night-time berth.
3 Small craft can obtain good anchorage in the middle of
4.78
the loch off the castle ruins on the SW shore, in depths of
1 From a position 2 miles NNW of Rubha Airigh Bheirg
5 to 10 m, soft mud. This anchorage is sheltered from
the track passes through a reporting position for inbound
NNE, through E and S to W; but N and NW winds create
vessels, as given in Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume
a considerable swell. During S gales heavy gusts sometimes
6(1), and alters to ENE for 5 miles, towards Inchmarnock
sweep down the ravine leading to the loch with sufficient
water and Bute Sound (4.94), passing (with positions from
violence to cause dragging. Mooring buoys are laid near
Rubha Airigh Bheirg):
the head of the loch.
2 NNW of the entrance to Loch Ranza (2¾ miles NE)
(4.82), crossing the route of the ferry from Loch Skipness Bay
Ranza to Claonaig Bay (4½ miles N) (4.81), 4.83
thence: 1 Skipness Bay (55°46′N, 5°20′W), which extends W from
SSE of foul ground which extends 3½ cables SSW Skipness Point (4.78), affords temporary anchorage,
from Skipness Point (5¼ miles NNE) which is the sheltered from N winds, in depths of 15 to 16 m, clear of
NW entrance point of Kilbrannan Sound. A the foul ground extending SW from the point.
light-buoy (port hand) marks the SE side of the Small quantities of provisions can be obtained on shore.
foul ground. See tidal stream at 4.68.
4.79 Small craft
1 Useful marks: Chart 2126
Skipness Calibration Range Light (55°47′N, 5°19′W) Anchorages and berths
(4.105). 4.84
Radio masts, 5 cables N of the light (4.123). 1 Kildonald Bay (55°29′⋅5N, 5°30′⋅5W), close N of
Sgat Mòr Light (55°50′⋅8N, 5°18′⋅5W) (Chart 2131) Kildonald Point (4.73), affords good anchorage in depths of
(4.122), bearings for which are shown on the 7 to 9 m, with some shelter from S in the lee of Ross
chart. Island (4.73). Drying rocks lie on the S side of the bay,
(Directions continue for Lower Loch Fyne at 4.123; and a boat passage exists between Ross Island and these
directions for Bute Sound and Inchmarnock Water rocks. Local knowledge is required.
are given at 4.107 and for West Kyle at 4.209.) Small quantities of provisions can be obtained on shore.

Anchorages Charts 2126, 2131

4.85
Charts 2126, 2131 1 Saddell Bay (55°32′N, 5°30′W), which extends SW
Carradale Bay from Pluck Point (4.73), affords anchorage, with shelter
4.80 from N winds, 3 cables off a prominent beach, in depths of
1 Carradale Bay (55°35′N, 5°28′W) affords good 9 to 11 m. This bay, which can be identified by a castle
anchorage 5½ cables WSW of Carradale Point (4.73) and (4.71) near its SW end, is at times subject to heavy gusts
2½ cables offshore, in depths of 9 to 13 m, as shown on which come through Saddell Glen, on the NW side of the
the chart. This anchorage, which is sheltered from W bay.

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4.86 the anchorage in smooth water.

1 Torrisdale Bay (55°34′N, 5°30′W) affords anchorage off 4 Supplies: petrol, diesel, fresh water and provisions are
Torrisdale Castle (4.74) in the SW corner of the bay which available.
can be identified by a conspicuous bridge (4.71). 4.88
4.87 1 Machrie Bay (55°34′N, 5°22′W), a wide, open bay on
1 Port Crannaich, also known as Carradale Harbour the E side of Kilbrannan Sound, affords temporary
(55°36′N, 5°28′W), affords good berths for small craft, anchorage within the 20 m depth contour, which, in places,
sheltered from W, through S to SE. A breakwater on the is only 2½ cables offshore and steep-to.
NE side of the harbour provides the main berth with a
length of 37 m, able to accommodate craft with a draught
of 3 m. Chart 2221
2 A small fleet of fishing vessels which work from the 4.89
harbour, mainly from July to March, is reported to 1 Whitefarland Bay (55°38′N, 5°23′W) affords anchorage
congregate at weekends. 2½ cables offshore and 3 cables N of Whitefarland Point, in
3 Sheltered anchorage can also be obtained N of the depths of 16 to 18 m, as shown on the chart. This
harbour entrance, in depths of less than 13 m, with good anchorage is sheltered from S winds.
holding in mud, sand and clay, clear of the submarine 4.90
power cables given at 4.75 which can be achieved by 1 Catacol Bay (55°41′⋅5N, 5°20′⋅0W) affords anchorage,
having the W cable beacon bearing not less than 280°. in depths of 15 to 18 m, very close to the shore, as shown
Tidal streams, which are given at 4.68, create an eddy at on the chart. This anchorage is protected from S winds.

LOCH FYNE AND APPROACH FROM SOUTH-EAST

GENERAL INFORMATION BUTE SOUND AND
INCHMARNOCK WATER
Chart 2131
General information
Synopsis
4.91 Charts 2131, 2383
1 This section describes Loch Fyne (56°00′N, 5°22′W) Channel
(4.93) and its approach from the Firth of Clyde through 4.94
Bute Sound (55°44′N, 5°08′W) (4.94) and Inchmarnock 1 Bute Sound (55°44′N, 5°08′W) passes between the NE
Water (55°46′N, 5°15′W) (4.94). The approach from S side of the Isle of Arran, which is steep-to, and the SW
through Kilbrannan Sound (55°35′N, 5°25′W) is given at side of the Isle of Bute, 5 miles NE, between Garroch Head
4.61. (55°43′N, 5°02′W) and Ardscalpsie Point, 4½ miles NW,
2 This section also includes Loch Riddon (55°57′N, which is indented by several bays and fronted by an
5°12′W) (4.201) and its approaches through West Kyle extensive bank.
(55°53′N, 5°13′W) (4.201) and East Kyle (55°54′N, 2 Inchmarnock Water (55°46′N, 5°15′W), the NW
5°07′W) (4.201). continuation of Bute Sound, is the sea area in which the
4.92 entrances to Bute Sound, Kilbrannan Sound (4.61), Loch
1 Harbours. There are no major harbours within the area Fyne (4.93) and West Kyle (4.201) all meet.
described above and the only minor harbour of importance
is East Loch Tarbert (55°52′N, 5°24′W) (4.131).
Topography
Small craft facilities include Loch Gilp (56°01′N, 4.95
5°26′W) (4.148) which gives access to the Crinan Canal 1 Topography is given as follows: Kintyre at 1.82; Isle of
(4.159) with its S entrance at Ardrishaig (56°01′N, Arran at 3.26; Isle of Bute at 3.257.
5°27′W). Depths
2 There are no marinas within the area covered by this 4.96
section; however, East Loch Tarbert has many pontoon 1 The channel through Bute Sound and Inchmarnock
berths and repair facilities and West Kyle has many Water is deep and free from dangers in the fairway.
moorings for small craft as well as repair facilities. In
addition, within the sheltered waters of this area, there are Hazards
a number of lochs and bays which afford anchorage and 4.97
some limited facilities for small craft. 1 The channel described above passes through an area of
fishing activity, mentioned at 4.82 and 4.87, and includes a
submarine exercise area (4.6).
Loch Fyne
4.93 Rescue
1 Loch Fyne, which has a total length of 37 miles, is 4.98
described in two parts: Lower Loch Fyne, which extends 1 A Coastguard Sector Base (1.61) is maintained at
14 miles NNW from the entrance is given at 4.115; and Tarbert (55°52′N, 5°24′W). Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue
Upper Loch Fyne, which extends 23 miles NE from The Teams are based at Carradale (55°35′N, 5°28′W) and
Narrows (56°01′N, 5°21′W), is given at 4.170. Loch Fyne, Kames (55°53′N, 5°14′W).
with shores which are generally steep-to, is free from An all-weather lifeboat and an inshore lifeboat are
dangers in the fairway, except in The Narrows (4.170), and maintained at Campbeltown (55°25′N, 5°36′W) (4.30). See
is navigable throughout its entire length. Inveraray 1.72 for details of lifeboats.
(56°14′N, 5°04′W) (4.170) stands near the head of the loch. For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 11.12.

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Pilotage also set in the reverse directions during the out-going tidal
4.99 stream.
1 Pilotage is compulsory for specified vessels within the
Clydeport area, see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Principal marks
Volume 6(1). 4.105
1 Major lights:
Traffic regulations Sgat Mòr Light (55°50′⋅8N, 5°18′⋅5W) (4.122).
4.100 Skipness Calibration Range Light (yellow diamond on
1 Bute Sound and Inchmarnock Water are within concrete building, 4 m in height) (55°47′N,
Clydeport Operations Limited’s area (4.3). 5°19′W).

Arran Measured Distance Other navigational aids

4.101 4.106
1 Between Sannox Bay (55°40′N, 5°09′W), on the NE 1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the
side of the Isle of Arran, and a position 2½ miles NW Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at
there is a measured distance in two sections: 1.33.
South-east limit marks. Three light-beacons in line
bearing 232°.
2 Middle marks. Four light-beacons in line bearing Directions
232°. (continued from 3.126)
North-west limit marks. Three light-beacons in line
bearing 232°.
Sannox Bay to Skipness Point
Distance. SE section 1851⋅4 m; NW section 1854⋅4 m.
4.107
Running track: 322°/142°.
1 From the vicinity of 55°40′N, 5°04′W the track through
3 Notes. The lights, which are directional and occasional,
Bute Sound and Inchmarnock Water leads NW along the
are shown as required.
centreline of the channel, passing (with positions from
Mariners wishing to use the measured distance should
Ardscalpsie Point (55°46′N, 5°07′W)):
contact the Commodore Clyde.
NE of Sannox Rock (6¾ miles S), which lies 2 cables
4.102
off a sandy beach at the mouth of Sannox River
1 Caution. Mariners should give a wide berth to vessels
off the NE side of the Isle of Arran, thence:
conducting speed trials in this vicinity, making full
2 NE of the SE limit marks of the Arran Measured
allowance for a wide turning area at both ends.
Distance (6½ miles S) (4.101), see caution at
4.102, and:
Submarine cable area SW of Garroch Head (4¼ miles SE) (3.272), thence:
4.103 SW of Whiting Bank (3¼ miles SSE) which lies near
1 Caution. A submarine cable area is established, as the S edge of the coastal bank extending up to
indicated on the chart, extending SE for a distance of 2½ miles SW from the Isle of Bute, thence:
3½ miles from the E shore of Kintyre, about 1 mile NNE 3 NE of the middle marks of the Arran Measured
of Skipness Point (55°46′N, 5°20′W). A sectored light Distance (5¾ miles SSW) (4.101), thence:
(4.105) and a pair of daymarks (yellow diamonds) standing NE of the NW limit marks of the Arran Measured
on the shore, in line indicate the axis of the area. Mariners Distance (5¼ miles SSW) (4.101), thence:
are cautioned against fishing or anchoring and are advised SW of Scalpsie Bank (1½ miles S) which extends to
to navigate with caution in the area. the SW edge of the coastal bank, thence:
4 SW of Shearwater Rock (8 cables W) which lies in
Tidal streams the S entrance to Inchmarnock Sound (4.109), and:
4.104 NE of Cock of Arran (5½ miles SW) consisting of
1 Tidal streams in mid-channel are given on the charts. red sandstone cliffs which stand 3¼ cables ESE of
From Kilbrannan Sound the stream sets round Skipness An Scriodan, a rounded headland forming the N
Point then N towards Loch Fyne, 5 miles N. The streams in extremity of the Isle of Arran, thence:
the E part of Inchmarnock Water are weak and irregular, 5 SW of Tra na h-Uil (2¼ miles NW), a drying rock
and there may be a weak stream setting N and S between which lies 1 cable W of Inchmarnock, an island
Inchmarnock (55°48′N, 5°10′W) and Ardlamont Point, which lies between Inchmarnock Water and
2 miles NNW. Inchmarnock Sound. A trigonometrical mark (white
2 Streams also set N and S between the E coast of the cairn) which stands on the summit of the island,
Isle of Arran and the SW coast of the Isle of Bute, from 6 cables S of its N end, as shown on the chart, is
Garroch Head to Inchmarnock Sound, 5 miles NW, where clearly visible at a distance of 3 miles. And:
the rate at spring tides is 1½ kn in both directions. The 6 NE of the N entrance to Kilbrannan Sound (5½ miles
stream is weak and irregular 1 mile S of Garroch Head, WSW) (4.61), thence:
where the maximum rate is less than ½ kn, and there is NE of Skipness Point (7 miles W) (4.78).
little or no stream in the W part of Bute Sound. 4.108
3 Ripples occur off Millstone Point (55°42′N, 5°12′W) and 1 Useful mark:
it seems probable that, during the in-going tidal stream, Radio masts, 5 cables N of Skipness Calibration
weak streams from Kilbrannan Sound set round the N Range Light, (4.105).
extremity of the Isle of Arran then SE towards the point, at (Directions continue for Lower Loch Fyne at 4.123
the same time as weak streams from the E coast of the Isle and for West Kyle at 4.209; directions for
of Arran set NW towards the point. Weak streams probably Kilbrannan Sound are given at 4.73)

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Inchmarnock Sound Inchmarnock

4.114
1 Inchmarnock anchorage lies off Midpark farm, 1½ miles
NW of Ardscalpsie Point, as shown on the chart.
Chart 2383
Channel
4.109
1 Inchmarnock Sound (55°47′N, 5°08′W), which separates LOWER LOCH FYNE
Inchmarnock (4.107) from the W coast of the Isle of Bute
(3.257), is comparatively deep and, with the exception of
Shearwater Rock lying in the S entrance, is free from
dangers in the fairway. General information

Chart 2131
Description
Directions
4.115
4.110
1 Lower Loch Fyne, entered between Skipness Point
1 From S the fairway leads generally N then NNW,
(55°46′N, 5°20′W) (4.78) and Ardlamont Point, 5½ miles
passing (with positions from Ardscalpsie Point):
NE (4.209), extends 14 miles NNW to the entrance to Loch
Either side of Shearwater Rock (8 cables W) (4.107)
Gilp (56°00′N, 5°25′W) (4.148) to the NW, and the
which is connected to Ardscalpsie Point by a bar,
entrance to Upper Loch Fyne (56°00′N, 5°22′W) (4.170) to
with a least charted depth of 10⋅9 m, see clearing
the NE.
bearing (below). Deeper water can be found in the
2 East Loch Tarbert (55°52′N, 5°24′W) (4.131) lies on the
channel between Shearwater Rock and
W side of Lower Loch Fyne, 6 miles within the entrance.
Inchmarnock, 5½ cables NW. Thence:
2 Clear of a rock, with a charted depth of 15⋅1 m
(8 cables NW) which lies in the middle of the
Depths
fairway, thence:
4.116
In mid-channel between Inchmarnock and Saint
1 Lower Loch Fyne has deep water in mid-channel
Ninian’s Point (2 miles NNW).
throughout its length, with the 50 m depth contour
4.111
generally within 1 mile of the shore. The W side of the
1 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 334° of
loch is generally steep-to with few areas suitable for
Northpark, a large farmhouse 2¾ cables S of the N end of
anchoring. The E side of the loch slopes more gently and,
Inchmarnock, just open E of the E extremity of the island,
between Ardlamont Point and Sgat Mòr, 3½ miles NW, is
reported as being difficult to identify, clears close ENE of
fronted by a bank which, with a depth of less than 5 m,
Shearwater Rock but touches the 10 m depth contour
extends in places 2 cables offshore.
surrounding the rock, as shown on the chart.
(Directions for West Kyle are given at 4.209)
Hazards
4.117
1 Lower Loch Fyne is used as a submarine exercise area
Small craft anchorages and berths (4.6).
A ferry route crosses the S end of Lower Loch Fyne
between East Loch Tarbert and Portavadie, 2¾ miles E.

Saint Ninian’s Bay

4.112 Pilotage
1 Saint Ninian’s Bay (55°48′N, 5°08′W), on the E side of 4.118
Inchmarnock Sound (4.109) is well sheltered and affords 1 Pilotage is compulsory for specified vessels within the
good anchorage for small craft off a broad sandy beach Clydeport area (3.11), see Admiralty List of Radio Signals
which dries out 3½ cables. Volume 6(1).
A breakwater extends 64 m from the E shore of the bay,
4 cables E of Saint Ninian’s Point. Small quantities of
provisions can be obtained. Traffic regulations
4.119
1 Lower Loch Fyne is within Clydeport Operations
Limited’s area (4.3).
South-west side of the Isle of Bute
4.113
1 Temporary anchorage, exposed to the SW, can be Rescue
obtained in the following bays along the SW side of the 4.120
Isle of Bute, given from S to N (with positions from 1 A Coastguard Sector Base is maintained at Tarbert
Ardscalpsie Point): (55°52′N, 5°25′W), and an Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue
Dunagoil Bay (3 miles SE). Team (1.61) is based at Inveraray (56°15′N, 5°04′W).
Lubas Bay (2½ miles SE). An all-weather lifeboat and an inshore lifeboat are
Stravanan Bay (2 miles ESE). maintained at Campbeltown (55°25′N, 5°36′W) (4.30). See
Scalpsie Bay (5 cables E). 1.72 for details of lifeboats.

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Natural conditions WSW of Eilean Aoidhe (3 cables N), a peninsula

4.121 which is connected to the shore by a narrow strip
1 Tidal streams in Lower Loch Fyne are generally weak, of land, thence:
being strongest off the salient points. 2 WSW of Rubha Stillaig (6½ cables NNW), a sharp
Local weather and sea state. It is reported that a steep promontory which marks a change in the direction
sea can build up off Ardlamont Point, and also in the of the coast, thence:
mouth of Loch Gilp when the wind is from the S. ENE of marine farms (1.17) which are moored within
3 cables SE and NNW of Eilean a’ Chomhraig,
sometimes known as Battle Island (2½ miles
Principal marks
WNW), a low islet lying close offshore, and:
4.122
3 WSW of a shoal, with a charted depth of 26 m
1 Major light:
(1¼ miles NW), thence:
Sgat Mòr Light (white round tower on concrete base,
ENE of the E extremity of Tarbert Bank (1¾ miles
8 m in height) (55°50′⋅8N, 5°18′⋅5W) standing on
NW) (4.126), and:
the S end of Sgat Mòr (4.124).
4 WSW of the bank extending 2½ cables WSW from
Eilean Buidhe (1½ miles NNW) an islet bordered
by foul ground which extends, in places, 1¼ cables
Directions offshore. Eilean Buidhe, which lies 4 cables W of
(continued from 4.108 and 4.79)
Rubha Mór, a promontory on the E side of the
loch, has the same name as a smaller islet lying
Charts 2383, 2381 1½ miles NNW (4.128).
Entrance Channel 5 Useful mark:
4.123 Eilean na Beithe Light (metal pole on concrete base,
1 From the vicinity of 55°47′N, 5°15′W the entry track 3 m in height) (2 miles NNE).
into Lower Loch Fyne leads NNW for 3 miles, towards 4.126
Sgat Mòr Light, passing (with positions from Rubha 1 From the vicinity of 55°52′N, 5°21′W the track through
Grianain (55°49′N, 5°20′W)): the deep water channel alters NW for 1½ miles, passing
ENE of Skipness Point (3¼ miles S) (4.78) and of the (with positions from Rubha Preasach (55°53′N, 5°21′W)):
submarine cable area (3 miles SSE) (4.103), and: 2 SW of a bank, and shoals, with a least depth of
2 WSW of a detached shoal, with a least depth of 6⋅3 m over them, which extend up to 2 cables SW
22⋅5 m over it (3¼ miles ESE), near the S end of from Buck Rock (6½ cables SSE), a drying rock
Lamont Shelf, 1½ miles SW of Ardlamont Point which lies near the S end of foul ground extending
(4.209), thence: 1¾ cables S from Eilean a’ Bhuic, an islet off the
ENE of a detached shoal (1½ miles SSE), the E side of the loch, thence:
existence of which is doubtful, with a charted 3 NE of Tarbert Bank (1½ miles SW) which is centred
depth of 1⋅8 m. 5 cables NE of Mealdarroch Point, thence:
3 Useful marks: SW of shoals, with a least charted depth of 18⋅3 m
Two framework radio masts (2 miles SSE) which (3¾ cables SW) which extend up to 5 cables SW
stand near the coast, as shown on the chart. from Robbers Rock, which dries 1½ cables SSE of
Skipness Calibration Range Light (2½ miles S) Rubha Preasach, a promontory on the E side of the
(4.105). loch which marks a change in the direction of the
coast, thence:
Chart 2381 4 Into a foul area (centred 1 mile WSW) as shown on
Lower Loch Fyne — southern part the chart and described in a note, and:
4.124 NE of the entrance to East Loch Tarbert (2 miles SW)
1 When Sgat Mòr Light (55°50′⋅8N, 5°18′⋅5W) is distant (4.131), thence:
1¼ miles the track through the deep water channel alters to SW of the SW extremity of the coastal bank on the E
WNW for 1½ miles, passing (with positions from Sgat Mòr side of the loch, with a charted depth of 27⋅5 m
Light): (8 cables WSW).
NNE of a shoal, with a depth of 26 m over it (1 mile 4.127
SSW), which lies near the edge of the coastal 1 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 148° of Sgat Mòr
bank, 7½ cables off the W shore of the loch, Light open SW of Eilean Buidhe, 1½ miles NNW (4.125),
thence: clears WSW of the inner dangers, with charted depths of
2 SSW of the drying reef and foul ground which less than 18 m, which extend between Eilean Buidhe and
extends up to 1½ cables from Sgat Mòr, a grass Rubha Dubh, 1¾ miles NNW.
covered islet on which stands Sgat Mòr Light 2 Useful marks around East Loch Tarbert (with positions
(4.122). This islet is separated from the mainland, from the church tower in position 55°51′⋅8N, 5°25′⋅0W):
2 cables N, by a deep channel and has shoals with A conspicuous hotel (6 cables ENE) which stands on
a charted depth of 26⋅5 m lying 3 cables WSW and the S shore of the loch and has a flagstaff.
4 cables W. Thence: The conspicuous tower of the Established Church, at
3 NNE of several patches, with depths of 28 to 31 m the head of the loch.
over them (1¼ miles SW), which lie up to 5 cables
offshore. Lower Loch Fyne — central part
4.125 4.128
1 From a position 8 cables WSW of Sgat Mòr Light the 1 From the vicinity of 5°53′N, 5°23′W the track through
track through the deep water channel alters to NNW for the deep water channel leads N for 4¾ miles, passing (with
1¾ miles, passing (with positions from Sgat Mòr Light): positions from Gob a’ Bharra (55°55′⋅6N, 5°20′⋅9W)):

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E of the coastal bank which, with charted depths of WNW of marine farms (6 cables NNW) (1.17) which
less than 30 m (2¾ miles SSW), extends up to are moored up to 2½ cables off the E shore of the
5½ cables offshore and on which is moored a loch, 3½ cables NW of Eilean Ardgaddan, thence:
lighted mooring buoy, thence: ESE of The Knows (2¼ miles WNW) (4.152).
2 E of the bank, with charted depths of less than 30 m, 3 Useful marks:
which extends 3 cables E from Sgeir nam Bo Conspicuous white house (56°00′⋅8N, 5°27′⋅0W)
(2¾ miles SW), a small drying rock which lies (4.152).
1 cable SE of Sgeir Leathann, a low rock. All the Ardrishaig Church (4.153), 1½ cables ESE of the
above extend E from Barmore Island (3 miles SW) white house.
which is connected to the W shore of the loch by (Directions continue for Upper Loch Fyne at 4.177)
a very narrow strip of land and is reported to be
conspicuous. And: East Loch Tarbert
3 W of shallow patches which, with a least charted
depth of 23 m, extend up to 5 cables WSW from Chart 2381 and plan of East Loch Tarbert
Eilean Buidhe (2 miles S) which lies 1 cable NNW General information
of Sgeir an Eoine. This drying rock lies at the S 4.131
end of a chain of foul ground extending 3½ cables 1 East Loch Tarbert, on the W side of Lower Loch Fyne,
N. Eilean Buidhe has the same name as a larger is entered between Rubha Loisgte (55°52′N, 5°23′W) and
islet lying 1½ miles SSE (4.125). Thence: Garbhaird, 3½ cables NNW. It is separated from West Loch
4 E of the bank, with a least depth of 14 m over it, Tarbert (7.48) by a narrow neck of land with a width of
which extends 2½ cables NE from Sgeir Mhaola 7½ cables, on which stands the town of Tarbert, which had
Cinn (2¾ miles SW), a drying reef on the N a population of 1338 in 2001.
extremity of which stands a perch (N cardinal),
thence:
5 W of a rocky shoal, with a depth of 12⋅2 m over it,
which lies on the coastal bank extending 3½ cables
W from Rubha Dubh (1½ miles S), a promontory
connected to the mainland E by a narrow strip of
land. From the N end of Rubha Dubh foul ground
extends 2 cables NW. And:
6 E of marine farms (1.17) which are moored up to
2 cables from the W shore of the loch within
5 cables S and 7 cables N of Ard nan Ròn
(2¾ miles WSW), thence:
7 W of a group of marine farms (1.17) which are
moored on a shelf with charted depths of less than
30 m extending 6 cables W from Gob a’ Bharra,
thence:
8 W of a tongue of the coastal bank, on which there
East Loch Tarbert, Kintyre, from E (4.131)
are charted depths of 27 m (1½ miles NNW) lying (Original dated 2000)
1¼ miles W of the head of Kilfinan Bay in which
(Photograph − Air Images)
there are charted depths of 7 m (1¼ miles N) and
8⋅5 m (2 miles N), and: The outer loch serves as a ferry port whilst the inner
9 E of Rubha Mhinidhe Beag (3¼ miles WNW), a loch provides facilities for fishing vessels and small craft.
headland at the N end of the steep-to W shore of 4.132
Lower Loch Fyne and at the S end of the 1 Topography. The S shore of the outer loch is fringed by
approach to Loch Gilp (4.148), thence: foul ground extending in places up to ½ cable offshore.
E of a spit, with a least charted depth of 19⋅9 m The N shore of the outer loch is indented by Port Ban, also
(2¾ miles NW) which is the SE limit of the bank known as White Bay, which has depths of less than 5 m
covering the approach to Loch Gilp. and is foul.
4.129 4.133
1 Useful marks: 1 Harbour limits of Tarbert (Loch Fyne) Harbour
Otter Spit Light-beacon (green tank on concrete comprise the whole of East Loch Tarbert within the limits
pyramid, 11 m in height) (56°00′⋅6N, 5°21′⋅1W) given at 4.131 and shown on the plan.
which is conspicuous and stands on the NW 4.134
extremity of Otter Spit (4.177). 1 Approach and entry. The inner loch is approached
through the outer loch and entered by either of 2 channels
Lower Loch Fyne — northern part which pass N or SE of Eilean a’ Choic (55°52′⋅0N,
4.130 5°24′⋅4W). The SE channel, which is the deeper and usual
1 From a position 1½ miles W of Rubha Beag (55°58′N, channel, is given in directions at 4.143.
5°20′W) the track towards the entrance to Upper Loch 4.135
Fyne leads NNE for about 2 miles with Glas Eilean Light 1 Traffic. In 2002, the port was used by 7 vessels with a
(red column on pedestal) (56°01′N, 5°21′W) ahead, passing total of 63 310 dwt.
(with positions from Rubha Beag): 4.136
2 ESE of High Rock (2 miles W) which lies near the 1 Port Authority is the Tarbert (Loch Fyne) Harbour
edge of the coastal bank, thence: Authority. This authority may be contacted through
ESE of McLarty Rock (2 miles WNW), and: MacArthur Stewart and Company, 18 Argyll Street,

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Lochgilphead. Local authority is vested in the Harbour 4 S of the reef fringing Cnocan Sgairbh (4½ cables
Master, Harbour Office, Tarbert, Argyll, PA29 6UD. WNW) a promontory separating the two bays on
the N side of the loch, thence:
Limiting conditions S of a marine farm (5 cables WNW) (1.17) which is
4.137 moored off the 5 m depth contour at the E end of
1 Controlling depth. The entrance channel to the inner Toll a’ Choilich, the W bay on the N side of the
loch, which passes SE of Eilean a’ Choic, has a least depth loch, and:
of 5⋅5 m in the fairway. 5 N of the foul ground extending ½ cable N from
Deepest berth is the Passenger Wharf in the outer loch Madadh Maol (4¾ cables WNW), a small
(4.145). promontory on the S shore which separates the
2 Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables. inner and outer lochs. Madadh Maol Light (red
Mean spring range about 3⋅1 m; mean neap range about column), which stands on the N end of the foul
1⋅8 m. ground, is distinctive from the E. See clearing
marks at 4.144.
Arrival information 4.142
4.138 1 Clearing marks:
1 Notice of ETA shall be given to the Harbour Master It is reported that the alignment (252°) of Madadh
prior to arrival. Maol Light (above) with Eilean a’ Choic
4.139 Light-beacon (green column), ¾ cable WSW, clears
1 Regulations concerning entry. Bye-laws, which are in SSE of the coastal bank and dangers fronting the
force within East Loch Tarbert, include the following: N side of the outer loch.
A speed limit of 5 kn is in force within the harbour for 4.143
all vessels and craft. 1 Inner loch. From a position ¼ cable NNW of Madadh
Vessels shall not be anchored in such a manner as to Maol Light the fairway of the SE channel (4.134) leads
cause the obstruction of the fairway. generally SSW then WSW, passing (with positions from
Madadh Maol Light):
Harbour 2 WNW of the foul ground extending N and NW from
4.140 Madadh Maol (4.141), see clearing marks at 4.144,
1 East Loch Tarbert consists of an outer loch and an thence:
inner loch connected by narrows which are encumbered by ESE of the foul ground surrounding Eilean a’ Choic
islets and foul ground. (½ cable W) which is marked at its SE extremity
2 Main berthing areas. Anchorage and berths are by Eilean a’ Choic Light-beacon (4.142), thence:
available in the outer loch. A quay for fishing vessels and 3 SSE of a detached drying reef (1½ cables WSW), on
berthing pontoons for small craft are available in the inner which stands a light-beacon (starboard hand), is an
loch in addition to moorings, which occupy most of the extension S of Sgeir Bhuidhe, an extensive reef in
area. A slipway for the ferry to Portavadie extends from the middle of the inner loch, parts of which are
the S side of the outer loch, close S of the entrance to the above-water.
inner loch. 4.144
3 Tidal streams are barely perceptible in any part of the 1 Clearing marks:
loch. The alignment (239¼°) of Eilean a’ Choic
Local weather. The inner loch is well sheltered but, Light-beacon (4.142) with the tower of the
with the wind from the W, squalls are funnelled through Established Church, 4½ cables WSW (4.127),
the gap from West Loch Tarbert. which stands at the head of the loch, clears close
Marks around the shores of East Loch Tarbert are given NNW of the foul ground extending N and NW
at 4.127. from Madadh Maol.
2 Useful marks (with positions from Madadh Maol Light):
Directions for entering harbour Beilding (3 cables WSW), a man-made, stone-faced
4.141 island standing well off the SW end of Fish Quay.
1 Outer loch. From a position 2 cables N of Rubha The ruins of Tarbert Castle (2½ cables SW) which
Loisgte, at which there is a ruined pier, the track through stand on a height above the Fish Quay and are
the outer part of East Loch Tarbert leads W for 4½ cables, covered with ivy.
within the white sector (065°−078°) of Eilean na Beithe
Light (55°53′N, 5°20′W), with the NE extremity of Eilean Berths
a’ Choic (55°52′⋅0N, 5°24′⋅4W) (4.143) ahead, passing 4.145
(with positions from Rubha Loisgte): 1 Passenger Wharf (pier), which extends from the S shore
2 N of a spit, near the N edge of which lies a shoal of the outer loch, midway between Rubha Loisgte and
with a least depth of 12⋅2 m over it (1¾ cables Madadh Maol, has a charted length of 38 m and a depth of
NNW), thence: 5⋅5 m alongside. This is the deepest berth in East Loch
N of a rock, with a depth of 4⋅9 m over it (1¼ cables Tarbert and serves the local ferry. There is also a freight
NW), which lies ½ cable N of Red Rock, a pier and an extensive fish quay in the inner loch. A ferry
detached rock which dries on the edge of the overnight berth extends ENE from the Fish Quay. A light
fringing reef, thence: (metal pole) is shown from the E end of the berth.
3 S of a shoal, with a depth of 3⋅4 m over it (3½ cables
NNW), which lies ¼ cable S of Garbhaird, the N Port services
entrance point of the loch, thence: 4.146
N of the Passenger Wharf (pier) (2½ cables WNW) 1 Fuel oil is available.
(4.145), thence: Fresh water is laid on to the berths.

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Ardrishaig and Crinan Canal from SE (4.148)

(Original dated 2000)
(Photograph − Air Images)
Provisions. Small quantities can be obtained in Tarbert. 2 Ardrishaig Harbour, on the W side of the Loch Gilp,
Charts can be obtained from a Chart Agent. near the entrance, affords access to the S end of the Crinan
Canal (4.159) which connects Loch Fyne with the Sound of
Jura. The harbour is protected from the S by a breakwater
Small craft which extends 1 cable E from the shore, and from the N by
4.147 a pier ½ cable NW of the breakwater head. The pier is
1 Anchorage can be obtained in the outer loch, 3 cables E frequently used by commercial traffic; other vessels should
of Madadh Maol Light, as shown on the chart, in a depth not use the main berth without prior permission.
of 34 m, mud. There is no space to anchor within the inner 3 Ardrishaig village stands behind the harbour, with many
loch. villas along the shore S of the village and buildings along
Moorings, which fill the inner loch, as shown on the the W shore of the loch, N of Ardrishaig, for most of its
plan, may be available for visitors, on application to the length.
Harbour Master. Lochgilphead, at the head of the loch, had a population
2 Pontoon berths are available on the NW side of the of 2326 in 2001.
inner loch and SW of the Fish Quay.
Repairs. A boatyard, with a small pier and slipways, is
established on the NW side of the inner loch, near its head. Limiting conditions
Services. Sailmaker, chandler and limited marina 4.149
facilities are available. 1 Limiting depth. the least depth in the entrance to Loch
Gilp is 5⋅4 m in position 4¼ cables SSE of Ardrishaig
Breakwater Light (56°00′⋅8N, 5°26⋅6W).
Loch Gilp and approaches Limiting conditions and arrival information for
Ardrishaig are as for the Crinan Canal, given at 4.160.
Caution. In 1999, significantly less water than charted
Chart 2381 and plan of Loch Gilp was reported about 1¼ cables NE of Gulnare Rock (4.152).
General information
4.148
1 Loch Gilp, entered on the W side of Loch Fyne close Natural conditions
W of Eilean Mòr (56°00′N, 5°24′W), extends 2½ miles N; 4.150
it is open to the S and shoals gradually towards its head 1 Tidal streams and levels. The tidal streams in Loch
which dries out for 9 cables. Gilp are barely perceptible and winds have considerable

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influence on the state of the tide. A strong wind from the S 3 Yellow beacon (56°01′⋅3N, 5°26′⋅0W) which marks
can delay LW by 30 minutes and increase its height by the seaward end of an outfall, 1½ cables W of a
0⋅3 m, whereas a strong wind from the N can equally ruined pier.
hasten and decrease the level at LW. High water is affected 4.154
in the same way. 1 When Ardrishaig Breakwater Head Light (white tower,
Local weather. It is reported that a steep sea builds 6 m in height) bears N, the track alters to NNE with the
with winds from the S. conspicuous school (4.153) on a line of bearing ahead,
passing (with positions from Rubha Buidhe):
2 WNW of Sgeir Sgalag (4 cables SW) (4.152) and:
Directions ESE of a 4⋅5 m patch (6¼ cables WSW), thence:
4.151 WNW of the foul ground which surrounds and
1 Outer approach from south. From the vicinity of extends 1 cable SW from Duncuan Island,
55°56′N, 5°23′W the line of bearing 352° of the SW 1½ cables WSW of Rubha Buidhe, the E entrance
extremity of Eilean Mòr (56°00′N, 5°24′W), the W and point of the inner part of Loch Gilp. A metal
larger of two islets lying close off the N shore, leads N for beacon (starboard hand) stands on a drying rock at
3 miles towards Loch Gilp, passing (with positions from the the S extremity of the foul ground. And:
SW extremity of Eilean Mòr): 3 ESE, distant 1 cable from the head of Ardrishaig
2 E of High Rock (2 miles S) (4.130), thence: Breakwater (5 cables W).
E, distant 1 cable, of McLarty Rock (1½ miles S) 4.155
(4.130). 1 At night. Ardrishaig Breakwater Head Light (4.154)
4.152 covers the entrance to Loch Gilp with a sectored light.
1 Approach and entry from south-east. When the SW However, it is reported that this light is difficult to identify
extremity of Eilean Mòr is distant 1 mile, the alignment against the town lights and it should be noted that the
(315°) of a block of flats on the shore, 2¼ cables WSW of following dangers lie within the white sector (339°−350°)
Ardrishaig Breakwater Head Light, with a conspicuous of the light (with positions from the light):
white house on the hillside, 1½ cables NW, as shown on 2 Big Rock (2¾ miles SSE), with a depth of 2⋅1 m over
the chart, leads NW for 2¼ miles into the entrance, passing it, which lies on a shoal with a depth of 9⋅4 m at
(with positions from Rubha Buidhe (56°00′⋅7N, 5°25′⋅6W)): its NE end.
2 Between The Knows, which are two shoals with A rock, with a depth of 3⋅4 m over it (1 mile SSE).
depths of 8⋅5 m (1¾ miles SSE) and 5⋅2 m Gulnare Rock (6½ cables SSE) (4.152).
(1¾ miles SE) over them, thence: A 4⋅9 m patch (4 cables SSE) which lies off the SW
SW of Beaufort Rock (1½ miles SE) which is the end of the tongue on which Sgeir Sgalag (4.152)
shallowest head on a rocky spit extending lies.
7¼ cables S from Eilean Mòr, thence:
NE of a rock, with a depth of 3⋅4 m over it (9 cables Anchorage
SSW), thence: 4.156
3 Close NE of a 4⋅4 m patch which lies ¾ cable ENE 1 Good anchorage, with restricted swinging room, can be
of Gulnare Rock (6¾ cables SW) which lies on a obtained 2½ cables ENE of Ardrishaig Breakwater Head
detached rocky shoal with depths of less than 5 m Light, in a depth of 7 m, as shown on the chart. Anchorage
over it. Another rock, with a depth of 1⋅5 m over should be clear of a submarine cable (1.39), which comes
it, lies on the W end of the same shoal. No 48 into Loch Gilp on the E side of the entrance, as shown on
Light-buoy (port hand) is moored ½ cable NNE of the chart, and is landed 7½ cables N of Ardrishaig
Gulnare Rock. Less water than charted has been Breakwater Head Light, where it is marked by a beacon.
reported in this area; see Caution at 4.149. And: Duncuan Island (4.154) provides some shelter from S
Close SW of a detached 5⋅0 m patch (5¼ cables winds.
SSW) which lies 1 cable NE of No 48 light-buoy,
thence: Supplies
4 Close SW of a 4⋅9 m patch (5¼ cables SW) which 4.157
lies 1¼ cables WSW of Sgeir Sgalag, the N of two 1 Small quantities of provisions can be obtained.
charted depths of 0⋅6 m which are the least depths
near the SW extremity of a spit extending Small craft
3¼ cables SW from Duncuan Island (4.154). This 4.158
spit, which is thickly covered with weed, is 1 Anchorage. It is reported that the regular anchorage for
marked on its SW extremity by No 49 Light-buoy small craft is off the W shore of the loch, N of Ardrishaig
(starboard hand) which is moored E of the 4⋅9 m Pier.
patch given above. Glac Mhor (56°00′⋅1N, 5°23′⋅5W) and Glac Bheag,
4.153 3 cables W, are reported to afford occasional anchorage,
1 Useful marks: protected from the E by Liath Eilean (4.177).
Ardrishaig (with positions from Ardrishaig 2 Alongside berths. Temporary berths can be obtained on
Breakwater Light): Ardrishaig Church (1½ cables the S side of the pier (4.148), which has depths of 2⋅4 m
WSW) which has a conspicuous spire; Brackley alongside, on condition that prior approval is obtained from
Farm (1 mile N) which is conspicuous. the Canal Authority (4.159). Mariners should note that the
2 Lochgilphead: conspicuous flagstaff (56°02′⋅2N, pier is reserved for commercial traffic and freight handling,
5°26′⋅0W) standing near the head of the loch; the and during periods of activity is closed to the public.
conspicuous spire of a church, 2 cables N of the 3 The canal sea lock, which is normally left open,
flagstaff; conspicuous school 3 cables ENE of the provides safe berths, within the limitations given at 4.160,
flagstaff. except in strong E or NE winds.

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Repairs. A slipway is available for use, on request to 2 Approximate hours of operation (2004).
the Canal Authority. Period Hours of operation (see
Note)
Early May to early September 0830–1730 on all days
Crinan Canal
Early March to early May and 0830–1630 Monday to
early September to mid-October Saturday
Chart 2724
Mid-October to early March 0830–1530 Monday to
General information Friday
4.159
1 Crinan Canal, which extends from Ardrishaig (56°01′N, 3 Note. There is a later operating period until 2000 on
5°27′W) (4.148) to Crinan (7.211), has a length of 9 miles weekdays and until 2100 at weekends in the high season.
and connects Loch Fyne with the Sound of Jura. Use of Contact the Canal Authority for details.
this canal reduces the length of the passage N by 85 miles Regulations. Special bye-laws are in force for craft
and enables small craft to avoid the heavy seas frequently carrying petroleum products or carbide of calcium; copies
encountered off the Mull of Kintyre (55°18′N, 5°48′W) can be obtained on request to the Canal Authority.
(7.33). Speed limit is 4 kn.
2 Approach and entry. At its S end, from the Firth of Arrival and entry
Clyde, the Crinan Canal is approached through Lower Loch 4.162
Fyne (55°55′N, 5°25′W) (4.115), then Loch Gilp (56°00′N, 1 Mariners waiting to enter the canal, at either end, may
5°25′W) (4.148), and is entered through Ardrishaig Harbour anchor or berth alongside as given at 4.158 for Loch Gilp
(4.148). At the N end, the N approach to the canal from and at 7.215 for Loch Crinan.
the Firth of Lorn is through one of the following three Entry to the canal at both ends is assisted by lights on
channels: Cuan Sound (56°16′N, 5°37′W) (7.279); the both sides of the sea lochs and by a leading light on the
Sound of Luing (56°14′N, 5°40′W) (7.233); or the Gulf of inside.
Corryvreckan (56°09′N, 5°43′W) (7.252). Thence across the
N end of the Sound of Jura (56°07′N, 5°39′W) (7.132), and Anchorages and minor harbour
through Loch Crinan (56°06′N, 5°35′W) (7.211).
Chart 2381
3 Canal locks. There are 15 locks on the canal with a
total rise of 19⋅5 m. All are unmanned except the sea locks Entrance — east side
at either end of the canal. 4.163
Bridges. The canal is spanned by seven swing bridges, 1 Anchorage which is good but temporary, can be
all of which are manned. obtained during N or E winds in the following bays (with
4 Canal Authority is the British Waterways Board, Crinan positions from Ardlamont Point (55°50′N, 5°12′W)):
Canal Office, Pier Square, Ardrishaig, Argyll, PA30 8DZ. Ardlamont Bay (1 mile WNW); Kilbride Bay, sometimes
Passage time. Passage through the canal takes about called Bàgh Osde (2¼ miles WNW); and Asgog Bay
6 hours. (3¼ miles WNW).
Portavadie
Charts 2320, 2381 plan of Loch Gilp 4.164
Limiting conditions 1 Portavadie (55°52′⋅5N, 5°19′⋅0W), situated close N of
4.160 Rubha Mór (4.125), is a ferry terminal with a regular
1 Size of craft. Passage through the canal is restricted to service to East Loch Tarbert. A light (pole) stands on the
craft with maximum dimensions as follows: length 26⋅8 m; extremity of a breakwater extending ½ cable WNW from
width 6⋅1 m; draught 2⋅9 m; masthead height 29⋅0 m. the shore, and a detached shoal, with a depth of 5⋅8 m over
Mariners should add 0⋅1 m to their normal draught since it, lies midway between the breakwater and Eilean Buidhe
craft sit lower in the fresh water of the canal than they do 4 cables SW. A slipway provides berthing facilities for the
in salt water. ferry.
2 Under normal conditions, use of the sea locks is Kilfinan Bay
restricted to craft with maximum dimensions as follows: 4.165
length 30⋅5 m; width 7⋅0 m; draught 3⋅2 m. This allows 1 Kilfinan Bay (4.128), entered between Drum Point
access to the canal basin at any state of the tide but see (55°57′N, 5°20′W) and Rubha Beag, 1¼ miles N, affords
4.150 for the effect of local weather conditions at temporary anchorage during offshore winds, clear of a
Ardrishaig. marine farm (1.17) at the N end of the bay and of shallow
3 Local conditions. If there is a shortage of water in the patches as given at 4.128.
canal, use of the sea locks may be limited to half tide and
above, and the maximum permitted draught may also be Small craft
reduced.
Maintenance may also restrict passage through the canal Anchorages
and it is recommended that mariners contact the Canal 4.166
Authority prior to arrival. 1 East shore — southern part. The E shore of the loch,
between Rubha Stillaig (55°51′N, 5°19′W) (4.125) and
Rubha Preasach, 2 miles NNW (4.126), affords temporary
Arrival information anchorage for small craft within any of several bays, clear
4.161 of several marine farms (1.17) moored along the shore.
1 Canal radio. A listening watch is maintained on VHF 4.167
during the hours of operation as given in Admiralty 1 West shore — southern part. Barmore Island (55°53′N,
Maritime Communications. 5°24′W) (4.128) affords temporary anchorage for small

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craft in North Bay, off the NW side of the island, clear of shores of Minard Bay (56°06′N, 5°15′W) are heavily
moorings provided for visitors to the hotel, and in South wooded. Above this bay the NW shore of the loch is
Bay, off a small islet on the SW side of the island. covered with oak woods varied with plantations of fir,
4.168 whereas the SE shore has occasional plantations only.
1 East shore — central part. Temporary anchorage
during offshore winds can be obtained in Ardmarnock Bay Hazards
(55°54′N, 5°21′W), where there is a boathouse and a slip, 4.173
clear of marine farms (1.17) around the bay, and in 1 Upper Loch Fyne is used as a submarine exercise area,
Auchalick Bay, 1 mile farther N. see 4.6.
A ferry crosses the loch from Inveraray (55°14′N,
Marina 5°04′W) to St Catherine’s, 1½ miles ESE.
4.169
1 Portavadie Lagoon (55°52′⋅4N, 5°18′⋅8W), a former oil Traffic regulations
rig construction basin, is now a marina with pontoon 4.174
berths. 1 Anchoring and fishing are prohibited in an area off the
SE side of the loch, centred on 56°12′⋅0N, 5°04′⋅7W and
extending 7 cables SW and NE from the centre, as shown
UPPER LOCH FYNE AND APPROACHES on the chart, owing to the existence of submarine cables
and equipment.
General information
Rescue
Charts 2381, 2382 4.175
Description 1 A Coastguard Sector Base is maintained at Tarbert
4.170 (55°52′N, 5°25′W), and an Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue
1 Upper Loch Fyne, entered through The Narrows Team (1.61) is based at Inveraray (56°15′N, 5°04′W).
between Otter Spit (56°00′⋅6N, 5°21′⋅0W) (4.177) and Glas An all-weather lifeboat and an inshore lifeboat are
Eilean, 5 cables N (4.178), extends over 20 miles NE to its maintained at Campbeltown (55°25′N, 5°36′W) (4.30). See
head which dries out 3 cables. This loch is generally wide 1.72 for details of lifeboats.
and free from dangers except within Minard Narrows
(56°06′N, 5°14′W) which are formed by two islets and a Tidal streams
number of rocks lying in the fairway. 4.176
1 Tidal streams in Upper Loch Fyne are generally weak,
being strongest off the salient points.
Tidal information for The Narrows, in position
56°00⋅8′N, 5°21′⋅4W, is given on the chart. Rates of up to
2 kn may occur between this position and Otter Spit
Beacon, 3 cables SE.

Directions
(continued from 4.130)

Inveraray from E (4.170) Approach from south

(Original dated 2000) 4.177
(Photograph − Air Images) 1 From a position 1 mile SE of the S extremity of Liath
Eilean (56°00′N, 5°23′W) the track towards Upper Loch
2 Inveraray, a town which had a population of1304 in Fyne continues NNE for about 1¾ miles, with Glas Eilean
2001, stands on the W shore of the loch about 17 miles Light (56°01′N, 5°21′W) (4.130) ahead, passing (with
above The Narrows. This is a principal tourist attraction positions from the S extremity of Liath Eilean):
and the castle (5 cables N) is open to the public. 2 ESE of the coastal bank which, with depths of less
Route than 20 m, extends 4½ cables SE from Liath
4.171 Eilean, an islet on the NE side of the entrance to
1 In the S part of the upper loch the deeper water tends to Loch Gilp (4.148). Two shoals, each with a depth
lie closer to the SE shore, which is generally steep-to. of 10⋅1 m over it (4½ cables S and 3½ cables SE)
2 Within Minard Narrows (above) it is possible to pass lie on this bank. Thence:
either side of Sgeir an Eirionnaich (56°06′⋅5N, 5°13′⋅5W) 3 WNW of the coastal bank which, with depths of less
(4.183); however, the clearest water lies to the W of this than 10 m, extends 3 cables from the E shore of
rock and is the route given in Directions at 4.183. A the loch (1½ miles E), thence:
secondary channel also passes W of An Oitir Beacon, 4 ESE of a rock, with a depth of less than 2 m over it,
8 cables WSW of Sgeir an Eirionnaich, which has a width charted as dangerous rock (6½ cables ENE), which
of 1 cable and a least depth of 20 m in the fairway; this is the outer of several shoal patches extending
channel is not included in Directions. 4 cables from the W shore of the loch, between
3 In the N part of the upper loch, from a position 1 mile Liath Eilean and Glas Eilean, 1¾ miles NE. “P”
N of Minard Narrows, there are no dangers in the fairway Light-buoy (port hand) is moored 1 cable E of the
and banks extend only a short distance from the shore. rock. And:
5 WNW of a marine farm (1½ miles E) (1.17) which is
Topography moored close S of Otter Spit, thence:
4.172 6 WNW of the bank extending ½ cable W from Otter
1 Upper Loch Fyne curves between wooded hills Spit (1½ miles ENE) which is composed of sand
throughout its length. On the NW side of the loch, the and gravel. This spit, which extends 7¾ cables

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WNW from the E side of the loch, dries for more 2 SE of the entrance to Loch Gair (2 miles WSW)
than half the width of The Narrows (4.170). The (4.196), and:
SW side of the spit shoals gently whereas the N NW of Gortein Point (1½ miles SW) on the SE side
side is steep-to. Otter Spit Light-beacon (4.129) of the loch, thence:
stands on the NW extremity of that part of the spit NW of Creagan Dubh, a salient point on the SE side
which dries. of the loch, and:
7 Caution Depths in the vicinity of Otter Spit are liable to SE of a marine farm (8 cables NW) (1.17), thence:
change, and mariners are advised to navigate with caution 3 Over a charted depth of 31 m (sand and rock)
in the area. (7 cables NNE), thence:
NW of the coastal bank which dries and, with a
charted depth of less than 20 m, extends over
The Narrows 2 cables from the E shore of the loch close NE of
4.178 Lephinmore Point (1 mile NE), thence:
1 From a position 4 cables SSW of Glas Eilean Light the 4 SE of the drying reef and bank fringing Fraoch
track alters ENE for 1 mile, through The Narrows, passing Eilean (2 miles NNE) and Eilean Aoghainn, close
(with positions from Glas Eilean Light): NE, which is the larger of the two islets at the S
NNW of Otter Spit (4¾ cables S) (4.177), thence: end of Minard Narrows (4.170), thence:
2 SSE of the reef fringing Glas Eilean which lies on SE of Brideagan Rocks (2¼ miles NNE) which lie on
the N side of The Narrows and is separated from the foul ground extending 2½ cables NNE from
the mainland N by a narrow channel. Glas Eilean Eilean Aoghainn.
Light (4.130) stands on the S end of the island. 4.182
Thence: 1 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 210° of Gortein
3 SSE of a detached 10⋅4 m patch (2½ cables ESE) Point (1½ miles SW) (4.181) open SE of Eilean Aoghainn,
which is marked 1 cable SE by “Q” Light-buoy 3½ miles NNE, clears close ESE of Brideagan Rocks.
(port hand), thence:
4 Over submarine power cables (7 cables ESE) (1.39) Minard Narrows
which cross the loch from a position 2 cables S of 4.183
West Otter (6 cables NNE) (4.179) to Otter Ferry, 1 From a position 3½ cables SW of Sgeir an Eirionnaich
1¼ miles SE. The landing places of these cables Light the track alters N for 9 cables, passing (with positions
are marked by beacons. from Sgeir an Eirionnaich Light):
4.179 E of the shoal, with charted depths of less than 10 m,
1 From a position 8 cables E of Eilean Glas Light the which extends 1 cable E from North Rock
track alters NNE for about 1 mile, into the S end of Upper (4 cables WSW).“X” Light-buoy (port hand) is
Loch Fyne, passing (with positions from Glas Eilean moored close E of the shoal. And:
Light): 2 W of the rocks and shoals which surround and extend
WNW of a T-shaped pier (1½ miles E) which extends 1¼ cables S from Sgeir an Eirionnaich, also known
NW from the SE side of the loch, and: as Paddy Rock, on which stands Sgeir an
2 ESE of West Otter (6 cables NNE) at which there is a Eirionnaich Light (4.181), thence:
quay and a beacon marking the landing place of a W of the spit extending 1 cable W from Big Shoal
submarine cable (1.39) which crosses the loch then (6 cables NNE).
continues NE for about 12 miles off the SE shore,
thence: Upper Loch Fyne — central part
3 ESE of a spit which, with a charted depth of 15⋅2 m 4.184
(1¼ miles NE), extends 3½ cables ESE from Clach 1 From a position 6¼ cables NNW of Sgeir an Eirionnaich
Gharbh, a drying rock which lies 1 cable offshore. Light the track alters NE for 1¾ miles, with Furnace Wharf
A marine farm (1.17) is moored 1½ cables NNE of Light (grey column) (56°09′⋅0N, 5°10′⋅4W), which is a
the rock. private light, on a line of bearing ahead, passing (with
4.180 positions from Kilbride Islet (56°07′⋅3N, 5°12′⋅5W)):
1 Useful mark: SE of Crarae Point (9 cables W), 2½ cables NW of
A conspicuous, rectangular, white tower (2½ miles which stands a conspicuous flagstaff, reported
NNE) which stands on the SW entrance point of (1983) as being in a bad state of repair, and:
Loch Gair (4.196). 2 NW of Big Shoal (3¾ cables SW) (4.183), thence:
NW of Kilbride Islet which lies at the SW end of
drying ground, 1 cable off the E shore, thence:
Chart 2382 SE of a chain of marine farms (centred 8 cables NW)
Upper Loch Fyne — southern part (1.17) which lie close to the W shore of the loch,
4.181 off the ruins of a stone pier. A conspicuous quarry,
1 From a position 1¾ miles NE of Otter Spit Light-beacon now disused, stands close to the coast inshore of
(56°00′⋅6N, 5°21′⋅1W) the track alters to 036° for about the pier.
5 miles, through the S part of the loch, with Sgeir an 4.185
Eirionnaich Light (black metal framework tower on black 1 Clearing marks:
round tower with white stripes, 7 m in height) (56°06′⋅5N, The alignment (223°) of An Oitir Beacon (starboard
5°13′⋅5W) on a line of bearing ahead and within the white hand) (1¾ miles SW), which marks the NW end of
sector (210°–044°) of the light. Otter Spit Light-beacon the bank extending 1¾ cables NW from An Oitir,
(4.129) is on a line of bearing 216°, astern, throughout the with Minard Castle, 5½ cables SW, which has a
length of this track which passes (with positions from flagstaff on its NW side, clears NW of the spit
Creagan Dubh (56°04′⋅3N, 5°15′⋅8W)): surrounding Big Shoal.

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4.186 Useful marks:

1 When Furnace Wharf Light is distant 9 cables the track Conspicuous tower in Inveraray (2¼ miles N).
alters ENE for 2½ miles, passing (with positions from 2 Inveraray Castle (2½ miles N) which has a
Furnace Wharf Light): conspicuous flagstaff at its E end and is
SSE of a Furnace Wharf, a pier which extends from surrounded by dark woods.
the N shore of the loch close S of Furnace Quarry, Tower on the peak of Dùn na Cuaiche (3 miles N)
which is conspicuous. A light (4.184) is exhibited which rises abruptly from the river valley.
from the pierhead. And:
2 NNW of Eilean Math-ghamhna (7 cables SSE) which
Head of Upper Loch Fyne
is connected to the shore by a drying bank. 4.189
1 From a position 5 cables SSW of Strone Point N Marker
the track towards the head of the loch leads ENE then NE
for about 5 miles, with clear and deep water in the fairway
Upper Loch Fyne — northern part to within 4 cables of the head, passing (with positions from
4.187 Dunderave Point (56°14′⋅6N, 4°59′⋅9W)):
1 From a position 1¾ miles ENE of Furnace Wharf Light SSE of Strone Point (1¾ miles WSW), the E entrance
the alignment (208½°, astern) of leading lights (two-legged point of Loch Shira, on which stands N Marker
structures; front light in position 56°08′⋅5N, 5°08′⋅1W, rear (4.187), thence:
light 8½ cables SSW) leads 028½° through the N part of 2 SSE of Dunderave Point on which stands Dunderave
the loch for 5 miles with Strone Point N Marker (special) Castle, thence:
(56°14′N, 5°03′W) on a line of bearing ahead, as shown on NW of marine farms (1.17) which fringe the SE
the chart, passing (with positions from Hazelbank shore for a distance of 1½ miles, thence:
(56°11′⋅6N, 5°04′⋅3W)): Clear of marine farms (centred 1½ miles ENE) (1.17)
2 ESE of marine farms (1.17) (2¼ miles SW) which are which are moored along the centreline of the
moored close to the NW shore within 5 cables SW channel over a distance of 5 cables.
of Kenmore Point, on which stands a monument, 4.190
thence: 1 Useful marks:
ESE of a marine farm (1.17) (1½ miles SW) which is A conspicuous building (1¾ miles ENE) which stands
moored 2 cables SSE of the beacon at Creggans, 1½ cables S of Ardkinglas House.
on the NW side of the loch, and: Beacon (1½ miles SW) which marks the landing
3 WNW of a beacon at Creggans (1¼ miles SSW) place of submarine cables (1.39) which cross the
situated on the SE side of the loch. The beacon loch from Inveraray.
marks the landing place of disused submarine
Anchorages and berths
cables which are also marked by a similar beacon
at Creggans on the NW side of the loch. Thence: Kames Bay
4 Into a restricted area (6 cables WSW) (4.174), the SE 4.191
corner of which is marked by a beacon (special) at 1 Good anchorage can be obtained in Kames Bay
Colliechaol (5 cables SSW); another beacon, (56°03′N, 5°20′W) in a depth of 15 m, sand and gravel, out
¾ cable NNE, marks the landing place of a of the tidal stream. An anchorage for small craft, closer to
submarine cable from along the SE shore. This the shore, is shown on the chart.
area is used for naval trials and the leading lights Furnace
(above) are normally used only for this purpose.
4.192
Thence:
1 Furnace Wharf (56°09′N, 5°11′W)(4.186), which has a
5 WNW of Rose Bank Mooring (2½ cables N) which
least depth of 3⋅3 m alongside, is situated on the E side of
consists of two swamped mooring buoys,
a point extending from the coast 1 cable SSE of an active
1½ cables off the SE shore, with a raft, which is
quarry.
part of the trials range, moored between the buoys,
thence: Inveraray
ESE of Dalchenna Point (1 mile NW) on which 4.193
stands a beacon (special), thence: 1 Inveraray Harbour (56°14′N, 5°04′W), which dries, is
6 Out of the restricted area (1 mile N), the NE corner formed by a stone pier with a wooden extension which,
of which joins the shore close NE of Creag with depths of less than 2 m alongside, extends ½ cable NE
a’Phuill (8 cables NNE). A beacon 2 cables NE of from the NE point of Inveraray (4.170).
Creag a’Phuill, marks the landing place of a Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
submarine cable (1.39). Thence: Mean spring range about 3⋅1 m; mean neap range about
ESE of Sgeir Bruachaig (1½ miles NNW), a drying 2⋅5 m.
rock which lies 1¼ cables off the NW shore, 2 Anchorage can be obtained 2¼ cables ENE of the pier,
thence: just inside the 30 m depth contour and close to the 50 m
7 ESE of An Oitir (1¾ miles N), a drying spit which depth contour. This anchorage is clear of a submarine cable
extends 2 cables SE from the S end of Inveraray area which includes all of Loch Shira and extends 1¼ miles
(4.170), thence: E from Strone Point, as shown on the chart. Winds from
ESE of Inveraray Pier (2¼ miles N) (4.193). the SW may create a disturbed sea in the anchorage.
4.188 3 A mooring buoy is established 4 cables E of the pier.
1 Clearing line. The line of bearing 000° of the E Supplies. Water is available at the pier and small
extremity of the bridge over the mouth of River Aray quantities of provisions can be obtained.
(56°14′N, 5°04′W), just open E of Inveraray Pier, 3 cables Small craft. It is reported that small craft can find
S, clears E of An Oitir (4.187). suitable anchorage in Newtown Bay, close S of Inveraray.

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Small craft the loch dries out for 1½ miles. This loch, which is a
continuation N of West Kyle, is steep-to on both sides for
Chart 2381 the first 1½ miles and is suitable for small craft only.
Anchorages 2 Kyles of Bute are the channels passing round the N part
4.194 of the Isle of Bute (55°51′N, 5°06′W) (3.257) which
1 Port Ann (56°01′N, 5°21′W), on the NW side of The separate it from the mainland. They are divided into West
Narrows (4.170) affords good anchorage during light or Kyle and East Kyle, two channels (described below) which
offshore winds, 3 cables WNW of Glas Eilean Light, in meet off the N end of the island between Rubha na Mòine
depths of 13 to 15 m, as shown on the chart. This and Buttock Point, 5 cables SSW.
anchorage is out of the tidal stream, is clear of a 9⋅1 m 3 West Kyle, entered at the S end between Ardlamont
rocky patch in the middle of the entrance and clear of a Point (55°50′N, 5°12′W) and the N extremity of
submarine cable (1.39) laid along the W side of the bay Inchmarnock (55°48′N, 5°10′W) (Chart 2383), 2 miles SE,
and landed in the NW corner where it is marked by a extends NNW then NNE for about 7 miles to its junction
beacon. with Loch Riddon and East Kyle. The navigable channel
Charts 2381, 2382 has a least width of 1½ cables, abreast Rubha Ban
4.195 (55°55′N, 5°12′W), and a least charted depth of 22 m in
1 Otter Bay (56°01′N, 5°19′W), in the SE corner of the fairway over the bar which crosses the kyle from
Upper Loch Fyne, affords good anchorage, 1 cable NW of Rubha Dubh, 1 mile SSW of Rubha Ban. In the S part of
a small pier at the head of the bay, in a depth of 10 m, as the kyle the deepest water lies closer to the NE shore,
shown on the chart. This anchorage is situated 1½ cables which is steep-to; NE of Rubha Dubh the deepest water
SW of a submarine power cable (1.39) which is landed lies in the centre of the channel.
1½ cables NE of the pier. 4 East Kyle, entered at the SE end between Ardmaleish
Point (55°53′N, 5°05′W) and Strone Point, 9 cables N,
Chart 2382 extends 4½ miles NW to its junction with Loch Riddon and
4.196 West Kyle (above), where the fairway is obstructed by
1 Loch Gair (56°04′N, 5°20′W), a small, landlocked basin Burnt Islands. The navigable channel in the main part of
on the NW side of the loch, about 3 miles within The the kyle has a least width of 1 cable abreast Colintraive
Narrows, affords good anchorage in a depth of 5 m in the Point (55°55′⋅4N, 5°09′⋅2W).
middle of the bay. This loch, which can be identified by a 5 The N of two channels through the Burnt Islands
conspicuous tower (4.180), is entered through a channel (55°56′N, 5°10′W) (plan of Burnt Islands), a group of islets
with a width of ½ cable. Within the loch the foreshore is and rocks which lie across the kyle, is narrow and has a
muddy and dries out on all sides, including the frontage of least depth of 4⋅3 m in the fairway. However, this channel
a slipway and several jetties. Small quantities of provisions is straight, marked by light-buoys and a coaster can be
can be obtained. steered through it. The S channel, between the Burnt
4.197 Islands and the Isle of Bute, is slightly wider and deeper,
1 Minard Narrows (4.170) afford occasional anchorage in but is tortuous and subject to cross tidal streams requiring
the following bays (with positions from Eilean Aoghainn local knowledge. Directions at 4.216 are given for the N
(56°06′N, 5°14′W)): Minard Bay (5 cables W) which is channel only.
reported to be the best of the anchorages in this area, Topography
Auchgoyle Bay (8 cables NNW), and Crarae Bay (1½ miles 4.202
N) clear of a marine farm (1.17) at the N end of the bay. 1 Loch Riddon and the Kyles of Bute have hills close on
4.198 both sides which affects the local weather (4.207).
1 Cairndow (56°15′N, 4°56′W), situated near the head of West Kyle. Between Rubha Mòr Kames (55°53′N,
the loch, has a landing basin and slipway. It is reported 5°14′W) and Rubha Ban, 2 miles NNE, the W side of the
that small craft can also obtain occasional anchorage off kyle is well populated, with villages along the coast,
the village. numerous jetties and slips extending from the shore and
4.199 moorings along the coastal bank.
1 Clachan (56°16′N, 4°56′W), at the head of the loch, has 2 East Kyle. Many moorings are established along the NE
four moorings for small craft on a 6⋅1 m ledge on the NW shore of the kyle from Bargehouse Point (55°54′N,
side of the loch. 5°06′W) to the NW end of the channel.

Other name Hazards

4.200 4.203
1 Saint Catherine’s (56°13′⋅4N, 5°01′⋅9W). 1 Submarine exercise area. The S part of West Kyle, S
Tigh-nan-darroch Jetty (56°12′⋅5N, 5°03′⋅6W) of Rubha Ban (55°55′N, 5°12′W) is used as a submarine
exercise area, see 4.6.
Yacht racing marks (3.9) are laid in West Kyle, within
LOCH RIDDON AND APPROACHES an area 1 mile above and below Rubha Ban.
THROUGH THE KYLES OF BUTE Ferry. A ferry crosses East Kyle from a position
½ cable N of Colintraive Point (55°55′⋅4N, 5°09′⋅2W) to
General information the SW shore of the kyle, 2 cables WSW of the point.
Chart 1906 Underwater obstructions
Description 4.204
4.201 1 Caution. Mariners are cautioned against anchoring or
1 Loch Riddon, sometimes called Loch Ruel, entered fishing in Ettrick Bay (55°50′N, 5°09′W) and the area to
between Rubha na Mòine (55°56′N, 5°11′W) and Eilean seaward, as shown on the chart, owing to the existence of
Dubh, 4½ cables E, extends N for 3 miles, but the head of underwater obstructions.

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Rescue Ardlamont Point. This foul ground is marked off

4.205 its E end by No 47 Light-buoy (port hand) which
1 An inshore lifeboat (1.72) is stationed at Tighnabruaich is over 2 cables NE of the rock awash and does
(55°54′⋅5N, 5°13′⋅6W), on the W side of West Kyle. not mark the dangers SE of Ardlamont Point.
An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) is based at
Kames (55°53′N, 5°14′W). Chart 1906
4.210
Tidal streams 1 Southern part. From a position 1½ miles ENE of
4.206 Ardlamont Point, the track through the S part of West Kyle
1 West Kyle. At the S end the rate of the tidal streams in
leads NNW for 3½ miles, passing (with positions from
both directions is 1 kn as far N as Rubha Dubh (55°54′N,
Carry Point (55°51′⋅4N, 5°12′⋅5W)):
5°13′W), increasing to 2 kn in the narrows at Rubha Ban,
2 ENE of the coastal bank, with charted depths of less
1 mile NNE, then decreasing round Buttock Point, 1 mile
than 20 m, which extends up to 4 cables E from
farther NE, in the approach to the Burnt Islands (55°56′N,
the coast S of An Cnap (1 mile SSE) which is the
5°10′W).
S entrance point of Blindman’s Bay (4.217), and:
2 East Kyle. At the SE end the tidal streams are very
WSW of Scarrel Point (1¼ miles ESE) which is
weak, increasing in strength towards the NW and the
steep-to, thence:
approach to Burnt Islands.
3 ENE of the coastal bank, with charted depths of less
3 Burnt Islands. The N-going streams in East Kyle and
than 20 m, which extends 4 cables from Carry
West Kyle set at about the same time and meet at the N
Rock, a group of large stones lying ½ cable off
end of the Isle of Bute, in the vicinity of Burnt Islands, but
Carry Point. No 46 Light-buoy (port hand) is
the actual place of meeting is dependent on the
moored 1 cable E of Carry Rock, on the 10 m
meteorological conditions prevailing at the time.
depth contour. Thence:
Consequently it is not possible to predict the direction of
4 ENE of a marine farm (9 cables NNW) (1.17) which
the streams in this vicinity but they may attain rates of
is moored 1½ cables offshore, within the 20 m
3 kn in either direction in the S of the two channels
depth contour.
through the islands, which contains the greater part of the
4.211
stream. However, it is reported that the rate may be even
1 Useful marks:
greater in the N channel.
Beacons (1½ miles NNW and 1½ miles N) which
4 Loch Riddon. In Loch Riddon weak streams set inwards
mark or are near to the landing places of several
and outwards.
submarine cables (1.39) which cross the channel
Local weather from shore to shore.
4.207 4.212
1 The wind in the Kyles of Bute is very susceptible to 1 Central part. From a position 1 mile S of Rubha Dubh
squalls. (55°54′N, 5°13′W) the track through the central part of
In the SE entrance to East Kyle very strong squalls may West Kyle alters towards the N and leads generally W of N
be experienced which have been funnelled down Loch for 1¼ miles, passing (with positions from Rubha Dubh):
Striven (3.325). Halfway through West Kyle, off the village 2 Over submarine power cables (1.39) which cross the
of Kames, the area is particularly vulnerable to squalls kyle from the E shore (9 cables SSE), where they
during W winds, which funnel through a valley to the W are marked by one beacon, to the W shore,
of the village. 7 cables W, where they are marked by
two beacons, and:
Navigational aids 3 E of a drying spit which extends 1 cable ENE from
4.208 Rubha Mòr Kames (1 mile SSW), thence:
1 It should be noted that the direction of buoyage in East E of shoal patches, with depths of 9⋅5 m and 9⋅8 m,
Kyle is from NW to SE whereas Directions in this text at (3 cables and 3½ cables WSW) which lie in
4.215 are given from SE to NW. mid-channel, thence:
W of the foul ground and bank, with a charted depth
Directions of less than 10 m, which extends a total of 1 cable
W from Rubha Dubh.
Charts 1906, 2383 4.213
West Kyle 1 Northern part. From a position 2½ cables NW of
(continued from 4.108) Rubha Dubh the track leads generally NE for about
4.209 2½ miles, in mid-channel to the N end of West Kyle,
1 Entrance. From a position 1 mile SSE of Ardlamont passing (with positions from Rubha Ban (55°55′N,
Point (55°50′N, 5°12′W) the track into the entrance of West 5°12′W)):
Kyle (4.201) leads NE for about 2 miles, with Kildavanan 2 NW of the foul ground and coastal bank, with
Point ahead, passing (with positions from Ardlamont Point): charted depths of less than 10 m, which extend up
NW of the N extremity of Inchmarnock (2 miles SE) to 1½ cables from the coast N and S of Black
(4.107) which forms the W side of Inchmarnock Farland Bay (6 cables SSW) and as a spit from
Sound (4.109), and: Rubha Glas (4 cables S), thence:
2 SE of a spit, with charted depths of less than 20 m, 3 SE of the reef which extends 1 cable SE from Rubha
which, with a rock awash near its SE end, extends Ban and is marked on its outer end by a
3 cables SE from Ardlamont Point, the low and light-buoy (port hand). This reef creates the least
rugged S extremity of the peninsula separating width in the channel, as given at 4.201. A
West Kyle from Loch Fyne (4.93). Am Brideun, a submarine power cable (1.39) crosses the channel
drying rock, lies on foul ground close E of from Rubha Ban to the SE shore, 3 cables SE;

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both landing places are marked by a beacon. 3 NNE of a rock with a depth of 0⋅1 m over it,
Thence: (½ cable S) which is marked ¼ cable E by a
4 SE of a marine farm (1.17) (centred 5½ cables NNE) light-buoy (starboard hand). It is reported that tidal
which extends 1 cable offshore and 4 cables along streams in both directions (4.206) tend to set S
the coast and is marked by beacons on the shore from Eilean Buidhe. Thence:
and by light-buoys (special) at the SE and NE 4 SSW of a light-buoy (port hand) (¼ cable S) marking
corners, thence: the S edge of a drying reef and coastal bank, with
5 NW of Buttock Point (1 mile NE) which is the N charted depths of less than 5 m, extending ¼ cable
extremity of the Isle of Bute (3.257) and the S from Eilean Buidhe. A prominent beacon (red
dividing point between West Kyle and East Kyle concrete) stands on the drying reef, close N of the
(4.201), thence: light-buoy. Thence:
SE of a rocky shoal, with a least charted depth of 5 NNE of the drying reef and bank, with a charted
5⋅8 m (1¼ miles NE), which lies 1 cable E of depth of less than 5 m, which extends ½ cable NE
Eilean Dubh (4.221) in the entrance to Loch from Eilean Fraoich (1 cable WSW), thence:
Riddon (4.201). NNE of a light-buoy (starboard hand) (½ cable W)
4.214 marking a rock with a depth of 0⋅7 m over it, and:
1 Useful marks: 6 SSW of a light-buoy (port hand) marking a bank,
Maids of Bute (7½ cables NE), the position of which with depths of less than 5m over it, which extends
is approximate, which are two prominent rocks, W from Eilean Buidhe, thence:
painted to resemble two old ladies, seated, wearing SSW of Rubha na Mòine (2½ cables NW) (4.201).
petticoats. 7 Buoyage. See note on navigational aids at 4.208.
Conspicuous lattice radio mast (3 cables NNW).
Beacons (2 cables W and 3½ cables S) which mark Small craft
the landing places of disused submarine cables
Chart 1906
(1.39).
West Kyle
4.217
East Kyle 1 Blindman’s Bay (55°51′N, 5°12′W), on the W side of
(continued from 3.333) the kyle, affords anchorage on fine white sand, off some
4.215 cottages at the S end of the bay, outside the 5 m depth
1 From a position 5 cables NNE of Ardmaleish Point contour, as shown on the chart.
(55°53′N, 5°05′W) the track through the S and central parts Small quantities of provisions can be obtained.
of East Kyle, leads WNW then NW, in mid-channel for 4.218
about 4 miles, passing (with positions from Bargehouse 1 Good anchorage can be obtained anywhere off the W
Point (55°54′⋅1N, 5°06′⋅7W)): side of West Kyle between Rubha Mòr Kames (55°53′N,
2 NNE of the bank, with charted depths of less than 5°14′W) and Tighnabruaich, 1½ miles N, clear of moorings.
10 m, which extends 2½ cables N from Ardmaleish This part of the kyle is exposed to winds from the S.
Point (3.334), thence: Moorings for visitors are available on request off the W
SSW of Strone Point (9 cables N) (3.334), thence: side of West Kyle between Kames (55°53′⋅5N, 5°14′⋅4W)
3 SW of a drying bank which extends ½ cable SW and Rubha Ban, 2 miles NE.
from Colintraive Point (2 miles NW), which stands 2 Landing can be effected at Kames, where there are
on the NE shore. A cable area, which contains two piers, at Auchenlochan, 4 cables N, where there is a
submarine power cables (1.39), is shown on the pier, and at Tighnabruaich, 8 cables farther NE, where there
chart within 2½ cables of Colintraive Point; the is also a pier.
limits of the area are marked by pairs of beacons Repairs. A boatyard, with several slipways is
on three corners and by a single beacon on the N established at Port Driseach (55°55′N, 5°13′W).
corner. Thence: 3 Supplies. Small quantities of provisions can be obtained
4 NE of the drying bank which extends ½ cable NE at Tighnabruaich.
from Rubha a’ Bhodaich (2 miles NW) situated on 4.219
the SW shore. A light-buoy (starboard hand), see 1 Black Farland Bay, 3 cables NNE of Rubha Dubh
4.208, is moored off the NE end of the bank, on (55°54′N, 5°13′W), on the E side of the kyle, affords good
the 15 m depth contour. anchorage midway between the entrance points, in depths
of 4 to 7 m, as shown on the chart. This anchorage is clear
of a rocky spit, with a charted depth of 1⋅8 m, which
Chart 1906 plan of Burnt Islands extends ½ cable NNW from the S end of the bay, and is
4.216 protected from S winds.
1 Burnt Islands. From a position 1½ cables N of Rubha
a’ Bhodaich the track leads WNW through the N of the Chart 1906 plan of Burnt Islands
two channels through Burnt Islands (4.201), passing (with East Kyle — Burnt Islands
positions from the SW extremity of Eilean Buidhe 4.220
(55°55′⋅8N, 5°10′⋅4W)): 1 Good anchorage can be obtained in position 1¾ cables
2 NNE of a drying reef and bank, with charted depths E of the S end of Eilean Mor (55°55′⋅5N, 5°10′⋅4W) in
of less than 5 m, which extend 1¼ cables E from depths of 11 to 13 m, sand; also at the W end of
Eilean Mor (1 cable S). A rock, with a depth of Balnakailly Bay, in position 1 cable S of the S end of
1⋅2 m over it, lies on this bank, ¾ cable E of Eilean Mor, close SW of Wood Farm Rock, in depths of 3
Eilean Mor. Thence: to 5 m; and also in position 1½ cables ESE of Buttock
SSW of a bank, with depths of less than 5 m over it, Point (55°55′⋅6N, 5°11′⋅1W) in a depth of 3 m, sand. All
extending 1 cable ESE from Eilean Buidhe, thence: these anchorages are shown on the plan.

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Chart 1906 and plan of Caladh Harbour Landing. Two concrete landing hards on Eilean Dubh
Caladh Harbour and two on the mainland, all of which dry, allow access to
4.221 the shore.
1 Caladh Harbour is entered at the S end between Caladh 4 Repairs. A slipway extends from the shore 50 m N of
Peninsula (55°56′N, 5°12′W) and Eilean Dubh, 1 cable E, a the beacon on Caladh Peninsula and a wharf with crane
small islet overgrown with rhododendrons which forms the lies close N.
W entrance point of Loch Riddon (4.201) and shelters the
harbour from E winds. Chart 1906
2 Entrances. This harbour can be entered from both N or Loch Riddon
S but the N entrance has a width of only 21 m, with a 4.222
depth of 2⋅1 m, whilst the S entrance has a width of 50 m 1 Loch Riddon (55°57′N, 5°12′W) (4.201) affords
and a depth of 3 m in the fairway. This entrance can be anchorage for small craft 1½ miles within the entrance,
identified by a beacon (white stone in the form of a near the drying bank which fills the head of the loch, as
miniature lighthouse) which stands near the SE extremity of shown on the chart. There are many moorings within the
Caladh Peninsula. loch and it is reported that most places suitable for
3 Anchorage within the harbour, in depths of 3 to 5 m, as anchorage are already occupied by permanent moorings. A
shown on the plan, is good but restricted and is reported as marine farm (1.17) is moored off the W coast, 1 mile
often being crowded. within the entrance.

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NOTES

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CHAPTER 5

THROUGH ROUTE BETWEEN NORTH CHANNEL AND THE OUTER HEBRIDES

GENERAL INFORMATION

Chart 2635 Hazards

Synopsis 5.6
5.1 1 Traffic convergence. A likely area of traffic
1 This chapter covers the sea area between the N limit of convergence exists to the N of Inishtrahull with vessels
the Irish Coast Pilot (55°30′N) and the S end of the Outer following Atlantic routes between ports on the E coast of
Hebrides (56°47′N, 7°40′W), which extends seaward from North America and North Channel, as given in Ocean
the islands off the W coast of Scotland to a longitude of Passages for the World, which pass N of Inishtrahull.
9°W. It is designed mainly for the use of deep draught
vessels on passage N/S between North Channel (55°20′N,
6°00′W) (Irish Coast Pilot) and the Deep Water Route W Traffic regulations
of the Outer Hebrides (6.10). It also provides an approach 5.7
from W to the Sea of the Hebrides at 56°35′N, 7°25′W, 1 For navigational dangers see 1.2, with special reference
and to ports on the W coast of Scotland. to the inner passage at 1.4. For areas to be avoided see
1.42.
Routes for deep-draught ships are given at 6.10.
Route Laden tankers. The IMO recommend that, weather
5.2 permitting, laden tankers over 10 000 grt use the Deep
1 From a position 10 miles N of Inishtrahull Light Water Route given at 6.10.
(55°26′N, 7°15′W), the through route leads NNW for about 2 For regulations and areas to be avoided see 1.42.
75 miles to join the through route W of the Outer Hebrides Radio reporting procedures for a position S of the
in position 10 miles W of Berneray (56°47′N, 7°38′W), as Outer Hebrides, prior to starting a route to the E or W of
given in Directions at 5.12. these islands, are given in Admiralty List of Radio Signals
2 Mariners wishing to proceed NNE through the Hebrides Volume 6(1).
will find passages described as follows:
Firth of Lorn at 8.2.
Passage of Tiree at 9.18. Rescue
Sea of the Hebrides at 11.14. 5.8
Coastal passage E of the Outer Hebrides at 11.45. 1 A general description and the position of all lifeboats in
the Hebrides and on the W coast of Scotland is given at
1.71.
International boundary Details of the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination
5.3 Organisation is given at 1.61.
1 The international boundary between the United Kingdom 2 Direction finding service. A VHF Direction Finding
and the Republic of Ireland, from position 55°28′N, Service for emergency use only is established in the area of
6°46′W, is drawn in a series of N/W steps to position this chapter; for details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals
56°00′N, 7°23′W (38 miles NNW); thence W for 28 miles; Volume 2.
thence WNW for 28 miles in N/W steps to position
56°10′N, 9°00′W, as shown on the chart. Continuation
beyond 9°W is given in Chapter 2. Tidal streams
5.9
1 General information on tidal streams is given at 1.115.
Depths In general, between the S end of the Outer Hebrides and
5.4 the NW point of Ireland, the streams set inwards towards
1 Depths vary greatly along the through route given at 5.2, the coast of Scotland and outwards into the Atlantic as
and in places the bottom is quite irregular. follows:
Source data. Charted depths along the entire route have Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
been confirmed by recent detailed hydrographic surveys, as –0500 In-going stream begins
shown in the Source Data Diagram on the chart.
+0110 Out-going stream begins
2 Part of this stream turns N round Barra Head (56°47′N,
Exercise areas 7°39′W) into the Sea of the Hebrides, and the remainder
5.5 sets NE along the NW coasts of Tiree (56°30′N, 6°50′W)
1 Submarines exercise frequently, both on the surface and and Coll, close NE.
dived, along the length of the route described above. A For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
good lookout is to be kept for them when passing through North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland and
these waters. tidal stream stations on the chart.

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CHAPTER 5

Principal mark to 26 miles W from the SW extremity of Islay

5.10 (55°40′N, 6°30′W), and:
1 Skerryvore Lighthouse (grey granite tower, 48 m in Clear of isolated patches, with charted depths of
height) (56°19′N, 7°07′W), which stands on Skerryvore 50 m, which extend 10 miles WSW from position
(5.12) and is conspicuous. A racon is fitted at the light, for 55°49′N, 7°19′W, thence:
details see Admiralty list of Radio Signals Volume 2. 3 WSW of Blackstones Bank (15 miles S) which lies
between 15 and 20 miles W of Dubh Artach
(56°08′N, 6°38′W) (8.51), thence:
ENE of Stanton Banks which are extensive and over
which the least depth is 30 m (56°08′N, 7°52′W),
27 miles WSW of Skerryvore. Several other
patches lie within 10 miles of the least depth. And:
4 WSW of detached shallow patches, with a least
charted depth of 26⋅5 m (8 miles WSW), which lie
up to 2 miles WSW of the bank extending 6 miles
WSW from Skerryvore. The depths over this bank
are very irregular and on it lie Mackenzie’s Rock
(3 miles SW), which dries and is usually marked
by heavy breakers; Freshnel Rock (2¼ miles SW);
Skerryvore Light from NW (5.10) and Stevenson’s Rock (2 miles WSW) which is
(Original dated 2002) awash but usually not easy to see. Skerryvore is
(Photograph − Jean Guichard)
one of a group of above-water and below-water
rocks lying 10 miles SW of Tiree (9.4) which
should only be approached within 3½ miles with
local knowledge. Vessels with deep draught should
Other navigational aids
be kept at least 11 miles off Skerryvore. Thence:
5.11
5 WSW of a bank, with a least depth of 12⋅7 m over it
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the
(8½ miles WNW), which lies up to 10 miles WNW
Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at
of Skerryvore, thence:
1.33.
WSW of Sgriobh Bhan (56°39′N, 7°45′W) which lies
2 Positions obtained from satellite navigation systems
near the SW end of a bank extending 8½ miles
require some adjustment before being plotted on the chart,
SSW from Berneray (11.46). The depths in this
until new editions of charts are published using the
vicinity are most irregular and detached patches,
European Terrestrial Reference System 1989 Datum. See
with a least charted depth of 43 m, can be found
1.25 and individual charts for details.
up to 15 miles SW of Berneray.
Directions
(continued from the Irish Coast Pilot) Useful marks
5.13
Charts 1778, 2722, 2723 1 Inishtrahull Light (55°26′N, 7°15′W) (Irish Coast
North Channel to Berneray Pilot).
5.12 Barra Head Light (56°47′N, 7°39′W) (6.52).
1 From the vicinity of 55°35′N, 7°15′W the through route (Directions continue for the deep water route
towards the S end of the Outer Hebrides leads NNW, in W of the Outer Hebrides at 6.22, and for the
charted depths of 50 m or more, passing (with positions coastal passage W of the Outer Hebrides at 6.55.
from Skerryvore Light): Directions for the Passage of Tiree are given at 9.29,
2 WSW of the W edge of the coastal bank, with for the Sea of the Hebrides at 11.29, and for
charted depths of less than 50 m, which extends up coastal passage E of the Outer Hebrides at 11.55)

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Chapter 6 - Routes west of the Outer Hebrides

30´ 8° 30´ 7° 30´ 6°

6° 50´ 40´ 2524

Sula Sgeir
59° 59° 6.39
10´ 2524 10´
59° Rona
59°
6.40

6°W 50´ 40´

1785

E Butt of
Lewis
T
30´ U 30´
O
R 6.165

2524 CHAPTER
2515
Flannan Is. 13
6.35

LEWIS
Loch Roag
6.118 6.178
2841
R

Loch Resort
58° 58°
E

6.158
T
A

West Loch Tarbert

6.129
W

2524

Saint Kilda
HARRIS
6.26
6.89
6.89 So
6 42
u n 2
d

CHAPTER
of

12
Ha

N. UIST
rris

Heisker Is.
P

6.58
30´ 30´
E

6.58
BENBECULA
E

S K Y E
D

6.58
CHAPTER
11

1796

57° 2769 57°

2770
1795

6.46
CHAPTER
9

Barra Head

30´ 8° 30´ Longitude 7° West from Greenwich 6°

February 2004

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CHAPTER 6
ROUTES WEST OF OUTER HEBRIDES

GENERAL INFORMATION
Chart 2635, 2720 (58°17′N, 7°36′W) and Rona (59°07′N, 5°50′W). Activity
Synopsis commences at the end of January, reaches a peak during
6.1 May and declines about the end of November.
1 This chapter covers the area to the W of the Outer 4 Industrial fishing takes place along the 200 m depth
Hebrides (58°00′N, 7°00′W) out to 9°W, and N to 60°N. contour W of Lewis in early Spring.
Routes. Two main routes which pass N/S through the Seine net fishing is conducted on a moderate scale
area are described, as follows: during good weather throughout the year off Butt of Lewis,
Through route for deep draught vessels and laden Rona (59°07′N, 5°49′W), Sula Sgeir (59°06′N, 6°09′W)
tankers over 10 000 grt, including a Deep Water and the Flannan Isles.
Route (58°00′N, 7°35′W), at 6.10. 5 Fishing by fixed pots for brown crab takes place N of
2 Coastal route off the W side of the Outer Hebrides the Butt of Lewis and on the grounds off Rona.
from Berneray (56°47′N, 7°38′W) to Butt of Creel fishing for lobsters takes place off the W coast of
Lewis, 115 miles NNE, at 6.41. the Outer Hebrides from many small boats and from larger
Ocean routes which cross the N part of the area in an vessels based at Mallaig. The most important areas are W
E/W direction are described in chapter 2. of Barra (57°00′N, 7°30′W), around the Heisker Islands
(57°32′N, 7°38′W), Haskeir Island (10 miles N), Taransay
Harbours (57°54′N, 7°01′W), and between Gasker (57°59′N, 7°17′W)
6.2 and East Loch Roag 23 miles NNE.
1 There are no major harbours within the are covered by 6 Hazard. It is reported that fishing floats and floating
this chapter. However, two major lochs which afford refuge lines, which may be encountered up to 12 miles W of the
or shelter are Loch Roag (58°15′N, 6°52′W) and West Outer Hebrides, could be a hazard to small craft. These
Loch Tarbert (57°55′N, 7°01′W) as given at 6.16. lines and floats are often partially submerged and difficult
to see.
Chapter information
6.3 Marine farms
1 As this chapter includes an offshore section,
6.6
incorporating the through route, much of the general
1 Marine farming equipment (1.17) has been established in
information for the chapter overall, such as topography,
many of the sounds and lochs covered by this chapter. The
depths, natural conditions and areas to be avoided, is given
approximate position of known farms is shown on the
at 6.11 and subsequent paragraphs.
charts and reported in this text; however further farms may
Exercise areas be established without notice and may constitute a hazard
6.4 to navigation and anchoring.
1 Submarines exercise frequently, both on the surface and
dived, at the S end of the area covered by this chapter, S Satellite derived positions
of 57°20′N. A good lookout is to be kept for them when 6.7
passing through these waters. 1 Positions obtained from satellite navigation systems
require some adjustment before being plotted on those
Fishing charts which are not yet referred to the European Terrestrial
6.5 Reference System 1989 Datum. See 1.25 and individual
1 A general description of fishing methods is given in The charts for details.
Mariner’s Handbook and a summary of the methods used
within the area covered by this volume is given at 1.14. Rescue
West of the Outer Hebrides known fishing takes place from 6.8
fishing fleets based at Stornoway or ports on the Scottish 1 An Emergency Co-ordination Centre is operated by
mainland, as given in the following paragraphs. Stornoway Coastguard (58°12′N, 6°23′W) as given in
2 Large trawlers trawl for white fish off St Kilda Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 5.
(57°49′N, 8°35′W), the Flannan Isles 40 miles NE, the Butt A VHF Direction Finding Service for emergency use
of Lewis, and around the 200 m depth contour throughout only is also established within the area of this chapter; for
the year. details see 1.69.
3 Trawling for white fish is carried out in good weather A Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre is operated by
on grounds off the Butt of Lewis, around the Flannan Isles Stornoway Coastguard, for details see 1.61.

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THROUGH ROUTE WEST OF OUTER HEBRIDES.

General information 17 miles between Haskeir Island (57°42′N, 7°40′W) and

Saint Kilda, 30 miles WNW. A number of these pinnacles
Charts 2635, 2720 rise within the Deep Water Route, at its S end, as shown
Purpose on the chart, with a least depth as given at 6.10.
6.9 3 Outlying banks and shoals, with depths of less than
1 This section has been designed for the use of deep 50 m over them, are charted for up to 30 miles SW of the
draught vessels on passage N and S, passing to the W of Flannan Isles (58°17′N, 7°36′W), some lying close NW of
the Outer Hebrides, and thus avoiding the shallow and the Deep Water Route. The least depth in this area is over
restricted passage to the E of the Outer Hebrides through Whale Rock (57°55′N, 8°00′W) (6.23). A bank extends
The Little Minch (57°40′N, 6°45′W) (12.1) and North 4 miles NE of the Flannan Isles, and isolated shoals a
Minch (58°N, 6°W) (13.1). further 13 miles. To the N and NW of Butt of Lewis,
2 Details of coastal features, landmarks and lights within isolated shoals in the vicinity of 58°46′N, 6°30′W, and
the outer Hebrides have been excluded from this text. those extending from Sula Sgeir (59°06′N, 6°09′W) and
These details are included within the coastal passage W of from Rona, 10 miles E, are mentioned in Directions at
the islands, described at 6.41, and cross references to the 6.24.
appropriate paragraph in the coastal route are given for 4 Source data. Charted depths within the Deep Water
significant features. Route have been confirmed by detailed modern
hydrographic surveys, as shown on the Source Data
Route Diagrams on the charts. At the extreme N end of the
6.10 approach route, about 15 miles E of Rona (59°07′N,
1 From a position 14 miles W of Berneray (56°47′N, 5°50′W), the track passes through a channel, with a width
7°38′W) the route leads N for 50 miles, following the Deep of about 5 miles, which has been surveyed with modern
Water Route described below, to a position 20 miles ESE of equipment and leads generally NE towards the Shetland
St Kilda (57°49′N, 8°35′W), thence NE for about 75 miles Islands, as shown in the source data diagram on chart
to the NE end of the charted Deep Water Route. The route 2720.
then continues NE for a further 60 miles to the vicinity of 5 Outside the well surveyed area lie regions that are
59°18′N, 5°00′W, about 27 miles ENE of Rona (59°07′N, unsurveyed. These include the vicinity of the Flannan Isles,
5°50′W). The area covered by this route has been surveyed see 6.35.
to modern standards, as given at 6.12.
2 Deep Water Route. A Deep Water Route has been Hazards
established between the Outer Hebrides (58°N, 7°W) and 6.13
the outlying islands of Saint Kilda (57°49′N, 8°35′W) and 1 Exercises and fishing. The S end of the route described
the Flannan Isles, 42 miles NE. The centreline of this route, at 6.10, to the S of latitude 57° N, passes through a
which has a width of 6½ miles, extends N then NE from a submarine exercise area, as given at 6.4; and the entire
position 14 miles W of Barra Head (56°46′N, 7°38′W) to a route passes through an area of fishing activity, as given at
position 9 miles NW of the Butt of Lewis (58°31′N, 6.5.
6°15′W), as shown on the chart. The least charted depth in 2 Traffic convergence. There is an area of traffic
the route is 34 m (57°48′N, 7°50′W), and, with careful convergence about 15 miles W of Butt of Lewis, where
navigation, depths of over 50 m can be maintained. This vessels following the route given in this section cross those
route has been adopted by IMO; see 6.14. Atlantic routes between Cape Wrath (58°38′N, 5°00′W) and
ports on the E coast of North America, as given in Ocean
Topography Passages for the World, which pass within 10 miles of the
6.11 Flannan Isles (58°18′N, 7°35′W).
1 A general description of the Outer Hebrides is given at
1.84. Detailed descriptions of the coastal topography are Traffic regulations
given, from S to N, at 6.47, 6.60, 6.90, 6.119, 6.166. 6.14
A general description of Saint Kilda Group is given at 1 Laden tankers. The IMO recommend that, weather
6.27. From a distance of about 30 miles ESE, the group has permitting, laden tankers over 10 000 grt use the Deep
the appearance of a number of pillars on the horizon, a Water Route given at 6.10.
view which reveals mountains as the islands are For regulations and areas to be avoided see 1.42.
approached. Radio reporting procedures for a position S of the
2 A general description of the Flannan Isles is given at Outer Hebrides, prior to starting a route to the E or W of
6.35. these islands, are given in Admiralty List of Radio Signals
Volume 6(1).
Depths
6.12 Rescue
1 The edge of the coastal bank, as shown by the 50 m 6.15
depth contour, extends up to 15 miles from the W side of 1 A Coastguard Sector Base is established at Stornoway
the Outer Hebrides at the S and central part of the island (58°12′N, 6°23′W) and Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams
chain; at the N end it extends up to 8 miles from the NW (1.61) are based at Saint Kilda (57°49′N, 8°35′W),
coast of Lewis. alivanich (Benbecula) (57°28′N, 7°22′W) and Griminish
2 However, beyond the bank, there are many rock (57°40′N, 7°30′W).
pinnacles rising steeply from the seabed, out to a distance For emergency co-ordination and DF Services see 6.8.
of 5 miles off the S part of the bank, up to 12 miles W of An all-weather lifeboat (1.72) is stationed at Castlebay
the Heisker Islands (57°32′N, 7°38′W), and for up to (56°57′N, 7°30′W) (11.70).

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Harbours of refuge Directions

6.16 (continued from 5.13)
1 Loch Roag (58°15′N, 6°52′W) (6.178) is the only place Chart 2722
of safety on the W coast of the Outer Hebrides which is
Deep Water Route from south
easily accessible to large vessels, can be entered in safety
6.22
during a gale, and affords anchorage for medium sized
1 From the vicinity of 56°47′N, 8°05′W the Deep Water
vessels and shelter for some large vessels. See also 6.212.
Route leads N, outside the coastal bank and most of the
West Loch Tarbert (57°55′N, 7°01′W). Temporary
outlying rock pinnacles (6.12), passing:
shelter from SW gales, suitable for medium sized vessels,
W of the W extremity of Berneray (56°47′N, 7°38′W)
can be obtained in the lee of Taransay (57°54′N, 7°01′W),
(11.46), thence:
as given at 6.145.
W of a detached rock pinnacle, with a charted depth
of 49 m (56°53′N, 7°59′W), and:
2 W of several detached rock pinnacles, with a least
charted depth of 42 m, 3 miles ENE of the 49 m
Natural conditions pinnacle (above), thence:
6.17 W of a detached rock pinnacle, with a least charted
1 Tidal streams. General information on tidal streams is depth of 42 m (57°01′N, 7°53′W), thence:
given at 1.115. The few observations which have been W of a group of detached rock pinnacles, with a least
obtained in the waters W of the Outer Hebrides show the charted depth of 38 m (57°06′N, 7°56′W), thence:
streams between 10 and 50 miles from the land to be weak. 3 W of a detached rock pinnacle, with a charted depth
To the N of 58°N they appear to be both variable and very of 48 m (57°10′N, 7°59′W), which is the WSW
weak. For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: pinnacle of a chain extending 6 miles WSW from
North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland and the coastal bank, thence:
tidal stream stations on the charts. W of a detached rock pinnacle, with a charted depth
6.18 of 49 m (57°15′N, 7°56′W), which is the W of a
1 Currents. A general description of the currents off the chain extending 6 miles WSW from the coastal
W coast of Scotland is given at 1.110. bank, thence:
2 The prevailing W and SW winds cause, on the average, 4 W of a wave measurement light-buoy (special)
a weak NE-going current in the waters W of the Outer moored in position 57°18′N, 7°54′W, thence:
Hebrides and along the W coast of the Islands. With strong W of a detached rock pinnacle, with a charted depth
and long-continued winds from these directions, the current of 50 m (57°26′N, 8°00′W), which is the W of
near the land may be appreciable. With strong and rock pinnacles extending 4½ miles WNW from the
long-continued winds from N or NE the current may be coastal bank, thence:
reversed. 5 W of a detached rock pinnacle, with a least charted
6.19 depth of 47 m (57°30′N, 8°00′W), which lies
1 Local weather. The area W of the outer Hebrides is 10 miles W of the Heisker Islands (6.60), thence:
exposed to the Atlantic and subject to Atlantic depressions Clear of a detached rock pinnacle, with a charted
(1.131), gales (1.142) and storms (1.143). This results in a depth of 48 m (57°34′N, 8°02′W), which lies
prevailing system of constantly recurring bad weather. 1¾ miles W of a large shoal patch, with a least
depth of 28⋅5 m over its centre.

Chart 2721
Principal marks 6.23
6.20 1 From the vicinity of 57°37′N, 8°05′W the track along
1 Landmark: the centreline of the Deep Water Route leads NNE,
Old Lighthouse (57°31′⋅5N, 7°41′⋅6W) (6.67) standing passing:
on Heisker Islands. 2 WNW of a detached rock pinnacle, with a charted
Major lights: depth of 50 m (57°41′N, 7°57′W), which is the
Barra Head Light (56°47′N, 7°39′W) (6.52). NW of a number of pinnacles extending 8 miles W
2 Eilean Mór Light (white tower, 23 m in height) from Haskeir Island (6.97). Of this group, the least
(58°17′N, 7°35′W), which stands on the NE side charted depth over those pinnacles which extend
of the largest of the Flannan Isles. into the Deep Water Route is 39 m in position
Butt of Lewis Light (58°31′N, 6°16′W) (6.172). 57°40′N, 7°54′W, thence:
Rona (North Rona) Light (white square tower and 3 Between detached rock pinnacles, with charted depths
three buildings, 9 m in height) (59°07′N, 5°49′W) of 45 m (57°45′N, 7°50′W) and 43 m (57°47′N,
which stands on Toa Rona (6.40). 7°58′W), which lie near the sides of the Deep
Water Route, and:
Over or clear of a detached rock pinnacle, with a
charted depth of 50 m (57°46′N, 7°52′W), which
lies near the centreline of the route, thence:
Navigation aids 4 ESE of a detached rock pinnacle, with a least charted
6.21 depth of 34 m (57°48′N, 7°57′W). All the above
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the pinnacles form part of a chain extending from
Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at Haskeir Island (57°42′N, 7°40′W) to Saint Kilda
1.33. (57°49′N, 8°35′W) (6.27), 30 miles WNW. Thence:

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5 ESE of the shoal and pinnacle rocks extending up to Saint Kilda Group
2¾ miles ESE from Whale Rock (57°55′N,
8°01′W) which is steep-to and over which the sea
Chart 2524 plan of Saint Kilda and Boreray.
does not break even in heavy weather. A
light-buoy (E cardinal) marks Whale Rock. General information
Thence: 6.26
6 WNW of Gasker (57°59′N, 7°17′W) (6.127), which is 1 Saint Kilda Group consists of three uninhabited islands:
a good mark and from which a light is exhibited, Saint Kilda (57°49′N, 8°35′W); Soay, close W; and
thence: Boreray, 3 miles NE of Saint Kilda. An islet, Dùn, is
ESE of a bank which, with depths of less than 50 m connected to the S extremity of Saint Kilda by a drying
over it, extends up to 12 miles S from Flannan reef. There are also three large, inaccessible rocks:
Isles (58°17′N, 7°36′W) (6.35), thence: Levenish, 1¼ miles E of Dùn; Stac Lee, 2½ cables W of
7 ESE of a detached rock pinnacle, with a charted Boreray; and Stac an Armin, 2 cables NNW of Boreray.
depth of 40 m, 5½ miles ESE of Flannan Isles,
which lies on the NW edge of the Deep Water
Route, thence:
WNW of Gallan Head (58°15′N, 7°01′W) (6.127)
which is the SW entrance point of Loch Roag
(6.178) which provides refuge in a storm.

Chart 2720
6.24
1 From the vicinity of 58°22′N, 7°09′W the Deep Water
Route leads NE, passing:
NW of the edge of the coastal bank which extends
6½ miles NW from Tiumpan (58°18′N, 6°48′W) Levenish
(6.175), thence: St. Kilda from SE (6.26)
2 NW of a wreck, with a charted depth of 47 m (Original dated 2000)
(58°30′N, 6°37′W), and: (Photograph -- Air Images
Through an area of shipping convergence in the
vicinity of 58°33′N, 6°43′W (6.13), thence: 2 This group belongs to the National Trust for Scotland,
NW of detached rock pinnacles, with a least charted but Saint Kilda was formerly under the control of the army
depth of 30 m, which extend up to 4 miles WNW and until 1998 a detachment was stationed on the island,
from Butt of Lewis (58°31′N, 6°16′W) (6.175). on which a number of roads and buildings were
constructed.
3 The islands of the group consist, in the main, of two
types of igneous rocks: one of granite, a moderately light
colour, and the other of gabbro, a darker colour. The E part
From Deep Water Route to Rona of Saint Kilda is mainly granite, whilst the dark crags and
6.25 tattered pinnacles in the other parts of the islands of the
1 From the vicinity of 58°38′N, 6°27′W, at the NE end of group, particularly Boreray, are of gabbro.
the Deep Water Route, the track towards the Shetland 4 Saint Kilda is a National Nature Reserve.
Islands (60°25′N, 1°15′W) (Chart 219), about 200 miles NE
of the Butt of Lewis, and thence to the North Sea, leads
NE through deep water, passing: Topography
2 SE of an extensive bank, with a least depth of 44 m 6.27
over it (58°46′N, 6°32′W), on which there are 1 The islands, islets and rocks of Saint Kilda group are
many pinnacles and rocky ledges, thence: precipitous, the coasts being great cliffs of dark colour,
SE of Sulisker Bank which, with a least depth of honeycombed with large caves.
33 m over it (58°58′N, 6°20′W), extends 12 miles 2 Saint Kilda, the principal island of the group, rises to a
SW from Sula Sgeir (6.39), thence: peak in Conachair near its NE end. This mountain has a
3 SE of the bank, with depths of less than 50 m over smooth conical appearance from N and forms the highest
an uneven bottom, which surrounds and extends cliff in the British Isles; a gully, containing a stream, runs
3½ miles NE from Rona (59°07′N, 5°49′W) (6.40), down the hillside on the W side of Conachair. The
thence: remainder of the island is hilly with a coastline that is
SE of a large rocky shoal, with a least depth of 44 m generally precipitous and steep-to, with cliffs from 60 to
over it, which lies 7½ miles E of Rona, and: 300 m high. There are no trees or shrubs on the island but
4 NW of detached rock pinnacles, with a least charted the hills are green to their summits.
depth of 35 m (59°01′N, 5°14′W), which lie up to 3 Soay has a rounded summit which falls on the W side
10 miles NW of Nun Bank, given in the North in a nearly vertical black cliff and slopes to the E in a very
Coast of Scotland Pilot, thence: steep grassy incline, terminating N and S in vertical cliffs.
NW of detached rock pinnacles, with a least charted The cliff at the SE end of the island is less precipitous and
depth of 40 m (59°06′N, 5°03′W), which lie up to can be scaled.
7 miles NW of Solan Bank, given in the North 4 Boreray rises to a pinnacle summit of considerable
Coast of Scotland Pilot. height near its centre, whilst the coast consist of black

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cliffs which rise into curiously-shaped peaks from 100 to close inland, stand the modern buildings formerly occupied
300 m high. The S side of the island is covered with grass. by the army detachment. The houses forming the old
5 Stac Lee and Stac an Armin are similar in outline, with village street, some of which have been restored, stand
one side slightly sloping and the other a vertical precipice; inland of the newer buildings and are clearly
but, as they stand with their long sides at right angles to distinguishable from them.
each other, one of them always appears vertical-sided and 6.31
narrow, while the other has a sloping side and is wider. 1 Directions. Initial position: 2 miles E of Village Bay.
Gannets breed on these two rocks; the upper parts are, in Leading Lights:
consequence, quite white in appearance. Front light (cairn, 1 m in height) on the foreshore at
the head of the bay.
Depths Rear light (cairn, 2 m in height), 100 m W of the
6.28 front light.
1 The area around the Saint Kilda Group is largely The alignment (270°) of these lights leads to the
unsurveyed and such depths as are charted are mostly anchorage, passing (with positions from Rubha an Uisge):
based on lead-line surveys and lines of sounding, as shown 2 N of Bodhan, a small rock lying ½ cable NE of
in the Source Data Diagram on the plan. Special care Levenish (1¾ miles SE), a large rock with near
should be taken within the 50 m depth contour as given in vertical sides and a round summit, thence:
a caution on the chart. N of a rocky shoal, with a depth of 11 m over it,
2 Channels. There is a deep navigable channel between which extends up to 4 cables W from Levenish
Stac Lee and Boreray which is free from dangers. The and often creates a confused sea in its vicinity,
channel between Stac an Armin and Boreray is encumbered thence:
with rocks and islets; however, in 1983, passage was made 3 N of a detached rock, with a depth of 5⋅3 m over it
in deep water. (1¼ miles S), reported (1983) to lie 2 cables ESE
of Gob an Dùin (below), thence:
Natural conditions S of Rubha an Uisge, the E extremity of Saint Kilda,
6.29 and:
1 Local magnetic anomaly. Local deflection of the 4 N of Gob an Dùin (1 mile S), the SE extremity of
compass is reported to occur within 1 mile of the N coast Dùn, a high rocky ridge, which shows a steep
of Soay and 2 miles E of Levenish, as shown on the plan. green slope on its NE side and rises to a summit
Further magnetic anomalies have been reported to exist in in Bioda Mór, which has a contour that is serrated
several areas within 10 miles of Saint Kilda. in a fantastic manner. A crumbling and
2 Tidal streams near Saint Kilda set as follows: inconspicuous ruin stands on Gob an Dùin, and,
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks 1½ cables W of the point, the island is penetrated
by a high natural tunnel (arch) through which the
+0535 NE-going stream begins sea flows, but which does not provide a
–0040 SW-going stream begins boat-channel due to below-water rocks.
Useful mark:
In the immediate vicinity of the islands the rate at spring
Flagstaff (5 cables W) in the middle of modern
tides is 3 kn in both directions, but farther from them the
buildings.
rate is much less. The times given in the table above are
not reliable as they are based on insufficient observations.
3 Overfalls. At the SE end of Saint Kilda, when the wind
opposes the tidal stream, there are usually several heavy
tide rips which create overfalls across the channel between
the SE extremity of Dùn, and Levenish 1¼ miles E. These
overfalls strongly resemble the sea breaking over rocks,
particularly in heavy weather, even though the water in the
middle of the gap is charted as being deep.
4 Local weather. Constantly recurring spells of bad
weather prevail in this region. In addition haze, mist or fog
often prevent the islands being seen until within a distance
of 5 miles or less.

Anchorage and moorings

6.30
1 Village Bay, on the E side of Saint Kilda, entered
between Rubha an Uisge (57°49′N, 8°33′W) and Dùn, Village Bay, St. Kilda, from SE (6.31)
1 mile S, affords safe anchorage protected from the strength (Original dated 2000)
of all winds except those from between NE and SE. A (Photograph − Air Images
certain amount of swell is caused by strong SW winds,
and, during gales, the squalls which come down from the 6.32
hills in unpredictable directions are very violent, if only 1 Anchorages. The best anchorage lies in the middle of
momentary. However the holding ground is good and the the bay, in a depth of 20 m, sand overlaying rock, as
discomfort caused by the swell is not great. This bay is shown on the plan. Anchorages for small craft, closer to
frequented by trawlers seeking shelter from the bad the shore, are also shown on the plan.
weather. 2 Landing. A concrete pier, which extends from the shore
2 Topography. The head of the bay consists of a beach of on the N side of the bay just S of the flagstaff, is
large stones and boulders. On the N side of this beach, accessible to boats at or near HW, except during gales.

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When berthing in all but the calmest weather care is channel which is foul; Bròna Cleit, 2 cables SW of
required at half tide or less as there are large boulders on Roareim, is the W rock of this group and of the Flannan
the bottom, and a scend from any swell. Isles.
2 A shoal, with a least depth of 11⋅4 m over it, 7 cables
Small craft anchorage and landings NNE of Roareim, breaks in bad weather (6.19), and a
6.33 bank, with a least depth of 37 m over it, 7½ cables S of
1 Loch a’ Ghlinne (57°49′N, 8°36′W), a small indentation Eilean a’ Ghobha, breaks occasionally in heavy gales.
on the N side of Saint Kilda, affords anchorage for small
craft in a depth of 38 m, as shown on the plan. This
anchorage is not comfortable owing to the swell but is Chart 2524 plan of Sula Sgeir
often used by trawlers during SE gales. Sula Sgeir
2 Loch a’ Ghlinne, which is well sheltered except from
6.39
the N, has no known dangers more than ¼ cable from the
1 Sula Sgeir (59°06′N, 6°09′W) is a precipitous rocky islet
shores of the bay. However, the W side of the outer part of
which lies at the NE end of Sulisker Bank (6.24), and
the bay has not been fully surveyed, as shown on the
10 miles W of Rona (below). Generally, Sula Sgeir is
Source Data Diagram.
steep-to with depths over 30 m within 2 cables of the islet
3 Landing can be effected at the head of the bay, near the
and its offshore features except off the NW coast where
position at which a stream falls over a rocky cliff which is
shoals and rocks, some of which dry, extend up to 5 cables
sufficiently low and sloping to permit landing.
offshore. Sula Sgeir Light (white square metal structure,
6.34
5 m in height) stands near the S extremity of the islet. It is
1 Landing can be effected at the following places in
uninhabited but visited by fishermen from Lewis during the
addition to Village Bay and Loch a’ Ghlinne, given above.
summer.
Saint Kilda, occasionally, at one of the caves along the
2 In good weather landing is possible in the bay on the
N coast.
NW side of the islet which is a National Nature Reserve
Dùn, which is difficult but can be achieved close to a
and the site of an important gannet colony. Anchoring is
cave at the NW end of the islet, when the sea is smooth.
not recommended in the vicinity.
Soay, which can only be achieved at the SE end.
3 Gralisgeir, a large above-water rock, lies 3½ cables S of
2 Boreray, near its S end, close to Sgarbhstac, a rock lying
Sula Sgeir, and Bogha Còrr, which dries, lies about
close off the SW end of the island.
6 cables W of the N end of Sula Sgeir.

Outlying islands
Chart 2524 plan of Rona
Chart 2524 plan of Flannan Isles Rona
Flannan Isles 6.40
6.35 1 General information. Rona, sometimes known as North
1 The Flannan Isles consist of several rocky islands, islets Rona (59°07′N, 5°49′W), an uninhabited island 10 miles E
and rocks forming three detached groups, as described of Sula Sgeir (above), is triangular in shape. The N part is
below (with positions from Eilean Mór (58°17′N, 7°35′W)). low and flat whilst the S part rises steeply to Toa Rona,
The islands are uninhabited, but are occasionally visited by near the SE corner, on which stands Rona (North Rona)
crofters who graze their sheep there. Light (6.20); a radio mast stands approximately 4 cables
Caution. Charted depths in the vicinity of the Flannan NW of the light. The cliffs round the SE part of the island
Isles have been obtained only from lead-line surveys, as and along its W side are nearly vertical.
shown in the Source Data Diagram. This area has not been 2 Fishing vessels are regularly worked in the deeper
closely examined and local knowledge or great caution is waters around the island.
required if approaching within the 50 m depth contour. Rona is a National Nature Reserve.
2 Tidal streams in the vicinity appear to be variable and Climatic table is given at 1.159.
very weak. Depths. Rona lies near the SW end of a bank, with
6.36 depths of 21 to 55 m over it, which extends nearly 4 miles
1 Eilean Mór, the N and largest of the Flannan Isles, on NE from the island. The surrounding seabed is very
which stands Eilean Mór Light (6.20), is part of the NE irregular, comprising many rock pinnacles and large
group. The best landing place is on the SW side of the boulders and is generally unsuitable for anchoring. The W
island, as shown on the plan. Landing should only be side of Rona is generally steep-to and free from dangers,
attempted in moderate weather. apart from a rock, with a depth of 4⋅1 m over it, which lies
2 Eilean Tighe (close SE) is separated from Eilean Mór by 1 cable W of the N extremity. The N and E sides of the
a narrow and encumbered channel in which a least depth of island are generally shoal, as shown on the plan, and
6⋅9 m was obtained in 1985. above-water rocks lie off its the SE and SW ends.
Gealtaire Mór (8 cables E) is the E rock of the Flannan 3 Approach from the N should be made with caution as
Isles. the N extremity is particularly difficult to observe against
6.37 the higher background of Toa Rona.
1 Soray (6½ cables S), Sgeir Toman, close S, and Sgeir 4 Landing on Rona is generally difficult owing to an
Righinn are the main islets in the SE group. This group is ever-present swell, but in calm weather landing can be
surrounded by rocky shoals over which the sea breaks in effected on all sides of the island when in a lee. On the W
bad weather (6.19), as shown on the plan. side it is possible to land, with care, in a small inlet
6.38 6 cables S of the N point of Rona. Good landing can also
1 Roareim (1½ miles WSW), the N islet of the W group, be effected alongside some natural steps in a small cove on
is separated from Eilean a’ Ghobha, close S, by a shallow the E side, 5 cables SSE of the N extremity of the island.

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COASTAL ROUTE WEST OF OUTER HEBRIDES

GENERAL INFORMATION 3 Farther N, in the bight E of a line from Griminish Point
(57°40′N, 7°30′W) to Scarp, 24 miles NNE, the tidal
Chart 2635 streams set as follows:
Synopsis
6.41 Interval from
Remarks
1 Route. This section describes the coastal route off the HW Ullapool
W side of the Outer Hebrides from a position 2 miles W of +0540 N-going stream, which sets E towards
Berneray (56°47′N, 7°38′W) to a position NW of the Butt Sound of Harris, begins
of Lewis (58°31′N, 6°16′W), a distance of about 120 miles. –0030 S-going stream, which sets W from
2 This coastal route includes passage on both sides of the Sound of Harris, begins
Heisker or Monach Islands (57°32′N, 7°38′W), as given at
6.58. It does not include the various sounds which pass 4 Though these streams may be fairly strong off the
through the Outer Hebrides from E to W, as these sounds salient points and in the narrow channels, they are probably
are given in chapters 11 and 12. Neither does it include the very weak elsewhere in the bight.
offshore and Deep Water Route, W of the Outer Hebrides, 5 Between Heisker Islands (57°32′N, 7°38′W) and Gasker
which is given at 6.10. (57°59′N, 7°17′W), 30 miles NNE, and thence along the
See 1.42 for areas to be avoided. coast to Gallan Head, 17 miles farther NNE, the tidal
6.42 streams set as follows:
1 Harbours. There are no major harbours along the W Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
side of the Outer Hebrides. Major lochs, which are found
–0430 N-going stream begins
only on the W side of the Isle of Lewis (1.87), include:
West Loch Tarbert (57°55′N, 6°57′W) (6.129) which +0155 S-going stream begins
includes anchorage suitable for medium sized 6 These streams are very weak from close N of Heisker
vessels. Islands to close S of Gasker, but off Gasker the rate at
2 Loch Roag (58°15′N, 6°52′W) (6.178) which affords spring tides is 2 kn in both directions.
refuge for some large vessels and anchorage for Tidal streams to the NE of Gallan Head (58°15′N,
medium sized vessels. 7°01′W) are given at 6.171.
3 Small craft facilities. From S to N, the W side of the 7 For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
Outer Hebrides affords little shelter for small craft until North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland and
reaching the Heisker Islands; however, from these islands tidal stream stations on the chart.
to the N, well-sheltered summer anchorage can be found in
the areas of the Sound of Harris (57°44′N, 7°05′W)
(12.195), West Loch Tarbert (above), Loch Resort COASTAL ROUTE — BERNERAY TO
(58°03′N, 7°00′W) (6.158), and Loch Roag (above). Being SOUND OF BARRA
exposed to the full ferocity of the Atlantic these lochs and
sound are best entered during settled weather. General information
Charts 1796, 2722, 2769
Topography Route
6.43 6.46
1 A general description of the Outer Hebrides is given at 1 The coastal route along the W side of the S group of
1.84. the Outer Hebrides from a position 2 miles W of Berneray
Topographical features within the islands, visible from (56°47′N, 7°38′W) leads E of N for about 18 miles to a
seaward on the W side, are given in the text of each position W of the NW entrance to the Sound of Barra
coastal route. (57°05′N, 7°28′W) (11.89).
Depths See 1.42 for areas to be avoided.
6.44 Topography
1 Charted depths over the majority of the coastal waters to 6.47
the W of the Outer Hebrides, extending in places up to 1 From Barra Head, the S extremity of Berneray, the S
11 miles from the coast, are based on lead-line surveys. group of the Outer Hebrides consists of a number of
This area, which has not been surveyed to modern islands, islets and rocks extending NNE for 18 miles to the
standards, is subject to the limitations given in a note on N end of Barra.
the chart. Berneray is described at 11.46. Barra Head Lighthouse
(6.52) stands near the W end of the island.
Tidal streams
2 Mingulay (56°49′N, 7°38′W) is described at 11.46. The
6.45
W coast of the island consists of precipitous cliffs, from 35
1 Off the W side of the Outer Hebrides, between Barra
to 230 m high, which are densely populated with sea-birds
Head (56°47′N, 7°38′W) and the W extremity of North
during the breeding season.
Uist, 50 miles N, the streams near the land tend to set
Pabbay (56°51′N, 7°35′W) which is described at 11.65,
along the coast as follows:
is generally steep-to on its W side.
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks 3 Lingay (56°52′N, 7°34′W), situated in the W entrance to
–0430 N-going stream begins the Sound of Pabbay, 6 cables N of the island of Pabbay,
has coasts which are moderately bold and cliffy. From NW
+0155 S-going stream begins Lingay shows a rounded summit falling steeply to the S
2 The rate at spring tides in both directions is 2 kn off the and sloping gradually towards the NE to end in a low
salient points but is reduced between these points. point.

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4 Flodday (56°54′N, 7°34′W) is situated 9 cables W of 6.53

Sandray (11.55). Its W coast consists of black cliffs and 1 Major lights:
there is a natural arch through the centre of the island. Barra Head Light—as above, which is reported to be
Flodday is not clearly visible from the W as it blends into obscured during periods of low cloud.
Sandray.
5 Vatersay (56°56′N, 7°32′W), which is the only inhabited
island to the S of Barra, is divided into two parts by a low Other navigational aids
sandy isthmus on both sides of which is a bay. To the N of 6.54
this isthmus Vatersay rises to its summit in Heishival Mór. 1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the
6 Barra (57°00′N, 7°30′W) is described at 11.46. The NW Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at
end of Barra consists of rocky points alternating with sandy 1.33.
bays. The most prominent points are steep-to, but a shoal
bank usually extends 5 cables from those points forming
the entrances to the bays. Between Doirlinn Head (56°58′N, Directions
7°33′W) (6.55) and Greian Head, 2¾ miles NNE (6.55), the (continued from 5.13)
coast is particularly indented by sandy bays.
7 Farther N, between Greian Head (57°01′N, 7°32′W) and Charts 1796, 2769, 2770
Scurrival Point, 3¾ miles NE (6.55), the coast forms a bay Berneray to Sound of Barra
which is foul on its S side and contains isolated patches 6.55
with depths of less than 5 m over them. Ben Eoligarry Mór 1 From the vicinity of 56°47′N, 7°43′W, the coastal route
(chart 2770), 1¼ miles SSE of Scurrival Point, is a green W of the Outer Hebrides leads E of N for about 18 miles,
hill which falls rather steeply to the W. passing (with positions from Doirlinn Head (56°58′N,
7°33′W)):
W of Sròn an Dùin (11½ miles SSW) on the head of
Depths which stands Barra Head Light (6.52). Bird Rock,
6.48 a small islet 3½ cables ESE of Sròn an Duin, lies
1 The coastal route passes over the coastal bank which, ½ cable offshore, thence:
with charted depths of less than 50 m, extends about 2 W of Skate Point (11½ miles SSW) which is the W
10 miles offshore. Charted depths on the bank are quite extremity of Berneray (11.46), thence:
uneven, with depths of less than 20 m extending up to W of the W entrance to the Sound of Berneray
4 miles offshore. The majority of this bank, to within a (11 miles SSW) (11.57), thence:
short distance of the coast, has been surveyed to modern W of Twin Rocks (10¾ miles SSW), a drying rocky
standards as shown in the Source Data Diagrams on the patch with two heads which lies 5 cables NW of
charts. Geirum Mór (11.60) and ¾ cable off the W side of
Mingulay (11.46), thence:
3 W of Sunk Rock (10¼ miles SSW) which is awash
Hazards and lies ½ cable N of Arnamul, an islet close to
6.49 the W side of Mingulay, thence:
1 The S end of the route described above, to the S of W of Guarsay Mór (9½ miles SSW), the NW
latitude 57° N, passes through a submarine exercise area, extremity of Mingulay, thence:
as given at 6.4, and the entire route passes through an area W of The Red Boy (8½ miles SSW) which is a
of fishing activity, as given at 6.5. remarkable detached rock situated close W of the
N extremity of Mingulay, thence:
4 W of the W entrance to Sound of Mingulay
Rescue (8¼ miles SSW) (11.62), thence:
6.50 W of Outer Heisker (8 miles SSW) (11.65), thence:
1 An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) and an W of a rock which dries 3⋅2 m (7 miles SSW) and
all-weather lifeboat (1.72) are maintained at Castlebay which lies 1 cable off the middle of the W coast of
(56°57′N, 7°30′W) (11.70). Pabbay (11.65), thence:
5 W of a bank, with a least depth of 8⋅3 m over it
(6 miles SSW), which lies 6 cables W of Lingay
Natural conditions (6.47) in the W entrance to Sound of Pabbay
6.51 (11.66), and breaks during heavy seas, thence:
1 Tidal streams in general off the W side of the Outer W of Flodday (4 miles S) (6.47), thence:
Hebrides, at the S end, are described at 6.45. W of the W entrance to Sound of Sandray (3¼ miles
Overfalls occur off the W side of the N part of S) (11.69), thence:
Vatersay, to the N of 56°56′N, 7°35′W. 6 Over or clear of detached patches, with a least
Currents. Information on currents is given at 6.18. charted depth of 14⋅9 m (3 miles SW) and with
depths of less than 20 m extending up to 2¾ miles
W from Biruaslum (2 miles SSW) which is
Principal marks connected to the W extremity of Vatersay (6.47)
6.52 by a drying reef. Biruaslum is the N entrance point
1 Landmarks: of Bàgh Siar which has moderate depths and is
Barra Head Lighthouse (white stone tower, 18 m in sandy near its head but affords no anchorage.
height) (56°47′N, 7°39′W) which is conspicuous Thence:
and stands on Sròn an Dùin near the W end of 7 W of drying and dangerous rocks which lie up to
Berneray, 7 cables NW of Barra Head (11.55). 4 cables off the W entrance to Vatersay Sound

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(1 mile SSW) which is permanently closed by a Outside Heisker Islands. The route outside the Heisker
causeway between Vatersay and Barra in the Islands has charted depths of more than 20 m through a
vicinity of 56°57′N, 7°32′W. The W side of the N channel width of 1½ miles.
part of Vatersay should be given a wide berth to 3 Inside Heisker Islands. The route inside the Heisker
avoid the overfalls given at 6.51. Thence: Islands, using the Sound of Monach (below) and the Sound
8 W of Doirlinn Head which is a high vertical bluff, of Causamul (below), has a minimum width of 3¾ cables
steep-to and penetrated by a large cavern (Natural and a least depth of 7 m in the fairway of the Sound
Arch), thence: Monach, to the NE of Stockay (57°32′N, 7°35′W). In view
W of Greian Head (2¾ miles NNE), a small salient of the small scale of the chart, local knowledge is required
promontory forming the NW extremity of Barra for this route.
(11.46), thence: See 1.42 for areas to be avoided.
9 W of Scurrival Point (6½ miles NE), the NE 6.59
extremity of Barra, which rises close within to Ben 1 Sound of Monach (57°33′N, 7°33′W) separates Heisker
Scurrival (11.90), thence: Islands from North Uist, 3¾ miles NE. The narrowest part
W of Fiaray (7 miles NE) (11.90), thence: of the sound lies between the NE end of Stockay Reef,
10 W of the NW entrance to the Sound of Barra (8 miles 1¼ miles NE of Stockay (6.75), and a shoal, with a depth
NNE) (11.89), which can be identified when the of 1⋅5 m over it, 1½ miles NE of Stockay, which lies at the
sound is well open, by Ben Scrien (57°05′N, SW end of foul ground extending SW from North Uist.
7°20′W) (11.91) bearing 085° and well open N of 2 Sound of Causamul lies between Causamul (57°36′N,
Fiaray. 7°36′W) (6.97) and Aird an Rùnair, 1½ miles E (6.78) with
a channel close to Aird an Rùnair. The bottom of this
channel is very uneven but there is a least depth of 8⋅8 m
Useful mark in the fairway and, even during W gales, the sea is
6.56 comparatively smooth.
1 A conspicuous hotel (56°58′⋅5N, 7°31′⋅0W), situated
near the head of the bay entered between Doirlinn
Head and Borve Point, 1½ miles NE. Topography
(Directions continue for coastal route N at 6.69) 6.60
1 South Uist (1.85) extends 18 miles N from the Sound of
Barra (57°05′N, 7°20′W). The W coast is sandy, without
Small craft indentations, and is fringed with low grassy hills which
lack distinctive features. A number of farmhouses and other
buildings, standing at intervals, form a N/S chain about
Charts 2769, 2770 1 mile in from the W coast.
Landing From NW, Ben Corodale, charted as 525 m (57°16′⋅5N,
6.57 7°16′⋅5W) (11.121), shows a cliffy summit.
1 The W side of the S group of the Outer Hebrides is 2 Benbecula (57°27′N, 7°20′W) (1.86), which lies
exposed to the Atlantic and affords no shelter. The only between South Uist and North Uist, rises to Rueval
place suitable for landing from a boat is on the W side of (12.136) in the NE part of the island, which is the only
Barra, amongst the rocks 1 mile S of Greian Head hill. The W coast consists of sand with rocky points which
(57°01′N, 7°32′W). dry out from 2 to 3 cables offshore. The population is
2 The only place for anchorage in emergency is in the chiefly scattered along the W side of the island.
Sound of Fiaray (57°04′N, 7°27′W), in a least depth of 3 Oitir Mhór or North Ford (57°30′N, 7°20′W) which
4 m, out of the swell. separates the N side of Benbecula from the S side of North
Uist, 1½ miles N, is crossed by a causeway at its E end
which connects the two islands. Oitir Mhór is so
encumbered with islands and sandbanks that, at LW spring
tides, it is scarcely useable by boats. The deepest channel
COASTAL ROUTE — SOUND OF BARRA up to the causeway passes close N of Beul an Toim
TO AIRD AN RÙNAIR (57°29′⋅3N, 7°23′⋅5W) then between An Tom, the N
extremity of Benbecula, and the S extremity of Baleshare
(6.73), 3 cables N.
General information 4 North Uist (57°35′N, 7°20′W) is described at 1.85. The
W side of the island is comparatively flat with a few hills
which attain elevations of 120 to 150 m; the W coast is
Chart 2722 comprised mainly of sand. The SW coast forms a large
Route bight which, from the SW extremity, extends 5½ miles NW
6.58 to Rubha Mór. Within the bight lie the island of Baleshare
1 The coastal route along the W side of the central group (6.73) and Kirkibost Island (6.75), close NW, which is
of the Outer Hebrides, from a position W of the NW separated from North Uist by Bial a’ Chaolais, a narrow
entrance to the Sound of Barra (57°05′N, 7°28′W), channel which dries. Farther N, between Rubha Mór
continues E of N for about 18 miles to a position W of (57°34′N, 7°29′W) (6.75) and Aird an Rùnair, 2¾ miles
Ardivachar Point (57°23′N, 7°25′W), thence as required to NW (6.78) the coast is broken with alternate sandy bays
pass either side of the Heisker or Monach Islands (57°32′N, and rocky patches.
7°38′W). 5 Heisker or Monach Islands, which lie between 4 and
2 Caution. At night or in thick weather this coast should 7½ miles WSW of Rubha Mór, consists of five islands
not be approached within a depth of 30 m. between Shillay (57°32′N, 7°42′W), to the W, and Stockay,

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3¾ miles ENE. This group of islands, which is a National West coast of South Uist. Tidal streams off the W coast
Nature Reserve, is separated from North Uist by Sound of of South Uist near the land set in the direction of the coast
Monach (6.59). as follows:
6 These islands, which are all low lying, consist of Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
schistose and granite rocks covered with fine sand derived
from shells. This covering is so light it permits great –0430 N-going stream begins
changes in the surface during storms and heavy swell from +0155 S-going stream begins
the Atlantic. There are some patches of grazing and former 2 The rate at spring tides is 2 kn in both directions off the
cultivation, with a few houses near the SW end of Ceann salient points but is much less between the points and also
Ear (6.72). There is no longer a permanent population but decreases with distance offshore.
the old schoolhouse is kept in repair for occasional use by South Ford and Oitir Mhór. Tidal streams in the W
visiting lobster fishermen. entrances to both South Ford and Oitir Mhór set as
7 Monach Isles Light (white framework tower, elevation follows:
19 m) (57°31′⋅6N, 7°41′⋅6W) stands on Shillay, close
seaward of the Old Lighthouse (6.67). Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
Caution is required when in the vicinity of these islands +0525 In-going stream begins
on account of their position, low elevation, and the
–0035 Out-going stream begins
numerous rocks which surround them.
6.65
1 Heisker Islands. Tidal streams to the S of the islands
Depths set as follows:
6.61 Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
1 Between Orosay (57°08′N, 7°25′W) and Ardivachar
Point, 15 miles N, the coast, though sandy, is interspersed –0430 N-going stream begins
with drying rocks which extend, in places, 1 mile offshore. +0155 S-going stream begins
Other patches, with charted depths of less than 5 m, extend To the N of the islands the streams begin 15 minutes
up to 2 miles offshore; many of these break in strong winds later.
from the W. 2 Rate. In a position 12 miles S of the islands, the streams
2 The 30 m depth contour lies about 5 miles off the W are very weak, as shown on the chart. These streams gain
coast of South Uist and Benbecula and about 1½ miles S strength as the shallow water around the islands is
of the Heisker Islands (57°32′N, 7°38′W). Detached approached and set strongly both E and W of the islands
patches, with depths of less than 20 m over them, lie up to and in the channels between them. The rate of these
8½ miles offshore in the vicinity of 57°16′⋅5N, 7°40′W streams is not known but may reach 3 kn in the shallow
and, with a least depth of 5 m, lie 3½ miles W of the water around the islands at spring tides.
Heisker Islands. 3 Eddies probably form near the islets rocks and shoals.
3 Source data. Charted depths in the vicinity of the The N-going streams from E and W of the islands meet
Heisker Islands and to the E and N of these islands, are in a position 2 miles N of the group and form an eddy
based on lead-line surveys as shown in the Source Data which sets S towards them. Similarly the S-going streams
Diagram on the chart, which also carries a warning with meet 2 miles S of the islands and form an eddy which sets
regard to incomplete surveys. N towards them.
4 Caution. The area between Deasker (57°34′N, 7°37′W) 4 Sound of Monach. Tidal streams in the Sound of
(6.75) and Causamul, 2½ miles NNE (6.97), should be Monach (57°33′N, 7°33′W) (6.59) set as follows:
considered a dangerous area in which there may be
uncharted shoals. Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
–0430 N-going stream begins

Hazard +0155 S-going stream begins

6.62 5 The rate at spring tides is 2 kn in both directions.
1 The route described above passes through an area of Sound of Causamul. Tidal streams in the Sound of
fishing activity as given at 6.5. This activity is reported to Causamul (57°36′N, 7°33′W) (6.59) and off Aird an
be particularly intense around the Heisker Islands. Rùnair, close E, begin 1½ hours earlier than those in the
Sound of Monach (above) and set in the same direction at
the same rate.
Rescue 6 For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
6.63 North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland and
1 A Coastguard Sector Base is established at Stornoway tidal stream stations on the chart.
(58°12′N, 6°23′W) and Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams Currents. Information on currents is given at 6.18.
(1.61) are based at Castlebay (56°57′N, 7°30′W) and
Balivanich (Benbecula) (57°28′N, 7°22′W).
For emergency co-ordination and DF Services see 11.12. Sea state
An all-weather lifeboat (1.72) is stationed at Castlebay 6.66
(11.70). 1 Despite its exposure to the Atlantic, little swell is
created off the W coast of Benbecula which is probably
due to the rough shallow ground which extends 1½ miles
Tidal streams offshore.
6.64 Caution. In winter, with the prevalent SW and W gales,
1 Tidal streams in general off the W side of the Outer a very heavy swell and dangerous sea may be experienced
Hebrides, at the S end, are described at 6.45. near the Heisker Islands.

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Climatic table for Benbecula is given at 1.160. 4 Over or clear of detached shallow patches, with a
least charted depth of 14⋅1 m (5¼ miles WNW)
(6.61), and:
Principal marks W of a charted depth of 4⋅6 m (2¾ miles N) which
6.67 lies 4 cables WSW of Red Rock and 8 cables W of
1 Landmarks: Verran Islet (2¾ miles NNE), thence:
Old Lighthouse (conspicuous red brick tower, 40 m in 5 W of Seed Reef (6¾ miles N) which has a least
height) (57°31′⋅6N, 7°41′⋅6W) which stands on the charted depth of 3⋅4 m and breaks heavily, thence:
W side of Shillay (6.72), close inland of Monach W of Ardivachar Rocks (9 miles N) which dry and
Isles Light (6.60). lie on the W edge of foul ground containing
several rocks which dry, extending up to 1½ miles
W from Ardivachar Point, on which stands a light
(occasional) which is exhibited in conjunction with
a firing range similar to that at 6.71.
6.70
1 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 196° of Doirlinn
Head (56°58′N, 7°33′W) (6.55) well open WNW of Greian
Head, 2¾ miles NNE, clears WNW of Washington Reef
and all other shoals in the NW entrance to Sound of Barra.
6.71
1 Useful marks:
Falconet Tower (tower, 25 m in height) (57°22′N,
7°24′W) which exhibits a light prior to and during
firing over an army range shown on chart Q6403.
2 Roman Catholic chapel, 1¼ miles N of Falconet
Tower, which is a long, plain, slated building with
a belfry, standing 1 mile S of Hornish Point, the S
Heisker or Monach Isles Light (white) entrance point to South Ford.
and Old Lighthouse (red brick) from WNW (6.67) (Directions continue for route inside
(Original dated 2000) the Heisker Islands at 6.73)
(Photograph − Air Images)

Coastal route outside the Heisker Islands

Other navigational aids
6.72
6.68
1 From a position 5 miles W of Ardivachar Point
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the
(57°23′N, 7°26′W) the outer and deeper route leads NW
Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at
for about 13 miles, passing (with positions from Monach
1.33.
Isles Light (57°31′⋅6N, 7°41′⋅6W)):
2 SW of a detached shallow patch, with a charted depth
of 7 m (2 miles SE) which lies 1 mile SW of Scrot
Directions Mór, a rock which lies close SW of Ceann Ear,
(continued from 6.56, 11.107 and 11.108) the SE and largest of the Heisker Islands (6.60).
Ceann Ear, which has sandy hillocks and the
remains of a village near its SW end, is
Sound of Barra to Ardivachar Point surrounded by foul ground and shoals which
6.69 extend 5 cables W and 4½ cables SW from its S
1 From the vicinity of 57°05′N, 7°39′W the coastal route end. Thence:
W of the Outer Hebrides continues E of N for about 3 SW of drying rocks which lie 5 cables S and W of
18 miles, passing (with positions from Rubha Ardvule Shivinish (1¾ miles E) which lies between Ceann
(57°15′N, 7°27′W)): Ear and Ceann Iar (below), to which it is
W of Washington Reef (8½ miles S) (11.107); see connected by a drying reef, and:
clearing bearing at 6.70. Identification of the Clear of a rock pinnacle, with a least depth of 17⋅4 m
Sound of Barra from W is mentioned at 6.55. over it (3¼ miles SW), and:
Thence: 4 SW of Raiskeir (5½ cables S), 6 m high and reported
2 W of Orosay (6¾ miles SSE) (11.111), thence: to be a useful mark, which is the highest part of
W of Holesgeir Rock (4 miles S) which dries and lies an above-water and below-water reef which lies up
8 cables offshore, thence: to 6 cables SW of Ceann Iar (3½ cables ESE).
W of John’s Rocks (7½ cables S) which are subject Ceann Iar is fringed by a coastal reef which
to heavy breakers, thence: extends 2½ cables offshore in places. Hearnish, the
3 W of shoal patches, with a least charted depth of NE extremity of the island, is low rising 2 cables
7⋅5 m (1½ miles W) which lie up to 2 miles off SW to Cnoc Mór, a flat-topped hillock. Thence:
Rubha Ardvule, a salient and prominent point on 5 SW of a narrow above-water and below-water reef,
which stands a light (occasional) which is the NW extremity of which lies 3½ cables W of
exhibited in conjunction with a firing range, Monach Isles Light on Shillay, the W of the
similar to that at 6.71. The ruins of Ormaclett Heisker Islands which is so well protected by reefs
Castle stand 2 miles NE of the point. Thence: that no heavy swell washes over the island, thence:

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6 SW of Huskeiran (9½ cables WNW), an above-water 6.74

and below-water reef, the highest part of which is 1 Clearing marks:
Clettan a Fer near the centre of the reef, and: The alignment (156°) of the Roman Catholic chapel
Clear of a rock, with a least depth of 5 m over it (57°23′N, 7°24′W) (6.71) with Beinn Mhor,
(3¼ miles W), which lies 1¼ miles SW of 8½ miles SSE, clears close WSW of Red Rock
Huskeiran, thence: and the 8⋅5 m shoal 4 cables NW of it.
7 SW of the foul ground extending 8 cables SW from The alignment (292°) of Scrot Mór (57°30′⋅5N,
West Dureberg (2 miles NNW). 7°37′⋅0W) (6.72) with Monach Isles Light,
(Directions continue for coastal route N at 6.97) 2½ miles WNW, clears 3½ cables N of Bo Ruag.
6.75
1 Sound of Monach. From a position 1½ miles E of the S
end of Stockay (57°32′N, 7°35′W) the line of bearing 333°
Route inside the Heisker Islands of the SW half of Haskeir Island (57°42′N, 7°41′W), open
(continued from 6.71) SW of Causamul, 6½ miles SSE, leads NNW through the
6.73 fairway of the Sound of Monach (6.59) in a least depth as
1 Approach to Sound of Monach from south. From a given at 6.58, passing (with positions from the S end of
position 5 miles W of Ardivachar Point (57°23′N, 7°26′W), Stockay):
the track along the inner route continues E of N for about 2 WSW of a detached shoal, with a charted depth of
9 miles, through a position 2 miles E of Ceann Ear 7 m (2½ miles ENE) which lies 2¾ miles WSW of
(57°31′N, 7°37′W), passing (with positions from the SE Kirkibost Island, the W coast of which is similar
extremity of Ceann Ear): to that of Baleshare, close SE (6.73), thence:
2 W of the W entrance to South Ford (9½ miles SE) ENE of the large shoal extending N from East Rock
(6.83, 12.123), thence: (7 cables E) (6.73), thence:
Over or clear of a detached rocky patch, with a 3 ENE of Stockay Reef, which consists of uneven
charted depth of 14⋅3 m (5¼ miles SSE), which rocky ground extending 8 cables N and 1¼ miles
lies 5½ miles offshore, thence: NE from the N end of Stockay, and on which
3 W of Red Rock (7 miles SE) which lies near the edge there is a shoal, with a least depth of 3⋅4 m over
of a bank which, with depths of less than 10 m it, lying 1 mile NE of Stockay. Over the whole of
over it, extends 1¾ miles offshore; see clearing this reef the sea breaks heavily, especially during
marks at 6.74. Foul ground extends up to 6 cables spring tides, when it has the appearance of a mass
from the W coast of Benbecula, to the S of Red of breakers. And:
Rock. Thence: 4 WSW of a shoal, with a depth of 1⋅5 m over it
4 W of Bo Ruag (4¼ miles SE), a large flat rock which (1½ miles NE), which lies near the WSW edge of
dries, with smaller rocks at a distance of 1 cable the foul ground extending 2¼ miles WSW from
around it. These rocks are generally steep-to and Rubha Mór (3¾ miles NE), a low sandy point on
marked by breakers; see clearing marks at 6.74. the SW side of North Uist. Vosgeir (2 miles NE) is
Thence: the outer of the drying rocks on the foul ground
5 Over the coastal bank, with depths of less than 20 m (above) with Langaskeir (2¾ miles NE) and Rubha
(2½ miles SE), and: Raoill (3¼ miles NE) lying closer to Rubha Mór.
W of Beul an Toim (7¼ miles ESE) (6.60), thence: Thence:
E of Bo Caramach, which dries 1⋅8 m and lies at the 5 WSW of shoals, with a least depth of 1⋅2 m over
E end of a chain of rocks extending 1 mile E from them (2¼ miles NNE), which lie 2 miles W of
the S extremity of Ceann Ear (6.72), from the E Rubha Mór, thence:
side of which foul ground extends 7 cables E, WSW of Carraig Craig (3 miles NE), a flat rock
thence: which dries, and of a shoal, with a least depth of
6 Clear of a rocky shoal, with a depth of 7⋅6 m over it 2⋅1 m over it (3½ miles NE), which lies 4½ cables
(2¼ miles ENE) which lies 1¼ miles ESE of NNW of the rock, and:
Stockay (below), and: 6 ENE of a shallow bank and foul ground which
7 W of Sgeir an Galtun (6¾ miles E), a drying rock surround Deasker (2¼ miles NNW), a bare rock,
which lies 7 cables off the W coast of Baleshare, reported to be prominent, over which the sea
an island connected to North Uist by a causeway. washes in winter but on which, in summer, sea
The W coast of Baleshare is generally low, sandy birds have been known to nest. A dangerous rock
and fringed by a shallow bank extending some lies 4¾ cables NW of Deasker.
distance offshore on which lie several detached 6.76
rocks and reefs. Thence: 1 Useful mark:
8 E of Black Rock (1½ miles NE), a drying rock which A square rock (57°34′⋅7N, 7°27′⋅2W) which
lies 3½ cables SSE of Stockay, the E of the resembles a castle and is visible from seaward
Heisker Islands (6.60), which is fringed by a reef with the cottages of Paible, a village, close to it.
extending 1 cable offshore, thence: 6.77
9 E of East Rock (2¼ miles NE) which lies 6 cables E 1 Sound of Causamul. When Causamul (57°36′N,
of Stockay (above) from which it is separated by a 7°36′W) is distant 1½ miles the track alters to NNE along
channel with a least depth of 5⋅5 m in the fairway. the line of bearing 029° of Griminish Point (57°40′N,
East Rock, which dries and shows two detached 7°30′W) (6.97) just open WNW of Aird an Rùnair,
heads at LW, the S of which was reported (1991) 3¾ miles SSW (6.78) which leads NNE through the
as being awash, lies near the S end of a large fairway of the Sound of Causamul (6.59), passing (with
shoal which has depths of 3⋅7 to 6⋅7 m over it. positions from Aird an Rùnair):

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2 ESE of Charlotte Rocks (1¾ miles WSW) some of Small craft

which dry, thence:
WNW of a rock, with a charted depth of 4 m (1 mile
S), thence: South Uist
3 ESE of Causamul Rock, which has a least depth of 6.83
2⋅4 m over it (7 cables W), over which the sea 1 General information see 6.82.
may break at LW and will break over it in three South Ford. The W entrance to South Ford (57°25′N,
places during heavy weather; lesser depths lie 7°21′W) (12.123) is closed by a bar through which there is
between Causamul rock and Causamul a shallow channel that shifts with gales. Generally, in fine
(7½ cables W) (6.97), and: weather, boats can pass up the channel for 5 cables at LW.
4 WNW of Moila Rocks, some of which dry 0⋅9 m,
which extend 4¾ cables SSW from Aird an Rùnair.
6.78
North Uist
1 When the summit of Causamul (6.97) bears 283° the 6.84
track alters to N, passing W of Aird an Rùnair, the W 1 Loch Poible (57°35′N, 7°30′W), entered 1 mile N of
extremity of North Uist which is covered with grass. Rubha Mór (6.75) provides shelter for small craft with a
(Directions for the coastal route N are given at 6.97) maximum draught of 1⋅8 m.

Heisker Islands
6.85
John’s North channel 1 Minor channel. The channel between Stockay (57°32′N,
7°35′W) and Ceann Ear, 6 cables WSW, has a width of
2 cables and a least depth of 2⋅7 m in the fairway, over an
Channel uneven bottom.
6.79 6.86
1 John’s North Channel, between West Dureberg 1 Port Roy (57°31′⋅2N, 7°36′⋅5W), entered 8 cables S of
(57°33′⋅3N, 7°43′⋅5W) (6.72) and Middle Dureberg, Gortinish, the N extremity of Ceann Ear, is the boat
2¼ miles ENE (6.97), is a deep channel, 2 miles wide and harbour for the island, though it almost dries. It is well
free from dangers. protected by high rocks and little swell is felt, though it is
rather open to SE winds.
6.87
Directions from north-west 1 Sound of Shillay (57°32′N, 7°41′W), which lies
6.80 between Shillay (6.72) and Ceann Iar, 5 cables E (6.72),
1 From the vicinity of 57°35′N, 7°46′W the alignment affords restricted anchorage, in a depth of 9 m, clay,
(116°) of the N extremity of Stockay (57°32′N, 7°35′W) 4 cables E of Monach Isles Light. This anchorage is
with Rueval, 10½ miles ESE (12.136), leads through the protected from S by a narrow reef across the SW entrance
middle of the channel passing between West Dureberg and to the sound and by rocks in the entrance; it is protected
Middle Dureberg. from the N by an above-water and drying reef which
Clearing marks: The alignment (158°) of the W extends 5½ cables NE from Shillay. These reefs act as a
extremity of Shillay, 3½ miles W of Stockay, with Raiskeir, natural breakwater and render the sound a safe harbour in
7 cables SSE (6.72), clears close ENE of West Dureberg. heavy weather.
2 The recommended approach to this anchorage is through
John’s North Channel (6.79) then on the alignment (231°)
of two stone pile beacons, 4 m in height: front beacon
Directions from north (white, triangular topmark), rear beacon (black, diamond
6.81 topmark), standing on Eilean Siorruidh, also known as
1 From a position 5 miles N of Monach Isles Light Eternal Island, a bare rock close off the SE end of Shillay.
(57°31′⋅6N, 7°41′⋅6W), the line of bearing 175° of Old 3 Poll Bane, a sandy bay on the NW side of the sound,
Lighthouse (6.67), or at night Monach Isles Light (6.60), abreast the SE extremity of Shillay, has a pier where a
leads through John’s North Channel in mid-channel. landing on Shillay can always be effected. Boat Pool, close
N of the NW extremity of Ceann Iar, is a sandy inlet
which can be used for mooring or beaching a boat.
6.88
Anchorages 1 Cnoc Harbour, also known as Croic Harbour (57°32′N,
7°38′W), the bay formed between the E side of Ceann Iar
(6.72) and the W side of Ceann Ear (6.72), N of Shivinish
General information (6.72), affords anchorage with good holding ground,
6.82 generally sand, but in places clay under loose stones. The
1 South Uist. There is neither shelter nor safe landing for greater part of this bay is sheltered from E, through S to
a boat along the entire W coast of South Uist. In summer, WNW, but the anchorage is uncomfortable during winds
small boats used for lobster fishing are generally hauled up from between W and N, due to a swell which then sets in
on the beach. round Hearnish (6.72); gales from between NW and N are
2 Heisker Islands. In 1977, HMS Hecla (2800 tons) the most dangerous.
reported good anchorage in 16 m, sand, sheltered from NW 2 The recommended approach to this anchorage is through
through N to E, in the S approach to Sound of Monach, John’s North Channel (6.79).
with Scrot Mór (57°31′N, 7°37′W) (6.72) bearing 266°, Recommended anchorages are with Hearnish bearing
4 miles. 333° distant 2 cables, in a depth of 5 m; or in a depth of

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8 m on the alignment (081°) of Gortinish (6.86) with the the NW entrance to the sound are described in Directions
summit of Stockay, 8 cables E (6.73). at 6.100, and the hills are described in 12.204.
3 Landing can be effected over a rocky point at the N end
of Shivinish, when there is a good deal of swell in the
harbour. Depths
6.91
1 Shallow water, with many rocks and shoals, extends
5 miles N and 3 miles NW from the Heisker Islands. To the
N of this area the 20 m depth contour lies within a mile of
COASTAL ROUTE — AIRD AN RÙNAIR TO the W coast of North Uist and the chain of islands
SOUND OF HARRIS extending NE across the NW entrance of the Sound of
Harris.
2 Source data. Charted depths to the N of the Heisker
General information Islands and for a distance of up to 8½ miles off the NW
coast of North Uist and the NW entrance of the Sound of
Harris, are based on lead-line surveys and miscellaneous
Charts 2721, 2841 lines of soundings as shown in the Source Data Diagram
Route and by a pecked line on the chart. This area, which has not
6.89 been surveyed to modern standards, is subject to a warning
1 The coastal route along the NW side of the Outer as given on the charts.
Hebrides, from a position 4 miles WNW of the Heisker
Islands (57°32′N, 7°38′W) (6.60), leads NNE for about
25 miles to a position WNW of Toe Head (57°50′⋅2N, Fishing
7°08′⋅0W). 6.92
2 Caution. In thick weather the NW coast of North Uist 1 The route described above passes through an area of
should not be approached within the 50 m depth contour fishing activity as given at 6.5. This activity is reported to
which lies up to 9 miles from the coast and from those be particularly intense around the Heisker Islands and the
dangers extending 4 miles NE from Griminish Point W end of the Sound of Harris.
(57°40′N, 7°30′W).
3 Alternative route. An alternative route, given at 6.10,
Rescue
allows for the caution (above) and also avoids the areas of
6.93
incomplete survey given at 6.91.
1 A Coastguard Sector Base is established at Stornoway
See 1.42 for areas to be avoided.
(58°12′N, 6°23′W) and Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams
(1.61) are based at Balivanich (Benbecula) (57°28′N,
7°22′W) and Griminish (57°40′N, 7°30′W).
Topography For emergency co-ordination and DF Services see 11.12.
6.90
1 North Uist — west coast. The coast between Aird an
Rùnair (57°36′N, 7°33′W) (6.78) and Griminish Point, Tidal streams
3¾ miles NNE, consists of a series of sandy bays and 6.94
rocky points, with large patches of rocks which extend a 1 Tidal streams in general off the W side of the Outer
short distance offshore. Carra-crom, 3 miles NE of Aird an Hebrides, at the S end, are described at 6.45.
Rùnair, is a hill with a rounded summit, the SW side of 2 North Uist — west coast. Between Aird an Rùnair and
which falls rather suddenly to low ground whilst the rest of Griminish Point the tidal streams set in the general
the range extends 1 mile NE. Three houses stand at the direction of the coast. Details of the tidal streams off Aird
foot of the SW side of the hill, two of which are visible an Rùnair are given at 6.64. Off Griminish Point the
from seaward; immediately above one of the two visible streams, which are 15 minutes earlier than off Aird an
houses, on the summit of a hill, stands the Cross of Rùnair, set as follows:
Cille-Pheadair, a dilapidated building.
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
2 North Uist — north coast. Between Griminish Point
and Aird a’ Mhòrain, 6 miles ENE, numerous rocks and –0615 N-going stream begins
shoals lie off the coast, extending 1½ miles offshore in +0010 S-going stream begins
places. Between Aird a’ Mhòrain and Leac Bhan, 3¼ miles
E, (12.202) the coast forms a shallow bay, bordered by a 3 The rate at spring tides is 1 to 1½ kn in both directions
off Griminish Point but is probably less between that point
drying sandbank, the W half of which is very foul. Farther
E the land rises to Crogary Mòr (57°38′⋅3N, 7°15′⋅1W) and Aird an Rùnair.
which has a peculiar mound in the middle and a peak at its Haskeir Island. Tidal streams around Haskeir Island
SE extremity. (57°42′N, 7°40′W) set as follows:
3 NNE of Crogary Mòr, distant 2½ miles, the land rises to Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
Beinn Mhór and Beinn Bhreac (148 m high), 5 cables NE, –0415 NNE-going stream begins
which are two roundish-topped hills situated near the NE
end of North Uist. +0210 SSW-going stream begins
4 Sound of Harris (57°44′N, 7°05′W), which separates 4 These streams are probably quite strong, and there may
North Uist from South Harris, 6½ miles NE, is described at be eddies near the island.
12.195. The NW approach to the sound from the Atlantic Offshore area. A large area, in which the streams seem
is marked by hills, headlands and islands, which can easily to be imperceptible, extends from a position N of Haskeir
be identified, and is free from dangers. The islands within Island to a position 10 miles W of the Sound of Harris.

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5 For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: This island is high at both ends whilst the land in
North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland and between is very low and almost divided by a cove,
tidal stream information on the chart. so that, from a distance of 5 miles NW or SE, the
Currents. Information on currents is given at 6.18. island shows as two flattish hills. In winter sea
spray covers the entire surface of the island but in
summer there are pools of brackish water where
Principal marks seals resort with their young. Haskeir Light (6.95)
6.95 stands on the S summit of the island. Thence:
1 Major light: 7 WNW of Griminish Point, the NW extremity of
Haskeir Light (white GRP tower on concrete base, North Uist and the termination of Beinn Scolpaig,
elevation 44 m) (57°42′⋅0N, 7°41′⋅3W). which is steep and rocky, with deep water close-to.
Sloc Roe, the neck of the point, is perforated by a
cave entered from both sides, with two holes close
Other navigational aids together opening to the surface, through which, in
6.96 gales, the water spouts to such a height that it can
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the be seen from a distance of 10 miles.
Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at 6.98
1.33. 1 Clearing marks:
The alignment (063°) of Causamul with Carra-crom,
4¼ miles ENE (6.90), clears close NW of West
Dureberg.
Directions
(continued from 6.72 and 6.78) 6.99
1 Useful marks:
Dome (57°36′⋅9N, 7°27′⋅2W), which is the most
Heisker Islands to Griminish Point significant landmark in the area, stands on high
6.97 ground 3 miles SSE of Griminish Point.
1 From the vicinity of 57°34′N, 7°48′W the coastal route Vallay Island Light (57°39′⋅7N, 7°26′⋅4W) (grey
W of North Uist leads NNE for about 9 miles, passing column on white concrete base, 3 m in height)
(with positions from Griminish Point (57°40′N, 7°30′W)): which stands on the W end of the island.
WNW of the foul area extending 8 cables WNW
from West Dureberg (10 miles SW) (6.72); there is
no safe channel through this foul area. See clearing Griminish Point to Toe Head
marks at 6.98. Thence: 6.100
2 WNW of the NW entrance to John’s North Channel 1 From a position WNW of Griminish Point the coastal
(9 miles SW) (6.79), thence: route W of the Outer Hebrides continues NNE for 16 miles,
WNW of Middle Dureberg (7 miles SW) the SW end passing (with positions from Griminish Point):
of which dries and is marked by breakers when WNW of McKillop Rock (1¾ miles NE), thence:
covered. Deep water lies within 2 cables of the WNW of Jane Macrae Rocks (2¾ miles ENE) over
SW end of this reef. Thence: which the sea breaks in heavy weather, thence:
3 WNW of Causamul (4¾ miles SW) which is highest 2 WNW of Bo Lea (3½ miles NE), a rock awash which
at its S end where it is covered with coarse grass; is the outermost of the dangers off the N coast of
its N end consists of a bare flat rock, 1 or 2 m North Uist; see clearing bearing at 6.101. Thence:
high. A shoal, 2 cables WSW of Causamul, has a WNW of Gairgrada (5¼ miles ENE), a drying rock,
least depth of 3 m over it on which the sea breaks steep-to on its W and N sides, which can be
heavily in bad weather. Foul ground and rocks also detected in the calmest weather. See clearing
extend 3½ cables N and NE from Causamul. bearing at 6.101. Thence:
Thence: 3 WNW of Friar Rocks which, with a charted depth of
4 WNW of the N entrance of the Sound of Causamul 1⋅3 m, lie 3½ cables off the SW side of Boreray
(3½ miles SW) (6.59), thence: (7 miles ENE), an uninhabited island which rises
WNW of Eilean Trostain (3¼ miles SW) which is to a flattish summit in Mullach Mór near its N
situated 1¼ cables NW of the N extremity of Aird end. The N part of Boreray, which is connected to
an Rùnair (6.78) to which it is connected by a the S part by a neck of low land, has shelving
drying reef. A dangerous rock lies 1 cable NW of cliffs along its W and N coasts. The S part, which
Eilean Trostain. Thence: is flat and only 15 m high, is bounded by steep
5 WNW of Rubha Dubh Tigharry (2½ miles SW), a sand hills on its SE side. Boreray somewhat
salient point at the N end of Hoglan Bay (6.117), resembles Aird a’ Mhòrain, 1 mile SW (6.111).
thence: Thence:
Clear of Haskeir Eagach (7¼ miles WNW), a group 4 WNW of the fringing reef and below-water rocks
of five bare rocks lying close together with deep which surround and extend over 2 cables S from
water between them. These rocks are otherwise Spuir (8 miles NE), a small, dark coloured islet
steep-to but the sea bed around them is uneven. with a patch of vegetation on its summit; see
Thence: clearing bearing at 6.101. Thence:
6 Clear of foul ground and a shoal, with a depth of WNW of Spuir Reef (8¾ miles NE) which consists of
5⋅2 m over it, which extends up to 5 cables SW, large, rounded stones which dry; see clearing
3 cables SSE and 2 cables ESE from Haskeir bearing at 6.101. Thence:
Island (6½ miles WNW) which is otherwise 5 WNW of the reef fringing the W side of Pabbay
steep-to although it rises from an uneven seabed. (10 miles NE) and of foul ground extending

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3¾ cables from the SW side of the island, with Approach and entry to
Quinish Rocks, which dry, near the SW edge; see the Sound of Harris from the Atlantic
clearing bearing at 6.101. Pabbay, a substantial
island in the W entrance to the Sound of Harris,
rises in its NE part to Beinn a’ Charnain, a Charts 2841, 2642
sharp-peaked hill which has much the same Approach and entry from north-west and north
appearance from all directions and is an excellent 6.103
mark. Thence: 1 When approaching the Sound of Harris from NW the
6 WNW of shelving rocks which extend 1 cable entrance can be easily identified by the island of Pabbay
offshore from the W side of Shillay (11½ miles (57°46′N, 7°14′W) (6.100) on the SW side of the sound
NE), an uninhabited island which rises at its N end and the twin summits of Chaipaval (57°49′⋅3N, 7°06′⋅4W)
to a round-topped hill, terminating in dark-coloured (12.204) on the NE side. Entry is then between Shillay
vertical cliffs 3 m high. The S part of the island, (57°48′⋅0N, 7°15′⋅0W) (6.72) and Coppay, 2¾ miles ENE
on which pasture grows, slopes S towards the (6.100), along the leading line given at 12.222, following
Sound of Shillay (6.104). Thence: the Directions for Outer Stromay Channel in reverse.
7 WNW of the Sound of Harris (13 miles NE) (12.195),
thence:
8 WNW of the reef fringing Coppay (14½ miles NE),
lying 1¼ miles WSW of Toe Head (below), the Approach and entry to Sound of Harris from west
green, grassy top of which contrasts with the black 6.104
rocks of its lower part. This island is bold on its N 1 Sound of Shillay. When approaching the Sound of
side but a reef, with depths of less than 2 m over Harris from W the recommended entrance is through the
it, extends 2 cables SE from Coppay, and Coppay Sound of Shillay (57°47′⋅5N, 7°15′⋅0W) which has a least
Bank lies up to 1 mile ESE of its SE end. A heavy width of 6½ cables and a least depth of 10⋅4 m in the
swell has been observed to break over this bank. fairway. The route then continues ENE to join the leading
Thence: line given at 12.222, thence following the directions for
9 WNW of shoals, with a least charted depth of 14 m, Outer Stromay Channel in reverse.
which lie up to 5 cables W of Kelpy Rock 6.105
(15 miles NE) which lies 3¾ cables N of Coppay, 1 Directions for Sound of Shillay. From the vicinity of
thence: 57°47′N, 7°18′W the track through the Sound of Shillay
WNW of Toe Head (15½ miles NE) a bold, steep-to leads ENE for about 3 miles, passing (with positions from
point that is faced with cliffs and forms the NW Brenish Point (57°47′⋅1N, 7°13′⋅0W)):
termination of Taobh Deas (12.204). 2 NNW of a rock, with a depth of 1⋅5 m over it
6.101 (1½ miles W), over which the sea breaks in a
1 Clearing bearings are given in the following paragraphs heavy swell, which lies on the N side of the
under a heading of the danger cleared, with positions from coastal bank 1 cable N of Bo Kishinish, a detached
Griminish Point (57°40′N, 7°30′W): above-water rock which lies ½ cable NW of
2 North-east of Griminish Point. The line of bearing Kishinish, the NW extremity of Pabbay, and:
221° of Causamul (4¾ miles SW) (6.97), or the line of 3 SSE of Little Shillay (1½ miles WNW), a black rock
bearing 218° of Monach Isles Light on Shillay (10¼ miles lying 1 cable WSW of Shillay (6.72), which is
SW) (6.60), open NW of Griminish Point (above), clears steep-to except on its NE side. The channel
NW of the 20 m depth contour between Griminish Point between Shillay and Little Shillay contains several
and Toe Head, 16 miles NE. below-water rocks and is only safe for boats in
3 Bo Lea. The line of bearing 057° of Seana-chaisteal fine weather. Thence:
(11 miles NE) (6.109) open NW of Spuir (8 miles NE) 4 NNW of the coastal bank which, with depths of less
(6.100) clears close NW of Bo Lea. than 10 m, extends 2 cables from the N coast of
Gairgrada. The line of bearing 041° of Beinn a’ Pabbay (6.100) to the W of Brenish Point.
Charnain (11¼ miles NE) (6.100) just open NW of Spuir, 6.106
clears close NW of Gairgrada and the rocks W of Boreray 1 Landing may be effected by boat in a small bay on the
(6.100). SE side of Shillay.
4 Spuir Reef. The line of bearing 023° of the E end of
Shillay (11½ miles NE) (6.72), just open WNW of Pabbay
(10 miles NE) (6.100) clears close WNW of Spuir Reef
(8¾ miles NE) (6.100). Sound of Pabbay and approach from west
Quinish Rocks. The line of bearing 010° of the NW hill
on Shillay (77 m high) (above) open W of Pabbay (above)
clears close W of Quinish Rocks (9½ miles NE) (6.100). Channel
6.107
1 Sound of Pabbay (57°45′N, 7°12′W), between the SE
Useful marks side of Pabbay (6.100) and the N side of Berneray
6.102 (12.202), has a least width of 1½ miles and a least depth of
1 Griminish Harbour Leading Lights (57°39′⋅4N, ⋅7 m in the fairway. Sound of Pabbay is approached from
7°26′⋅7W) (6.116). W through the Sound of Spuir and leads E into the Sound
Summit of Crogary Mòr (57°38′⋅3N, 7°15′⋅1W) of Harris, at the W end of Cope Passage (12.198).
(6.90). 2 Sound of Spuir, between Spuir (57°44′⋅2N, 7°17′⋅3W)
(Directions continue for the coastal route (6.100) and Pabbay, 2 miles NE, has a least charted width
W of the Isle of Lewis at 6.127) of 8 cables, with charted depths of 11 m in the fairway.

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Caution. Sound of Spuir should only be used when the Caolas a’ Mhòrain
marks can be clearly distinguished as there are dangers in
the fairway and, during NW gales, the swell is said to
break completely across the sound. Chart 2841
General information
6.111
Directions 1 Caolas a’ Mhòrain, the channel between Aird a’
6.108 Mhòrain (57°41′⋅6N, 7°18′⋅8W) and the island of Boreray,
1 From a position 1 mile WNW of Spuir the deeper 1 mile NE, has a width of 2½ cables with depths of 5 to
fairway leads E, passing (with positions from Spuir): 15 m in the fairway. This channel leads to an anchorage
N of Spuir (6.100), thence: SW of Lingay (57°41′⋅2N, 7°15′⋅2W) (below), and also
S of Spuir Reef (8½ cables NNE) (6.100), thence: connects with a channel for small craft leading to the
2 N of McIver Rocks (8 cables ESE) which dry and lie Sound of Berneray (57°42′N, 7°12′W) (6.115).
on a detached shoal, with a least charted depth of 2 Tidal streams in the approach to Caolas a’ Mhòrain set
1⋅3 m (6 cables ESE). This shoal extends W to towards the land.
within 2 cables of the shoal, with depth of less Directions. From the vicinity of 57°44′N, 7°24′W, the
then 5 m, which extends 4 cables WSW from line of bearing 123° of the SW fall of the summit of Beinn
Spuir. McIver Rocks are always marked by Mhór (57°40′⋅1N, 7°12′⋅3W) (6.90) leads SE towards and
breakers. Thence: through the fairway of Caolas a’ Mhòrain, passing (with
3 S of Jumping Rocks (1½ miles NE) which lie at the positions from the NW extremity of Aird a’ Mhòrain):
S end of the coastal bank which, with depths of 3 NE of Bo Lea (3 miles W) (6.100); see clearing
less than 5 m over it, extends 5 cables S from marks at 6.113, thence:
Pabbay in the vicinity of Quinish (1¾ miles NE), a NE of Gairgrada (9 cables W) (6.100). There are
rocky islet surrounded by a reef which connects it several rocks between Gairgrada and the coast SE.
to the shore, thence: For clearing marks see 6.113. Thence:
4 N of Meal Sgeir (2 miles ESE) an above-water rock SW of Friar Rocks (9 cables N) (6.100), thence:
which lies midway between McIver Rocks and 4 NE of foul ground and a shallow bank which extend
Berneray, (3 miles E). a total of 6 cables N from Aird a’ Mhòrain which
6.109 appears, from 2 miles off, as a green wedge-shaped
1 From a position just over 1 mile SSE of An Corran island sloping gradually towards its E end from an
(57°45′⋅6N, 7°13′⋅4W) the track alters ENE towards the elevation of 38 m, and terminating in a low stony
deepest part of the bar which connects Pabbay to Berneray, point. It somewhat resembles Boreray, 1 mile NE
passing (with positions from An Corran): (6.100), but can be distinguished by a few patches
2 SSE of the coastal bank which, with depths of less of sand reaching to the summit on its NW side.
than 5 m over it, reported (1991) as just drying in The sandy isthmus connecting Aird a’ Mhòrain
places, extends 7½ cables SE from An Corran, a with North Uist is so low as to be partially
low, bare, sandy projection which forms the SE flooded at spring tides, and is not easily
extremity of Pabbay, and: discernible. On the E side of the promontory of
3 NNW of the foul ground and coastal bank which, which Aird a’ Mhòrain is the extremity, and
with charted depths of less than 5 m, extends 5 cables SSE from that point, stands a square
4 cables NW from Rubh’ a’ Chorrain (1¾ miles mausoleum on a burial ground. For clearing marks
SSE) which is the NW extremity of Berneray see 6.113. And:
(12.202), thence: 5 SW of the reef fringing the SW side of Boreray
4 SSE of Bo Leac Caolas (9½ cables ESE) a drying (1 mile NE) (6.100) from which a narrow spit,
rock which lies in the middle of the fairway, with a charted depth of 1⋅3 m in the fairway,
thence: extends E to Lingay and North Uist.
5 Over the bar extending 2 miles SE from Rubh’ ant 6.112
Seana-chaisteil (5 cables NE) to the NE extremity 1 When Lingay (57°41′⋅2N, 7°15′⋅2W), an uninhabited
of Berneray, which has a least depth in the fairway grassy islet which is steep-to except on its E side where it
as given at 6.107. Rubh’ ant Seana-chaisteil rises is connected to the coast E by Lingay Strand, is distant
inland to Seana-Chaisteil, a sharp-topped hillock 2½ cables the track alters towards the anchorage.
covered with sand, on the summit of which lies 6.113
the site of an old castle. The NE corner of 1 Clearing marks:
Berneray rises inland, 3 cables S, to Beinn The alignment (126°) of Veilish Point (1½ miles SW)
Shléibhe (12.228). which is faced with cliffs, with the summit of
6 Having crossed the bar the track follows the Directions Crogary Mór, 3¾ miles SE (6.90) clears close NE
for Cope Passage (12.198) in reverse. of Bo Lea.
2 The alignment (118°) of the SW extremity of Lingay
with Beinn Mhór, 1¾ miles ESE clears NE of the
Small craft foul area extending N from Aird a’ Mhòrain, and
6.110 also clears NE of Gairgrada.
1 Channel. The channel between Spuir Reef (57°45′⋅0N,
7°16′⋅4W) and Quinish, 6 cables NE, has a width of
4¾ cables with a least charted depth of 5 m, 5½ cables E Anchorage
of Spuir Reef. 6.114
Landing from boats may be effected at half-tide at a 1 Anchorage can be obtained close off the SW side of
landing place amongst the rocks at Haltosh Point, the S Lingay in a depth of 5 m, sand; this area is open NW but
extremity of Pabbay, as shown on the charts. little swell is felt there.

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Boreray. There is no safe anchorage near Boreray. In can also be effected during fine weather on the leeward
this vicinity the deep water has a rocky bottom, and where side of the NE end of the island.
there is sand it is either shoal or exposed to the swell.
COASTAL ROUTE — SOUND OF HARRIS
TO GALLAN HEAD
Small craft
General information
Sound of Berneray Charts 2721, 2841, 2515
6.115
Route
1 Channel. The Sound of Berneray (57°42′N, 7°12′W) is
6.118
a narrow channel between, to the S, Oitir Mhór, a large
1 The coastal route along the NW side of the Outer
detached sandbank extending 1 mile WNW of Leac Bhan
Hebrides, from a position WNW of Toe Head (57°50′⋅2N,
(12.202), and to the N, the S coast of Berneray (12.202).
7°08′⋅0W) (6.100) leads NNE for about 22 miles to a
2 The E end of the sound is closed by the Berneray
position WNW of Gallan Head (58°15′N, 7°01′W).
causeway (see also 12.241), and the channel now leads
See 1.42 for areas to be avoided.
only to the W slipway at Otternish, which lies at the N
exremity of North Uist close W of the causeway and is Topography
protected from W by a breakwater. 6.119
3 Approach. The best approach is through Caolas a’ 1 General topography for the Isle of Lewis (58°00′N,
Mhorain (57°42′N, 7°19′W) (6.111), thence N of Lingay 6°45′W) is given at 1.87, including the areas known as
(57°41′⋅2N, 7°15′⋅2W) (6.112). On nearing Oitir Mhór South Harris and North Harris.
depths of not more than 0⋅6 m can be depended upon, Mountains bordering the Sound of Harris are given at
especially after gales, which cause alterations in the 12.204.
channel. The final approach to Sound of Berneray is best 2 The W coast of the Isle of Lewis, from Toe Head to the
made through Channel Loch which leads S and E of Oitir entrance to West Loch Tarbert, 7 miles NE, is not as rocky
Mhór, where it is steep-to and into the sound. Channel and desolate in appearance as that farther N, the coast
Loch is subject to swell when the wind is from the W. being in many places sandy, the hills rising with a
moderate and even slope, and the bare rock being less
Griminish Harbour evident.
6.116 3 The hills on the coast from West Loch Tarbert N to
1 Griminish Harbour (57°39′⋅2N, 7°26′⋅3W), a shallow Gallan Head, have a peculiarly barren and desolate look
inlet between the W end of Vallay (below) and the N coast from seaward; nearly half of them appear to be bare rock,
of Uist, contains a pier and slipway, used by fishing vessels and in thick weather there is great difficulty in
during the summer. Most of the inlet dries and the distinguishing one part from another, for the headlands
approach is obstructed by drying rocks, making local present no high cliffs and the same rugged features are
knowledge essential for entering harbour. Vallay, a sandy repeated. There are no buildings or churches to be seen
islet, much of which is covered with grass, is connected along this part of the coast.
with the shore at LW. 4 For 7 miles N of West Loch Tarbert the coast is
2 Useful marks: indented by three inlets which are fronted by islands and
Dome (57°36′⋅9N, 7°27′⋅2W) (Chart 2721). shoals. North of these inlets, to the W of Aird Brenish
Vallay Island Light (57°39′⋅7N, 7°26′⋅4W). (58°08′N, 7°08′W), the land is very high and barren.
Griminish Harbour Leading Lights (white diamond on Mealisval, 2¼ miles E, is the highest mountain on the W
black and white column, on white concrete base, side of Lewis and is remarkable for its truncated summit,
4 m in height) (57°39′⋅4N, 7°26′⋅7W). sloping slightly E. Several other mountains to the S of
3 Pier Head Light (grey metal column, 5 m in height) Mealisval are over 450 m high; whereas the land to the N
standing on the head of the pier; shown from is generally lower and a line SE from Gallan Head marks
March to October. the NE limit of the mountainous part of the Isle of Lewis.
Anchorage can be obtained at both ends of Vallay,
Depths
within sheltered pools inside difficult and shallow
6.120
entrances, with tidal streams of up to 3 kn in both
1 The coastal bank, with charted depths of less than
directions.
50 m, which extends up to 13 miles offshore at the SW end
Charts 2721, 2722 of the route, closes the coast to within 2 miles off Gallan
Head, at the NE end. Detached shoals, with depths of less
Shelter, anchorage and landing
than 50 m over them, lie in a chain up to 2 miles seaward
6.117
of the coastal bank over the central part of the route.
1 Hoglan Bay, entered between Aird an Rùnair (57°36′N,
2 Source data. Charted depths up to 11 miles seaward of
7°33′W) (6.78) and Rubha Dubh Tigharry, 7 cables NNE,
Toe Head and 1 mile seaward of Gallan Head are based on
affords shelter for small craft and landing on the S side of
lead-line surveys and miscellaneous lines of soundings as
the bay, at its W end. This bay is encumbered with rocks
shown in the Source Data Diagrams. This area, which has
and shoals and local knowledge is required.
not been surveyed to modern standards, is subject to a
2 Scolpaig Bay, entered 3 cables S of Griminish Point
warning as given in the source diagrams.
(57°40′N, 7°30′W), is a small bay in which landing can be
effected. However, the entrance is narrow, encumbered by Fishing
foul ground, and the sea breaks completely across it during 6.121
heavy weather. Local knowledge is required. 1 The route described above passes through an area of
3 Haskeir Island (57°42′N, 7°41′W) (6.97) affords fishing activity as given at 6.5. This activity is reported to
anchorage only in fine weather, 2 cables SE of Haskeir be particularly intense around the W end of the Sound of
Light, in depths of 9 to 13 m, on a rocky patch. Landing Harris.

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Gasker Island and Light from SW (6.127)

(Original dated 2000)
(Photographs − Air Images)

Rescue Directions
6.122 (continued from 6.102 and 12.223)
1 A Coastguard Sector Base is established at Stornoway 6.127
(58°12′N, 6°23′W) and Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams 1 From the vicinity of 57°56′N, 7°26′W the coastal route
(1.61) are based at Tarbert (57°54′N, 6°48′W) and W of the Isle of Lewis leads NNE for about 22 miles,
Griminish (57°40′N, 7°30′W). passing (with positions from Aird Brenish (58°08′N,
For emergency co-ordination and DF Services see 11.12. 7°08′W)):
2 WNW of the reefs extending up to 1½ cables off the
W side of Gasker (10 miles SSW), a green, smooth
islet, fringed by a reef, which lies 8 miles off the
Tidal streams
entrance to West Loch Tarbert (6.129). A light
6.123
(white metal framework tower, 5 m in height)
1 General information on the tidal streams between Toe
stands on the summit. There is no anchorage off
Head and Gallan Head is given at 6.45.
the islet, which is steep-to except for Ranald’s Bo
Gallan Head. Tidal streams for a position 4 miles W of
which lies 4½ cables SW, and the bottom is rocky.
Gallan Head are shown on chart 2721. Closer inshore, near
Seals herd on Gasker in the autumn. Thence:
Gallan Head, where the rate at spring tides may be 2 kn in
3 WNW of Obe Rocks (6¼ miles SSW), some of which
both directions, the streams probably set as off the entrance
dry and almost all of which break in a swell,
to West and East Lochs Roag, given at 6.171, which are
which lie up to 6 cables W of Scarp, an
nearly the same as those at Heisker Islands (6.65).
uninhabited island which is separated from the Isle
2 For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
of Lewis by Caolas an Scarp (6.148). Bo Mol
North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland and
Donn (6 miles SSW) lies 2¼ cables NW of Scarp.
tidal stream stations on the chart.
See clearing marks at 6.128. Thence:
Currents. Information on currents is given at 6.18.
4 WNW of Bo Ban (5 miles SSW), a drying rock
which is the W of the rocks lying up to 1¼ miles
W of Duisker (6.156); it is always marked by
Principal marks breakers. Thence:
6.124 5 WNW of Cu a Buachaill (4½ miles SSW), a drying
1 Landmark: rock which lies 2½ cables SSW of Buachaill Rock,
Gasker (57°59′N, 7°17′W), from which a light is the NW of the group extending W from Duisker.
exhibited (6.127). Buachaill Rock is steep-to and the sea breaks over
6.125 it only in heavy weather. Thence:
1 Major lights: 6 WNW of foul ground, on which the sea breaks in
Eilean Mór Light (58°17′N, 7°35′W) (6.20). heavy weather, which extends 1½ cables from the
W side of Mealasta Island (3 miles S). The W side
of this island is marked by reddish quartz rock and
Other navigational aids patches of grass which may distinguish it from the
6.126 adjacent land. Thence:
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the 7 WNW of Harsgeir Beag, a small above-water rock
Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at lying 1½ cables WSW of Harsgeir Mór (2 miles S)
1.33. which is a larger black rock. Harsgeir Beag is the

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SW of a chain of islets and rocks extending in a 6.130

crescent 1 mile S from Greineim, the largest islet 1 Approaches. The W coast of Harris, between Toe Head
in the chain. Thence: (57°50′⋅2N, 7°08′⋅0W) and Hushinish Point, 9 miles N,
8 WNW of Bomore Rock (9 cables SSW) which lies forms the approach to West Loch Tarbert. Within this area
5½ cables offshore and nearly dries; see clearing the loch can be approached as follows:
marks at 6.128. Thence: 2 From the W, between Taransay Glorigs (57°56′N,
WNW of the reef fringing Aird Brenish, a broad, 7°07′W) and Taransay, 3 miles SE, which is the
rocky headland with bare rocks sloping to the sea. best entrance into the loch, with charted depths of
The land in the background, which is very high, is more than 20 m over a wide channel. The
described at 6.119. Thence: continuation ESE of this channel, between
9 WNW of Aird Fenish (1½ miles NNE) which is a Taransay and Soay Mór, 1¼ miles NE, has similar
bare, rocky, steep-to headland of light brown depths and is free from dangers. Directions for this
colour, sloping abruptly to the sea. Aird Fenish lies route are given at 6.134.
at the S end of a shallow bay, near the middle of 3 From SW, through the Sound of Taransay (57°53′N,
which a small sandy inlet gives access to 6°59′W), which has a channel width of 1 cable
Mangersta Sands which attain an elevation of between the 10 m depth contours and a least
46 m. Thence: charted depth of 10⋅8 m in the fairway. Directions
10 WNW of Eilean Molach, an islet lying close W of for this route are given at 6.136.
the S end of Ard More Mangersta (3¼ miles NNE) 4 From the N, passing between Gasker (57°59′N,
a promontory which has near-vertical cliffs 46 m 7°17′W) and Taransay Glorigs, 5½ miles SE,
high. Four radio masts stand on the NW end of thence joining the approach from W (above).
the promontory and Bogha Phail, a drying rock, Directions for this route are given at 6.139.
lies ¾ cable offshore. Thence: 5 An inner route from the N passes between Taransay
11 WNW of Sgeir Gallan 8 miles NNE), a drying rock Glorigs (57°56′N, 7°07′W) and the coast NE. This
which is steep-to and lies 3½ cables NW of Gallan channel has a least width of 1 mile but it is
Head (58°14′N, 7°01′W), a flattish headland which dangerous owing to the marks being somewhat
terminates in cliffs 15 to 60 m high. This headland, obscure, except in a heavy swell when all the
which is steep-to except for a drying rock close off rocks are marked by breakers. Directions for this
its N extremity, lies at the N end of rocky cliffs, route are given at 6.140.
some of which are over 30 m high, extending 6.131
3 miles SSW; the S end of the cliffs is foul for 1 Topography. The shores of West Loch Tarbert rise to
1 cable offshore. high mountain peaks on both sides. Those on the N side of
the loch include the highest in The Hebrides, as given at
Clearing marks 1.87. On the S side, Ben Luskentyre, a range at the N end
6.128 of South Harris, attains elevations in Beinn Dhubh
1 The alignment (031°) of a small, black, bare rock (57°54′⋅0N, 6°54′⋅9W) and Ceann Reamhar, 2 miles ESE.
(4⋅3 m high) (4½ miles SSW), which is the NW 2 Taransay (57°54′N, 7°01′W), which occupies a large part
above-water rock of Duisker (6.156), with the NW of the entrance to West Loch Tarbert, is separated from the
extremity of Mealasta Island, 2 miles NNE (6.127), mainland E by the Sound of Taransay (6.130). This island
clears WNW of Obe Rocks. is divided into two parts by a low sandy neck; Aird Vanish
2 The alignment (042°) of Aird Fenish (1½ miles NNE) is the SW and smaller part, whilst the main part rises to a
with Mangersta Sands, 1¼ miles NE (6.127), clears summit in Ben Raah about 9 cables from its N end. The
6 cables NW of Bomore Rock. abandoned village of Paible stands at the S end of the main
(Directions continue for passage NW of part of the island; one of the houses is kept in repair for
the Isle of Lewis at 6.175) use by visiting herdsmen.
6.132
1 Tidal streams in West Loch Tarbert set as follows:
West Loch Tarbert and approaches Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
+0540 In-going stream begins
Chart 2841
General information –0030 Out-going stream begins
6.129 These streams are barely perceptible except in the
1 West Loch Tarbert, entered between Horsanish Sound of Taransay where the in-going stream sets
(57°58′⋅0N, 7°04′⋅8W) and the island of Taransay, 3½ miles NE and N and the out-going steam stream sets S
SSE, contains many islets and shoals in mid-channel and and SW.
towards the N side of the loch, whilst the S side is 6.133
comparatively clear. The head of West Loch Tarbert is 1 Local weather. During strong winds from the S, very
separated from East Loch Tarbert by a low isthmus with a heavy squalls come down from the S shore of the head of
width of 3 cables, on which stands the village of Tarbert the loch.
(12.266)
2 Anchorage, suitable for medium sized vessels, can be Directions
obtained in the loch, including the best anchorage on the 6.134
W coast of Harris. Most of the sheltered bays and 1 Approach from west. From a position 4 miles N of Toe
anchorages suitable for small craft lie on the N side of the Head (57°50′⋅2N, 7°08′⋅0W) (6.100) the track through the
loch. See 6.144. main entrance to West Loch Tarbert leads NE for 3½ miles,
Landing can be made at either of two piers close to the passing (with positions from Rubha nan Totag (57°55′⋅3N,
head of the loch. 7°00′⋅6W)):

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NW of Aird Tro (3 miles SW) the NW extremity of 3 NNW of Middle Bo (2¼ miles SSW), a rocky shoal
Aird Vanish (6.131), and: over which the sea breaks in very heavy weather.
2 SE of Bo Molach (4½ miles W), which has a least 6.137
depth of 1⋅8 m over it (charted as dangerous rock), 1 From a position 2 miles SW of Corran Raah the
and is the SW rock of Taransay Glorigs, a group alignment (244° astern) of Toe Head with the summit of
of above-water and below-water rocks lying in the Coppay, 1¼ miles WSW (6.100) leads into the Sound of
W approach to West Loch Tarbert. The sea does Taransay, passing (with positions from Corran Raah):
not break over Bo Molach in moderate weather. 2 SSE of a rocky spit, with a depth of 5⋅6 m over its S
Thence: extremity (1¾ miles SW), which extends 6 cables
3 SE of Bo’ na Slabhruidh, the SE of Taransay Glorigs S from Langaraid, a drying rock, thence:
which lies 3 cables SE of Gloruig Sgoillte (4 miles Close SSE of Bo Usbig (1¼ miles SSW), a drying
WNW) which is split into two parts in a N and S rock which is separated from the foul ground
direction and is the largest and highest of the extending 2 cables S from Taransay by a channel
group, thence: with a depth of 7 m in it, and:
4 NW of Sgeir Liath (1¾ miles WSW), a group of 3 NNW of the reef fringing Aird Nisabost (1½ miles S)
above-water and below-water rocks which extends which is a salient point at the NE end of Camas
4¾ cables NW from close N of the sandy neck nam Borgh (6.146).
connecting the two parts of Taransay (6.131); the 6.138
W of these rocks lies 3¼ cables offshore. A shoal, 1 When the summit of Aird Nisabost bears 153° the track
with a depth of 8⋅9 m over it, on which the sea is adjusted to lead in mid-channel through the sound,
breaks only in heavy weather, lies 3½ cables N of passing (with positions from Corran Raah):
the group. ESE of Bo Raah (4 cables S) which lies near the SE
6.135 end of a bank, with depths of less than 5 m over
1 From a position 2 miles WNW of Rubha nan Totag, a it, which extends 3½ cables SE from Taransay,
line of bearing on Isay (3¾ miles E), a flattish green islet thence:
which can be passed on both sides, leads ESE in 2 WNW of a shallow bank and drying sands which
mid-channel into West Loch Tarbert, passing (with positions extend a total of 2½ cables W from Luskentyre
from Rubha nan Totag): Banks (1 mile ESE). These banks are very
SSW of a shoal, with a least depth of 4⋅4 m over it, deceptive when they are covered at HW. And:
which lies 2 cables W of Rubha Leacach (2¼ miles ESE of a shallow bank and drying sand spit which
NNW), thence: extends a total of 4 cables ESE from Corran Raah,
2 NNE of Bo Du, a drying rock which lies 1¼ cables a low, sandy point forming the SE extremity of
WNW of Rubha nan Totag the N extremity of Taransay, thence:
Taransay (6.131), thence: 3 WNW of foul ground extending up to 1 cable from
SSW of the reef and foul ground extending up to Aird Groadnish (1½ miles ENE), a low, rocky
1 cable from the S end of Soay Mór (1½ miles point forming the NE entrance point of the Sound
ENE), the larger of two islets with the same height of Taransay.
which are virtually joined by drying reefs; Soay When clear of the Sound of Taransay the track alters to
Beag is the smaller islet. Thence: the ESE and follows the Directions given at 6.135.
3 NNE of the N entrance to the Sound of Taransay 6.139
(1½ miles ESE) (6.130), thence: 1 Approach from north — outer route. From the
SSW of Duisker (2½ miles ENE), not to be confused vicinity of 58°01′N, 7°14′W, the outer and safer track from
with a reef of the same name 1¾ miles ESE, an the N to approach West Loch Tarbert leads SSE for about
above-water and below-water reef on which the 7 miles, passing (with positions from Bo Mór (57°58′⋅3N,
highest rock is 2 m high, thence: 7°09′⋅7W)):
4 NNE of Sgeir Tarcall (2¾ miles ESE), an above-water 2 ENE of Sgeir Chomhnard (3¼ miles W), an
rock lying close off the N coast of South Harris, above-water rock which lies close ENE of Gasker
thence: Beg which is a bare rock lying 7 cables ESE of
Clear of Isay (3¾ miles E) (above) which has Gasker (6.127), thence:
channels both N and S of it which are 3½ cables WSW of Bo Mór, the SW of Old Rocks (6.141),
wide and free from dangers. Reefs extend which dries. The sea breaks during heavy gales on
1¼ cables ESE from the islet. a shoal, with a depth of 12⋅3 m over it, 3½ cables
6.136 NW of Bo Mór. Thence:
1 Approach from south-west. From a position 1 mile N WSW of Bo Meadhonach (1 mile SSE), thence:
of Toe Head (57°50′⋅2N, 7°08′⋅0W) (6.100) the track 3 WSW of Bo Molach (2½ miles S) (6.134).
towards the Sound of Taransay leads ENE for 3¼ miles, When clear to the S of Bo Molach the track alters
passing (with positions from Corran Raah (57°53′⋅7N, towards the E and may follow the directions given at 6.134
6°59′⋅4W)): for an approach to West Loch Tarbert from W.
2 SSE of Rubha Sgeirigin (3 miles WSW) the SW Clearing bearing. A line of bearing, less than 172°, of
extremity of Aird Vanish (6.131), and: Toe Head (57°50′⋅2N, 7°08′⋅0W) (6.100) clears close W of
NNW of Bo na Cille (4 miles SW) which lies at the Bo Mór and of all dangers SSE to Bo Molach.
SW end of Camus Nam Borgh (6.146), thence: 6.140
SSE of Old Rocks (2¼ miles SW), not to be confused 1 Approach from north — inner route. From the
with rocks of the same name 7 miles NNW, which vicinity of 58°01′N, 7°14′W the inner track towards West
consist of two heads, 1 cable apart, the W of which Loch Tarbert leads ESE for 3¼ miles, passing (with
is awash, thence: positions from Hushinish Point (57°59′⋅2N, 7°06′⋅5W)):

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2 SSW of detached rocky shoals with depths of 3⋅2 m a group of rocks, some of which dry, and the NE shore of
(2½ miles NW) and 6⋅8 m (2¼ miles NW), over the loch has a width of 1 cable with charted depths of more
both of which the sea occasionally breaks, which than 20 m.
lie up to 5 cables offshore, to the W of Manish,
Anchorages
the SW extremity of Scarp (6.127), thence:
6.144
SSW of Bo Leire (1¼ miles NNW).
1 Head of West Loch Tarbert. The principal anchorage
3 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 087° of a small
in West Loch Tarbert lies SE of Isay (6.135), near the head
notch on the W coast of Harris (1¼ miles NNE) just open
of the loch, in depths of 13 to 22 m, mud. Anchorage may
S of Scarp, clears S of Bo Leire and of the shoals
be obtained as required, but clear of foul ground extending
described above.
¾ cable NE from Gob Aird Stioclett, 1½ miles ESE of
6.141
Isay, and clear of a shoal, with a depth of 3⋅8 m over it,
1 From a position 1 mile W of Hushinish Point the track
which extends 2 cables E from Geo More, 7 cables SSE of
alters to the SSE for about 3 miles, passing (with positions
Isay, and of a marine farm close SE (1.17). Although this
from Hushinsh Point):
anchorage is a little open to the NW, there is never a heavy
WSW of the SW entrance to Caolas an Scarp
sea in the area; however, during strong S winds anchorage
(7 cables N) (6.148), thence:
in the Sound of Taransay (below) is to be preferred for the
2 ENE of Old Rocks (1¼ miles WSW), not to be
reasons given at 6.133.
confused with rocks of the same name 7 miles SSE
2 Small craft can obtain anchorage 1 cable NW of the
(6.136), a group of three rocks widely spaced with
pier on the S side of the head of the loch. There is also a
deep water between the detached heads. The N
pier on the N side of the loch, 3 cables from its head.
rock just dries and Round Bo, the E rock, dries at
6.145
its N end; see clearing bearing at 6.142. And:
1 Sound of Taransay. Anchorage in the NE part of the
3 WSW of Hushinish Point, the SW extremity of a
Sound of Taransay, which is the best on the W coast of
peninsula which is generally steep-to, 1 cable
Harris, is able to accommodate medium sized vessels in
offshore. A detached rock, with a charted depth of
depths of 9 to 16 m, muddy sand, off the E coast of
18⋅7 m, lies 3 cables SW of the point. Thence:
Taransay. When the wind blows hard from the NW,
Over or clear of a detached rock, with a charted
anchorage nearer to Corran Raah is preferable. The best
depth of 19⋅6 m (8 cables SW), thence:
berth, suitable only for small vessels, lies 3 cables NE of
4 WSW of Hushinish Glorigs (7 cables SSE), a group
Corran Raah (57°53′⋅7N, 6°59′⋅4W), as shown on the chart,
of islets and rocks, the highest of which lies near
where the tidal stream is imperceptible and the anchorage
the centre and the W of which is steep-to on its W
is well sheltered.
side, thence:
2 Small craft can obtain anchorage 5 cables SSW of
ENE of Bo Meadhonach (2 miles SSW) (6.139),
Corran Raah, as shown on the chart.
thence:
6.146
5 WSW of Horsanish (1½ miles SE), a bluff of land
1 Camus nam Borgh (Borve Bay) (57°50′N, 7°03′W) on
forming the N entrance point of West Loch
the NW side of South Harris is a sandy bay which can be
Tarbert, thence:
used as a temporary anchorage during SW gales, as the
WSW of Bo Sgeir which lies close S of Rubha
depths are everywhere moderate, but the shores are foul
Bhogha-sgeir (1¾ miles SE), a rocky point which and should not be closely approached. Dangers around the
should be given a wide berth. A detached rocky bay are: Bo na Cille, at the SW end (6.136); Bo Annan
patch, with a least depth of 16⋅3 m over it, lies and Mhonadail, two shoals at the NE end; and Middle Bo,
7 cables SW of the point. And: at the N end (6.136).
6 ENE of Bona Ron (2½ miles S) which is the NE of 2 When the wind is from the W or NW, as often occurs,
Taransay Glorigs (6.134). this anchorage is dangerous.
When Isay (57°55′N, 6°53′W) (6.135) can be seen clear 6.147
S of Soay Mór, 2½ miles WNW, the track alters to the Hushinish Bay (57°59′N, 7°05′W) affords temporary
ESE and follows the Directions given at 6.135. anchorage in fine weather, in a depth of 13 m, sand.
6.142
1 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 058° of a small Small craft channel
notch on the W coast of Harris (1¼ miles NNE) well open 6.148
NW of Hushinish Point clears close NW of Old Rocks. 1 Caolas an Scarp (58°00′N, 7°06′W), the channel
Clearing marks: separating Scarp (6.127) from the Isle of Lewis, has a bar
The alignment (117°) of Horsanish with Rubha across the middle of the sound over which the depth is
Leacach, 1½ miles ESE (6.135) clears NNE of Old usually about 1 m, but this depth varies and it has been
Rocks. possible to wade across.
Tidal streams are barely perceptible in the sound which
Soay Sound connects the approaches to West Loch Tarbert with Bràigh
Mór, 2 miles N (6.155).
6.143
2 Anchorage can be obtained during the summer, just S of
1 Soay Sound, the side channel NE of Soay Mór
the bar, in a depth of 8 m, as shown on the chart, clear of
(57°56′N, 6°58′W) (6.135), has a least width of 2½ cables
a disused submarine cable. This anchorage is unsafe in
and is free from dangers except at its SE end where the
winter, and during gales the sea breaks all over the sound.
fairway is obstructed by Duisker, 9 cables E of Soay Mór
(6.135) and by Bo Harainish, 3½ cables NNE of Duisker. Small craft anchorages and landings
The navigable channel between the reef which extends 6.149
2 cables ENE from the SE extremity of Soay Mór and 1 Traigh Nisabost (57°52′⋅0N, 6°58′⋅5W) affords
Duisker has a width of 2¼ cables with a least depth of occasional anchorage, which should be treated with caution,
16⋅3 m in the fairway. The channel between Bo Harainish, off a sandy bay to the E of Aird Nisabost. Landing may

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also be effected and the best place is in the SW corner of and Rubha Glas, 6 cables NE, passing (with positions from
Traigh Luskentyre, a sandy inlet which dries, extending E Slettnish (58°02′⋅2N, 7°07′⋅6W)):
from Traigh Nisabost. 3 NE of Little Rocks (1¾ miles NW) (above), thence:
6.150 SW of a spit, with a depth of 8⋅6 m over its outer
1 Loch na h-Uidhe (57°53′⋅5N, 7°02′⋅8W) affords end, which extends 2 cables S from the SE
anchorage off the sandy isthmus joining the two parts of extremity of Mealasta Island (2 miles N) (6.127),
Taransay, clear of a rock (1 m high) lying 2 cables from the and:
W side of the islet and of the reef extending NW from it. 4 NE of Duisker (1¼ miles NW), not to be confused
6.151 with rocks of the same name in West Loch
1 Govig Bay (57°58′⋅0N, 7°03′⋅7W), entered close E of Tarbert, a group of above-water and below-water
Rubha Bhogha-sgeir (6.141), is a bay in which landing can rocks which are marked by breakers, except in the
be effected in almost any weather. finest weather, and for several days after gales
6.152 there is a dangerous, confused, breaking sea in
1 Loch Leosavay (57°57′⋅8N, 7°00′⋅0W), which has their vicinity. The highest rock in the group is a
depths of 5 to 16 m in the channel, affords anchorage off a small, black, bare rock 6 m high; Bo Leathan,
jetty on the NE side, as shown on the chart, in position which dries, lies 1 cable S of this rock. A rocky
5½ cables NW of Glas-sgeir, a pillar-shaped rock standing shoal, with a depth of 10⋅5 m over it, lies 5 cables
1½ cables offshore in the entrance to the loch. The outer NE of the rock in an area of foul ground over
part of the loch is free from dangers but a drying rock lies which the sea breaks in heavy W gales. Thence:
close off the NE shore, 5¼ cables NW of Glas-sgeir. 5 NE of the reef fringing Kearstay Island (5 cables W)
6.153 which rises to a peak near its W end where it is
1 Loch Meavaig (57°56′⋅6N, 6°54′⋅5W), the head of divided by a rocky cleft. Boghannan Cuil, a drying
which dries out 4 cables, affords anchorage half way up the reef, extends 1½ cables NNW from the N end of
loch in depths of 4 to 5 m, soft mud with oysters. Small Kearstay Island. Thence:
craft can be beached with safety in this loch but it is 6 SW of Liongam Island (2 miles NNE), a small islet
reported to be prone to swell. off the SE entrance to Caolas an Eilean (6.163),
6.154 and:
1 Loch Bun Abhainn-eader is entered either side of NE of foul ground which extends 1 cable N from
Duisker (57°55′⋅5N, 6°52′⋅8W), not to be confused with a Slettnish, the N extremity of Scarp (6.127). The
rock of the same name 1¾ miles WNW, which is a flat, coast of Scarp, to the SE of this promontory, is
bare, above water rock. This loch is free from dangers and bold until within the N entrance to Caolas an
affords safe anchorage in depths of 5 to 13 m, mud, on its Scarp (6.148). Thence:
N side, 6½ cables within the entrance, clear of a marine 7 SW of Bo Thorcuil (2 miles ENE), a group of
farm (1.17) moored off the S shore. It is reported that this below-water rocks with depths of less than 2 m
loch can be identified by a prominent chimney standing on over them (charted as dangerous rocks). The
the NE shore. bottom in this locality is extremely irregular and
the rocks rise suddenly; those with the least depth
are marked by kelp, not visible near HW, and the
Bràigh Mór and approaches sea seldom breaks over them. See clearing
bearings at 6.157. Thence:
8 NE of foul ground which extends 1½ cables NE from
General information the N end and also from the NE side of Fladday
6.155 (1½ miles SE) an island in the N approach to
1 Bràigh Mór (58°03′N, 7°06′W), an inlet 2 miles wide Caolas an Scarp (6.148).
with a length of 4 miles and depths of more than 30 m in 6.157
the fairway, gives access on its E side to Loch Resort, at 1 Clearing bearings. The line of bearing 322° of the
the S end (6.158), to Loch Tealasavay, in the middle summit of Mealasta Island (2½ miles N) open SW of
(6.159), and to Loch Tamanavay, at the N end (6.160). Liongam Island clears SW of Bo Thorcuil.
These lochs, which afford anchorage for small craft only, The line of bearing 079° of Creagan Gorra Cleite
are chiefly sheltered by the island of Scarp, on the SW side (3¾ miles ENE), a hill on the E side of the head of Loch
of Bràigh Mór, and partially by Duisker, to the W of Tealasavay which falls sharply to the N and is easily
Bràigh Mór, and Mealasta Island to the NW. identified, open S of the N shore of Loch Tealasavay,
clears close S of Bo Thorcuil.
2 Useful mark:
Directions Taran Mór (3¼ miles E), on the S side of Loch
6.156 Resort, a remarkable cliff which rises vertically to
1 From the vicinity of 58°04′N, 7°13′W, the line of near its summit and is visible from SW.
bearing 083° of the S extremity of Mealasta Island
(58°05′N, 7°08′W) (6.127) leads E towards the main
entrance to Bràigh Mór, passing (with positions from the S Small craft anchorages
extremity of Mealasta Island): 6.158
N of Buachaill Rock (2¼ miles WSW) (6.127), 1 Loch Resort, entered between Grobadh na h-Uinneag
thence: (58°01⋅′ 5N, 7°02′⋅6W) and Rubha Glas, 6 cables NNW,
N of Little Rocks (1¾ miles WSW) which dry. extends 4½ miles ENE to its head. Tidal streams are barely
2 When the SW extremity of Mealasta Island is distant perceptible but, during strong winds from the S, very
5 cables, the track alters to the SE for a position midway violent squalls occur off Taran Mór (6.157), during which
between Greine Sgeir (58°01′⋅7N, 7°03′⋅7W), a small islet, the surface of the sea is covered with foam, whilst 1 mile

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farther up the loch, the breeze is steady and of moderate COASTAL ROUTE — GALLAN HEAD TO
strength. BUTT OF LEWIS
2 Good and safe anchorage, suitable for small craft, can
be obtained within the loch, with depths of 13 m, as shown
on the chart. General information
6.159
1 Loch Tealasavay (58°03′N, 7°02′W) is separated from Charts 2515, 2721, 1785
Loch Resort by the peninsula of Aird Mhór, the W side of Route
which is steep-to. This loch, which has depths of 9 to 6.165
35 m, is open to the W and is unsafe in W winds. The 1 The coastal route along the NW side of the Outer
tidal streams are barely perceptible. Hebrides, from a position NW of Gallan Head (58°15′N,
2 Occasional anchorage, suitable for small craft in fine 7°01′W) (6.127) leads ENE for about 30 miles to a position
weather, can be obtained in a small area on the S side of NW of Butt of Lewis (58°31′N, 6°15′W).
the head of the loch. See 1.42 for areas to be avoided.
6.160
1 Loch Tamanavay (58°04′N, 7°02′W) is separated from Topography
Loch Tealasavay by Aird Bheag, off the SW extremity of 6.166
which lies Dubh Sgeir, an above-water rock. The tidal 1 Between Gallan Head and Tiumpan, 8 miles ENE, the
stream is barely perceptible. NW coast of the Isle of Lewis (1.87) is deeply indented by
2 Good anchorage, suitable for small craft, can be Loch Roag (6.178), the entrance to which can be identified
obtained in a bay on the NW side of the loch, immediately by Old Hill (58°17′N, 6°55′W) (6.175). Other hills which
within the entrance, in a depth of 18 m, clear of a marine rise within the N end of Lewis are mentioned at 13.21.
farm (1.17). Also in the middle of the loch, 1 mile within 2 From Tiumpan (58°18′N, 6°48′W) to Aird Mhór Bragair,
the entrance, and to the N and S of this position, as shown 5 miles ENE, the coast consists of cliffs, indented by
on the chart, clear of marine farms (1.17). several small bays. Continuing ENE for 5 miles to Aird
6.161 Barvas (58°23′N, 6°32′W) the SW part of the coast
1 Caolas an Scarp (58°00′N, 7°06′W) (6.148) affords consists of cliffs, 15 to 30 m high, while the NE part, for
anchorage for small craft, in the N approach to the channel, 2 miles, is low and interspersed with sandy patches.
between the E side of Scarp (6.127) and the W side of 3 Between Aird Barvas and Aird Dell, 8 miles NE, the
Fladday, in depths of 9 to 10 m, as shown on the chart. coast consists of steep, grassy valleys, which terminate
This anchorage is only safe for use in summer. seaward in moderate slopes, all of which are uniform in
6.162 appearance. Continuing ENE, the bay between Aird Dell
1 Sound of Kearstay (58°02′⋅2N, 7°09′⋅0W), with a depth (58°29′N, 6°20′W) and the SW extremity of the Butt of
of 0⋅9 m, is a narrow channel separating Kearstay Island Lewis, 2¼ miles NE, contains two extensive sandy beaches.
(6.156) from Scarp to the S. Temporary anchorage for 4 The only buildings to be seen on the NW side of the
small craft can be obtained at the E end of the sound, in Isle of Lewis are a few white farmhouses and churches to
depths of 9 to 16 m, sand, as shown on the chart. the ENE of Loch Roag. However, even these buildings are
6.163 scarcely noticeable until near the land.
1 Caolas an Eilean (58°05′N, 7°07′W), between Mealasta
Island (6.127) and the mainland E, is 5 cables wide with Depths
depths of 9⋅1 to 14⋅6 m in the fairway but the navigable 6.167
channel is narrowed at its N end to less than 1 cable by Bo 1 The coastal bank, with charted depths of less than 50 m,
Caolas. Temporary anchorage can be obtained during the which extends up to 6 miles off the coast at Tiumpan
summer. The best berth, in a depth of 7 m, sand, lies near (58°18′N, 6°48′W), closes the coast to within 2½ miles NW
the middle of the sound, as shown on the chart. Tidal and 4 miles N of the Butt of Lewis. Detached shoals, with
streams are barely perceptible. depths of 30 to 40 m, lie within 4 miles N and W of Butt
of Lewis.
2 Drying rocks extend nearly 2 cables offshore between
Anchorage Aird Barvas (58°23′N, 6°32′W) and Aird Dell, 8 miles NE,
particularly on the W side of the former and off Galson
Chart 2515 Farm (58°27′N, 6°24′W); in many places there are depths
Camas Uig of 4 m at a distance of 2½ cables offshore and it is
6.164 recommended that the NW coast of the Isle of Lewis
1 Camas Uig, entered between Sheilavig Skerry (58°12′N, should be given a berth of at least 5 cables.
7°04′W), an islet lying close offshore, and Glas Eilean, 3 Source data. Charted depths up to 2½ miles from the
6 cables SW, a low, bare rock close off the N end of Ard coast, along the length of this route, are based on lead-line
More Mangersta, is open between WNW and N and does surveys as shown in the Source Data Diagrams. This area,
not offer safe winter anchorage. This bay can be identified which has not been surveyed to modern standards, is
by a line of bearing on Mealisval (Chart 2721) (58°08′N, subject to a warning as given in the source diagram on
7°04′W) (6.119) about 4 miles S, also by large sandhills at chart 2721.
the head of the bay which are in sight when bearing
between 092° and 137°. When entering the bay, Sheilavig Fishing
Skerry should not be approached within 1 cable. 6.168
2 Temporary anchorage, in an emergency, might be 1 The route described above passes through an area of
obtained during a SW gale, in a depth of 24 m, sand, fishing activity as given at 6.5 and close off a winter
2 cables within the entrance, as shown on the chart. This fishing ground, to the E of Old Hill (58°17′N, 6°55′W), as
position is dangerous when the wind is from the NW. given at 6.182.

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Rescue
6.169
1 An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) is based at
Breasclete (58°13′N, 6°45′W).
For emergency co-ordination and DF Services see 11.12.

Butt of Lewis and Lighthouse from NW (6.172)

(Original dated 2000)
Natural conditions
6.170 (Photograph − Air Images)
1 Local magnetic anomalies are reported to exist in East
Loch Roag as given at 6.183.
6.171
1 Tidal streams across the entrance to Loch Roag are Other navigational aids
given at 6.185. Between the entrance to East Loch Roag 6.174
(58°18′N, 6°51′W) and the Butt of Lewis, 23 miles ENE, 1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the
the tidal streams set as follows: Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at
1.33.
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
–0430 NE-going stream begins
+0155 SW-going stream begins
Directions
(continued from 6.128)
2 The rate at spring tides is between 1½ and 2 kn in both 6.175
directions off the salient points, but less between the points. 1 From the vicinity of 58°16′N, 7°05′W the coastal route
These streams decrease with distance offshore and, at 5 to NW of the Isle of Lewis leads NE for about 30 miles,
6 miles from the SW part of the coast, they appear to be passing (with positions from Rubha Bhlanisgaidh (58°24′N,
weak and uncertain. 6°29′W)):
3 Round Butt of Lewis the NE-going stream, W of the NW of Sgeir Gallan (19½ miles WSW) (6.127),
point, and the SE-going stream, E of the point, begin thence:
nearly simultaneously, as do the streams in the opposite NW of the entrance to West Loch Roag (17½ miles
direction. These streams set as follows: WSW) (6.181), thence:
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks 2 NW of Old Hill (15½ miles WSW) which is a
remarkable islet situated midway between the
–0445 NE, E, and SE-going entrance points to Loch Roag (6.178). When
streams begin viewed from E or W this islet has a peculiar
+0140 N, W, and SW-going lump-like appearance; from N it is more elongated
streams begin and the other islands show behind it. The N coast
of Old Hill consists of dark cavernous cliffs, which
4 The rate at spring tides is 4 to 5 kn in both directions slope sufficiently S to allow of its being ascended,
close off the point and 3 kn at a distance of 1 mile but it is seldom that the weather will permit
offshore. landing from a boat in winter. Thence:
Eddy. During the W-going stream an eddy sets NE 3 NW of the bank extending 8 cables N from Màs
along the coast from a point some miles SW of Butt of Sgeir (14 miles WSW) (6.205) which lies in the
Lewis. middle of the entrance to East Loch Roag (6.181),
5 Turbulence. There is almost certainly violent turbulence thence:
off the point where the eddy meets the main stream, but 4 NW of Tiumpan (11½ miles WSW), not to be
factual information is not available. confused with Tiumpan Head (58°16′N, 6°08′W)
For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: (13.101), the NE entrance point of Loch Roag, a
North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland and prominent point with near vertical cliffs which are
tidal stream stations on the charts. the highest along this part of the coast. Berie, the
6 Currents. Information on currents is given at 6.18. W part of the point, is steep-to, with a depth of
Climatic table for Butt of Lewis is given at 1.161. 22 m at a distance of ½ cable from the point.
Thence:
5 NW of Aird Mhór Bragair (6½ miles WSW), a broad,
rugged, indented headland which may be identified
from W by a flat point extending from its NE
Principal marks side. A shoal, with a depth of 4⋅9 m over it, lies
6.172 close N of foul ground which dries and extends
1 Landmark: 1 cable N from Aird Bheag Bragair, which is the
Butt of Lewis Lighthouse (red brick tower, 37 m in N extremity of Aird Mhór Bragair. Thence:
height) (58°31′N, 6°16′W) which is conspicuous 6 NW of Bo Arnol (5 miles SW) a drying rock,
and stands on the N extremity of the point, at the 4 cables offshore, which lies on a shallow bank
brink of the cliff. extending 1¾ miles E from Aird Bheag Bragair,
6.173 thence:
1 Major light: Clear of a light-buoy (special) (5½ miles WNW),
Butt of Lewis Light—as above. thence:

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7 NW of Aird Barvas (1¾ miles SW), an ill-defined 6.179

headland consisting of cliffs 30 m high, from the 1 Topography. West Loch Roag is separated from East
W side of which drying rocks extend 2 cables Loch Roag by the islands of Great Bernera (58°14′N,
offshore, thence: 6°51′W) which is connected to the mainland S by Bernera
8 Clear of Hen Shoal (3 miles NNE) which lies 1 mile Bridge (6.221) and rises, with an undulating surface, to a
off the coast from which it is separated by a summit at the N end, and Little Bernera, close N, which is
channel which, with a least depth of 11 m, is free lower and much smaller, with an undulating surface, and
from dangers in the fairway. Leading marks for finally by a chain of islets and rocks extending 1¼ miles N
this channel are given at 6.177. Thence: from Little Bernera to Màs Sgeir (58°18′N, 6°53′W)
NW of Toa Galson (4¾ miles NE) which has a black, (6.205).
rocky, vertical front 29 m high, thence: 2 The entrances to both West Loch Roag and East Loch
9 NW of Dell Rock (6¾ miles NE) which lies 4 cables Roag can be easily identified by Old Hill (58°17′N,
NNW of Aird Dell, a steep and rocky point. Butt 6°55′W) (6.175) which is situated midway between the two
of Lewis Light is obscured over Dell Rock and the entrances.
channel inshore of it. This channel, which passes 6.180
between Dell Rock and the foul ground extending 1 Harbour limits. Loch Roag is a statutory harbour area
2 cables from the NE side of Aird Dell, has a least which includes all waters within the seaward limits, shown
depth of 11 m in the fairway, clear of a shoal with on the chart, as defined by straight lines drawn between the
a depth of 9⋅8 m over it 2 cables E of Dell Rock. following points:
Thence: N tip of Gallan Head (58°15′N, 7°01′W).
10 NW of Gealtuig (9 miles NE), a drying rock at the N tip of Stac nam Baig by the island of Old Hill,
extremity of a shallow bank extending 1½ cables 4 miles NE.
WSW from the SW extremity of Butt of Lewis, N tip of Màs Sgeir, 1½ miles ENE.
thence: Coast of Aird Mhor at 58°18′⋅3N, 6°48′⋅2W.
NW of a dangerous rock which lies close W of Oca
Sgeir (9¼ miles NE), a drying rock 1 cable off the Approach and entry — channels
NW coast of Butt of Lewis, thence: 6.181
11 NW of Lith Sgeir (9¾ miles NE) which is steep-to 1 West Loch Roag, entered between Gallan Head and Old
and the N of several above-water rocks extending Hill, 4 miles NE, extends 7 miles SSE to its head through a
2 cables N from the N extremity of Butt of Lewis, channel which passes midway between Harsgeir (58°16′N,
the N point of the Outer Hebrides, which is faced 6°56′W) and Pabay Beag, 1 mile SSW; thence SE in
with vertical cliffs 21 to 29 m high rising inland to mid-channel for 1½ miles; thence generally S for 1¾ miles
an elevation of 41 m. between Geile Sgeir (58°13′N, 6°54′W) and the N end of
Vuia Mór, 2½ cables E. This channel is encumbered with
Useful marks many islands, islets and rocks which necessitate careful
6.176 navigation, directions for which are given at 6.189.
1 Eilean Mór Light (58°17′N, 7°35′W) (6.20). 2 East Loch Roag, entered between Màs Sgeir (58°18′N,
Aird Laimishader Light (58°17′N, 6°50′W) (6.205) 6°53′W) and Tiumpan, 2¾ miles ENE, extends 7 miles SSE
Galson Farmhouse (58°27′N, 6°24′W), standing to its head through a channel which is wide and clear of
1 mile SW of Toa Galson, is noticeable from charted dangers in the fairway for the outer 3½ miles, then
seaward over the sandy coast. continues through a clear fairway for another 2 miles
towards the inner part of the loch which is encumbered
with islands, islets and rocks. Directions for entry and
Channel inside Hen Shoal passage into the loch are given at 6.204.
6.177
1 The alignment (054°) of Dell Rock (58°29′N, 6°20′W)
Fishing area
(6.175) with Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, 3 miles NE, leads
6.182
through the fairway of the channel inside Hen Shoal
1 Poll Gainmhich, which lies between Old Hill (58°17′N,
(58°27′N, 6°26′W).
6°55′W), Bearasay and Floday, 1 mile SSE of Old Hill, to
(Directions for the coastal passage NE of
the W, and Màs Sgeir, 1¼ miles ENE of Old Hill, Campay
the Isle of Lewis are given at 13.100)
and Little Bernera to the E, is much used as a fishing
ground in winter. This area is open to the N and also has
easy access between Old Hill and Bearasay, see 6.187, but
Loch Roag the channel between Bearasay and Floday is foul. From
SW it may be entered through Kyles Floday (58°16′N,
Chart 2515 6°54′W) which has depths of 13 to 16 m in the fairway but
General information is obstructed by shoals at its N end, including Bogha
6.178 Charmaig which dries. The sea breaks right across the
1 Loch Roag (58°15′N, 6°52′W), an extensive indentation channel in heavy weather, and it is recommended for use
into the NW coast of the Isle of Lewis (1.87) is entered by small craft in fine weather only.
between Gallan Head (58°15′N, 7°01′W) and Tiumpan, 2 Camas Bosta, to the E of Kyles Floday, an enclosed bay
8 miles ENE. This loch, which is divided into West Loch which is encumbered with shoals, provides access for boats
Roag (6.181) and East Loch Roag (6.181) by a chain of to the narrow channel between Little Bernera and Great
islands and rocks, as given below, affords anchorage for Bernera which connects West Loch Roag with East Loch
medium sized vessels and shelter for certain large vessels Roag. With N winds and any swell there is, at times, a
as given at 6.212, and land-locked anchorage for coasters nasty breaking sea in Camas Bosta. Local knowledge is
as given at 6.196. required.

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Natural conditions 4 WNW of Sgeir na Galla (4½ cables N), a drying reef
6.183 which always shows in the trough of the swell,
1 Local magnetic anomaly. Local deflection of the and:
compass is reported to occur in an area extending 8 cables ESE of a rocky shoal, with a least charted depth of
N and S, and 5 cables E and W from a position 5 cables 19⋅7 m (1 mile NW), over which the sea breaks in
NE of Little Bernera, as shown on the chart. heavy weather, thence:
2 The “ridge line” is situated 5½ cables E of the S 5 WNW of a rocky shoal, with a least depth of 5⋅5 m
extremity of Kealasay (58°16′⋅2N, 6°52′⋅0W) and appears over it (2½ cables NNE), over which the sea
to lie close to the magnetic meridian. Immediately W of breaks heavily and frequently, even in moderate
this line the normal magnetic variation is increased by weather, making it dangerous to pass over, thence:
about 11° and E of the line it is decreased by about 8°. WNW of Harsgeir (6.190).
The needle is thus repelled from the centre of the 6 After passing Harsgeir the route into West Loch Roag
disturbance instead of being attracted which is more normal follows the directions given at 6.190.
in the N hemisphere. A little distance on either side of the 6.188
“ridge line” the disturbance rapidly decreases, so that the 1 Useful mark:
compass attains its normal direction at a distance of about Mullach na Beinne, the summit of Vuia Mór
3 to 4 cables from the line. (58°12′⋅6N, 6°53′⋅3W), which has a cairn on top,
6.184 rises 6½ cables from the N end of the island. This
1 Tidal levels. For Little Bernera (58°16′N, 6°52′W) see hill, falling steeply on its SW side, is very
information in Admiralty Tide Tables. Mean spring range noticeable from the vicinity of Old Hill, in the
about 3⋅8 m; mean neap range about 1⋅5 m. entrance to Loch Roag.
6.185 6.189
1 Tidal streams set NE and SW across the entrance to 1 Approach from west. From the vicinity of 58°16′N,
Loch Roag as follows: 7°02′W, 1 mile N of Sgeir Gallan, the track into West Loch
Roag leads ESE for about 3 miles, passing (with positions
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
from Harsgeir (58°16′N, 6°56′W)):
–0430 NE-going stream begins NNE of Sgeir Gallan (3¼ miles WSW) (6.127),
+0155 SW-going stream begins thence:
NNE of Gallan Head (3 miles WSW) (6.127), thence:
The rate at spring tides is ¾ kn in both directions. 2 NNE of Rubha Brataig (2¾ miles SW) the E
2 Within both West Loch Roag and East Loch Roag extremity of a headland (158 m high) which
generally the streams begin as follows: separates Camas na h-Airde, on the SE side of
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks Gallan Head, from Camas na Clibhe, 1½ miles SE,
+0550 In-going stream begins both of which have high cliffs and afford no
shelter, and:
–0020 Out-going stream begins 3 SSW of a detached rocky shoal (1 mile WNW)
3 The streams are barely perceptible in the entrances and (6.187).
wider parts of the lochs, but in the narrow channels the See useful mark at 6.188.
rate at spring tides is generally from ½ to 1 kn in both 6.190
directions. 1 Entering West Loch Roag. From a position 6 cables
For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: WSW of Harsgeir the track leads SE in mid-channel,
North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland. passing (with positions from Sgeir Fail (58°14′N, 6°55′W)):
6.186 SW of Harsgeir (1¾ miles NNW), a low flat rock in
1 Swell. Within East Loch Roag, though the loch is open the middle of the entrance to West Loch Roag,
to the N, the swell gradually decreases as the narrow part from which a rocky spit extends 1½ cables NNW
is approached, and when 3 miles within the entrance, it is with a detached shoal at its extremity, thence:
almost imperceptible. 2 NE of a rocky bank, with a least depth of 12⋅3 m
over it (1¼ miles NW), over which the sea breaks
in heavy weather, which lies 1¼ cables N of Màs
Directions for West Loch Roag Sgeir, a small islet which is almost connected to
6.187 Pabay Beag, close SE, thence:
1 Approach from north or north-east. From a position N 3 SW of a detached shoal, with a least charted depth of
or NE of Old Hill (58°17′N, 6°55′W) the approach to West 13⋅3 m (1¼ miles NNW) which lies in the SW
Loch Roag leads SSW, passing (with positions from approach to the Kyles of Floday (6.182), thence:
Harsgeir (58°16′N, 6°56′W)): 4 NE of Bogha Dubh (8 cables NW) a drying rock
2 Either side of Old Hill (6.175). The channel SE of which lies close off the NE extremity of Pabay
Old Hill is given at 6.204. Thence: Mór, a substantial island which rises to a summit
WNW of the reef and rocks extending ½ cable W in Beinn Mhór near its S end, thence:
from the NW end of Bearasay (1 mile NNE), a 5 SW of a detached rocky shoal, with a least charted
flat-topped island with high precipitous cliffs on all depth of 12⋅3 m (8½ cables N) being one of
sides, thence: several shoals off the W coast of Great Bernera,
3 WNW of Cleit a’ Stac (9½ cables NNE) which is the thence:
SW of rocks and foul ground extending 1¼ cables NE of the N entrance to Caolas na Sgeir Leithe
WSW from the SW end of Bearasay. The central (3 cables W) (6.201), thence:
and largest of these rocks is 41 m high and 6 NE of the reef fringing Sgeir Fail which is the N of a
precipitous. Thence: chain of rocks extending 1¾ cables N from the N

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extremity of Vacsay, a substantial island 3½ cables 6.194

off the Isle of Lewis, and: 1 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 162° of the W
7 SW of a detached rocky shoal, with a charted depth extremity of Cliatasay (1½ miles SSE), a heather-covered
of 12⋅3 m, which lies 1 cable SW of Gréinam islet, just open W of the W extremity of Vuia Mór, clears
(9 cables NE) an islet lying close off the W coast close WSW of Bogha Bhad Ghlais.
of Great Bernera (6.179). 2 Clearing marks:
6.191 The alignment (347°) of the E extremity of Gille
1 When the E extremity of Vacsay bears 193° the track Sgeir with the E extremity of Liacam, 6 cables
alters to the S, towards a position midway between Geile NNW, clears close E of Bogha na Muilne, as
Sgeir (58°13′N, 6°54′W) and Rubha Rollanish, 3¼ cables shown on the chart.
ENE, passing (with positions from Geile Sgeir):
2 W of a rock, with a least depth of 1⋅8 m over it
(1¼ miles NNE), which lies 1½ cables off the W
Side channel
coast of Great Bernera and over which the sea
6.195
breaks, thence:
1 Kyles Vuia, between Vuia Mór (58°12′⋅6N, 6°53′⋅3W)
E of a rock, with a depth of 6⋅9 m over it (8 cables
(6.191) and the W coast of Great Bernera, 3 cables ENE,
N) which lies 1½ cables NE of Sionaso, the NE
has depths of 9 to 25 m in the fairway, but is encumbered
extremity of Vacsay; see clearing marks at 6.192.
with numerous shoals and marine farms, and is not
Thence:
recommended for use.
3 W of Ugly Rocks (1 mile NE), with two heads which
dry and one which is awash, which extend up to
4 cables off the W coast of Great Bernera; see
clearing marks at 6.192. Thence: Anchorage in West Loch Roag
E of Liacam (6 cables NNW) an islet close off the E 6.196
side of Vacsay, thence: 1 Loch Roag (58°12′N, 6°52′W), which should not be
4 W of Bogha na Maighdein, a drying rock which lies confused with the main loch (6.178) nor with an anchorage
½ cable W of Sgeir Dubh Bheag (5 cables NNE), area 3½ miles E (6.222), both of which bear the same
which is a small black rock lying 1 cable NW of name.
Sgeir Dubh Mhór (6.192), and: 2 Good anchorage, suitable for coasters but with restricted
Over or clear of a detached shoal, with a least swinging room, can be obtained as follows: 3 cables N of
charted depth of 14⋅2 m (3¼ cables NNE), thence: Cliatasay (6.194) in a depth of 20 m, mud; also 2½ cables
5 W of the reef fringing Rubha Rollanish (3¼ cables NNW and 3 cables NE of Glas Eilean (58°12′N, 6°52′W),
ENE), a long, narrow point forming the N a green islet from which a fringing reef and foul ground
extremity of Vuia Mór which rises to a summit in extend ½ cable NNW, in depths of 15 to 18 m, mud; also
Mullach na Beinne (6.188), and: 3 cables NNE of Eilean nam Feannag, 3 cables ESE of
6 E of the reef fringing and extending ½ cable from Glas Eilean, a grassy islet from which a fringing reef and
Geile Sgeir, a rocky islet on which stands a beacon foul ground extend ½ cable NE, in depths of 14 to 15 m
(isolated danger), situated in the N entrance to the mud. An anchorage 2 cables N of Aird Torranish and
sound of Vuia. Geile Sgeir can be passed on either 7½ cables ENE of Glas Eilean, has restricted swinging
side, if required. room suitable only for small craft. All these anchorages are
6.192 shown on the chart.
1 Clearing marks: 3 Leading line. The line of bearing 266°, astern, of the N
The alignment (150°) of the E extremity of Sgeir extremity of Gousam (58°12′N, 6°55′W) which is a grassy
Dubh Mhór (9 cables SE), a small but conspicuous islet, open N of Vuia Beag, 7 cables E (6.198), as shown
black rock, with the E extremity of Vuia Mór, on the chart, leads through the fairway N of Glas Eilean
1 mile SSE (6.191), as shown on the chart, clears and Eilean nam Feannag.
1 cable ENE of the 6⋅9 m rock. 4 Good anchorage can also be obtained in the fairway W
2 The alignment (348°) of the W extremity of Gréinam of Linngeam (58°11′⋅8N, 6°52′⋅0W), a grassy islet separated
(6.190) with the E extremity of Floday, 1½ miles from Eilean nam Feannag by a narrow boat channel, in
NNW (6.198), clears very close WSW of the SW depths of 15 to 18 m.
extremity of Ugly Rocks. 6.197
6.193 1 Little Loch Roag is a narrow arm which extends
1 After passing Geile Sgeir the track continues S through 5 miles S from the head of West Loch Roag in position
the Sound of Vuia, which has a navigable width of 58°11′N, 6°53′W. One mile within its entrance it has a
2½ cables and deep water in the fairway, passing (with width of only 45 m, as shown on the plan, in which the
positions from Geile Sgeir): tidal stream sets at a spring rate of up to 5 kn in both
2 W of Bogha Bhad Ghlais (3¼ cables SE), a drying directions.
rock, on which stands a perch (can on metal 2 Although there are no below-water rocks and the
structure), which lies ½ cable from the W side of channel is deep, the strength of the tidal streams make it
Vuia Mór; see clearing bearing at 6.194. Thence: difficult to move even small craft into or out of this loch.
3 E of Bogha na Muilne (4¼ cables S), a detached 6.198
drying rock at the N end of a rocky shoal, with a 1 Bay of Floday, between Vuia Beag (58°12′N, 6°54′W)
least charted depth of 2⋅3 m, which extends 1 cable and Floday, a heather covered islet 6 cables W, not to be
S from the rock; see clearing marks at 6.194. confused with an island of the same name 4½ miles NNE,
Thence: affords good anchorage suitable for coasters in depths of 11
As required for anchoring (6.196). to 14 m, mud, as shown on the chart. Two other

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anchorages in the bay, both shown on the chart, have less between Pabay Mór and Vacsay, which has a least depth of
swinging room than the central anchorage. 6⋅7 m in the fairway, but for which local knowledge is
2 The approach to this anchorage from N passes either required.
side of Middle Shoal, 3¼ cables WSW of the NW 6.202
extremity of Vuia Beag, for which a clearing line and 1 Kyles Pabay Beag, between Pabay Beag (58°14′⋅5N,
marks are given below. 6°56′⋅7W) (6.190) and Pabay Mór, to the S, affords
3 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 006° of the W excellent anchorage in depths of 0⋅5 to 3 m, sand, where
extremity of Geile Sgeir (58°13′N, 6°54′W) (6.191) just boats can lie safely in any weather. Local knowledge is
open E of Eilean Teinish, a grassy islet 5 cables S, clears required for entry.
close E of Middle Shoal. 6.203
4 Clearing marks: 1 East side of Pabay Mór. Anchorage can be obtained off
The alignment (019°) of Linish Point (58°12′⋅3N, the E coast of Pabay Mór, 1 cable SW of Bogha Bhealt
6°54′⋅5W) with Sgeir Dubh Bheag, 1¼ miles NNE, (58°14′⋅0N, 6°55′⋅7W), a drying rock, as shown on the
as shown on the chart, clears WNW of Middle chart. This anchorage may be subjected to swell when the
Shoal. rock covers.
5 The alignment (358°) of the E extremity of Eilean 2 An alternative anchorage lies 1½ cables WNW of Bogha
Teinish (above) with the E extremity of Liacam, Bhealt, off a sandy beach and within the reefs extending
1 mile N, as shown on the chart, clears close W of 1½ cables from the shore at a point 1 cable W of Bogha
Sgeir nan Creachann (58°11′⋅8N, 6°54′⋅2W), a Bhealt.
drying rock off the W side of Vuia Beag.
6.199
1 Miavaig Bay (58°12′N, 6°56′W), between Floday and Directions for East Loch Roag
the Isle of Lewis, affords safe anchorage, suitable for 6.204
coasters but with restricted swinging room, in depths of 1 Approach from west or north-west. When approaching
about 11 m, mud, near the middle of the bay. A pontoon the entrance to East Loch Roag from W or NW the outer
berth is available for small craft. The entrance to the bay is and less restricted track passes N of Old Hill (58°17′N,
narrow and several marine farms (1.17) are moored in the 6°55′W) (6.175) to a position 8 cables NNE of Màs Sgeir
bay, as shown on the chart. (58°18′N, 6°53′W) where it joins the entry track given at
2 Useful mark: 6.205.
Free Church Manse, which is a conspicuous house 2 Inner track. From a position 1 mile WSW of Old Hill,
6½ cables WNW of the N extremity of Floday. a position which is close N of a rocky shoal (6.187), the
6.200 inner track leads ENE through the channel between Old
1 Loch Miavaig (58°12′N, 6°57′W), which extends NW Hill and Bearasay, 3 cables SSE. This channel has a width
from the SW corner of Miavaig Bay, is a snug little of 2½ cables and is free from dangers in the fairway, but
harbour for small craft with anchorage in depths of 4 to the bottom is uneven and any swell causes a troublesome
9 m, very soft mud. There are a few stones near the shores sea, especially when the wind opposes the tidal stream. The
of this loch but no rocks. A small jetty extends from the S track passes (with positions from the E extremity of Old
shore. Hill):
3 SSE of Old Hill (6.175), thence:
NNW of Clacha Sine (3 cables S) a rock on the
Small craft channels and anchorages in West Loch fringing reef which extends ½ cable N from the N
Roag extremity of Bearasay (6.187), thence:
6.201 Across the N end of Poll Gainmhich (5 cables ESE),
1 Kyles Pabay, between, to the NE, Pabay Mór (58°14′N, a fishing ground, as described at 6.182.
6°56′W) (6.190) and Vacsay, 3 cables E, and to the S and 4 From a position 3 cables S of Màs Sgeir (6.205) the
W, the Isle of Lewis (1.87, has a least width of 1¾ cables, track alters to the E, through the channel between Sgeir
2¾ cables within its NW entrance, and a least charted Dhearg, 3 cables SE, and Cùl Campay, 5 cables S, which
depth of 2⋅3 m in the fairway, close NE of Shiaram Bheag has charted depths of over 20 m but in which the bottom is
(58°13′⋅5N, 6°56′⋅0W). There are several rocks in the rocky and uneven, and the sea frequently rolls in heavily
channel, of which Iola Sgeir, 5 cables NW of Shiaram with every appearance of a tendency to break during strong
Bheag, is an unmarked drying rock lying in mid-channel; winds from the N; passing (with positions from the E
other unmarked dangerous rocks lie 1½ cables SSE and extremity of Old Hill):
¾ cable W of Iola Sgeir. Shiaram Mor which is connected 5 N of foul ground, part of which dries, which extends
to Shiaram Bheag by a drying reef, is a conspicuous islet. ½ cable N from Cùl Campay (1¼ miles E), a bare,
2 In heavy weather the sea runs so high in the NW flat, rocky islet, and:
entrance as to make it dangerous for small craft. S of rocky shoals, on the W side of which lies a
Valtos, a small fishing village on the SW shore of the dangerous rock, which lie up to 2 cables W of
kyle, has a sheltered landing pier 4½ cables W of Shiaram Sgeir Dhearg (1½ miles E) (6.205).
Bheag, which dries. When clear of Cùl Campay the track into East Loch
3 Anchorage, suitable for small craft, can be obtained at Roag alters to SSE and follows the directions given below.
the SE end of Kyles Pabay in a depth of 10 m, hard sand, 6.205
4½ cables SE of Shiaram Bheag, as shown on the chart. 1 East Loch Roag — Outer part. From a position
This area is seldom without swell, although it has been 8 cables NNE of Màs Sgeir (58°18′N, 6°53′W) the main
used to ride out a heavy gale from SW to NW. This track towards and into East Loch Roag leads SSE in
anchorage can be approached from the E using the channel mid-channel for just under 4 miles, passing (with positions
between Vacsay and the Isle of Lewis, and from N through from the N extremity of Bindalein Island (58°16′⋅4N,
Caolas na Sgeire Leithe (58°14′N, 6°55′W), the channel 6°49′⋅0W)):

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2 ENE of a rocky shoal, with a least depth of 18⋅9 m Great Bernera, from which it is separated by a
over it (2½ miles NW), which lies on a bank, with boat channel which is foul. A marine farm (1.17)
charted depths of less than 40 m, extending is moored up to 1 cable SE of the S extremity of
1¾ miles NNW from Màs Sgeir, and over which Eughlam. Thence:
the sea breaks occasionally in heavy weather, 13 WSW of a detached rocky shoal, with a depth of 5 m
thence: over it (8½ cables S), thence:
3 ENE of the reef and shallow bank fringing Màs Sgeir WSW of Miles Shoal (1¼ miles S) which is a
(2¼ miles WNW), an islet with enough soil to detached rocky shoal off the NW end of a rocky
support a flowering vegetation in summer, and: spit extending 1¼ cables NW from the coast; see
WSW of Pender Rock which lies near the NW end of clearing bearing at 6.206.
shallow and foul ground extending 2 cables NW 6.206
from Dubh Sgeir (1¼ miles N) which is a bare 1 Clearing bearing for Pender Rock. The line of bearing
rock and one of many which lie off the coast in 060° of Aird Mhór Bragair (58°21′N, 6°40′W) Chart 2721),
this vicinity; see clearing bearing at 6.206. And: 5 miles ENE of Tiumpan, just open NW of Tiumpan
4 ENE of the reef fringing and bank extending ½ cable (6.175), clears NW of Pender Rock. See also clearing
from Sgeir Dhearg (1¾ miles WNW), a bare, marks below.
dark-coloured rock, thence: 2 Clearing marks for Pender Rock:
ENE of the reef fringing Cùl Campay (1¾ miles The alignment (158°) of the E extremity of Craigeam
WNW) (6.204) which is separated from Campay, (8 cables NNW) with the W extremity of Aird
¾ cable S (below), by Kyles Cùl Campay which is Laimishader, 2½ cables SSE, clears to the W of
foul, thence: Pender rock.
5 WSW of Sgeir Dhearg Cùl Chraigeam, a rock lying 3 Clearing marks for Kealasay:
½ cable N of Cùl Craigeam (9 cables NNW), an The alignment (283°) of the S end of Campay
islet lying close N of Craigeam, a steep and rocky (1¾ miles WNW), with the S extremity of Old
islet with an indentation on its W side, and: Hill, 1½ miles WNW, clears NNE of the islets and
6 ENE of the reef fringing Campay (1¾ miles W), an rocks extending N from Kealasay.
island on the NE end of which stands a rounded 4 Clearing bearing for Cruitir. The line of bearing 314°
hill that terminates in a vertical cliff. A remarkable of the SW extremity of Cùl Campay (1¾ miles WNW), just
hole (natural arch), through which the sea breaks, open NE of Campay, 1 cable SE, as shown on the chart,
penetrates the entire width of the island close S of clears NE of Cruitir and the rocks and shoals up to
the hill. Thence: 8 cables NW of it.
7 WSW of Aird Laimishader (6 cables NNW), the NW 5 Clearing bearing for Bindalein Island. The line of
extremity of a headland which rises to a summit in bearing 024° of the summit of Ben Laimishader, 5 cables
Ben Laimishader, 4 cables from the coast, which, NNE, well open NW of Bindalein Island, 5 cables SSW,
from the N, has a sharp-pointed summit with its E clears close WNW of the shoals lying SSE of the island.
side falling abruptly. Aird Laimishader Light 6 Clearing bearing for Miles Shoal. The line of bearing
(white clad metal framework tower) stands on Aird 141° of the E extremity of Grèinam (58°13′⋅4N, 6°46′⋅2W)
Laimishader. And: (6.190), well open SW of Eilean Blianish, 1 mile NW,
8 ENE of the islets and numerous rocks which extend clears ¾ cable SW of Miles Shoal. The E extremity of
2 cables E and 2½ cables SE from Kealasay Grèinam, having the land behind it, does not show up well,
(1½ miles W), which is the largest of a group of but Grèinam Light (6.209) is a guide to its position. All
islets off the NE side of Little Bernera (6.179); see dangers on the E side of the loch, to the S of Bindalein
clearing marks at 6.206. Traigh Mhór, 2½ cables S Island are covered by the red sector of Grèinam Light.
of Kealasay, is a conspicuous beach on the N side 6.207
of Little Bernera. A local magnetic anomaly exists 1 Useful mark:
in the area NE of Little Bernera, as given at 6.183. Grèinam Light (58°13′⋅3N, 6°46′⋅2W) (6.209)
Thence: 6.208
9 WSW of rocky shoals, with a least depth of 3⋅2 m 1 East Loch Roag — Inner part. From position
over them, which lie within 2 cables SSW of 58°15′⋅0N, 6°49′⋅3W the track towards the inner part of
Bindalein Island which is connected to the East Loch Roag leads SE in mid-channel, passing (with
mainland SE by a drying reef; see clearing bearing positions from the S end of Grèinam (58°13′⋅3N,
at 6.206. Thence: 6°46′⋅2W)):
10 ENE of the reef surrounding and extending up to Pier − Rubha Arspaig
¾ cable from Cruitir (1 mile WSW), a bare rock
near the E extremity of the many islets and drying
rocks which extend 3½ cables E from the E
extremity of Little Bernera; see clearing bearing at
6.206. Temple Sands, a sandy beach on the E side
of Little Bernera, midway between its NE and SE
extremities, is conspicuous. Thence: Eilean Blianish Grèinam Keava Vacasay Island
11 WSW of Red Rocks (5½ cables S) which consists of
two detached heads with deep water between them. East Loch Roag, Inner part from NW (6.208)
(Original dated 2000)
These rocks lie 1¼ cables W of Sgeir na h-Aon
Chaorach, a rugged point on the mainland. And: (Photograph − Air Images)
12 ENE of Stirk Shoal (1¼ miles SW) which lies near
the N end of shoals extending 1¾ cables N from 2 NE of a detached shoal, with a charted depth of
Eughlam, a narrow islet close off the E coast of 8⋅7 m, which lies 1 cable NNW of Eilean Mór

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(2 miles NW), which is steep-to on its E side and 4 NE, distant rather more than 1 cable from the NE
is connected to Eilean Beag, close SW, and thence coast of Keava to achieve a mid-channel track.
to Aird Mhór, a peninsula on the NE side of Great Useful mark is given at 6.213.
Bernera, by a drying reef, thence: 6.211
SW of Rubha Fianuis (1¾ miles NNW) a salient 1 Kyles Keava. From a position 4½ cables NW of
point on the NE side of the loch, thence: Grèinam Light, the line of bearing 166° of the cairn on the
3 NE of Bo Shee (1¾ miles NW), a detached rocky N summit of Eilean Kearstay, 1 mile S of Grèinam Light,
patch over which the sea breaks and which lies off (6.220) just open WSW of the W extremity of Keava,
the N end of foul ground extending 1¾ cables N 6½ cables NNW, as shown on the chart, leads SSE into
from Aird Taranaish, the E extremity of Aird Kyles Keava, which has a least width of ¾ cable with
Mhór; see clearing bearing at 6.209. Thence: depths of 10 to 20 m in the fairway, passing (with positions
4 SW of the reef fringing Eilean Blianish (1 mile from Grèinam Light):
NNW), a rocky islet lying close S of a low point 2 WSW of a detached shoal, with a least charted depth
on the mainland which is somewhat higher than of 7⋅3 m (2 cables W), and:
the adjacent land and has a flattish top. A marine ENE of a marine farm (4 cables W) (1.17), thence:
farm (1.17) is moored 1 cable ESE of Eilean 3 ENE distant 1 cable from Sgeirean Barraglom
Blianish which lies in the red sector of Grèinam (4 cables WSW) which dry in places and the E
Light (6.209). Thence: extremity of which, lying ¾ cable offshore, is
5 NE of Sgeir na h-Aon Caorach (9 cables NW) which awash. These rocks lie on the coastal bank which,
lies near the N end of the drying reef fringing and with charted depths of less than 10 m, extends
extending ¾ cable NW from Vacasay Island, which 1¼ cables offshore. And:
has a rather sharp summit and is separated from 4 WSW of Water Rock (2¾ cables SW) which dries
Great Bernera, to the S, by Kyles Vacasay, a very and lies on the coastal bank which, with charted
shallow channel, thence: depths of less than 10 m, extends 1 cable NNW
6 SW of a detached rock, with a charted depth of 7⋅8 m from the NW extremity of Keava (6.210).
(6½ cables NNW), which lies S of a marine farm When the N extremity of Keava is in line with Rubha
(1.17) moored off Aird na Mòine, a promontory on Arspaig, 5½ cables E (6.213), bearing 097°, the track alters
the W side of Port a’ Chaoil (6.218); see clearing to the S and continues in mid-channel.
sector at 6.209. Thence:
7 SW of a detached rock, with a charted depth of 7⋅3 m
(4 cables NNW) which is the SW of detached Anchorages in East Loch Roag
shoals, with a least depth of 2⋅3 m over them 6.212
(4 cables N), which extend 2¼ cables SW from 1 Medium sized vessels. Good anchorage, suitable for
Sgeir Sgianailt, a drying reef which extends medium sized vessels, can be obtained in the bay between
1 cable offshore. A marine farm (1.17) is moored Eughlam (58°15′N, 6°50′W) and Eilean Mór, 1 mile SE, in
close off the end of the reef. See clearing sector at a depth of 25 m, muddy sand. The entire width of East
6.209. Thence: Loch Roag in this vicinity affords anchorage if required,
8 SW of a detached shoal, with a charted depth of but the holding ground on the E side is not so good as that
9⋅7 m (3 cables NNW) which lies 1½ cables W of on the W side. A recommended position lies 5 cables SE of
Moore Rock; see clearing sector at 6.209. Eughlam.
6.209 2 Coasters. Good anchorage, suitable for coasters, lies
1 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 312° of Temple with the summit of Eughlam (6.205) bearing 334° and at a
Sands (58°15′⋅8N, 6°51′⋅5W) (6.205), just open NE of distance of 2½ cables from the SW shore of the loch, close
Eughlam, 8 cables SE (6.205), clears NE of Bo Shee, as to the position shown on the chart, in a depth of 25 m.
shown on the chart. 3 Smoother water can be obtained still farther up the loch
Clearing sector. The red sector (143°−169°) of Grèinam between Vacasay Island (58°13′⋅5N, 6°47′⋅4W) and a line
Light (white beacon, 5 m in height) standing on the S end joining Eilean Blianish, 5 cables NNE of Vacasay Island, to
of Grèinam, covers all the shoals on the E side of the loch Grèinam, 1 mile SSE, in depths of 21 to 23 m, mud, clear
SE of Eilean Blianish. of a marine farm (1.17) moored off the E side of Vacasay
6.210 Island.
1 Channel to Breasclete Bay. From a position 3 cables 4 Good, smooth-water anchorage can also be obtained in
WNW of Grèinam Light the track into Breasclete Bay Breasclete Bay (58°13′N, 6°46′W) which extends E from
(6.212) leads SE for about a mile, through the channel Keava (6.210), with depths of 7 to 15 m, mud. A good
between Grèinam and Keava, 2½ cables S, which has a position, with restricted swinging room, lies with the SE
least width of 1 cable and depths of more the 10 m, passing extremity of Keava bearing 243°, distant 2¾ cables, in
(with positions from Grèinam Light): depths of 9 to 11 m, as shown on the chart.
2 NE of a detached shoal, with a least charted depth of Useful mark is given at 6.213.
7⋅3 m (2 cables W), thence:
SW of the bank, with depths of less than 10 m over
it,which extends ½ cable W from Grèinam, on the Alongside berth in East Loch Roag
S end of which stands Grèinam Light (6.209), and: 6.213
3 NE of the reef and foul ground surrounding Sgeir nan 1 Breasclete New Pier, which extends 48 m S from
Cliabh (1¾ cables SW), an above-water rock Rubha Arspaig (58°13′N, 6°45′W) the N entrance point of
which lies on the foul bank extending 1½ cables N Breasclete Bay, is specially equipped for off-loading fish
and NE from Keava, a substantial island which lies and supplying fishing vessels with fuel, ice and water. This
midway between Great Bernera and the mainland, pier has a berth on both sides, each with a length of 32 m
E, thence: and depths, at MLWS, of 5⋅4 m alongside the outer end

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and 2⋅9 m alongside the inner end. Rubha Arspaig Jetty 6.217
Head Light (metal mast, 11 m in height) stands on the head 1 Bernera Harbour, which lies W of Sgeir a’ Chaolais, a
of the pier. drying rock marked by a beacon (black and white cage
topmark) on its S side, 6½ cables WSW of Cruitir, is free
from swell but restricted in swinging room. In the
approach, the channel S of Sgeir a’ Chaolais has a
navigable width of 55 m with a depth of 7⋅8 m. Anchorage,
with good holding ground, can be obtained 1 cable W of
the rock, in depths of 4 to 8 m, mud, as shown on the
chart. It is recommended that craft in this anchorage be
moored.
6.218
1 Port a’ Chaoil (58°14′N, 6°46′W), situated on the E
side of Aird na Mòine (6.208), affords good anchorage for
small craft in depths of 8 m, mud, with Aird na Mòine
Rubha Arspaig, East Loch Roag, from SW(6.213) bearing 283° distant 2 cables, as shown on the chart, clear
(Original dated 2000) of Sgeir nan Sgarbh, a drying reef off the SE extremity of
(Photograph − Air Images) Aird na Mòine. Anchorage can also be obtained farther into
the bay, in depths of 4 to 5 m, out of the swell.
6.219
Small craft channels and anchorages in East Loch 1 Dubh Thòb (58°13′⋅3N, 6°47′⋅6W), an enclosed inlet on
Roag the W side of Vacasay Island (6.208), is entered from the
6.214 N through a narrow channel which is marked at its S end
1 Kyles Campay (58°16′⋅6N, 6°52′⋅5W), the channel by Ardvanich Point Light (grey metal post), to the W, and
between Campay (6.205), to the N, and the islets NW of by Tidal Rock Light (metal column) to the E. A drying
Kealasay (6.205), to the S, is free from dangers with depths reef extends ¼ cable E from Ardvanich Point Light.
of more than 20 m in the fairway. This channel is used to 2 Kirkibost Pier, which has a depth of 1⋅8 m alongside,
connect Poll Gainmhich, close W (6.182), with Kyles of extends from the W side of Dubh Thòb. Kirkibost Jetty
Little Bernera, 1¼ miles SE (6.216). Light (column, 4 m in height) stands on the pierhead. A
6.215 beacon (pole, red can topmark) stands ½ cable E of the
1 Loch Carloway, on the E side of the entrance to East pierhead and marks the N limit of drying rocks which
Loch Roag, which is entered between Bindalein Island extend 1 cable NNW from the coast.
(58°16′N, 6°49′W) and the S side of Aird Laimishader, 6.220
extends 1 mile E to its head. The channel into the loch is 1 Eilean Kearstay. Anchorage can be obtained, out of the
wide and clear of dangers except for Tin Rocks, 3 cables tidal stream, in the enclosed bay W of Eilean Kearstay
within the entrance, which lie near the middle of the loch (58°12′N, 6°46′W), with the NW extremity of that island
and are marked on their N side by the base of a destroyed bearing 021° and the SW extremity bearing 114°, in a
beacon and by a buoy (starboard hand). The deeper depth of 14 m, mud, as shown on the chart, clear of marine
channel, which lies to the N of these rocks, has a width of farms (1.17) moored along the S shore. This anchorage is
1½ cables between the 10 m depth contours. approached from N through the narrow channel on the W
2 Good anchorage can be obtained in the middle of the side of Eilean Kearstay which has a least width of ¼ cable
loch, 5¼ cables ENE of the N extremity of Bindalein with depths of 9 to 18 m in the fairway; tidal streams in
Island, in a depth of about 8 m, sand and mud, as shown this channel attain a maximum rate of 1½ kn.
on the chart, clear of a marine farm (1.17) moored off the 2 Anchorage can also be obtained S of Eilean Kearstay, in
N shore of the loch. Anchorage can also be obtained near depths of 9 to 15 m but a marine farm (1.17) and a
the head of the loch, 1 cable SW of Carloway Pier detached shoal, with a depth of 3⋅7 m over it, lie in the
(58°16′⋅7N, 6°47′⋅4W), in a depth of 4 m, mud, as shown middle of the approach from NW.
on the chart. This inner anchorage has good holding ground 6.221
but there is insufficient room to veer cable and, with W 1 Loch Barraglom (58°12′N, 6°49′W), which is totally
gales, a heavy swell sets into the loch. enclosed, is also shallow and obstructed by rocks and
3 Carloway Pier, which has a depth of 0⋅3 m alongside, is marine farms (1.17). This loch, which is sometimes used
used by small fishing vessels. A light stands on the head of by small craft, can be approached from E or W but the
the pier. approach from W has a depth of only 1⋅2 m, is almost
6.216 blocked by rocks and passes under Bernera Bridge with a
1 Kyles of Little Bernera (58°15′⋅7N, 6°51′⋅0W) which clearance of only 2⋅6 m under the central span.
lies between the islands of Little Bernera, to the N, and 6.222
Great Bernera, to the S, is a suitable and safe harbour for 1 Loch Roag (58°11′⋅6N, 6°45′⋅5W), which should not be
small craft. The approach from E is wide and clear of confused with the main loch (6.178) nor with an anchorage
dangers but the approach from W is very narrow with area 3½ miles W (6.196), both of which bear the same
many drying rocks in it, as given at 6.182. name, affords anchorage for small craft in position 1 cable
2 Anchorage, in settled weather, can be obtained between W of the N end of Bratanish Mór, as shown on the chart,
Cruitir (58°16′N, 6°51′W) (6.205) and Dùn Stuigh, or to the E of these islands, clear of marine farms (1.17)
3½ cables SSW, in a depth of 13 m, sand, as shown on the moored in the vicinity. A jetty, which extends from the SE
chart. Temporary anchorage can also be obtained 2 cables end of Strèimnish, at the E end of the loch, provides access
W of Dùn Stuigh, in a depth of 11 m, mud and sand, about to Callanish, a village with communications and stores. The
½ cable NW of drying rocks and clear of a marine farm channel close SW of Strèimnish is crossed by a water
(1.17) moored 3½ cables WNW of Dùn Stuigh. pipeline, and by power cables (1.39) with a safe vertical

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clearance of 3⋅8 m. Tidal streams in this channel attain a depth of 22 m sand, with Butt of Lewis Light bearing 050°
rate of 4 kn at spring tides. distant 1⋅3 miles, 3 cables N of the position shown on the
6.223 chart.
1 Loch Ceann Hulavig (58°11′N, 6°44′W) situated at the 2 This bay can be safely approached with the aid of
head of East Loch Roag is entered through the channel SW soundings and of a church and several houses which are
of Strèimnish (above). This loch, which is generally filled visible from seaward, keeping clear of Dell Rock (6.175).
with shallow flats, islets and rocks, is seldom used.
Small craft anchorages off the north-west coast
of Lewis
Anchorage off the north-west coast of Lewis
Chart 2721
Chart 1785 6.225
Butt of Lewis 1 From Tiumpan (58°18′N, 6°48′W) to Aird Mhór
6.224 Braigair, 5 miles ENE, the coast is indented by several
1 The bay between Aird Dell (58°29′N, 6°20′W) and the small bays which might afford shelter for small craft during
SW extremity of Butt of Lewis, 2½ miles NE, affords offshore winds. Local knowledge is required.
anchorage with fairly good holding ground, clear of 2 Included among these bays is Loch Shawbost (58°20′N,
Sinntean Rocks, 2¼ miles NE of Aird Dell, which are 6°41′W) which is open N and is shallow with a sandy
above-water and below-water rocks extending 1½ cables W bottom. The shores of this loch dry out 6½ cables from
from the S entrance point of Cunndal. In 1953 H M both sides leaving an area of only 1 cable in width for
Surveying Ship Cook, 2000 tons, obtained anchorage in a anchorage.

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Chapter 7 - Sound of Islay and Sound of Jura with approaches

40´ 30´ 20´ 10´ 6° 50´ 40´ 30´ 20´ 10´

20´ 20´

7.305
Loch Melfort
2326

7.233
Loch Shuna
2386
7.297
7.14
Scarba 7.218

ish
10´ 10´

gn
7.233 7.233

ai
hCr
Loc
2397
2320
Loch
2343 Crinan
Colonsay 7.211
CHAPTER

ra
8 JURA

Ju
56° 7.189 56°

of
7.174

en
we
d
un

hS
2481
ort 7.170

c
So

Lo
sp
aoli
2169 C
ch

Lo
7.140

rt
Port Askaig

be
50´ 7.140 50´

r
7.117

Ta
ch
2396

Lo
t Kennacraig
es 7.58
W
7.101 7.22
I S LAY
2477
Gigha 7.22
E

7.62
YR

40´ 40´
N T

Port Ellen
7.88
KI

7.62 7.78 2475

2474 ARRAN
OF

2168
A

7.22
UL
I NS

30´ 30´
P EN

CHAPTER
4
NP 40
Irish Coast Pilot

20´ 20´

10´ 2798 10´

40´ 30´ 20´ 10´ Longitude 6° West from Greenwich 40´ 30´ 20´ 10´

February 2004

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CHAPTER 7
SOUND OF ISLAY AND SOUND OF JURA WITH APPROACHES

GENERAL INFORMATION
Chart 2724 5°55′W), Scarba (56°11′N, 5°42′W) and Lunga (56°13′N,
Synopsis 5°42′W) at 7.12 to 7.15, and for the islands of Luing
7.1 (56°14′N, 5°39′W) and Seil (56°18′N, 5°37′W) at 7.235.
1 This chapter covers, at the S end, the S approach to 2 Topography for Kintyre is given at 1.82, and for the
both the Sound of Islay (55°50′N, 6°05′W) and the Sound island of Shuna (56°13′N, 5°36′W) at 7.281.
of Jura (55°55′N, 5°45′W).
2 From this approach the chapter covers the Sound of
Depths
Islay, which extends NNW for 11 miles, and the Sound of 7.5
Jura, which extends NNE for 22 miles between, on the E 1 Depths, which vary greatly throughout the area,
side, the W coast of Kintyre (55°35′N, 5°35′W) and, on the generally decrease towards the N and into the sounds and
W side, the SW and SE coasts of Islay (55°45′N, 6°15′W), lochs. Within the Sound of Jura depths are very irregular
and adjoining lochs. with dangers lying in the middle of the sound, and in the
3 At the N end the chapter covers the approach to the N approaches to this sound depths are often a limiting
Sound of Jura from N, including all channels which pass condition.
through the island chain extending 12 miles NNE from the Exercise areas
N end of Jura to the mainland, and between those islands 7.6
and the mainland E, with adjoining lochs. 1 Submarines exercise frequently, both on the surface and
dived, in the area covered by this chapter, as shown on the
Routes charts and described in the text. A good lookout is to be
7.2 kept for them when passing through these waters.
1 Through routes via the Traffic Separation Scheme
(55°20′N, 6°00′W) are given in the Irish Coast Pilot. Marine farms
Restrictions on the movement of laden tankers within the 7.7
area of this chapter are given at 7.22. 1 Marine farming equipment (1.17) has been established in
Sound of Islay. Routes in the S approach to and most of the sounds, lochs and inlets covered by this
through the Sound of Islay, which includes part of the chapter. The approximate position of known farms is shown
Inshore Traffic Route (1.11), are summarised at 7.17. on the charts and reported in this text; however, further
2 Sound of Jura. Routes in the S approach to the Sound farms may be established without notice and may constitute
of Jura are the same as those for the Sound of Islay. The a hazard to navigation and anchoring.
route through the Sound of Jura and the routes in the N
approach to the sound are summarised at 7.133. Satellite derived positions
7.8
Harbours and lochs 1 Positions obtained from satellite navigation systems
7.3 require some adjustment before being plotted on the chart,
1 Harbours. There are no major harbours within the area until new editions of charts are published using the
covered by this chapter and only two minor harbours of European Terrestrial Reference System 1989 Datum. See
importance which are: 1.25 and individual charts for details.
Port Ellen (55°38′N, 6°12′W) (7.88), situated on the
Rescue
SE side of Islay.
7.9
Port Askaig (55°51′N, 6°06′W) (7.117), situated on
1 A Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre is operated by
the E coast of Islay, within the Sound of Islay.
Greenock Coastguard (55°57′N, 4°46′W). For details see
2 In addition, a ferry terminal at Kennacraig (55°48′N,
1.61.
5°29′W) (7.58), within West Loch Tarbert, maintains
A VHF Direction Finding Service for emergency use
communications between the mainland and the minor ports
only is also established within the area of this chapter; for
given above.
details see 1.69.
Lochs. A number of large lochs are included within this
chapter, as summarised at 7.18 and 7.134. Sea state
3 Small craft facilities. In 2003 there were five marinas, 7.10
as summarised at 7.135. In addition, most of the lochs and 1 A summary of the conditions affecting the sea state in
sounds provide shelter and a variety of anchorages as given the Sound of Jura is given at 7.138. These same conditions
under the name of each loch and sound. are likely to also affect the approaches to the Sound of Jura
from S.
Topography
7.4 Tidal streams
1 The approaches to the Sound of Islay and to the Sound 7.11
of Jura receive increasing shelter from the W as they 1 General information on tidal streams off the W coast of
progress N, and both sounds are similarly sheltered by a Scotland is given at 1.115.
chain of islands which extends 35 miles NNE from Islay The tidal streams in all the channels which pass between
(55°45′N, 6°15′W) to the mainland. General topography for the islands on the W side of the Sound of Jura and its N
the islands in this chain is given for Islay, Jura (56°00′N, approaches, between the Sound of Islayand Clachan Sound

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(56°19′N, 5°35′W), depend on the relation between the sea three conical peaks of which Beinn an Oir (55°54′N,
level outside the islands and the level inside the islands. 6°00′W) is the highest.
2 For example, in the Gulf of Corryvreckan (56°09′N,
5°43′W) there is a difference of 1⋅9 m between the range of
the tide at the E end and that at the W end, as given at
7.255, giving rise to a difference in sea levels. Similar
conditions exist in all other channels, but whereas in the
Gulf of Corryvreckan the higher and lower levels are only
1 mile apart, creating the high rates given at 7.255, in all
other channels, except Bealach a’ Choin Ghlais (56°12′N,
5°42′W) (7.258), the distance is much greater and in
consequence the streams are weaker.
Rubha a’ Mhàil Lighthouse
Principal islands Paps of Jura from WNW (7.13)
(Original dated 2000)
Charts 2168, 2724
(Photograph − Air Images)
Islay
7.12 2 Jura contains little arable land in relation to its size, and
1 Islay (55°45′N, 6°15′W) which lies about 23 miles NW the inhabitants are mainly employed in fishing or the
of the Mull of Kintyre (7.33) is an undulating island, in rearing of sheep and cattle.
sharp contract to the pyramidal mountains of Jura close NE
(7.13). The highest peak, Beinn Bheigeir (55°44′N, Charts 2326, 2724
6°06′W), rises on the SE side of the island less than Scarba
2 miles from the coast but in general the coastal hills are of 7.14
moderate height. Loch Indaal (7.72), a deep indentation in 1 Scarba (56°11′N, 5°42′W) is remarkable for the
the SW coast, is separated from Loch Gruinart (55°53′N, pyramidal formation of its central and highest peak which
6°19′W), a narrow indentation in the NW coast, by an rises to a summit in Cruach Scarba. The S side of the
isthmus with a width of 2 miles. island, which forms the N shore of the Gulf of
2 The main industries depend on agricultural products and Corryvreckan (7.252), is bold and steep-to, whilst the N
the distillation of whisky, with eight single malt brands. end is separated from Lunga, as given at 7.15.
2 There are no harbours anywhere around the bleak and
Chart 2724 rugged coasts of Scarba, though it is possible to anchor a
Jura vessel off the E coast, inshore of the strong tidal stream.
7.13
1 Jura (56°00′N, 5°55′W), a mountainous island 3½ miles Lunga
off the mainland, from which it is separated by the Sound 7.15
of Jura, lies close NE of Islay (7.12), from which it is 1 Lunga (56°13′N, 5°42′W), a cliffy island which is wider
separated by the Sound of Islay (7.101). The general aspect at its N end, rises to a summit in Bidein na h-Iolaire near
of Jura is that of a continuous mountain range its centre. This island is separated from the N end of
uninterrupted by any visible plain or valley. The SW part Scarba by Bealach a’ Choin Ghlais (7.258) and is extended
of the island rises to the Paps of Jura which consists of N by Fiola Meadhonach (7.247) and Rubha Fiola (7.248).

SOUND OF ISLAY AND APPROACHES WITH APPROACH TO SOUND OF JURA FROM SOUTH
GENERAL INFORMATION 2 From W. From a position W of Rhinns of Islay Light
(55°40′N, 6°31′W) to a position 5 miles ENE of
Chart 2724 Ardmore Point (55°41′N, 6°01′W).
Synopsis Inshore Traffic Route. The route through the Sound of
7.16 Islay, which is part of the Inshore Traffic Route (1.11), is
1 The combined approach to the Sound of Islay described in full.
(55°50′N, 6°05′W) and to the Sound of Jura (55°55′N, 7.18
5°45′W) from S lies between the W coast of Kintyre 1 Harbours and lochs. Within the area described above,
(55°35′N, 6°35′W), to the E, and the S and E coasts of the text includes the following lochs and minor harbours:
Islay (55°45′N, 6°15′W) to the W. On the S and E sides of Islay:
Sound of Islay is described in full in this section at Loch Indaal (55°45′N, 6°20′W) (7.72).
7.101. Port Ellen (55°38′N, 6°12′W) (7.88).
2 Sound of Jura is described in the following section, at Port Askaig (55°51′N, 6°06′W) (7.117).
7.132. On the W side of Kintyre:
7.17 West Loch Tarbert (55°48′N, 5°30′W) (7.48).
1 Routes. This section describes the approach routes to the 7.19
Sound of Islay and to the Sound of Jura as follows: 1 Small craft facilities. There are no marinas within the
From S. From a position SW of Mull of Kintyre area covered by this section. There are, however, a number
(55°18′N, 5°48′W) to a position 5 miles NW of of bays, lochs and sounds which afford anchorage and
Gigha (55°41′N, 5°45′W), including routes on both some limited facilities for small craft. A description of
sides of the island. these is included within each of the lochs and harbours

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given above. In addition, information is included for the generally N for about 26 miles. This passage forms the S
Sound of Islay. approach to the Inshore Traffic Route as described at 1.11.
2 A Traffic Separation Scheme which commences from a
line SW of the Mull of Kintyre, with its NW route passing
Topography about 2 miles off the mull, is described in the Irish Coast
7.20 Pilot. Laden tankers of over 10 000 grt should avoid the
1 General topography for the surrounding land is given for area between the Traffic Separation Scheme and the Mull
the island of Islay at 7.12 and for Kintyre at 1.82. of Kintyre, as given in a note on the chart.

Tidal streams Topography

7.21 7.23
1 A general description of the factors affecting the tidal 1 A general description of Kintyre is given at 1.82.
streams in all the channels to the W of the Sound of Jura The W coast of this peninsula, between Mull of Kintyre
is given at 7.11. Factors affecting the streams in the S and Leac Bhuidhe, 6½ miles N, is bleak and rugged; thence
approach to the Sound of Jura are given below. to Glenacardoch Point, 10 miles farther N, the cliffs are
2 The NW-going stream in the approach to North Channel interspersed with sandy bays.
(55°00′N, 5°40′W) sets simultaneously with the N-going 2 Gigha (55°41′N, 5°45′W) (Chart 2475) lies 1½ miles off
streams in the Sound of Jura and the Sound of Islay. the W coast of Kintyre, from which it is separated by
Similarly, the SE-going stream in the approach to North Sound of Gigha (7.36). This island, which has a length of
Channel coincides with the S-going streams in the Sound about 5 miles, rises to a summit in Creag Bhan, a hill
of Jura and Sound of Islay. In consequence the streams in 2¼ miles from the N end. It is pastoral in nature with
the S approach to the Sound of Jura set as given below. famous sub-tropical gardens.
3 North-west going stream. The NW-going stream in
North Channel, after passing Mull of Kintyre (55°18′N, Depths
5°48′W), spreads out N towards the Sound of Jura and NW 7.24
towards the island of Texa (55°37′N, 6°09′W), off the SE 1 Between Mull of Kintyre and Earadale Point, 5¾ miles
coast of Islay, where it divides into two streams which set N, the 20 m depth contour lies within a mile of the coast,
WSW towards the S end of the island of Islay, 7 miles opening erratically as it progresses N. Farther N, between
WSW; and NE towards the Sound of Islay, 10 miles NE. Skerrivore (55°26′N, 5°45′W) and Glenacardoch Point,
4 South-east going stream. During the SE-going stream 9 miles N, the 20 m depth contour lies roughly parallel to
in North Channel the streams off the SE coast of Islay are the coast and up to 2 miles from it. However, the bottom to
reversed from that given above so that they converge on seaward is irregular and shoals of less than 20 m lie up to
Texa, then set E as a combined stream which then alters 3¼ miles from the coast.
SE towards the Mull of Kintyre to meet the S-going
streams from the Sound of Islay and the Sound of Jura.
5 Details of the tidal stream movement midway between Exercise areas
Islay and Kintyre are shown on the chart. Stronger rates 7.25
which are experienced nearer to the coasts on both sides 1 The passage described above passes through submarine
are described with each coastal passage. exercise areas, as given at 7.6.
6 In North Channel, SW of Mull of Kintyre, the streams
set as follows:
Rescue
Interval from HW Oban Remarks 7.26
+0530 NW-going stream begins 1 An all-weather lifeboat (1.72) is maintained at Port
Askaig (55°51′N, 6°06′W) (7.117).
–0055 SE-going stream begins Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams (1.61) are based at
7 Heavy overfalls occur in unsettled weather over a bank, Gigha (55°41′N, 5°43′W), Ardpatrick (55°46′N, 5°37′W)
with a least depth of 36 m over it (55°24′N, 6°07′W), and Port Ellen (55°38′N, 6°12′W).
which is situated 11½ miles WNW Mull of Kintyre. For For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 7.9.
further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: Firth of
Clyde and Approaches.
Tidal streams
7.27
1 A general description of tidal stream movement in the
MULL OF KINTYRE TO Sound of Jura and approaches from the S is given at 7.21.
WEST LOCH TARBERT Along the coast between the Mull of Kintyre and
Glenacardoch Point, 16½ miles NNE, the tidal streams
begin nearly simultaneously and set as follows:
General information Interval from HW Oban Remarks
+0400 N-going stream begins
Chart 2724 –0225 S-going stream begins
Passage 2 The rate at spring tides is 5 kn in both directions, but
7.22 these streams are local, and to the SW of Mull of Kintyre
1 From a position SW of the Mull of Kintyre (55°18′N, they set as given at 7.11.
5°48′W) the coastal passage off the W coast of Kintyre, Farther N, close S of Glencardoch Point, the streams set
towards the Sound of Islay and the Sound of Jura, leads as follows:

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Interval from HW Oban Remarks Directions

+0430 N-going stream begins
Chart 2798
–0155 S-going stream begins
Mull of Kintyre to Glenacardoch Point
3 The rate at spring tides is 2½ kn in both directions. 7.33
Continuing NW, off the SW side of Gigha, the streams 1 From the vicinity of 55°17′N, 5°50′W the coastal
set as follows: passage off the W coast of Kintyre leads generally N for
about 18 miles, passing (with positions from Uisaed
Interval from HW Oban Remarks
(55°25′⋅5N, 5°45′⋅0W)):
+0430 N-going stream begins W of the Mull of Kintyre (7¾ miles SSW) which is
–0130 S-going stream begins bold and steep-to and is the SW extremity of
Kintyre (1.82), and:
The rate at spring tides is ½ kn in both directions. 2 E of the NW route of the Traffic Separation Scheme,
4 For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: 2½ miles W of the Mull of Kintyre, thence:
Firth of Clyde and Approaches and tidal stream information W of Mull of Kintyre Light (7 miles SW) (7.31),
on the chart. thence:
7.28 W of Rubha Dùin Bhàin (4 miles SSW) a small
1 Eddy. Close inshore between Skerryvore and Port promontory on the W coast of Kintyre, thence:
Corbert, 4½ miles NNE, an eddy sets S during part of the W of Skerrinagal (2½ miles SW) a drying rock which
N-going stream. In the eddy the streams set as follows: lies close off Earadale Point, thence:
Interval from HW Oban Remarks 3 W of Skerrivore, a dangerous rock lying near the NW
extremity of foul ground extending 4 cables NW
+0230 N-going stream begins and sets from Uisaed, a small promontory on the SW side
for 3 hours. of Machrihanish Bay. Skerrivore is almost always
+0530 S-going stream begins and sets marked by breakers and there is generally a heavy
for 9½ hours. swell to the N of it which makes the rock appear
to be of greater extent than it really is. See
2 Tidal races form off the following points and rocks on clearing bearing at 7.34. Thence:
the W coast of Kintyre, with positions from the Mull of 4 W of a dangerous wreck (5½ miles N), the position
Kintyre: Rubha Dùin Bhàin (4 miles N); Skerrinagal, off of which is approximate, which is charted
Earadale Point (5½ miles N), as shown on the chart; and 1¼ miles off the coast, thence:
Skerrivore (8 miles NNE), as shown on the chart. W of Malcolm Rock (6½ miles N) which is awash
and lies on the edge of the coastal reef, thence:
5 W of a patch, with a depth of 8⋅7 m over it (8 miles
Overfalls N), which lies 5 cables offshore midway between
7.29 Malcolm Rock and Glenacardoch Point, thence:
1 A strong tidal race with overfalls may be encountered W of Glenacardoch Point (9½ miles N) a rounded
SW of Mull of Kintyre, as shown on the chart, and when a promontory. Beacons mark the landing place of
gale from the S opposes a strong S-going tidal stream, disused submarine cables in a bay 8 cables ENE.
conditions can be dangerous for small craft. 7.34
1 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 188° of Rubha
Dùin Bhàin (above) open W of the coast 1½ miles N,
clears to the W of Skerrivore as shown on the chart but
Sea state passes inside Skerrinagal (above). Mull of Kintyre Light is
7.30 obscured over this rock.
1 The entire W coast of Kintyre is open to the Atlantic Useful mark:
which beats heavily on it even during calm weather, and An aero light (55°26′⋅5N, 5°42′⋅7W) which is shown
especially when the tidal stream is setting SE. occasionally at Machrihanish Airfield.

Chart 2168
Principal marks
Glenacardoch Point to Ardmore Point
7.31
7.35
1 Landmarks:
1 From the vicinity of 55°35′N, 5°52′W the track
Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse (white tower on white
continues generally N, passing (with positions from Rubh’
building, 12 m in height) (55°19′N, 5°48′W)
a’ Phuirt Allaidh (55°41′N, 5°46′W)):
standing 7 cables N of Mull of Kintyre (7.33). Two
W of Cara Island (3 miles S) which lies 5½ cables SE
radio masts stand close E of the lighthouse.
of Gigha Island, thence:
Major light:
W of Dearg Sgeir (1¾ miles S) a drying rock at the
Mull of Kintyre Light—as above.
extremity of foul ground which extends 4 cables
SSW from a point on Gigha Island, thence:
2 W of Càth Sgeir (1¼ miles SSW) an above-water and
Other navigational aids below-water reef that is the W of the dangers off
7.32 the W side of Gigha Island, being separated from
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the Dubh Sgeir, 4 cables ESE, by a channel with a
Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at least depth of 17⋅4 m in the fairway. A light-buoy
1.33. (W cardinal) is moored close W of Càth Sgeir.

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Dubh Sgeir lies at the S and W end of Chart 2475 plan of Sound of Gigha
above-water and below-water rocks which extend Directions
to the shore. Thence: 7.39
3 E of Eilean a’ Chuirn (8½ miles W) (7.86), thence: 1 Initial position: 3 cables SE of Mull of Cara (55°37′⋅5N,
E of Ardmore Point (8½ miles W) (7.86), thence: 5°45′⋅0W).
W of Outer Red Rock (1½ miles N) which lies on Leading marks:
the same reef as Toe Rock, 1½ cables SSW, about Front mark, the summit of Eilean Liath (55°39′⋅7N,
5 cables off the W coast of Gigha Island. Inner 5°43′⋅6W), a small island off the SE side of Gigha
Red Rock, a dangerous rock, lies midway between Island.
Outer Red Rock and the shore. 2 Rear mark, the E extremity of Ardminish Point,
(Directions continue for Sound of Islay at 7.109, and 1½ miles NNE, which is the NE extremity of Fank
for Sound of Jura at 7.151. (7.40).
Directions for West Loch Tarbert are given at 7.51) The alignment (013°) of these marks leads NNE along
the W side of the sound, passing (with positions from the
E extremity of Gigalum Island (55°39′N, 5°44′W)):
3 WNW of Sgeir an Tru (2½ miles SSE) a rocky bank
which dries, thence:
Sound of Gigha
ESE of Mull of Cara (1½ miles SSW) the S extremity
of Cara Island (7.35), thence:
WNW of Cara Rock (1½ miles SSE) which has many
Charts 2168, 2475 plan of Sound of Gigha other shoal heads in its vicinity, and:
General information 4 ESE of Aird Fhada (1¼ miles SSW), thence:
7.36 Over Cara Flat, which extends 4 cables E from Cara
1 Channel. The Sound of Gigha (55°40′N, 5°42′W), Island (1 mile SSW), along the outer edge of
which separates Gigha Island (7.23) from the mainland E, which lie shoals with a least depth of 4⋅3 m
is entered at its S end between Glenacardoch Point (1¼ miles S), thence:
(55°35′N, 5°43′W) and Mull of Cara, 3 miles NNW. On the 5 ESE of a charted depth of 1⋅8 m (6½ cables S) which
E side of the sound, from a position 6½ cables NNE of lies at the extremity of a spit extending 1¼ cables
Glenacardoch Point, a long narrow shoal, with a least depth NE from Port na Cille, thence:
of 3⋅7 m over it, extends for about 1 mile parallel to the ESE of a charted depth of 2⋅7 m which lies close E
coast and 6½ cables offshore. of Cara Reef (5½ cables SSW) which extends
2 Farther N, between A’Chléit (55°37′N, 5°41′W), a small 2 cables N from Cara Island, thence:
promontory on which stands a church, and Rhunahaorine 6 WNW of Rhu Mhurachy Rocks, with a least depth of
Point, 4 miles N, the coast is bordered by a bank which, 3⋅4 m over them (8 cables ESE) and of several
with depths of less than 5 m over it, extends from 2 to other shoals in this vicinity, thence:
8 cables offshore. Several above-water and below-water ESE of a charted depth of 3⋅4 m which lies near the
rocks lie on this bank which continues N beyond the point E extremity of a spit extending 1¼ cables ESE
for 1½ miles. In the middle of the sound, at the S end, from Gigalum Island, thence:
there are several shoals with deep water channels between 7 WNW of Gigalum Rocks (4½ cables E), which dry
them. In the N approach to the sound the depths are very and are marked off their NW end by a light-buoy
irregular with several patches, with depths of 8⋅5 to 10 m (W cardinal).
over them, lying within 2 miles NE of An Dubh-sgeir 7.40
(55°44′N, 5°43′W) (7.151). 1 From a position 3 cables SSW of Eilean Liath the track
7.37 alters to pass not less than 1 cable E of Eilean Liath to a
1 Caution. The track for which Directions are given at position 3 cables NNE of the islet.
7.39 passes over Cara Flat in a depth of 7 m in position From this position the line of bearing 207°, astern, of
55°37′⋅8N, 5°44′⋅4W and also passes very close to an the rocky promontory at the N end of Cara Island
unmarked rock, with a depth of 5⋅2 m over it, in position (55°38′⋅4N, 5°44′⋅8W) just open SE of Eilean Liath, leads
55°40′⋅2N, 5°43′⋅1W. Many other rocks and shoals lie close NNE through the fairway, passing (with positions from
to the track and local knowledge is essential. Ardminish Point (55°41′N, 5°43′W)):
7.38 2 WNW of Sgeir Gigalum (1½ miles SSE), which is
1 Topography. The E shore of the sound is low but rises marked off its NW side by a light-buoy (starboard
to hills of moderate elevation a short distance inland. hand). Sgeir Gigalum is the N of the shoals at the
Submarine power cable (1.39) is laid across the sound S end of the Sound of Gigha which include Flat
between a position on the mainland coast, 1½ cables SSE Rock (2 miles SSE) and Wee Rocks (2¼ miles S),
of Rhunahaorine Point, and Port nam Faochag, 1¾ miles thence:
W, as shown on the chart. Beacons (red and white stripes) 3 ESE of Sgeir Dhubh (1 mile SSW) and of drying
stand near the landing places of the cable. rocks extending 1 cable N which are marked off
2 Tidal streams in the Sound of Gigha are shown on the their NE extremity by a buoy (port hand),and:
chart. Very close WNW of a 5⋅2 m rock (1 mile S) (7.37),
Principal marks: thence:
Conspicuous white house (55°42′⋅6N, 5°37′⋅1W) Very close ESE of a shoal, with a depth of 5⋅8 m
standing near the coast. over it (7 cables S), thence:
Conspicuous grey house standing near the coast 4 Close ESE of a shoal, with a depth of 6⋅7 m over it
5½ cables NNE of the white house (above). (4 cables SSE), thence:

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ESE of the island of Fank, the E side of which, S of Gigha Island, to the NW; and Gigalum Island and Cara
Ardminish Point (7.39), is steep-to with cliffs 9 to Island, to the SE. This channel, which has a least depth in
12 m high, thence: the fairway of 2⋅4 m, is encumbered with above-water and
5 WNW of the bank, with depths of less than 2 m over below-water rocks and local knowledge is required for safe
it, which extends 4½ cables NW from passage. The NW extremity of the drying reef and islets
Rhunahaorine Point (1½ miles ESE) which is the extending 1 cable NNW from Gigalum Island is marked by
extremity of a long projecting flat, a few metres a beacon (N cardinal).
high. A tower stands on the coast 2¼ cables SSE 2 Tidal streams achieve a rate of 1½ kn at spring tides.
of the point. And: Good anchorage was reported (1986) to be obtained in
6 ESE of Druimyeon Reef which is partly above-water strong E winds close to the rocks on the W side of
and extends 4¾ cables NNE from Ardminish Point, Gigalum Island.
thence: A mooring buoy, for the use of the local ferry, is
ESE of Sgeir Nuadh (7 cables NE), a drying reef reported to be moored about 1 cable S of the pierhead
which lies in the middle of the fairway and is (below).
marked off its E side by a light-buoy (port hand). 3 A pier, which extends from the SE coast of Gigha
See clearing marks at 7.41. Thence: Island, near the middle of Caolas Gigalum, is used
7 ESE of Sgeir Blàth-shuileach (8 cables NNE) which regularly by vessels from West Loch Tarbert (7.48). Berths
lies at the N end of a reef extending 1½ cables S, for small craft are reported to be available with depths
thence: alongside of about 1⋅5 m.
WNW of Sgòr Cainnteach (1¾ miles ENE), thence: 7.46
WNW of Badh Rock (1½ miles NE) which lies in the 1 Druimyeon Bay (55°42′N, 5°43′W) affords good
middle of the sound and is marked off its W side anchorage, sheltered from W winds, inside Druimyeon Reef
by a light-buoy (starboard hand). There are other and Sgeir Blàth-shuileach (7.40) and clear of marine farms
shoals in this vicinity. Thence: (1.17) moored inside the reefs. There are numerous shoals
8 WNW of a wreck which has been swept to a depth in the bay and local knowledge is required.
of 4⋅6 m (2¼ miles NE), thence: 7.47
ESE of the above-water and below-water reef 1 Port Mór (55°43′N, 5°43′W), at the NE end of Gigha
surrounding Gamhna Gigha (2¾ miles NNE), on Island, contains a ruined jetty and provides occasional
which stands a light (concrete column, 5 m in anchorage for small craft. This bay is clear of dangers, but
height) and which lies 1 mile ENE of Rubh’ a’ a bank with depths of 6⋅4 to 6⋅7 m extends 5½ cables ENE
Chàirn Bhàin, the NE extremity of Gigha Island. from it.
7.41
1 Clearing marks. The alignment (225½°) of the SE West Loch Tarbert
extremity of Fank with Achamore House, 1½ miles SW, Chart 2477
clears close SE of Sgeir Nuadh.
General information
(Directions continue for West Loch Tarbert at 7.51)
7.48
1 Channel. West Loch Tarbert, entered between Ronachan
Anchorages and berths Point (55°44′N, 5°36′W) and Ardpatrick Point, 1¼ miles
7.42 NNW, is a narrow and pleasantly wooded loch which
1 Ardminish Bay (55°40′N, 5°44′W) affords good extends 8½ miles NE to a low isthmus at its head. This
anchorage, with shelter from W winds, that is suitable for isthmus, which is 8 cables wide, separates West Loch
coasters. Local knowledge is required for entering the bay Tarbert from East Loch Tarbert (4.131). The channel
due to the numerous shoals in the approach. through the loch is well marked as far as the berth at
Berth. A pier which extends from the coast near the Kennacraig (55°48′N, 5°29′W), which is the mainland
middle of the bay and has a well illuminated ramp at its terminal for a vehicular ferry. Beyond this berth an
head, provides berthing facilities for a car ferry from the unmarked channel continues NE to West Loch Pier, near
mainland (below). the head of the loch, which is extensively used by fishing
2 Small craft moorings are laid in the bay including 12 vessels.
for visiting yachts.
Provisions can be obtained in small quantities.
7.43
1 Mainland coast. A stone causeway which extends from
the coast 1½ miles S of Rhunahaorine Point, is used by the
car ferry to and from Ardminish Bay (above).
7.44
1 East Tarbert Bay (55°43′N, 5°43′W) affords good
temporary anchorage, sheltered from W winds, in a depth
of 11 m, sand, 5 cables NNW of Sgeir Blàth-shuileach, as
shown on the chart. The nearest dangers are Tarbert Rocks
which lie near the middle of the bay, 2¼ cables offshore,
Eilean Tràighe
and a marine farm (1.17) moored near the middle of the
bay. West Loch Tarbert (Kintyre) from SW (7.48)
(Original dated 2000)
(Photograph − Air Images)
Small craft
7.45 7.49
1 Caolas Gigalum (55°39′N, 5°45′W) is a narrow and 1 Depths. The narrows through the entrance have a least
intricate channel which passes between the SE end of charted depth of 8⋅2 m in the fairway. Within the loch the

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least depth in the fairway is 7⋅3 m for the first 4 miles to a WNW of Corran Point Light-beacon, which stands on the
position 5 cables NNE of Kilchamaig Point (55°48′N, edge of the reef 1¼ cables NW of the point.
5°30′W). Above this position the depths gradually decrease, 7.53
with a least charted depth of 5⋅9 m in the fairway and of 1 Corran Point to Kennacraig. From a position
3⋅9 m in the approach to the berth at Kennacraig. 1½ cables N of Corran Point Light-beacon the track leads
2 Above Kennacraig the channel is restricted and ENE for 1¾ miles, following the N shore of the loch at a
continues to shoal, but vessels with a draught of 4⋅6 m can prudent distance and passing (with positions from Rubha
be taken as far as Eilean dà Ghallagain (55°50′⋅2N, Mhein (55°47′N, 5°32′W)):
5°27′⋅5N). Above this islet the least charted depth is 2⋅4 m, 2 SSE of a drying reef which extends ½ cable SE from
4 cables NNE of the islet, in the fairway of the channel to Rubh’ a’ Bhàrr Ruaidh (1¼ miles WSW), and:
West Loch Pier, 6½ cables from the head of the loch. NNW of the reef extending 3½ cables from the SE
7.50 shore of the loch to the NE of Corran Point
1 Tidal streams in the middle of the entrance are rather (1½ miles SW) for about 7 cables. Rocks at the N
irregular in both direction and rate, but in general they set end of this reef dry and marine farms (1.17) are
as follows: moored along the edge of the reef. Thence:
Interval from HW Oban Remarks 3 SSE, distant 2 cables from Sgeir Mhein, known
locally as Paddy’s Rock, a drying rock which lies
+0530 In-going stream begins on the edge of the coastal reef, 1 cable S of Rubha
–0030 Out-going stream begins Mhein; Sgeir Mhein Light-beacon (port hand)
2 The rate at spring tides is ¾ kn on the in-going stream stands on the rock.
and 1½ kn on the out-going stream. 7.54
Within the loch the streams are barely perceptible. 1 From a position 4 cables E of Sgeir Mhein Light-beacon
the track leads NE in mid-channel for 9 cables to pass
through the centre of Dunmore Narrows which has a
navigable width of 2 cables between Kilchamaig Point
Directions (55°48′N, 5°30′W) and Dunmore, 4 cables NW.
(continued from 7.41) 2 From a position NW of Kilchamaig Point the line of
7.51 bearing 047° of the right hand edge of Eilean Eòghainn,
1 Approach from west-south-west. From a position (7.55) 1¾ miles NE of Kilchamaig Point, or the line of
2 miles W of Ronachan Point, the line of bearing 074° of bearing 227°, astern, of Corran Point, seen midway
Dun Skeig (55°45′⋅4N, 5°34′⋅5W), an isolated conical hill, between Dunmore and Kilchamaig Point, leads NE for
reported to be conspicuous, on the summit of which stands 1¼ miles, passing (with positions from the SW extremity of
a vitrified fort, open NNW of Dunskeig Bay Light (silver Kennacraig (55°48′N, 5°29′W)):
metal post, 3 m in height), 3 cables WSW, leads ENE for 3 SE of two rocky patches, with a depth of 3⋅9 m over
2¼ miles towards the entrance to West Loch Tarbert, them (9½ cables and just over 1 mile WSW),
passing (with positions from Dun Skeig): which lie in the fairway, and:
2 SSE of the bank, with a depth of 7 m over its SW NW of Black Rocks (8 cables SW) which dry and lie
extremity, which extends 3½ cables SW from up to 2 cables from the SE side of the loch. Black
Ardpatrick Point (1½ miles WNW) (7.48), thence: Rocks Light-beacon (starboard hand) stands on the
SSE of an isolated rock, with a depth of 2⋅7 m over it rocks. Thence:
(1 mile W) which lies near the edge of the coastal 4 NW of a marine farm (8 cables WSW) (1.17) which
bank, above, thence: is moored 1 cable N of Black Rocks Light-beacon,
3 NNW of a charted depth of 5⋅5 m (7 cables WSW) thence:
which lies near the edge of the coastal bank SE of a rocky shoal, with a depth of 3⋅9 m over it
extending from the SE side of the entrance, and: (4½ cables W), which lies 1 cable S of Sgeir an
4 SSE of a light-beacon (port hand) (7 cables WNW) t-Snidh and extends into the middle of the fairway,
which stands on a rock 2 cables S of Eilean thence:
Tràighe, a low island which is connected with the 5 SE of a chain of drying rocks (3½ cables NW) which
NW shore of the loch by a drying bank of gravel lie up to 4 cables offshore and extend 5 cables NE
and boulders. from Sgeir an t-Snidh. A light-buoy (port hand)
5 Useful mark: which is moored about 1 cable SE of the line of
Gamhna Gigha Light (55°43′⋅7N, 5°41′⋅0W) (7.40). the rocks, lies very close NW of the track. And:
7.52 6 NW of Kennacraig, an islet which is connected to the
1 Entrance channel. When the port hand light beacon mainland, 1 cable ESE, by a causeway. Kennacraig
(above) bears NNW, the line of bearing 037° of Corran Ferry Terminal Head Light (silver metal post, 2 m
Point Light-beacon (starboard hand) 8 cables N of Dun in height) stands on the SW extremity of the berth.
Skeig, leads NNE for 7½ cables through the middle of the 7.55
entrance channel and over the least charted depth in the 1 Kennacraig to Eilean dà Ghallagain. From a position
entrance (7.49), passing (with positions from Dun Skeig): 3 cables NNW of the SW extremity of Kennacraig the track
2 SE of several rocks, above-water and below-water, leads NNE for about 1½ miles, passing (with positions
which extend 2 cables SW from Eilean Tràighe from Rhu Point (55°49′N, 5°28′W)):
(7 cables WNW) (above), thence: ESE of a rock, with a charted depth of 0⋅8 m, which
SE of a marine farm (5½ cables NW) (1.17) which is lies 1½ cables S of Eilean à Mhadaidh (4 cables
moored off the drying reef extending 1½ cables E W), a small islet close to the NW shore of the
from Eilean Tràighe. loch, thence:
3 When Portachoillan Pier (4½ cables N) bears 090° the 2 Clear of a marine farm (1½ cables W) (1.17) which is
track is altered to the NNE for 5 cables to pass 1 cable moored 1 cable NW of Eilean Eòghainn, a small

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islet that is steep-to on its NW side and is 2 Pilotage is not compulsory but a Pilot can be provided if
surrounded by marine farms (1.17), thence: adequate notice is given.
WNW of below-water rocks fringing Rhu Point and A limited supply of diesel fuel and fresh water is
the coast for 6½ cables NNE of the point, and: available.
3 Clear of a marine farm (2¼ cables NNW) (1.17)
which is moored in the middle of the fairway, Small craft
thence: 7.59
ESE of Sgeir na Bile (4¼ cables NNW) which is a 1 Anchorages and moorings for small craft are available
low rock lying 1 cable off the NW shore, thence: as given in the following paragraphs.
4 ESE of above-water and drying rocks which lie up to North-east of Eilean Traighe (55°46′N, 5°36′W), distant
½ cable S of Sgeir Liath (8 cables N) which lies 5 cables, as shown on the chart, in a depth of 9 m,
nearly 4 cables off the NW shore of the loch and 2¼ cables E of a small pier on the NW side of the loch.
is near the centre-line of the channel. 2 Off Rhu House (55°49′⋅4N, 5°27′⋅9W), where a pier
7.56 extends from the shore and moorings are available for
1 From a position 1 cable SE of Eilean dà Ghallagain visitors.
(55°50′⋅2N, 5°27′⋅5W) the channel to West Loch Pier, North-east of Eilean dà Ghallagain (55°50′⋅2N,
6½ cables from the head of the loch, is free from dangers 5°27′⋅5W), distant 1 cable, as shown on the chart, in depths
in the fairway but is suitable only for use by small craft. of 3 to 4 m, affording good anchorage.
7.60
1 West Loch Pier (55°51′N, 5°27′W), which has Ro-Ro
Anchorage and berth facilities for a vehicular ferry, is owned by Argyll and Bute
7.57
Council and is heavily used by fishing vessels. The main
1 Good temporary anchorage, with restricted swinging
berth has a length of 18 m with a berthing arm of 22 m;
room for coasters, can be obtained between Black Rocks
depths alongside are 2⋅35 m and 2⋅0 m respectively.
(55°48′N, 5°30′W) (7.54) and Eilean Eoghainn, 1½ miles Garbage and oily waste reception facilities are available.
NE, on the line of bearing 227° of Corran Point, as given
at 7.54, in depths of 5 to 7 m, mud. Other name
Chart 2475
7.61
1 Craro Bay (55°40′N, 5°46′W).

ISLAY SOUTH-WEST COAST

General information
Charts 2168, 2724
Passage
7.62
1 The coastal passage along the SW side of Islay, from a
Kennacraig terminal, West Loch Tarbert from W (7.57) position W of Rhinns of Islay Light (55°40′N, 6°30′W),
(Original dated 2000) leads ESE for about 15 miles to a position S of Rubha nan
(Photograph − Air Images) Leacan (55°35′N, 6°16′W).
Due to overfalls (7.67) the Rhinns of Islay and The Oa
7.58 should be given a wide berth by mariners in small craft.
1 Kennacraig Ferry Terminal (55°48′N, 5°29′W), which
extends from the SW side of Kennacraig (7.54), has a Topography
Ro-Ro linkspan on its S berth and a concrete sloped ramp 7.63
on its N berth. This terminal, which can accommodate 1 General topography for the island of Islay is given at
vessels with a maximum length of 85 m and draught of 7.12.
3⋅2 m, is used for a vehicular ferry service to Port Askaig 2 The SW coast of the island, from the SW extremity of
(7.117) and Port Ellen (7.88) on the island of Islay. The the Rhinns of Islay (the SW peninsula of Islay) to the S
berth is owned and managed by Caledonian MacBrayne extremity of The Oa, 9 miles SE (the S peninsula of Islay)
Ltd, Ferry Terminal, Gourock, PA19 1QP. consists only of the extremities of these two peninsulas

Portnahaven Port Wemyss

Rhinns of Islay and Lighthouse from W (7.62)
(Original dated 2000)
(Photograph − Air Images)

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separated by an inlet comprised of Loch Indaal (7.72) Other navigational aids

combined with Laggan Bay (7.72) to form an opening with 7.70
a width of 7 miles. 1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the
Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at
Exercise areas 1.33.
7.64
1 The passage described above passes through submarine Directions
exercise areas, as given at 7.6. 7.71
1 From the vicinity of 55°40′N, 6°40′W the coastal
passage along the SW side of Islay leads ESE, passing
Rescue (with positions from Mull of Oa):
7.65 SSW of Frenchman’s Rocks (9¼ miles NW) (8.31),
1 An all-weather lifeboat (1.72) is maintained at Port thence:
Askaig (55°51′N, 6°06′W) (7.117). 2 SSW of Eilean Mhic Coinnich (8¼ miles NW) (8.31),
An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) is based at thence:
Port Charlotte (55°44′N, 6°23′W) (7.76). SSW of An Coire (7½ miles NW) (8.31) and of
For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 7.9. Orsay, close N (8.29), thence:
SSW of Rhinns Point (7 miles NW), the SW
Tidal streams extremity of Rhinns of Islay, thence:
7.66 3 SSW of the entrance to Loch Indaal (4 miles NW)
1 A general description of tidal stream movements in the (7.72), thence:
Sound of Jura and approaches is given at 7.21. SSW of Mull of Oa (7.68), thence:
Off the SW coast of Islay, off Orsay (55°40′N, 6°31′W) SSW of Sgeirean Buidhe (1 mile ESE), a reef which
and off the S coast of The Oa, the tidal streams set as extends 1½ cables SW from Dùn Athad, thence:
follows: 4 SSW of a dangerous wreck, the position of which is
Interval from HW Oban Remarks approximate, charted 2 cables SW of Rubha Dubh
na h-Otha (1¾ miles ESE), thence:
+0530 NW-going stream begins SSW of a spit extending 1 cable S from Rubha nan
–0040 SE-going stream begins Leacan (2½ miles ESE), the SE extremity of The
Oa.
2 These streams set very strongly and attain a rate of 8 kn (Directions continue for passage along
during spring tides off Orsay, where there is a very heavy the SE side of Islay at 7.85.
race, and from 4 to 5 kn off The Oa. Directions for passage S of Kintyre are given at 3.102)
For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
Firth of Clyde and Approaches.
Loch Indaal and approaches
Overfalls Chart 2168
7.67 General information
1 Heavy overfalls, with eddies, are created off Orsay, as 7.72
shown on the charts, off the Mull of Oa during the 1 Loch Indaal, entered between Laggan Point (55°43′N,
SE-going stream, and off Rubha nan Leacan during the 6°20′W) and the coast 2 miles W, extends about 5 miles
NW-going stream, within areas shown on the charts. With NNE to its head which dries out 7½ cables. Within Saltpan
opposing winds these overfalls are dangerous to small craft. Point, 1½ miles N of Laggan Point, the loch opens out into
a shallow basin which provides indifferent shelter and
affords anchorage for small craft only. Coasters and small
Principal marks vessels can obtain anchorage in the entrance to the loch but
7.68 this is open to the prevailing winds.
1 Landmarks:
2 Approach to Loch Indaal, which is made between Mull
Conspicuous monument standing on the summit of of Oa (55°35′N, 6°20′W) (7.68) and Rhinns Point, 7 miles
Mull of Oa (55°35′N, 6°20′W). NW, includes Laggan Bay, NNW of The Oa, which is
4 miles wide with shores which are low and fringed with
rocks extending up to 5 cables offshore.
3 Tidal streams. From Mull of Oa, the NW-going stream
sets NNW to the middle of the large bay in the approach
to Loch Indaal and thence W towards Orsay Island; the
SE-going stream sets in the reverse direction. The rate at
spring tides in the middle of the bay is 3 kn in both
directions. These streams become weaker off Laggan Point
and are imperceptible towards the land around Loch Indaal.
4 Eddies, in which the streams set nearly continuously
Loch Indaal outwards, probably occur along parts of the SE side of the
Monument, Mull of Oa, from S (7.68) Rhinns of Islay and the W side of The Oa.
(Original dated 2000)
(Photograph − Air Images) Directions
7.73
7.69 1 From the vicinity of 55°38′N, 6°26′W the approach to
1 Major lights: Loch Indaal leads NE towards Laggan Point for about
Rhinns of Islay Light (55°40′N, 6°31′W) (8.29). 3 miles, passing (with positions from Mull of Oa):

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SE of Orsay (7½ miles NW) (8.29) and: ISLAY SOUTH-EAST COAST

2 NW of Sgeirean Buidhe Ghil (1½ miles N) a group
of three rocks among the many above-water and
below-water rocks which lie as much as 2½ cables General information
off the W side of The Oa between Mull of Oa and
Rubha Mòr, 4 miles NNE, thence: Chart 2168, 2724
3 SE of a drying rock which lies close off Rhinns Point Passage
(7 miles NW) (7.71), thence: 7.78
NW of Sliday Bank (3¾ miles N) which lies 1 The coastal passage along the SE side of Islay, from a
1½ miles off the W coast of The Oa, and: position 3 miles S of Rubha nan Leacan (55°35′N,
4 SE of a number of marine farms (1.17) which are 6°16′W), leads ENE for about 10 miles then NNE for about
moored, as shown on the chart, up to 4 cables off 8 miles to a position 5 miles ENE of Ardmore Point
the SE side of the Rhinns of Islay, which is (55°41′N, 6°01′W).
otherwise free of dangers between Rhinns Point
and Port Charlotte, 5½ miles NNE.
7.74 Topography
1 From a position 3 miles SW of Laggan Point, the track 7.79
into the entrance to Loch Indaal leads NNE, passing (with 1 General topography for the island of Islay is given at
positions from Laggan Point): 7.12.
WNW of Knockangle Rock (2¾ miles SSE) over The SE coast of the island, from Port Ellen (55°38′N,
which the sea breaks heavily during strong winds 6°12′W) to Ardmore Point, 7 miles NE, is fronted by islets
from SW, thence: and rocks extending in places up to 1½ miles offshore.
2 WNW of Bogha n’tsaoir, a rocky reef which extends
4½ cables SW from Laggan Point; see clearing Exercise areas
bearing at 7.75. Thence: 7.80
ESE of Port Charlotte (2 miles NW), a village on the 1 The passage described above passes through submarine
W side of the loch. exercise areas, as given at 7.6.
7.75
1 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 031° of Cnoc
Donn Mòr (5½ miles NNE) just open NW of Saltpan Point Rescue
(1½ miles N) clears NW of Bogha n’tsaoir. 7.81
Useful mark: 1 An all-weather lifeboat (1.72) is maintained at Port
Rubh’ an Duin Light (white stone tower, 13 m in Askaig (55°51′N, 6°06′W) (7.117).
height) (2 miles NNW) which stands on the coast An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) is based at
close NNE of Port Charlotte. Port Ellen (55°38′N, 6°12′W).
For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 7.9.

Tidal streams
Anchorage 7.82
7.76
1 A general description of tidal stream movement in the
1 Good anchorage can be obtained off Port Charlotte
Sound of Jura and approach from S is given at 7.21.
(55°44′N, 6°23′W) in a depth of 10 m, brown clay, with
2 Off the SE coast of Islay the NW-going stream divides
Rubh’ an Duin Light bearing 305°, distant 6 cables, as
off Texa (55°37′N, 6°09′W) and sets WSW towards Rubha
shown on the chart.
nan Leacan and NE towards Ardmore Point as given at
7.11. The SE-going stream converges off Texa where it
turns E towards Otter Rock (55°34′N, 6°08′W) then sets
SE. These streams, which have no great strength, begin as
Small craft follows:
7.77
1 Anchorage can be obtained in a depth of 5 to 7 m in Interval from HW Oban Remarks
position 2 miles NE of Rubh’ an Dùin Light or in a depth +0530 Stream from Texa towards
of 5 m in position 2½ miles ENE of the same light, as Rubha nan Leacan and
shown on the chart. Ardmore Point begins.
2 Alongside berth can be obtained at a pier which
–0030 Stream from Rubha nan
extends from the coast at Bruichladdich, 1½ miles NNE of Leacan and Ardmore Point
Port Charlotte. This pier, which has a concrete root and towards Texa begins.
L-shaped timber end, has a depth of 3 m alongside.
Bruichladdich Light (column, 4 m in height) stands on the 3 At Otter Rock the tidal streams set as follows:
S extremity of the pier. Interval from HW Oban Remarks
3 Alongside berth can also be obtained at a shallow pier +0530 W-going stream begins
which extends from the coast at Bowmore, 3 miles ENE of
Port Charlotte, which is the principal town of Islay. –0030 E-going stream begins
Approach to this pier is hampered by An Curachan, The rate at spring tides is 3 kn in both directions.
3 cables W of the pier, and Sgeir Ruadh na h Acairseid, Tidal stream ripples extend up to 6 cables SE from Tàrr
1½ cables NW of the pier, each of which is marked by a Sgeir (55°36′N, 6°09′W) during the SE-going stream.
beacon. Another rock, which is also marked by a beacon, 4 Tidal streams in the S entrance to the Sound of Jura are
lies close off the head of Bowmore Pier. given at 7.147.

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For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: 4 ESE of Ardmore Point, the steep-to SE extremity of
Firth of Clyde and Approaches, and tidal stream stations on Islay, on the summit of which stands a
the chart. triangulation point (short tapering concrete pillar).

Principal marks Useful marks

7.83 7.87
1 Landmarks: 1 Useful marks in the vicinity of Port Ellen are given at
Monument (55°35′N, 6°20′W) (7.68). 7.91.
Carraig Fhada Lighthouse (white square tower, 17 m (Directions continue for Sound of Islay at 7.109,
in height) which is conspicuous, stands on the SE and for Sound of Jura at 7.151.
extremity of Carraig Fhada (55°37′N, 6°13′W); a Directions for West Loch Tarbert are given at 7.51)
second white tower stands close by the lighthouse.
2 Television mast and 10 radio masts (55°38′N, Port Ellen
6°14′W), all of which are conspicuous, standing on
Beinn Leathaig (103 m high). Chart 2474 plan of Port Ellen
General information
Other navigational aids 7.88
7.84 1 Port Ellen, a ferry port on the S coast of Islay, is
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the entered between Carraig Fhada (55°37′N, 6°13′W) and
Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at Rubh’ a’ Chuinnlein, 8 cables ENE. This port, which is the
1.33. chief port of Islay, maintains links with the mainland by
vehicular ferry.
The population was 819 in 2001.
Directions 2 Topography. Port Ellen lies on the E side of a bay,
(continued from 7.71) which has a width of about 1 mile in a natural indentation
7.85 in the S coast of Islay. The town of Port Ellen stands
1 From the vicinity of 55°32′N, 6°16′W the coastal around the inner harbour in the NE corner of the bay.
passage along the SE side of Islay leads ENE, passing 3 Kilnaughton Bay, which occupies the W half of the
(with positions from Carraig Fhada): main bay, is clear of dangers and the bottom, for the most
2 SSE of Rubha nan Leacan (3 miles SW) (7.71), part, is flat. In the E half there is foul ground between the
thence: inner harbour and the distillery on the N shore.
SSE of Port Ellen (7.88), thence: 4 Approach and entry. Port Ellen is approached from
Clear of Otter Rock (4 miles SE) which is marked by SSE and entered through a channel which is narrowed by
a light-buoy (S cardinal), 4 cables S. During strong dangers which extend from both sides and complicated by
winds, especially with an opposing tidal stream, rocks, with a least depth of 4 m over them, which lie in the
the sea breaks heavily over this rock. And: middle of the fairway.
3 SSE of Tàrr Sgeir (2¼ miles ESE) which is the S of 5 Traffic. In 2002, the port was used by 20 vessels with a
the above-water and below-water rocks extending total of 21 666 dwt, in addition to regular ferries.
7 cables S from the SW end of Texa, a low island Port Authority: Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd, The Ferry
lying 4 cables offshore which has a small beacon Terminal, Port Ellen, Isle of Islay, PA42 7DW. Local
(concrete, white) standing on the summit at its E authority is vested in a Harbour Master.
end. See mention of tidal stream ripples at 7.82.
Thence: Limiting conditions
4 SSE of Ruadh Mòr (4½ miles E) which lies at the S 7.89
end of a foul area extending 1¼ miles S from Aird 1 Controlling depth in the entrance is charted as 9⋅1 m in
Imersay, a promontory extending S from The Cnoc position 3 cables SSE of Carraig Fhada.
(5 miles ENE) which is a distinctive hill near the Deepest and longest berth is Car Ferry Berth (7.97).
coast. Iomallach (4½ miles E) is a rock which lies Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
on the SE side of the same foul area. Mean spring range about 0⋅6 m; mean neap range about
7.86 0⋅3 m.
1 From the vicinity of 55°36′N, 6°00′W the track alters to 2 Abnormal levels. Sea level is frequently raised 0⋅6 m by
NNE, passing (with positions from Eilean a’ Chuirn Light strong or prolonged winds from the S, and may be lowered
(55°40′N, 6°01′W)): by the same amount during winds from the N.
ESE of shoals, with depths of less than 10 m over Maximum size of vessel handled. Car Ferry Berth can
them, which extend about 1 mile SE from Aird accommodate vessels up to 1200 grt.
Imersay (2½ miles SW) (7.85), thence: Local weather. Prevailing wind is from the W and
2 ESE of foul ground which extends 6½ cables SW, storms from SW to NW are the heaviest.
and shoals which extend 5 cables S, from Eilean
Bhride (1 mile SW). A beacon (tripod) stands on Arrival information
an islet 2½ cables N of the N extremity of Eilean 7.90
Bhride. Thence: 1 Outer anchorage, with good holding ground and
3 ESE of Eilean a’ Chuirn, the E of the Ardmore suitable for small vessels, can be obtained on the bank
Islands which are a group of islets, above-water outside the harbour in a depth of 16 m, 1¼ miles SE of
and below-water rocks extending up to 2½ miles Carraig Fhada, as shown on the chart.
SSW from Ardmore Point (1 mile N). A light Pilotage is not compulsory but local knowledge is
(white tower, 5 m in height) stands near the NE required for entering harbour. A pilot can be obtained by
extremity of Eilean a’ Chuirn, thence: previous arrangement with the Harbour Master.

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Port Ellen, Islay, from SW (7.88)

(Original dated 2000)
(Photograph − Air Images)

Harbour and rocks extending up to 6½ cables SE from

7.91 Rubh’ a’ Chuinnlein, thence:
1 Natural conditions. Tidal streams are barely perceptible 3 WSW of shallow patches, with a least charted depth
in Port Ellen. of 7 m, which extend 2 cables S and SW from
Landmarks, with positions from Carraig Fhada: McFayden’s Reef (8¼ cables ESE) which lies at
Carraig Fhada Lighthouse (7.83). the S end of the islets and rocks extending
Television mast (6½ cables NW) (7.83). 5 cables S from Rubh’ a’ Chuinnlein, and:
Grain silo (9 cables ENE), a tall, light blue-grey ENE of Otter Gander (7 cables S), thence:
building, which stands near the root of the pier 4 ENE of Am Plodan (4 cables S) which is the E of the
and is conspicuous. foul ground extending up to 2½ cables offshore
2 Conspicuous white house with grey roof (7½ cables between Carraig Fhada and Lurabuss Head
N). (8 cables SSW). An Gànradh (The Gander)
Conspicuous white house (9 cables NNE), with a (5 cables SSW) lies near the outer edge of this
distillery 1 cable to the E, can be easily identified. foul ground. And:
Coastguard hut standing on Rubh’ a’ Chuinnlein 5 WSW of a detached shoal, with a least charted depth
(9 cables ENE) is also easily identified. of 5 m, which lies 2 cables WSW of Sgeir
Thràghaidh (5½ cables ESE) a drying rock which
lies at the SW extremity of the islets and rocks
extending about 4 cables WSW from Eilean nan
Directions for entering harbour Caorach, sometimes called Sheep Island (9 cables
7.92 E) which is the largest of the islets off Rubh’ a’
1 Approach. From a position 1¼ miles SSE of Carraig Chuinnlein, thence:
Fhada Light the line of bearing 328° of this light leads 6 Close WSW of a reef with four main heads, with a
NNW within the white sector (311°–340°) of the light least depth of 4 m over them (3½ cables ESE),
towards the deeper part of the entrance channel, passing which lies in the fairway and extends SW, with a
(with positions from Carraig Fhada Light): charted depth of 5⋅5 m, well within the white
2 WSW of shallow patches, with a least charted depth sector of Carraig Fhada Light. A light-buoy
of 6⋅7 m (1¼ miles ESE), which extend up to (starboard hand) is moored ½ cable SW of the 4 m
4½ cables S and SW from The Big Wheel Reef head previously mentioned; this buoy is ¾ cable E
(1¼ miles E) which is the SE of numerous islets of the 5⋅5 m depth.

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7.93 Chart 2168

1 Entrance channel. When Carraig Fhada Light is distant 7.100
2 cables and An Gànradh (above) bears 222°, the line of 1 Lagavulin Bay (55°38′N, 6°07′W) which has a distillery
bearing 042° of the beacon (red, barrel topmark) standing at its head and Dunyveg Castle on its NE entrance point,
close S of Sgeir nan Ròn (55°37′⋅6N, 6°11′⋅5W), leads NE affords anchorage in 2 to 3 m, mud, and has several
through the entrance towards the Car Ferry Terminal, moorings for visitors. The entrance to the bay is marked by
passing (with positions from Carraig Fhada Light): beacons, but it is intricate, with unmarked dangerous rocks.
2 NW of the four-headed reef (above), and:
SE of a pinnacle rock, with a depth of 3⋅7 m over it SOUND OF ISLAY AND APPROACH
(1½ cables E), thence: FROM SOUTH
3 NW of Ceann nan Ribheann (4½ cables ENE) which
lies at the SW extremity of a chain of islets and General information
rocks extending 3½ cables SW from Rubh’ a’
Chuinnlein (7¾ cables ENE), the W extremity of Charts 2168, 2481
The Ard. Named islets in the chain are: Ceann nan Channel
Sgeirean (5 cables ENE), Sgeir Fhada (6 cables 7.101
ENE), and Sgeir Liath (7¼ cables ENE). Thence: 1 The Sound of Islay, which is entered at its S end
4 NW of a pinnacle, with a charted depth of 4⋅9 m between McArthur’s Head (55°46′N, 6°03′W) and Rubha
(5¼ cables ENE), thence: na Tràille, 3¼ miles ENE, extends NW then N for about
SE of a pinnacle rock, with a depth of 1⋅8 m over it, 11 miles to its N entrance between Rubha a’ Mhail
charted as dangerous rock, (5¾ cables NE). (55°56′N, 6°07′W) and Rubha Lang-aoinidh, 3½ miles
7.94 ENE.
1 Approach to Car Ferry Berth. When the SE corner of 2 This sound, which separates the islands of Islay (7.12)
Car Ferry Berth bears 065° the approach track alters ENE and Jura (7.13), is used by mariners to avoid the open sea
towards the berth. W of Islay and forms part of the Inshore Traffic Route
7.95 (1.11). The Islay side of the sound is generally cleaner than
1 Approach to anchorage in Kilnaughton Bay. From a the Jura side but the sound is not recommended for
position 2¼ cables ESE of Carraig Fhada Light, the line of medium sized vessels and above, due to a rocky bank, with
bearing 345° of the conspicuous white house with a grey a least depth of 9⋅1 m over it (55°56′⋅4N, 6°05′⋅3W), which
roof, 7½ cables N of Carraig Fhada Light, leads NNW lies in the fairway and extends SSW for 2½ miles from the
towards the anchorage. N entrance, and also due to the strength of the tidal
streams (7.105).
Anchorages and berths
7.96
Submarine power cables
7.102
1 Anchorage, suitable for coasters and for use when the
1 A submarine power cable (1.39) and three disused
wind is from the W or N, can be obtained in the middle of
Kilnaughton Bay (7.88) in a depth of 9 m, moderately good submarine cables cross the sound between a point on the E
holding in sand, with Carraig Fhada Light in line with An shore, 2½ cables N of Glas Eilean (55°49′N, 6°04′W), and
Gànradh (7.92) bearing 200°, as shown on the chart. a point on the W shore, 1 mile W, as shown on the chart.
7.97 Beacons mark the landing places of the cables.
1 Alongside berth. Car Ferry Berth consists of a jetty, Hazard
about 65 m in length, which extends SW from the NE 7.103
shore of the bay, with a light (silver metal post, 6 m in 1 A ferry crosses the sound between Port Askaig
height) exhibited from a dolphin at its head. The berth, (55°51′N, 6°06′W) and Feolin Ferry, 5 cables E, as shown
which has a depth of 3⋅35 m alongside, is served by a on the chart.
Ro-Ro linkspan close NW of the root of the pier.
Rescue
Port services 7.104
7.98 1 An all-weather lifeboat (1.72) is maintained at Port
1 Medical facilities. A doctor and dentist are available Askaig (55°51′N, 6°06′W) (7.117).
locally. An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team Station (1.61) is
Waste reception. There are no facilities to receive oily based at Craighouse (55°50′N, 5°57′W) (7.160).
waste. For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 7.9.
Customs office at Bowmore (7.77).
Supplies. Fresh water can be obtained at the pier and Natural conditions
small quantities of provisions are available in the town of 7.105
Port Ellen. 1 Tidal streams. A general description of the factors
affecting the tidal streams in all the channels to the W of
Small craft the Sound of Jura is given at 7.11, and of those affecting
7.99 the S approach to the Sound of Jura is given at 7.21.
1 Port Ellen. Pontoon berths for 24 small craft are 2 In the S entrance to the Sound of Islay the streams near
established on the W shore of Loch Leòdamais ENE of the the land, N of Ardmore Point (55°41′N, 6°01′W) and W of
Ro-Ro terminal and fish quay. Rubha na Tràille, 6¾ miles NNE, set in the general
Anchorage can be obtained in depths of 9 m, on a direction of the coast. In mid-channel between these points
sandy bottom with moderately good holding, in position and inwards to Am Fraoch Eilean (55°47′⋅5N, 6°02′⋅2W),
6 cables ENE of Carraig Fhada Light, as shown on the the streams are rather irregular but set, in general, W and
chart. This is the best anchorage when the wind is from the NW during the N-going stream, and SE and E during the
S; with the wind from W or N see 7.96. S-going stream.

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3 In the sound, the streams in mid-channel set generally in Directions

the direction of the channel, as shown on the chart. (continued from 7.35 and 7.87)
Throughout the sound the tidal streams begin as follows:
Interval from HW Oban Remarks
Approach to Sound of Islay from south-east
+0440 N-going stream begins 7.109
–0140 S-going stream begins 1 From the vicinity of 55°43′N, 5°53′W the approach to
the Sound of Islay from SE leads WNW for 5 miles, with
4 The rate at spring tides in various positions through the McArthur’s Head Light on a line of bearing ahead, passing
sound is shown on chart 2481. (with positions from Rubha Liath (55°43′⋅4N, 6°01′⋅7W)):
Outside the N entrance the streams setting to and from NNE of Eilean a’ Chuirn (3¼ miles S) (7.86), thence:
the sound are noticeable for about 2 miles due to the NNE of Ardmore Point (2½ miles S) (7.86), thence:
weakness of the coastal streams across the entrance. 2 NNE of Sgeir Lachan, a drying rock which is the E
5 In a position 1 mile NNE of Rubha a’ Mhail the streams of the dangers extending 1½ cables ESE from
set as follows: Rubha Liath which is fronted by foul ground,
Interval from thence:
Remarks NNE of Sgeir an Fhèidh, a rock awash which lies
HW Oban
close off Rubha Bhealaich Ghaoithe (3½ cables
+0500 N-going stream begins, changing direction
NNW), a point on the E coast of Islay (7.12),
from 350° to 010°.
thence:
–0255 Changing direction from 010° to 045° 3 SSW of Rubha na Tràille (4¾ miles NNE) which is
–0155 Changing direction through E to SE. the SE extremity of Jura (7.13) and the NE
entrance point of the Sound of Islay at its S end.
–0055 Changing direction to 170°.
+0130 Stream setting S
+0430 Changing through W to N-going Entering Sound of Islay from south-east
7.110
6 The N-going stream has a rate of 2 kn at spring tides 1 From a position 1¼ miles ESE of McArthur’s Head, the
and the S-going stream a rate of 2½ kn. The N-going alignment (320°) of Rubha an t-Salainn (55°48′⋅5N,
stream from Sound of Islay also forms an eddy 5 cables N 6°05′⋅8W) and a beacon marking the landing place of
of Rubha a’ Mhail, which turns W then S back towards the submarine cables, 3 cables NW (7.102), leads NW into the
point. Sound of Islay, passing (with positions from McArthur’s
7 Streams on the E side of the N entrance set N and S, to Head Light):
the E of Tarbert Bank (8.77). 2 SW of a chain of shoals, including a rock with a
For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: depth of less than 2 m over it (2 miles NE),
Firth of Clyde and Approaches. extending 3½ cables SSW from Brosdale Island
Eddies set as follows (with positions from Carraig Mòr which is separated from Jura to the N by a narrow
Light (55°50′⋅4N, 6°06′⋅0W)): channel. The W side of the island is foul for
8 In McDougall’s Bay (4 cables E), the bay at Caol Ila 1½ cables offshore and a depth of 5⋅5 m has been
Distillery (9 cables N) and in Bunnahabhainn Bay reported (1992) to lie 4½ cables SSW of the SW
(2¾ miles NNW), an eddy sets S during the extremity of the island. Thence:
N-going stream, and similar eddies probably occur 3 NE of McArthur’s Head (7.107), thence:
elsewhere in the sound. SW of a rocky shoal, with a least depth of 4⋅3 m
In Whitefarland Bay (1¼ miles NNE), an eddy sets N over it (1¾ miles NE), which lies 5½ cables W of
during the greater part of the S-going stream. Brosdale Island, thence:
7.106 SW of a patch, with a depth of 13⋅1 m over it
1 Overfalls. At the S end of the sound overfalls occur off (9 cables N), thence:
McArthur’s Head during the S-going stream. 4 SW of a shoal, with a least depth of 11 m over it
It has also been reported that confused seas, dangerous (1¼ miles N), which lies 5½ cables SW of Am
to small craft, have been experienced off the N entrance to Fraoch Eilean, from which foul ground extends
the sound under certain conditions of wind and tidal 1¾ cables S and 1¼ cables W. Am Fraoch Eilean
stream; this is most likely to occur when the N-going lies 1¾ cables SW of Am Far-Eilean, a point on
stream opposes a wind from the N. the coast on which stands a boathouse. Thence:
5 SW of Black Rock Light-buoy (starboard hand)
(1¾ miles NNW) which is moored 1½ cables SW
of a dangerous wreck and 2 cables SW of the reef
Principal marks extending 1¼ cables S from Black Rock (7.112);
7.107 see clearing marks (below).
1 Landmarks: 7.111
McArthur’s Head Lighthouse (white tower, 13 m in 1 Clearing marks:
height) (55°46′N, 6°03′W), which is reported to be The alignment (087°) of the S extremity of Am
conspicuous, standing on McArthur’s Head which Fraoch Eilean with the N end of Brosdale Island
is a steep and cliffy promontory. clears to the S of the reef extending 5½ cables SE
Rubha a’ Mhail Lighthouse (55°56′N, 6°07′W) (8.74). from Black Rock.
7.108 Useful mark:
1 Major lights: Jura House (55°48′N, 6°01′W) standing 1½ cables
Rubha a’ Mhail Light—as above. from the shore.

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Chart 2481 is conspicuous, stands along the S shore of the

Passage through Sound of Islay bay.
7.112 7.113
1 After passing Black Rock Light-buoy the track continues 1 Clearing bearings. The line of bearing 345° of the W
generally N, in mid-channel, for about 6 miles, passing end of Jura (55°50′N, 6°05′W) just open WSW of Glas
(with positions from Carraig Mòr Light (55°50′⋅4N, Eilean, 1½ miles SSE, clears to the W of Black Rock, the
6°06′⋅0W)): reef and shoals in its vicinity and the dangerous wreck,
2 WSW of Black Rock (3 miles SSE) which dries and 2 cables S.
lies on the W edge of a reef, parts of which dry, 2 The line of bearing 352° of Rubha a’ Mhail Light
extending 5½ cables SE from the rock; see (55°56′N, 6°07′W) (8.74), which is prominent when viewed
clearing line to the W at 7.113. Thence: from the Sound of Islay, just open E of Carraig Mòr,
WSW of a narrow shoal, with a least depth of 4 m 6 miles SSE, clears to the E of Polaiginnean Rock.
over it (2¾ miles SSE), and: 7.114
3 ENE of Polanfheinn Rock (2½ miles S) which is 1 Useful mark:
awash and lies ¾ cable offshore, thence: A large boulder (55°51′⋅5N, 6°05′⋅1W), situated on
WSW of the reef surrounding Glas Eilean (2 miles the E shore of the sound, on which a large anchor
SSE) which is a narrow grassy islet lying close off is cut. This boulder can be easily identified by a
the NE shore, thence: white mark on the cliff close NE of it.
4 E of Carraigtaidh Rock (1½ miles S) which is awash North entrance to Sound of Islay
and lies on a rocky reef close inshore, thence: 7.115
Clear of a rock with a charted depth of 12⋅5 m 1 After passing Bunnahabhainn Bay the track tends to the
(1¼ miles SSE) which lies in the middle of the W side of the sound towards a position 1 mile NNE of
fairway. A sector change from red to white, Bunnahabhainn Distillery. From this position, the line of
bearing 347°, of Carraig Mòr Light (white tower, bearing 197°, astern, of the distillery chimney in line with
7 m in height) leads WSW of this rock. Thence: the centre of a prominent dip in the distant hills, leads
5 E of Polaiginnean Rock (7 cables S), see clearing line NNE along the W side of the sound.
at 7.113. A line of bearing on Carragh an t-Sruith 2 The distillery chimney, which is difficult to identify,
Light (white tower, 5 m in height) (2 miles N) may stands close W of a large pale grey building with a
assist in the navigation of this part of the passage. square-shaped tower. This track passes, (with positions
Thence: from Rubha a’ Mhail Light):
6 E of Carraig Mòr which is a small promontory on the WNW of a rocky bank, with a least depth of 9⋅1 m
W side of the sound on which stands Carraig Mòr over it (1¼ miles E) (7.101), also:
Light (above), thence: 3 WNW of Sgeir Tràigh (2 miles SE), a drying rock
E of Port Askaig (4½ cables N) (7.117) and across lying near the edge of a reef, with depths of less
the route of a local ferry (7.103), thence: than 5 m over it, which fringes the E shore of the
7 WSW of several marine farms (1.17) (1 mile NNE) sound between Rubha Bàrr nan Gobag (3 miles
which are moored in the S part of Whitefarland SSE) and Rubh’ Aird na Sgitheich, 3½ miles NNE,
Bay, and: and extends up to 3¾ cables offshore; see clearing
8 ENE of Caol Ila Distillery (9 cables NNW) which marks at 7.116. Thence:
stands near the W shore and from which a short 4 ESE of Rubha a’ Mhail (8.74).
pier extends into the sound, thence: 7.116
WSW of Carragh an t-Sruith (2 miles N), a small 1 Clearing marks:
promontory on the E side of the sound, on which The alignment (194°) of a tall chimney and a number
stands Carragh an t-Sruith Light (above), thence: of white buildings at Caol Ila Distillery
9 WSW of the coastal bank, with depths of less than (55°51′⋅3N, 6°06′⋅5W), with Dùn Bhoraraic,
10 m over it, which extends up to 2½ cables 2¼ miles SSW, and just open W of Rubha Bàrr
offshore abreast Stac nan Sgarbh (2½ miles N) and nan Gobag, 2¼ miles NNE, clears to the WNW of
extends from Carragh an t-Sruith to Rubha Bàrr Sgeir Tràigh and the reef on which it stands.
nan Gobag, 1 mile N, thence: (Directions continue for Firth of Lorn at 8.77)

Port Askaig
General information
7.117
1 Port Askaig (55°51′N, 6°06′W), which lies on the W
side of the Sound of Islay, is operated as a ferry port with
the mainland and as the main ferry link with Jura, although
other shipping may use the facilities. In 2001, the
population was 259.
Bunnahabhainn Distillery from NE (7.112) 2 Port Authority is Argyll and Bute Council, Department
(Original dated 2000) of Transportation and Property, Manse Brae, Lochgilphead
(Photograph − Air Images) PA31 8RD.
Berthing conditions
10 ENE of Rubha a’ Mhill (2½ miles NNW), a 7.118
distinctive headland, which forms the E end of 1 Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
Bunnahabhainn Bay, close E of which lies a Mean spring range about 1⋅7 m; mean neap range about
dangerous wreck. Bunnahabhainn Distillery, which 0⋅5 m.

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7.125
1 Aros Bay (55°42′N, 6°02′W), 8 cables NNW of
Ardmore Point, affords temporary anchorage in an open
sandy bay that is free from dangers in the fairway.

Anchorages in the Sound of Islay

Chart 2481
General information
7.126
Port Askaig terminal from E (7.117) 1 The sound of Islay is not recommended for anchorage
(Original dated 2000) except during fine weather in the summer, as the tidal
(Photograph − Air Images) streams are strong and the bottom of gravel, rock and
shells, encumbered with long seaweed, is very uneven in
Maximum size of vessel handled had a draught of places and is not good holding ground.
4⋅57 m.
2 Tidal stream. Port Askaig fronts directly on to the Small craft
Sound of Islay, just N of its narrowest part, where the tidal 7.127
stream attains a rate of 5 kn during spring tides, as shown 1 West of Brosdale Island (55°47′N, 6°00′W). Anchorage
on the chart. for small craft, with good shelter from N winds, can be
Wind. The prevailing wind blows from the SE. obtained in the bay between Brosdale Island (7.110) and
Am Fraoch Eilean, 1¼ miles W (7.110), as shown on the
Alongside berth chart, in depths of 13 to 15 m, clear of foul ground which
7.119 extends up to 1¾ cables offshore and of a 3⋅4 m rock
1 The main quay, which has a length of 56 m and a depth which lies 4 cables W of Brosdale Island. The holding
of 4⋅06 m alongside is used by vessels with a draught of ground is not very good but the tidal streams are weak in
3⋅04 m. It has a Ro-Ro ramp at the S end suitable for the bay and there is practically no stream in the vicinity of
end-loading vessels and is used mainly for vehicular ferries. the anchorage.
7.128
Port services 1 North-west of Am Fraoch Eilean (55°47′⋅5N,
7.120 6°02′⋅1W). Anchorage for small craft can be obtained off
1 Medical facilities. A doctor is available locally. the SW side of Jura, 3 cables NW of Am Fraoch Eilean
Waste reception. Garbage and oily waste facilities are (7.110), as shown on the chart, in depths of 12 to 15 m,
available. clear of Macpaill Rock, 6 cables WNW of Am Fraoch
Supplies. Fresh water and small quantities of provisions Eilean and of Sgeir nan Sian, 4 cables NNW of Am Fraoch
can be obtained. Eilean. Although well sheltered, the holding ground is not
reliable and the tidal streams set quite strongly through the
Small craft anchorage.
7.121 7.129
1 Small craft can obtain anchorage, in a depth of 4 m, 1 McDougall’s Bay (55°50′⋅4N, 6°05′⋅3W), on the E side
clear of the ferry routes, or berth alongside with of the sound, opposite Carraig Mòr (7.112), affords good
permission. anchorage for small craft, 1 cable offshore, as shown on the
chart, in a depth of 7 m, clear of a marine farm (1.17)
Anchorages in the southern approach moored in the N part of the bay. This anchorage lies out of
to Sound of Islay the strength of the tidal streams.
7.130
Chart 2168 1 Whitefarland Bay (55°51′⋅6N, 6°05′⋅4W) on the E side
Small vessels and coasters of the sound opposite Caol Ila Distillery (7.112), affords
7.122 sheltered anchorage for small craft, out of the strength of
1 Claggain Bay (55°42′⋅5N, 6°01′⋅5W), on the E coast of the tidal stream, but the bottom of sand, rock and weeds is
Islay, affords temporary anchorage, as shown on the chart, not good holding ground. The best berth lies 1½ cables W
that is free from dangers. of a white mark on the cliff, as given at 7.114 and shown
7.123 on the chart. The boulder close SSW of the white mark is
1 Proaig Bay (55°44′⋅5N, 6°02′⋅0W), on the E coast of fitted with a mooring ring.
Islay, affords anchorage that is sheltered from W winds but 7.131
the holding ground of gravel, sand and rock is not good. 1 Bunnahabhainn Bay (55°53′N, 6°07′W) (7.112) on the
W side of the sound, affords good anchorage for small
Small craft craft which is useful whilst awaiting slack water, the
7.124 holding ground being better than that in Whitefarland Bay
1 Port Mòr (55°41′N, 6°02′W), immediately NW of (above). The best berth lies with the distillery chimney
Ardmore Point (7.86), affords temporary anchorage for bearing 197°, distant 3 cables, as shown on the chart, in a
small craft that is free from dangers on a clean sandy depth of 10 m, clear of a foul area consisting of an anchor
bottom. and cable.

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CHAPTER 7

SOUND OF JURA AND APPROACHES

GENERAL INFORMATION small craft. A description of these is included within each
of the lochs and sounds given above.
Chart 2724
Synopsis Topography
7.132 7.136
1 The Sound of Jura (55°55′N, 5°45′W) lies between, to 1 General topography for the islands of Jura (56°00′N,
the E, the mainland from the entrance to West Loch Tarbert 5°55′W), Scarba (56°11′N, 5°42′W) and Lunga (56°13′N,
(55°46′N, 5°36′W) to Loch Craignish, 22 miles N, and, to 5°42′W) is given at 7.13 to 7.15, for the islands of Luing
the W, the E side of Jura. This sound, which is entered (56°14′N, 5°39′W) and Seil (56°18′N, 5°37′W) at 7.235,
from S between Ardpatrick Point (55°46′N, 5°37′W) and and for the island of Shuna (56°13′N, 5°36′W) at 7.281.
Rubha na Tràille, 12 miles W, presents no difficulties to
navigation.
Weather and tide
2 Northern approach. Approach to or departure from the 7.137
Sound of Jura at its N end can be made through a number 1 It is reported that the height of the tide in the Sound of
of channels, as follows: Jura is greatly affected by the wind and barometric
Gulf of Corryvreckan (56°09′N, 5°43′W) (7.252) pressure, as follows: a wind from the SW and/or low
which is deep and wide but subject to dangerous pressure raises the level by up to 1 m, and a wind from the
tidal streams. NE and/or high pressure reduces it by a similar amount.
3 Sound of Luing (56°12′N, 5°40′W) (7.233) which is Sea state
the preferred channel despite difficulties at its N 7.138
end. 1 Strong tidal streams and an uneven bottom create an
Shuna Sound (56°13′N, 5°37′W) (7.278) in awkward sea in the Sound of Jura when the wind blows
conjunction with Cuan Sound (7.279) (56°16′N, against the stream. This sea is at its worst when the wind
5°37′W) which is the most restricted of the three is from the S, blowing from the open sea, against a
channels. S-going tidal stream. Eddies close inshore (7.147) create
7.133 the same effect during the N-going stream.
1 Routes. This section describes the route through the
Sound of Jura from a position 5 miles SW of Rubha na Chart 2326
Tràille (55°48′N, 5°58′W) to a position 2 miles W of Tidal streams
Craignish Point (56°08′N, 5°37′W). It also includes a route 7.139
through Dorus Mór, close S of Craignish Point (7.207), 1 A general description of the factors affecting the tidal
which connects the N approach channels (above) with Loch streams in all the channels to the W of the Sound of Jura
Crinan (56°06′N, 5°34′W) and the Crinan Canal (4.159). is given at 7.11.
2 Routes in the approach from N, which follow the 2 In addition to the above, an area in the N approach to
channels listed above, are described within each channel. In the Sound of Jura is subject to cross tidal streams which
addition, two side channels which connect Dorus Mór with are strong and turbulent and worthy of particular care. This
the main approach channels from N are described at 7.261. area is encompassed by a line joining the following
The route through Seil Sound (56°18′N, 5°36′W) (7.293) positions: Garbh Rèisa (56°07′N, 5°37′W), at the SE
is included for use by small craft of shallow draught. extremity; the NE coast of Jura, 2½ miles W; Rubha na
7.134 Una (56°10′N, 5°40′W) which is the SE extremity of
1 Lochs. Within the area described above the text includes Scarba; Rubh’ Aird Luing, 1½ miles NE; Shuna Point,
the following lochs: 1 mile farther NE; Eilean Ona (56°09′⋅5N, 5°36′⋅0W); and
On the E and NE sides of the Sound of Jura: Craignish Point, 1¾ miles S. Within this area the streams
Loch Caolisport (55°54′N, 5°38′W) (7.170). set as given below:
Loch Sween (55°58′N, 5°39′W) (7.174). 3 West-going stream. The main W-going stream from
Loch Crinan (56°06′N, 5°34′W) (7.211). Dorus Mór (56°08′N, 5°37′W) (7.207) sets mostly NW
2 Loch Craignish (56°09′N, 5°34′W) (7.218). between Rèisa an t’Sruith (56°08′N, 5°38′W) and Coiresa,
To the E of Shuna Sound: 6 cables NE, towards the Gulf of Corryvreckan (56°09′N,
Loch Shuna (56°13′N, 5°34′W) (7.297). 5°43′W) (7.252). After passing Coiresa a relatively weak
Loch Melfort (55°15′N, 5°33′W) (7.305). branch of the main stream sets N towards the Sound of
7.135 Luing (56°40′N, 5°12′W). At the same time another weak
1 Small craft facilities. There are five marinas within the branch which is setting N between Rèisa Mhic Phaidean,
area covered by this section which are described as follows close NE of Coiresa, and the mainland, 5 cables E, divides
(given from S to N): to set NW into the Sound of Luing and NE towards Loch
Crinan Boats (56°05′N, 5°34′W), on the S side of Shuna (56°13′N, 5°34′W) which subsequently sub-divides
Loch Crinan, at 7.216. to also set N into Shuna Sound.
Ardfern Yacht Centre (56°11′N, 5°32′W) at the N end 4 Eddies. A large eddy forms around Hutcheson Rock
of Loch Craignish, at 7.223. (56°10′N, 5°37′W).
2 Craobh Haven (56°13′N, 5°33′W), on the S side of Meanwhile, yet another weak branch of the main stream
Loch Shuna, at 7.303. from Dorus Mór sets S, passing to the W of Garbh Rèisa,
Kilmelford Yacht Haven (56°15′⋅5N, 5°29′⋅5W), on on the S side of Dorus Mór, forming a S-going eddy in the
the S side of the head of Loch Melfort, at 7.310. channel during the N-going stream; this eddy subsequently
Melfort Pier and Harbour (56°16′N, 5°30′W), on the turns NW and rejoins the main stream between Coiresa and
N side of the head of Loch Melfort, at 7.309. Rèisa an t’Sruith.
3 In addition there are a number of bays, lochs and sounds 5 East-going stream. The streams in the opposite
which afford anchorage and some limited facilities for direction, from the Gulf of Corryvreckan, Sound of Luing,

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Shuna Sound and Loch Shuna, all meet and set through the Two large lochs which extend NNE from the E side of
channel between Coiresa and Rèisa an t’Sruith after which the sound are given as follows:
it is joined by a S-going stream from the channel between Loch Caolisport (55°54′N, 5°38′W) at 7.170.
Rèisa Mhic Phaidean and the mainland before setting E Loch Sween (55°58′N, 5°39′W) at 7.174.
through Dorus Mór. Lines of ripples or overfalls extending
SE from Rubha na Una, and S from Rubh’ Aird Luing, Depths
indicate where the streams meet. In addition to the stream 7.143
through Dorus Mór a weak branch sets S to the W of 1 On the W side of the sound, depths which are very
Garbh Rèisa. irregular extend up to 3 miles offshore and include shoals
6 Timing. In the area described above the streams set as and rocky patches in the area of Na Cùiltean to Skervuile,
follows: as given above.
On the E side of the sound depths are very uneven for
Interval from HW Oban Remarks 1½ miles offshore between Loch Stornoway (55°47′N,
+0345 Streams begin to set W and N 5°37′W) and Loch Caolisport, 6 miles N.
away from Dorus Mór
Submarine power cable
–0215 Streams begin to set E and S 7.144
towards Dorus Mór 1 A submarine power cable which crosses the sound
7 Rate. The rate of the streams vary greatly in all parts of between 55°57′⋅5N, 5°42′⋅3W and 55°56′⋅3N, 5°51′⋅0W is
the area, and eddies, races and overfalls occur where they described at 7.192.
are strong. Between Coiresa and Rèisa an t’Sruith the rate
at spring tides is 7 kn. To the W of this channel the Exercise areas
streams set very strongly to and from the Gulf of 7.145
Corryvreckan and the rate in both directions increases 1 The route described above passes through submarine
towards the gulf. To the N of the channel, the stream exercise areas, as given at 7.6.
setting to and from the Sound of Luing sets at 3 to 4 kn
Rescue
when N-going and 4 kn when S-going. Farther N the
7.146
streams lose strength and the branches setting into the
1 An all-weather lifeboat (1.72) is maintained at Port
Sound of Luing and Loch Shuna do not exceed 1 to 1½ kn
Askaig (55°51′N, 6°06′W) (7.117).
at spring tides in both directions.
Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams (1.61) are based at
8 Overfalls. During the W-going stream there is
Ardpatrick (55°46′N, 5°37′W) and Craighouse (55°50′N,
turbulence over the whole area between Dorus Mór,
5°57′W).
Coiresa, and Rèisa an t’Sruith. In the area between Rèisa
For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 7.9.
Mhic Phaidean and the mainland, the N-going stream
creates a race off the E side of Rèisa Mhic Phaidean and a Tidal streams
S-going eddy along the mainland coast; during the S-going 7.147
stream overfalls extend across the N end of the channel 1 A general description of the tidal stream movement in
then S along the mainland coast and across the entrance to the Sound of Jura and approaches from the N is given at
Dorus Mór. 7.139.
Tidal streams in mid-channel in the S part of the sound
SOUND OF JURA — SOUTHERN PART are shown on the charts. The streams close inshore on both
AND APPROACH FROM SOUTH sides of the sound begin to set 1 hour earlier than those in
mid-channel.
General information 2 East side. On the E side of the sound, between
Ardpatrick Point and Point of Knap, 8 miles NNW, the rate
Chart 2168 at spring tides is 2 kn in both directions.
Channel 3 Farther N, between Point of Knap and Rubha na Cille,
7.140 4 miles NNW, the streams set across the entrance to Loch
1 A general description of the Sound of Jura is given at Sween and past and between MacCormaig Islands
7.132. The S part of the sound, from a line joining (55°55′N, 5°44′W) as follows:
Ardpatrick Point (55°46′N, 5°37′W), on the mainland, to Interval from HW Oban Remarks
Rubha na Tràille, 12 miles WNW, at the SE end of Jura,
extends 10 miles N to a line joining Rubha na Cille +0450 N-going stream begins
(55°57′N, 5°43′W), on the mainland coast, to Rubh’ a’ –0110 S-going stream begins
Chamais, 4½ miles WSW, on the E side of Jura. 4 The rate at spring tides is as follows:
Route Position N-going S-going
7.141 Off Point of Knap 1½ kn 1½ kn
1 From a position 5 miles SSW of Rubha na Tràille
(55°48′N, 5°58′W) the recommended route leads NNE for S of Eilean Mòr and between the Isles 3 kn 4 kn
about 14 miles, keeping E of a line between Na Cùiltean Between Eilean Ghamhna and the 3½ kn 2½ kn
(55°49′N, 5°55′W) and Skervuile, 4¾ miles NE, to avoid mainland
many unmarked shoals which lie W of that line.
Off Rubha na Cille 3 kn 3 kn
Topography 5 Caution. An eddy sets strongly NE off the S coast of
7.142 Eilean Mòr during the S-going stream, and there are eddies
1 General topography for the island of Jura is given at round the MacCormaig Isles generally, during the streams
7.13. in both directions. Overfalls and races occur when these

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streams are setting strongly, as given in a note on the ESE of the shoals and rocky patches, with a least
charts. depth of 4⋅6 m over them (1¼ miles E) (7.143)
6 West side. On the W side of the sound, in the vicinity which lie about 1 mile seaward of The Small Isles
of the Small Isles (55°51′N, 6°55′W), about 7 cables (7.152) which are marked at their S extremity by
offshore, the streams set as follows: Eilean nan Gabhar Light (framework tower, 3 m in
Interval from HW Oban Remarks height), thence:
6 At least 3 cables WNW of the E coast of the sound,
+0545 N-going stream begins between Rubha Cruitiridh (above) and the entrance
–0015 S-going stream begins to Loch Caolisport (55°53′N, 5°40′W), even
7 The rate at spring tides in 1 kn in both directions and though rocks do not extend more than 1½ cables
increases towards mid-channel. offshore, see 7.143, thence:
For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: 7 ESE of Skervuile (55°52′⋅5N, 5°49′⋅8W), a reef which
Firth of Clyde and Approaches and tidal stream stations on lies 1¾ miles offshore and on which stands
the charts. Skervuile Light (white tower, 25 m in height),
thence:
Sea state ESE of Beloe Rock (55°53′N, 5°49′W) which lies
7.148 near the NE end of an elongated shoal, and:
1 The effects of wind against tide are given at 7.138. 8 WNW of Bow of Knap (55°53′N, 5°42′W), a
below-water reef on which stands a beacon
Principal mark (isolated danger). This reef, together with Back
7.149 Bow, a rock with a depth of less than 2 m over it,
lie up to 4 cables WSW of Point of Knap, the NW
Landmark: entrance point of Loch Caolisport (7.170), which is
1 The Paps of Jura (55°54′N, 6°00′W) (7.13). steep-to on its S side. Thence:
9 WNW of Dubh Sgeir, a detached rock which lies on
Other navigational aids
the SW end of foul ground extending 2 cables SW
7.150
from Eilean Mór (55°55′N, 5°44′W) which is the
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the
largest of the MacCormaig Isles. Eilean Mór is a
Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at
grassy islet which has, near its S end, a mound
1.33.
surmounted by a broken cross (charted as
monument), and, near the middle, the restored
Directions ruins of a small ancient chapel. Thence:
(continued from 7.35 and 7.87)
10 ESE of Sgeir Cùl an Rubha which lies 1¼ cables
Charts 2168, 2396 SSE of Rubh’ a’ Chamais (55°56′N, 5°51′W)
Gigha Island to Rubha na Cille which is the S entrance point of Lagg Bay (7.192),
7.151 thence:
1 From the vicinity of 55°43′N, 5°53′W the recommended 11 WNW of Carraig an Daimh (55°57′N, 5°45′W) which
track through the S part of the Sound of Jura leads NNE in is the larger and W of two rocky islets lying
mid-channel, passing (with positions from Eilean na Gabhar 1 mile W of Rubha na Cille, the W entrance point
(55°50′N, 5°56′W)): of Loch na Cille (7.168). The smaller islet, Dubh
WNW of Outer Red Rock (10 miles SE) (7.35), Sgeir, is separated from Carraig an Daimh by a
thence: narrow channel with depths of 4 to 13 m in it. A
2 ESE of McArthur’s Head (5½ miles SW) (7.107), rock awash lies close off the N end of Carraig an
and: Daimh.
WNW of Eilean Garbh (9¼ miles SE) (Chart 2475 (Directions continue for
plan of Sound of Gigha) which is steep-to on its Sound of Jura N part at 7.199)
W side and is joined by a narrow neck of land to
Gigha Island (7.23), thence:
Loch na Mile
ESE of the S entrance of Sound of Islay (5 miles Chart 2396
SW) (7.101), thence: General information
3 WNW of An Dubh-sgeir (9¼ miles SE) (Chart 2475 7.152
plan of Sound of Gigha), a group of above-water 1 Loch na Mile, entered between Rubha na Caillich
and below-water rocks which lie 5 cables N of (55°49′⋅5N, 5°56′⋅3W), the S entrance point, and Rubh’ an
Gigha Island, thence: Leanachais, 2¾ miles NNE, forms an extensive bay that is
ESE of Rubha na Tràille (2½ miles SSW) (7.109) sheltered along its seaward side by The Small Isles. These
which is situated 6½ cables S of Creag nan Sgarbh islands consist of, in order from S to N: Eilean nan
(Chart 2481), a conical hill with a cairn on its Gabhar, the SW and largest, which has a cairn on its
summit, and: summit and a light (7.151) on its SW extremity; Eilean nan
4 WNW of the entrance to West Loch Tarbert Coinein, near the centre of the chain with Eilean Diomhain
(55°45′N, 5°35′W) (7.48), thence: to seaward and Pladda, a low green islet, on its landward
ESE of Na Cùiltean (1½ miles SSE), a reef, partly side; and Eilean Bhride, the NE islet which is steep-to on
above-water, on which stands a light (short column its SE side.
on a small white building with a concrete base), 2 Good anchorage can be obtained in the bay and there is
thence: an alongside berth at Craighouse (7.160).
5 WNW of Rubha Cruitiridh (10½ miles ESE) (Chart 7.153
2477), the N entrance point of Loch Stornoway 1 Approach and entry. Loch na Mile is approached
(7.165), and: inside a line of unmarked shoals which extend NE from Na

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Cùiltean (55°49′N, 5°55′W) (7.151) to Skervuile, 4¾ miles 7.157

NE (7.151). To the S of the shoals (Chart 2168) the E side 1 Clearing marks:
of Jura is free from dangers beyond 3 cables offshore, with The alignment (021°) of Eilean Diomhain, 1 mile NE
the exception of the shoals lying W of Na Cùiltean, where of Eilean nan Gabhar Light, with Cnocan Soilleir,
the channel is 1 mile wide. The loch is then entered a hill 2 miles NNE, clears ESE of Goat Rock.
through any of four entrances. Of these 4, the entrance Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 260° of Liath
between Eilean nan Coinein and Eilean Bhride, 6 cables Sgeir Beacon, open S of the S end of Eilean nan Gabhar,
NNE, is wide, deep and clear and leads to the main clears S of Goat Rock.
anchorage (7.159). The SW entrance, between Eilean nan 7.158
Gabhar and Rubha na Caillich, is constricted but provides 1 Route through Loch na Mile. From a position 6 cables
the best approach to the berth at Craighouse and Directions N of Eilean nan Gabhar Light, the alignment (188°) of the
are given for this entrance. The other two entrances are W extremity of Eilean nan Gabhar with Rubha na Caillich,
suitable for small craft only. 5 cables S, leads in a least depth of 3⋅4 m, through a
narrow channel between the W side of Pladda and foul
ground extending 2¾ cables from the E side of Jura.
Tidal streams and sea state
Anchorages and berth
7.154
7.159
1 Tidal streams. In Loch na Mile the N-going stream sets
1 Good anchorage, suitable for small vessels, can be
into the loch S of Eilean nan Gabhar and out of the loch to
obtained in the N part of the bay, W or NW of Eilean
the N of Eilean Bhride, and the S-going stream sets in the
Bhride, in depths of 7 to 12 m, mud and weed, that is
opposite direction. They begin as follows:
sheltered from all winds.
Interval from HW Oban Remarks 2 Small craft can obtain good anchorage in the S part of
+0400 N-going stream begins the bay, 2 cables NNW of Eilean nan Gabhar Light, as
shown on the chart, in depths of 4 to 5 m. The bottom of
–0225 S-going stream begins sand and gravel is covered in many places with grass
which renders it necessary to guard against the anchor
2 Sea state. It is reported that, in spite of the apparent dragging. Moorings for visitors are laid inshore NE of
shelter, there is often some swell in the bay, thought to be Craighouse.
of tidal origin. 7.160
1 Alongside berth. A concrete pier, with a depth of 2⋅7 m
alongside at its head, extends ½ cable NE from the coast at
Outer anchorage Craighouse, a village at the S end of Loch na Mile.
7.155
1 Anchorage, suitable for small vessels, can be obtained if Supplies
necessary in 22 m, sand and mud, 5 cables SE of the S end 7.161
of Eilean nan Gabhar. The bottom may be covered with 1 A small quantity of provisions can be obtained.
grass and the anchor may drag.
Side channels
Chart 2475
Directions 7.162
7.156 1 North of Gigha Island. A channel, with a width of
1 South-east entrance. From a position 1 mile SSE of 1 cable and a least depth of 11 m in the fairway, passes
Eilean nan Gabhar Light, the alignment (320°) of Liath between the N end of Gigha Island (55°44′N, 5°43′W)
Sgeir Beacon, 1¼ cables SW of the light, with Craighouse (7.23) and An Dubh-sgeir, 3½ cables N (7.151). A shoal,
Church, 5 cables NW, leads NW towards the SE entrance, with a least depth of 7⋅9 m over it, lies 9 cables E of An
passing (with positions from Eilean nan Gabhar Light): Dubh-sgeir, and Gamhna Gigha (7.40) lies 1¼ miles ESE
2 NE of Rubha na Caillich (5 cables S), thence: of An Dubh-sgeir. Local knowledge is required to navigate
NE of a charted depth of 4⋅9 m (3 cables SSW) this passage.
which lies near the end of a spit extending 1 cable
Chart 2396
NE from Rubha na Cloiche Muilinn, thence:
7.163
3 Close SW of a rock, with a least depth of 3⋅7 m over
1 MacCormaig Isles. A channel, with a width of 3 cables,
it (1¼ cables S), which forms the S end of a rocky
passes between Eilean Mór (55°55′N, 5°44′W) (7.257) to
shoal extending from Eilean nan Gabhar. Goat
the W, and Corr Eilean (7.180), to the E. Depths in this
Rock, 4 cables NE of this shoal, is the E-most
channel are very irregular and eddies are formed by the
danger off the E side of Eilean nan Gabhar.
very strong tidal streams (7.147). The centre of the
Thence:
channel, at the N end, is obstructed by Corr Rocks (7.179)
4 SW of the stranded wreck of a vessel of
and use of the channel is recommended only for those with
158 tonnes grt which lies close SE of Eilean nan
local knowledge.
Gabhar Light.
5 When Pladda, the islet 1 mile NNE of Eilean nan Small craft
Gabhar Light, opens W of Eilean nan Gabhar the track
alters towards the N to pass E of Liath Sgeir Beacon which Chart 2475
stands about 20 m within the NE end of Liath Sgeir, a reef Anchorages and bays on the east side of Sound of Jura,
with islets and rocks on it which extends 2 cables NNE southern part
from the S shore towards Eilean nan Gabhar. 7.164
Buoys (special) are moored about 2¼ cables W and 1 West Tarbert Bay (55°43′N, 5°45′W), entered S of
2½ cables WNW of Eilean nan Gabhar Light, Eilean Garbh (7.151), on the W side of Gigha Island,

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affords anchorage for small craft in the SE corner of the 3 Good anchorage for small craft can be obtained in the
bay, where there are coves sheltered from S and SW. middle of the bay, as shown on the chart, in a depth of
In quiet weather anchorage can also be obtained at the 9 m. A small jetty extends from the E shore of the bay,
N end of the bay, to the S of the shingle spit connecting close SW of a lighthouse establishment for the maintenance
Eilean Garbh to Gigha. of Skervuile Light (7.151).

Chart 2477
7.165
Loch Caolisport
1 Loch Stornoway (55°47′N, 5°37′W) is obstructed by
Sgeir Choigreach, a group of rocks which extend 3½ cables
General information
WSW from the SE entrance point, and by Montgomerie
7.170
Rocks, with depths of less than 2 m over them, which
1 Loch Caolisport, entered between Point of Knap
extend 1½ cables S from the NW side of the entrance.
(55°53′N, 5°41′W) and the coast 1½ miles SE, extends
Entry into this loch is dangerous without local knowledge.
about 5 miles NE to its head, which dries out 6 cables. For
the first 3 miles the SE shore of the loch is free from
Chart 2168 dangers outside 1½ cables from the shore.
7.166 Temporary anchorage only, suitable for small vessels and
1 Kilmory Bay (55°54′N, 5°41′W) is unsuitable as an below, can be obtained in the loch.
anchorage as it is exposed to winds from the W. Tidal streams are imperceptible within the loch.

Chart 2396 Directions

7.167 7.171
1 Eilean Mór (55°55′N, 5°44′W) (7.151) affords 1 From the vicinity of 55°51′N, 5°42′W the approach and
anchorage for small craft in an inlet at the N end of the entry into Loch Caolisport leads NE, passing (with
island, the approach to which is subject to strong tidal positions from the NE extremity of Liath Eilein (55°53′⋅7N,
streams as given at 7.147. This inlet, which is sheltered 6°39′⋅5W)):
from all but W winds, is much used by fishermen from NW of a detached shoal, with a least charted depth of
Gigha, and is also a popular anchorage for pleasure craft, 11⋅9 m (3 miles SSW) which lies 8½ cables off the
despite being partially obstructed by rocks. Mooring rings, coast, thence:
established around the shores of the inlet, can be used to 2 Clear of several shallow depths, with a least charted
help control the swinging circle. depth of 10⋅7 m (1½ miles SSW), which lie in the
middle of the entrance, and:
SE of shoals which extend 2 cables S from Back
Chart 2397 Bow (1¼ miles SW) (7.151), thence:
7.168 SE of Point of Knap (8 cables SW) (7.151), thence:
1 Loch na Cille is entered between Rubha na Cille 3 SE of rocks, above-water and below-water, which
(55°57′N, 5°43′W) (7.151) and Liath Eilein, 4 cables SSE, extend up to 1 cable from the SE side of Liath
which is connected by a reef to the W side of the Island of Eilein, a rocky islet which lies 2 cables off the
Danna (7.179). Anchorage for small craft can be obtained NW shore of the loch and from the SW end of
abreast a prominent limekiln house on the SE shore, which foul ground extends 1¼ cables SSW, thence:
6 cables NE of Rubha na Cille, as shown on the chart, in a 4 NW of a promontory named Eilean Tràighe (1 mile
depth of 7 m, sand and shells. ESE), a grassy strip which is connected to the SE
2 Although open SW this anchorage is protected from the shore of the loch by a natural causeway of sand
swell during winds from the SW by the strong tidal stream and boulders, thence:
setting across the entrance to the loch, as given at 7.147. A Clear of Lach Caolas (7 cables E) which lies in the
jetty extends from the SE shore of the loch, abreast the middle of the fairway with a 7⋅9 m patch 1 cable
limekiln house (above). Two mooring buoys laid off the W of it, thence:
jetty. 5 SW of the NW of two islets named Eilean Tràighe
(6 cables NE), a grassy islet which is connected to
the mainland by boulders which dry, and:
Chart 2396 Clear of a rock, with a depth of 7 m over it (8 cables
Anchorage on the west side of the Sound of Jura, ENE) which lies near the middle of the fairway,
southern part thence:
7.169 6 SE of a detached rock, 1 m high, and of two rocks,
1 Lowlandman’s Bay, entered between Rubh’ an Lèim with depths of less than 2 m (charted as dangerous
(55°53′N, 5°53′W) and Sròn Garbh, 3 cables SW, is a rocks) over them, which extend up to 1 cable SE
shallow bay which provides refuge in W gales. However, from Eilean nam Muc (1 mile NE) which is a
although the best anchorage on the E coast of Jura, it is grassy islet lying close to the NW shore of the
exposed to winds from the S, and subject to fierce squalls loch, thence:
during winds from the N. 7 SE of a marine farm (1.17) which extends 3½ cables
2 Approach to the entrance is obstructed by Ninefoot NE from Eilean nam Muc, as shown on the chart,
Rock, 3 cables SSE of Rubh’ an Lèim, which is marked by thence:
a light-buoy (E cardinal) 1 cable SE of the rock. The coast NW of Eilean a’ Mhadaidh (2¼ miles NE), a grassy
SW of the entrance is fronted by rocky islets and a bank islet lying very close to the SE shore of the loch,
extending 1½ cables offshore. and:

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8 Clear of a rock, with a depth of 7⋅3 m over it depths of more than 10 m in the fairway and towards the E
(2 miles NE) which lies in the middle of the shore, but off the W shore there are several rocks and
fairway, thence: shoal patches off the islets.
NW of Eilean Fada (2¾ miles NE) which is a grassy 7.175
islet lying midway between the shores of the loch, 1 Approaches. Loch Sween can be approached from SW,
thence: between MacCormaig Isles (55°55′N, 5°43′W) (7.151) and
SE of Eilean na h-Uamhaidh (2¾ miles NE) and of the mainland SE, or from the NW between MacCormaig
the foul ground extending 1 cable SW from it. Isles, to the SW, and the Island of Danna, to the NE. Of
7.172 the two channels, that from the SW is the broader and
1 Clearing marks: straighter.
The alignment (046°) of the SE rock off Liath Eilein 7.176
(2 cables S) with Lochead House (55°56′⋅7N, 1 Tidal streams in the approaches to Loch Sween are
5°33′⋅7W) (chart 2168), 4½ miles NE, which is a given at 7.147.
large white building at the head of the loch, clears In the entrance to the loch the streams set as follows:
SE of Back Bow and of the dangers off Point of Interval from HW Oban Remarks
Knap.
2 The alignment (038°) of the left hand edge of the SE +0550 In-going stream begins
side of the loch (2 miles NE), with Lochead House –0030 Out-going stream begins
(above), clears SE of Lach Caolas and the shallow
2 The rate at spring tides is 1 to 1½ kn in both directions.
patches lying N and NW of it.
These streams lose strength rapidly inside the entrance and
Useful mark:
are imperceptible within the loch except in the narrow
Ellary House (55°55′⋅4N, 5°37′⋅2W), which is
entrances to Linne Mhuirich (55°59′N, 5°39′W) (7.183) and
conspicuous when bearing less than 010°, stands
Caol Scotnish (55°01′⋅5N, 5°36′⋅5W) (7.187).
on the NW shore of the loch.
7.177
1 Sea levels. Owing to the narrow entrance to Loch
Sween, the sea level inside is considerably affected by the
Anchorages strength and direction of the wind. For example, a strong
7.173 SW wind, especially during neap tides, may cause the level
1 Small vessels. Loch Caolisport is exposed to S winds inside the loch to rise even though the tide outside is
and should only be used for temporary anchorage which, falling.
for small vessels, can be found almost anywhere in the
loch, clear of the dangers previously mentioned.
Small craft. The best anchorage for small craft is at the Principal mark
head of the loch, 4½ cables NE of Eilean Fada, as shown 7.178
on the chart, in depths of 4 to 6 m, sand, clear of a marine 1 Landmark:
farm (1.17) as shown on the chart. The conspicuous ruins of Castle Sween (55°57′N,
2 Muileann Eitag Bàgh (55°54′N, 5°39′W) also affords 5°40′W) which stands near the E shore of the loch
good temporary anchorage for small craft in depths of 5 to and is surrounded by a conspicuous caravan park
9 m, as shown on the chart, sheltered from W winds, clear and camp site.
of marine farms (1.17) moored in the bay, as shown on the
chart.
Directions
7.179
Loch Sween and approaches 1 Approach from north-west. From a position 7 cables
SW of Rubha na Cille (55°57′N, 5°43′W) (7.151), the
alignment (149°) of the S extremity of Eilean nan Leac
Charts 2396, 2397 (55°55′N, 5°42′W) (7.180) with the 89 m summit of a hill,
General information 1¾ miles SSE, leads SSE towards the entrance, in a least
7.174 depth of 10 m, passing (with positions from the SW
1 Loch Sween, entered N of Eilean nan Leac (55°55′N, extremity of Sgeir Dhonncha (55°56′N, 5°42′W)):
5°42′W), extends about 6 miles NE as a single channel; 2 WSW of Keills Rock (7 cables NW) which has a
then, above Cala (56°00′⋅7N, 5°36′⋅3W) this channel least depth of 1⋅2 m over it and lies on the outer
divides into three arms, the central and deepest of which, edge of foul ground extending 3 cables offshore
Sailean Mhòr, continues NE for 1¾ miles. This is a between MacCormaig Isles (7.151) and Loch na
picturesque loch particularly in its upper parts where Cille, 1½ miles N, thence:
narrow arms extend deeply between wooded hills. The NW WSW of Danna Rock (3½ cables NW) which has a
shore of the loch, between Taynish Island (7.184) and Sròn least depth of 1⋅5 m over it, thence:
Bheith (7.186), is a National Nature Reserve. 3 ENE of a rock, with a depth of 3⋅4 m over it
2 The loch also provides safe and secure anchorages for (5½ cables WSW), which lies off the NE end of a
small craft in several locations as given at 7.184. rocky ledge extending 5 cables N from Eilean Mór
3 Depths. A bar of stones and shells, with depths from (7.151) which includes Corr Rocks (8½ cables
6⋅1 to 8⋅5 m over it, crosses the loch 1¼ miles above SW) which have depths of less than 2 m over
Eilean nan Leac. The fairway over this bar has a them, thence:
controlling depth of 8⋅5 m, as given at 7.182. Inside the bar 4 WSW of Sgeir Dhonncha which is the S islet of a
depths increase gently but are quite irregular in the S part chain extending 3 cables SSW from the S end of
of the loch, with several dangers in the fairway, whereas Island of Danna, on the NW side of the entrance
the N part has no dangers in the fairway. Sailean Mhòr has to Loch Sween, and:

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5 ENE of a rock, with a depth of 2⋅1 m over it Sween, with the red roof of Old Ulva House, 1½ miles
(4½ cables SW), which lies 1 cable N of Corr NNE, leads through the fairway of the loch and over the
Eilean (7.180), thence: bar in a least depth as given at 7.174.
ENE of Eilean Ghamhna (5½ cables SSW) (7.180). 7.183
Useful mark: 1 Loch Sween. After crossing the bar the track alters
Tower (1 mile NNE). NNE and continues parallel with the NW shore, passing
(Directions continue for entry into (with positions from Castle Sween):
Loch Sween at 7.182) WNW of the foul ground extending ½ cable from the
7.180 shore in the vicinity of Castle Sween (7.178), S of
1 Approach from south-west. From a position 8 cables S which are laid moorings for small craft, thence:
of Eilean Mór (55°55′N, 5°44′W) the alignment (039°) of WNW of a detached shoal, with a least depth of
Sgeir Bun an Locha which is the largest of a group of 6⋅7 m over it (8½ cables NNE), thence:
above-water rocks lying 1¼ cables off the NW shore, with 2 Clear of an elongated shoal extending SW and NE
the ruins of Castle Sween, 1½ miles NE (7.178), leads NE from Sgeirean a’ Mhàin (1½ miles NNE) a small
towards the entrance, passing (with positions from the S rock lying in the middle of the fairway. A rock at
extremity of Eilean Mór): the NE end of the shoal, 2¾ cables NE, has a
2 NW of Ruadh na Brogg (1¾ miles SE) which is a depth of 4⋅9 m over it. And:
rock, with a depth of less than 2 m over it, lying 3 WNW of Sgeir nan Ròn (1¾ miles NNE), a drying
3 cables W of Glas Eilean, a rocky islet which is reef which lies ¾ cable off the SE side of the loch,
connected to the shore by a reef, and: thence:
SE of a rock, with a depth of 6⋅7 m over it (3 cables ESE of Taynish Island (2¼ miles NNE) which lies
SSW), which lies 1½ cables SE of Dubh Sgeir close off the entrance to Linne Mhuirich, a shallow
(7.151) at the SW extremity of MacCormaig Isles inlet on the NW side of the loch, thence:
(7.151), thence: 4 ENE of Cala (56°00′⋅7N, 5°36′⋅3W), an islet which
3 NW of a spit, with a least charted depth of 7⋅9 m lies close off the NW side of Eilean Loain, a
(1 mile SE), thence: sparsely wooded island which is separated from
SE of a charted depth of 5⋅2 m (3¼ cables NE) which the SE side of the loch by a channel with a width
lies at the S end of turbulent waters in the channel of 1 cable, thence:
between Eilean Mór (7.151) and Corr Eilean ENE of a rock, with a depth of 2⋅7 m over it
(below), thence: (56°01′N, 5°36′W), which lies 1¼ cables NNW of
4 Within ½ cable SE of a rock with a depth of 1⋅9 m Rubha na Marraidh.
over it (7 cables ENE) which in 1985 was reported 5 Useful mark:
to lie 2 cables SE of the S extremity of Corr Tower (1 mile WSW).
Eilean, the central of the MacCormaig Isles, which
has a small cairn on its summit. Thence:
5 SE of a detached rock lying close SW of Eilean Small craft anchorages and moorings
Ghamhna (9 cables ENE), the inner of the 7.184
MacCormaig Isles, which lies close E of Corr 1 Taynish Island (55°59′N, 5°39′W) affords shelter to an
Eilean, thence: occasional anchorage, with limited swinging room, between
NW of the reef fringing Eilean nan Leac (1¼ miles the island and the NW shore of the loch.
ENE), a steep and rocky islet lying 4 cables off the 7.185
coast. 1 Cala Inlet (56°01′N, 5°35′W), the SE of the three arms
7.181 at the head of Loch Sween, is approached through a deep
1 Clearing marks: channel and affords good anchorage, as required, in depths
The alignment (004°) of the E extremity of Eilean of 11 to 22 m, mud, clear of marine farms (1.17) moored
nan Leac (above) with Danna na Cloiche, 1 mile in the upper reaches. Moorings for small craft are
N, clears close W of Ruadh na Brogg (above) and established along the S side of the inlet. Port Lunna, a
all dangers W of Point of Knap (7.151). narrow inlet on the N side of the entrance, is reported to
2 Clearing line. A line of bearing, not less than 338°, of be entirely occupied by marine farms (1.17).
Carraig an Daimh (55°57′N, 5°45′W) (7.151), open W of 7.186
Corr Eilean (above), clears SW of the 7⋅9 m charted depth 1 Loch a’ Bhealaich (56°01′N, 5°37′W), an indentation
(above) and all dangers W of Point of Knap. into the NW side of Loch Sween, affords good anchorage
in depths of 8 to 13 m, mud, 2 cables WNW of Sròn
Bheith, the SE entrance point, as shown on the chart. The
Chart 2397 inner part of the loch, approached through a channel with a
7.182 depth of 3⋅7 m in it, is reported to provide one of the most
1 Entrance channel. From a position 2 cables E of the perfectly sheltered anchorages on the W coast of Scotland;
NE extremity of Eilean Ghamhna (55°55′N, 5°43′W) the however, a group of rocks, from which a shoal extends
line of bearing 239°, astern, of the S end of Eilean Mór ½ cable SW, lies near the middle of the bay, and many
(7.151), just open SSE of the S end of Corr Eilean (7.180), moorings are laid for small craft. Tayvallich Village, which
leads ENE through the entrance to Loch Sween passing stands around the head of the loch, has a number of jetties,
SSE of the spit extending S from Sgeir Bun an Locha, some with pontoons, which provide alongside berths, and a
9 cables NE of the NE extremity of Eilean Ghamhna small slipway. Fresh water and limited quantities of
(7.180). provisions are available.
2 From a position 2 cables SE of Sgeir Bun an Locha, the 7.187
alignment (016°) of a prominent boulder lying just within 1 Caol Scotnish (56°02′N, 5°36′W), a narrow inlet which
the HW line on the W shore of the loch, opposite Castle extends 2 miles NE and is, in places, less than ½ cable

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wide with sheer rocky sides, has a least depth of 2⋅4 m in Rescue
the fairway. This loch is used extensively for marine farms 7.194
(1.17) and the head of the loch, with a bottom of mud, is 1 An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) is based at
used in summer as an anchorage for small craft. Crinan (56°05′⋅5N, 5°33′⋅4W) (7.211).
7.188 For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 7.9.
1 Fairy Isles (56°02′N, 5°35′W) an inlet on the NW side
of Sailean Mhòr (7.174) affords anchorage for small craft Tidal streams
to the NW of Sgeir Buidhe, at the SW end of the inlet. 7.195
1 A general description of the tidal stream movement in
the Sound of Jura and approach from the N is given at
7.139.
SOUND OF JURA — NORTHERN PART 2 Tidal streams in mid-channel through the N part of the
sound are shown on the charts. Off the E side of the sound
the streams begin 1¼ hours earlier than in mid-channel, and
General information off the W side they begin ¾ hour earlier. Towards the N
end of the sound, off Ruadh Sgeir (56°04′N, 5°40′W), the
Charts 2326, 2397 streams also begin considerably earlier than in mid-channel
Channel in the sound generally.
7.189 7.196
1 A general description of the Sound of Jura is given at 1 East side. Along the E side of the sound, between
7.132. The N part of the sound, from a line joining Rubha Rubha na Cille (55°57′N, 5°43′W) and the coast E of
na Cille (55°57′N, 5°43′W) on the mainland, to Rubh’ a’ Ruadh Sgeir, 8 miles NNE, the streams set as follows:
Chamais (55°56′N, 5°51′W) (Chart 2396), 4½ miles WSW, Interval from HW Oban Remarks
on the E side of Jura, extends 11 miles NNE to a line
joining Aird of Kinuachdrach (56°08′N, 5°41′W), on the E +0425 N-going stream begins
coast of Jura, to the S end of Rèisa an t-Sruith, 1¼ miles –0155 S-going stream begins
E, thence to Craignish Point, 1½ miles farther E. The rate at spring tides is from 3 to 4 kn in both
2 The E side of the sound of Jura continues NNE into directions.
Loch Craignish (56°09′N, 5°34′W) (7.218) and also gives 2 Eddies. These streams set in the direction of the coast
access to Loch Crinan (56°06′N, 5°34′W) (7.211) off its E about 3 cables offshore but there are eddies nearly
side. everywhere close to the land. Thus, between Leth Sgeir
(56°00′⋅5N, 5°40′⋅6W) and the islets extending NNE from
Routes it, and the mainland, an eddy sets N during the S-going
7.190 stream. Across the entrance to Carsaig Bay (56°02′N,
1 From a position 1¾ miles W of Rubha na Cille, the 5°38′W) eddies set S during the N-going stream and N
recommended route through the N part of the Sound of during the S-going stream. Other eddies may also be
Jura leads NNE in mid-channel for about 6 miles, then experienced.
along the W side of the sound, between Ruadh Sgeir 3 Farther N, in the channel E of Ruadh Sgeir, the streams
Ledges (56°05′N, 5°39′W) and the E side of Jura, to a set as follows:
position between Rèisa an t-Sruith (56°08′N, 5°39′W) and Interval from HW Oban Remarks
Aird of Kinuachdrach, 1¼ miles W.
2 Other routes are given as follows: for the approach to +0400 N-going stream begins
Loch Crinan and to Loch Craignish from SW at 7.202; for –0205 S-going stream begins
Dorus Mór at 7.207; for the route NNE of Ruadh Sgeir
The rate at spring tides is 4 kn in both directions.
Ledges at 7.205; and for the route E of Rèisa an t-Sruith at
4 Near the land on the E side of this part of the channel
7.210.
the stream sets in the direction of the coast and across the
entrance to Loch Crinan (56°06′N, 5°34′W). In mid-channel
Topography the N-going stream sets in the direction of the channel but,
7.191 off Eilean nan Coinean on the N side of the entrance to
1 General topography for the island of Jura is given at Loch Crinan, it turns NW then W to set through Dorus
7.13. Mór (56°08′N, 5°36′W) (7.207). The E-going stream from
A number of marine farms (1.17) are moored along the Dorus Mór sets in the opposite direction, turning SE then S
W shore of the sound, within 2 cables of the coast of Jura. off Eilean nan Coinean; it also forms an eddy which turns
W in mid-channel off Loch Crinan to set N along the E
Submarine power cable side of the islets from Eilean na h-Eairne (56°06′N,
7.192 5°37′W) to Garbh Rèisa, 1 mile NNE.
1 A submarine power cable crosses the N part of the 7.197
sound between a point close E of the SE entrance point of 1 West side. Tidal streams off Lussa Bay (56°01′N,
Carsaig Bay (56°02′N, 5°38′W), where it is marked by a 5°47′W) set as follows:
beacon, and the head of Camas nam Meanbh-chuileag Interval from HW Oban Remarks
(56°02′N, 5°45′W).
+0455 N-going stream begins
Exercise areas –0125 S-going stream begins
7.193 These streams set in the direction of the coast; they are
1 The routes described above pass through submarine weak close inshore but their rates increase farther to
exercise areas, as given at 7.6. seaward.

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2 Farther N, in the channel W of Ruadh Sgeir, both the Eilean Dubh (3 miles S) from the NW side of
N-going and the S-going streams set across and between which a spit extends 1 cable N with a rock awash
the rocks, reefs and islets extending from Ruadh Sgeir to near the island and a depth of 5⋅2 m near its N
Garbh Rèisa, 3 miles NNE, in directions to and from the edge, thence:
Gulf of Corryvreckan. The rate at spring tides is up to 5 kn 7 WNW of Carsaig Island (2 miles SSE), a bluff,
in both directions and eddies and heavy overfalls occur narrow island which lies between ½ and 1½ cables
near the islets and rocks. offshore, on the N side of the entrance to Carsaig
3 Near the N end of the sound, in the channel W of Bay 7.226, thence:
Garbh Rèisa, the streams also set to and from the Gulf of WNW of Ruadh Mòr Rock (1¾ miles SSE) which is
Corryvreckan, as above. The times at which they begin are awash and lies 1¼ cables offshore, and:
not known, and probably differ considerably in different 8 ESE of several marine farms moored up to 2 cables
parts of the channel, but on average they begin as follows: offshore on the W side of the sound, thence:
Interval from HW Oban Remarks ESE of a detached rocky shoal, with a least depth of
3 m over it (2 miles W), which lies 2½ cables
+0430 N-going stream begins offshore; see clearing marks at 7.200. Thence:
–0150 S-going stream begins 9 WNW of Ruadh Sgeir, a rocky islet near the SW
4 The streams set strongly on the E side of this channel extremity of Ruadh Sgeir Ledges which extend
but appear to be weak near the coast of Jura. 1½ miles NNE through the middle of the Sound of
For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: Jura and on which lie rocks awash. Ruadh Sgeir
North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland. Light (white tower, 7 m in height) stands on the
SW end of the islet and a shoal, with a depth of
2⋅7 m over it, lies 1¼ cables SSW of the light.
Thence:
Other navigational aids 10 WNW of a detached shallow patch, with a least depth
7.198 of 15⋅8 m over it (8 cables N), which lies
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the 3¾ cables WNW of Ruadh Sgeir Ledges, thence:
Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at Clear of detached shallow patches, with a least depth
1.33. of 17⋅1 m over them (1½ miles N), which lie in
the middle of the channel to the W of Ruadh Sgeir
Light, and:
11 WNW of North Rock (1¼ miles NNE) which lies on
the ledges.
Directions
(continued from 7.151) 7.200
1 Clearing marks:
The alignment (023°) of the NE extremity of Jura
(56°06′⋅7N, 5°41′⋅2W) with Druim na Dubh
Rubha na Cille to Ruadh Sgeir Ledges Ghlaic, 6¾ miles NNE (7.281), clears 2 cables ESE
7.199 of the shoal in position 2 miles W of Ruadh Sgeir
1 From the vicinity of 55°57′N, 5°46′W the recommended Light.
route through the N part of the Sound of Jura leads NNE, 2 Clearing line. The line of bearing 032° of Craignish
passing (with positions from Ruadh Sgeir Light (56°04′N, Castle (56°09′⋅3N, 5°35′⋅3W) just open NW of Craignish
5°40′W)): Point, 1 mile SSW, clears NW of Ruadh Sgeir Ledges and
WNW of Carraig an Daimh (55°57′N, 5°45′W) the shoal lying 3¾ cables WNW of the ledges.
(7.151), thence:
2 WNW of a shoal, with a least charted depth of 11 m,
which lies 7½ cables WNW of Rubha na Cille
(55°57′N, 5°43′W) (7.151) and:
ESE of Rubha nan Crann (55°58′N, 5°50′W) the E Chart 2326
entrance point of Tarbert Bay (7.229), thence: Ruadh Sgeir Ledges to Gulf of Corryvreckan
3 WNW of a shoal, with a least charted depth of 7.201
16⋅5 m, which lies up to 4 cables off the coast to 1 From the vicinity of 56°06′N, 5°40′W the track leads N,
the NE of Rubha na h-Airde (55°59′N, 5°41′W) passing (with positions from Rèisa an t-Sruith Light
which is the W entrance point of Sàilean na (56°08′N, 5°39′W)):
h-Airde, a narrow and inaccessible inlet, and: W of the channel (7.205) passing between the N end
4 ESE of a shoal, with a least depth of 11⋅6 m over it of Ruadh Sgeir Ledges (2¼ miles S) and a group
(56°00′N, 5°48′W) which lies 2½ cables offshore, of islets, 8 cables NNE, thence:
thence: 2 W of Eilean na h-Eairne (1½ miles SSE) which lies
WNW of Leth Sgeir (56°00′N, 5°41′W) a small, at the S end of a chain of islets and rocks
rocky islet which is steep-to on its W side and lies extending 1¼ miles NNE, thence:
at the SW end of a chain of islets and rocks which E of the NE extremity of Jura (1¾ miles SW),
extend 1½ miles NNE, thence: thence:
5 WNW of a detached rocky shoal, with a depth of W of Sgeir na Maoile (1 mile SE) which lies in the
18⋅3 m over it, which lies 2¼ cables off Eilean nan centre of a steep-to reef, with a length of 4 cables
Coinean (56°01′N, 5°40′W) which is steep-to on NNE/SSW, that is separated from Garbh Rèisa
its W side, thence: (1¼ miles ESE) (7.204) by a deep channel, thence:
6 WNW of a detached shoal, with a depth of 14⋅6 m 3 E of Aird of Kinuachdrach (1¼ miles W) a broad
over it, which lies 4 cables WSW of the S end of promontory on the E side of Jura, and:

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W of a reef which dries, lying ¾ cable S of Rèisa an Directions

t-Sruith, on the SW end of which stands Rèisa an t-Sruith 7.206
Light (white clad metal framework tower, 7 m in height). 1 From a position 6 cables N of North rock, the line of
(Directions continue for Gulf of Corryvreckan at 7.257, bearing 098° of the conspicuous hotel at Crinan
and for Sound of Luing at 7.242) (56°05′⋅5N, 5°33′⋅4W) (7.212) open N of Ardnoe Point,
9 cables W, leads E through the middle of the channel N of
Approach to Loch Crinan and Loch Craignish Ruadh Sgeir Ledges.
from south-south-west
Dorus Mór
Channel
7.202
Channel
1 The approach to Loch Crinan and Loch Craignish from 7.207
1 Dorus Mór (56°07′⋅6N, 5°36′⋅5W), the channel between
SSW, through the channel between Ruadh Sgeir Ledges
(56°05′N, 5°39′W) and the mainland coast 1½ miles WSW, Garbh Rèisa (7.204) and Craignish Point, 3½ cables N, has
a least charted depth of 18⋅3 m in the fairway. This channel
is wide, deep and clear of dangers in the fairway.
2 Tidal streams in this channel are described at 7.195. provides a direct route from Loch Crinan and Loch
Craignish to the Gulf of Corryvreckan and the Sound of
Directions Luing.
7.203 7.208
1 From a position 1 mile SE of Ruadh Sgeir Light 1 Tidal streams. A general description of the tidal stream
(56°04′N, 5°40′W) the track leads NNE for about 3 miles, movement in the Sound of Jura and approach from the N,
passing (with positions from Ardnoe Point (56°05′⋅5N, including the streams between Dorus Mór and the Gulf of
5°35′⋅0W)): Corryvreckan, is given at 7.139.
ESE of Ruadh Sgeir (2¾ miles WSW) (7.199), In Dorus Mór the streams set as follows:
thence: Interval from HW Oban Remarks
2 WNW of a marine farm (1.17) moored 1½ cables
+0330 W-going stream begins
WSW of Rubha nam Bàrr (2 miles SSW) which is
the W entrance point of Sàilean Mòr (7.228), –0215 E-going stream begins
thence: 2 The rate at spring tides is 8 kn in both directions.
ESE of South Rock (2 miles WSW) which lies on the During the W-going stream an eddy sets E along the N
SW edge, near the middle of Ruadh Sgeir Ledges shore, and there are heavy overfalls between the stream and
(7.199), thence: the eddy.
3 WNW of Ardnoe Point, the S entrance point of Loch The E-going stream is strongest on the S side of the
Crinan (7.211), thence: channel and is relatively weak between mid-channel and
ESE of a drying reef which lies 1 cable E of Eilean the N shore.
na h-Eairne (1½ miles WNW) (7.201). 3 Overfalls are shown on the chart and it was reported
(Directions continue for Loch Crinan at 7.213) (1992) that overfalls extended 5 cables E of those charted
7.204 in the middle of Dorus Mór. It is also reported that, with
1 From a position 8 cables NW of Ardnoe Point the track strong winds from the S, it is best for small craft to wait
towards Loch Craignish leads generally N, passing (with for slack water before making this passage.
positions from Ardnoe Point):
W of Eilean nan Coinean (1¼ miles NNE) which is Directions
separated from the mainland by a deep channel, 7.209
thence: 1 From a position 5 cables SE of Rubh’ an Lionaidh
2 E of Garbh Rèisa (2 miles NNW) which is the largest (56°08′N, 5°36′W) the track through Dorus Mór leads
and NNE of a chain of islets and rocks which WNW, passing (with positions from Rubh’ an Lionaidh):
extend 8½ cables SSW, thence: NNE of Garbh Rèisa (4 cables SSW) (7.204), and:
W of the fringing reef which surrounds, and extends SSW of the coastal bank which, with a depth of
1½ cables SSW and NNE from, Liath-sgeir Mhòr 5⋅5 m over it, extends 1 cable SSW from Rubh’ an
(1¾ miles N) and: Lionaidh which is the S extremity of Craignish
E of Dorus Mór (2¼ miles NNW) (7.207). Point, and:
3 Clearing marks: 2 Clear of patches (2 cables SSW), with a least charted
The alignment (016°) of the SW extremity of depth as given at 7.207, which lie in the middle of
Craignish Point (56°08′N, 5°37′W) with the W the fairway, thence:
side of the islets lying 1¼ miles SSW of the point, SSW of Rubha na Traighe, the SW extremity of
clears 1¼ cables ESE of South Rock. Craignish Point.
(Directions continue for Loch Craignish at 7.219) (Directions continue for Gulf of Corryvreckan
and Sound of Luing at 7.263, and for
Shuna Sound at 7.265)
Channel north of Ruadh Sgeir Ledges
Channel Channel east of Rèisa an t’Sruith
7.205 Channel
1 The channel between the shoal banks extending 7.210
3½ cables NNE from North Rock (56°05′⋅3N, 5°38′⋅6W), 1 The channel between Rèisa an t-Sruith (56°08′N,
and those which extend 1½ cables S from Eilean na 5°39′W) and Garbh Rèisa, 1¼ miles ESE (7.204), is
h-Eairne, 1¼ miles NNE (7.201), is free from dangers in obstructed by Sgeir na Maoile (56°07′N, 5°38′W) (7.201)
the fairway. However, the tidal streams are strong, as given and a shoal, with a least depth of 8⋅2 m over it, 6½ cables
at 7.197, with overfalls as shown on the chart. NNW.

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NW entrance to Crinan Canal from N (7.214)

(Original dated 2000)
(Photograph − Air Images)

2 Clearing line. The line of bearing 008° of Shuna 2 Limiting conditions within the canal are given at 4.159.
Cottage (56°12′⋅5N, 5°36′⋅8W) (7.285), just open W of Port radio. A listening watch is maintained on VHF, for
Coiresa (56°09′N, 5°38′W), clears to the E of the shoal details see Admiralty Maritime Communications.
given above. Regulations. A large area in the centre of the loch has
been allocated for the production of scallops. Within this
Loch Crinan area, which is marked by light-buoys, dredging, trawling
and dumping are prohibited. However, the rights of lawful
Chart 2320
navigation and anchoring are not affected.
General information 3 Tidal streams set across the entrance creating overfalls,
7.211 as shown on the chart and given at 7.195, but lose strength
1 Loch Crinan, entered between Ardnoe Point (56°06′N, rapidly as the loch is entered, as shown by the tidal
5°35′W) and Scodaig, 1¼ miles NNE, is open WNW and stations on the chart.
extends about 1½ miles ESE to its head, which dries out 7.212
for 5 cables. Anchorage can be obtained by small vessels in 1 Landmarks (with positions from the hotel at Crinan
the entrance to the loch which also gives access to the NW (56°05′⋅5N, 5°33′⋅4W):
entrance to the Crinan Canal (4.159), which in turn A large white hotel, which is conspicuous, stands
connects with Loch Fyne and the Firth of Clyde. Crinan, a near the S shore of the loch at Crinan.
village on the S side of the loch, is situated at the entrance A tall chimney (3¼ cables SW) which stands near the
to the canal and a marina is established in Crinan Harbour, S shore and is conspicuous.
2 cables W of the canal entrance. 2 Duntrune Castle (6¾ cables NNE), which has a house
with a flagstaff on its battlements, is conspicuous;
however, it has been reported that from WNW the
castle tends to merge into the background.

Directions
(continued from 7.203)
7.213
Loch Crinan and entrance to Crinan Canal from NNW (7.211) 1 Entering harbour. From a position 5½ cables N of
(Original dated 2000) Ardnoe Point, the track into Loch Crinan and towards the
(Photograph − Air Images) anchorage position leads ESE, passing (with positions from
Black Rock (56°05′⋅7N, 5°33′⋅3W)):

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SSW of Eilean nan Coinean (56°06′⋅7N, 5°34′⋅5W) loch is wild and gently mountainous whilst the W side is
(7.204), thence: relatively well populated.
2 NNE of Ardnoe Point (9½ cables WSW) (7.203), 2 Anchorage for small vessels can be obtained in the
thence: entrance to the loch and restricted anchorage for coasters
SSW of a bank with depths of less than 5 m over it can be obtained near the head of the loch, which also gives
and on which there are two rocks with depths of access to a marina at Ardfern Yacht Centre.
less than 2 m over them, which extends 1 cable Channel. The main channel, which passes between the
SSW from Scodaig (9½ cables NNW), a salient two chains of islets, has a least depth of 7⋅3 m in the
point which has foul ground extending ¾ cable W, fairway.
thence: 3 Tidal streams in the approach to Loch Craignish are
3 SSW of a drying rock which lies close SW of Rubha given at 7.195 and at 7.208. In the entrance the streams are
Garb-ard (6½ cables NNW), the W entrance point weak; at a position 2 miles within the entrance the streams
of Gallanach Bay. are as shown on the chart.
Local weather. It is reported that the loch is subject to
Approach to Crinan severe squalls during winds from the E and NE, especially
7.214 near the E side of the loch.
1 From the vicinity of 56°06′N, 5°34′W the track towards
Crinan and the entrance to the canal leads SE, within the Directions
white sector (114°−146°) of Crinan Canal Light (white (continued from 7.204)
tower with a red band, 6 m in height) standing close E of 7.219
the canal lock entrance, passing (with positions from Black 1 From a position 5½ cables SE of Rubh’ an Lionaidh, the
Rock): entry into Loch Craignish leads NE, passing (with positions
2 SW of the coastal bank, with charted depths of less from the S extremity of Eilean Dubh (56°09′⋅4N,
than 5 m and on which there are above-water 5°33′⋅5W)):
rocks, which extends ¾ cable SSW from Rubha na NW of the reef surrounding Liath-sgeir Mhòr (2 miles
Moine (3½ cables N), the SE entrance point of SSW) (7.204), and:
Gallanach Bay, thence: 2 SE of Rubh’ an Lionaidh (2¼ miles SW) (7.209),
3 NE of Eilean da Mhèinn (3½ cables WSW) which is thence:
joined to the S shore of the loch by a drying bank, NW of Eilean Macaskin (1¼ miles S) which is the
thence: highest of the islands in the chain along the SE
SW of foul ground which extends ½ cable from side of the loch, thence:
Black Rock which lies 2¼ cables N of the 3 NW of Eilean nan Gabhar (7 cables S) which is
entrance to Crinan Canal. separated from the adjoining islets by channels
Small craft which are foul, thence:
NW of Eilean Righ (5 cables SE), the largest of the
7.215
1 Anchorage can be obtained in Port an Deora islands in the chain along the SE side of the loch,
(56°06′⋅5N, 5°33′⋅0W) situated in Gallanach Bay. This bay, and:
the head of which dries out and which is exposed to the 4 SE of a shoal which extends ¾ cable S from Sgeir
SW, has depths of 2 to 5 m to the S of An-tinalin, an islet Dubh Mhic Lartai (1½ cables SSW) which lies at
in the middle of the bay. the SW end of the chain along the NW side of the
7.216 loch, thence:
1 Crinan Boats, a marina, is established in Crinan SE of Eilean Dubh which has islets extending
Harbour, 2 cables W of the canal entrance. This marina, ¾ cable NE from it, and:
which has 60 moorings and two pontoon berths, can accept 5 Clear of a shoal, with a depth of 6⋅7 m over it
craft up to 15 m in length. Support facilities include the (3¾ cables ENE) which lies in the fairway, thence:
services of a diver and the assistance of a boatyard which SE of Eilean Mhic Chrion (1 mile NE) which is the
is capable of slipping craft with a length of 18 m and a largest of the islands in the chain on the NW side
maximum weight of 60 tonnes; marine and electrical of the loch, and:
engineers are also available. Normal supplies can be 6 Clear of a shallow bank which extends ½ cable from
obtained, as shown on chart 2326, with the addition of Sgeir Dhubh (1¾ miles NE) which was reported
charts. See Admiralty Maritime Communications. (1987) to be awash during an abnormally high
7.217 spring tide. A rock has been reported to lie
1 Alongside berth. A pier, with a depth of 2⋅4 m 1¼ cables NE of Sgeir Dhubh and a depth of
alongside, is situated ½ cable E of the canal entrance. 4⋅9 m is charted 1¼ cables E of Sgeir Dhubh.
Thence:
7 Clear of a detached shoal, with a charted depth of
Loch Craignish
6⋅7 m (2 miles NE), and:
Chart 2326 SE of Eilean Inshaig (2 miles NNE), a small island
General information the SW end of which is marked by a buoy
7.218 (starboard hand), which lies ¾ cable NE of Eilean
1 Loch Craignish, entered between Scodaig (56°06′⋅6N, Mhic Chrion.
5°34′⋅0W) (7.213) and Rubh’ an Lionaidh, 1¾ miles NW,
extends about 5 miles NE to its head which dries out for Anchorages
2 cables. This loch is encumbered with large islands, islets 7.220
and rocks which are grouped in two main chains extending 1 Good anchorage, suitable for small vessels and
along both sides of the loch, parallel with the shore and sheltered from winds between W and E, through N, can be
separated from it by a narrow channel. The E side of the obtained in the entrance to the loch, 1 mile ENE of Rubh’

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an Lionaidh, as shown on the chart, in a depth of 9 m, landing at two jetties as shown on the chart. A submarine
grey mud, shale and weed. power cable is landed in the bay, as given at 7.192.
2 Restricted anchorage, suitable for coasters, can be 7.227
obtained near the head of the loch, 3½ cables NE of Eilean 1 Port an t-Sasunnaich, at the S end of the channel
Mhic Chrion, as shown on the chart, in a depth of 15 m, between Carsaig Island (56°02′⋅5N, 5°38′⋅5W) (7.199) and
mud, clear of a rock, reported to dry, which lies 1½ cables the mainland E, affords anchorage, as shown on the chart,
offshore, 2¼ cables NE of Eilean Inshaig. in depths of 9 to 15 m. This is the best anchorage during
winds from the N but local knowledge is required.
Small craft 7.228
7.221 1 Sàilean Mòr (56°04′N, 5°37′W), a narrow inlet which is
1 Channel. A deep channel, which passes between the free from dangers, affords anchorage in position ½ cable
chain of islands along the SE side of the loch and the SSE of Rubha nam Bàrr (7.203), as shown on the chart, in
shore SE, can be used by keeping close to the SE shore to a depth of 4 m. This anchorage is safe except during winds
avoid dangers which extend from the SE side of the from the N, when a heavy swell sets in. The head of the
islands. However, many marine farms are moored along the bay dries for 2 cables and local knowledge is required.
SE side of the channel, as shown on the chart. Anchorages and landing on the west side of the Sound
7.222 of Jura, northern part
1 Anchorage. It is reported that small craft can obtain 7.229
anchorage as follows: 1 Tarbert Bay (55°58′N, 5°50′W), a small inlet with a
Bàgh na Cille (56°08′⋅5N, 5°35′⋅3W) during quiet sandy beach at its head, affords anchorage in a small patch
weather, clear of a dangerous rock in the entrance. of clear sand to the N of a small islet at the SW entrance
Eilean nan Gabhar, to the E of the island in a point. The remainder of the bay is reported to be shallow
position off the S end of Eilean Righ, clear of a and almost entirely filled with dense seaweed, however
rock awash (56°08′⋅8N, 5°33′⋅3W) as shown on the boat landing over the beach is good during W and N
chart. winds. The approach and entry to the bay is encumbered
Eilean Dubh, in a lagoon NNE of the island and SW by rocky shoals, some of which are awash, and local
of Eilean Mhic Chrion, clear of 2 sets of knowledge is essential.
moorings. 7.230
7.223 1 Lussa Bay (56°01′N, 5°47′W), which is open and
1 Ardfern Yacht Centre (56°11′N, 5°32′W), situated close straightforward, affords anchorage with good shelter from
NW of the NW end of Eilean Mhic Chrion, is protected N winds, clear of the reefs lying ¾ cable from the W shore
from the E by Eilean Inshaig. This marina, which can of the bay.
accommodate craft up to a length of 20 m, provides 80 7.231
moorings and 80 pontoon berths in addition to sheltered 1 Ardlussa Bay (56°02′N, 5°46′W) affords anchorage but
anchorage. It also affords facilities as listed on the chart. provides little shelter except for craft of shallow draught. A
Vessels over 20 m in length may be accommodated by small stone pier which extends from the SW corner of the
prior arrangement. bay is suitable for small boats only.
7.232
1 Kinuachdrach Harbour (56°07′N, 5°41′W), on the S
Small craft side of the Aird of Kinuachdrach, affords good anchorage
off the N shore, especially during N winds, in depths of 4
Chart 2397 to 7 m, clear of a shoal, with a depth of 3 m over it, which
Anchorages and landing on the east side of the Sound lies ½ cable off the S shore. A small quay has been cut
of Jura, northern part into the rock in the SW corner of the harbour.
7.224
1 Keills Port (55°58′N, 5°42′W), a shallow inlet 1 mile APPROACHES TO SOUND OF JURA
NNE of Rubha na Cille, contains a jetty next to a FROM NORTH
road-head, as shown on the chart. The entrance is
obstructed by foul ground. General information
7.225 Charts 2326, 2386
1 Eilean Dubh (56°01′⋅5N, 5°39′⋅6W) (7.199) lies on the Channels
N side of the entrance to an open bay, near the head of 7.233
which an anchorage is shown on the chart. Approach to the 1 Main channels. There are two main channels in the N
bay from S can be made through a narrow and intricate approach to the Sound of Jura. The S channel passes
channel which passes between Eilean Fraoich and the through the Gulf of Corryvreckan (56°09′N, 5°43′W),
mainland E. Local knowledge is required. which is deep and wide but subject to dangerous tidal
7.226 streams (7.252). The N channel passes through the Sound
1 Carsaig Bay (56°02′N, 5°39′W), which lies NW of of Luing, which lies between Scarba (7.14) and Luing
Eilean Dubh (above), affords anchorage in both of two (7.235) at its S end, and between Fladda (56°15′N,
inlets to the SW of the bay: between Eilean Dubh and 5°41′W) (7.249) and Dubh Sgeir (56°15′N, 5°40′W) (7.249)
Eilean Tràighe, a heather-covered islet close E, and at its N end. The S end of the Sound of Luing is deep and
between Eilean Tràighe and the mainland close E, as free from dangers in the fairway but local knowledge is
shown on the chart. Rows of buoys across the mouths of required for the N entrance. However, despite the dangers
these inlets are reported to be mooring pick-ups for fishing in the N entrance and the strong tidal streams setting
vessels and local knowledge is required for entry. through it, this is the channel generally used by mariners
2 The head of Carsaig Bay is foul and is open W and proceeding from or to the Sound of Jura, making it the
NW; it is not recommended as an anchorage but provides preferred main channel.

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2 A minor channel, connecting the middle of the Sound thence W with the W-going stream in the Gulf of
of Luing to the Firth of Lorn, passes through Bealach a’ Corryvreckan. During the S-going stream, an eddy sets N
Choin Ghlais (56°12′N, 5°42′W) which has restrictions as along the E coast of Scarba, to both the S and N of
given at 7.258. Sgeirean a’ Mhaoil, 9 cables N of the SE extremity. Off the
Secondary channel. A restricted channel through Shuna E side of Lunga the S-going stream continues to set S until
Sound and Cuan Sound is given at 7.278. about an hour after the start of the N-going stream in
mid-channel.
Routes 3 East side. On the E side of the sound, an eddy sets S
7.234 along the coast N of Rubha na Lic (56°13′N, 5°40′W)
1 Sound of Luing. From a position 7 cables W of Rèisa during the N-going stream, and a similar eddy sets N along
an t-Sruith (56°08′N, 5°39′W) the route towards the Sound the coast, to the S of the point, during the S going stream.
of Luing leads E of N for about 3 miles, then NNW in East side of Jura, north end. During the S-going
mid-channel through the Sound of Luing for 2¼ miles to a stream an eddy sets N along the coast of Jura between Port
position 2 miles S of Fladda (56°15′N, 5°41′W). From this an Tiobart (56°08′N, 5°41′W) and a position 1 mile N.
position the route leads generally N, through a channel 7.239
encumbered by rocks and shoals, which is marked by light 1 Overfalls. There are eddies races and overfalls around
sectors as far N as Fladda, then NNE through the passage and between the islands in the N entrance to the sound, as
between Fladda and Dubh Sgeir, 3½ cables ESE, which is shown on the chart, and off the SW extremity of Easedale
reported to be the main passage through the N entrance but (56°17′N, 5°40′W) during the SE-going stream, as shown
for which local knowledge is required. Once clear of on the chart.
Fladda a route can be chosen as required towards the Firth
of Lorn (8.107). Principal mark
2 Gulf of Corryvreckan. This route is given at 7.252. 7.240
1 Landmark:
Topography Cruach Scarba (56°10′⋅6N, 5°43′⋅3W), the summit of
7.235 Scarba (7.14) is reported to be a landmark.
1 General topography for the islands of Jura (56°00′N,
5°55′W), Scarba and Lunga, which is given at 7.13 to 7.15, Other navigational aids
describes a rugged and bleak chain of islands along the W 7.241
side of the Firth of Lorn. Inshore of this chain the land is 1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the
relatively pastoral and contains two major islands which are Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at
described below. 1.33.
2 Luing (56°14′N 5°39′W) is an elongated island of
modest height which rises to a summit in Cnoc Directions
Dhomhnuill, near its N end, and attains an elevation of (continued from 7.201)
64 m near its S end.
3 Seil (56°18′N, 5°37′W) is a pear-shaped island which is Approach to Sound of Luing from south
highest and cliffy on its W side and rises to a summit in 7.242
Meall a’ Chàise, 7 cables ENE of its W extremity. This 1 From the vicinity of 56°08′N, 5°40′W the track towards
island is separated from Luing (above) by Cuan Sound the Sound of Luing leads generally N, passing (with
(7.279), and from the mainland E by Seil Sound (7.293) positions from Rèisa an t-Sruith Light (56°08′N, 5°39′W)):
and Clachan Sound (7.293). W of Rèisa an t-Sruith (7.201), thence:
W of a shallow bank extending ½ cable from Coiresa
Hazards (1 mile NE) which lies near the SW extremity of
7.236 foul ground extending 1 cable SW from Rèisa
1 The major hazards in the N approach to the Sound of Mhic Phaidean (7.265), thence:
Jura are created by the wind and the tidal stream. A 2 W of Dearg Sgeir (1½ miles NNE) which lies
summary for the general area is given at 7.138 and at 2½ cables W of Rèisa Mhic Phaidean, and of a
7.139, and a caution for the Gulf of Corryvreckan is given shoal, with a depth of 2⋅7 m over it, which lies
at 7.253. 1 cable to the S of Dearg Sgeir. See clearing
2 The routes described above also pass through submarine bearing at 7.244.
exercise areas, as given at 7.6. (Directions continue for Gulf of Corryvreckan at 7.257,
and for Shuna Sound at 7.286)
Tidal streams 7.243
7.237 1 From a position 1 mile SSE of Rubha na Una (56°10′N,
1 A general description of the tidal stream movement in 5°40′W) the track continues generally N towards the Sound
the immediate approach to the Sound of Jura from N is of Luing, passing (with positions from Rèisa an t-Sruith
given at 7.139 and for the Gulf of Corryvreckan at 7.255. Light):
Sound of Luing. In mid-channel in the Sound of Luing E of the E entrance to the Gulf of Corryvreckan
the streams set as shown on the chart. The rate as given on (2 miles NW) (7.252), thence:
the chart then increases to between 4½ and 5 kn at the N 2 W of McIsaac Rock (1¾ miles NNE) which has a
end, and from 6 to 7 kn round and between the islands off depth of less than 2 m over it (charted as
the N entrance. dangerous rock), and lies near the N end of an
7.238 elongated shoal with charted depths of less than
1 Eddies, which are not very strong, form on both sides 20 m, which extends 7 cables SSW; see clearing
of the Sound of Luing, as given below. bearing at 7.244. Thence:
2 West side. During the N-going stream an eddy sets S 3 E of Rubha na Una (2½ miles NNW) which is the SE
round the SE extremity of Scarba (56°10′N, 5°40′W) and extremity of Scarba (7.14), thence:

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View towards Firth of Lorn from Sound of Luing (7.247)

(Photograph − Air Images) (Original dated 2000)

E of a group of rocks, some of which are awash Useful mark:

(3 miles NNW), extending 1½ cables from the E Kilmory Lodge (56°11′⋅4N, 5°41′⋅1W) which is a
coast of Scarba. prominent white house standing on a hillside.
7.244
1 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 016° of Dùn
Crutagain (56°16′N, 5°35′W) (7.285) open WNW of the Approach to north entrance from south
ruins of Shuna Midfarm, 3½ miles SSW (7.285), clears 7.247
WNW of Dearg Sgeir and of McIsaac Rock. 1 From a position 2 miles S of Dubh Sgeir (56°15′N,
Useful mark: 5°40′W), a white sector (000°–010°) of Dubh Sgeir Light
Druim an Achanarnich (56°10′N, 5°36′W) (7.287). (white framework tower, 7 m in height, racon) which stands
on the summit of the rock, leads N towards the N entrance
to Sound of Luing, passing (with positions from the light):
2 W of a shoal, with depths of less than 7⋅6 m over it,
Sound of Luing which extends 1½ cables WSW from Rubha na Lic
7.245 (1½ miles S), which is the W extremity of Luing
1 From a position 1¾ miles SE of Rubh’ a’ Chùil, the N (7.235), thence:
extremity of Scarba, the track through the Sound of Luing E of Eilean nan Ceann (1½ miles SSW) and of a
leads NNW, passing (with positions from Rubh’ a’ Chùil): bank, with a least depth of 1⋅8 m over it, which
2 WSW of numerous above-water and below-water extends 1 cable S from the islet, thence:
rocks which extend up to 1½ cables from Rubh’ 3 E of the coastal bank, with a charted depth of 7⋅3 m
Aird Luing (2 miles ESE) which is a low and (1½ miles SSW), which extends 3 cables from the
grassy islet connected to Luing (7.235) by a stony E coast of Fiola Meadhonach which lies close N
reef which dries. The S edge of the rocks is of Lunga, to which it is connected at LW, and:
marked by Ardluing Buoy (starboard hand), and a Over or clear of a detached shoal, with a least
clearing bearing is given at 7.246. And: charted depth of 9⋅1 m (1¼ miles S), which lies in
3 ENE of Sgeirean a’ Mhaoil (1¼ miles SSE) which is the middle of the sector.
a group of small above-water rocks lying close off 7.248
the E coast of Scarba, thence: 1 When Fladda Light (white tower, 13 m in height)
WSW of the W coast of Luing, between Rubh’ Aird (56°15′N, 5°41′W), which stands on the E end of Fladda
Luing (above) and Rubha na Lic, 2 miles NNW, (7.249), bears 350°, a white sector of the light (344°–356°)
which is free from dangers outside a distance of leads generally N, continuing towards the N entrance to the
1 cable, and: Sound of Luing and passing (with positions from the light):
4 ENE of a drying reef which extends 1 cable E from a
promontory (7 cables SE) which forms the NE
extremity of Scarba, thence:
ENE of Eilean a’ Bhealaich (1½ cables ENE) (7.260),
thence:
5 ENE of above-water and below-water rocks (3 cables
NE) which extend ¾ cable from the coast of
Lunga (7.15), thence:
ENE of a marine farm (4 cables NNE) (1.17), thence:
ENE of Sgeir Poll nan Corran (5 cables N), a drying
reef on which there are above-water rocks,
extending 1½ cables offshore, and: Fladda Lighthouse from S (7.248)
(Original dated 2000)
6 WSW of Rubha Cùil (1¼ miles NE), the S entrance
(Photograph − Air Images)
point of Black Mill Bay (7.276).
7.246 Over or W of a detached shoal, with a charted depth
1 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 344° of Fladda of 8⋅8 m (1¼ miles SSE), which lies within the E
Light (56°15′N, 5°41′W) (7.248) open W of Rubha na Lic, edge of the sector, and:
1¾ miles SSE, clears WSW of the dangers extending W 2 Over or E of a charted depth of 7⋅9 m (1¼ miles S),
from Rubha Ard Luing. which lies within the W edge of the sector and is

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the SE extremity of a large shoal, with depths of Northern approach to Sound of Luing
less than 10 m over it, which extends 8 cables N 7.250
and NNW, thence: 1 When clear of the dangers in the vicinity of Fladda,
3 W of a charted depth of 3⋅7 m (just over 1 mile SSE) course may be shaped as required for the Firth of Lorn
which lies near the S end of the coastal bank (8.107), passing (with positions from Fladda Light):
extending 3¼ cables SSW from Eilean Mhic NNE of a drying reef and foul ground which
Chiarain which lies close off the W side of Luing, surrounds and extends 2¾ cables N from Belnahua
thence: (4½ cables WNW) which is a small islet (disused
4 W of the bank extending ½ cable W and ¾ cable S quarry) with buildings on its S side; see clearing
from Funaich Bheag (9½ cables SSE), a rocky bearing at 7.251. Thence:
ledge which lies ½ cable W of Sgeir na Cusha, an 2 Clear of the shoals surrounding Bogha Nuadh
above-water rock which lies close off the S end of (1½ miles NNW) (8.79) and Bogha Ghair, 3 cables
Eilean Mhic Chiarain, and: NE (8.79); see clearing bearing at 7.251. And:
5 E of a shoal, with a depth of 3⋅7 m over it (8½ cables WNW of the shoal surrounding Culanach (1½ miles
S) which is the E and shallowest of several small NE) which is a reef on the outer edge of
shoals, with depths of less than 5 m over them, above-water and below-water rocks extending
which lie up to 4 cables E of Rubha Fiola which 3 cables WNW from Luing, abreast Port Mary; see
lies close N of Fiola Meadhonach, to which it is clearing marks at 7.251. Thence:
connected at LW, thence: 3 SSW of the spit extending 1 cable SSW from Rubha
6 W of the drying reef and bank extending ½ cable W nam Faoileann (2½ miles N) (8.128).
from Funaich Mhór (8½ cables SSE) which is an 7.251
above-water rock on a drying reef, thence: 1 Clearing marks:
W of a rock, with a depth of less than 2 m over it The alignment (211°) of Fladda Light with Rubha
(charted as dangerous rock) (6½ cables SSE), Deireas Phòil, 2 miles SSW (8.79), clears
which lies in the green sector of Fladda Light and 1½ cables NW of the shoal surrounding Colanach.
in the red sector of Dubh Sgeir Light, thence: The alignment (164°) of Fladda Light with Rubha na
7 E of an elongated shoal, with a depth of 3⋅4 m near Lic, 1¾ miles SSE (7.247) clears ENE of the foul
its S end (6 cables S) and a least depth of 1⋅8 m at ground surrounding Belnahua.
its N end, 2½ cables NNW, and: 2 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 007° of the E
Over or W of a detached shoal, with a least depth of side of Sgeir Beul na h-Uamhaidh (56°19′N, 5°40′W)
3 m over it (5½ cables SSE), which, with a charted (8.128) open W of Easdale, 1¼ miles S (8.128) clears to
depth of less than 10 m, lies within the E edge of the E of Bogha Ghair and the shoals in its vicinity.
the white sector. The 3 m patch lies within the (Directions continue for Sound of Insh at 8.128;
green sector of Fladda Light and within the red Directions for the Firth of Lorn are given at 8.121)
sector of Dubh Sgeir Light.
Gulf of Corryvreckan
Northern entrance to Sound of Luing
Charts 2326, 2343
7.249
Channel
1 From a position 4¼ cables S of Fladda Light, the track
7.252
for the channel between Fladda and Dubh Sgeir, given at
1 The Gulf of Corryvreckan (56°09′N, 5°43′W), which
7.234, leads NNE, passing (with positions from Fladda
separates the N end of Jura (7.13) from the S side of
Light):
Scarba (7.14), has a least width of 6 cables with deep water
ESE of a charted depth of 7 m (3¼ cables S) which
in the fairway which is free from dangers. However the
lies at the NE extremity of an elongated shoal,
bottom is very uneven and the gulf is noted for its
with depths of less than 10 m over it, thence:
turbulent waters, as given in the following paragraphs.
2 ESE of a rock, with a least depth of 2⋅4 m over it
(3 cables WSW) which lies 2½ cables NE of
Ormsa (8.83), thence:
Over or clear of a detached patch, with a depth of
9⋅8 m over it (2½ cables SE) which lies in the
middle of the fairway, thence:
3 WNW of Dubh Sgeir (3¾ cables ESE), a low islet
from which a drying reef and bank, with a depth
of less than 4 m over it, extends 1½ cables N and
S. Dubh Sgeir Light (7.247) stands on the islet. Gulf of Corryvreckan from SE (7.252)
(Original dated 2000)
Thence:
(Photograph − Air Images)
4 ESE of the bank, with a least charted depth of 3⋅7 m
(1¾ cables NE), which extends 1½ cables SE from 7.253
Fladda, then extends 3 cables N from that position. 1 Caution. When the tidal streams set through the Gulf of
Fladda is a low islet on which stands Fladda Light Corryvreckan, navigation at times is very dangerous and no
(7.248), thence: mariner should then attempt this passage without local
5 WNW of a bank, on which there are rocks with knowledge, nor should a passage be attempted with the
depths of less than 1⋅8 m over them, which extend wind against the tide.
1 cable W and 2¼ cables N from Sgeir Bhuidhe 2 The passage through the gulf from E to W is more
(7¼ cables E) which is the largest of the numerous dangerous than a passage in the opposite direction because
above-water and below-water rocks extending SSW the eddies and whirlpools are stronger with the W-going
from Rubha Buidhe. stream. In addition, strong winds from the W create violent

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turbulence during the W-going stream during which the sea the overfalls the stream may be setting by as much as
breaks right across the gulf. 8½ kn to the W, whilst close N of them the eddy may be
During the E-going stream there is less turbulence in the setting nearly as strongly to the E.
gulf. 4 During the W-going stream an eddy also sets E from a
position 3 cables E of Camas nam Bairneach, towards and
around Rubha Righinn, 5 cables farther E. On the S side of
Safe passage the gulf the eddies are of little importance; the W-going
7.254 stream forms a small eddy to the W of Carraig Mhór, the
1 Time. The ideal time to transit the Gulf of Corryvreckan N extremity of Jura, and another in the bay N of Bàgh
is in calm weather at slack water, neap tides. See 7.255 Gleann nam Muc, 6 cables WSW.
and 7.256. 5 During the E-going stream, a W-going eddy sets around
2 Route. A route along the S side of the gulf is Rubha Righinn and along the S coast of Scarba which
recommended to avoid The Hag, to the S of Camas nam creates slack water in Bàgh Gleann a’ Mhaoil (7.272)
Bairneach (56°09′⋅6N, 5°43′⋅5W) (7.256). However, when (56°10′N, 5°41′W). On the S side of the gulf, Between
attempting a passage from E to W, during a W-going Eilean Mór and Jura, an eddy sets W and SW round the N
stream in the gulf, a strong stream will also be setting N of Eilean Mór, creating overfalls where this eddy meets the
along the E side of Jura, increasing in strength as it main stream.
approaches the gulf (before turning NW then W) making it 6 For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
difficult to achieve a route along the S side. North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland and
tidal stream information on the chart.

Tidal streams
Directions
7.255
(continued from 7.201, 7.242 and 7.263)
1 The strength and direction of the tidal streams in the
7.257
Gulf of Corryvreckan depend on the difference in sea
1 From a position 1 mile SSE of Rubha na Una (56°10′N,
levels at the two ends of the gulf, as given at 7.11. At the
5°40′W) the track through the Gulf of Corryvreckan leads
E end the range at spring tides is 1⋅5 m and that at the W
W, passing (with positions from Carraig Mhór (56°09′N,
end is 3⋅4 m, and HW is 30 minutes earlier at its E end
5°42′W)):
than at its W end. Computations from these data show that
S of Rubha na Una (1¾ miles NE) (7.243), thence:
the stream should be slack at 2 hours before HW and
S of Rubha Righinn (7 cables NNE) which is the NE
before LW at the E end. Also, that the W-going stream
entrance point of the sound, thence:
should be strongest 1 hour after LW at the E end, and that
2 N of Carraig Mhór, the N extremity of Jura and the
the E-going stream should be strongest 1 hour after HW at
SE entrance point of the sound, thence:
the E end.
N of the drying reef (7 cables WSW) which fringes
2 In the Gulf of Corryvreckan the higher and lower levels,
Eilean Beag which lies in the entrance to Bàgh
which differ by more than 0⋅9 m at spring tides, are only
Gleann nam Muc (7.273), thence:
1 mile apart; in consequence the streams have very high
3 N of Buige Rock (1 mile WSW) which lies close off
rates during spring tides. See caution at 7.253.
the coast of Jura, thence:
3 Within the gulf these streams set as follows:
N of a below-water rock which lies ¾ cable NW of
Interval from HW Oban Remarks Eilean Mór (1¼ miles W), which is otherwise
+0410 W-going stream begins steep-to.
4 Useful mark:
–0210 E-going stream begins Rèisa an t-Sruith Light (56°08′N, 5°39′W) (7.201).
The rate of the W-going stream is 8½ kn at spring tides (Directions for the approach to
and that of the E-going stream is rather less. Firth of Lorn from SSW are given at 8.79)
4 In the channel between Eilean Mór (56°08′⋅7N,
5°44′⋅6W) and Jura the W-going stream is weak but the
E-going stream sets strongly NE forming a race.
Beyond the Gulf of Corryvreckan the W-going stream Bealach a’ Choin Ghlais
extends W into the Firth of Lorn, as given at 8.70, and the
E-going stream extends ESE as given at 7.139.
7.256 Description
1 Eddies and overfalls. During the W-going stream eddies 7.258
form on both sides of the main stream. Off the SW 1 Bealach a’ Choin Ghlais, also known as Little
extremity of Scarba the eddy, which sets very strongly to Corryvreckan Gulf or as Grey Dogs (56°12′N, 5°42′W), is
the E, begins at +0510 Oban. This eddy meets the main a narrow channel between the N side of Scarba (7.14),
stream over the inequalities of the bottom off Camas nam which is steep-to, and the S side of Lunga (7.15). This
Bairneach, in the vicinity of a rock with a least depth of channel, which has a least width of 1 cable, is divided in
29 m over it, 3 cables SSW of the bay. two at its E entrance, where the widest and deepest channel
2 This interaction causes violent and dangerous turbulence, is to the S, with a width of ½ cable and a least depth of
resulting in the formation of a whirlpool known locally as 7⋅3 m in the fairway.
The Hag, which wells up in a position downstream of the
29 m rock to a height of several metres and creates a roar
which can be heard at a considerable distance. Tidal streams
3 From this position heavy overfalls extend W, indicating 7.259
the division of the eddy from the main stream. Close S of 1 Tidal streams in Bealach a’ Choin Ghlais set as follows:

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Interval from HW Oban Remarks SW of the shoal extending 2 cables S from Dearg
Sgeir (1¼ miles NNW) (7.242).
+0420 W-going stream begins 4 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 139° of the
–0205 E-going stream begins conspicuous hotel at Crinan (56°05′⋅5N, 5°33′⋅4W) (7.212),
just open NE of Garbh Rèisa, 2½ miles NW, clears
2 These streams are reported to set at about the same rates
1½ cables SW of the dangerous rock.
as those in the Gulf of Corryvreckan (7.255), attaining rates
(Directions continue for Gulf of Corryvreckan at 7.257
of up to 8½ kn at spring tides. During the W-going stream
and for Sound of Luing at 7.243)
a strong eddy sets round the point on the N side of the W
entrance, and thence E along the N side of the channel.
With strong W winds during the W-going stream, a race
extends from 5 to 8 cables W from the W entrance. Channel east of Rèisa Mhic Phaidean
3 For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: 7.264
North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland and 1 The channel which passes between Rèisa Mhic Phaidean
information on the charts. (56°09′N, 5°37′W) and the mainland, 5 cables E, is free
from dangers in the fairway and provides a direct route
Passage conditions between Dorus Mór and the Sound of Luing, to the NW;
7.260 and Shuna Sound (56°13′N, 5°37′W) (7.278) to the N.
1 It is reported that the excessive rate of the tidal stream 7.265
and the narrow width of the E entrance channel create an 1 Directions (continued from 7.209). From a position
unnavigable area just S of Eilean a’ Bhealaich, an islet in 3½ cables WSW of Rubha na Traighe (56°08′N, 5°37′W)
the centre of the E entrance. As a result, it is inadvisable to (7.209) the track leads NNE then NNW through the
pass through this channel, and even with local knowledge channel, passing (with positions from the NE extremity of
passage should only be attempted in quiet weather at slack Rèisa Mhic Phaidean):
water. WNW of the 14⋅9 m shoal (1¼ miles S) which lies
2 cables WNW of Rubha na Traighe (1¼ miles
Side channels between the Sound of Jura and SSE), thence:
approaches from the north 2 ESE of a detached rock (8 cables SSW) as described
at 7.263, see clearing marks, below, thence:
Chart 2326 ESE of a 10⋅4 m patch (3 cables SSE) which lies near
General information the E extremity of the bank surrounding Rèisa
7.261 Mhic Phaidean, an elongated islet that is foul on
1 In the N approach to the Sound of Jura, between Dorus both sides, with foul ground extending 2 cables
Mór (56°07′⋅6N, 5°36′⋅5W) (7.207) and Scarba, 3 miles from its N and S ends, thence:
NW, two groups of islands give rise to side channels which 3 WNW of a patch, with a depth of 3⋅7 m over it
link Dorus Mór (56°07′⋅6N, 5°36′⋅5W) with the N (5 cables SE), which is the W of foul ground and
approaches, as given in the following paragraphs. shallow patches which extend from the coast
2 Natural conditions. Tidal streams, which are strong and between Loch Beag (7.271) and Black Rocks,
turbulent in these channels, are described at 7.139, and 6 cables NNW, thence:
possible sea states are described at 7.138. 4 ENE of a rock, with a depth of less than 2 m over it
(charted as dangerous rock) (1¼ cables ESE),
Channel north-east of Rèisa an t-Sruith thence:
7.262 WSW of Black Rocks (5 cables ENE), a group of
1 The channel which passes between Rèisa an t-Sruith above-water and below-water rocks which are the
(56°08′N, 5°39′W) (7.201) and Coiresa, 6 cables NE, which W of foul ground extending from the coast,
has a least charted depth of 15⋅2 m in the fairway, provides thence:
a direct route from Dorus Mór to the Gulf of Corryvreckan 5 ENE of a 4⋅9 m patch (1¼ cables NNW) which is the
(56°09′N, 5°43′W) (7.252), to the W, and to the Sound of E of foul ground, including a rock awash, which
Luing (56°12′N, 5°40′W) (7.233) to the NW. extends N from Rèisa Mhic Phaidean, thence:
7.263 WSW of the drying reef and shallow bank fringing
1 Directions (continued from 7.209). From a position Eilean Ona (7 cables NE), a salient feature of the
3½ cables WSW of Rubha na Traighe (56°08′N, 5°37′W) coast which is connected to the mainland by a
(7.209) the track leads NW, passing (with positions from drying reef, thence:
Rubha na Traighe): 6 Clear of Hutcheson Rock (1 mile NNE) (7.286), see
SW of a charted depth of 14⋅9 m (2 cables WNW), clearing marks and lines, below.
thence: 7.266
2 NE of an elongated shoal (8 cables W) as given at 1 Clearing marks:
7.210, thence: The alignment (003°) of the E side of Rèisa Mhic
SW of a detached rock, with a depth of 0⋅6 m over it Phaidean with Shuna Cottage, 3¼ miles N (7.285),
(charted as dangerous rock) (6 cables NW), which clears 1½ cables E of the detached rock.
lies near the S edge of the bank extending The alignment (208°) of the NW extremity of Rèisa
3¾ cables S from Rèisa Mhic Phaidean (7.265), Mhic Phaidean with the SE extremity of Rèisa an
see clearing bearing, below, thence: t-Sruith, 1½ miles SSW (7.201) clears ESE of the
3 NE of the reef extending from the N end of Rèisa an dangers surrounding Hutcheson Rock.
t-Sruith (9½ cables WNW) (7.201), thence: 2 Clearing bearings. The line of bearing 151° of Aird
Clear of the least charted depth in the fairway Farm (56°08′⋅6N, 5°35′⋅8W) open SW of Sròn an Droma,
(8½ cables WNW) (7.262), and: 3 cables NNW, the NW entrance point of Loch Beag, clears
SW of Coiresa (8½ cables NW) (7.242), thence: SW of the dangers surrounding Hutcheson Rock.

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3 The line of bearing 331° of the NE extremity of Rubha 7.273

Fiola (56°14′N, 5°41′W) (7.248) just open SW of the W 1 Bàgh Gleann nam Muc (56°08′⋅5N, 5°43′⋅5W), a small
extremity of Rubh’ Aird Luing, 3½ miles SSE (7.245) bay with many indentations situated on the S side of the
clears SW of the dangers surrounding Hutcheson Rock. Gulf of Corryvreckan, affords temporary anchorage out of
(Directions continue for Shuna Sound at 7.288, and for the tidal stream (7.255) near the head of the bay. This bay,
Loch Shuna at 7.298. which is free from dangers in the fairway and has depths
Directions for Sound of Luing are given at 7.243). of 11 to 18 m, sand and rock, in the middle, is most easily
entered by passing S of Eilean Beag (7.257).
Channel west of Rèisa Mhic Phaidean 2 Due to the strength and uncertain direction of the tidal
7.267 streams it is recommended that this anchorage should only
1 The channel which passes between Rèisa Mhic Phaidean be approached or left within 30 minutes of slack water at
(56°09′N, 5°37′W) and the dangers extending 2 cables S spring tides and within 1 hour at neap tides.
and 4 cables NNE from Dearg Sgeir, 2½ cables W, (7.242)
is deep and free from dangers except for a bank with a Anchorages in the Sound of Luing
depth of 4⋅3 m over it which extends 1 cable from the W 7.274
side of Rèisa Mhic Phaidean. 1 Sgeirean a’ Mhaoil (56°11′N, 5°40′W). Temporary
anchorage, suitable for small craft, can be obtained off the
Small craft E side of Scarba (7.14), 4 cables N of Sgeirean a’ Mhaoil
and 1½ cables offshore, in depths of 11 to 18 m with good
Chart 2386 holding ground. This anchorage is sheltered from winds
Channels which blow from SW through W to N. A quay, which has
7.268 been cut from the natural rock, 5 cables N of Sgeirean a’
1 North end of the Sound of Luing. A channel which Mhaoil, is served by a crane.
passes between Dubh Sgeir (56°15′N, 5°40′W) (7.249) and 7.275
Diar Sgeir, 2 cables SSE, has a width of 1 cable between 1 Poll nan Corran (56°12′⋅7N, 5°41′⋅4W), a cove on the
the 5 m depth contours and a least depth of 6⋅1 m in the E side of Lunga (7.15), affords anchorage for small craft in
fairway. This channel can be approached from S within a the entrance, in depths of 8 to 9 m, that is sheltered from
white sector (000°–010°) of Dubh Sgeir Light (7.247). Diar all directions except E. It is reported that the holding has
Sgeir, which consists of two above-water rocks on a drying been found to be poor, with thick weed.
reef, is the W of a group of islets and rocks on the coastal 7.276
bank which extends 4 cables from the shore. 1 Black Mill Bay (56°13′N, 5°40′W), situated on the SW
7.269 side of Luing, affords good anchorage for small craft,
1 Easdale Sound (56°18′N, 5°39′W) (8.136) can be 1½ cables from the head of the bay, in depths of 5 to 11 m.
approached from SE through Easdale Bay, which lies From the position of this anchorage the bay shoals rapidly
between Easdale (8.128) and Seil (7.235), near the N towards its head. A ruined wooden pier is situated close S
approach to the Sound of Luing. The E coast of the bay is of the S entrance point of the bay, with a fishing village
foul and rocky out to a distance of 1½ cables. nearby.
7.277
Chart 2326 1 Fladda (56°15′N, 5°41′W) (7.249). Temporary
Anchorages in the approach to Sound of Luing from anchorage, suitable for small craft, can be obtained 1 cable
south N of Fladda with the light (7.248) bearing 184° and on the
7.270 alignment (269°) of the S extremity of Belnahua, 3½ cables
1 Port an Tiobairt (56°08′N, 5°41′W) is open NE but WNW of Fladda Light (7.250), with the summit of Dùn
affords good anchorage for small craft when the wind Chonnuill, 2 miles W (8.79), in depths of 9 to 11 m, as
blows from other directions. The recommended position lies shown on the chart. Piers extend from both the N side and
1½ cables NNW of the S entrance point, in depths of 5 to the SE side of Fladda.
11 m, clear of two shoals, with depths of 2⋅1 and 2⋅7 m
over them, which lie respectively ½ cable NNW and SHUNA SOUND AND APPROACHES
1½ cables NNE of the same point. A small quay, cut from
natural rock near the S entrance point, has depths of 0⋅3 to General information
0⋅6 m alongside.
7.271 Charts 2326, 2386
1 Loch Beag (56°09′N, 5°36′W), entered 1 mile NNE of Channels
Rubha na Traighe (7.209), affords secure anchorage for 7.278
small craft just within the entrance, in depths of 2 to 4 m, 1 Shuna Sound (56°13′N, 5°37′W), which lies between, to
clear of a rock awash lying 1 cable W of the NW entrance the W, Luing (7.235) and Torsa (56°15′N, 5°37′W) (7.288);
point. Local knowledge is required and this anchorage is and, to the E, Shuna (56°13′N, 5°36′W) (7.281) and the
reported to be an occasional or temporary anchorage for mainland (56°16′N, 5°35′W), is deep and free from dangers
use in settled weather. Craignish Castle stands close N of in the fairway. At its N end this sound leads into Seil
the head of the loch which dries out for 3½ cables. Sound (7.293) and also gives access to Cuan Sound, below.
7.279
Anchorages in the Gulf of Corryvreckan 1 Cuan Sound (56°16′N, 5°37′W), which lies between, to
7.272 the S, Torsa and the N end of Luing, and, to the N, the S
1 Bàgh Gleann a’ Mhaoil (56°10′N, 5°41′W), a small end of Seil (7.235), connects the N end of Shuna Sound
bay on the N side of the entrance to the Gulf of and the S end of Seil Sound with the Firth of Lorn,
Corryvreckan, affords temporary anchorage, out of the tidal 1½ miles W. The navigable channel through the sound has
stream (7.255), that is suitable for small craft awaiting a a width of ½ cable at its narrowest point (56°15′⋅8N,
favourable tide through the gulf. 5°37′⋅3W) where the least depth is 7 m. An overhead

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power cable, which crosses the sound 3 cables within the Interval from HW Oban Remarks
NW entrance, has a vertical clearance of 35 m. A vehicular
ferry crosses the sound 4 cables within the NW entrance, as +0420 N-going stream begins
shown on the chart. This channel is only suited for use by –0200 S-going stream begins
coasters and smaller vessels, and local knowledge is
5 The rate at spring tides is as follows:
required. On account of the strong tidal streams and eddies
Between Torsa and Seil 4 kn.
(7.283), passage is only recommended at slack water.
Both sides of An Cléiteadh (56°15′⋅8N, 5°37′⋅4W
3 kn.
Route In the narrows between Seil and Luing 6 kn.
7.280 7.284
1 From a position 1 mile SE of the SE extremity of Scarba 1 Eddies. An eddy forms off the N extremity of Torsa
(56°11′N, 5°42′W), the route towards Shuna Sound leads during the N-going stream. Further eddies form to the W of
NE for 1¾ miles, then N and NNE through Shuna Sound An Cléiteadh during the N-going stream and to the E of
for about 6 miles to a position off the NE entrance to Cuan An Cléiteadh during the S-going stream.
Sound. From this position the route leads SW then NW
through the Sound of Cuan for about 2 miles, then through Principal marks
open water to the Firth of Lorn. 7.285
1 Landmarks:
Topography Shuna Cottage (56°12′⋅5N, 5°36′⋅8W) which is a
7.281 conspicuous two-storeyed white house, with the
1 Shuna (56°13′N, 5°36′W), a tree-covered island, 2 miles ruins of Shuna Midfarm 3¼ cables E.
in length, rises to a summit in Druim na Dubh Ghlaic near 2 Dùn Crutagain (56°16′N, 5°35′W), a distinctive
the middle. This island is separated from the mainland E mound on the NW side of Loch Melfort.
by Loch Shuna, and from Luing, to the W, by Shuna
Sound. Directions
Loch Shuna (56°13′N, 5°34′W) (7.297) leads N towards (continued from 7.242)
Loch Melfort (56°15′N, 5°33′W) (7.305) which extends
about 3 miles ENE from its entrance. Approach from south-west
7.286
Hazards 1 From a position 1 mile SSE of Rubha na Una (56°10′N,
7.282 5°40′W) the track towards Shuna Sound and Loch Shuna
1 The major hazards in the route described above are (56°13′N, 5°34′W) (7.297), leads NE, passing (with
created by the wind and the tidal stream in the SW positions from Shuna Point (56°12′N, 5°37′W)):
approach to Shuna Sound and in Cuan Sound. A summary SE of Rubha na Una (2½ miles SW) (7.243), and:
for the general area is given at 7.138 and at 7.139, and a NW of Dearg Sgeir (2¾ miles SSW) (7.242), thence:
description of the tidal stream in Cuan Sound is given at NW of McIsaac Rock (2¼ miles SSW) (7.243),
7.283. thence:
2 The route described above also passes through 2 NW of Hutcheson Rock (1¾ miles S) which has a
submarine exercise areas, as given at 7.6. depth of less than 2 m over it (charted as
dangerous rock) and a shallow bank, with charted
depths of less than 5 m, extending 2 cables SSW.
Tidal streams
A clearing bearing to the SW of this rock is given
7.283
at 7.266. And:
1 A general description of the tidal stream movement in
3 SE of Sgeir nam Figheadair (1 mile WSW) which lies
the SW approach to Shuna Sound is given at 7.139.
on a drying reef close E of Rubh’ Aird Luing
2 Shuna Sound. The tidal stream sets as follows:
(7.245), see clearing marks, below.
Interval from HW Oban Remarks 7.287
+0430 N -going stream begins 1 Clearing marks:
The alignment (047°) of the SE side of Shuna
–0155 S-going stream begins (9 cables NE) (7.281) with Beinn Chaorach, a hill
These streams are weak with a rate at spring tides of 2½ miles farther NE, clears SE of the dangers in
½ to 1 kn in both directions. North of Shuna the streams the vicinity of Rubh’ Aird Luing.
are barely perceptible. 2 Useful mark:
3 East of Torsa. The tidal streams in mid-channel set as Druim an Achanarnich (56°10′N, 5°36′W) which is a
follows: hill, with a cliff close to the coast, on the summit
of which stands a fort.
Interval from HW Oban Remarks (Directions continue for Loch Shuna at 7.298)
+0415 N-going stream begins
Shuna Sound
–0200 S-going stream begins
(continued from 7.266)
The rate at spring tides is from ½ to 1 kn in both 7.288
directions. 1 From a position 1¼ miles SSW of Shuna Point the track
4 Cuan Sound. After passing Torsa the N-going stream into and through Shuna Sound leads N then NNE, in
turns towards the W to set SW into Cuan Sound and NW mid-channel, passing (with positions from Rubh’ an Aoil
out of the sound; with the S-going stream setting in the (56°13′⋅8N, 5°36′⋅5W)):
opposite direction. In Cuan Sound the streams set as E of Sgeir nam Figheadair (2¾ miles SSW) (7.286),
follows: thence:

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2 W of a shallow bank which extends 1 cable W from and rock awash extending ¾ cable S from Rubha Breac
a rock, with a depth of 3⋅7 m over it (2¼ miles S) (56°16′N, 5°37′W), the S extremity of Seil (7.235). Eddies
which lies 1½ cables SW of Shuna Point, the S in the vicinity of An Cléiteadh (7.283) may affect steering
extremity of Shuna (7.281), thence: along this track and care is necessary to avoid being set on
W of Rubh’ an Trilleachain (1¼ miles SSW), the W to An Cléiteadh.
extremity of Shuna which has Shuna Cottage 4 From a position 1¼ cables WNW of the beacon on An
(7.285) 1½ cables SE, thence: Cléiteadh, when the NW leg of the channel is well open,
3 W and WNW of marine farms (1 mile SSW) (1.17) the track leads NNW, in mid-channel, for about 7 cables
which are moored along the W coast of Shuna, as until clear of the NW entrance to the sound.
shown on the chart, thence: 5 From a position 1½ cables NNE of Cuan Point
ESE of Kilchattan Bay (1 mile SW) (7.291), thence: (56°16′⋅3N, 5°38′⋅3W), which is the N extremity of Luing
Between beacons situated on the E coast of Luing and the S entrance point at the N end of Cuan Sound, the
(6½ cables WSW) and at the head of Port na Cro track leads W, passing (with positions from Cuan Point):
(3 cables S) which mark the landing places of a N of a rock, with a depth of 4 m over it (1 cable N),
submarine cable which crosses the sound, thence: thence:
4 WNW of a marine farm (2 cables SSW) (1.17) 6 S of a charted depth of 6⋅4 m (2½ cables NNW)
moored close NW of Port na Cro, as shown on the which lies 1 cables SW of a dangerous rock on the
chart, thence: S edge of foul ground extending 1½ cables SSW
WNW of Rubh’ an Aoil, the N extremity of Shuna, from Sgeir nam Faoileann, thence:
thence: Over a spit, with a charted depth of 7⋅9 m (1¾ cables
WNW of rocks, with a least depth of 4⋅5 m over NW).
them, which lie 1½ cables W and NW of Scoul 7 Clearing marks:
Eilean (7 cables NNE) which has foul ground The alignment (346°) of the E extremity of Easdale
extending 1½ cables S from it, thence: (56°18′N, 5°39′W) (8.128) with Rubha Mhic
5 ESE of Ardinamir Bay (1¼ miles NNW) (7.292), and: Mharcuis, 3 cables NNW (8.107), clears to the W
WNW of detached shoals, with a least charted depth of Sgeir nam Faoileann and the foul ground in its
of 7⋅4 m, which extend up to 2 cables WSW from vicinity.
Degnish Point (1¼ miles NNE) the NW entrance 8 Useful marks:
point of Loch Melfort (7.305). Sgeir a’ Chléirich, Pylons at the ends of the overhead power cable which
two drying rocks, lie close offshore 1½ cables NW crosses the sound 2½ cables SE of Cuan Point, as
of Degnish Point. Thence: shown on the chart.
6 ESE of Torsa (1½ miles N) an island on the W side Beacons which mark the landing places of submarine
of the channel which is connected to the NE side cables which cross the sound 5½ cables SE of
of Luing by Torsa Beag and a drying reef on its Cuan Point, as shown on the chart.
SW side. Torsa serves to extend the E side of
Luing towards the NE entrance to Cuan Sound and
the S entrance to Seil Sound (7.293). The channel Small craft
to the E of Torsa is deep, with a width of
2½ cables. Thence:
Anchorage in Cuan Sound
7 ESE of a shallow spit which extends 2½ cables NE
7.290
from Eilean na h-Eaglaise, a small peninsula
1 Good anchorage for small craft can be obtained in Cuan
forming the N extremity of Torsa, on which lie a
Sound, out of the tidal streams, 5 cables SSW of Rubha
rock awash, ¾ cable NE and a dangerous rock,
Breac (56°16′N, 5°37′W) (7.289), over a bottom of sand
2 cables NE. Between April and October annually
and rock, as shown on the chart.
the rock awash is marked on its SW side by a
small red buoy to facilitate a channel for small
craft between Eilean na h-Eaglaise and the rock Anchorages in Shuna Sound
awash. 7.291
1 Kilchattan Bay (56°13′N, 5°38′W), on the W side of
Shuna Sound, affords good anchorage for small craft, in
Cuan Sound depths of 5 to 11 m, sheltered from all winds except those
7.289 from SSE. This bay shoals rapidly towards its head having
1 From a position 5 cables NE of Eilean na h-Eaglaise the a depth of only 1 m at 1 cable offshore. It is reported that
approach to Cuan Sound leads W for about 4 cables, several buoys in the bay mark the site of experimental
passing (with positions from Eilean na h-Eaglaise): equipment which should be given a wide berth.
S of a detached patch, with a charted depth of 6⋅4 m 7.292
(4½ cables NNE), and: 1 Ardinamir Bay (56°15′N, 5°37′W), a small cove
N of the shallow spit extending NE from Eilean na between the NE side of Luing (7.235) and the S end of
h-Eaglaise (above). Torsa (7.288), is entered through a narrow and difficult
2 From a position 3 cables N of Eilean na h-Eaglaise the channel encumbered by drying rocks which are marked by
track leads SW for about 6 cables, with a beacon beacons (starboard hand). The recommended track leads
(triangular topmark), 5½ cables WSW of Eilean na close to the S shore where the least depth in the fairway
h-Eaglaise, ahead. This beacon stands on the N end of An was reported (1986) to be approximately 1 m. This cove is
Cléiteadh, which at HW has the appearance of two islets. one of the most popular in the area and is much used by
3 When the beacon on An Cléiteadh is about 1 cable craft awaiting the tide to pass through Cuan Sound (7.279).
distant the track alters to the W for about 2 cables passing 2 It is reported (2000) that several moorings have recently
½ cable N of the same beacon and S of the foul ground been established in the cove.

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Seil Sound and approach from north Other name

7.296
1 Ardmaddy Bay (56°17′N, 5°35′W).
Chart 2386
Channels
7.293
1 Seil Sound which, from the N end of Eilean na Loch Shuna
h-Eaglaise (56°16′N, 5°36′W), extends 3¼ miles NNE to
Clachan Sound (below), has a width of 6½ cables at its S
Chart 2326
end decreasing to less than 1 cable at its N end. This
General information
channel is navigable for the first 2 miles, above which it is
7.297
suitable for small craft only.
1 Loch Shuna (56°13′N, 5°34′W), which lies between the
2 Clachan Sound (56°19′N, 5°35′W), which dries, is
island of Shuna (7.281) and the mainland E, affords good
entered at its S end from Seil Sound and continues N for
anchorage for small vessels in Asknish Bay (56°14′N,
6 cables where it joins the Firth of Lorn (8.107). This
5°33′W) (7.300) and contains a comprehensive marina in
sound is crossed at its S end by Clachan Bridge, known
Craobh Haven (56°13′N, 5°33′W) (7.303). Loch Shuna also
locally as Bridge across the Atlantic, which has a single
gives access at its N end to Loch Melfort (56°15′N,
arch with a span of 21 m, the centre of which is 12⋅3 m
5°33′W) (7.305).
above the bed of the channel. Close S of the bridge the
Tidal streams in Loch Shuna set at the same time and
channel is crossed by overhead cables with a vertical
direction as those in Shuna Sound, as given at 7.283.
clearance of 7 m, and close N of the bridge by an overhead
2 Landmark:
power cable with a safe vertical clearance of 10 m.
Shuna House (56°13′⋅5N, 5°35′⋅7W) at the NE end of
Shuna, which is conspicuous.
Tidal streams
7.294
1 Tidal streams to and from Cuan Sound are given at Directions
7.283. To the N of these streams the movement is weak (continued from 7.266 and 7.287)
and irregular. In the S entrance to the narrower part of Seil 7.298
Sound the tidal streams set as follows: 1 Approach to Loch Shuna from south-west. From a
position 1¼ miles SSW of Shuna Point (56°12′N, 5°37′W)
Interval from HW Oban Remarks the track towards Loch Shuna leads NE for about 2 miles,
+0525 N-going stream begins passing (with positions from the N extremity of Eilean
–0055 S-going stream begins Arsa (56°12′⋅6N, 5°34′⋅1W)):
2 SE of a detached shoal, with a least charted depth of
2 In Clachan Sound at the bridge the tidal streams set as 14 m (1½ miles SW) which lies 3½ cables SE of
follows: Shuna Point (7.288), thence:
Interval from HW Oban Remarks 3 NW of the coastal bank, with a charted depth of
14⋅6 m (1¼ miles SSW) which lies 2¼ cables W of
+0555 N-going stream begins
Culbhaie, a drying rock which is one of a group of
–0025 S-going stream begins drying and below-water rocks lying 2½ cables
3 These streams are very weak in the S entrance to the offshore; see clearing marks, below. Thence:
narrower part of Seil Sound, the rate at spring tides in both NW of a shoal, with a least depth of 7 m over it
directions being not more than ½ kn. The rate increases (8½ cables SSW), which lies on the edge of the
towards the N and in Clachan Sound the N-going stream coastal bank extending 3 cables offshore.
attains a rate of 3 kn and the S-going stream a rate of 5 kn 4 Clearing marks:
at spring tides. The alignment (011°) of the summit of Eilean
Creagach (56°13′⋅3N, 5°34′⋅3W) (7.299) with
Kilchoan Farm, 2½ miles N (7.305), clears W of
Small craft Culbhaie and the 7 m shoal (above) but passes
7.295 over the coastal bank with a charted depth of
1 Anchorages and moorings for small craft can be 14⋅6 m, as given above.
obtained in the bays as given below. 5 Useful marks:
2 Balvicar Bay (56°18′N, 5°36′W), on the W side of the Shuna Cottage (1½ miles W) (7.285).
sound, to the W of Eilean Tornal, is entered between Druim an Achanarnich (56°10′N, 5°36′W) (7.287).
Rubha nan Ròn, at the S end, and Ard Sheilleach, 7 cables 7.299
NNE. This bay affords sheltered but restricted anchorage 1 Loch Shuna. From a position 8 cables SW of the N
for small craft 1¼ cables WNW of the SW end of Eilean extremity of Eilean Arsa, the track through Loch Shuna
Tornal, in a depth of 5 m, mud, clear of the many small and towards Loch Melfort leads N for about 2½ miles,
craft moorings laid in the bay. A jetty on the S side of the passing (with positions from the N extremity of Eilean
bay allows access to Balvicar village where small quantities Arsa):
of provisions can be obtained. Balivicar has facilities for 2 W of foul ground, on which lies a drying rock, which
welding in steel and aluminium, woodwork and electronics. extends 1½ cables S from Liath Sgeir (4 cables S),
3 Clachan-Seil, 7 cables SSW of the bridge, has a jetty the S of a group of islets extending 1¼ miles N
extending from the W shore of the sound. Small craft can and NE, some of which are connected to the
obtain restricted anchorage in a depth of 2 m, mud, off the shore, thence:
jetty. Numerous small craft moorings are laid between 3 E of the SE extremity of Shuna (7 cables WSW)
Clachan-Seil and Clachan Bridge. which is steep-to, thence:

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W of the reef fringing Eilean Arsa, which is the Small craft

largest islet in the group mentioned above, thence: 7.301
4 W of a drying rock and the reef which fringes the W 1 Bágh Bàn (56°10′N, 5°35′W), a small bay along the SE
side of Fraoch Eilean (1 cable ENE) which is shore in the approach to Loch Shuna, immediately N of
connected to the mainland SE and to Eilean an Druim an Achanarnich (7.287), is open to the W and
Duin, close NNE, by causeways, which help divided into two parts by Creagach Chrosgach, an islet in
enclose Craobh Haven (7.303), thence: the middle of the entrance. There are no dangers in the S
E of a marine farm (7 cables WNW) (1.17) which is part of the bay which has depths of 2 to 7 m, sand and
moored close E of Shuna, thence: mud, providing good anchorage for small craft. In the N
5 W of a marine farm (1.17) which extends up to part of the bay there is a rock which dries.
1 cable from the full length of the W coast of 7.302
Eilean Creagach (7½ cables N), a narrow islet 1 Bàgh an Tigh-Stòir (56°12′⋅3N, 5°33′⋅5W) affords
which is steep-to on both sides and has foul anchorage for small craft in the middle of the bay, in
ground extending 1½ cables NNE and 1 cable depths of 4 to 5 m, mud and sand. This anchorage is
SSW from it, thence: sheltered by islets in the vicinity and is secure except in
E of a rock awash which lies ¾ cable NNE of Sgeir strong winds from the SW. There is a jetty at the S
Chreagag (1 mile NW), thence: entrance point of the bay.
6 W of Eich Donna (1¼ miles NNE), a group of 2 Less restricted anchorage can be obtained outside the
above-water and below-water rocks which extend bay, 2½ cables NNE of Liath Sgeir, as shown on the chart,
2¾ cables SSW from Rubh’ a’ Chnaip, the S in a depth of 25 m, mud.
extremity of Arduaine Point which is reported as Both of the above anchorages can be approached from
usually being conspicuously green, see clearing the SW, or from the NW through a channel between Eilean
marks (below). Between April and October Arsa (7.299) and Fraoch Eilean (7.299) which has a least
annually a small red buoy is moored 1½ cables depth of 11⋅6 m in the fairway.
SSW of the S extremity of Rubh’ a’ Chnaip; it 7.303
marks the S side of the channel between the two 1 Craobh Haven is a marina situated in Craobh Harbour
groups of rocks comprising Eich Donna. Thence: (56°13′N, 5°33′W) which is the water area enclosed by
7 Clear of Eilean Gamhna (1¾ miles N) an islet which causeways joining, to the W and SW, the mainland to
lies in the entrance to Loch Melfort. A drying reef Fraoch Eilean (7.299) and thence to Eilean an Duin, and,
extends 1 cable SE from the islet, with an to the N and NE, the mainland to Eilean Buidhe.
above-water rock near its SE extremity. A rock, Breakwaters, which extend ¾ cable W from Eilean Buidhe
with a charted depth of 15⋅9 m, lies 3¼ cables and ¼ cable E from Eilean an Duin, afford protection from
ENE of Eilean Gamhna. To the W of the islet, a the N and virtually enclose the area.
rock, with a charted depth of 10⋅3 m, lies near the
edge of the bank extending 1½ cables W, and a
detached rock, with a charted depth of 11⋅1 m,
1½ cables farther WNW, lies in the middle of the
channel between Eilean Gamhna and Scoul Eilean,
7 cables WNW (7.288). A bank, with a least depth
of 3⋅4 m (rock) over its outer end, extends 2 cables
ENE from Scoul Eilean.
8 Clearing marks:
The alignment (167°) of the summit of Eilean an
Duin (3½ cables NE) (7.303), with Lunga House,
9 cables SSE, clears close WSW of Eich Donna.
(Directions continue for Loch Melfort at 7.306)

Craobh Haven from NW (7.303)

Anchorage (Original dated 2000)
7.300 (Photograph − Air Images)
1 Asknish Bay (56°14′N, 5°33′W), which lies S of the
peninsula forming the SE entrance point of Loch Melfort 2 A buoy (starboard hand) marks a below-water rock
and E of Eich Donna (7.299), affords good anchorage, ¾ cable NNW of the W breakwater head. A line of buoys
sheltered from all winds except SW, which is suitable for (port hand) mark the edge of a rocky ledge close S of the
small vessels. Moorings are available for small craft near E breakwater head, from which a sectored light (metal
the head of the bay. structure) is exhibited. On the W side of the harbour a
2 Directions. From a position 3 cables N of the N drying reef which extends ¾ cable SSW from the N side is
extremity of Eilean Arsa the track towards Asknish Bay marked by a perch. The entrance is reported to have a least
leads NNE, passing (with positions from the N extremity of depth of 3⋅9 m.
Eilean Arsa): 3 Craobh Haven, on the S side of the harbour, provides
WNW of Eilean an Duin (3 cables NE) (7.303), 300 pontoon berths in addition to a slipway. Marina
thence: facilities are available, as shown on the chart.
3 WNW of Eilean Buidhe (6 cables ENE) (7.303) and: Moorings for small craft and a slipway are established
ESE of Eilean Creagach (7½ cables N) (7.299), on the E side of Eilean Buidhe, NE of the causeway and
thence: outside the harbour.
WNW of a rock which dries (8 cables NNE) with a 7.304
shoal extending 2¼ cables SW from it, thence: 1 North end of Shuna. An inlet close E of Rubh’ an Aoil
ESE of Eich Donna (1¼ miles N). (56°13′⋅8N, 5°36′⋅5W) (7.288) affords good anchorage for

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CHAPTER 7

small craft in depths of 3 to 9 m, sheltered from S winds, Anchorages

but local knowledge is required. The remains of a stone 7.307
quay lie on the W side of Rubh’ an Aoil. 1 Kilchoan Bay (56°15′⋅5N, 5°33′⋅4W) on the N side of
Loch Melfort, W of Eilean Coltair, affords anchorage in the
middle of the bay that is suitable for small vessels. This
anchorage is not suitable for use during strong winds from
Loch Melfort the SW.
2 Anchorage, suitable for small craft, can be obtained
General information 2¾ cables S of Kilchoan Farm (7.305) in a depth of 22 m
mud. The holding ground is good but not suitable during
7.305
SW winds.
1 Loch Melfort, which is entered between Arduaine Point
3 Directions. From a position 2½ cables ENE of the NE
(56°14′N, 5°34′W) and Degnish Point, 1¼ miles NW, is
extremity of Eilean Gamhna (56°14′N, 5°35′W) the track
deep but the bottom is uneven. This loch affords anchorage
towards Kilchoan bay leads NNE, passing (with positions
for small vessels in Kilchoan Bay (56°16′N, 5°33′W)
from Rubh’ an Aird Fhada):
(7.307) and on the S side of the loch (7.308), and contains
marinas at Melfort Pier and Harbour at the head of ESE of a rock awash (1¾ miles W) which lies
Fearnach Bay (56°16′N, 5°30′W) (7.309), and at Kilmelford 1 cable off the SE side of the promontory forming
Yacht Haven in Loch na Cille (56°15′⋅5N, 5°29′⋅5W) the NW entrance point to Loch Melfort, thence:
(7.310). 4 WNW of the shoal on which lies Campbell Rock
2 Tidal streams in Loch Melfort are imperceptible. (1 mile W) (7.306), see clearing marks, below,
Landmark: thence:
Kilchoan Farm (56°15′⋅8N, 5°33′⋅5W) which is a WNW of a drying reef which extends 1 cable S from
conspicuous white farmhouse standing on rising Eilean Coltair (9 cables WNW) which lies ½ cable
ground at the head of Kilchoan Bay. from the N side of the loch.
Dùn Crutagain (56°16′N, 5°35′W) (7.285). 5 Clearing marks:
The alignment (194°) of the W extremity of Arduaine
Point (1½ miles WSW) (7.299) with the summit of
Directions Eilan Creagach, 8½ cables SSW, clears WNW of
(continued from 7.299) the shoal on which lies Campbell Rock.
7.306 6 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 069° of Rubh’
1 From a position 2½ cables ENE of the NE extremity of Aird an Stùrra (7 cables NNE) open NNW of Sgeir na
Eilean Gamhna (56°14′N, 5°35′W) (7.299) the track into Caillich, 8 cables WSW (7.306), clears NNW of the shoal
Loch Melfort leads ENE for about 2½ miles, passing (with on which lies Campbell Rock.
positions from Rubh’ an Aird Fhada (56°15′⋅0N, 7.308
5°31′⋅5W)): 1 North Asknish Bay, which lies SW of Creag Aoil
NNW of a rock, with a charted depth of 15⋅9 m (56°14′⋅7N, 5°32′⋅2W) (7.306); and Craigaol Bay, to the
(1½ miles WSW), thence: NE of the point, both afford anchorage, with shelter from S
2 SSE of the shoal surrounding Campbell Rock (1 mile winds, that is suitable for coasters.
W) which lies near the S end of an elongated and
rocky shoal extending 3½ cables NNE from Small craft
Campbell Rock and on which lies a rock with a 7.309
depth of 4⋅7 m over it; see clearing marks (below). 1 Melfort Pier and Harbour is a marina situated at the
Thence: head of Fearnach Bay (56°16′N, 5°30′W), on the N side of
3 Clear of a detached rock, with a charted depth of the head of Loch Melfort; see Admiralty Maritime
16⋅3 m (7 cables WSW), thence: Communications. This bay is free from dangers except for
SSE of a detached rock, with a charted depth of a shoal, with a depth of 3⋅9 m over it, which extends
13⋅2 m (7½ cables WNW) which lies 2 cables S of ¾ cable SSW from the head of the pier, and for a drying
a drying rock, separated from Eilean Coltair rock which lies ½ cable off the W side of the bay and is
(7.307) by a channel 1 cable wide in which lay the marked by a white perch with a red triangular topmark.
remains of a disused marine farm in 1984, thence: Fishing nets extend about 100 m ESE from a small
4 NNW of Creag Aoil (4 cables SW), a peninsula on promontory ¾ cable E of the pier. Anchorage can be
the S side of the loch, thence: obtained anywhere in the bay over a bottom of mud,
SSE of a spit, with a depth of 6⋅9 m near its S making this the most frequented anchorage in Loch
extremity, which extends 1 cable S from Sgeir na Melfort.
Caillich (5 cables NW), thence: 2 A pier, near the head of which stands a directional light
5 NNW of the fringing reef and coastal bank, with (metal mast, 9 m in height) which is exhibited annually
depths of less than 10 m over it, which extends from 1 April to 31 October, extends a short distance from
¾ cable NW from Rubh’ an Aird Fhada, a salient the N shore of the bay. A pontoon at the head of the pier
point on the S shore of the loch, thence: has a depth of 2 m alongside, and moorings for small craft,
6 SSE of a shoal which extends ¾ cable SW from some of which may be available for visitors, are
Rubh’ Aird an Stùrra (7 cables NNE), a established SW of the pier. Marina facilities are available
promontory on the N side of the loch. as shown on the chart.
7 Clearing marks: 3 A further directional light is exhibited from the E side
The alignment (245°) of the S extremity of Eilean of the harbour, ½ cable NE of the pierhead.
Gamhna, with the N extremity of Shuna, 1¼ miles 7.310
WSW, clears SSE of the shoal on which Campbell 1 Kilmelford Yacht Haven is a marina situated in Loch
Rock lies. na Cille (56°15′⋅5N, 5°29′⋅5W), an inlet on the S side of

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CHAPTER 7

the head of Loch Melfort. The entrance to the inlet is which has a slip for craft up to 12 tonnes, can carry out
restricted by Sgeir na Ceàrdaich, a drying reef extending repairs. Marina facilities are available as shown on the
200 m SW from the N shore, which has a perch (port chart.
hand) on its SW side, and by rocks awash extending NE 7.311
from the S shore, close W of the jetty, which are marked 1 Kames Bay (56°15′N, 5°31′W) on the S side of Loch
by a perch (starboard hand). Melfort contains a pier which extends from the head of the
2 Loch na Cille contains about 60 moorings and a jetty on bay. This bay, which is sheltered from S and SW winds, is
the S side of the inlet has berths for craft up to 20 m in occupied by many moorings and marine farms (1.17).
length, with a maximum draught of 2⋅1 m. A boatyard,

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Chapter 8 - Firth of Lorn and approaches, Sound of Mull, Loch Linnhe

40´ 30´ 20´ 10´ 6° 50´ 40´ 30´ 20´ 10´ 5°

50´ Fort 50´

Wiliiam
2372
8.526

8.461
2379
2380
2372

e
en

nh
8.295 Loch in L ev
40´ 8.315 Sunart 8.481Loch 40´

L
8.315 ch 2380
Lo
Coll Tobermory
8.251 8.349
2392 2474
2394 2378
& 2379
8.224 Glensanda Hr.
8.361 8.373
So

an 8.443
n er
u

d h Cr
30´
of
Mull Loc 8.407 30´
8.198 ve
Eti
Craignure Loch
8.215
2390 2387
MULL 5076
2378
Oban
CHAPTER 8.143 Limits of uncorrected
9 fathoms charts are
shown with a pecked line
8.107 1790

20´ 20´
2171

2617
2386
8.41

10´ 8.63 Scarba 10´

8.41
Colonsay 2343
2474 8.96
Scalasaig

Oronsay
8.63 JURA
56° 1778 56°

2168
8.16 8.16
2169

50´ 50´

2481 CHAPTER
7
I S L AY

40´ 40´
ARRAN

40´ 30´ 20´ Longitude 6° West from Greenwich 30´ 20´ 10´ 5°
February 2004

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CHAPTER 8

FIRTH OF LORN AND APPROACHES, SOUND OF MULL, LOCH LINNHE

GENERAL INFORMATION
Chart 2635 4 Glensanda Harbour (56°34′N, 5°32′W) (8.361),
Synopsis situated on the W side of Lynn of Morvern, at the
8.1 S end of Loch Linnhe.
1 The seaward limit of the chapter at its SW end extends Fort William (56°49′N, 5°07′W) (8.526), situated near
from a line joining Rhinns of Islay Light (55°40′N, the head of Loch Linnhe.
6°31′W) at the SW extremity of Islay, to Dubh Artach Corpach (56°50′⋅6N, 5°07′⋅5W) (8.523), situated at
(56°08′N, 6°38′W), 28 miles N, thence to Ross of Mull in the head of Loch Linnhe.
position 56°17′N, 6°20′W (13 miles NE). This line deviates 5 Small craft facilities. Dunstaffnage Yacht Haven
to include West Bank, which lies 5 miles W of Rhinns of (56°27′N, 5°26′W) (8.395), situated on the S side of the
Islay at its S end, and West Reef which lies about 5 miles approach to Loch Etive, is the only marina specifically
SW of the Ross of Mull. designed for small craft within the area covered by this
2 From this line the chapter covers the approach to Firth chapter. However, Oban and all the minor ports, with the
of Lorn between the Island of Mull, to the N, and the exception of Glensanda Harbour, include some facilities for
islands of Islay, Jura (56°00′N, 5°55′W), Scarba (56°11′N, small craft and there are many suitable anchorages, all of
5°42′W) and Seil (56°18′N, 5°37′W), along the SE side. which are mentioned in the text.
3 From this approach the chapter then encompasses the
Firth of Lorn (56°22′N, 5°40′W); Loch Linnhe (56°35′N, Exercise areas
5°30′W) and all adjoining lochs; the Sound of Mull 8.4
(56°33′N, 5°53′W) and its NW approaches from a line 1 Submarines exercise frequently, both on the surface and
joining Point of Ardnamurchan Light (56°44′N, 6°14′W) to dived, in the area covered by this chapter, as shown on the
Caliach Point, 8 miles SSW; and Loch Sunart (56°42′N, charts and described in the text. A good lookout is to be
5°45′W). kept for them when passing through these waters.

Waterway and routes Fishing

8.2 8.5
1 For navigational dangers see 1.2. 1 A general description of fishing methods is given in The
Routes for deep-draught ships are given at 6.10. The Mariner’s Handbook and a summary of the methods used
within the area covered by this volume is given at 1.14.
IMO directive regarding passage by laden tankers to the E
of the Outer Hebrides is given at 6.14 and on the charts. Marine farms
2 The Firth of Lorn is approached from SW through 8.6
open waters as given at 8.1; from S through Sound of Islay 1 Marine farming equipment (1.17) has been established in
(55°55′N, 6°06′W) (7.101); or from the E through Gulf of many of the sounds and lochs covered by this chapter. The
Corryvreckan (56°09′N, 5°45′W) (7.252). approximate position of known farms is shown on the
3 The Firth of Lorn then leads to Lynn of Morvern, the charts and reported in this text; however further farms may
SW end of Loch Linnhe, which forms the SW approach to be established without notice and may constitute a hazard
Sound of Mull and is also the main lead into Loch Linnhe. to navigation and anchoring.
At the NW end of the Sound of Mull the waters in the
approach to the sound are described at 8.295 in a W Navigation aids
direction as a departure from the sound rather than an 8.7
approach to it. 1 The area of this chapter is covered by radio navigation
4 Inshore Traffic Route. A section of the Inshore Traffic aids as given at 1.33. The area is also reasonably well lit,
Route (1.11) passes through the area covered by this as in good visibility the beams of the navigation lights
chapter as summarised at 8.12 and 8.193. overlap.
2 Positions obtained from satellite navigation systems
Harbours require some adjustment before being plotted on the chart,
8.3 until new editions of charts are published using the
1 Major harbour. Oban (56°25′N, 5°28′W) (8.143) is the European Terrestrial Reference System 1989 Datum. See
only major harbour within the area covered by this chapter. 1.25 and individual charts for details.
Minor harbours within the area are as follows, given
from S to N: Rescue
2 Scalasaig Harbour (56°04′N, 6°11′W) (8.96), situated 8.8
on the E side of Colonsay. 1 An Emergency Co-ordination Centre is operated by
Craignure Bay (56°28′N, 5°42′W) (8.215), situated on Campbeltown Coastguard as given in Admiralty Maritime
the S side of the SW entrance to the Sound of Communications.
Mull. A VHF Direction Finding Service for emergency use
3 Loch Aline (56°33′N, 5°45′W) (8.269), situated on only is also established within the area of this chapter; for
the N side of the Sound of Mull. details see 1.69.
Tobermory Harbour (56°37′N, 6°03′W) (8.251), A Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre is operated by Oban
situated at the NW end of the Sound of Mull. Coastguard, for details see 1.61.

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CHAPTER 8

FIRTH OF LORN AND APPROACHES

GENERAL INFORMATION Sea state
8.14
Chart 2724 1 The Firth of Lorn is open to the Atlantic to the WSW
Synopsis and any sea from that direction becomes higher and steeper
8.9 as the shores along the sides of the firth and its approaches
1 The approach to the Firth of Lorn (56°22′N, 5°40′W) close in. When the tidal stream sets against an onshore
lies between the NW coasts of Islay and Jura, which wind the conditions may be very unpleasant.
together form the SE side of the approach, extending
40 miles NE from the SW extremity of Islay (55°40′N, Tidal streams
6°30′W), and the S coast of the Island of Mull which 8.15
forms the N side of the approach, extending 20 miles E 1 Tidal streams in the fairway of the approach to Firth of
from the Ross of Mull in position 56°17′N, 6°20′W. The Lorn, well clear of the land, are very weak and more or
main channel lies NW of Oronsay (56°01′N, 6°15′W) and less rotary in a clockwise direction. Near the detached
Colonsay (close N). islets and shoals in the approach the streams set more
2 Firth of Lorn. From a line joining Frank Lockwood’s strongly and probably more regularly.
Island (56°19′N, 5°50′W) and the N extremity of Luing 2 Tidal streams around Oronsay and Colonsay in positions
(7 miles ESE) the Firth of Lorn (8.107) extends 11 miles 1 mile offshore are rotary in a clockwise direction and set
NE to Lynn of Lorn, NE of Lady’s Rock (56°27′N, as follows:
5°37′W) and Lynn of Morvern to the N of Lady’s Rock. Interval from HW Oban Stream begins to set
8.10 –0500 NW
1 Routes. This section describes the approach routes to
Firth of Lorn from a position WNW of Rhinns of Islay –0200 NE
Light (55°40′N, 6°30′W) to a position N of Garvellachs +0100 SE
(56°14′N, 5°47′W), including routes on both sides of
+0400 SW
Colonsay and Oronsay. Routes through Firth of Lorn are
then presented which include the main route from position 3 The rate at spring tides in all directions off the NW side
56°18′N, 5°44′W) at the S entrance to the firth, to a of the islands is 1 kn; off the SE side the streams are weak.
position SW of Lady’s Rock in the S approach to Sound of In general, the streams set as stated, but the directions and
Mull, also a secondary route along the E side of the Firth times given are subject to great irregularities.
of Lorn towards Oban (56°25′N, 5°28′W). Near the land the streams are weak and set NE and SW
8.11 in the direction of the coast; the times at which they begin
1 Harbours and Lochs. Within the passages described are not known. There appear to be eddies off the NE point
above the text includes the following sounds, lochs, and of Colonsay.
harbours, in order from SW to NE: 4 Further details are given in Admiralty Tidal Stream
Loch Tarbert (55°58′N, 6°00′W) (8.84). Atlas: North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland
Scalasaig Harbour (56°04′N, 6°11′W) (8.96). and in the tidal stream information on the chart. The times
Sound of Insh (56°19′N, 5°39′W) (8.126). at which the streams begin to set into and out from the
Loch Spelve (56°23′N, 5°43′W) (8.132). Firth of Lorn differ appreciably at the different stations on
Kerrera Sound (56°24′N, 5°31′W) (8.147). the chart and it is not possible to predict the direction and
Oban (56°25′N, 5°28′W) (8.143). rate for an intermediate place and time with any degree of
2 Small craft facilities are included for Oban and vicinity accuracy, except perhaps W of the SW extremity of
at 8.184. Oronsay, where the rate at Spring tides exceeds 1 kn.

Inshore Traffic Route RHINNS OF ISLAY TO COLONSAY

8.12 General information
1 Parts of the Inshore Traffic Route (1.11) pass through Chart 2724
the area covered by this section, the text for these parts is
Passage
given as follows:
8.16
From the N end of Sound of Islay (55°57′N, 6°05′W)
1 The coastal passage along the W side of Islay and
to Firth of Lorn, at 8.63.
Oronsay from a position WNW of Rhinns of Islay Light
Through Firth of Lorn to the S approach to Sound of
(55°40′N, 6°31′W) leads NNE for about 25 miles to a
Mull (56°27′N, 5°37′W), at 8.107.
position 6 miles NW of Ardskenish Point (56°02′N,
Topography 6°17′W).
8.13 Topography
1 General topography is given as follows: 8.17
Island of Mull (56°30′N, 6°00′W) (Chart 2635) at 1 Islay. A general description of Islay is given at 7.12.
1.89. The NW coast is rocky, affords no shelter and should
Islay (55°45′N, 6°10′W at 7.12. only be approached during fine weather.
Jura (56°00′N, 5°55′W) at 7.13. 8.18
Scarba (56°11′N, 5°42′W) at 7.14. 1 Oronsay and Colonsay. General topography for
2 Oronsay and Colonsay are two islands, separated by a Oronsay and Colonsay is given at 8.13.
narrow channel which dries, lying in the approach to Firth The W coast of Oronsay and the S half of the W coast
of Lorn between Islay and the Island of Mull. The coasts of Colonsay are fringed with low-lying islets, drying rocks
of both islands are much indented and there are numerous and shoals up to 2 miles offshore. These coasts afford
rocks and reefs lying offshore. neither shelter nor recommended anchorage.

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2 Beinn Oronsay (56°01′N, 6°15′W) which is the highest Interval from HW Oban Remarks
hill in Oronsay, is precipitous on its SW side and slopes
gently to the E. It can be identified by its wedge-like +0500 NE-going stream begins
appearance –0100 SW-going stream begins
2 The rate at spring tides is 2 kn in both directions. There
Depths are probably eddies in the bays and little or no stream in
8.19 the inner part of Tràigh Baile Aonghais (55°53′N, 6°17′W).
1 The coastal bank, with depths of less than 20 m over it, In the entrance to Loch Gruinart (55°53′N, 6°19′W) the
extends up to 1¼ miles from the coast of Islay. An streams set as follows:
extensive bank, with general and uneven depths from 20 to Interval from HW Oban Remarks
40 m, lies about 8 miles NW of the coast and roughly
+0610 In-going stream begins
parallel to it. For overfalls on this bank see 8.26.
–0030 Out-going stream begins
Hazards 8.25
1 Tidal streams NE of Rubha a’ Mhàil are given at 7.21
8.20
and those around Oronsay, at a distance of 1 mile from the
1 Details of hazardous tidal streams and races are given at
coast, are given at 8.15.
8.22 and of heavy overfalls at 8.26.
For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
The passage described at 8.16 passes through an area of
Firth of Clyde and Approaches and tidal stream information
fishing activity (8.5), and includes submarine exercise areas
on the charts.
(8.4).
8.26
1 Overfalls, which are heavy during unsettled weather,
Rescue occur over the bank NW of Islay (8.19), as shown on the
8.21 chart.
1 Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams (1.61) are based at Heavy overfalls also occur during both the W-going and
Port Charlotte (55°44′N, 6°23′W) and Colonsay (56°04′N, the E-going tidal streams, the limits of which are shown on
6°14′W). An all-weather lifeboat (1.72) is stationed at Port Chart 2168. With opposing winds these overfalls are
Askaig (55°51′N, 6°06′W) (7.117). dangerous to small vessels.
For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 8.8.
Local weather and sea state
8.27
Tidal streams 1 The effect of wind and tidal stream on the local sea
8.22 state is given at 8.14.
1 General information on the tidal streams in the Climatic table for Orsay is given at 1.162.
approaches to Firth of Lorn, including the streams around
Oronsay and Colonsay, is given at 8.15. Principal marks
2 Off Orsay (55°40′N, 6°30′W), Frenchman’s Rocks 8.28
(1½ miles NNW) and over West Bank (4 miles NW) the 1 Landmarks:
streams set as follows: Radio mast, standing on Beinn Tart a’Mhill
(55°43′⋅5N, 6°26′⋅8W)
Interval from HW Oban Remarks Rubha a’ Mhàil Lighthouse (55°56′N, 6°07′W) (8.74).
+0530 NW-going stream begins Dubh Artach Lighthouse (56°08′N, 6°38′W) (8.51).
8.29
–0040 SE-going stream begins
1 Major lights:
3 The rates at spring tides are 8 kn off Orsay and Rhinns of Islay Light (white tower, 29 m in height)
Frenchman’s Rock, and 6 kn over West Bank. The rate of (55°40′N, 6°31′W), stands on the island of Orsay
the stream decreases with distance from the coast and which lies 1½ cables SW of Rhinns of Islay, the
5 miles SW of Orsay is only 3 kn. Heavy races occur off SW peninsula of Islay.
Orosay and Frenchman’s Rocks and overfalls are created as Rubha a’ Mhàil Light—as above.
given at 8.26. Dubh Artach Light—as above.
8.23 Other navigational aids
1 Along the west coast generally, between Orsay and
8.30
Eilean nam Meann (11 miles NNE), outside the eddies, the
1 In addition to visual marks which are described in
streams begin and set as given at 8.22 with a rate at spring
Directions, radio navigation aids are available as described
tides of between 2 and 2½ kn. at 1.33.
2 An eddy sets S along the coast between Lossit Point An emergency VHF direction finding station is situated
(55°43′N, 6°30′W) and Rubha na Faing (1½ miles SSW) 5⋅9 miles NNE of Rhinns of Islay Light (8.29). For details
during the NW-going stream, with the result that the stream see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 2.
sets continuously S along this part of the coast.
Eddies also set S in Machir Bay (55°47′N, 6°29′W) and
Directions
Saligo Bay (2 miles N) during the NW-going stream, and
an eddy sets W along the N shore of Machil Bay during Chart 2168
the SE-going stream. Passage west of Islay
8.24 8.31
1 Along the north-west coast of Islay between Eilean 1 From the vicinity of 55°42′N, 6°40′W the coastal
nam Meann (55°51′N, 6°27′W) and Rubha a’ Mhàil passage W of Islay leads NNE for about 15 miles, passing
(12 miles ENE) the streams set as follows: (with positions from Coul Point (55°47′⋅5N, 6°29′⋅2W):

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WNW of An Coire (7½ miles S) a drying rock lying Route between Islay and Oronsay
close S of Orsay on which stands Rhinns of Islay
Light (8.29). For overfalls during the W-going tidal
Charts 2168, 2169
stream see 8.26. Thence:
2 WNW of Eilean Mhic Coinnich (6¾ miles S), an islet Route
lying close NW of Orsay, thence: 8.33
WNW of Frenchman’s Rocks (6 miles SSW), a group 1 The route between Islay and Oronsay, from a position
of above-water rocks lying 2 cables WNW of NNW of Eilean nam Meann (55°51′N, 6°27′W), leads
Rubha na Faing, with below-water rocks between generally E passing close to Islay to avoid the shoals
them. Thence: extending S from Oronsay. However the NW coast of Islay
3 ESE of a rock, with a depth of 15⋅6 m over it is rocky, affords no shelter and should only be approached
(8½ miles WSW), being the least depth over the during fine weather. This route passes over charted depths
bank given at 8.19. For overfalls during unsettled of less than 20 m.
weather see 8.26. And:
WNW of West Bank (5 miles SW) which extends Directions
1½ miles NW/SE, and of an area of overfalls 8.34
(8.26) during the W-going tidal stream, thence: 1 From the vicinity of 55°55′N, 6°30′W the route leads E,
4 WNW of Eilean an Tannais-sgeir which is the SW of passing (with positions from the NE extremity of Nave
a group of rocks extending 2 cables SW from Coul Island (55°54′N, 6°20′W)):
Point, a promontory, thence: S of a group of shoals and isolated rocky patches SW
ESE of a rock, with a depth of 17⋅1 m over it of Oronsay, as given at 8.32 (4¼ miles N), and:
(4½ miles WNW), lying near the SE edge of the N of Nave Island, the NW side of which is foul for a
bank given at 8.19, thence: distance of 1½ cables offshore.
5 WNW of An Clachan (3¾ miles NNE) a group of 2 From a position N of Nave Island the alignment (131°)
above-water rocks lying 2 cables NW of Eilean of Gortantaoid Farm (7 cables SE of Gortantaoid Point
nam Meann which is a remarkable promontory, (55°53′N, 6°16′W)) with Beinn Bhreac (1¼ miles SE) leads
thence: through the fairway, passing (with positions from the NE
WNW of Boghachan Mòra (6¾ miles NE) lying at extremity of Nave Island):
the SW extremity of foul ground extending 3 NE of Na Peileirean, a rocky reef extending
1¼ miles SW from Nave Island, with Eilean Beag 1½ cables NE from Nave Island, and:
lying in the middle of the foul area. SW of Balach Rocks (1 mile NE) which dry.
8.35
1 When the SE extremity of Nave Island bears more than
237° the track alters to the NE in clear water, outside
Chart 2169 2½ cables from the NE coast of Islay, passing (with
Passage west of Oronsay positions from Rubha Bhoisa(55°56′N, 6°12′W):
8.32 SE of a shoal patch, with a least charted depth of
1 From the vicinity of 55°57′N, 6°31′W the passage 1 m (3½ miles WSW), which lies close SE of
continues NNE for about 10 miles, passing (with positions Balach Rocks (8.34), thence:
from Ardskenish Point (56°02′N, 6°16′W)): 2 SE of a dangerous wreck (3¼ miles W), the position
NNW of a group of shoals and isolated rocky patches of which is approximate, lying off the NE end of
which extend 7½ miles SW from the SW extremity Balach Rocks, thence:
of Oronsay, with a depth of 7⋅9 m (4½ miles NW of Rubha Bhoisa, thence:
SSW), thence: 3 NW of Post Rocks (1½ miles NE), a group of dark
2 WNW of Bogha Chubaidth (3 miles SSW), a rock rocks which are steep-to and surrounded by foul
awash, thence: ground on which there is kelp, lying at the end of
WNW of Eilean nan Ròn (2 miles S) which lies on a a foul area which extends 6 cables offshore at the
rocky ledge extending 1 mile WSW from the SW N end of Islay, and:
extremity of Oronsay, thence: 4 SE of Ceann Riobha (4¼ miles NNW), a group of
3 WNW of the shoals and isolated rocky patches which drying rocks which are the S of a chain of islets
extend up to 3 miles W from the W side of which lie about 6 cables off Oronsay and extend
Oronsay and from Ardskenish Point, the SW 1¼ miles NE to Eilean Ghaoideamal, the N and
extremity of Colonsay. This area contains many largest. Foul ground extends 2 cables SW from
above-water and below-water rocks with a Ceann Riobha and a shallow spit extends
dangerous rock (1¾ miles WSW) lying 1½ miles 1½ cables NNE from Eilean Ghaoideamal. Thence:
off the coast. Thence: 5 NW of Rubha a’ Mhàil (2½ miles ENE), the NE
4 ESE of the isolated shallow patches lying up to point of Islay, situated at the E end of a cliffy
1½ miles ESE of Dubh Artach (56°08′N, 6°38′W) coastline 15 to 45 m high which rises inland to
which are described at 8.54. Beinn Thrasda (258 m high). Rubha a’ Mhàil Light
Caution. Mariners are recommended to exercise great (8.74) stands on the point. Thence:
caution if approaching in depths of less than 35 m along SE of Eilean Treadhrach (5½ miles N), a low sandy
the W side of Oronsay and the S part of Colonsay. point forming the E extremity of Oronsay.
(Directions continue for approach to 8.36
Firth of Lorn from WSW at 8.55. 1 Clearing marks:
Directions for the approach to The alignment (237°) of the SE extremity of Nave
the Passage of Tiree from SW are given at 9.29) Island with the bluff of Eilean nam Meann,

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4½ miles WSW (8.31), clears close SE of the Passage inside Torran Rocks (56°15′N, 6°23′W) (8.54) is
shallow patch SE of Balach Rocks and also clears given at 9.77.
NW of Post Rocks.
2 The alignment (117°) of Rubha a’ Mhàil Light with Topography
Beinn an Òir (4½ miles ESE) (7.13), clears NNE 8.42
of Post Rocks. 1 Colonsay. General topography for Colonsay is given at
(Directions continue for approach to 8.13.
Firth of Lorn from SSW at 8.77) 2 The S half of the W coast is fringed by low-lying islets,
drying rocks and shoals up to a distance of 2 miles
Anchorages offshore. The N half of the W coast, from An Rubha
(56°05′N, 6°15′W) to Cailleach Uragaig (2¼ miles NE),
Nave Island consists of rocky cliffs rising to elevations of over 120 m,
8.37 in places, 1 cable inland. Kiloran Bay (56°06′N, 6°11′W),
1 Anchorage can be obtained by coasters 1¼ cables off the which opens close NE of Cailleach Uragaig, is
SE side of Nave Island (55°54′N, 6°20′W) with the NE distinguished by a belt of sand at its head which covers the
extremity of Ardnave Point in line with the low Killinallan country inland for 3 cables. From the NE entrance point of
Point (1 mile SSE) bearing 160°, as shown on the chart. Kiloran Bay the coast extending NE is rugged and broken.
The depth is 5 m with good holding ground, clear of two 8.43
shoals, with depths of less than 4 m over them, lying 1 Iona (56°20′N, 6°25′W) and vicinity is given at 9.59.
5½ cables SE of Nave Island. This anchorage is exposed to Island of Mull. General topography for the Island of
winds from the N. Mull is given at 1.89.
2 South coast of Mull. Ross of Mull, a peninsula forming
Caolas Mòr the SW part of the Island of Mull, has a rugged and rocky
8.38 coast between Rubh’ Ardalanish (56°16′N, 6°16′W) and
1 Caolas Mòr (56°00′N, 6°14′W), the channel between the Rubha nam Bràithrean (4½ miles ENE) which forms
SE side of Oronsay and the chain of islets lying about Ardalanish Bay and several smaller indentations. Between
6 cables offshore, affords temporary anchorage for coasters Rubha nam Bràithrean and Leac nan Leum, 3½ cables W
at its NE end in a depth of 7 to 9 m gravel, as shown on of Malcolm’s Point (56°18′N, 6°03′W) the coast forms a
the chart. Caolas Mòr has a least width of 2 cables and bay with rugged shores and basaltic cliffs which are
charted depths of 5⋅8 to 11⋅6 m. precipitous and attain their greatest elevation of 294 m at
2 Small craft can obtain temporary anchorage in the NE Leac nan Leum, 2 cables inland. Carsaig Arches, a
part of the bay, 2 cables W of Eilean Treadhrach in depths remarkable natural formation, are situated at the base of
of 4 to 6 m sand, clear of a rock which dries 0⋅3 m situated these cliffs; the most curious is a pyramidal mass of rock
1½ cables W of the anchorage. This bay, which has sandy rising to a great elevation, perforated through the middle by
beaches interspersed with rocky spurs and detached rocks, an arch, and surmounted by a solitary basaltic pillar. In this
is shallow and exposed to winds from the E and swell vicinity the cliffs are lined with basaltic columns, some of
from S and E. them attaining a diameter of 2 m.
3 Between Leac nan Leum and Rubha Dubh (4½ miles
Small craft ENE) the coast forms Carsaig Bay which is surrounded by
high precipitous cliffs.
Portnahaven Between Rubha na Faoilinn (56°19′N, 5°53′W) and
8.39 Rubha nam Fear (2 miles ESE) the coast is rocky and
1 Portnahaven (55°41′N, 6°30′W), which lies in a small steep-to rising to cliffs which attain an elevation of 247 m
bight in the SW coast of the Rhinns of Islay, affords close SE of Lord Lovat’s Bay, 4½ cables SE of Rubha na
anchorage for small craft in an area NW of the quay, Faoilinn.
protected by the island of Orsay and Eilean Mhic Coinnich. 4 Garvellachs (56°14′N, 5°47′W) are given at 8.64.
The recommended approach is from the S, keeping close to
Rhinns of Islay and taking care to avoid the strong tidal Depths
race described at 8.22. 8.44
1 Deep and clear water can be maintained in the approach
Other names to Firth of Lorn except within 8 miles of the entrance to
8.40 the firth where the depths are very irregular, as shown on
1 Kilchiaran Bay (55°45′N, 6°28′W) the chart.
Shore Rocks (55°45′N, 6°29′W)
Hazards
8.45
DUBH ARTACH TO FIRTH OF LORN 1 The route described above passes through an area of
fishing activity (8.5), and includes submarine exercise areas
General information (8.4).

Chart 2169 Rescue

Route 8.46
8.41 1 Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams (1.61) are based at
1 The route from Dubh Artach to Firth of Lorn, from a Colonsay (56°04′N, 6°14′W) and Ross of Mull (56°20′N,
position NE of Dubh Artach (56°08′N, 6°38′W) leads SE 6°20′W). An all-weather lifeboat (1.72) is stationed at Port
for about 6 miles then ENE for about 24 miles to a position Askaig (55°51′N, 6°06′W) (7.117).
ESE of Frank Lockwood’s Island (56°19′N, 5°50′W). For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 8.8.

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Natural conditions
8.47
1 Local magnetic anomalies. Local deflection of the
compass is reported to occur in Loch Buie (56°20′N,
5°54′W) and off the SE coast of the Island of Mull.
8.48
1 Tidal streams. General information on the tidal streams
in the approaches to Firth of Lorn, including the streams
around Oronsay and Colonsay, is given at 8.15.
2 Tidal streams round and between Torran Rocks
(56°15′N, 6°23′W) are given at 9.73. To the E of the rocks
the streams set as follows:
Interval from HW Oban Remarks
+0415 N-going stream begins
–0210 S-going stream begins
3 Closer to the Firth of Lorn, between Garvellachs
(56°14′N, 5°47′W) and Loch Buie (7 miles NNW), the
streams are weak. Off Frank Lockwood’s Island (2 miles E
of Loch Buie) the tidal streams, which have a rate of 1 kn
in each direction at spring tides, set as follows: Dubh Artach Lighthouse from W (8.51)
(Original dated 2000)
Interval from HW Oban Remarks (Photograph − Air Images)
+0430 NE-going stream begins
–0155 SW-going stream begins
water, passing (with positions from West Rock (56°14′⋅3N,
4 The NE-going stream forms an eddy which sets W 6°27′⋅5W)):
along the coast towards Loch Buie. NE of the fringing reef and rocks which extend up to
NW of Garvellachs the rate at spring tides is 1 kn. On 4 cables W from Dubh Artach (8½ miles SW)
the W side of Dùn Chonnuill, the NE island of (8.51) which lies in the middle of the approach to
Garvellachs, and between that island and Garbh Eileach Firth of Lorn, and:
(close SW) an eddy sets S during the second half of the 2 SW of the rocky shoal, with depths of less than 20 m,
NE-going stream extending 8 cables SSW from West Rock which
5 For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: lies at the W extremity of West Reef, comprised of
North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland and many below-water and drying rocks, which extend
tidal stream information on the chart. 8 cables E and SE from West Rock, thence:
8.49 3 SW of isolated shoal patches, with a least depth of
1 Flow. Off the S coast of the Island of Mull and in Loch 4 m over them (1¼ miles SSE), which form the
Buie the tidal streams are so weak and irregular that it is SW side of the dangers extending SW from Na
likely weak currents set along the coast according to the Torrain (1½ miles E) which is the largest and
direction of the prevailing wind. highest of Torran Rocks. This group of islets,
8.50 above-water and below-water rocks extends 5 miles
1 Local weather and sea state. The effect of the wind SW from Ross of Mull; most of the rocks are
and tidal stream on the local sea state is given at 8.14. detached with deep water between them as shown
on the chart. And:
Principal marks 4 NE of isolated shoals, with a least depth of 7⋅7 m
8.51 over them (8½ miles SW), which lie up to
1 Landmarks: 1½ miles E of Dubh Artach, thence:
Dubh Artach Lighthouse (grey granite tower, red 5 SW of an isolated rock, with a least depth of 6⋅8 m
band, 38 m in height) (56°08′N, 6°38′W) standing over it (2½ miles SSE), which lies 1¼ miles WSW
on the islet of Dubh Artach. of Frasiers Rock, a pinnacle rock, with a least
8.52 depth of 0⋅3 m over it, lying at the S extremity of
1 Major lights: Torran Rocks, thence:
Dubh Artach Light—as above. SW of an isolated shoal, with a charted depth of
18⋅9 m (5½ miles S).
Other navigational aids
8.53 Approach to Firth of Lorn from west-south-west
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the (continued from 8.32)
Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at 8.55
1.33. 1 From the vicinity of 56°06′N, 6°26′W the approach to
Firth of Lorn from WSW leads ENE in deep and clear
Directions water, passing (with positions from Eilean Dubh (56°08′N,
6°09′W)):
Outer approach to Firth of Lorn from north-west SSE of an isolated shoal (9½ miles W) (8.54), thence:
8.54 SSE of Shackleton Rock (8 miles W), and:
1 From the vicinity of 56°10′N, 6°34′W the outer 2 NNW of a charted depth of 7⋅9 m (5¾ miles SW)
approach to Firth of Lorn from NW leads SE, in deep situated on the bank extending about 1½ miles W

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from the W side of Colonsay at its S end; see Anchorage

caution at 8.32. Thence:
Chart 2617
3 NNW of Bogha na Tuaidh (5 miles SW), a drying
rock which lies 3 cables offshore, and: Ardalanish Bay
SSE of an isolated shoal patch, with a least charted 8.59
depth of 14⋅9 m (7½ miles WNW) which lies 1 Ardalanish Bay (56°17′N, 6°15′W) is generally
2 miles SSE of Sgeir Dhoirbh, an above-water and unsuitable for anchorage as the bottom, in any moderate
below-water reef at the SE end of Torran Rocks depth, is rocky, and numerous above-water rocks extend in
(8.54), thence: places 2½ cables offshore. However, in N and W winds
4 NNW of Cailleach Uragaig (2¾ miles SW) which is a sheltered anchorage can be obtained in a depth of 22 m,
precipitous cliffy promontory 37 m high, thence: mud, stones and sand, with Rubh’ Ardalanish bearing 250°
NNW of Bogha enil na Sulair (1¼ miles WSW), distant 1¾ miles.
which is a dangerous rock, and of the dangers 2 Small craft can find anchorage during settled conditions
lying up to 5 cables offshore for 1 mile NE from in an inlet 4½ cables NNW of Rubh’ Ardalanish, which has
Bogha enil na Sulair, thence: room for 4 to 6 small yachts.
5 NNW of Eilean Dubh, a small above-water rock lying
½ cable N of Meall a Chuilbh, the N extremity of Small craft
Colonsay, and: Chart 2169
SSE of shallow patches with charted depths of less Port Mòr
than 20 m lying up to 1 mile SSE of Ruadh Sgeir 8.60
(9½ miles NW) (9.77), thence: 1 Port Mòr (56°04′N, 6°15′W), situated on the W side of
6 SSE of several steep-to, above-water rocks which lie Colonsay, affords anchorage for small craft that is sheltered
close S of Rubh’ Ardalanish (8¾ miles NNW), a from E winds but subject to a heavy swell which enters
promontory 32 m high which forms the S point of during SW winds. The entrance to Port Mòr is encumbered
Mull. Below-water rocks have been reported by rocks and shoals and local knowledge is required for
between the above-water rocks and the entry.
promontory; an underwater rock was reported
(1995) to lie about 7 cables SW of Rubh’ Chart 2386
Ardalanish. Carsaig Bay
8.56 8.61
1 Useful mark. 1 Carsaig Bay (56°19′N, 5°59′W), situated on the S coast
Càrnan Eoin, standing 1½ miles SSW of the N of the Island of Mull, affords temporary anchorage only, in
extremity of Colonsay, is the highest hill in the a position 1¼ cables NE of the W extremity of the largest
island and has a grey square cairn (1⋅5 m in islet of Gamhnach Mhòr, as shown on the chart, in depths
height) standing on its summit; a white of 7 to 9 m. This anchorage is afforded some shelter by
trigonometrical pillar which stands close E of the Gamhnach Mhòr, a group of above-water rocks, but is
cairn is reported to be more easily seen from subject to a swell in S winds and squalls in N winds.
seaward. 2 Carsaig Quay (3½ cables NNW of the anchorage), which
is reported to have 1⋅3 m depth alongside at half tide, dries
out at LW. Two perches mark the edge of the rocks on the
NE side of the approach to the quay.
Charts 2169, 2386
8.57
Loch Buie
1 From the vicinity of 56°11′N, 6°07′W the track 8.62
continues ENE for about 12 miles, passing (with positions 1 Loch Buie (56°20′N, 5°54′W) affords temporary
from Garvellachs Light (56°13′N, 5°49′W)): anchorage, in fine weather only, at the head of the loch.
Clear of an isolated shoal patch with a charted depth
of 18 m (6 miles W), and: SOUND OF ISLAY TO FIRTH OF LORN
SSE of Leac nam Leum (9 miles WNW) which is
distinguished by Carsaig Arches (8.43), thence: General information
2 SSE of fish traps moored 1½ cables SSE of Chart 2169
Gamhnach Mhòr (56°19′N, 5°58′W) (8.61), and: Route
Clear of an extensive chain of shoals which includes 8.63
a rock with a least depth of 9⋅1 m over it 1 The route from Sound of Islay to Firth of Lorn, from
(2½ miles NW), and: the N entrance to the Sound of Islay (55°57′N, 6°05′W)
NNW of Garvellachs (8.64), and: leads NNE for about 10 miles then NE for about 15 miles
3 SSE of Frank Lockwood’s Island (56°19′N, 5°50′W), to a position SW of Easdale (56°17′N, 5°39′W). This route
a flat rocky islet lying S of the promontory of forms part of the Inshore Traffic Route (1.11).
Rubha nam Fear, and:
NNW of the shoals extending up to 7 cables WSW Topography
from Dubh-fhèith (56°16′N, 5°43′W) (8.80), and: 8.64
Clear of an isolated rock with a charted depth of 1 General topography is given as follows:
18 m (56°17′N, 5°58′W). Oronsay and Colonsay (56°05′N, 6°12′W) at 8.13.
8.58 Scarba (56°11′N, 5°42′W) at 7.14.
1 Useful mark: Jura (56°00′N, 5°55′W) at 7.13.
Garvellachs Light (56°13′N, 5°49′W) (8.81). 2 Jura north-west side. The W side of Jura contains
(Directions continue for Firth of Lorn at 8.121) some spacious caves, with dry level floors and lofty arched

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roofs. The coast between Rubh’ an t-Sailein (55°58′N, 8.70

6°00′W) and Shian Island (3½ miles NNE), is rocky, rising 1 West of Gulf of Corryvreckan. Tidal streams in the
to moorland slopes above. This stretch of coast also Gulf of Corryvreckan (56°09′N, 5°43′W) are given at
contains a large number of raised beaches, the highest 7.255. The W-going stream from the gulf extends
having an elevation of 41 m, which appear as large grey several miles to seaward at a gradually decreasing rate
patches against the heather. Between Shian Island and the without appreciable increase in its width, as shown on the
N extremity of Jura (11¾ miles NE) there are several chart as “The Great Race”. At a position on or near the
indentations which may be useful only to small craft. direct line of the W-going stream from the gulf, 6 miles
3 Garvellachs (56°14′N, 5°47′W) are a group of islands from its entrance, the stream is rotary clockwise with a rate
and islets which lie towards the SE side of the approach to at spring tides of ½ to 1 kn. The rates are irregular and the
Firth of Lorn and extend for 3½ miles from SW to NE. stream is no stronger in any special direction, though it sets
in a general direction that agrees with the stream in the
gulf. East of this position, however, the streams become
gradually more rectilinear and set from and towards the
Depths gulf. For overfalls see 8.72.
8.65 2 During the W-going stream eddies form on both sides of
1 Jura. The W coast of Jura is foul to the 5 m depth the main stream through the gulf, but those on the N side
contour and should be approached with caution. are more important. An eddy of great extent sets from the
2 Colonsay. Between Eilean Treadhrach (56°01′N, W of Scarba into the gulf; the inner edge of the eddy
6°12′W) (8.35) and Meall an Arbhair (1 mile NNE), several begins in position 56°11′⋅5N, 5°45′⋅0W and sets S to a
above-water and below-water rocks fringe the coast within position 2 cables W of the W extremity of Scarba and
the 5 m depth contour. Depths in the approaches to thence SE towards the SW extremity of the island. The
Scalasaig Harbour (56°04′N, 6°11′W) are given at 8.98. outer limit of the eddy is not known but from its N end it
Continuing N, the coast between Scalasaig Harbour and appears to extend SW to the N edge of the main W-going
Eilean Olmsa (1½ miles NE) is rocky but there are no stream from the gulf. Whilst this eddy is flowing there is
dangers beyond 1½ cables offshore. slack or nearly slack water between it and the W coast of
Scarba. At the N limit the eddy is weak and begins at
–0515 HW Oban, but its rate increases and the times at
which it begins become earlier farther to the S.
8.71
Hazard 1 On the east side of Firth of Lorn, between the W side
8.66 of Lunga (56°13′N, 5°43′W) and Insh Island, 5½ miles
1 The route described at 8.63 passes through an area of NNE, the tidal streams follow the general direction of the
fishing activity (8.5), and includes submarine exercise areas coast, except where eddies occur, and set as follows:
(8.4).
Interval from HW Oban Remarks
+0430 NE-going stream begins
–0155 SW-going stream begins
Rescue
8.67 2 The rates of the streams vary greatly from place to place
1 An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) is based at and there are many eddies.
Colonsay (56°04′N, 6°14′W) and an all-weather lifeboat In mid-channel between Garvellachs (56°14′N, 5°47′W)
(1.72) is stationed at Port Askaig (55°51′N, 6°06′W) and the islands to the E, the rate of the stream at spring
(7.117). tides is 2 to 3 kn in both directions. On both sides of this
For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 8.8. channel eddies set SW during the second half of the
NE-going stream. West of Eilean Dubh Mór (56°14′N,
5°43′W) an eddy sets N during the SW-going stream.
3 Farther N a strong tidal race occurs in the vicinity of
Tidal streams 56°15′N, 5°42′W during the N-going stream off Rubha
8.68 Fiola 1 mile SSE which passes close W of Ormsa 5 cables
1 General information on the tidal streams in the SSE then NNW for 7 cables as shown on the chart. This
approaches to Firth of Lorn, including the streams around race probably indicates the meeting of the streams from the
Oronsay and Colonsay are given at 8.15. Additional Sound of Luing with those from the channel between
information is also given in Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: Rubha Fiola and Eilean Dubh Mór to the W.
North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland and
tidal stream information on the chart.
8.69
1 West of Jura. Tidal streams in the N entrance to the
Sound of Islay are given at 7.105. East of Tarbert Bank Overfalls
(55°59′N, 6°05′W) the tidal stream sets N and S, whilst off 8.72
the entrance to Loch Tarbert, 2 miles ESE of the bank, 1 Overfalls off the entrance to the Sound of Islay are
there is little tidal stream at all. described at 7.106.
2 Off Shian Island (56°01′N, 5°58′W) the tidal streams are West of Gulf of Corryvreckan. With strong winds from
weak and the rate at spring tides does not exceed ½ kn. the W during the W-going tidal stream in the Gulf of
The streams are also much affected by the wind and, with Corryvreckan (56°09′N, 5°45′W) heavy overfalls extend as
strong SW and NE winds, may flow continuously NE or much as 3 miles seaward from the W entrance, as shown
SW along the coast. on the chart.

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2 During the E-going stream overfalls occur NW of Eilean with a least depth of 7⋅7 m over it, extending
Mòr, situated at the SW entrance point to the Gulf of 2½ cables SSW, thence:
Corryvreckan, as given at 7.256. 4 WNW of Rubh’ an t-Sàilein (3¼ miles SSW), a rocky
headland which, from W, is seen as a bare dark
Local weather and sea state cliff 22 m high. This headland, which forms the N
8.73 entrance point to Loch Tarbert, is marked by a
1 The effect of wind and tidal streams on the local sea cairn. Thence
state is given at 8.14. 5 ESE of Rubha Dubh (7¼ miles W), a point situated
1½ miles S of Scalasaig, not to be confused with
Principal marks the point of the same name given at 8.78, thence:
8.74 WNW of Shian Island situated near the mouth of
1 Landmarks: Shian Bay (8.102), thence:
Rubha a’ Mhàil Lighthouse (white tower, 34 m in ESE of detached shoals, with a least depth of 7⋅9 m
height) (55°56′N, 6°07′W) standing on the point, over them (4¾ miles NW), thence:
shows up very distinctly on certain bearings 6 ESE of a spit and foul ground extending 1¾ cables
against the dark background of heather-covered from Rubh’ a’ Geadha (8 miles NW), the NE
slopes. extremity of Colonsay, which has a cairn charted
1½ cables SW of the point.
8.78
1 Useful marks:
Beinn Oronsay (56°01′N, 6°15′W) (8.18) which
shows up well from the N end of the Sound of
Islay.
Scalasaig Light (white metal framework tower, 5 m in
height) (56°04′N, 6°11′W), standing on Rubha
Dubh, not to be confused with the point of the
same name 1½ miles S.
2 Conspicuous monument of reddish granite, 4 cables
WSW of Scalasaig Light, standing on the summit
of Cnoc na Faire Mòr which is 80 m high.
Càrnan Eoin (56°06′⋅5N, 6°10′⋅0W) (8.56).

Charts 2169, 2343, 2386

Colonsay to Firth of Lorn
Rubha A’Mhàil Lighthouse from S (8.74) 8.79
(Original dated 2000) 1 From the vicinity of 56°06′N, 5°58′W the approach to
(Photograph − Air Images) Firth of Lorn from SSW continues generally NE, passing
(with positions from Garvellachs Light (65°13′N, 5°49′W)):
2 Cruach Scarba (56°10′⋅6N, 5°43′⋅3W), the summit of SE of an isolated charted depth of 16⋅2 m (8¼ miles
Scarba (7.14), is reported to be a landmark. SW), and:
8.75 2 NW of the NW coast of Jura, which extends about
1 Major light: 8½ miles NE from Corpach Bay (10 miles SSW),
Rubha a’ Mhàil Light—as above. and is steep-to with several indentations suitable
only for use by small craft, thence:
Other navigational aids Through the area of The Great Race which extends
8.76 up to 6½ miles W from The Gulf of Corryvreckan
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the (4½ miles SE), as shown on the chart and
Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at described at 8.70, and:
1.33. 3 NW of Eilean Mòr (7.257) lying off the SW entrance
point to the Gulf of Corryvreckan, thence:
Directions NW of a shoal, with a least charted depth of 0⋅3 m
(continued from 7.116 and 8.36) (3¼ miles SE), lying 2½ cables off the W coast of
Scarba (7.14), and:
Charts 2169, 2481 4 SE of Sgeirean Dubh (5 cables E) a chain of
Sound of Islay to Colonsay above-water rocks extending 2½ cables from the
8.77 SE side of Eileach an Naoimh, the SW island of
1 From the vicinity of 55°57′N, 6°05′W the outer Garvellachs (8.64), thence:
approach to Firth of Lorn from SSW leads NNE for about Clear of Bogha ant Sagart (2¼ miles E), a drying
10 miles, passing (with positions from Shian Island reef, and the shoals which extend 1 cable NW and
(56°01′N, 5°58′W)): 2½ cables SE from it; for clearing bearing see
2 Clear of Tarbert Bank, extending 6½ miles NNE from 8.80. And:
Rubha a’ Mhail (7¼ miles SW), which has a least 5 NW of the W entrance to Bealach a’ Choin Ghlais
depth of 9⋅5 m over it (2¾ miles WSW) and a (56°12′N, 5°42′W) (7.258), thence:
bottom that is smooth and hard, being covered NW of Guirasdeal (3¼ miles E), an island lying
with sand and broken shells, and: 1½ cables off the SW end of Lunga, at the SW
3 WNW of Bo Mòr (3½ miles SSW) which lies in the end of foul ground extending up to 4 cables
entrance to Loch Tarbert (8.84) and has a shoal, offshore, and:

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6 NW of foul ground, on which there are two detached Fiola (1¼ miles NE) (7.248) clears close SE of
rocks, the N of which dries 0⋅9 m, extending Bogha ant Sagart.
1¾ cables NNW from An Tudan (3¼ miles E).This 2 A line of bearing, more than 041°, of Meall a’ Chàise
is a rock lying 3¼ cables SW of Rubha Deireas (56°18′N, 5°38′W) (7.235) kept open NW of
Phòil, a small promontory forming the NW Eilean Dubh Beag (56°14′N, 5°43′W) clears close
extremity of Lunga (7.15). For clearing line see NW of Bogha ant Sagart.
8.80. Thence: 3 An Tudan:
7 SE of Sgeir nam Marag (1¼ miles NE), an The alignment (035°) of the SE side of Liath Sgeir
above-water rock which lies at the SW end of a (above) with the NW extremity of Ormsa
chain of dangers which have a least depth of 1⋅5 m (1¼ miles NE) clears NW of the foul ground
in position 2½ cables NNE of Sgeir nam Marag. NNW of An Tudan.
These dangers lie up to 2 cables SSE of the island
of A’ Chùli. Thence:
8 NW of Eilean Dubh Mór (3 miles ENE) which is the Useful marks
S and largest of a group of islets and rocks lying 8.82
5 cables NW of Lunga. The NE end of Eilean 1 Garvellachs Light (56°13′N, 5°49′W) (white beacon,
Dubh Mór forms a notable hump. Thence: 5 m in height) standing on the SW end of Eileach
SE of the SE extremity of Garbh Eileach (2½ miles an Naoimh.
ENE) which is almost steep-to, and: Fladda Light (56°15′N, 5°41′W) (7.249).
9 NW of foul ground extending ½ cable W from Sgeir Racon. A racon is established on Dubh Sgeir
nan Taod (3¼ miles ENE) which lies close off the (56°14′⋅8N, 5°40′⋅1W) (7.247).
SW extremity of Eilean Dubh Beag, thence: (Directions continue for Firth of Lorn at 8.121,
SE of Dùn Chonnuill (3 miles NE) which is steep-to. and for Sound of Insh at 8.128)
8.80
1 From a position 5 cables SE of Dùn Chonnuill the track
Channel east of Eilean Dubh Mór
continues generally NE, passing (with positions from
Dubh-fhèith (56°16′N, 5°43′W)):
NW of Sgeir nan Saidhean (1¾ miles S), a drying Route
reef lying near the N end of a shoal, on which 8.83
there is a small islet and drying rocks, which 1 A narrow channel, with charted depths of more than
extends 5 cables N from the NE end of Eilean 10 m, leads between (to the N and W) the foul ground off
Dubh Mór, thence: the SE side of Eilean Dubh Mór (56°14′N, 5°43′W) (8.79)
2 NW of an area subject to a strong tidal race and Sgeir nan Saidhean, 3½ cables N of the N extremity of
(1¼ miles S) as shown on the chart and described Eilean Dubh Mór, and (to the S and E) the islands (7.247)
at 8.71, thence: and shoals extending 1½ miles N from the N end of Lunga
NW of Belnahua (1¼ miles SSE) (7.250), thence: (56°13′N, 5°42′W).
3 SE of Dubh-fhèith which consists of two small rocky 2 At the N end of the channel, when passing between
islets lying close together, the highest of which is Sgeir nan Saidhean and Ormsa, 5 cables ENE, the
reported to be a useful reference mark. These islets recommended track passes closer to Ormsa, which is
are steep-to and have shoals with a least charted steep-to.
depth of 6⋅1 m (4 cables W) extending 6 cables W. 3 A description of the tidal race in the channel is given at
Thence: 8.71.
4 NW of shoal water, with depths of less than 20 m,
extending 2 cables W from Bogha Nuadh (1 mile
E) which consists of two rocky heads close Loch Tarbert
together, marked on their E side by Bono Rock
Light-buoy (port hand) and covered by a red sector Chart 2481
(169°−186°) of Fladda Light (7.248). This rock General information
should not be confused with a shoal of the same 8.84
name 5¾ miles NNE (8.121). Thence: 1 Loch Tarbert, entered between Rubh’ a’ Chrois-aoinidh
5 NW of shoals, with a least depth of 6⋅4 m over them, (55°57′N, 6°00′W) and Rubh’ an t-Sàilein (1¼ miles N)
lying 1½ cables NNW of Bogha Ghair (1¼ miles (8.77), affords anchorage for medium sized vessels in the
E) which is a small pinnacle rock joined to Bogha outer part of the loch during offshore winds, and for small
Nuadh by a shoal which then continues NNE, with craft throughout the loch.
a least depth of 7⋅9 m, for 5 cables. The bottom in 2 Description. From the entrance Loch Tarbert trends
the vicinity of these shoals is rocky and uneven. generally E and gradually contracts towards Cumhann Mòr,
Bogha Ghair is covered by a red sector the narrows about 2½ miles within the entrance, at which
(169°−186°) of Fladda Light (7.249). point the loch is only 1 cable wide with shoals in the
fairway. Above Cumhann Mòr, where the loch widens and
continues ENE for about 1½ miles, conditions are suitable
for small craft only. The upper part of the loch is separated
Chart 2386 from Tarbert Bay (7.229), on the E side of Jura, by a
Clearing bearings narrow isthmus.
8.81 3 Private marks, intended for the use of the shallow estate
1 Bogha ant Sagart: motor boats, may be seen in the loch.
The alignment (054°) of the SE side of Liath Sgeir 4 Tidal streams. In the outer part of Loch Tarbert, in the
(56°13′⋅5N, 5°43′⋅1W) with the NW end of Rubha bay W of Eileanan Gleann Righ (55°58′N, 5°59′W), the

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stream usually sets NW between –0355 Oban and –0055 Anchorages

Oban, with a rate at spring tides of 1 kn. At other times the 8.88
tidal stream is weak and irregular or slack. There are no 1 Medium sized vessels can obtain anchorage in 16 m,
perceptible regular streams in other areas of the outer part sand, in the fairway of the W half of the outer part of the
of the loch. loch, that is safe during offshore winds. There is no
5 In Cumhann Mòr the streams set as follows: indraught.
Interval from HW Oban Remarks 8.89
1 Glenbatrick Bay, situated on the S side of the loch,
–0605 In-going stream begins 1 mile within the entrance, is the only bay which provides
–0010 Out-going stream begins anchorage for coasters that is sheltered from the prevailing
The rate at spring tides is 1 kn. SW winds. It is reported that, in S winds, violent squalls
In the inner part of Loch Tarbert the tidal streams are spread out from Glenbatrick, at the SW end of the bay.
imperceptible. The recommended position lies 3¾ cables WNW of
Rubh’ a’ Bhaillein, the E entrance point, in depths of 11 to
Directions 13 m, sand, as shown of the chart.
8.85 2 Landing is possible from boats at a small pier which
1 From position 55°57′N, 6°05′W the line of bearing 079° extends from the head of the SW part of the bay; this pier
of Aird Reamhar, a promontory 3 m high situated on the N dries out.
side of the loch 1½ miles within the entrance, leads in the
Landing
approach and in mid-channel through the entrance, passing
8.90
(with positions from Aird Reamhar):
1 Good landing is available in the sandy bay close E of
2 S of the shoal extending S from Bo Mòr (1½ miles
Rubh’ an t-Sailein (55°58′N, 6°00′W) (8.77), in a small
W) (8.77), thence:
rocky cove on the E side of the point which has grass on
N of Rubh’ a’ Chrois-aoinidh (1¼ miles WSW),
its E face.
thence:
3 S of Eileanan Gleann Righ (6 cables W), a group of Small craft anchorages
islets and rocks extending 3¼ cables from the N 8.91
shore of the loch. The islets are covered with grass 1 Bàgh Gleann Righ Mòr, an indentation on the N side
and heather and shallow patches, with a least depth of the loch to the E of Eileanan Gleann Righ (8.85), is
of 3⋅4 m over them, extend up to 3¼ cables NNW easy of access and affords good anchorage for small craft
from the S islet, with foul ground extending in a depth of 11 m with Rubh’ an t-Sailein bearing 289°
2 cables W from the group. and the S extremity of Eileanan Gleann Righ bearing 239°,
8.86 as shown on the chart. There is very little tidal stream in
1 After passing S of Eileanan Gleann Righ the track the anchorage but W gales send in a heavy swell.
towards Cumhann Mòr leads E, passing (with positions 8.92
from Aird Reamhar): 1 Rubhachan Eoghainn. Small craft can also obtain
2 N of a detached rock, (charted as dangerous rock) anchorage in the bight between Rubhachan Eoghainn
with a depth of 1⋅2 m over it (4¾ cables SW), (55°57′N, 5°59′W) and the S end of Sgeir Agleann
lying near the NE extremity of a bank which (1¾ cables NE), as shown on the chart. A rock awash lies
extends nearly 6 cables NE from Rubhachan in the entrance to this bight. Two beacons on the shore
Eoghainn. Sgeir Aigleann, which consists of a SSE of Rubhachan Eoghainn, as shown on the chart, assist
number of above-water and below-water rocks, in the approach to the bight.
stands on the bank. Thence: 8.93
3 Close S of Aird Reamhar. 1 Gleann Righ Beag. Anchorage, which is not
8.87 recommended for use during W winds, is available in
1 After passing S of Aird Reamhar the track towards position 1¼ cables ESE of Aird Reamhar (55°58′N,
Cumhann Mòr leads ESE then ENE, in clear water which 5°58′W), as shown on the chart.
lies close to the alignment of distinctive beacons, as shown 8.94
on the plan, then in mid-channel through the narrows, as 1 Cuan Mòr Bay. Within the narrows, anchorage is
follows (with positions from Rubha Liath (55°58′N, recommended in Cuan Mòr Bay which lies to the W of
5°57′W): Rubh’ a Chumhainn Mhoir (55°57′⋅7N, 5°55′⋅6W). Good
2 Between Sgeirean an Rubha Liath (1 cable W) and shelter can be obtained in the centre of the pool, with good
Boghachan Bàite (1½ cables SW) through a holding in mud, avoiding a reef on the E side of the bay.
channel with a width of 140 m and depths from 8.95
7⋅9 to 9⋅4 m, thence: 1 East of the narrows, anchorage may be obtained
3 Between the foul ground extending ¾ cable NE from 6 cables SW of Sgeirean Druim an Loch (55°58′⋅3N,
Sgeirean Bhudragain (2¾ cables SSE) and the 6 m 5°53′⋅8W), a distinctive white rock, in a depth of 10 m, as
islet lying close S of Rubha Gille nan Ordaig shown on the chart.
(3¼ cables ESE), through a channel with a width
of 120 m and depths from 4⋅3 to 8⋅5 m, thence: Scalasaig
Between the 6 m islet (above) and Rubha nam Meann
thence: Chart 2474 plan of Scalasaig Harbour
4 Through Cumhann Mòr, in mid-channel between an General information
islet which has an elevation of 4 m (8 cables ESE) 8.96
and the S shore of the loch, which leads through 1 Scalasaig Harbour (56°04′N, 6°11′W), lying on the E
the narrows with a width of 35 m and a least side of Colonsay, is able to berth vessels up to 2000 tonnes
depth of 5⋅5 m. Local knowledge is required. displacement and is the vehicular ferry berth connecting

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Colonsay with the main ferry route to Oban. The Supplies

population of Scalasaig was 113 in 2001. 8.101
1 Small quantities of provisions can be obtained at
Scalasaig.

Small craft
Chart 2169
Landing
8.102
1 Shian Bay (56°01′N, 5°58′W), which is small, shallow,
contains several rocks and is exposed, with a heavy swell
frequently setting on to the shore, affords landing in fine
weather on the S side of a point situated 2¼ cables SE of
Scalasaig from E (8.96) Shian Island.
(Original dated 2000)
Chart 2343
(Photograph − Air Images)
Anchorages off the north-west coast of Jura
Directions 8.103
1 Temporary anchorage, protected from the S, can be
8.97
obtained in the following small bays, but as S gales very
1 The alignment (262°) of the leading lights on the pier
frequently veer to some N point, these anchorages cannot
leads towards the berth, clear of a rock, with a depth of
be deemed safe:
less than 2 m over it and marked by a beacon (pole with
Glendebadel Bay (56°05′⋅5N, 5°49′⋅5W).
topmark), lying ½ cable NNE of the pierhead:
Glengarrisdale Bay (56°07′N, 5°47′W).
Front light (concrete column, 6 m in height) standing
on the head of the pier. Channel and anchorage off the south-west side of
Rear light (concrete column, 8 m in height), 60 m W Lunga
of the front light. 8.104
2 Useful marks: 1 Channel. A narrow channel, with a least depth of 6⋅4 m
Scalasaig Light (1½ cables SE of the pierhead) (8.78). in the fairway, suitable only for small craft, passes between
Monument (4 cables WSW of the pierhead) (8.78). Lunga and the dangers surrounding Guirasdeal (1½ cables
Anchorages SW of Lunga) (8.79) and An Tudan (2 cables W of Lunga)
8.98 (8.79). Local knowledge is required.
1 In W winds medium sized vessels can obtain safe Anchorage. Camas a’ Mhòr-Fhir, a deep bay on the SW
anchorage in a depth of 18 m mud, with Scalasaig Light side of Lunga, affords good temporary anchorage for small
bearing 315°, 6 cables, as shown on the chart, clear of the craft in depths of 11 to 18 m, sand.
submarine power cable (1.39) which passes less than Chart 2386
1 cable NNE of the anchorage position. The line on which Anchorages off Garvellachs
this cable is laid is indicated by the alignment of two 8.105
yellow beacons: front beacon with a diamond topmark and 1 Temporary anchorage is reported to be available off the
rear beacon with a triangular topmark point down. Disused SE side of these islands, as follows:
submarine cables lie to the N of the submarine power Eileach an Naoimh, in position 56°13′⋅1N, 5°48′⋅4W.
cable, as shown on the chart; the landing point of these Garbh Eileach, in the bay N of 56°14′⋅4N, 5°45′⋅7W.
cables is marked by broken wooden stakes. Landing can be effected at an old slipway on the
2 Coasters can obtain anchorage in a depth of 7 m, sand, N side of the bay.
1½ cables E of the pierhead, clear of the approach line to
the pier. Other names
3 In offshore winds coasters will find the best anchorage
in Loch Staosnaig in a depth of 11 to 13 m, sand, Chart 2343
5½ cables S of Scalasaig Light, as shown on the chart, 8.106
clear of the submarine power cable described above. The Giall, Bàgh Uamh nan (56°07′⋅4N, 5°45′⋅4W).
approach to this anchorage from SE is clear except for the Glentrosdale Bay (56°08′⋅4N, 5°44′⋅4W).
bank and foul ground, on which stands Eilean Mhàrtain, Mhòr, Bàgh Uamh (56°08′N, 5°45′W).
extending up to 1¾ cables NE from Rubha Eilean Urrachann, Port nan (56°11′N, 5°44′W).
Mhàrtain, the S entrance point to the loch.
8.99 FIRTH OF LORN
1 Small craft are unable to anchor in the vicinity of the
pier. A recommended anchorage for small craft is General information
positioned near the head of Loch Staosnaig, on sand, with
the front beacon of the submarine power cable (8.98) Charts 2386, 2387
bearing 278°, 2 cables, clear of the cable. Routes
8.107
Alongside berths 1 The Route through the main channel of the Firth of
8.100 Lorn, from a position W of Rubha Mhic Mharcuis
1 A pier which extends 1 cable from Scalasaig provides a (56°18′N, 5°39′W), the W extremity of Seil, leads NNE for
berth with a length of 73 m and a depth alongside of 4 m. about 8 miles to a position E of the entrance to Loch Don
A Ro-Ro berth lies on the S side of the pier. (56°25′N, 5°39′W). From this position the channel divides

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in two with the track for Sound of Mull leading NNW for 3 South of the entrance to Loch Spelve (56°23′N,
about 1½ miles to a position SW of Lady’s Rock (56 27′N, 5°41′W) the streams set as follows:
5°37′W). This route forms part of the Inshore Traffic Route Interval from HW Oban Remarks
as given at 1.11. The track for Lynn of Lorn and the N
approach to Oban leads NE for about 3 miles to a position +0515 NE-going stream begins
E of Lady’s Rock. –0105 SW-going stream begins
2 A route also leads NE through the Sound of Insh
4 Off the entrance to Loch Don (56°25′N, 5°39′W) the
(56°19′N, 5°39′W) which then continues NE for about
streams set as follows:
3 miles towards Kerrera Sound (56°22′N, 5°33′W) and the
S approach to Oban, as given at 8.126. Interval from HW Oban Remarks
+0600 N-going stream begins
Topography
8.108 –0015 S-going stream begins
1 Island of Mull. General topography for the Island of The rate at spring tides is 2½ to 3 kn in each direction,
Mull is given at 1.89. as shown on the chart.
Seil (56°18′N, 5°37′W) is described at 7.235. 8.115
Lismore (56°31′N, 5°30′W) (chart 2378) is described at 1 South of Lady’s Rock (56°27′N, 5°37′W), the NE-going
8.350. tidal stream in the Firth of Lorn divides and sets NE into
Kerrera (56 24′N, 5°33′W), a rugged island which rises Lynn of Lorn (8.373) and N between Lady’s Rock and the
to a peak in Carn Breugach, on the SE side of the centre, coast of the Island of Mull. The streams in the opposite
is separated from the mainland by Kerrera Sound (8.147). directions converge to meet S of Lady’s Rock, in a position
which is marked by overfalls and ripples, as shown on the
Hazard chart. These streams generally are not strong except
8.109 through the restricted channels on both sides of Lady’s
1 The routes described above pass through an area of Rock, as described at 8.204.
fishing activity (8.5) and submarine exercise areas (8.4). 2 For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland and
Submarine power cable tidal stream information on the chart.
8.110
1 A submarine power cable (1.39) crosses the firth from a Overfalls
position on the coast of Mull, 7 cables N of Loch Don 8.116
(56°25′N, 5°39′W), to Slatrach Bay (3½ miles ESE) (Chart 1 Overfalls are created off the SW extremity of Easdale
1790) on the N side of Kerrera. (56°17′N, 5°40′W), as described at 7.139.
Overfalls are charted off the entrance to Loch Spelve
Rescue (56°23′N, 5°41′W).
8.111 Overfalls extend 5 cables E from the entrance to Loch
1 A Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre is operated by Oban Don during the N-going tidal stream, as shown on the
Coastguard as given at 1.61. chart.
An all-weather lifeboat (1.72) is also stationed at Oban.
Local weather and sea state
Local magnetic anomalies 8.117
8.112 1 The effect of wind and tidal stream on the local sea
1 Local deflection of the compass is reported to occur off state is given at 8.14.
the SE coast of the Island of Mull, including the entrance
to Loch Spelve (56°23′N, 5°41′W) and within the loch. Principal mark
8.118
Tidal streams 1 Landmark:
8.113 Lismore Lighthouse (white tower, 26 m in height)
1 In mid-channel in the Firth of Lorn the streams are (56°27′N, 5°36′W) which stands on the S end of
rotary clockwise. The maximum rate, which is ¾ kn during Eilean Musdile (8.210).
spring tides, sets in the general direction of the fairway, at
the times given for the tidal stations on the charts.
8.114
1 Off the south-east coast of the Island of Mull the
streams begin at a time which becomes later with progress
up the Firth of Lorn. Thus off Frank Lockwood’s Island,
the SW entrance point to the firth, they begin as in
mid-channel (above) but off Duart Castle (56°27′⋅3N,
5°39′⋅2W) the N-going stream begins 3 hours later and the
S-going stream begins 1½ hours later.
2 The rate increases with distance up the firth. Off Frank Lismore Lighthouse from SE (8.118)
(Original dated 2000)
Lockwood’s Island the streams are weak but increase
farther up the firth to 1½ kn between Kerrera, (56°24′N, (Photograph − Air Images)
5°33′W) and Loch Don, 3 miles WNW. There is then no
further increase to the NE, but to the N, between the Island 8.119
of Mull and the SW extremity of Lismore Island (56°27′N, 1 Major light:
5°36′W), the streams set very strongly. Lismore Light—as above

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Other navigational aids towards Sound of Mull alters NNW, towards the channel
8.120 between Lady’s Rock (56°27′N, 5°37′W) and the E coast
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the of the Island of Mull, 9 cables W, passing (with positions
Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at from Lady’s Rock):
1.33. 2 ENE of an isolated shoal, with a least charted depth
of 13⋅1 m (1½ miles SSW) which lies close E of
an area subject to overfalls (8.116), thence:
Directions
(continued from 8.58 and 8.82) ENE of foul ground (1½ miles SW) which extends
2 cables offshore, close N of the entrance to Loch
Main channel towards Sound of Mull Don, thence:
8.121 3 Through an area subject to overfalls (1 mile S)
1 From the vicinity of 56°18′N, 5°44′W the main channel (8.116), thence:
through the Firth of Lorn towards the Sound of Mull leads Between shoal patches, with a least charted depth of
NNE for about 8 miles, then NNW for about 1½ miles, 15 m (9 cables SW) and with a charted depth of
passing (with positions from Rubha Garbh Airde (56°19′N, 19⋅9 m (7 cables S).
5°37′W)):
Clearing lines
2 ESE of Rubh Aoineadh Mhéinis (56°20′N, 5°47′W) a
8.123
salient point on the SE coast of the Island of Mull,
1 Dubh Sgeir and Bogha Nuadh. The line of bearing
thence:
204° of Dubh-fhèith (56°16′N, 5°43′W) (8.80), open NW
WNW of Insh Island (1¾ miles WSW), off the N end
of Insh Island (2½ miles NNE), clears NW of Dubh Sgeir
of which foul ground extends 1½ cables W and
(near Insh Island) and the rocks and shoals in its vicinity.
some below-water rocks extend 1¼ cables N from
This line of bearing also clears NW of Bogha Nuadh and
the N extremity, thence:
the 12⋅2 m shoal SSW of it, but passes over depths of less
3 WNW of shoal patches, with depths of 2⋅1 and 3⋅1 m
than 20 m lying about 6 cables SW of Bogha Nuadh.
over them, lying close together, 2¼ cables WNW
2 Dubh Sgeir. The alignment (085°) of the N extremity of
of Dubh Sgeir (1¼ miles W) which is a small
Eilean Dùin (56°20′N, 5°35′W) with Beinn Mhór (1 mile
rock, not to be confused with an islet of the same
E) (below), clears N of Dubh Sgeir (near Insh Island) and
name lying 3 miles NNE (below), thence:
the rocks and dangers in its vicinity, but passes over the
4 WNW of a shoal, with a least depth of 3⋅4 m over it,
NE edge of the associated bank, over a charted depth of
lying 3¾ cables N of Dubh Sgeir, thence: 12⋅5 m. Beinn Mhór can be identified by a remarkable
ESE of foul ground (56°22′N, 5°21′W) which extends outcrop on its NE shoulder, known as the Toad of Lorn.
1½ cables from the coast close S of the entrance to 3 Bogha Nuadh. The alignment (085°) of the centre of
Loch Spelve (8.132), off which overfalls are Dubh Sgeir (56°22′N, 5°37′W) (8.121), lying SW of
shown on the chart, thence: Kerrera, with Rubha Seanach (2 miles E) (8.170), clears N
5 WNW of Bogha Nuadh (2½ miles N) which is a of Bogha Nuadh.
shoal awash, marked off its SE end by a
light-buoy (S cardinal). This shoal should not be Useful marks
confused with a rock of the same name 5¾ miles 8.124
SSW (8.80). A detached shoal, with a charted 1 The following useful marks are positioned from Lady’s
depth of 12⋅2 m, lies 5 cables SSW of Bogha Rock (56°27′N, 5°37′W):
Nuadh. Thence: Radio mast (9 m in height) (2½ miles SW) which is
6 WNW of Dubh Sgeir (2¾ miles N) an islet in two conspicuous from seaward.
parts lying 4 cables NE of Bogha Nuadh, not to be Black’s Memorial Tower (1 mile W), a grey granite
confused with a rock of the same name lying building 9 m in height, which resembles a small
3 miles SSW (above), and: castle with a turret. Duart Point Light is exhibited
ESE of Rubha na Faoilinn (56°23′N, 5°41′W), the N from the tower.
entrance point to Loch Spelve, not to be confused 2 Lady’s Rock, which only covers during the highest
with a point of the same name (8.43) at the tide, on which stands a light-beacon (red clad
entrance to Loch Buie, thence: metal framework tower on white concrete base,
7 WNW of Bach Island (56°23′N, 5°36′W) which is 12 m in height) which is reported as not always
low and flat except in the centre where a easily seen on a dull day.
vertical-sided knoll rises to an elevation of 17 m. Two beacons, each with a diamond topmark (1 mile
Bach Island lies 3¾ cables WNW of Rubha na WSW and 1¼ miles SW), which mark the shore
Feundain, the SW extremity of Kerrera, which is ends of submarine cables.
low, rocky and steep-to, with a mound on the (Directions continue for SE approach to
point. Thence: Sound of Mull at 8.210)
8 ESE of Grass Point (56°25′N, 5°39′W), the S
entrance point to Loch Don, on which stands a Approach to Lynn of Lorn
conspicuous white house. Overfalls off Loch Don 8.125
are given at 8.116, and shown on the chart. And: 1 After passing Loch Don the track towards Lynn of Lorn
WNW of Rubh’ a’ Fhreastaig (56°24′N, 5°34′W), a and the N approach to Oban leads NE, passing (with
small, steep-to promontory on the NW side of positions from Lady’s Rock (56°27′N, 5°37′W)):
Kerrera, separating Port Phàdruig from SE of Lady’s Rock (8.124), and:
Barr-nam-boc Bay. NW of Rubha na Lice (3 miles SE), the NW point of
8.122 Kerrera (8.108), thence:
1 After passing the entrance to Loch Don the track 2 SE of a bank, with a depth of less than 10 m over it,
towards Lynn of Lorn is described at 8.125. The track which extends 2½ cables SE from Sgeir nan Gael

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(5 cables NE) lying near the SE edge of foul 3 SE of Sgeir Beul na h-Uamhaidh (1½ miles WSW),
ground which extends ¾ cable off the SE side of the SE of the rocks and islets lying off Insh Island
Eilean Musdile (8.210), and: (8.121), thence:
3 NW of Eilean nan Gamhna (3¼ miles SE), the largest SE of a drying rock (1¼ miles W) which lies 1 cable
of a group of islets, connected with each other at ESE of Dubh Sgeir (8.121), thence:
LW, which lie close off the NW side of Kerrera, NW of Rubha Garbh Airde, the NW extremity of
thence: Seil, not to be confused with the point of the same
4 NW of Sgeir Dhonn (56°25′N, 5°31′W), a group of name 2¾ miles ENE.
small rocks which lie near the NE extremity of a 8.129
bank, with depths of less than 10 m over it, which 1 After passing Rubha Garbh Airde the track continues
extends 5 cables NE from Rubha Redegich, a NE towards Kerrera Sound, passing (with positions from
salient point on the N coast of Kerrera, thence: Rubha Seanach (56°22′N, 5°34′W)):
5 NW of Rubh’ à Bhearnaig (56°26′N, 5°30′W), the N NW of Eilean Dùin (2½ miles SSW), formed of
extremity of Kerrera, near which stands natural rock which is reported to resemble a ruined
Hutchesons Monument (8.165). castle, the N islet of a group of islets and
(Directions continue for Lynn of Lorn at 8.384, above-water and below-water rocks, which extend
and for N approach to Oban at 8.166) 5¾ cables NW from the NE extremity of Seil, and:
2 SE of Bogha Nuadh (2½ miles WSW) (8.121),
thence:
Sound of Insh SE of Dubh Sgeir (2 miles W) (8.121), thence:
NW of a rock, with a depth of 1⋅5 m over it
General information (1¼ miles S) which lies 2¾ cables W of Rubha
8.126 Garbh Airde, near the S entrance to Loch Feochan
1 Description. Sound of Insh (56°19′N, 5°39′W) is a deep (8.140), not to be confused with the point of the
channel, 7 cables wide and free from dangers, which leads same name 2¾ miles WSW.
between the NW coast of Seil and Insh Island, 1 mile NW.
Clearing lines
2 Route through the Sound of Insh, towards Kerrera
8.130
Sound and Oban (8.143), from a position W of Rubha nam
1 Dubh Sgeir. A line of bearing, more than 215°, of
Faoileann (56°17′N, 5°40′W), leads NE for about 3½ miles,
Dubh-fhèith (56°16′N, 5°43′W) (8.80) open SE of Sgeir
then continues ENE for about 2½ miles, along the E side
Beul na h-Uamhaidh, clears SE of Dubh Sgeir (near Insh
of the Firth of Lorn to a position S of Rubha Seanach
Island) and the rocks and shoals in its vicinity.
(56°22′N, 5°34′W).
A clearing line to the N of Dubh Sgeir (above) is given
at 8.123.
Tidal streams 2 Bogha Nuadh. The alignment (035°) of the SE
8.127 extremity of Dubh Sgeir (56°22′N, 5°37′W), lying SW of
1 In the Sound of Insh the rate of the tidal stream at Kerrera, with the summit of Bach Island (1 mile NE) clears
spring tides is from 1 to 1½ kn, as shown on the chart. SE of Bogha Nuadh.
Between Insh Island and Rubha na Feundain (4½ miles Rock off Loch Feochan. The line of bearing 230° of
NNE), the tidal streams set as follows: Rubha Garbh Airde (56°19′N, 5°37′W) (at the NW end of
Interval from HW Oban Remarks Seil), open NW of Eilean Dùin, 1 mile ENE, clears NW of
the 1⋅5 m rock lying WSW of Loch Feochan.
+0430 NE-going stream begins
–0155 SW-going stream begins Useful marks
8.131
2 Near Bogha Nuadh and Dubh Sgeir (both about 3 miles 1 Light-beacon (56°22′⋅8N, 5°31′⋅3W) at Port Lathaich
NNE of Insh Island) the rate at spring tides in each (8.173).
direction is 2½ kn but is less in other areas. The streams Dubh Sgeir Light (56°23′N, 5°32′W) (8.170).
are weak in the bight to the E of a line joining Rubha (Directions continue for
Garbh Airde (56°19′N, 5°37′W) and Rubha na Feundain, Approach to Oban from S at 8.170)
but they increase towards the entrances to the following
inlets (with positions from Rubha Garbh Airde): Clachan Loch Spelve
Sound (1¼ miles E), Loch Feochan (3 miles ENE) and Chart 2387
Kerrera Sound (4 miles NE). General information
8.132
Directions 1 Entrance channel. Loch Spelve is entered between
(continued from 7.251 and 8.82) Rubha na Faoilinn (56°23′N, 5°41′W) (8.121) and Rubha
8.128 nan Sailthean, 4 cables WSW. Within the entrance the
1 From the vicinity of 56°17′⋅5N, 5°41′⋅0W, the route navigable channel is contracted to a width of 45 m by a
through the Sound of Insh leads NE, passing (with bank, with depths of less than 5 m over it, which extends
positions from Rubha Garbh Airde (56°19′N, 5°37′W)): 2 cables from the S shore, and a drying reef from which a
2 NW of Easdale (2¼ miles SW), a low island with a light is exhibited, close to the N shore 7 cables within the
green hill rising to 36 m in its centre, that is entrance. This channel has a least charted depth of 5⋅6 m
separated from the island of Seil by Easdale Sound and the drying rock is indicated by cairns and painted
(8.136). Shoal ground extends up to 1 cable SW marks on the shore. Local knowledge is required to
from the SW end of the island and ¾ cable SSW navigate this channel.
from Rubha nam Faoileann, the island’s SW 2 Loch. Inside the entrance the loch, which opens out and
extremity. Thence: divides into two arms extending 2¾ miles SW and

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1½ miles N, is completely landlocked and surrounded by Charts 2386, 2387

an impressive range of hills, which sometimes produces 8.137
equally impressive squalls. 1 Ardencaple Bay (56°19′⋅5N, 5°36′⋅0W) affords
8.133 temporary anchorage for small craft in a depth of 16 m
1 Tidal streams within the loch are negligible. mud, with the summit of Eilean Dùin (8.129) bearing 025°,
In the entrance to the loch the streams set as follows: 7 cables, clear of the marine farms (1.17) in the bay.
Interval from HW Oban Remarks Chart 2387
–0530 In-going stream begins 8.138
+0015 Out-going stream begins 1 Puilladobhrain Anchorage (56°19′⋅5N, 5°35′⋅2W), in
the bay S of Eilean nam Beathach, is a popular and well
The rate at spring tides is 3½ to 4 kn in each direction, sheltered anchorage, reported to be excellent for small craft.
with strong eddies and overfalls in the channel. The recommended position lies with the summit of Eilean
Dùin (8.129) bearing 347°, 4½ cables, as shown on the
Anchorage and landing chart. Local knowledge is required.
8.134 8.139
1 Anchorage is available in the Loch, clear of the many 1 Barrnacarry Bay (56°21′N, 5°33′W), a small bay that
marine farms (1.17) which are generally moored outside the is shallow and encumbered with rocks, affords anchorage
10 m depth contour. The best position, suitable only for for small craft that is sheltered from the W through S to E.
small craft, is in a bay on the W side of the head of the N Local knowledge is required.
arm, as shown on the chart. 8.140
Landing can be effected at a pier, with a depth of 2⋅7 m 1 Loch Feochan (56°21′N, 5°32′W) which has a bar, with
alongside its head, which extends from the S shore at a least depth of 1⋅3 m over it, 4 cables within the entrance
Croggan, situated close W of the entrance channel. is entered through a buoyed channel that is narrow and
tortuous and for which local knowledge is required. The
loch affords anchorage for small craft in addition to many
Anchorage yacht moorings and marina facilities at Ardoran Marine;
see Admiralty Maritime Communications.
Chart 1790 8.141
1 Ardmore Bay (56°23′N, 5°34′W), on the exposed S
Oitir Mhòr
coast of Kerrera, affords temporary anchorage 1½ cables
8.135
offshore in a depth of 20 m, sand and clay, as shown on
1 Anchorage is available for coasters in the outer part of
the chart, sheltered from N winds.
Oitir Mhòr Bay (56°25′N, 5°31′W) in a depth of 18 m,
8.142
mud, with the NW extremity of Maiden Island (56°26′N,
1 Loch Don (56°25′N, 5°40′W) which is narrow, shallow
5°30′W) (8.166) bearing 051° distant 8 cables, clear of the
and unmarked, is used only by small craft waiting for a
following (with positions from the NW extremity of
favourable tide to enter the Sound of Mull. Anchorage,
Maiden Island):
sheltered from winds between SW and NW can be obtained
2 Wilson Rock (6½ cables SSW) which is steep-to on
off the entrance to the loch in a depth of 11 m. This
its W side.
anchorage is very limited as the depths increase rapidly
Marine farms (1.17) moored outside the 10 m depth
offshore from 11 to 24 m and the tidal streams are strong.
contour off Rubh’ Ard an Duine (1 mile SW), a
headland separating Oitir Mhòr Bay from Charlotte
Bay, to the NE. OBAN AND APPROACHES
Sgeir Dhonn (1¼ miles SW) (8.125).
3 Clearing line. The line of bearing 054° of the S
extremity of Maiden Island open NW of Rubh’ à Bhearnaig
General information
(4 cables SW) (8.125) clears NW of Wilson Rock. Chart 1790
Small craft can obtain sheltered anchorage, except with Position
winds between NNW and ENE, nearer to the head of the 8.143
bay in position 2 cables E of Eilean nan Uan, as shown on 1 The town of Oban (56°25′N, 5°28′W), situated on the
the chart. mainland to the E of the N end of Kerrera, stands around
the shores of Oban Bay.

Small craft Function

8.144
Chart 2386 1 Oban Bay (8.161) forms a commercial harbour that is
8.136 mainly used by ferries, fishing vessels and leisure craft; it
1 Easdale Sound (56°18′N, 5°39′W) is a narrow channel is well connected by road and rail making it a convenient
between Easdale and Seil with a navigable width of only place for changing crews and a much visited anchorage for
15 m in places. Great care is necessary as silting occurs in yachts. There is a considerable fishing industry based on
the channel every year. In consequence, passage through the port and specialist facilities are provided for handling
the sound is only recommended within 3 hours of HW. the catch.
2 Small craft generally anchor on the E side of the 2 It is also the mainland terminal for the vehicular ferry
channel, N of a conspicuous ruined pier which extends service to the offshore islands of Mull (8.252), Lismore
from the coast near the SE entrance channel. (8.350), Colonsay (8.13), Tiree (9.4) and Coll (9.4) in the
Easdale Harbour, in the SW corner of the sound, can be Inner Hebrides, and for the islands of South Uist (11.131)
used by craft of shallow draught. and Barra (11.70) in the Outer Hebrides. The town of

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Oban, with a population of 8120 in 2001, is the tourist is the Pier Master (Railway Pier and South Pier). It is
headquarters of the West Highlands. recommended that the movement of ferry vessels should be
Climatic table is given at 1.163. established with this official, prior to entering the harbour
limits with a larger vessel.
Topography
8.145 Limiting conditions
1 Topography for Kerrera is given at 8.108.
On the mainland, the E side of Oban Bay attains an Approach channels
elevation of 75 m and descends to the coast with slopes 8.150
which are studded with villas amongst pine trees. The N 1 North approach, through a channel with a width of
side of the bay is backed by well-wooded hills which ½ cable between the 10 m depth contours, has a controlling
include Creag Moraig, 2 cables SE of Dunollie Light depth of 14⋅6 m.
(56°25′⋅4N, 5°29′⋅0W). South approach, through Kerrera Sound, divides into
two channels which pass on opposite sides of Ferry Rocks
Port limits (56°24′⋅0N, 5°30′⋅5W). These channels have controlling
8.146 depths as follows:
1 The harbour limit extends SSW from a position ½ cable 2 W and N of Ferry Rocks, 7⋅0 m. This is the straighter
S of Dunollie Light, across the mouth of the bay to the channel.
Boat House at Brandystone, 8 cables SSW, as shown on the S and E of Ferry Rocks, 11⋅8 m, through a gap with
chart. a charted width of about ¼ cable between the 10 m
depth contours.
Approach and entry
8.147 Deepest and longest berths
1 Oban Bay can be approached from either N or S. 8.151
The N approach, which passes N of Kerrera then 1 The only general purpose berth available for
through a narrow channel between the NE extremity of conventional vessels is North Pier (8.179), on the E side of
Kerrera and the mainland, is the main ferry route. the bay.
Maiden Island
Tidal levels
8.152
1 See information in Admiralty Tide Tables. Mean spring
range about 3⋅3 m; mean neap range about 1⋅1 m.
Density of water
8.153
1 Density: 1⋅027 g/cm3
Maximum size of vessel handled
8.154
1 A vessel with a length of 72 m has been berthed at
North Pier.
Hutchesons Monument N Spit of
Kerrara Light Arrival information
Outer Approach from Oban from N viewed from S (8.147)
(Original dated 2000)
Port radio
(Photograph − Air Images) 8.155
1 A port radio station is operated from Oban, for details,
2 The S approach passes through Kerrera Sound which including pier callsigns, see Admiralty List of Radio Signals
lies between Kerrera and the mainland, 2½ cables SE. This Volume 6(1).
is a sheltered channel, containing several shoals, not all of
which are marked, which provides a safe navigable route Notice of ETA
for small vessels during daylight. 8.156
1 Seven days notice of arrival is required for vessels larger
Traffic than 25 m.
8.148
1 In 2002, the port was used by 9 vessels with a total of Pilots
13 595 dwt. These figures do not include the ferries, nor 8.157
the fishing vessels based on Oban. 1 Pilotage can be arranged on request to the Pier Master,
Railway Pier, see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume
Port Authority 6(1).
8.149
1 There is no active Port Authority for Oban Harbour Regulations concerning entry
itself, individual berths being controlled by separate 8.158
organisations. 1 Special bye-laws are in force for vessels carrying
Argyll and Bute Council is the authority for North Pier, petroleum and carbide of calcium.
on the E side of the bay, with an area extending 45 m 8.159
seaward of the pier; also for certain slipways. The local 1 Code of Practice for Oban Bay and its approaches. A
official is the Pier Master (North Pier). voluntary code has been developed to promote safety of
2 Caledonian Macbrayne Ltd are the operators of the navigation in the Oban Bay area and its approaches. The
Railway Pier, on the SE side of the bay. The local official area covered by the code is defined as a Minimum Wake

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Zone. The attention of owners, masters and crew of all 5°30′⋅9W) (8.189) to Dail Righ, 3½ cables WNW. A
vessels is drawn to the International Regulations for beacon on the shore marks each landing place.
Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (COLREGS), as
amended, and in particular Rules 2, 5, 6, and 9. Traffic
2 The area is bounded to the N by a line from the NW 8.163
tip of Kerrera (8.108) to the NW tip of Maiden 1 There is reported to be considerable traffic in Kerrera
Island (8.166) and to the S by a line drawn E-W Sound in addition to a ferry which crosses the sound
through Dubh Sgeir Light (8.170), as shown on the between Ferry Pier (56°24′N, 5°31′W) on Kerrera and a
chart. jetty on the mainland, 2¾ cables SE.
3 For the purposes of this code the N and S entrances Tidal streams
to Oban Bay are deemed to be Narrow Channels 8.164
(see COLREG Rule 9) and a large vessel is 1 Tidal streams in Kerrera Sound set in the direction of
defined as a vessel of more than 20 m in length, the channel. In the middle of the fairway they set as
or more than 3 m in draught. follows:
4 Large vessels leaving Oban Bay have the right of
way over all vessels entering Oban Bay. Small Interval from HW Oban Remarks
vessels, including sailing vessels, are not to impede +0430 NE-going stream begins
the passage of large vessels entering or leaving
–0155 SW-going stream begins
Oban Bay.
5 Small vessels entering or leaving Oban Bay are 2 The rate in both directions at spring tides is as follows:
required to keep as near to the starboard side of Position Strength
the channel as is safe and practicable.
Wider parts of channel 1 to 1½ kn
Vessels within the Oban Harbour limits are not to
exceed 5 kn, except in case of an emergency. Both sides of Ferry Rocks (56°24′⋅0N, 1½ to 2 kn
Outwith the Oban Harbour limits, displacement 05°30′⋅5W)
vessels are not to exceed 7 kn N of the Kerrera N entrance off Dunollie Light 2 to 2½ kn
Ferry Slips, except in case of an emergency.
3 There are probably eddies in the bays on both sides of
6 Vessels operating in Oban Bay should listen on VHF.
the sound. In Oban Bay the streams are weak.
Vessels of more than 40 m in length should make
a brief safety announcement on VHF prior to entry Principal marks
or departure. For details see Admiralty List of 8.165
Radio Signals Volume 6(1). 1 Landmarks from north to south:
Hutchesons Monument (56°25′⋅3N, 5°29′⋅7W), a
Quarantine conspicuous obelisk standing on the NE end of
8.160 Kerrera.
1 For quarantine regulations see 1.50. Conspicuous radio mast (56°24′⋅3N, 5°29′⋅1W),
standing on the NE end of a ridge.
Harbour 2 Conspicuous radio mast (56°23′⋅5N, 5°30′⋅3W),
standing 2½ cables SE of Dùn Uabairtich, a hill
General layout of harbour near the coast.
8.161
1 Oban Bay, which extends SE from the NE end of Directions for approach to Oban from north
Kerrera Sound, is an open bay that is deep and free from (continued from 8.125)
dangers in the centre. Berths extend along or from the E
and S shores of the bay. Outer approach
8.166
Submarine power cable 1 From the vicinity of 56°26′N, 5°30′W the line of
8.162 bearing 134° of Dunollie Light, (stone tower with white
1 A submarine power cable (1.39) crosses Kerrera Sound lantern, 6 m in height) (56°25′⋅4N, 5°29′⋅0W) standing on
from a position 1 cable S of Port nan Cuilc (56°23′⋅6N, low cliffs on the E side of the entrance, leads towards the

Maiden Island Kerrera

N Approach to Oban from NW (8.166)
(Photograph − Air Images) (Original dated 2000)

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N entrance to Oban Bay, passing (with positions from 2 Tower of the Roman Catholic Cathedral (3 cables
Dunollie Light): NNW).
2 SW of foul ground which extends 45 m W from the McCaig Tower (2 cables ENE) a circular building,
SW end of Maiden Island (5 cables NNW) which 4 m in height, which resembles the Coliseum.
is otherwise steep-to. Reefs and shoal water extend Distillery chimney (1 cable E).
from the mainland to within 35 m of the E side of 3 North Pier Middle Light (column, 6 m in height).
this island. And: Light on Railway Quay linkspan (post on dolphin)
NE of Rubh’ à Bhearnaig (5½ cables WNW) (8.125), (2 cables SSW).
thence: Light on South Quay RNLI Station (building, 4 m in
3 NE of North Spit of Kerrera Light (white concrete height) (2½ cables SW).
column with red bands, 10 m in height) (3 cables Light on Northern Lighthouse Commissioners’ Pier
WNW) which stands on the outer edge of a ledge (tower) (2¾ cables SW).
of rocks which extends 1 cable NE from the N end
of Kerrera, thence:
4 SW of Carraig Mhicheil (2 cables NNW), a rounded
Directions for approach to Oban from south
point with an elevation of 44 m which forms the N (continued from 8.131)
entrance point to Port Mòr. The ruins of Dunollie
Castle stand on the summit of a precipitous cliff
within Carraig Mhicheil. The castle is covered with Kerrera Sound south-west part
ivy and is only distinctive from N and S, however
8.170
a flagstaff stands on the castle during the summer
1 From the vicinity of 56°22′N, 5°33′W the recommended
months.
route through the SW part of Kerrera Sound, approaching
Oban from the S, leads NNE for about 1¼ miles, through a
channel with a least navigable width of 1½ cables, W of
Inner approach Rubh’ an Fheurain (56°23′N, 5°32′W), passing (with
8.167 positions from Rubh’ an Fheurain):
1 From a position SW of Carraig Mhicheil the track leads
generally S, in mid-channel, passing (with positions from
Dunollie Light):
Between Dunollie Light (8.166) and a detached shoal,
with a depth of 4⋅6 m over it, (1¼ cables W),
thence:
2 E of the drying reef and shallow bank which extends
E from Rubh’ a’ Chruidh (8.186), marked near the
NE extremity of the reef by a light (metal post, Oban N Spit of Kerrera Kerrera
3 m in height), thence:
Kerrera Sound from N (8.170)
3 W of Corran Ledge (2 cables SSE) comprised of
(Original dated 2000)
rocks and shingle which dry for 1 cable from the
(Photograph − Air Images)
shore. Mariners are advised to keep well clear of
the light-buoy (W cardinal) which marks the S end 2 ESE of Rubha Seanach (1 mile WSW) the S
of the W edge of the ledge as it is reported that extremity of Kerrera which is low, rocky and
several vessels have grounded in this vicinity, also steep-to, thence:
that the sewer outfall passing close SSE of the WNW of marine farms (1.17) moored within 1 cable
buoy stands 0⋅5 m above the ledge in places. of the shore in the vicinity of Aird na Cùile
(5 cables SSW) and 3 cables S of this promontory,
thence:
Clearing marks 3 ESE of a shoal, with a depth of 3⋅7 m over it
8.168 (5 cables WSW), thence:
1 Corran Ledge: ESE of Cutter Rock (3½ cables WSW) which is the S
The alignment (128°) of the S extremity of North rock of a reef extending SSW from Sgeirean
Pier (6 cables SSE of Dunollie Light) with the Dubha (below), thence:
spire of the Free Church, 2 cables SE, clears SW 4 ESE, distant ¾ cable from Sgeirean Dubha (2½ cables
of Corran Ledge. W), a group of small islets on a bank extending
2 The alignment (343°) of the E extremity of Maiden from the W side of the sound. Dubh Sgeir Light
Island, 4¾ cables NNW of Dunollie Light, with (white clad metal framework tower, concrete base,
the E part of Creag Island (56°28′⋅6N, 5°30′⋅7W) 7 m in height) stands on the largest islet in the
(chart 2378) clears WSW of Corran Ledge. group. Thence:
5 WNW of shoal water extending ½ cable WSW from
Sgeir an Fheurain, a drying rock which lies
Useful marks ½ cable NW of Rubh’ an Fheurain, a promontory
8.169 5 m high, thence:
1 Distinctive features and lights around Oban Bay are as WNW of a detached shoal, with a least depth of
follows (with positions from North Pier (56°24′⋅9N, 6⋅4 m over it (1½ cables N).
5°28′⋅4W)): 8.171
Dog Stone (6 cables NNW) which is an isolated mass 1 After passing the detached shoal (above) the track
of rock, resembling a pillar, surmounted by continues NNE in mid-channel for about 1 mile, passing
vegetation. (with positions from Ferry Pier (56°24′N, 5°31′W)):

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ESE of Little Horseshoe Shoal (8¼ cables SSW), 1 cable W from Rubha Tolmach, marked on its
lying about 1 cable NE of Sgeir Ruadh, a rocky NW edge by a light-buoy (starboard hand).
spit extending ½ cable NE from the coast. Little 8.175
Horseshoe Shoal is marked off its S end by a 1 From a position in mid-channel, 2 cables SW of the SW
light-buoy (port hand). And: extremity of Heather Island (56°24′⋅4N, 5°30′⋅2W), the
2 WNW of Carraig na Maraig (8½ cables SSW), main channel leads NE for about 3 cables then NNE for
thence: 7½ cables, passing (with positions from the SW extremity
ESE of a shallow spit, with a 1⋅8 m rocky patch near of Heather Island):
its outer end (2¾ cables SW), which extends 2 SE of a shoal, with a least depth of 0⋅3 m over it,
1¼ cables from the shore at the N end of (1¼ cables W), thence:
Horseshoe Bay (8.188). SE of a dangerous rock (1¼ cables NE, the position
8.172 of which is approximate) reported (1991) to lie
1 Clearing marks: close SE of the drying reef which extends SE from
The alignment (195°) of Rubh’ an Fheurain (56°23′N, the NE end of Heather Island, thence:
5°32′W) with the W extremity of Aird na Cùile, 3 ESE of an islet (1½ cables NNE) which is joined to
5 cables SSW (8.170), clears close E of the spit Heather Island by a drying reef, thence:
containing the 1⋅8 m patch. 4 WNW of a group of shoals, with varying depths
2 The alignment (219°) of the SE extremity of Kerrera between 4⋅9 and 7⋅9 m over them (centred 4 cables
(SW of Sgeirean Dubha) with the NW extremity of ENE) which lie up to 2 cables off the SE shore of
Seil (56°18′⋅8N, 5°38′⋅3W) (chart 2387) passes the sound, fronting Cardingmill Bay, thence:
close SE of Little Horseshoe Shoal. ESE of a chain of marine farms (1.17) moored up to
8.173 1 cable off the E coast of Kerrera between Heather
1 Useful marks (with positions from Ferry Pier (56°24′N, Island and Ardantrive Bay (7 cables NNE), and:
5°31′W): 5 WNW of Sgeir Rathaid (6¼ cables NE), an extensive
Beacon (1 mile S). shoal in the entrance to Oban Bay which dries at
Beacon (7½ cables SSW) standing near the shore. its S end and is connected to the mainland SE by
Beacons (red with a diamond topmark), standing a spit, on which there are shoal patches with a
close NW of Ferry pier and 3 cables ESE of the least depth of 3⋅1 m over them. A light-buoy
pier, which mark the landing places of submarine (S cardinal) is moored at the S end and another
cables (1.39) which cross the sound. light-buoy (N cardinal) is moored at the N end of
Sgeir Rathaid. Thence:
Kerrera Sound north-east part 6 ESE of a rocky spur on which lies a drying wreck
8.174 (7 cables NNE) which extends 1¼ cables NNE
1 From a position 1¼ cables ESE of Ferry Pier (56°24′N, from Mount Pleasant the S entrance point of
5°31′W) the navigable channel into the NE part of Kerrera Ardantrive Bay (8.186).
Sound divides to pass either W and N or S and E of Ferry 8.176
Rocks which consist of two detached groups of 1 Useful marks:
below-water rocks lying in the middle of the fairway, Dunollie Light (1¼ miles NE) (8.166).
2½ cables ENE of Ferry Pier. Controlling depths are given Marks around Oban Bay, as given at 8.169.
at 8.150, and directions are as follows (with positions from
Ferry Pier): Basins and berths
2 West and north of Ferry Rocks. This channel leads Anchorages and moorings
NNE for about 3 cables then NE for 2 cables, passing: 8.177
Over the E end of a spit, with a depth of 7 m over it, 1 Anchorage. Oban Bay is very deep for an anchorage
which extends 1¾ cable E from Ferry Pier, thence: and should be used with caution. The holding ground is
WNW of the SE group of Ferry Rocks (2½ cables bad and winds from the SW blow with great force up
ENE) thence: Kerrera Sound making it unsafe to remain at anchor in
3 Between the NW group of Ferry Rocks, with a least vessels with a high freeboard.
depth of 2⋅1 m over it (2 cables ENE) which is 2 A sewer outfall (8.167) extends across the N entrance to
marked on its NE edge by Ferry Rocks Light-buoy the bay from a point on the coast 3¾ cables NNW of
(starboard hand), and the coastal bank, with North Pier (56°24′⋅9N, 5°28′⋅4W).
charted depths of less than 5 m extending ½ cable 8.178
from the shore, thence: 1 Moorings. Two mooring buoys are laid about ¾ cable
NW of the NW group of Ferry Rocks. NNW of North Pier.
4 South and east of Ferry Rocks. This channel leads Two other mooring buoys are laid about 1 cable N of
ENE for about 2½ cables then N for 3 cables, passing: Heather Island (56°24′⋅5N, 5°30′⋅0W), near the N end of
Between the SE group of Ferry Rocks, which dries Kerrera Sound, close to marine farms (1.17) as shown on
0⋅3 m (2½ cables E) and is marked on its SE side the chart.
by a light-buoy (port hand), and a small spit
extending from the coastal bank, with a charted Alongside berths
depth of 8⋅2 m (3 cables E), thence: 8.179
5 Between the SE group of Ferry Rocks and a shallow 1 North Pier, on the E side of the bay, which is the only
patch, with a depth of 2⋅8 m over it (4 cables local authority controlled general purpose pier in Oban Bay
ENE) which lies close NW of a marine farm capable of handling conventional vessels, has a main berth
(1.17), thence: with a length of 72 m and depths of 3 to 5 m alongside.
W of a rock, with a depth of 0⋅9 m over it (4½ cables 2 A Ro-Ro linkspan, attached to the SW end of Railway
ENE), which lies on a wide spit extending about Pier, on the S side of the bay, is used by the ferry service.

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There are three other major berths on the S side of More useful anchorages are available in Kerrera Sound as
Oban Bay, each of which has a specialist use, including given at 8.185.
South Quay which is equipped to handle fishing vessels. Moorings are available in the N of Oban Bay below the
Cathedral and in Cardingmill Bay (8.175) in front of the
Yacht Club.
Port services 3 Repairs. There are two slipways in Oban Bay suitable
for craft up to 15 m in length and several smaller slipways,
as shown on the chart.
Repairs Supplies. Good supplies of fuel, provisions and stores
8.180 are available.
1 Routine repairs can be carried out on both hull and
machinery.
Anchorages in Kerrera Sound
8.185
Other facilities 1 The following anchorages are given from N to S, noting
8.181 that they are all subjected to the wash from passing vessels.
1 A hospital, including isolation facilities, is available in 8.186
Oban. 1 Ardantrive Bay (56°25′N, 5°30′W), tucked inside the
Customs. NE corner of Kerrera, affords well sheltered anchorage with
Oily waste reception facilities are not available. good holding in depths of 10 to 18 m which, during strong
winds from the NW, is preferable to Oban Bay. Anchorage
Supplies is also shown on the chart S of Rubh’ a’ Chruidh, the NE
entrance point to Ardantrive Bay, which is joined to the NE
8.182
extremity of Kerrera by a drying reef.
1 Marine fuels are available at North Pier and Railway
2 Oban Yachts marina is situated in Ardentrive Bay. Deep
Pier.
water pontoon berths, moorings and a slipway are available
Fresh water is available at Railway Pier and North Pier.
at the marina, which also provides repair facilities, fuel,
Provisions and ships stores, including charts, are
fresh water and showers. See Admiralty Maritime
available in Oban.
Communications.
8.187
Communications 1 Cardingmill Bay (56°24′⋅6N, 5°29′⋅3W) (8.175)
8.183 contains an anchorage situated near the middle of an area
1 A helicopter landing site is established ESE of Oban and containing many private and visitors’ moorings.
there is an airfield at North Connel, 5 miles NE. 8.188
1 Horseshoe Bay (56°23′⋅7N, 5°31′⋅5W) affords sheltered
anchorage with good holding, clear of the many moorings
Small craft which occupy part of the bay.
8.189
1 Port nan Cuilc (56°23′⋅5N, 5°30′⋅8W) contains
Oban Bay moorings, a slipway and a small boat-building yard
8.184 providing repair facilities, provisions and stores. For
1 Approach channel. When approaching Oban Bay from submarine power cable see 8.162.
S (8.170) a secondary channel into the bay is available 8.190
which passes S then ESE of Sgeir Rathaid (56°24′⋅8N, 1 Little Horseshoe Bay (56°23′⋅3N, 5°32′⋅0W) affords
5°29′⋅2W), with a least depth of 8⋅2 m in mid-channel anchorage inside Little Horseshoe Shoal (8.171) in depths
passing between shoals with depths of 4 m or less over of 3 to 5 m with good holding.
them. 8.191
2 Anchorage is possible within Oban Bay, to the N of 1 Sgeirean Dubha. Small craft can obtain anchorage
North Pier but there are many moorings in the area and a ½ cable WNW of Dubh Sgeir Light (56°23′N, 5°32′W)
wreck, lying 1 cable N of the pier, should be avoided. (8.170) in a depth of 11 m.

SOUND OF MULL AND APPROACHES

GENERAL INFORMATION Inshore Traffic Route
Chart 2171 8.193
Scope of the section 1 Parts of the Inshore Traffic Route (1.11) pass through
8.192 the area covered by this section; the text for these parts is
1 This section covers the Sound of Mull (56°32′N, given as follows:
5°55′W) (8.224) and the following approaches: From the N end of the Firth of Lorn, at 56°27′N,
From SE, including the S part of the Lynn of 5°38′W, to the SE entrance to the Sound of Mull
Morvern (56°29′N, 5°40′W) at 8.198. (56°29′N, 5°41′W) at 8.199.
From NW (56°40′N, 6°10′W), which is presented as 2 Through the Sound of Mull at 8.224.
a departure, at 8.295. From the NW end of the Sound of Mull at 56°39′N,
2 A description of Loch Sunart (56°40′N, 5°55′W) is 6°04′W to a position SW of Point of
given at 8.315. Ardnamurchan (56°44′N, 6°14′W) at 8.296.

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Harbours position S of Rubha an Ridire (56°30′N, 5°41′W) at the SE

8.194 entrance to Sound of Mull. Chart 2390 is best suited for
1 Minor harbours. Within the routes described above the this route which forms part of the Inshore Traffic Route as
text includes the following minor harbours, given in order given at 1.11.
from SE to NW: 2 The route into the central part of Lynn of Morvern, from
Craignure Bay (56°28′N, 5°42′W) (8.215). a position WSW of Lady’s Rock, follows the above route
Loch Aline (56°33′N, 5°45′W) (8.269). for 1¼ miles then continues N for a further 1½ miles to a
Tobermory Harbour (56°37′N, 6°03′W) (8.251). position W of Rubha Croinn (56°29′N, 5°36′W). Chart
2 Small craft facilities. There are no marinas or other 2378 is best suited for this route.
facilities specifically designed for small craft within the
area of this section. However, all the minor ports include
Topography
some facilities for small craft and there are many suitable 8.200
anchorages, all of which are mentioned in the text. 1 General topography for the Island of Mull is given at
1.89.
Depths Topography for the NW side of Lynn of Morvern and
8.195 for the SW end of the island of Lismore (56°28′N,
1 Depths of more than 20 m are available over the length 5°36′W) is given at 8.350.
of the Inshore Traffic Route given in this section. However,
Hazards
many shoals exist in the Sound of Mull, the shallowest of
8.201
which are marked by buoys but there are also unmarked
1 Details of a hazardous race and overfalls are given at
rocks and shoals which extend up to 2 cables off both
8.207.
shores.
The routes described above pass through an area of
Weather fishing activity (8.5), and include submarine exercise areas
8.196 (8.4).
1 In fine weather, with winds between NE and E, there is Traffic regulations
frequently a fresh breeze on the weather-side of the Sound
8.202
of Mull, whilst there is scarcely any wind to leeward. 1 A restricted area, in accordance with 1.52, is established
Under Ben Hiant (56°42′N, 6°01′W) and in Mingary
within a radius of 75 m from a position close N of Duart
Bay, 2 miles WSW, a fresh gale sometimes blows Point (56°27′⋅4N, 5°39′⋅3W), as shown on the chart, to
continuously for hours whilst at Tobermory, 4½ miles SSW, protect an historic wreck.
and adjacent parts of the sound, the wind is light.
Rescue
Tidal streams 8.203
8.197 1 A Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre is operated by Oban
1 Tidal streams in the Sound of Mull and its approaches Coastguard and an Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team
set generally in the direction of the fairway. The rate of (1.61) is based at Lochaline (56°32′N, 5°46′W).
each stream in the sound increases, and the times at which An all-weather lifeboat (1.72) is also stationed at Oban.
it begins become later, with distance from the NW
entrance. Tidal streams
2 However, this time difference varies, being a maximum 8.204
delay of 1¾ hours (between the NW and SE approaches) 1 General information regarding the movement of tidal
for the SE-going stream, and a delay of 4 hours for the streams in the Sound of Mull and its approaches is given at
NW-going stream. This variation occurs because in the NW 8.197, and tidal streams S of Lady’s Rock are described at
approach the SE-going stream sets for 5 hours and the 8.115.
NW-going stream for 7½ hours, whereas in the SE 2 The tidal streams between Firth of Lorn and Sound of
approach the SE-going stream sets for 7¼ hours and the Mull and Lynn of Morvern set very strongly between
NW-going stream for 5¼ hours. Eilean Musdile, Lady’s Rock, and the E coast of the Island
of Mull, creating a race and overfalls as given at 8.207.
The rate at spring tides in both directions is 6 kn between
LYNN OF MORVERN SOUTHERN PART Eilean Musdile and Lady’s Rock, and 4 kn between Lady’s
Rock and the Island of Mull. North of these channels, as
General information the fairway opens out, the streams lose strength, and off
Charts 2390, 2378 Duart Point (1½ miles WNW of Lady’s Rock) the N-going
Channel stream has a rate of 3 kn at spring tides and of 1 kn at
8.198 neap tides, as shown on the chart.
1 Lynn of Morvern is entered at its S end from the Firth 3 The N-going stream, which sets for 5¼ hours only, is
of Lorn, between Eilean Musdile (56°27′⋅4N, 5°36′⋅3W) considerably stronger than the S-going stream and sets in
and the Island of Mull, and at its SW end from the SW directions which change gradually from 330° to 000°.
end of the Sound of Mull (56°30′N, 5°42′W). In this S-going stream, which sets for 7¼ hours, sets in directions
respect the SW part of the Lynn of Morvern forms the SE which change gradually from 140° to 170°. This stream
approach to the Sound of Mull from the Firth of Lorn. changes from S-going to N-going through W, and, during
the change, sets towards the land at a rate of ¼ kn at
Routes spring tides; it changes from N-going to S-going through E.
8.199 8.205
1 From a position WSW of Lady’s Rock (56°27′N, 1 Between Duart Point and Eilean Musdile, at the S end,
5°37′W) the approach to Sound of Mull from SE leads N and the coast of the Morvern Peninsula, to the N, the
for about 1¼ miles then NW for about 2¼ miles to a N-going stream divides to set NW towards the Sound of

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Mull and NE through Lynn of Morvern. At the SW end of

Lynn of Morvern the NE-going stream sets at first towards
the coast of the Morvern Peninsula then along the coast as
given at 8.355.
2 Along the coast between Duart Point and Scallastle
Point (2¾ miles NW) the tidal streams set as follows:
Interval from HW Oban Remarks
–0025 SE-going stream begins
–0550 NW-going stream begins
3 The maximum rates at spring tides are 2 kn SE-going
and 2½ kn NW-going.
8.206
Eddies. In Craignure Bay (56°28′N, 5°42′W) there are
probably eddies created by the tidal streams in both
directions.
1 In Duart Bay the resultant stream probably sets towards
Duart Point almost continuously. Lady’s Rock and Lismore Light from S (8.210)
2 In Lynn of Morvern the SW-going stream forms eddies (Original dated 2000)
in its SW part; an eddy also forms SW of Rubha Croinn (Photograph − Air Images)
(56°29′N, 5°36′W) and sets NE into Bernera Bay (8.221)
W of foul ground and a bank, with depths of less
(chart 2378).
than 10 m over it, which extends 1½ cables SW
For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
from the SW extremity of Eilean Musdile, an
North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland.
island in two parts connected by a stone bridge, on
the SW end of which stands Lismore Light
Tidal race and overfalls (8.118), thence:
3 E of Duart Point (1½ miles WNW) the NE extremity
8.207
of a promontory on the NE corner of the Island of
1 Caution. Strong tidal streams create a heavy race in the
Mull, which is rocky and steep-to. Duart Castle, a
vicinity of Lady’s Rock and across the channel NE of the
building of classic design, which stands on a low
rock, towards Eilean Musdile, even in fine weather. With
cliff close to the point is reported to be obscured
strong winds and opposing tidal streams this race is
from SE. Thence:
accompanied by overfalls which are dangerous and it is
W of Rubha Fiart (1 mile NE) the SW extremity of
recommended that this area should be avoided.
Lismore (8.350), on which stands a small flagstaff.
Details of overfalls NW of Rubha Groinn are given at
8.356.
Chart 2390
8.211
Principal marks 1 When Lismore Light bears 129° the track alters to the
8.208 NW maintaining the light on this line of bearing astern
1 Landmark: until Ardtornish Point (56°31′N, 5°45′W) (8.239) bears
Lismore Lighthouse (56°27′N, 5°36′W) (8.118). 306¼° ahead. The line of bearing of 306¼° of Ardtornish
Major light: Point Light leads, within a white sector (302°−308°) of the
Lismore Light—as above. light, towards the SE entrance to Sound of Mull, passing
(with positions from Duart Point (56°27′N, 5°39′W)):
2 SW of a shallow bank, with depths of less than 10 m
Other navigational aids over it, extending 2¼ cables SW from Liath Sgeir
8.209 (2 miles NE); clearing marks for this rock are
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the given at 8.214. Thence:
Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at NE of Duart Point (8.210), thence:
1.33. NE of Rubha na Sròine (1½ miles WNW) the SE
entrance point to Craignure Bay (8.215).

Directions
(continued from 8.124) Useful marks
8.212
1 The following useful marks are positioned from Rubha
Approach to Sound of Mull from south-east na Sròine:
8.210 Radio tower (5½ cables SSE) which has a white
1 From the vicinity of 56°26′⋅7N, 5°37′⋅8W the approach building standing close by.
to Sound of Mull from SE, and also the route into Lynn of Radio mast (elevation 485 m) (1¼ miles SW)
Morvern from S, leads N, passing (with positions from consisting of a lattice structure with dish aerials.
Lady’s Rock (56°27′N, 5°37′W)): 2 Two prominent oil tanks (4 cables W) standing near
E of Black’s Memorial Tower (1 mile W) (8.124), the root of Craignure Pier.
and: Scallastle Point (1¼ miles NW) (8.236).
2 W of Lady’s Rock (8.124), using great caution due to Glas Eileanan Light (1¾ miles NNW) (8.236).
the tidal race as given at 8.204, thence: (Directions continue for Sound of Mull at 8.236)

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Chart 2378 Rear light (concrete mast, elevation 12 m) (150 m

Lynn of Morvern south-west part WSW), standing near the root of the pier, which is
8.213 exhibited on request.
1 From the vicinity of 56°28′N, 5°38′W the route into 2 Useful marks (with positions from the pierhead):
Lynn of Morvern continues N, passing (with positions from Hotel (4½ cables NW) reported to be an
Rubha Croinn (56°29′N, 5°36′W)): unmistakeable long, low building.
W of a bank extending 2 cables W from Liath Sgeir Oil tanks (1¼ cables W) (8.212).
(1 mile SSW) (8.211), thence: Church with a belfry (2¾ cables SE).
W of Rubha Croinn (8.359), and:
ESE of Rubha an Ridire (3 miles W) (8.236). Anchorage
8.217
Charts 2378, 2390, 2171 1 Anchorage for coasters can be obtained in a depth of
Clearing marks for Liath Sgeir 24 m in position 2 cables NE of the pierhead, as shown on
8.214 the chart, with the following anchor bearings:
1 The alignment (205°) of the light-beacon on Lady’s Duart Castle (8.210) bearing 124°, open NE of Rubha
Rock (56°27′N, 5°37′W) (8.124) with the E na Sròine.
extremity of the Island of Mull (3¾ miles SSW) Free Church Manse (3 cables S of Java Point) which
clears SE of the danger. is a two-storeyed house, bearing 250°.
The alignment (172°) of the SW extremity of Eilean
Musdile (5 cables NE of Lady’s Rock) (8.210) Alongside berths
with the mound on Rubha na Feundain (4½ miles 8.218
S) (8.121) clears W of the danger. 1 The pier, which extends 145 m ENE from Craignure,
2 The alignment (287°) of the light on Glas Eileanan provides a general purpose berth on its E side with a
(56°30′N, 5°43′W) (8.236) with Cnoc an Teine length of 26 m and a depth alongside of 2 m.
(3¼ miles WNW) (8.239) clears NNE of the A Ro-Ro berth on the W side of the pier has a length of
danger. 37 m and a depth alongside of 5⋅6 m, with adjustable
(Directions continue for Lynn of Morvern at 8.359) linkspan for end-loading vessels.
Supplies
Craignure Bay 8.219
Chart 2378 1 Small quantities of fuel and provisions can be obtained
at Craignure.
General information
8.215 Small craft
1 Craignure Bay (56°28′N, 5°42′W), entered between 8.220
Rubha na Sròine (8.211) and Java Point (6 cables NW) is 1 Anchorage, with good holding, can be obtained ½ cable
the main vehicular ferry terminal and entry port for the NE of the pierhead, as shown on the chart, clear of the
Island of Mull. It affords good shelter with winds from S approach line to the pier.
through W to NW for both anchorages and alongside Anchorage can also be obtained on either side of the
berths. pier or towards the SE end of the bay.
Alongside berths. It is possible to berth alongside the
main pier and also on the SW side of a stone pier, which
dries, extending from the SE shore of the bay.

Anchorages
Bernera Bay
8.221
1 Temporary anchorage can be obtained in Bernera Bay
(56°29′⋅4N, 5°34′⋅8W), clear of rocks which extend up to
Craignure Bay from NE (8.215) 1 cable from the SE side of Bernera Island (8.359) and of
(Original dated 2000) marine farms (1.17) which are moored off the W end of
(Photograph − Air Images) Lismore. This bay is exposed to the SW.

2 Port Authority is Argyll and Bute Council, Department North-west of Duart Bay
of Roads and Transportaion, Manse Brae, Lochgilphead 8.222
PA31 8RD. Local control is exercised by a Pier Master. 1 Temporary anchorage can be obtained on the bank
Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables. extending offshore between Rubh’ a’ Ghuirmein
Mean spring range about 3⋅2 m; mean neap range about (56°27′⋅6N, 5°40′⋅6W) and Rubha na Sròine
1⋅3 m. (8 cables NW), anchoring at least 2½ cables from
3 Port radio station is operated from Craignure, for the coast.
details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6(1).
Small craft
Directions
8.216 Duart Bay
1 The alignment (241°) of the leading lights on the pier 8.223
leads towards the N side of the pier in clear water: 1 Duart Bay (56°27′N, 5°40′W) affords temporary
Front light (concrete mast, elevation 10 m) standing anchorage off the slip at Torosay, on the W side of the bay,
on the head of the pier. or off the stone pier on the W side of Duart Point.

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SOUND OF MULL A ferry crosses the sound between Loch Aline

(56°32′N, 5°46′W) (8.269) and the peninsula 1½ miles SW.

General information
Traffic regulations
8.228
Chart 2171, 2390 1 A restricted area, in accordance with 1.52, is established
Channel within a radius of 50 m from a position 60 m N of the W
8.224 extremity of Eilean Rubha an Ridire (56°30′N, 5°42′W), as
1 The Sound of Mull, which is entered at its SE end shown on the chart, to protect an historic wreck.
between Rubha an Ridire (56°30′N, 5°41′W) and Scallastle
Point, 1½ miles WSW, extends WNW then NW for
15 miles to its NW entrance between Rubha nan Gall Rescue
(56°38′N, 6°04′W) and Auliston Point, 2¼ miles ENE. 8.229
2 This sound provides sheltered passage between the S 1 An all-weather lifeboat (1.72) is maintained at
ports on the W coast of Scotland and destinations to the N, Tobermory (56°37′N, 6°04′W). Auxiliary Coastguard
forming part of the Inshore Traffic Route (1.11). Navigation Rescue Teams (1.61) are based at Tobermory and Lochaline
presents no difficulty and there are many good and (56°32′N, 5°46′W).
temporary anchorages along its shores. The main harbour,
Tobermory (8.251), situated at the NW end of the sound, is Natural conditions
easy of access. 8.230
1 Local magnetic anomaly. The normal magnetic
variation is increased by up to 5½° (1971) in an area
indicated on the chart between 56°34′⋅5N and 56°36′⋅5N.
8.231
1 Tidal streams. General information concerning the
movement of tidal streams in the Sound of Mull and its
approaches is given at 8.197.
Movement of the tidal streams in the fairway of the
sound is best seen on the chart.
2 Inshore, on both sides of the sound, the tidal streams
begin ½ hour earlier than in mid-channel. These streams set
Rubha nan Gall Lighthouse
fairly strongly off the salient points on both sides and may
Sound of Mull from NW(8.224) create ripples or overfalls, especially off Ardtornish Point
(Original dated 2000)
(56°31′N, 5°45′W), Rubh’ ant-Sean Chaisteil (8¾ miles
(Photograph − Air Images)
WNW) and Rubha nan Gall, the NW entrance point. In the
bays between these points the streams are weak and there
are many eddies.
Topography 3 Off Rubha nan Gall the streams set as follows:
8.225
1 The Sound of Mull separates the NE side of the Island Interval from HW Oban Remarks
of Mull (1.89) from the SW side of Morvern Peninsula, on –0100 SE-going stream begins
the mainland.
+0400 NW-going stream begins
2 On the N side of the SE entrance, between Rubha an
Ridire and Ardtornish Point (2½ miles WNW), the coast The rate at spring tides in both directions off the point
rises to basaltic cliffs, 200 m high. Within these cliffs the is probably 1½ to 2 kn.
land continues to rise to An Dunan or Table of Lorn 4 Eddies at the NW end of the sound are formed on both
(56°32′N, 5°42′W) which is a remarkable plateau, 411 m sides of Rubha nan Gall, off which there are ripples or
high, with vertical sides. It is reported that, with strong overfalls.
winds from the SW, the waterfalls on these cliffs may be At the SE end of the sound, eddies are created in
blown upwards. Scallastle Bay (56°29′N, 5°45′W) and Inninmore Bay
(2 miles NNE) by the NW-going stream and probably
between Glas Eileanan (56°30′N, 5°43′W) and Yule Rocks
Depths (7 cables WNW). The SE-going stream creates eddies to
8.226 the SE of Glas Eileanan.
1 Many shoals exist in the sound, as given at 8.195. 8.232
Caution. Numerous rocks and shoals lie on the 1 Overfalls. In the SE entrance, where the tidal stream is
extensive bank in the NW entrance, in addition to the fairly strong, overfalls are created off Scallastle Point and
named rocks, such as Big Stirk (56°39′N, 6°01′W). These Sgeir nan Gobhar, 3½ cables N, off Glas Eileanan and Yule
rocks, having a depth of less than 2 m over them, show the Rocks, and off Rubha an Ridire, the NE entrance point,
kelp growing on them at LW and it is dangerous to attempt and Eilean Rubha an Ridire, 5 cables NW.
any passage between these dangers. 8.233
1 Local weather. General remarks on local weather are
given at 8.196. The SE half of the sound is bordered by
Hazards high hills on both sides, particularly on the Island of Mull,
8.227 causing the wind to funnel along the sound, with
1 Submarine exercises take place throughout the Sound occasional squalls through the valleys. About half way
of Mull; see 8.4. along the sound, at Salen (56°31′N, 5°57′W) (8.288) there

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is a gap in the hills on the S side, and a SW wind often situated in the middle of the SE entrance to Sound
divides at the gap, blowing NW and SE from there. It is of Mull and consist of two islets of which the E
also reported that the opposite can happen in a NE wind. islet is the higher. Glas Eileanan Light (white
framework tower, 6 m in height) stands on the E
Chart 2390 islet. Thence:
Principal marks 6 Close NE of a rock, with a depth of 10⋅8 m over it,
8.234 (6½ cables NNW) and close SW of a rock, with a
1 Landmarks: charted depth of 19⋅9 m, (6½ cables NNW). These
Conspicuous cottage (56°30′N, 5°47′W), standing rocks are the NE of shoals extending 6½ cables
2½ cables WSW of Garmony Point which is low NE from Yule Rocks (7 cables WNW) which are
and consists of shingle. Garmony House stands marked by a light-buoy (port hand) on their NE
2½ cables W of the cottage, close to a prominent side. The 10⋅8 m rock (above)is marked on its NE
belt of trees. side by a light-buoy (N cardinal). It should be
2 Conspicuous War Memorial Cross (9 m in height) noted that deeper water lies in Inninmore Bay, to
(56°32′N, 5°47′W) which stands on the W the NE of this track.
entrance point of Loch Aline. 8.237
3 Conspicuous ruins of Caisteal nan Con (56°34′N, 1 Side channel. The channel between Glas Eileanan and
5°56′W), known locally as Dog’s Castle, standing Sgeir nan Gobhar, 4½ cables SW, (8.238) contains several
on a small peninsula on the NE side of the sound, charted dangers and local knowledge is required.
which resembles a roofless cottage, with a 8.238
chimney on the NE gable forming the highest 1 Clearing lines and marks:
point. A large brown shed with a galvanised metal The alignment (310°) of the SW extremity of
roof stands on the shore at the NE corner of a Ardtornish Point with Lochaline Pier (1¼ miles
small bay close NE of the ruins. A brown hut NW) clears close NE of the 4⋅4 m shoal extending
stands close NW of the shed. NE from Glas Eileanan.
4 Glenmorven Cottage (56°36′N, 5°58′W), standing 2 The line of bearing 125° of Lismore Light (56°27′N,
close to the shore, is a conspicuous, two-storeyed, 5°36′W) (8.118) open NE of Glas Eileanan Light
white building, with a glass conservatory along its clears NE of Yule Rocks and those shoals, with
ground floor front. charted depths of less than 10 m, which extend
Rubha nan Gall Lighthouse (white tower, 19 m in NE.
height) (56°38′N, 6°04′W), standing on Rubha nan 3 The foul ground, with charted depths of less than
Gall (8.247). 10 m, surrounding Glas Eileanan, Yule Rocks and
Sgeir nan Gobhar (56°29′N, 5°43′W) is covered by
Other navigational aids
a red sector (308° to 342°) of Ardtornish Point
8.235
Light.
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the
Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at
1.33. South-east part
8.239
Directions 1 From a position 8½ cables SE of Ardtornish point the
(continued from 8.212) track leads WNW in mid-channel for about 6 miles, passing
(with positions from Fishnish Point (56°31′N, 5°49′W)):
South-east entrance 2 SSW of Ardtornish Point (2¼ miles E) which is
8.236 steep-to and wooded on its S slope. Ardtornish
1 From position 56°29⋅4′N, 5°41′⋅0W the line of bearing Point Light (white clad metal framework tower,
306¼° of Ardtornish Point Light (56°31′N, 5°45′W) leads 7 m in height) stands on the point and Ardtornish
within a white sector (302°−308°) of the light, through the Castle, standing ½ cable N of the light, is a ruin
SE entrance to Sound of Mull, passing (with positions from which rises to an elevation of 32 m. Thence:
Glas Eileanan (56°30′N, 5°43′W)): 3 NNE of Avon Rock (1½ miles ESE) which is marked
2 SW of a detached rock, with a charted depth of 16 m on its NE side by a light-buoy (port hand). A
(8 cables E), which lies 2 cables SW of Rubha an detached shoal, with a depth of 11⋅7 m over it, lies
Ridire, the S extremity of Morvern Peninsula, 1½ cables SE of Avon Rock. Thence:
which is otherwise almost steep-to, thence: SSW of the entrance to Loch Aline (1¾ miles ENE)
3 NE of a rock, with a depth of 10 m over it (8.269), thence:
(3½ cables SE), which lies near the SE end of a 4 NNE of Rubha Leth Thorcaill, 9½ cables ESE, which
shoal extending 4 cables SE from Glas Eileanan. rises a short distance inland to a small peaked
This rock lies 6 cables ENE of Scallastle Point, the mound, 27 m high, and farther inland to Cnoc an
S entrance point of the Sound of Mull, which rises Teine, a conical wooded hill. A white post stands
inland to Druim an Dhubhair, a rocky mound on a small islet close off the point and a beacon
covered with trees. Thence: standing on the point marks the S end of a
4 SW of a dangerous wreck and a shoal, with a depth submarine power cable which crosses the sound to
of 4⋅4 m over it (6 cables ENE), which lie ½ cable a point 1¼ miles N. Thence:
S and 1 cable SE of Eilean Rubha an Ridire which 5 SSW of marine farms (1¼ miles NE) (1.17) which
is a grey islet, thence: are moored up to 1½ cables from the shore for a
5 Close NE of a shoal, with a least depth of 4⋅4 m over distance of 5 cables E from Rubha Dearg, thence:
it (1 cable NE), which forms part of the shallow NNE of marine farms (2 cables E) (1.17) which are
and uneven shoal surrounding Glas Eileanan, moored on the coastal bank up to 3 cables E of
known locally as Grey Islands. These islands are Fishnish Point, thence:

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6 SSW of Sgeir Savary (1½ miles NNW), a drying rock 8.243

which fronts Savary Bay and lies on the coastal 1 Useful marks:
bank extending up to 2 cables offshore between Aros Castle (ruins) (1¾ miles W) which stands near
Rubha Dearg (1¼ miles NNE) and Eilean na the coast on the N entrance point to Aros River,
Beitheiche (2¼ miles NW) which is a grassy islet. with Aros Mains, a group of white houses,
A barge landing site, which dries, extends from the standing close WNW of the castle.
head of Savary Bay. And: Two prominent piers, the W of which is in ruins,
7 NNE of a bank, with a least depth of less than 10 m which extend from Rubha Mór (1¼ miles SW).
over it, which extends up to 1½ cables offshore in There are several houses on the point.
the vicinity of Sgeir Ghlas (1½ miles WNW) and
two drying rocks which lie 3 cables E, thence:
SSW of Fiunary Rocks (2½ miles NW), some of North-west part
which dry, extending 3½ cables offshore in the 8.244
entrance to Camas Shalachain and marked off their 1 From a position SW of Caisteal nan Con the track leads
SW side by a light-buoy (starboard hand), thence: NNW in mid-channel for about 4 miles, passing (with
8 NNE of Eileanan Glasa, known locally as Green positions from Rubh’ ant-Sean Chaisteil (56°35′N,
Islands (3 miles WNW), a group of grass covered 5°59′W)):
rocks lying in the middle of the sound, which is 2 WSW of the coastal bank, with a charted depth of
steep-to on its NE side. Eileanan Glasa Light 12⋅2 m, (1¾ miles SE) which extends 3 cables
(white clad metal framework tower, 7 m in height) WSW from Sgeir Con, a shallow patch lying
stands on Dearg Sgeir, the N islet of the group. 2 cables WNW of Caisteal nan Con (8.234),
8.240 thence:
1 Clearing line. The line of bearing 131° of Duart Castle 3 WSW of a shoal patch, with a least charted depth of
(56°27′N, 5°39′W) (8.210) open NE of Scallastle Point 4⋅6 m (1½ miles ESE), which extends up to
(8.236) clears NE of Avon Rock and the shoal close SE, 3¾ cables SW from the coast, thence:
both of which are covered by a red sector (057°−095°) of ENE of Arle Rock (9½ cables SSE) which lies about
Ardtornish Point Light. ½ cable off the coastal reef extending 1 cable
8.241 offshore, 2½ cables N of Arle Point, thence:
1 Useful marks: 4 WSW of a shallow rock, with a least charted depth of
A white sector (095°−108°) of Ardtornish Point Light 5⋅8 m (1¼ miles E) which lies about 4 cables W of
covers the fairway in this part of the sound, but the shingle shoal at the mouth of Killundine River,
includes shallow water N of Sgeir Ghlas and the and:
whole of Eileanan Glasa and dangers to the S, ENE of a marine farm (6 cables SSE) (1.17) and foul
within its arc. ground which extends ¾ cable SE from Rubh’ a’
2 Achabeg Farm (1½ miles N) which is white and Ghlaisich. Ardnacross is a farmhouse standing
prominent. 3½ cables W of the point. Thence:
The ruins of Pennygown Chapel (2½ miles W), 5 WSW of a detached shoal, with a least charted depth
standing 2 cables E of the mouth of River Forsa, of 9⋅5 m, lying up to 1½ cables SW of Dun Bàn
surrounded by a grey stone wall with a cemetery (1 mile ENE), thence:
close W, is prominent. NE of a wreck, with a depth of 2⋅7 m over it, lying
2 cables NE of Rubh’ ant-Sean Chaisteil, also
known as Ardnacross Point, a grassy promontory
(15 m high) which is faced by low cliffs and is
Central part almost steep-to. A light-buoy (port hand) is
8.242 moored close NE of the wreck. Thence:
1 From a position 2½ cables NE of Eileanan Glasa Light 6 NE of marine farms (8 cables NW) (1.17) moored up
(56°32′⋅3N, 5°54′⋅7W) (8.239) the track leads NW for to 2½ cables from the SE shore of the sound,
about 2 miles towards the mid-channel point between thence:
Caisteal nan Con (8.234) and Rubha Gorm (1½ miles SW of a bank, with depths of less than 10 m over it,
WSW), passing (with positions from Eileanan Glasa Light): which extends 2 cables W from Bogha Bhuilg
2 SW of Rubha Aird Seisg (9 cables NNE), a wooded (1½ miles NNE) the outer rock of which dries. A
point which rises to Beinn Dubh, 3½ cables inland. light-buoy (starboard hand) lies close within the W
Clach na Criche or Wishing Stone, which stands edge of the bank, offshore of the 5 m depth
2 cables E of the point, is a grey stone with a contour. Thence:
small archway through it, visible from ESE and 7 ENE of a shoal, with a depth of 8⋅2 m over it
WNW. And: (1¾ miles NW), which is the outermost of the
3 NE of detached shoal patches, with a least charted shoals off the coast between Rubh’ ant-Sean
depth of 17⋅7 m (3½ cables WNW), thence: Chaisteil and Calve Island. This coast is almost
SW of marine farms (1 mile N) (1.17) which are steep-to and is backed by steep wooded cliffs.
moored up to 2½ cables from the shore NW of
Rubha Aird Seisg, as shown on the chart, thence:
4 NE of a detached shoal patch, with a least charted Chart 2394
depth of 16⋅6 m (1½ miles W) which lies 3 cables 8.245
E of Rubha Àird Ealasaid, a salient point, thence: 1 Clearing line. The line of bearing 335° of Big Stirk
SW of a detached shoal patch, with a least charted (56°39′N, 6°01′W) (8.250), just open WSW of Rubh’ an
depth of 14 m (1¾ miles NNW), which lies Dùin Bhàin (8.247) clears WSW of the many rocks and
3 cables SSW of Caisteal nan Con. shoals which extend up to 3 cables from the NE shore of

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the sound between Bonnavoulin (56°36′⋅7N, 5°58′⋅5W) Southern approach to Loch Sunart
(8.293) and Dun Bàn, 1¾ miles SSE, (8.244).
Chart 2394
Route
Chart 2390 8.249
8.246 1 From the N end of the Sound of Mull (56°38′N,
1 Useful marks: 6°01′W) a deep channel, with a width of 2½ cables and
Kilundine House (2 miles ESE) a two-storeyed white clear of dangers, leads N between the rocks and shoals
building standing on the slopes of a hill. lying in the middle of the NW entrance to the Sound of
Boathouse (1½ miles E) which has a galvanised metal Mull and the E shore of the sound. See caution at 8.226.
roof and stands on the NW side of Kilundine
River mouth. Directions
House (56°35′⋅0N, 5°57′⋅4W) reported to be 8.250
conspicuous (1993). 1 From a position 2 cables W of Rubha an Àird Dheirg
(56°37′⋅5N, 6°00′⋅2W) the recommended track leads N in
the channel, along the line of bearing 354° of Ben Hiant
Charts 2392, 2394 (8.324) (56°42′N, 6°01′W), passing (with positions from
North-west entrance Auliston Point (56°39′N, 6°00′W)):
8.247 2 W of Sgeir Chorrach (8 cables S) which lies near the
1 From a position ENE of the S end of Calve Island middle of the foul ground which extends, in
(56°37′N, 6°02′W) the line of bearing 318° of Beinn na places, 1½ cables offshore between Auliston Point
Seilg (56°42′N, 6°09′W) (8.306) leads in mid-channel and Rubh’ an Dùin Bhàin (1¾ miles S), thence:
through the NW entrance to the Sound of Mull, passing 3 E of a detached shoal, with a charted depth of 14⋅3 m
(with positions from Rubh’ an Righ, the NW extremity of (8 cables SW) which is the SE of the dangers
Calve Island): surrounding Little Stirk (8.247), thence:
2 SW of Rubh’ an Dùin Bhàin (1½ miles ESE) which E of a detached shoal, with a charted depth of 14⋅6 m
is a small peninsula distinguished by Saint (6 cables WSW) which is the E of the dangers
Columba’s Chapel, standing 1½ cables NNE of the surrounding Little Stirk, thence:
point, which makes a good leading mark when 4 E of a shoal, with a charted depth of less than 20 m,
entering the sound from NW, thence: which extends 1½ cables from Big Stirk
NE of Sgeir Calve (6 cables SE) a drying rock which (6½ cables W), thence:
lies close off the E side of Calve Island, thence: W of foul ground which extends 1 cable from
3 NE of Bodach a’ Chailbhe (4 cables SE), an isolated Auliston Point, the NW extremity of Morvern
pillar which is connected to the E coast of Calve Peninsula, which is also the NE entrance point to
Island and shows up well when open NE of the Sound of Mull.
Island, thence: (Directions continue for SW approach to
4 SW of an isolated rock, with a charted depth of 16 m Loch Sunart at 8.323)
(6½ cables ENE), which lies near the centre of the
fairway, thence: Tobermory Harbour
SW of a bank and shoal patches, with charted depths
of less than 20 m, which extend up to 3¾ cables Chart 2474, plan of Tobermory Harbour
SW from Little Stirk (1½ miles NNE) which is a General information
drying rock, thence: 8.251
5 NE of Rubha nan Gall (1 mile NW), the NW 1 Position. Tobermory Harbour (56°37′N, 6°04′W) lies at
entrance point to the Sound of Mull at the N end, the NW end of the Sound of Mull between the E side of
which is a flat rock lying on the coastal reef about the Island of Mull and the W side of Calve Island.
¼ cable offshore, steep-to on its NE side and on Positions in this text will be given from Rubh’ an Righ
which stands Rubha nan Gall Light (8.234), (56°37′⋅5N, 6°02′⋅8W) unless otherwise stated.
thence: 8.252
6 SW of a detached rocky patch, with a least depth of 1 Function. The harbour serves Tobermory, the principal
11⋅9 m over it (1½ miles NNW), being the nearest town on the Island of Mull with a population of 2696 in
of the dangers extending SW from New Rocks 2001. Cruise ships are regular visitors and a ferry connects
(1¾ miles N) which have a least depth of 0⋅9 m with Kilchoan (8.313) on the mainland.
over them (charted as dangerous rocks), marked 8.253
off their S side by a light-buoy (starboard hand). 1 Approach and entry. Tobermory Harbour is approached
See caution at 8.226. through the Sound of Mull, at its NW end and entered
8.248 through a deep and wide channel between Rubh’ an Righ
1 Clearing marks: and Rubha na Leip (4 cables NW).
The alignment (168°) of Rubha na Leip (4 cables
WNW), a densely wooded promontory, 84 m high, Traffic
with Aros Waterfall, 1¼ miles SSE, which lies 8.254
3 cables from the mouth of Abhuinn Loch nam 1 In 2002, the port was used by 3 vessels with a total of
Moill and is visible from seaward, clears to the 1 429 dwt.
WSW of the dangers extending SW from New 8.255
Rocks. 1 Port Authority: Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd., Pier
(Directions continue for the departure through the Office, Tobermory. Local control is exercised by a Pier
NW approach to Sound of Mull at 8.305) Master.

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Tobermory from E (8.251)

(Photograph − Air Images) (Original dated 2000)

Limiting conditions Harbour

8.256 8.260
1 Controlling depth is limited only by berthing and 1 Tobermory is a natural, sheltered harbour which affords
anchorage requirements, as shown on the chart. safe anchorage and berthing facilities. An area within
8.257 which vessels may not anchor, shown by pecked lines on
1 Deepest and longest berth. The ferry berth at the plan and marked by buoys, allows vessels to
Macbraynes Pier (8.265) situated on the N side of the bay. manoeuvre unhindered to and from berths.
8.258 8.261
1 Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables. 1 Tidal streams in the Sound of Mull are given at 8.231,
Mean spring range about 3⋅7 m; mean neap range about and for the NW entrance to the Sound of Mull at 8.300.
1⋅5 m. Within the harbour the tidal streams are imperceptible
Density of water: 1⋅025 g/cm3 and there is very little stream in the main entrance, NW of
Maximum size of vessel handled was 5000 grt with a Calve Island.
length of 90 m and draught of 3⋅2 m. 2 In Dòirlinn a’ Chailbhe, lying SW of the SE end of
Calve Island, the NW-going stream begins at –0550 HW
Oban at neap tides but at spring tides, when the channel
Arrival information dries near its entrance, this stream does not begin until
8.259 later. A weak SE-going stream begins at +0015 HW Oban.
1 Port radio is in operation; see Admiralty Marine
Communications. Directions for entering harbour
Notice of ETA is 48 hours for mariners wishing to berth 8.262
alongside. 1 From a position 4 cables N of Rubh’ an Righ the track
Regulations. Local rules prohibit anchorage in the into Tobermory Harbour leads SSW, passing (with positions
fairway (see 8.260) and restrict speed to 4 knots. from Rubh’ an Righ):
Quarantine. For quarantine regulations see 1.50. ESE of Rubha na Leip (4½ cables WNW) (8.248)
Quarantine anchorage for Tobermory is in Bloody Bay which is steep-to within ½ cable of the shore,
(56°39′N, 6°06′W) (Chart 2392) (8.310). thence:

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2 WNW of Rubh’ an Righ which is steep-to within 2 Anchorage may also be obtained as follows:
½ cable of the shore, thence: In a depth of 7⋅3 m off the ruined pier on the E side
WNW of Eilean Dheanish (2 cables SW) which is of Aros Bay (6½ cables SSW), clear of marine
joined to Eilean na Beithe (8.263) by a drying farms (1.17) moored in the vicinity.
reef. In the SE part of Dòirlinn a’ Chailbhe, N of a
8.263 dangerous wreck (masts cover) which is marked by
1 Useful marks: an orange buoy which does not watch at all states
A prominent white post (2½ cables SSW) standing of the tide.
near the W extremity of Eilean na Beithe, a low
island separated from the W side of Calve Island Loch Aline
by Acairseid Mhòr, a shallow bay.
Western Isles Hotel (turret) (5½ cables W) which is Chart 2390
conspicuous and stands on a hill with a flagstaff General information
close SW of it. 8.269
2 Church (tower) (7½ cables W) standing ¾ cable 1 Loch Aline is entered between Bolorkle Point (56°32′N,
inland, which is conspicuous. 5°46′W) and a point 2 cables W, on which stands a
Church (spire) (7 cables W), which is conspicuous monument (8.234).
and stands near the shore.
Two prominent white marks (6¾ cables SW and
7 cables SSW), situated on the SW shore of the
harbour, 4½ and 7½ cables NW of Aros Waterfall
(8.248) (Chart 2390).

Anchorages and berths

8.264
1 Anchorage. The anchorage shown on the chart (5 cable
WSW) cannot now be recommended due to the presence of Entrance to Loch Aline from S (8.269)
moorings. (Original dated 2000)
8.265 (Photograph − Air Images)
1 Alongside berth. The largest berth is at Macbraynes
Pier, also known as Mishnish Pier (5½ cables W) which The village of Lochaline, which had a 317 in 2001,
has a length of 42 m and a least depth of 2⋅4 m alongside. stands on the W side of the entrance. A mine producing
There is one other berth and a slipway. high quality silica sand, situated N of the village, is
serviced from the loch.

Port services
8.266
1 Repairs. Divers are available.
Supplies: Diesel oil and fresh water are available at
Macbraynes Pier; provisions, limited stores and charts are
available in Tobermory.

Small craft
8.267
1 Channel for entering harbour. Dòirlinn a’ Chailbhe
(7 cables SSE) is a narrow channel which dries at its SE
end, separating the SW side of Calve Island from the
Island of Mull. Near the time of HW this channel provides
an alternative entrance to Tobermory Harbour that is
convenient for small craft during strong gales from the SW.
Local knowledge is essential for the use of this channel,
Lochaline from E, with Sound of Mull beyond (8.269)
the sides of which are marked by only two beacons, the N
(Original dated 2000)
of which is green, as shown on the plan.
(Photograph − Air Images)
8.268
1 Anchorages and moorings. Moorings have been 2 Traffic. In 2002, the port was used by 43 vessels with a
arranged in a grid pattern, mostly S of the buoyed fairway. total of 52 363 dwt.
Twenty blue can buoys, marked THA, are designated for 8.270
visitors. There is also a visitors’ anchorage for small craft 1 Harbour Authority: Tarmac Northern Ltd., Lochaline,
up to 23 m in length, close inshore and clear of moorings Morvern, Oban, Argyll PA34 5UX.
and seabed debris, centred 1½ cables SSE of Fishermans
Pier. There is a pontoon landing stage and boat launching Limiting conditions
slip (not charted) 1¼ cables S of Fishermans Pier. The 8.271
landing stage has a minimum alongside depth of 2 m and is 1 Controlling depth over the bar is 1⋅7 m (2¼ cables NE).
provided to transfer passengers and stores; it is not an Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
overnight berth. MHWS 4⋅5 m, MHWN 3⋅2 m.

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Harbour 6 WNW of Sgeir nam Balg (1 mile NE) which is

8.272 marked by a yellow beacon with a spherical
1 Loch Aline (8.269), the shores of which are steep and topmark, thence:
thickly wooded, is entered through a narrow channel, over ESE of Sgeir nan Ron (1¼ miles NNE) which is
a bar. Within the bar the loch is deep and free from marked by a yellow beacon with a spherical
dangers in the fairway but a number of marine farms (1.17) topmark.
are moored along both sides of the loch and private 8.277
moorings are established around the shore. River Aline and 1 Useful marks:
Rannock River, which flow into the head of the loch, have Small church (3½ cables N) which has a belfry.
bridges near their mouths. Kinlochaline Castle (ruins) (2 miles NNE) standing on
8.273 the W side of the head of the loch.
1 Hazard. Loch Aline is used by large coasters which
have no room to manoeuvre in the narrow entrance channel Anchorages and berths
and also by a car ferry which operates from a slip situated 8.278
on the W side of the entrance channel. Caution is 1 Anchorage can be obtained off the E shore of the loch,
necessary to avoid meeting these vessels in the entrance in depths of 14 to 18 m.
channel. Outer berth. Lochaline Pier (2½ cables WSW), situated
8.274 outside the loch, has depths of 7⋅3 to 6⋅4 m alongside its
1 Tidal streams in the entrance to Loch Aline set as head, with the deepest water at the W end.
follows: 2 Inner berths. The largest berth within the loch (4 cables
NNE), with a length of 70 m and a depth alongside of
Interval from HW Oban Remarks about 9 m, serves the sand mine.
–0525 In-going stream begins Ro-Ro facility is available at the car ferry ramp
(1¾ cables NNE).
+0040 Out-going stream begins
The rate at spring tides is 2½ knots in both directions.
Supplies
There is little tidal stream inside the loch. 8.279
8.275 1 Fresh water and small quantities of provisions can be
1 Landmarks: obtained at Lochaline.
Conspicuous war memorial (8.234) standing near the Small craft
W entrance point. 8.280
Ardtornish House (2¼ miles NE), which stands on the 1 Anchorage. Loch Aline provides the best anchorage
E side of the head of the loch, is a large building facilities between Oban and Tobermory, with a variety of
with a conspicuous clock tower close NE. sheltered places within the loch.
Moorings are established along the W side of the
Directions for entering harbour entrance channel.
8.276 Repairs. There is a boatyard within the loch at which
1 Initial Position: 5 cables SSE of the monument most repairs can be carried out.
(56°32′N, 5°47′W).
Leading lights: Anchorages
Front light (concrete obelisk) (3½ cables NNE) 8.281
situated on the W side of the loch. 1 In the following paragraphs anchorages are described in
Rear light (88 m from the front light) consists of an order from SE to NW irrespective of size.
orange stripe on the gantry of the loading jetty.
2 The alignment (356°) of the leading lights leads towards
South of Glas Eileanan
and into the entrance channel, passing (with positions from 8.282
the monument): 1 Temporary anchorage can be obtained on the bank S of
Glas Eileanan (56°30′N, 5°42′W) (8.236) in depths of 22 to
Half a cable W of Bogha Lurcain (2½ cables SE)
26 m.
which is a drying rock lying ½ cable off Bolorkle
Point, the E entrance point to the loch, thence: Inninmore Bay
3 Through Caolas na h-Airde, the narrow entrance 8.283
channel which is marked on both sides by 1 Inninmore Bay (56°31′N, 5°43′W), a wide indentation
light-buoys (port hand and starboard hand), and: on the NE side of the sound, affords anchorage during
E of a stone pier (1¾ cables NNE) which has a light offshore winds, clear of a marine farm (1.17) moored
(metal post) standing at its head, and a ramp that 3 cables NNE of Eilean Rubha an Ridire. For restricted
is used by the Lochaline Ferry (8.287), thence: area see 8.202.
4 Close W of the least depth over the bar (2½ cables Useful mark: a small cottage standing near the shore at
NE) (8.271) which lies in mid-channel, close the head of the bay, close W of Dearg Alt Waterfall.
WNW of a light-buoy (starboard hand).
When clear of the least depth over the bar the track Scallastle Bay
alters to NNE into the loch, in clear water, passing (with 8.284
positions from the monument): 1 Scallastle Bay, known locally as Scallasdale Bay, entered
5 ESE of a light-buoy (port hand) (3½ cables NNE) between Scallastle Point (56°29′N, 5°43′W) (8.236) and
which is charted at the N edge of the entrance Garmony Point, 2 miles WNW, (8.234), affords good
channel, thence: anchorage for small vessels in a depth of 16 m, 9¼ cables
Clear of marine farms (1.17) and other moorings WNW of Scallastle Point, as shown on the chart, clear of
(8.272) and: shoals in the NW and SE parts of the bay and of marine

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farms (1.17) which are moored up to 3½ cables from the only suitable for small craft. However tidal streams in the
shore. bay are weak, and good anchorage can be obtained off the
2 Anchor bearings are as follows (with positions from bay. In the following text positions are given from Rubha
Scallastle Point): Mor.
The line of bearing 082° of the S extremity of Rubh 8.289
an Ridire (1½ miles NE), open N of Sgeir nan 1 Directions. From NW the approach is wide and clear,
Gobhar (3½ cables N) (8.238) which lies close to as shown on the chart.
the N end of foul ground extending 4¾ cables From SE the recommended route passes NE of Eileanan
NNW from Scallastle Point. Glasa (1¼ miles NE) (8.239) then SW towards the bay
3 The line of bearing 183° of a hut (9 cables W) keeping well NW of the line of bearing 212° of the N pier
situated close to the shore. on Rubha Mor. This clears the rocky bank surrounding
Useful marks: Bogha (5 cables NE) and the shoals extending NE to Eilean
Scallastle Farm (7 cables SW) which is surrounded by Glasa.
trees. 8.290
Principal marks in the vicinity are given at 8.234. 1 Anchorage can be obtained as given in the following
paragraphs.
Ardtornish Bay Medium sized vessels: N of a line joining Eilean Glasa
8.285 and Aros Castle (1¾ miles W), in depths of 27 to 33 m,
1 Ardtornish Bay, entered between Ardtornish Point mud.
(56°31′N, 5°45′W) (8.239) and Rubha an t-Sasunnaich, 2 Coasters: 3½ cables N of Rubha Mor in depths of about
7 cables E, affords anchorage for coasters. Good shelter is 15 m, remaining N of the line of bearing 125° of the N
provided from winds between SW and NE, in a depth of pierhead on Rubha Mor. This clears NE of Antelope Rock
13 m, as shown on the chart, clear of a rock, with a depth (2 cables W), and Maid of Lorne Rocks (4 cables W).
of 1⋅3 m over it, lying on the W side of a spit extending W Alternatively, coasters can anchor off Aros Castle
from Rubha an t-Sasunnaich. (56°32′N, 5°58′W) in depths of 11 m, with good holding
2 Anchor bearings are as follows (with positions from ground.
Ardtornish Point Light): 8.291
Line of bearing 343° of Inninbeg Cottage (4½ cables 1 Small craft approaching from E can make use of a
N). channel which passes S of the buoy (starboard hand)
Line of bearing 249° of Ardtornish Point Light. (5 cables E) marking the S edge of Bogha (8.289).
3 Landing. A small pier, with a least depth of 0⋅6 m Anchorage can be obtained W of Rubha Mor and
alongside, extends from the shore by a boathouse which is moorings are available for visitors.
situated 3 cables N of Ardtornish Point Light.
South-east of Rubh’ a’ Ghlaisich
West-north-west of Rubha Dearg 8.292
8.286 1 Temporary anchorage can be obtained in the bay
1 Temporary anchorage may be obtained on the coastal between Rubh’ a’ Ghlaisich (56°34′N, 5°59′W) and Arle
bank between Rubha Dearg (56°32′N, 5°48′W) (8.239) and Point (6½ cables S), with depths of 18 to 27 m, clear of
Eilean na Beitheiche (2¼ miles WNW), not less than Arle Rock (8.244), a marine farm (1.17) in the N part of
2 cables offshore, in depths of 24 to 30 m. the bay, and the coastal reef which extends 1 cable
offshore.
Fishnish Bay
8.287 West-south-west of Bonnavoulin
1 Fishnish Bay, entered between Fishnish Point (56°31′N, 8.293
5°49′W) (8.239) and Rubha na Leitreach (9 cables WNW) 1 Temporary anchorage can be obtained off the small
affords anchorage for coasters in a depth of 30 m (4 cables village of Bonnavoulin (56°37′N, 5°59′W) with the W end
SW of Fishnish Point), as shown on the chart, clear of foul of a row of white cottages bearing 070° and Rubh’ an
ground, 2½ cables SW of Fishnish Point, and marine farms Dùin Bhàin, 1 mile NW of Bonnavoulin, (8.247) bearing
(1.17) which extend up to 2½ cables from the W shore of 334°.
the bay. 2 Landing can be effected at a slip, with a depth of 2⋅4 m
2 Anchor bearings are as follows (with positions from alongside at MHWS, situated on the NW side of Port nam
Fishnish Point): Freumh, 2 cables NW of Bonnavoulin. A rock which dries
The alignment (055°) of Fishnish Point with 1 m lies 1½ cables W of the slip.
Lochaline Pier (1½ miles NE).
The line of bearing 155° of a white farmhouse Other name
(6½ cables S) standing near the head of the bay. 8.294
3 Useful mark: 1 Bàn Eileanan (56°30′N, 5°47′W)
Corrynachenchy (9 cables SSW) a white building
standing on the side of a hill, with two large NORTH-WEST APPROACH TO
barns, the largest of which is the W. SOUND OF MULL
A Ro-Ro berth (4½ cables ESE) is used by the Mull to
Lochaline Ferry, as shown on the chart. General information
Salen Bay Chart 2392
8.288 Channel
1 Salen Bay, entered W of Rubha Mor (56°31′N, 5°56′W), 8.295
is shallow, encumbered with dangers and foul areas, subject 1 The N end of the Sound of Mull is approached between
to a considerable swell during gales from NW and N, and Caliach Point (56°36′N, 6°19′W) and Point of

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Ardnamurchan, 8 miles NNE. The S side of the approach is Local weather

formed by the NW coast of the Island of Mull and the N 8.301
side by Ardnamurchan Peninsula. 1 General remarks on local weather are given at 8.196.
Principal marks
Route
8.302
8.296
1 Landmarks (with positions from Ardmore Point
1 In this text the route is described as a departure from
(56°39′N, 6°08′W)):
the N end of the Sound of Mull (56°38′⋅5N, 6°03′⋅5W)
Mingary Castle ruins (2¾ miles NE), standing close
leading NW for about 2 miles, W for about 4 miles, then
to the shore, is an irregular and extensive pile of
NW for a further 3 miles to a position SW of Point of
buildings, the front of which forms the
Ardnamurchan (56°44′N, 6°14′W). This route forms part of
continuation of a vertical rock. When seen from S
the Inshore Traffic Route as given at 1.11.
it resembles a large, sandy, rectangular tower with
2 The departure route towards the Passage of Tiree
sooty chimneys.
(56°30′N, 6°35′W) (Chart 2171) follows the above route
2 Conspicuous masts (1½ miles S) which are 23 m in
for the first 6 miles then, from a position N of Sorne Point
height and easily located as they stand on the
(56°39′N, 6°12′W), leads SW for about 5½ miles to a
skyline.
position NW of Caliach Point.
Glengorm Castle (2 miles SW), of dark grey stone, is
prominent and easily found in bright sunshine but
Hazard difficult to see in overcast conditions.
8.297 Ardnamurchan Lighthouse (56°44′N, 6°14′W) (9.136).
1 The route described at 8.296 passes through an area of 8.303
fishing activity (8.5), and includes submarine exercise areas 1 Major light:
(8.4). Ardnamurchan Light—as above.

Traffic regulations Other navigational aids

8.298 8.304
1 A restricted area is established within a radius of 250 m 1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the
centred on a position close E of Rubh’ a’ Mhile Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at
(56°41′⋅5N, 6°04′⋅4W), as shown on the chart, to protect an 1.33.
historic wreck. See 1.52.
Directions
(continued from 8.248)
Rescue
8.299 Departure north-west
1 An all-weather lifeboat (1.72) is maintained at 8.305
Tobermory (56°37′N, 6°04′W). Auxiliary Coastguard 1 From a position 4½ cables N of Rubha nan Gall Light
Rescue Teams (1.61) are based at Tobermory and Kilchoan (56°38′N, 6°04′W) (8.234), the line of bearing 318° of
(56°42′N, 6°06′W). Beinn na Seilg (56°42′N, 6°09′W) (8.306) continues to lead
NW, in clear water, passing (with positions from Ardmore
Tidal streams Point):
8.300 2 SW of the shoal, with a charted depth of 14 m
1 General information concerning the movement of tidal (2 miles ESE) which extends 3¾ cables WSW
streams in the Sound of Mull and its approaches is given at from New Rocks (8.247). For clearing marks see
8.197. 8.248. Thence:
Movement of the tidal streams in the middle of the NE of Rubha na Sealbhaig (3 cables SE), the NW
approach is best seen on the chart. entrance point of Bloody Bay (8.310) which rises
2 On the S side of the approach, off Ardmore Point inland to steep braes.
(56°39′N, 6°08′W) very weak streams set towards and from 8.306
the Sound of Mull and begin as follows: 1 When clear of Ardmore Point the track alters to the W,
passing (with positions from Ardmore Point):
Interval from HW Oban Remarks S of a bank, with depths of less than 5 m over it,
–0200 E-going stream begins which extends 1¼ cables SW from Glas Eilean
(2 miles NNE), thence:
+0300 W-going stream begins
S of Bogha na Keal (2 miles N) lying in the middle
3 Along the coast between Ardmore Point and Caliach of the entrance to Kilchoan Bay (8.313) and
Point, 7 miles WSW, there is very little tidal stream. marked by a beacon (isolated danger). Thence:
On the N side of the approach there is no information 2 N of Ardmore Point, the N extremity of the Island of
regarding the streams along the coast between Maclean’s Mull, which is low, rocky and steep-to, on which
Nose (56°41′N, 6°02′W) and Point of Ardnamurchan stands Ardmore Point Light (white metal
(7 miles WNW) except that they are weak nearly as far out framework tower, 5m in height), and:
as the point and are probably imperceptible in the bays. S of Bogha Caol Ard (1¾ miles N), a drying rock
Some information regarding times and rates may possibly which lies 1 cable offshore, thence:
be obtained by interpolation between the streams off Point 3 S of Sròn Bheag (1¾ miles NNW), a high, steep,
of Ardnamurchan (9.134) and those in the entrance to Loch rocky point at the W end of a coast that is almost
Sunart (8.321). However, it is probable that along the coast, steep-to for 2¼ miles. Within the point the land
between Point of Ardnamurchan and Eilean nan Seachd rises irregularly to a considerable height,
Seisrichean (2 miles SSE), the streams begin at the same culminating in Beinn na Seilg, 1 mile NNW.
time as those off the point. Thence:

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4 Clear of an isolated patch, with a charted depth of is clear of dangers outside a distance of ¾ cable from the
17⋅9 m (2 miles NW), lying at the SE end of a spit shore, with Sgeir Sgreabach, 3½ cables W of Rubha nan
extending SSE from the shore, and: Gall, as the only offshore rock. A marine farm (1.17) is
Clear of Fishing Bank (2 miles WNW), in the vicinity moored in the NW part of the bay, as shown on the chart.
of which the sea is heavy and confused in stormy 2 Good anchorage is available for small vessels in a
weather. depth of 36 m, thick mud, with Rubha nan Gall bearing
8.307 130° distant 6 cables, as shown on the chart. This
1 From a position 3 miles WNW of Ardmore Point the anchorage, which is used as a quarantine anchorage for
track along the Inshore Traffic Route alters NW, passing Tobermory, is best approached on the line of bearing 180°
(with positions from Ardnamurchan Light (56°44′N, on the clear-cut W side of Druim na Sròine-cruime,
6°14′W)): situated 5 cables WSW of Rubha nan Gall.
2 SW of a bank (2½ miles SSE) which extends
1½ cables W from the shore, and on which there Ardmore Bay
is a rock with a depth of less than 2 m over it 8.311
(charted as dangerous rock), thence: 1 Ardmore Bay, entered between Ardmore Point (56°39′N,
3 SW of Eilean nan Seachd Seisrichean (2 miles SSE) 6°08′W) (8.306) and Aigeann Charraig (6 cables WSW),
which is bare, rocky and steep-to on its W side; affords shelter from S winds and is useful as a temporary
separated by a narrow channel from the coast anchorage for coasters. The shores of the bay are fringed
which is steep-to and rocky for 2 miles NNW, by a rocky reef which extends up to 1 cable offshore in
thence: places.
4 NE of a rock, with a least depth of 16⋅2 m over it, Loch a’ Chumhainn
(3¼ miles SSW), over which the sea breaks in 8.312
stormy weather, thence: 1 Loch a’ Chumhainn (56°37′N, 6°14′W), which dries out
SW of Point of Ardnamurchan (9.138). for 9½ cables from its head and the sides of which are
8.308 rocky and foul, affords good shelter except from N and
1 Useful mark: NW winds which cause a heavy swell.
Mingary Pierhead Light (grey pole), 2¼ miles NNE 2 Tidal streams in the loch, which are very weak, set as
of Ardmore Point, which stands on the head of a follows:
small pier extending from the E side of Rubha
Àird an Iasgaich. Interval from HW Oban Remarks
(Directions continue for Sound of Sleat at 9.138, –0555 In-going stream begins
and for Sea of the Hebrides at 9.179)
+0010 Out-going stream begins
Departure south-west 3 Entering harbour. The entry channel passes either side
8.309 of Sgeir Mhór (8.309) and the shoals extending 4 cables
1 From the vicinity of 56°40′N, 6°13′W the track towards SSE, keeping clear of the coastal bank and Sgeirean Beaga,
the Passage of Tiree leads SW, passing (with positions from lying up to 4 cables off the S shore.
Rubha an Ard (56°37′N, 6°16′W)): Clearing marks and bearings for Sgeir Mhór are as
NW of Sorne Point (2¾ miles NE) which is fringed follows (with positions from Rubha an Ard (56°37′N,
by a narrow reef and may be distinguished by 6°16′W)):
Glengorm Castle, 7 cables ESE (8.302), thence: 4 The alignment (180°) of Croig House (1 mile ESE), a
2 NW of Cuan Mór (2¼ miles NE), a group of white building standing among trees on the SW
above-water and below-water rocks situated on the shore of the loch, with the conical peak of Carn
NE side of the entrance to Loch Mingary, a Mòr (3¼ miles SSE) (Chart 2171) which is the
narrow inlet the head of which dries for half its highest hill to the S, clears E of the reef but
length, thence: passes over a depth of 7 m on the edge of the
3 NW of the coastal bank, with a charted depth of coastal bank extending from the E shore.
16⋅2 m (1¾ miles NNE), which extends as a 5 The line of bearing 061° of Ben Hiant (9¼ miles
tongue 6 cables NW from Quinish Point, and: ENE) (Chart 2171) (8.324) open NW of Sorne
SE of a rock (4 miles N) (8.307), thence: Point (2¾ miles NE) clears close NNW of the reef.
NW of Sgeir Mhór (9 cables NE) lying in the middle The village of Cillchriosd (1 mile SSW) open NNW
of the entrance to Loch a’ Chumhainn (8.312), of Rubha an Ard (8.309) clears WNW of the reef.
and: 6 Anchorage can be obtained E of Sgeirean Beaga as
4 Clear of isolated shoal patches, with a least charted required.
depth of 17⋅5 m (1¾ miles N), which lie off the Small craft can anchor farther in, as shown on the
entrance to Loch a’ Chumhainn, thence: chart, or proceed SE into the loch and anchor ENE of
NW of Rubha an Ard, the E entrance point of Port Croig House, clear of a marine farm (1.17), as shown on
Langamull into which a submarine power cable is the chart. Local knowledge is required for the inner
laid, as shown on the chart, thence: anchorage.
NW of Caliach Point (2 miles WSW) (9.31).
(Directions for Passage of Tiree are given at 9.29) Small craft

Anchorages Kilchoan Bay

8.313
Bloody Bay 1 Kilchoan Bay (56°42′N, 6°07′W) which is rocky and
8.310 shallow with shores that are foul, affords anchorage for
1 Bloody Bay, entered between Rubha nan Gall (56°38′N, small craft N of Bogha na Keal (8.306), in depths of 3 to
6°04′W) (8.247) and Rubha na Sealbhaig (2 miles WNW), 5 m, sand. A slipway, marked in summer by a beacon

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(white with red bands, 5 m in height), extends about 200 m Hazards

SSE from the head of the bay. 8.319
2 Moorings. Four mooring buoys, laid near the head of 1 Marine farms. A large number of marine farms (1.17)
the bay, are available for visitors. The moorings in the NE are moored along both sides of the loch, up to 3 cables
end of the bay are private. offshore in places, as shown on the chart.
Submarine exercises take place within Loch Sunart.
Mingary Bay Rescue
8.314 8.320
1 Mingary Bay (56°41′N, 6°04′W) has a small pier (8.308) 1 An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) is based at
extending from the W side of the bay, with a depth of Salen (56°42′N, 5°47′W) and an all-weather lifeboat (1.72)
1⋅2 m alongside its N side, which is used by the ferry to is stationed at Tobermory (56°37′N, 6°04′W).
Oban. Mingary Rock and Marv Rock, 5½ cables ESE and
1½ cables E of the pier respectively, are named dangers in Tidal streams
the approach. A marine farm (1.17) is moored off the E 8.321
side of the bay. 1 Off the entrance to Loch Sunart, in position 56°40′N,
6°02′W, the tidal streams are more or less rotary clockwise
and set as follows:
Interval from HW Oban Direction
LOCH SUNART
+0530 NW then N
+0030 NE then E, S and W
General information 2 The rate in all directions is from ½ to 1 kn.
In the outer part of the loch, details of the streams in a
Chart 2394 position 4 cables SE of Rubha Aird Schlignich are shown
Channel on the chart. The streams probably begin at these times at
8.315 all other places in the loch but the rate varies with the
1 Loch Sunart, which is entered between Auliston Point width and depth of the channel. Further information is
(56°39′N, 6°00′W) and Maclean’s Nose (2 miles NNW), given in a note on the chart.
extends 16 miles to its head (56°41′N, 5°32′W) which 3 Eddies. During the in-going stream a weak eddy sets
dries. The channel through the loch, which is wide and outward along the N shore between Camas nan Geall
clear in the entrance, is tortuous for the first 2 miles, with (56°41′N, 5°59′W) and Maclean’s Nose (1½ miles W), and
unmarked dangers in the fairway, then clear for 6 miles, as a similar eddy sets along the S shore between Camas nan
far as the bar (8.317) where the navigable width is reduced Liath (56°39′N, 5°57′W) and Auliston Point (1½ miles W).
to 1 cable, closely followed by Laudale Narrows (8.317)
where the width is ½ cable. Above Laudale Narrows the Principal marks
channel is generally clear. 8.322
1 Landmarks:
Topography Conspicuous cottage with a red roof (56°41′N,
8.316 5°57′W) standing close to the E shore of Camas
1 Loch Sunart, which is long and narrow, is enclosed by Fearna.
mountains and hills. The head of the loch is separated from Glenborrodale Castle (56°41′N, 5°54′W) which is
Loch Linnhe (Chart 2171) by a narrow neck of land, conspicuous.
4½ miles wide.
Directions
Depths Entry from Sound of Mull
8.317 (continued from 8.250)
1 Loch Sunart is generally deep and, even though the 8.323
section between Rubha Aird Shlignich (56°40′N, 5°58′W) 1 From a position 3½ cables W of Auliston Point
and Rubha an Aisig Mhóir (3 miles E) has very irregular (56°39′N, 6°00′W) the line of bearing 052° of the peak of
depths, it provides a channel to the small port of Salen Eilean Mór (38 m high) (56°41′N, 5°56′W) (8.325), leads
(56°43′N, 5°47′W) (8.330). Three miles above Salen a bar NE, as shown on the chart, passing 2 cables NW of
spans the loch from Garbh Eilean (56°42′N, 5°41′W) to Auliston Point (8.250) which is situated at the W end of a
Torran a’ Chonnaidh (6½ cables SW) with a least charted stretch of coast that is almost steep-to for 1½ miles.
depth of 14⋅6 m in the fairway. Above this bar, in Laudale 2 When the cottage (56°41′N, 5°57′W) (8.322) bears 032°
Narrows, 1 mile SE of Garbh Eilean, the least depth in the distant 1¼ miles, the track leads in mid-channel, as given
fairway is 4⋅9 m, which constitutes the controlling depth for at 8.325.
the upper part of the loch which has deep water above the Entry from west
narrows. 8.324
1 From a position 1¾ miles SW of Maclean’s Nose
Route (56°41′N, 6°02′W) the alignment (083°) of Creag nan
8.318 Sgarbh (56°40′N, 5°56′W) (8.325) with the peak of Risga
1 The route through Loch Sunart, considered suitable for (41 m high) (1¼ miles E) leads E, as shown on the chart,
coasters, is described in full for a distance of 9 miles from passing (with positions from Maclean’s Nose):
the entrance to a position off Salen Bay. Above this S of Macparlin Rock (9 cables SW) an underwater
harbour the route is generally shown on the chart and is rock which lies near the middle of a shoal with
summarised in this text for the use of small craft only. depths of less than 50 m over it, thence:

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2 N of an extensive shoal and shallow patches, with a Sgarbh (1¼ miles WSW) (8.325) clears NNW of
charted depth of 4⋅2 m (1½ miles SSW), which Orosay Rocks.
extend 4½ cables NE from New Rocks (8.247), 2 The alignment (283°) of the NE extremity of Oronsay
thence: with the Third Shoulder of Rubha Aird Shlignich,
S of a detached shoal with a least depth of 8⋅7 m as shown on the chart, clears very close S of Ross
over it (9½ cables SSW), and: Rock.
3 N of a detached shoal with a least depth of 5⋅5 m
Loch Sunart central part
over it (1¼ miles SSW), thence:
8.327
N of a shallow patch, with a depth of 3⋅7 m over it
1 From a position E of Rubha an Aisig Mhóir (56°40′N,
(1¼ miles S), which lies on the shoal surrounding
5°53′W) the alignment (273°) astern of Rubha an Aisig
Red Rocks which consist of three rocks grouped
Mhóir with the peak of Risga (7 cables W) (8.324) leads E,
close together, and:
on the N side of the channel, passing (with positions from
4 S of Maclean’s Nose, a steep rocky point which rises
Dùn Ghallain (56°40′⋅4N, 5°50′⋅4W)):
in rugged steps to Ben Hiant, 1 mile N, a
2 S of a detached shoal, with a depth of 3⋅7 m over it
mountain with two peaks, thence:
(3 cables WSW) which lies near the edge of the
S of Sligneach Beag (1½ miles SE) which is a group
coastal bank, 1¼ cables S of Eilean nam Gillean
of steep-to rocks, thence:
which is connected to the N shore by a drying
5 S of foul ground which extends 1 cable S from
reef, thence:
Sligneach Mór (1¾ miles ESE) which is separated
3 1 cable N of shoal patches, with a least depth of
from the mainland NE by a deep channel with a
14⋅6 m over them (3¼ cables SSW), thence:
width of 1 cable.
S of a drying rock lying ¾ cable S of Dùn Ghallain,
a small islet connected to the shore by a drying
Loch Sunart western part reef. The ruins of an old castle stand on the islet.
8.325 Thence:
1 When the cottage (56°41′N, 5°57′W) (8.322) bears 032° S of Dùn Ghallain Rock (1 cable SE) which is awash.
and is open ESE of Rubha Aird Shlignich, 8 cables SW of 8.328
the cottage, the track leads generally E, in mid-channel, 1 When clear of Dùn Ghallain Rock the track leads NE
passing (with positions from Rubha Aird Druimnich for about 3 miles in mid-channel between shores which are
(56°40′⋅5N, 5°55′⋅5W)): almost steep-to, clear of many marine farms (8.319), to a
SSE of Rubha Aird Shlignich (1½ miles W), thence: position midway between Rubha Aird Earnaich (56°42′N,
2 NNW of Oronsay Rocks (1 mile SW) which are 5°45′W) and Rubha Aird Beithe (5 cables NW).
separated from Oronsay by a deep channel, see
clearing line at 8.326, thence: Loch Sunart eastern part
NNW of Creag nan Sgarbh (6 cables SW), which is 8.329
the NW extremity of Oronsay, a much indented 1 From a position 3 cables NNE of Rubha Aird Earnaich
island which is connected to the mainland S by a the route continues generally SE for about 2 miles along
drying reef, thence: the recommended track shown on the chart, clear of many
3 SSE of the bank, with depths of less than 5 m over it, marine farms (1.17), using the marks indicated; then in
which extends ½ cable S from Eilean Mór mid-channel through Laudale Narrows (56°41′N, 5°40′W),
(6 cables WNW), the N end of which is connected in which the tidal stream sets strongly, as given on the
to the N shore of the loch by a drying reef, chart, and for which local knowledge and caution is
thence: required; then in mid-channel to the head of the loch.
N of Sgeirean Glas (5 cables SW), foul ground which
extends as a spit 1 cable N from Rubha an Aisig, Salen Bay
the centre promontory on the N side of Oronsay, General information
thence: 8.330
4 SSW of Rubha Aird Druimnich, the E entrance Point 1 Salen Bay, situated on the N side of the loch and
of Glenmore Bay (8.336), thence: entered between Rubha Bhuailte (56°42′N, 5°47′W) and An
NNE of the NE extremity of Oronsay (4 cables S), Cnap, 3 cables ENE, has the scattered village of Salen
thence: standing around its shores. In the following text positions
WSW of a shoal, with a depth of 2⋅1 m over it are given from Rubha Bhuailte.
(5½ cables ESE) which lies 1 cable W of the foul 2 Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
ground extending ¾ cable W from the NW end of Mean spring range about 3⋅5 m; mean neap range about
Risga (8.324), thence: 1⋅4 m.
5 S of Ross Rock (9 cables SE) a rock awash which Tidal stream is weak in the wide channel immediately
lies 1 cable SSW of Risga, thence: S of the bay.
NW of Broad Rock (1¼ miles ESE) which has a 3 Entrance channel. Foul ground extends from both sides
depth of 0⋅5 m over it (charted as dangerous rock), of the bay and the head dries out for 1 cable. A drying reef
thence: (3 cables NNE), which extends up to 1 cable from the W
6 NNW of Rubha an Aisig Mhóir (1½ miles ESE), the side of the bay, marked on its W side by an iron beacon
N extremity of Carna, through a channel with a (cone topmark) and on its E side by a similar beacon (can
width of 1½ cables. See note on the chart for the topmark), reduces the navigable channel to a width of
tidal stream in this channel. ½ cable. Although the beacons were reported unpainted and
8.326 rusty (1997), both are substantial and easily identified.
1 Clearing bearing and marks: 4 Berths. A stone pier, about 90 m long, which extends
The line of bearing 067° of Glenborrodale Castle from the W shore (3½ cables N) is used by fishing vessels
(56°41′N, 5°54′W) (8.322) open NW of Creag nan and small craft.

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Supplies. Small quantities of provisions can be obtained. 8.336

Small craft can obtain good anchorage in the bay 1 Glenmore Bay (56°41′N, 5°56′W) affords anchorage in
(4½ cables NNE) in depths of 7 to 11 m, clear of a foul depths of 15 m, as shown on the chart, which is sheltered
area off the stone jetty. Mooring buoys, including two for except from SW. A jetty extends from the E side of the
visitors, are also established in the bay. bay, 2 cables from its head.
5 Facilities for small craft, including fuel, water and refuse 8.337
disposal, are available in Salen. 1 Loch na Droma Buidhe (56°39′N, 5°56′W) affords
anchorage in various places around the loch to provide
Anchorages shelter from any wind. The entry channel from the W,
entered S of Ceann Garbh, has a width of ½ cable and is
Off Rubha Aird Shlignich steep-to on both sides with a dangerous rock at its E end.
8.331 8.338
1 Good anchorage, suitable for medium sized vessels, can 1 The bay E of Oronsay, in position 56°39⋅6′N, 5°54′⋅0W,
be obtained up to 4 cables E of Rubha Aird Shlignich affords good and sheltered anchorage, as shown on the
(56°40′N, 5°58′W), as shown on the chart, on the E or W chart, in a depth of 15 m, mud.
edges of the coastal bank, according to the direction of the 8.339
wind, clear of marine farms (1.17). 1 Loch Teacuis which extends 2¾ miles SE from the S
Off Caol Chárna end of Carna (56°39′N, 5°53′W) affords sheltered
8.332 anchorage but the approach channels are foul and difficult
1 Anchorage for coasters is afforded in the entrance to with strong tidal streams. Local knowledge is required.
Caol Chárna (56°40′N, 5°52′W), 3 cables E of Carna, as 8.340
shown on the chart, which is sheltered from S winds. 1 The bay NW of Rubha an Daimh (56°41′⋅6N,
Landing can be effected at a jetty which extends from 5°41′⋅2W), affords good sheltered anchorage, as shown on
the coast at the W end of Laga Bay (56°41′N, 5°52′W) the chart, in a depth of 13 m mud and clay.
which is deep and exposed to the S. 8.341
1 Port a’ Challtuin (56°41′N, 5°37′W) affords good
Small craft anchorage at the E end of the bay, as shown on the chart,
in a depth of 13 m, mud.
Channel 8.342
8.333 1 Good anchorage can be obtained 5½ cables W of the
1 A secondary channel, between Risga (56°40′N, 5°54′W) head of the loch, ½ cable off the N shore, as shown on the
(8.324) and Eilean an Fhèidh, ¾ cable N, which has depths chart. A small pier (jetty) extends from the coast 1 cable W
of 11⋅0 to 15⋅8 m in the fairway is flanked by foul ground of the anchorage and supplies can be obtained at Strontian,
and local knowledge is required. 7 cables NW of the anchorage. Mooring buoys are laid to
the W of the entrance to Strontian River in position
Anchorages
8 cables W of the church and, close inshore, 2 cables NW
8.334
of Eilean a’ Mhuirich.
1 In the following paragraphs anchorages are given
generally in order from W to E irrespective of importance.
Camas Fearna (56°41′⋅0N, 5°57′⋅5W) affords anchorage Other names
in depths of 8 to 15 m. 8.343
8.335 1 Bàn, Camas(56°41′N, 5°58′W).
1 Port na Croisg (56°41′N, 5°57′W) affords anchorage in Bhuidhe, Sgeir (56°40′⋅5N, 5°54′⋅6W).
depths of 11 to 18 m. Choir, Sgeir a (56°40′⋅5N, 5°54′⋅3W).

LOCH LINNHE AND ADJACENT LOCHS

GENERAL INFORMATION Route
Chart 2635 8.345
1 Loch Linnhe forms the SW approach to the Caledonian
Scope of the section
Canal (56°51′N, 5°07′W) (8.525) which connects the W
8.344
coast of Scotland to the E coast. The SW entrance to the
1 Loch Linnhe (56°36′N, 5°30′W), which is the
canal is at the head of the Loch.
continuation NE of the Firth of Lorn (8.107), is divided in
its S part into two arms by Lismore (56°30′N, 5°30′W) an
elongated island in the middle of the channel which Harbours
separates Lynn of Morvern (8.349), to the NW, from Lynn 8.346
of Lorn (8.373) to the SE. This section includes all of 1 Minor harbours. Within Loch Linnhe and the adjoining
Loch Linnhe, except for the S part of Lynn of Morvern lochs mentioned above, the text includes the following
which is included as the SE approach to Sound of Mull at minor harbours, given in order from SW to NE:
8.198. Glensanda Harbour (56°34′N, 5°32′W) (8.361) (chart
2 Large lochs adjacent to Loch Linnhe are included as 2379).
follows: Fort William (56°49′N, 5°07′W) (8.526).
Loch Etive (56°27′N, 5°20′W) at 8.407. Corpach (56°50′⋅6N, 5°07′⋅5W) (8.523).
Loch Creran (56°32′N, 5°20′W) at 8.443. 2 Small craft facilities. The only marina within Loch
Loch Leven (56°41′N, 5°10′W) at 8.481. Linnhe is Dunstaffnage Yacht Haven (56°27′N, 5°26′W)
Loch Eil (56°51′N, 5°15′W at 8.520. (8.395) (chart 2379).

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Corpach (above) provides special facilities for small Rescue

craft waiting to transit the Caledonian Canal. 8.352
Most of the minor ports include some facilities for small 1 A Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (1.61) and an all-weather
craft and there are many suitable anchorages and landings lifeboat (1.72) are maintained at Oban (56°25′N, 5°29′W).
within the area, all of which are mentioned in the text.
Traffic regulations
8.353
Topography
1 For regulations within the limits of Glensanda Harbour
8.347
see 8.364.
1 Loch Linnhe and the adjoining Lochs form navigable
channels which penetrate deep into a range of high Dumping ground
mountains, including Ben Nevis (56°48′N, 5°00′W) (8.498) 8.354
and many others with sides which drop sheer into the sea. 1 A disused dumping ground for explosives lies in the
By contrast, Lismore (8.350), which lies in the middle of vicinity of 56°30′N, 5°37′W, as shown on the chart.
the entrance to Loch Linnhe, is low, green and fertile.
2 A distinctive feature within this natural landscape is the
Natural conditions
massive granite quarry at Glensanda (56°34′N, 5°33′W). 8.355
1 Tidal streams at the SW end of Lynn of Morvern are
given at 8.204. In the remainder of the channel the streams
Depths set as follows:
8.348
1 The S and central parts of Loch Linnhe have charted Interval from HW Oban Remarks
depths of more than 20 m in the channels connecting them –0545 NE-going stream begins
with the sea. However, the N part of Loch Linnhe and all
+0025 SW-going stream begins
adjoining lochs are entered through narrows and over bars
which are very shallow compared with the depth of the 2 At the SW end of the channel the NE-going stream sets
loch within. along the coast to Camas Chrònaig (56°33′N, 5°33′W) from
which it continues in a NE direction across the channel
towards a position 1 mile NW of Sgeir nan Tom (56°34′N,
5°26′W), 4 miles NE. This stream attains a maximum rate
LYNN OF MORVERN of 2½ kn at spring tides but elsewhere in Lynn of Morvern
CENTRAL AND NORTHERN PARTS the rate of the NE-going stream is not more than 1 kn and
there is no appreciable stream along the NW coast of
Lismore. The SW-going stream sets generally in the
General information direction of the channel in the central and northern parts of
the Lynn of Morvern with a rate of 1 kn at spring tides.
Charts 2378, 2379 8.356
Channel 1 Overfalls occur from a position 5 cables NW of Rubha
8.349 Croinn (56°29′N, 5°36′W) to a position 1 cable E of Rubha
1 Lynn of Morvern (56°33′N, 5°30′W) is a wide channel a’ Mhòthair (56°30′N, 5°39′W), as shown on the chart.
separating the island of Lismore from Morvern Peninsula, There is no satisfactory explanation for these overfalls
2 miles NW. This channel, which is generally deep and free which occur only at spring tides; they form at the
from dangers, provides the main entrance to Loch Linnhe beginning of the SW-going stream and continue for 3 or
(56°36′N, 5°30′W) (8.344) and also contains Glensanda 4 hours. The N edge of these overfalls is specially well
Harbour (56°34′N, 5°32′W) (8.361). defined.
2 The S end of Lynn of Morvern, including the entrances 8.357
from the Firth of Lorn and the Sound of Mull, is given at 1 Local weather. Winds tend to vary in both strength and
8.198. direction in an unpredictable manner, though SW and NE
winds predominate.
Topography
Principal mark
8.350
8.358
1 The SE coast of Morvern Peninsula, which forms the
1 Major light:
NW side of Lynn of Morvern, is bold, rocky and steep-to,
Lismore Light (56°27′N, 5°36′W) (8.118).
rising a short distance inland to the Morvern Hills with
their summit, An Sleaghach (56°32′N, 5°38′W) (Chart Directions
2171), only 7 cables from the coast. The granite quarry at (continued from 8.214)
Glensanda (56°34′N, 5°33′W) is a distinctive feature on an 8.359
otherwise featureless shore. 1 From a position W of Rubha Croinn (56°29′N, 5°36′W)
2 Lismore, an island of limestone formation rising to a the track through Lynn of Morvern leads NE, passing (with
summit in Barr Mór, 2½ miles NE of the SW end, is low positions from Sgeir nan Uan (56°32′N, 5°30′W):
when compared with the surrounding mountainous country. NW of Rubha Croinn the SW extremity of Bernera
The NW coast of the island, from a position 1 mile NE of Island, the NE extremity of which is connected to
Bernera Island (56°30′N, 5°35′W) (8.359), is rocky, Lismore by a drying reef, and:
steep-to and without offshore dangers for 3½ miles NE. 2 Through an area subject to overfalls (56°30′N,
5°37′W), as given at 8.356, thence:
Hazards NW of a rocky shoal, with a least depth of 3⋅7 m
8.351 over it (56°30′N, 5°34′W), which is the only
1 Lynn of Morvern is used for submarine exercises as danger lying more than 1 cable off the NW coast
given at 8.4. of Lismore along its SW part, thence:

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NW of a marine farm (2¼ miles SW) (1.17) which is 5°30′W) (8.466), close to a beacon which marks
moored close off Port nan Leadaig, thence: the S landing place of submarine power cables.
3 NW of Grogan Dubh (1½ miles SW) an above-water
rock, on which stands a perch, lying at the N end
Useful marks
of a drying reef extending NE from the SW 8.360
entrance point to An Sailean. The remains of 1 Caisteal na Gruagaich, a square building in ruins,
extensive limestone quarries and limekilns which 2½ miles NW of Sgeir nan Uan. It stands on a
back the inner shore of An Sailean are visible conical, rocky hill, 38 m high, situated on the N
from seaward. Thence: side of the mouth of Glensanda River.
4 NW of Dubh Sgeir (8 cables NE), a group of Sgeir Bhuidhe Light (56°33′⋅6N, 5°24′⋅6W) (8.383).
above-water rocks, the highest of which has an (Directions continue for Loch Linnhe at 8.466)
elevation of 4 m, and:
SE of Glensanda Loading Quay (2¼ miles NW)
Glensanda Harbour
(8.361) which is marked at both ends by a light General information
(metal post, 2 m in height), thence: 8.361
5 NW of Eilean Loch Oscair (1 mile NNE) which 1 Glensanda Harbour (56°34′N, 5°32′W), situated at
fronts Port na Moralachd (8.370) and is joined to Rubha a’ Chamais Bhain on the NW side of Lynn of
Dubh Sgeir (above) by a bank on which there are Morvern, consists of a deep-water loading berth and
below-water rocks, thence: associated facilities for the bulk shipment of crushed
NW of a promontory (1½ miles NNE) forming the granite from a quarry inland.
NW point of Lismore, on which stands a white 2 Harbour limits extend up to 1½ miles from the
beacon, thence: Morvern coast from Rubha na Moch-thra (56°32′N,
6 NW of Eilean nam Bàn (1¾ miles NNE) a 5°35′W) at the SW end to a position 2½ cables SW of
grass-covered islet from which a bank, with depths Rubha a’ Chaiginn (56°36′N, 5°30′W) at the NE end, as
of less than 10 m over it, extends 2½ cables NE, shown on the chart.
thence: 3 Approach and entry. The recommended approach from
NW of the bank, with charted depths of less than S is through the Firth of Lorn (56°22′N, 5°40′W) (Chart
20 m, which extends 5 cables NW from Alaster’s 2171) (8.107), passing between the Island of Mull and
Rock (2 miles NE) which lies in the approach to Lismore in position 56°27′N, 5°38′W, as described at
Port Ramsay (8.371), thence: 8.198. Vessels ariving from N can approach through the
7 NW of Sgeir nan Tom (3 miles NE) which is the NW Sound of Mull, as given at 8.192.
of the islets lying off the NE end of Lismore. 4 The approach to the berth is deep and clear.
Cuilean Rock lies on a bank which is foul, Traffic. In 2002, the port was used by 186 vessels with
extending 2 cables WSW from the islet, thence: a total of 6 591 738 dwt.
SE of foul ground which extends ¾ cable offshore Port Authority: Yeoman (Morvern) Ltd, Rhugh Garbh
from a point 3 cables S of Ceanna Mór (56°36′N, Depot, Barcaldine, Oban, PA37 1SE. Local control is

Glensanda Harbour from SE (8.361)

(Original dated 2000)
(Photograph − Air Images)

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exercised by a Harbour Master, who also acts as pilot for Anchorages and berths
the port. 8.366
1 Anchorage for large vessels is recommended to the W
of Lismore in position 56°32′⋅5N, 5°31′⋅0W, in a depth of
Limiting conditions 60 m. Smaller vessels may anchor 2½ miles E of Glensanda
8.362 Jetty in 25 m, mud.
1 Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables. Alongside berth. There is one quay only, which lies
Mean spring range about 3⋅5 m; mean neap range about SW/NE, with a depth alongside of 12⋅3 m, able to
1⋅4 m. accommodate bulk carriers of Panamax size or
Density of water: 1⋅023 g/cm3 to 1⋅025 g/cm3 100 000 dwt.
Maximum size of vessel handled: 96 772 dwt, with an
Port services
overall length of 250 m.
8.367
2 Height of the ship loading arm can be increased to
1 Medical facilities consist of emergency services only,
21 m.
including a small airstrip for evacuations.
Wind. Loading stops when the wind strength exceeds
Oily waste cannot be received.
48 kn.
Supplies. Fuel and fresh water are not available.

Development
Arrival information 8.368
8.363 1 There are long term plans to increase the capability of
1 Port radio is operated on VHF, callsign: Glensanda the port to handle vessels of 150 000 dwt.
Harbour. Radio is normally manned during office hours and
for all times when a vessel is approaching or in the Small craft
harbour. For details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals
Volume 6(1). Glensanda
2 Notice of ETA is required by telephone or telex on 8.369
sailing from the previous port, with updates on ETA each 1 Glensanda Small Boat Harbour (56°34′N, 5°32′W) lies
subsequent forenoon. The Harbour Master-Pilot should be 2 cables SW of Glensanda Harbour. The harbour consists of
informed on port radio 1 hour before arrival at the pilot a basin protected by a breakwater from which a light
station. (metal post, 3 m in height) is exhibited. Depth in the basin
Outer anchorage. Sheltered and safe anchorage whilst and its approaches is 3 m. There is a slipway on the S side
waiting for a berth is recommended to the S of Lismore in of the harbour, near the root of the breakwater.
position 56°27′N, 5°33′W, in a depth of 35 m.
3 Pilots are generally used for all vessels over 6 000 dwt. Port na Moralachd
They board 3½ miles SSW of Glensanda Jetty in position 8.370
56°31′N, 5°35′W. For details see Admiralty List of Radio 1 Port na Moralachd (56°33′N, 5°28′W), which is
Signals Volume 6(1). Vessels under 100 m LOA generally sheltered except from winds between SW and W which,
berth without a pilot under the Harbour Master-Pilot’s when strong, cause a heavy swell in the bay, affords
directions from the jetty on VHF. reasonable anchorage for small craft in depths of 13 to
4 Tugs are not stationed at the port but can be arranged 15 m, clay, in the SE part of the bay, clear of marine farms
with 14 hours notice for large vessels not equipped with (1.17). The only safe entrance to the bay is at its SW end.
bow thrusters. Mooring launches are available.
8.364 Port Ramsay
1 Regulations. Berthing of conventional Panamax vessels 8.371
(60 000 to 70 000 dwt) is generally restricted to daylight 1 Port Ramsay (56°33′N, 5°27′W), which lies between
hours only; unberthing can be carried out at any time. Eilean Ramsay, a grass-covered islet, 19 m high, and Eilean
Loading of Panamax vessels has to be completed on a nam Meann, affords well sheltered anchorage to small craft
high tide. 1 cable WSW of the SW extremity of Eilean Ramsay, in a
Permission is required from the Harbour Master prior to depth of 5 to 9 m, sand and shells. The entrance lies
entering Glensanda Harbour limits. between Alaster’s Rock (8.359) and a drying rock,
1¾ cables SW, on which stands a beacon with a white
encapsulated radar reflector. Local knowledge is essential.
2 Mooring buoys are established within the port, as shown
Natural conditions on the chart.
8.365
1 Winds at Glensanda tend to vary in both strength and Other anchorages
direction in an unpredictable manner, though SW and NE 8.372
winds predominate. 1 Achadun Bay (56°30′N, 5°34′W), situated at the SW
Tidal movement. The times of HW and LW at end of the NE coast of Lismore, affords occasional
Glensanda have been observed to follow closely those of anchorage.
Oban. A tide pole, clearly visible from the berth, indicates An Sailean (56°31′N, 5°31′W) (8.359), situated near the
a stand of about 90 minutes at HW followed by a rapid centre of the NE coast of Lismore, affords overnight
fall. anchorage for craft of shallow draught.
2 Tidal streams are minimal with a maximum observation 2 Camas Eigneig (56°32′N, 5°35′W) and Camas
of 1 kn outgoing at spring tides. Chrònaig, 1¼ miles NE, are slight indentations in the SE
Swell. The harbour area is free of swell as its side of Morvern Peninsula which afford temporary
approaches are well protected. anchorage in fine weather.

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LYNN OF LORN AND APPROACHES Hazards

INCLUDING LOCH ETIVE 8.377
1 A ferry crosses the S and central parts of Lynn of Lorn
from Oban (56°25′⋅3N, 5°29′⋅0W) to Achnacroish, 5½ miles
General information N (8.396), situated in the middle of the SE coast of
Lismore.
Charts 2378, 2379 A second ferry crosses the N end of Lynn of Lorn from
Channel the pier at Port Appin(56°33′N, 5°25′W) to Point Jetty, the
8.373 N of two jetties at Rubh’ Aird Ghainimh (5½ cables NW),
1 Lynn of Lorn (56°30′N, 5°30′W), which separates the as shown on the chart.
SE side of Lismore (8.350) from the mainland, 1¼ miles
SE, contains several islets and dangers but is comparatively Rescue
clear until the narrows at the NE end, known locally as 8.378
Appin Narrows, are approached. Within this area a group 1 A Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (1.61) and an all-weather
of islands, which lie within the N approach to Lynn of lifeboat (1.72) are maintained at Oban (56°25′N, 5°29′W).
Lorn, and a shoal bank, which extends from both shores,
Submarine cables
restrict the channels leading into the central part of Loch
8.379
Linnhe.
1 A submarine power cable and other submarine cables
2 Caution. An artificial reef is under construction off the
(1.39) are laid across the N end of Lynn of Lorn from the
coast of Lismore, W of Branra Rock. Mariners should give
vicinity of Port Appin (56°33′N, 5°25′W) to the E coast of
construction vessels a wide berth.
Lismore (6 cables WNW) as shown on the chart. The
landing places of the S cables are marked by beacons but
Route the submarine power cable is not so marked.
8.374
1 The usual route through Lynn of Lorn, from a position Natural conditions
2 miles ESE of Lismore Light (56°27′N, 5°36′W), leads NE 8.380
for about 2 miles to a position SE of Creag Island 1 Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
(56°29′N, 5°31′W), then NNE for about 4 miles, using the Mean spring range about 3⋅4 m; mean neap range about
channel SE of Eilean Dubh (56°31′N, 5°27′W) which is the 1⋅2 m.
wider and deeper of the channels which pass on both sides 8.381
of that island. 1 Tidal streams. Details of the tidal streams in the S
2 Having passed Eilean Dubh the route continues generally entrance to Lynn of Lorn are given on the chart.
NNE through a crooked, narrow and often unmarked In Lynn of Lorn the tidal streams set as follows:
channel which at the N end is widest along the mainland In mid-channel at the S end:
side and deepest in mid-channel between Inn Island Interval from HW Oban Remarks
(56°33′⋅7N, 5°25′⋅2W) and Sgeir Bhuidhe (3½ cables E),
then to the SE of Eilean nan Caorach (56°34′N, 5°25′W). +0445 NE-going stream begins
3 At the N end, having passed Eilean nan Caorach the –0140 SW-going stream begins
route leads NNW through a channel which is comparatively 2 At the entrance to the narrow channel at the N end:
wide and deep between Shuna Island (56°35′N, 5°24′W)
and the islands and dangers which lie in the N approach to Interval from HW Oban Remarks
Lynn of Lorn. +0600 NE-going stream begins
–0015 SW-going stream begins
Topography
The rate at spring tides in both directions at the S end is
8.375
1 kn which increases to 2 kn in the narrow channel at the
1 General topography for Lismore is given at 8.350. The
N end.
SE coast of the island is free from dangers outside a
3 In the channels NE of Lismore and between Lismore
distance of 1 cable from the shore between Rubha dà Uisge
and the mainland the tidal streams are very weak.
(56°28′N, 5°35′W), its SE extremity, and a position
Caution is necessary when navigating in the vicinity of
1½ miles from its NE end.
Appin Rocks (56°33′N, 5°25′W) as both the SW-going and
2 Shuna Island (56°35′N, 5°24′W), which lies 1½ miles
the NE-going streams set strongly across them, as given in
NE of Rubh’ Aird Ghainimh, the NE extremity of Lismore,
a note on the chart.
and is separated from the mainland by the Sound of Shuna,
4 Eddy. During the NE-going stream an eddy sets SW
rises to a table-topped hill near its NE end. A white
from Eilean nan Gamhna (56°29′N, 5°31′W) along the SE
farmhouse, with a clump of fir trees on its NW side, stands
coast of Lismore at a maximum rate of 1 kn.
3 cables N of the S extremity of the island on which stands
the ruins of Castle Shuna, a small square building. Principal marks
Loch Etive is described at 8.408. 8.382
1 Landmarks:
Depths Lismore Lighthouse (56°27′N, 5°36′W) (8.118).
8.376 Lady Margaret’s Tower (56°29′⋅4N, 5°26′⋅4W) which
1 Lynn of Lorn is comparatively deep except in the is conspicuous and stands on a hill at the NE end
narrows at the NE end where there is a least depth of of Garbh Ard (8.401).
6⋅4 m in the channel to the E of Inn Island (56°33′⋅7N, 8.383
5°25′⋅2W). This constitutes the controlling depth for the 1 Major lights:
Lynn of Lorn. Lismore Light—as above.

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Sgeir Bhuidhe Light (56°33′⋅6N, 5°24′⋅5W) (white 8.385

tower on concrete base, 8 m in height). 1 Clearing marks:
The alignment (023°) of the E extremity of Eilean
Dubh (56°31′N, 5°27′W) (8.384) with the E
extremity of Rubh’ Aird Ghainimh (2½ miles
Directions NNE) (8.393) clears WNW of the foul area off
(continued from 8.125) Rubha Fion-àird (56°29′N, 5°28′W) (8.384).
2 The alignment (025°) of the E extremity of Rubha
Southern and central part Clach Tholl (56°33′N, 5°25′W) (8.387) with Sgeir
8.384 Bhuidhe Light (8½ cables NNE) (8.383) clears
1 From the vicinity of 56°26′⋅5N, 5°33′⋅0W the track WNW of Eriska Shoal (56°31′N, 5°26′W) (8.384)
through Lynn of Lorn leads NE then NNE, passing (with but passes over two shoals, each with a depth of
positions from Creag Island (56°29′N, 6°31′W)): 10⋅4 m over it, which lie about 1¼ miles SSW of
SE of Rubha dà Uisge (2½ miles WSW) (8.375), Eriska Shoal.
thence: 8.386
2 NW of a bank, with depths of less than 10 m over it, 1 Useful marks:
which extends 1 cable W and 2½ cables N from Three prominent houses (56°29′N, 5°32′W), which
Sgeir an Eitich (2½ miles SSE), a rock lying close stand close to the foreshore at Port Kilcheran.
off the NW side of Rubha na h’Earba, thence: Ruins of Tirefour Castle (56°32′N, 5°28′W), which
SE of Sgeir Sgoraig (1¼ miles W) lying close off the stand on a grassy knoll, are circular in formation
SE side of Lismore, thence: and constructed of loose stone without mortar.
3 NW of a marine farm (2¼ miles SE) (1.17), thence:
ESE of Creag Island which is the S and highest of a Northern part
group of heather-clad islets and rocks, known 8.387
locally as The Creags, lying on a spit which 1 From a position 4 cables S of Branra Rock (56°32′N,
extends 1½ miles S from Dun Uamh nan Cradh 5°27′W) the track leads generally NNE through the narrows
situated on the SE side of Lismore. These islets at the N end of Lynn of Lorn, passing (with positions from
form the major part of a site of special scientific Appin Rocks (56°33′N, 5°25′W)):
interest for seals and seabirds. Thence: E of Branra Rock (1 mile SW) which is steep-to and
4 ESE of a bank, with depths of less than 10 m over it marked by a beacon (isolated danger, 5 m in
(4 cables NE) which extends 1 cable NE from height), and clear of the artificial reef W of the
Pladda Island which is connected to Creag Island rock, thence:
by a reef that dries, thence: 2 ESE of the coastal bank and a detached shoal, with
5 ESE of Eilean Dubh (5 cables NNE) which is charted depths of less than 10 m which extend
connected to Eilean na Cloiche by an isthmus over 2½ cables E from Sgeir an Tuinn (1 mile WSW),
a drying reef. Both islands lie on a shoal, with an above-water rock lying on a drying bank of
charted depths of less than 10 m, which extends gravel and stones, thence:
2½ cables N from Eilean na Cloiche and 3½ cables WNW of the bank, with charted depths of less than
SSW from Eilean Dubh, with Cams Rock lying 10 m, which extends 2 cables NW from Glas
near its S end. Eilean na Cloiche has a Eilean (7 cables S), thence:
pillar-shaped rock, 22 m high, which is visible 3 Clear of a detached shoal, with a least charted depth
from N and E. Thence: of 5⋅5 m (5½ cables SW), thence:
6 At least 2 cables WNW of Rubha Fion-àird (1½ miles ESE of the coastal bank, with charted depths of less
ENE), remaining in a depth of more than 25 m, to than 10 m (4¼ cables WSW) on which lies Lobster
pass clear of a bank, with depths of less than 10 m Stone (5 cables W) which is unmarked and to be
over it, which extends 1½ cables SW, on which treated with caution, thence:
lies foul ground which dries 0⋅9 m. Rubha 4 WNW of a bank, with charted depths of less than
Fion-àird, which is low and rocky, is the SW 10 m (3¼ cables WSW), marked off its SW end by
extremity of Fionn Ard and forms the SW entrance a light-buoy (starboard hand). Foul ground, which
point to Camas Nathais. For clearing marks see dries and on which stand Appin Rocks, extends
8.385. Thence: 2 cables WSW from Rubha Clach Tholl, the SW
7 ESE of marine farms (1½ miles NNE) (1.17), thence: end of a wooded promontory which rises to a
WNW of marine farms (2½ miles NE) (1.17) which tableland and extends 6¼ cables NE to the village
extend across the entrance to Sàilean Sligeanach of Port Appin (8.397). Rubha Clach Tholl is
and are also in position 3 cables NNE of the distinguished by a natural arch that is situated near
entrance, thence: its SW end and visible from both E and W. See
8 ESE of Eilean Dubh (56°31′N, 5°27′W) which lies in caution at 8.381 regarding the tidal stream across
the fairway of the channel and has foul ground Appin Rocks. Thence:
extending 1¼ cables SW from its SW end, and of 5 Over the bank, with charted depths of less than 10 m
a shoal spit, on the extremity of which lies a (2 cables NW), which extends across the full width
dangerous rock, extending 1 cable NNE from its of the channel with the deeper water charted on
NE end, thence: the SE side, thence:
9 WNW of Eriska Shoal, composed of sand and stones, ESE of Sgeir Bheag (6½ cables N) and Sgeir Mòr,
which extends as much as 2 cables offshore for close N, both of which are marked by beacons, the
1½ miles NE into the entrance to Loch Creran positions of which are approximate, thence:
(56°32′N, 5°26′W) (8.443). For clearing marks see 6 WNW of the SW extremity of the coastal bank, with
8.385. depths of less than 5 m over it, which extends up

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CHAPTER 8

to 2½ cables SW from Sgeir Bhuidhe (9 cables Eilean nan Gamhna lies on the same shoal as Eilean na
NNE) on which stands a light (8.383). Moorings Cloiche (8.384), but the only dangers in this channel lie
for small craft are established on the bank. And: within ½ cable of the Lismore coast in the vicinity of Port
7 ESE of foul ground surrounding and extending SSW Kilcheran, 3 cables NW of Eilean nan Gamhna (8.386).
from Inn Island (8½ cables N) which is the S islet
of a group lying in the NE entrance to Lynn of Chart 2379
Lorn, thence: Channel west of Inn Island
8 WNW of the coastal bank, with depths of less than 8.393
5 m over it, which extends 2½ cables from the 1 The channel between Rubh’ Aird Ghainimh (56°34′N, 5°
mainland for a distance of 1¼ miles NE from 26′W), the NE extremity of Lismore, and Inn Island
Sgeir Bhuidhe. A stone jetty which dries 0⋅9 m, (2 cables E) (8.387) is narrow with a controlling depth of
with a perch at its outer end (1¼ miles NE), 4 m. Local knowledge is required.
projects from a boathouse with a red roof. The 2 Directions. From a position 4 cables S of Rubh’ Aird
coastal bank, which dries in this vicinity, consists Ghainimh the track leads generally N, passing (with
of gravel mixed with stones and boulders covered positions from Rubh’ Aird Ghainimh):
with weed and small patches of sand. And: W of Sgeir Bheag and Sgeir Mòr (2¾ cables SE)
9 ESE of the foul ground extending 1 cable E and SE (8.387), thence:
from Eilean nan Caorach (1¼ miles N) which is 3 W of Inn Island (2 cables E) (8.387), and:
covered with grass. E of a dangerous rock, with a depth of less than 2 m
8.388 over it (¾ cable ESE), which lies close NE of
1 Useful mark: Point Jetty, the N of the two jetties which extend
A light-beacon (red column) (6 cables SSE) standing from The Point (1 cable S); both jetties are marked
on the SW extremity of Dearg Sgeir (8.452). by a beacon. Thence:
8.389 4 W of the SW extremity of Eilean nan Caorach
1 When clear of Eilean nan Caorach the track alters to the (2½ cables NE) (8.387), thence:
NNW, passing (with positions from Eilean Glas (56°34′⋅5N, E of Bogha na Dubhan (3½ cables NW) which lies
5°25′⋅2W)): on a shallow bank extending NE from Port
ENE of the foul ground which dries and extends Ramsay (1 mile SW) (8.371), thence:
1½ cables N from the NE end of Eilean nan 5 Clear of a shoal, with a depth of 4 m over it (3 cables
Caorach (4½ cables SSE) (8.387), thence: N), noting that the channel between this shoal and
2 ENE of a bank, with depths of less than 10 m over it, Eilean nan Caorach has depths of 7 to 9 m in it,
which extends 2 cables NE from Eilean Glas. A thence:
drying rock, which cannot be detected when Clear of the foul ground surrounding Eilean Gainimh
covered during calm weather, lies on this bank; (6 cables NNW) which consists of three islets
clearing marks for this rock are given at 8.390. which are connected by a drying reef. The N islet
Eilean Glas is the NE islet of the group lying in is covered with grass but the other two are almost
the NE approach to Lynn of Lorn. Thence: bare.
3 WSW of foul ground which extends 1½ cables SW
from Shuna Island (8½ cables NE) (8.375).
8.390 Sound of Shuna
1 Clearing marks: 8.394
The alignment (181°) of the NE extremity of Eilean 1 General information. Sound of Shuna (56°35′N,
nan Caorach (56°34′N, 5°25′W) (8.387) with the 5°23′W), which lies between Shuna Island (8.375) and the
pier at Port Appin (8½ cables S) (8.397) clears mainland 2 cables SE, has a bar, with depths of 0⋅9 to
close E of the foul ground extending NE from 1⋅8 m over it, extending across its SW entrance. This sound
Eilean Glas (8.389). is used by coasters at HW but local knowledge is required.
2 The alignment (082°) of the S extremity of Shuna The NW entrance, which is much wider and deeper, gives
Island (56°35′N, 5°24′W) (8.375) with a white access to the anchorage positions.
cottage standing on The Knap (3½ cables E) clears 2 Tidal streams in the Sound of Shuna set as follows:
close N of the foul ground extending NE from Interval from HW Oban Remarks
Eilean Glas (above). +0600 N-going stream begins
8.391
1 Useful mark: –0015 S-going stream begins
Conspicuous castle (56°34′⋅3N, 5°23′⋅1W) standing on The rate at spring tides is 1 kn in both directions.
Eilean an Stalcaire in the entrance to Loch Laich, 3 Directions. From a position 2½ cables E of the NE
which dries out. extremity of Eilean nan Caorach (56°34′N, 5°25′W) the
(Directions continue for Loch Linnhe at 8.466) alignment (043°) of Knap Point (56°35′N, 5°23′W) with
Appin House (7½ cables NE) leads into the SW entrance to
Sound of Shuna, thence a buoyed channel (not charted)
Side channels leads over the bar in a least depth of 1⋅2 m.
4 Anchorage for small craft is available WNW of Knap
Chart 2378 Point, and also in Dallens Bay, close E of Knap Point,
Channel north-west of Eilean nan Gamhna which affords secure anchorage, with good holding ground
8.392 in depths of 9 to 13 m, that is sheltered from S winds.
1 A channel, with a least charted depth of 10⋅1 m and a Both anchorage positions are shown on the chart.
width of 1½ cables, lies between the W side of Eilean nan Moorings for small craft are established about 1 cable N
Gamhna (56°29′N, 5°31′W) and the SE side of Lismore. of the entrance to Dallens Bay.

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Ports and landings 2 Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
Mean spring range about 3⋅4 m; mean neap range about
Chart 2378 1⋅2 m.
Dunstaffnage Bay Supplies. Small quantities of provisions can be obtained
8.395 at Port Appin.
1 Dunstaffnage Bay (56°27′N, 5°26′W), situated on the S Small craft can anchor off the port but moorings and
side of the entrance to Loch Etive (8.407), affords good the presence of submarine cables (8.379) limit the area
shelter and provides facilities for the Scottish Marine which can be used.
Biology Research Association (SMBA), which is 8.398
established, with a marine farm (1.17), on the W side of 1 Point Jetty (56°33′⋅6N, 5°25′⋅6W), a concrete jetty
the bay as shown on the chart. which extends from The Point at the NE end of Lismore, is
Yacht Haven suitable for shallow-draught vessels only. This jetty is used
by the ferry plying between the NE end of Lismore and
Port Appin (8.397).

Ardmucknish Bay
Chart 2378
General information
8.399
1 Ardmucknish Bay, entered between Rubha Garbh-àird
(56°28′N, 5°27′W) and Ledaig Point (2 miles SE), is a
Eilean Mór Castle SMBA wide and open bay which affords good anchorage for small
Laboratory vessels, except during SW winds, 9 cables ENE of Rubha
Dunstaffnage Bay from NNW (8.395) Garbh-àird, as shown on the chart, in a depth of 30 m,
(Original dated 2000)
mud.
(Photograph − Air Images) 8.400
Mean tidal levels: MHWS 4⋅1 m, MLWS 0⋅8 m. 1 Tidal streams set in the direction of the coast, across
2 Entrances. The main entrance, with a least depth of the entrance to Ardmucknish Bay, as follows
11⋅6 m in the fairway, is from the NW, passing between Interval from HW Oban Remarks
Rubha Garbh (8.401) and Eilean Mór (8.401), with the
deeper water closer to Eilean Mór. +0430 NE-going stream begins
Entrance from the E, which is from Loch Etive, is –0155 SW-going stream begins
through a narrow channel with a charted depth of 2⋅4 m. 2 The rate at spring tides is 1½ kn in both directions
3 Alongside berth. A jetty with a T-head, which extends In Ardmucknish Bay tidal streams are weak and
from the NW side of the bay, 1 cable SSE of Dunstaffnage uncertain except near the entrance to Loch Etive (8.407). A
Castle (8.401), has a light on its NE end. Two mooring very weak stream sometimes sets around the bay in a
buoys are established off the head of the jetty to assist clockwise direction.
berthing alongside.
4 Dunstaffnage Marina, situated on the SE side of the Directions
bay, provides 145 pontoon berths for small craft, including 8.401
12 for visitors. Fuel, gas and minor repair facilities are 1 From a position 1 mile SSW of Rubha Garbh-àird the
available at the marina. See Admiralty Marine approach to Ardmucknish Bay leads NE, passing (with
Communications. positions from Rubha Garbh-àird):
NW of Rubha Garbh (1¼ miles SSE), a low, wooded
Achnacroish promontory on which stand the ruins of
8.396 Dunstaffnage Castle, which is surrounded by trees
1 Achnacroish (56°31′N, 5°30′W), situated near the middle so that only the chimney pots are visible from
of the SE coast of Lismore, is the principal landing place seaward, thence:
for that island and is used by the vehicular ferry from 2 SE of Bogha Garb-àird (2¼ cables SW) which lies
Oban. A Ro-Ro slip, with a length of 51 m and a depth of near the centre of a rocky spit, with depths of less
1⋅5 m over its lower end, extends NE from the coast. A than 10 m over it, which extends 4 cables SW
disused pier close S has a length of 24 m and a depth of from Rubha Garbh-àird with a depth of 5⋅2 m near
2⋅4 m alongside its head. its extremity. For clearing marks see 8.402.
2 A wreck is stranded on the foreshore about ½ cable N Thence:
of the slip. 3 NW of a steep-to bank, with charted depths of less
Small craft can find temporary anchorage clear of the than 10 m, which extends 7 cables N from Eilean
pier. Mór which has a grassy hummock at its centre and
is steep-to on its SW side, and:
Charts 2378, 2379 SE of Rubha Garbh-àird which is the SW extremity
Port Appin of Garbh Ard, a wooded promontory.
8.397 8.402
1 Port Appin (56°33′N, 5°24′W) contains a masonry and 1 Clearing marks:
concrete pier which extends 90 m from the W side of The alignment (109°) of the SE extremity of Eilean
Rubha Clach Tholl (8.387), and is suitable for Beag (56°27′⋅6N, 5°25′⋅5W) (8.424) with Connel
shallow-draught vessels only. This pier is used by the ferry South Ferry Inn (1¼ miles ESE) clears SSW of the
plying between Port Appin and Point Jetty (8.398). A jetty rocky bank extending 4 cables SW from Rubha
in disrepair is situated 1 cable NE of the pier. Garbh-àird.

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2 The alignment (339°) of Rubha Fion-àird (56°29′N, which are connected by Bonawe Narrows (56°27′N,
5°28′W) (8.384) with the village of Achnacroish, 5°14′W), situated about 6 miles from the entrance.
2 miles WNW and situated by a sharp bend in the 8.408
road, is reported to clear WSW of Bogha 1 Topography. The shores of the lower part of the loch
Garb-àird, but to pass over a 5⋅2 m rock. are pastoral and well wooded. In its upper part the loch is
8.403 overshadowed by high mountains with no roads except at
1 Useful marks (with positions from Ard Bhatan its head. Fish farming is being developed rapidly, and
(56°30′N, 5°25′W): marine farms (1.17) are moored along both sides of the
Ard Bhatan, situated at the N end of Ardmucknish loch, as shown on the chart.
Bay, is a rocky and wooded point which contrasts 8.409
with the sandy beach and fields E of it. 1 Depths. The charted underwater contours in Loch Etive
2 Two beacons (yellow, triangular topmarks) (5¼ cables are based on old and widely spaced leadline soundings.
ESE) which mark a sewer outfall. Undue reliance should not be placed on these contours,
The vitrified ruins of Beregonium, (6½ cables SE), especially close inshore.
which appears from SW as a steep-sided grass Upper Loch Etive, above Bonawe Narrows, is covered
knoll. only by a chart which is not kept corrected. Caution is
Lady Margaret’s Tower (6 cables SW) (8.382). necessary when using this chart.
(Directions continue for Loch Etive at 8.424)
Approach and entry
Small craft 8.410
1 Approaches. The outer approach to Loch Etive is
Charts 2378, 2379
through Lynn of Lorn (8.373) and Ardmucknish Bay
Anchorages and landings (56°28′N, 5°26′W) (8.399).
8.404 2 The inner approach is either by the S channel, to the S
1 Airds Bay (56°33′N, 5°25′W) affords anchorage for of Eilean Mór (56°27′N, 5°26′W) (8.401), or across the bar
small craft in the middle of the bay, as shown on the chart, N of Eilean Mór then along a channel E of this island.
in a depth of 11 m with good holding ground, away from Although unmarked, the channel N then E of Eilean Mór is
the influence of the tidal stream (8.381). the deepest of those leading to Connel Sound in the
Chart 2378 entrance to the loch.
8.405 8.411
1 Camas Rubha na Liathaig (56°27′⋅2N, 5°26′⋅6W) is a 1 Entry to Lower Loch Etive is through Connel Sound
small bay in which landing may be effected. A marine (8.412) which is the channel immediately E of Ledaig
farm (1.17) is moored 2 cables W of the bay. Point, then through Kilmaronag Narrows (8.413) situated
1½ miles E of Ledaig Point.
Chart 1790 8.412
8.406 1 Connel Sound. At a position 5 cables within Ledaig
1 Ganavan Bay (56°26′N, 5°28′W) is a shallow bay Point the channel is reduced to a width of 1 cable and
which affords temporary anchorage for small craft during passes over a ledge which has a depth of 7 m over it; part
fine weather, clear of below-water rocks which lie up to of the ledge dries, and divides the channel in mid-stream.
1 cable from the head of the bay, and of a submarine cable Another rock, which dries 1⋅7 m, lies ½ cable NNE of that
(1.39) and disused cables which are landed at the head of part of the ledge which dries. This ledge has depths of 18
the bay, as shown on the chart. Local knowledge is to 21 m on its E side and from 5⋅8 to 11⋅3 m on its W
required. side. It is possible to pass on either side of that part of the
2 Landing. A jetty and a slip extend from the head of the ledge which dries but the N channel, between the two
bay on its E side. drying rocks (above), is narrower and less direct than the S
channel, which passes between the drying rocks and the S
shore, and is the channel described in this text.
2 Connel Bridge (8.417) crosses the sound at its narrowest
part and the Falls of Lora (8.420) cascade through the
sound.
8.413
1 Kilmaronag Narrows (56°27′⋅6N, 5°21′⋅7W), in which
there is a distance of at least 2½ cables between the shores
of the loch, has a navigable channel which passes close to
Loch Etive and Connel Bridge from W (8.407) the NW shore and is very narrow due to several islets and
(Original dated 2000)
rocks which extend from the S shore. Immediately E of
(Photograph − Air Images) these narrows the loch widens.
8.414
1 Entry to Upper Loch Etive is through Bonawe Narrows
Loch Etive (56°27′N, 5°14′W) (8.431) which has a least navigable
Charts 2378, 5076 width of 1 cable and a least charted depth of 10⋅7 m in the
General information fairway.
8.407
1 Loch Etive, which is entered between Rubha Garbh Limiting conditions
(56°27′N, 5°26′W) (8.401) and Ledaig Point (1 mile ENE), 8.415
extends E then NE for about 15 miles overall to the head 1 Controlling depth is 3⋅4 m which is the least depth over
of the loch. This loch is divided into upper and lower parts the bar in position 56°28′⋅2N, 5°25′⋅7W. The entrance

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(8.411) is also shallow and narrow limiting its use to The rate of the stream and the effects of meteorological
coasters. Local knowledge is required. conditions are the same as those given for Connel Sound at
8.416 8.420.
1 Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables. 2 Race and eddies. During the in-going stream a race
Mean spring range about 2⋅9 m; mean neap range about extends from Kilmaronag Narrows NE into the loch whilst
1⋅0 m. an out-going eddy sets along the coast S of the race, thus
8.417 ensuring an out-going stream at all times along this part of
1 Controlling height. Connel Bridge, a cantilever bridge the coast, as shown on the chart. During the out-going
with 15 m vertical clearance, spans Connel Sound 5 cables stream an eddy sets inward along the coast SW of the W
ESE of Ledaig Point. end of Kilmaronag Narrows from Dunfiunary (56°27′⋅3N,
An overhead power cable, with a safe vertical clearance 5°22′⋅1W), as shown on the chart.
of 13 m, spans Bonawe Narrows (8.431). 8.422
8.418 1 Within Loch Etive. The streams are weak in the outer
1 Timing. Recommendations as to the best time to enter part of the loch but gain strength as Bonawe Narrows,
Loch Etive are reported to vary from ½ hour either side of 5 miles above Connel Bridge, are approached. In these
the turn of the tidal stream to as much as 2 hours either narrows the times at which the streams start setting in calm
side. conditions are generally as follows:
Interval from HW Oban Remarks
Tidal streams –0315 In-going stream begins
8.419 +0215 Out-going stream begins
1 Approach. Tidal streams in the approach to Loch Etive
2 The effects of meteorological conditions are the same as
are given at 8.400.
those given for Connel Sound at 8.420.
Off the entrance. In Camas Bruaich Ruaidhe (8.438),
Within the narrows the in-going rate at spring tides is
4 cables SSW of Ledaig Point, the tidal streams are weak
2½ kn and the out-going rate is 1½ kn.
on the in-going stream. However, the out-going stream has
In the inner part of the loch, above Bonawe Narrows,
an anti- clockwise movement round the bay, causing strong
the tidal streams are negligible.
eddies and whirls in the deeper water in the bay and to the
NE, as shown on the chart. Local weather
2 Slack water occurs on the high tide at +0200 Oban and 8.423
on the low tide at –0320 Oban and lasts from 20 to 1 Winds tend to be erratic in the upper loch unless the
30 minutes. true wind is straight along the loch.
8.420
1 Connel Sound. The ledge across the sound described at Directions
8.412 holds back the water so that at LWS the water level (continued from 8.403)
outside the ledge is 1⋅2 m lower than inside causing the 8.424
water to fall in a cascade in the channels on both sides of 1 Northern approach. From a position 9 cables NNW of
the ledge, known as the Falls of Lora. In consequence the Eilean Beag (56°27′⋅7N, 5°25′⋅6W) the N approach to Loch
in-going stream does not begin until the water has risen Etive leads SSE through an unmarked channel passing
1⋅2 m outside the ledge. At HWS the water level outside (with positions from Eilean Beag):
the ledge is 0⋅5 m higher than inside which delays the Over the least depth on the bar (4½ cables N)
out-going stream until the water level has fallen 0⋅5 m. (8.415), thence:
2 Timing. The times at which the streams start to set in ENE of A’ Bhratag (1 cable NNW), thence:
calm conditions are generally as follows: 2 Close ENE of two rocks which dry 0⋅9 m and 1⋅2 m
Interval from HW Oban Remarks lying 30 m NE and E of Eilean Beag respectively.
Eilean Beag is 5 m high and surrounded by foul
–0340 In-going stream begins
ground. And:
+0155 Out-going stream begins 3 WSW of Ledaig Spit (3 cables E), a broad drying flat
of gravel and sand which extends 4½ cables WNW
3 Meteorological conditions may cause these times to from Ledaig Point (8.426). A perch (4½ cables
vary by up to 1½ hours with a tendency to be early rather ESE), the position of which is approximate, stands
than late, owing to the greater frequency of, and exposure near the SW edge of the spit.
to, W winds. There is almost no slack water. 8.425
Rate. The rate of the stream at spring tides is not 1 From a position 1 cable SE of Eilean Beag the track
known but is probably from 5 to 6 kn in both directions. alters to SE, passing (with positions from Eilean Beag):
4 Turbulence. The out-going stream creates strong eddies NE of a reef which dries extending 1½ cables E from
with considerable turbulence between the Falls of Lora and Eilean Mór (1½ cables SW) (8.401), and:
a point 5 cables W of Ledaig Point; these combine with SW of Ledaig Spit (above), and:
eddies and whirls off Camas Bruaich Ruaidhe, 8.438 as NE of a rock awash (4¾ cables SE) which lies
shown on the chart. 1 cable WNW of Rubh’ Aird nan Leum, a low
8.421 marshy point which terminates in rock.
1 Kilmaronag Narrows. The times at which the streams 8.426
start to set in calm conditions are generally as follows: 1 Entrance channel. From a position 7 cables W of
Interval from HW Oban Remarks Connel Bridge (56°27′⋅4N, 5°23′⋅4W) (8.417) the track
leads generally E towards a point mid-way between the
–0330 In-going stream begins
bottom of the first and second oblique struts to the N of
+0205 Out-going stream begins the S support of the bridge, then through Connel Sound,

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passing (with positions from the S support of Connel NNE of a marine farm (1.17) and a drying bank
Bridge): which extend 1 cable WNW and ½ cable N
2 S of Ledaig Point (5½ cables WNW) which is low respectively from Rubha nan Càrn, thence:
and grassy and situated at the SW end of North 6 SSW of Ardchattan Shoal (3¼ cables ENE) which
Connel Airfield. Mooring buoys extend along the lies 1¾ cables SSW of Ardchattan Point on which
coast E of Ledaig Point. Thence: stands a Manse close to the shore. Ardchattan
N of foul ground which fringes Rubha Riabhach House, a large mansion standing close to the
(5 cables WSW) the E entrance point of Camas shore, 2½ cables WNW of the point is, like the
Bruaich Ruaidhe (8.438), thence: Manse, surrounded by woods with mountains in
3 Close N of a beacon (special) (½ cable W) marking the background. Thence:
the outer end of a sewer outfall, thence: 7 NNW of Sgeir nan Ròn (5 cables ESE) which dries,
Under the S part of Connel Bridge (8.417), thence: thence:
S of a drying reef (¾ cable NNE) (8.412) which is NNW of Eilean Faoileag (8 cables E) which lies close
unmarked. W of the W entrance point of Sàilean Ruadh
8.427 (8.440), thence:
1 From a position 1 cable ENE of the S support of Connel NNW of Airds Point (1 mile E) which is nearly
Bridge the track leads diagonally across the sound to close steep-to, with a very narrow drying bank.
and follow the N shore through Kilmaronag Narrows 8 From a position NNE of Airds Point (56°27′N, 5°16′W)
(8.413), passing (with positions from the S support of the track leads SE into Airds Bay, in deep water that is
Connel Bridge): free from dangers on both sides.
2 N of a dangerous rock, with depths of less than 2 m 8.430
over it (4½ cables E), which lies in mid-channel, 1 Clearing line. The line of bearing 117° of the S
1½ cables from the S shore, thence: extremity of the S of Abbot’s Isles, 8 cables W of Rubha
N of rocks lying off the end of Dunfiunary nan Càrn (8.429), clears NE of Kilmaronag Shoal.
(6¾ cables E), a point on the S shore on which 8.431
stands a house with a round tower. For eddies E of 1 Upper Loch Etive. From a position WSW of the S
the point see 8.421. Thence: extremity of Eilean Duirinnis (56°27′N, 5°14′W) the line of
SE of the coastal bank, with a charted depth of 3⋅8 m bearing 060° of Rubh’ Aird an Droighinn (6½ cables ENE)
(8 cables E), thence: just open SE of Eilean nam Mean (3½ cables ENE) leads
NW of a dangerous rock (1 mile ENE) which is the into the fairway of Bonawe Narrows, passing (with
outermost of several rocks extending more than positions from the S extremity of Eilean Duirinnis):
half-way across the channel from islets off the SE 2 SSE of Eilean Duirinnis which is connected to the
shore, and: mainland by a drying spit and a bridge, 15 m in
SE of the bank which dries up to 50 m from the NW length. A beacon, which stands near the root of a
shore of Kilmaronag Narrows. jetty on the SW coast of the island, marks the
8.428 landing place of a submarine cable. And:
1 Useful marks: 3 NNW of shoals extending NW from a pier (1 cable
North Ferry Inn, 2¼ cables NW of the S support of SSE) which extends from a tongue of marshy land
Connel Bridge and South Ferry Inn, 1½ cables SW on the W side of the mouth of River Awe and
of the same point, both of which are painted from which a ferry plies to a jetty on the SE side
white. of Eilean Duirinnis, as shown on the chart, thence:
8.429 4 NNW of a spit which extends 3½ cables ENE from
1 Lower Loch Etive. From a position 3½ cables N of the pier (above). This spit, which is formed by the
Kilmaronag Point (56°27′⋅6N, 5°20′⋅9W) the track through discharge of silt from River Awe, reduces the
Lower Loch Etive leads generally ESE for about 2 miles, navigable channel to a width of 1 cable with the
then ENE for about 1 mile, passing (with positions from deepest water being closer to Eilean Duirinnis.
Rubha nan Càrn (56°27′N, 5°18′W)): And:
2 NNE of Kilmaronag Shoal (1½ miles W) lying 5 Under an overhead power cable (1¾ cables E)
1 cable ENE of Kilmaronag Point, for clearing line (8.417), thence:
see 8.430, thence: SSE of shallow water extending ½ cable SE from
SSW of the S of two small islets (1 mile WNW) Eilean nam Meann (3½ cables ENE) which is a
which is steep-to on its S side and lies ¾ cable rocky islet.
from the N shore of the loch, thence:
3 NNE of the N of Abbot’s Isles (7½ cables W) all of
which lie on a drying reef and the S and largest of Chart 5076
which is crowned by a grove of trees, thence: 8.432
4 NNE of a marine farm (5 cables W) (1.17) moored 1 Above Bonawe narrows the loch widens with shores that
up to 1 cable E of Rubh’ a’ Chàirn Bhig which is are mostly steep-to allowing passage ENE then generally
the NE extremity of a promontory on the S side of NE along the centreline of the loch, see caution at 8.409,
the loch which is low and grassy and rises to a passing (with positions from Rubh’ Ard Phlacaig (2 miles
wooded hill a short distance inland. In the middle NE of Eilean Duirinnis):
of this wood stands Achnacloich, a grey castellated SSE of Sgeir Lag Choan (1¼ miles SW) a group of
building which is reported to be completely rocks which extend 1 cable SW from the NE
obscured by trees. Thence: shore, thence:
5 SSW of a drying rock (4½ cables NNW) which lies 2 NW of a group of rocks which extend 3 cables SW
on a shallow spit extending 1½ cables SSW from from a point 2 cables NNW of Ardnellan Point
Rubha Charsalich, thence: (1¼ miles ENE).

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8.433 can obtain anchorage W of the head of Bonawe Pier

1 Clearing marks: (8.436), clear of submarine cables (1.39) which extend NW
The alignment (226°) of Rubh’ Ard Phlacaig with the from the pierhead and from a position, marked by a
NW end of Craig Cottages (5 cables SW) clears beacon, close N of the root of the pier.
NW of the group of rocks W of Ardnellan Point
and close NW of the sandbank off the entrance to Chart 5076
River Kinglass, 8 cables farther NE. 8.442
1 Upper Loch Etive affords anchorage, as given in the
Chart 2378 following paragraphs (with positions from Eilean Duirinnis
Anchorage (56°27′N, 5°14′W).
8.434 Camas an t-Seilisdeire (2¾ miles NE), in a depth of
1 Achnacreemore Bay (56°28′N, 5°21′W) on the N side 7 m (23 ft), mud, close W of Eilean Uisneachan.
of the loch, close NE of Kilmaronag Narrows, affords good Inverliever Bay (3¼ miles NE), in depths of 9 to 18 m
anchorage in depths of 9 to 16 m, sand and shells, clear of (30 to 59 ft), 2 cables ESE of Ardnellan Point.
a drying rock which lies 1 cable offshore at the head of the 2 Bagh na Dalach (4 miles NE).
bay, and of the many yacht moorings established in the Head of Loch Etive is reported to provide the best
area. anchorage area between a ruined pier on the W shore and
an islet which dries, NE of the pier.
Landing
8.435 Loch Creran
1 Landing is possible at a pier which extends from the Chart 2378
coast 4 cables WSW of Rubha nan Càrn. This pier is used General information
by workboats from the SMBA laboratories (8.395).
8.443
A mooring buoy is established 1 cable ENE of the pier.
1 Loch Creran, which is entered between Airds Point
(56°32′N, 5°25′W) (8.429) and Eriska (2¼ cables SE)
Alongside berths (8.454), extends SE then NE for about 7½ miles to the
8.436 head of the loch. This loch is divided into upper and lower
1 Bonawe Pier (56°26′⋅4N, 5°14′⋅0W) situated in the SE parts which are connected by the narrows of Caolas
corner of Airds Bay (8.441) has a Ro-Ro facility. Creagan, situated about 5 miles from the entrance.
Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
Mean spring range about 1⋅8 m; mean neap range about
0⋅7 m.
8.437
1 An Doirlinn (56°27′⋅0N, 5°13′⋅5W) an inlet N of the E
part of Eilean Duirinnis (8.431) is a small natural harbour
with a least charted depth of 12⋅5 m. The N shore of the
harbour fronts Bonawe Quarries from which granite is
taken away by sea. An overhead power cable, with a
vertical clearance of 13 m, spans the head of the inlet.
2 Small craft can obtain good anchorage 1½ cables NE of
Eilean nam Meann, as shown on the chart, in a depth of Entrance to Loch Creran from SW (8.443)
(Original dated 2000)
25 m.
(Photograph − Air Images)

Small craft anchorages and moorings 2 Fish farming is being developed rapidly and marine
8.438 farms (1.17) are moored along both sides of the loch, as
1 Camas Bruaich Ruaidhe, reported to be called Salmore shown on the chart.
Bay (56°27′N, 5°25′W) situated on the S side of Connel 8.444
Sound, affords temporary anchorage clear of a large 1 Depths. The charted underwater contours in Loch Creran
mooring buoy, as shown on the chart, a large area of small are based on old and widely spaced leadline soundings.
craft moorings on the E side of the bay, and of a marine Undue reliance should not be placed on these contours,
farm (1.17) established on the S side of the bay. especially close inshore.
8.439 Within the bar the depths in the outer part of the loch
1 Linne na Craige, reported to be called Stonefield Bay are not less than 5⋅5 m.
(56°27′N, 5°20′W), situated on the S shore 1 mile E of 8.445
Kilmaronag Narrows, affords anchorage in a depth of 7 m, 1 Approach and entry. Loch Creran is approached
clear of a shoal bank which extends ¾ cable E from Eilean through Lynn of Lorn (8.373) and entered through a narrow
Traighe, a grass-covered islet, and the bank fringing channel over a bar, SW of Airds Point.
Abbot’s Isles (8.429).
8.440 Limiting conditions
1 Sailean Ruadh (56°27′N, 5°16′W), entered close W of 8.446
Airds Point (8.429), affords well sheltered anchorage 1 Controlling depth in the entrance is 4⋅3 m, which is the
1½ cables from its head in depths of 4 to 6 m. Moorings least depth over the bar in position 2 cables SSW of Airds
are established in the bay. Point, making the entrance suitable for coasters and small
8.441 craft.
1 Airds Bay (56°27′N, 5°15′W) is deep close up to the Controlling depth in Caolas Cregan (56°33′N, 5°18′W)
shore and is not generally suitable as an anchorage. is 0⋅5 m in the fairway, making these narrows suitable only
However, moorings are laid around the bay and small craft for small craft.

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8.447 NNW of a submerged reef which extends obliquely

1 Controlling height. A bridge and an overhead power out from the NW coast of Eriska, ending in a
cable, both with a vertical clearance of 12 m, cross Caolas drying rock (1¾ cables S) which lies close to the
Cregan at its W end. centreline of the channel. For clearing marks see
8.448 8.453. Thence:
1 Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables: 3 In mid-channel, within a white sector (246°- 258°) of
Port Appin, 1 mile N of the entrance, see 8.397. the light on Dearg Sgeir (8.388), clear of the
Barcaldine Pier, 3 miles within the entrance, mean coastal bank which extends up to ½ cable from
spring range about 3⋅3 m; mean neap range about both shores, allowing for the N set described at
1⋅2 m. 8.450.
Head of the loch, mean spring range about 3⋅3 m; 8.453
mean neap range about 1⋅2 m. 1 Clearing marks:
8.449 The alignment (259°) of the N end of Glas Eilean
1 Timing. It is recommended that the entrance to Loch (above) with Branra Rock Beacon (above) clears
Creran should be approached at the beginning of the close NNW of the reef extending from the NW
in-going tide. coast of Eriska (above).
8.454
Tidal streams 1 From a position 2 cables N of Rubha nam Faoileann
8.450 (56°32′N, 5°24′W) the track into the loch leads generally
1 Caution. Tidal streams in the entrance to Loch Creran SSE, on the E side of the channel, passing (with positions
generally set in the direction of the channel but a N set is from Rubha nam Faoileann):
likely to be experienced in the bend N of Eriska during the 2 ENE of Rubha nam Faoileann, the NE extremity of
streams in both directions. Eriska, an island connected to the mainland on its
In the entrance the streams set as follows: S side by a reef and a causeway. A light-beacon
Interval from HW Oban Remarks (green column) stands on the point. Thence:
WSW of foul ground (1½ cables E) which extends
+0600 In-going stream begins
¾ cable W from the E shore, thence:
–0030 Out-going stream begins 3 WSW of foul ground, which extends ¾ cable W from
2 The rate of the stream at spring tides is 3 to 4 kn in North Shian Point, and on which stands an
both directions in the entrance, then weak in the outer part above-water rock (3 cables SSE), thence:
of the loch increasing in strength as Caolas Cregan is ENE of Sgeir Caillich (6 cables SSE) a long ridge of
approached. rocks which extends 3¼ cables NE from South
In Caolas Cregan the streams set as follows: Shian Point. A light-buoy (starboard hand) marks
the NE extremity of these rocks. Thence:
Interval from HW Oban Remarks
4 WSW of dangerous rocks (7 cables SE) which extend
–0520 In-going stream begins up to ¾ cable SW from the NE shore, thence:
+0025 Out-going stream begins WSW of Rubha Riabhach (1 mile SE), a promontory
on the N side of the loch, and:
3 The rate of the stream at spring tides is 5 kn in both ESE of a mooring buoy (1 mile SSE).
directions and, during the out-going stream, overfalls 8.455
extend 5 cables W from the narrows, as shown on the 1 Leading marks:
chart. The alignment (345°) astern, of the above-water rock,
In the upper part of the loch the streams are 3 cables SE of Rubha nam Faoileann (above), with
imperceptible except near the narrows. a point on the coast 2 cables NNW, leads through
Directions the fairway E of Sgeir Caillich (above).
8.451 8.456
1 Entrance channel. From a position 7 cables SW of 1 Loch Creran. The track through the outer part of Loch
Airds Point (56°32′N, 5°25′W) a white sector (041°- 058°) Creran follows the centreline of the channel, clear of
of the light-beacon standing on Dearg Sgeir (2 cables SW) marine farms (1.17) moored on both sides of the loch,
(8.388) leads towards the entrance, passing (with positions which are the only dangers outside the 10 m depth contour.
from Airds Point): The approach to Caolas Creagan (56°33′N, 5°18′W)
2 Over or clear of the coastal bank, with charted depths (8.459) is clear except for Black Rock, 4 cables WSW of
of less than 5 m (5 cables SW), extending the bridge over the narrows, which is the NW of rocks
1½ cables from Eriska (8.454), and: extending NW from the E shore.
SE of a submerged reef extending ½ cable SW from Moorings
Glas Eilean (4½ cables SW) (8.387). 8.457
8.452 1 Two mooring buoys are established off Rubha Garbh, a
1 When the alignment (259°) of the N end of Glas Eilean promontory extending from the S shore of the loch.
with Branra Rock Beacon (9½ cables WSW) (8.387), is
reached, the track alters ENE into the entrance channel, Alongside berth
passing (with positions from Airds Point): 8.458
SSE of Dearg Sgeir (2 cables SW) (8.388), a rock 1 Barcaldine Pier (56°32′N, 5°19′W) extends from the S
which dries 3⋅4 m, lying at the SW end of foul shore of the loch, 4 miles from the entrance. This pier was
ground which extends 2 cables SW from Airds reported (1985) to have a depth of 5⋅0 m alongside the
Point which is low and rocky, and: pierhead.
2 Over the least depth on the bar (2 cables SW) Mooring buoys are established off the coast SW of the
(8.446), thence: pier.

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A buoy (special), 1 cable N of the pierhead, marks an Rescue

outfall area liable to silt. 8.464
1 A Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (1.61) and an all-weather
lifeboat (1.72) are maintained at Oban (56°25′N, 5°29′W).
An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) is based at
Corpach (56°51′N, 5°07′W) (8.523).

Tidal streams
8.465
1 In mid-channel W of Shuna Island the streams set as
follows:
Interval from HW Oban Remarks
–0545 NE-going stream begins
Barcaldine Pier, Loch Creran from NW (8.458) +0025 SW-going stream begins
(Original dated 2000)
The maximum rate at spring tides is from ½ to ¾ kn.
(Photograph − Air Images)
2 Farther N in mid-channel the streams begin and set at
about the same rates as given above, but these gain
Small craft strength towards the N end as Corran Narrows are
8.459 approached.
1 Channel. Caolas Creagan (56°33′N, 5°17′W) which 3 Eddies. During the NE-going stream an eddy sets SW
leads into the upper part of Loch Creran, affords passage along the NW shore of the loch, from Rubha na h-Earba
for small craft under the S span of a 2 span bridge, within (56°39′N, 5°24′W) across the entrance to Loch a’ Choire
the limits given at 8.446 and 8.447. (3 miles SW).
2 Anchorages. South Shian (56°32′N, 5°24′W) between During the SW-going stream an eddy forms S of
Eriska and Sgeir Caillich, as shown on the chart, in a depth Sallachan Point (56°42′N, 5°17′W) and sets in a N
of 9 m, sand, clear of moorings, a submarine cable and a direction, clockwise around Camas Shallachain (5 cables
marine farm (1.17), as shown on the chart. A pier extends W), to arrive back at the point.
from the shore at South Shian. 4 For further details see tidal stream information on the
3 Head of the loch, 1½ cables from the SE shore, as charts.
shown on the chart, in depths of 10 to 13 m, mud.
Directions
(continued from 8.360 and 8.391)
Other name
Main channel
Chart 2379 8.466
8.460 1 From the vicinity of 56°36′N, 5°26′W, the line of
1 Ghaill, Eilean a (56°34′N, 5°23′W). bearing 042° of Corran Point Light (56°43′N, 5°14′W)
(8.508) leads NE through the middle of the loch, passing
(with positions from Rubha a’ Gearradh (56°41′N,
LOCH LINNHE CENTRAL PART 5°20′W)):
INCLUDING LOCH LEVEN SE of Ceanna Mór (56°36′N, 5°30′W), the SW
entrance point of Loch a’ Choire (8.478), thence:
General information 2 NW of a detached shoal, with a depth of 14⋅9 m over
it (56°35′N, 5°24′W) which lies 4 cables W of
Charts 2379, 2380 Creag an Fhithich, the NW extremity of Shuna
Channel Island (8.375), and:
8.461 3 SE of Rubha na h-Airde Uinnsinn (56°37′N, 5°28′W),
1 The central part of Loch Linnhe extends from Shuna the E entrance point of Camas na Croise into
Island (56°35′N, 5°24′W) for 9½ miles NNE to Corran which flows Glengalmadale River and near the W
Narrows. It has a width which varies from 3½ to 1¾ miles, shore of which stands Camasnacroise, which
becoming more constricted as Corran Narrows are consists of a church and several buildings. A
approached. From the N end of this part of the loch beacon which stands 2 cables W of Rubha na
Ballachulish Bay branches off to the E giving access to h-Airde Uinnsinn marks the N landing area of
Loch Leven. submarine power cables (1.39). Thence:
4 SE of an isolated shoal, with a charted depth of 18 m
Topography (56°37′N, 5°27′W), which lies 3 cables off a
8.462 drying bank which extends up to 1 cable from the
1 Both shores of the loch rise to an almost continuous shore for 1½ miles NE, thence:
range of mountains, more or less precipitous, with NW of a rocky patch, with a depth of 13⋅4 m over it
elevations of over 700 m on the N side, which are (56°37′N, 5°22′W), which lies 4 cables from the
penetrated by deep valleys. shore that is otherwise free from dangers outside
1 cable, thence:
Submarine exercises 5 SE of a bank, with depths of less than 20 m over it,
8.463 which extends 4 cables SE and 1 mile NE from
1 The central part of Loch Linnhe is used for submarine Sgeir nan Gillean (56°38′N, 5°24′W), a rocky
exercises as given at 8.4. patch which is separated from Rubha na h-Earba, a

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promontory on the mainland N, by a channel with respectively. The village of Onich stands on the N shore of
9 to 17 m in the fairway, thence: the bay.
6 NW of Eilean Balnagowan (3½ miles S), an island
5 cables in length, which has a drying rock Natural conditions
¾ cable NE of its NE extremity and a bank which 8.470
extends 2½ cables farther NE, thence: 1 Tidal streams are very weak in Ballachulish Bay, but
SE of Sgeirean nan Torran (2¼ miles SW), a group increase as the entrance to Loch Leven is approached;
of rocks which lie from 1 to 2 cables offshore, directly off the entrance the streams, especially the
with another rock lying 2 cables farther NE. A out-going stream, are appreciable. In the NE corner of the
clearing line is given at 8.467. Thence: bay a weak eddy sets SE during the out-going stream at
7 NW of Rubha Mór (2½ miles S), a rocky point on spring tides.
the mainland at the SW end of a stretch of coast 2 Local weather. Ballachulish Bay is exposed to SW
that is low for 2½ miles, with foul ground which, winds which cause a considerable swell. Also, with S
in places, extends up to 1½ cables offshore, winds, heavy squalls blow down from the mountains.
making it advisable to keep at least 2½ cables off Charts 2380, 2372 plan of Corran Narrows
the coast, thence: Directions
8 SE of Sanda Shoal (5 cables S) which lies in the
(continued from 8.468)
entrance to Inversanda Bay. A clearing line is
8.471
given below.
1 From a position 1½ miles SSE of Sallachan Point
8.467
(56°42′N, 5°17′W) the track into Ballachulish Bay leads
1 Clearing line. The line of bearing 234° of Rubha na
ENE, passing (with positions from Rubh’ a’ Bhaid
h-Airde Uinnsinn (56°37′N, 5°28′W) (8.466), open SE of
Bheithe):
Rubha na h-Earba, 2¾ miles NE (8.466) and charted as
Clear of isolated shoal patches, with charted depths of
being in line with the SE edge of Sgeir nan Gillean, clears
less than 20 m and a least charted depth of 16⋅2 m
SE of Sgeirean nan Torran (56°39′⋅5N, 5°22′⋅5W).
(1½ miles WSW), which extend SSW from
2 Clearing marks. The alignment (048½°) of Sallachan
Cuil-cheanna Spit, as shown on the chart, and:
Beacon (56°42′N, 5°17′W) (8.468) with Corran Point Light
2 SSE of the S extremity of Cuil-cheanna Spit
(1¾ miles NE) (8.508) clears SE of Sanda Shoal (56°41′N,
(1¼ miles W) (8.508) which is marked by a
5°20′W).
light-buoy, for a clearing line see 8.472, thence:
At least 1½ cables NNW of the coast which extends
Chart 2380 8½ cables NE from Kentallen Pier (ruin) (9 cables
Northern end SW) to avoid a shoal, with a depth of 7⋅9 m over
8.468 it (8½ cables WSW), lying 1 cable NNE of a
1 After passing Sanda Shoal (above) the track can be dangerous rock, and a marine farm (5 cables
adjusted to the ENE, as required, for the approach to WSW) (1.17), and:
Corran Narrows (56°43′N, 5°14′W) (8.499), or for the 3 SSE of a detached rock, with a charted depth of
approach to Ballachulish Bay (56°42′N, 5°13′W) (8.469) 8⋅8 m (8½ cables W), lying 1½ cables SE of
and Loch Leven, farther E, passing (with positions from Cuil-chenna Spit, thence:
Sallachan Point (56°42′N, 5°17′W)): NNW of Sgeir nan Ròn (½ cable NW), which dries
2 SSE of Gearradh Bank (1¾ miles WSW) which lies 3⋅3 m and lies at the NW edge of foul ground
on a reef which extends from 1 to 3 cables extending ¾ cable NW and N from Rubh’ a’
offshore between the N end of Inversanda Bay and Bhaid Bheithe, thence:
Rubha Ruadh (1¼ miles WSW), thence: 4 NNW of a rock, with a charted depth of 10⋅7 m
SSE of Red Patch (9 cables WSW), a shallow rock (5 cables ENE,) which lies on a bank extending
on a detached shoal which is separated from the 2 cables N from Currachd Liath, a rock which lies
coastal bank by a narrow channel with a depth of close to the S shore. A dangerous rock, with a
11 m in it, thence: least depth of 0⋅9 m over it, lies ½ cable ENE of
3 SSE of a bank, with depths of less than 5 m over it, Currachd Liath. For clearing line see 8.472.
which extends 3½ cables S from Sallachan Point, 8.472
which is a low boggy promontory fringed by a flat 1 Clearing line. The line of bearing 082° of Loch Leven
of large boulders which dry as much as 3 m. Hotel (56°41′⋅4N, 5°10′⋅7W) (8.489) just open N of Rubh’
Sallachan Beacon (octagonal, red) stands on the a’ Bhaid Bheithe (1½ miles W), clears S of Cuil-cheanna
point but is not very noticeable against the land. Spit but passes over a detached shoal, with a least charted
(Directions continue for Corran Narrows at 8.508, depth of 18 m, 2 cables S of the spit.
and for Ballachulish Bay at 8.471) 2 Clearing marks. The alignment (091°) of Loch Leven
Hotel (above) with Sgòr na Ciche, also known as Pap of
Glencoe, (3½ miles E) (not charted), a conical mountain
Ballachulish Bay with an elevation of 737 m, clears N of the bank extending
N from Currachd Liath.
General information (Directions continue for Loch Leven at 8.488)
8.469
1 Ballachulish Bay, which is entered between Rubh’ a’ Anchorages and berths
Bhaid Bheithe (56°41′N, 5°13′W) and Rubha Cuil-cheanna 8.473
(1¼ miles NW), affords anchorage for small vessels. The 1 Anchorage for small vessels is available as convenient
entrance to Loch Leven extends from the head of the bay in depths of 27 to 45 m, mud, clear of the coastal bank
and the villages of North Ballachulish and South which extends to a maximum of 2 cables offshore, and of
Ballachulish stand on the N and S sides of the entrance several foul areas consisting of abandoned ground tackle as

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shown on the chart. Near the entrance to Loch Leven the Chart 2380
tidal stream, especially the out-going stream, makes it 8.480
advisable to moor. 1 Kentallen Bay (56°40′N, 5°15′W) is very deep almost
2 Small craft can obtain occasional anchorage during fine to the LW line, and is unsuitable as an anchorage for small
weather in the NE and in the NW corners of the bay, as craft. There are numerous moorings, however, some of
shown on the chart. which may be available to visitors. During W gales this
bay is subject to violent squalls from unpredictable
Landing directions, and strong N winds render the bay untenable.
8.474
1 Landing is possible at a stone pier (ruin) at Onich in the
NW corner of the bay. The outer end of the pier dries and Loch Leven
landing is only possible near HW, keeping clear of the
stumps of old piles standing off the outer end of the pier, General information
which are covered at half tide. 8.481
2 Landing is also possible at a slip on the S side of the 1 Loch Leven, which is entered through Loch Leven
entrance to Loch Leven close to the Ballachulish Hotel, as Narrows (56°41′N, 5°11′W), extends generally ENE for
shown on plan A. There is a depth of 1⋅1 m alongside the about 7 miles to Kinlochleven (56°43′N, 04°58′W) (8.495)
outer end of the slip but the tidal stream sets strongly, see at the head of the loch. This loch is divided into upper and
8.487. lower parts by the narrows at Caolas nan Con (8.484),
situated about 5 miles from the entrance. The lower part of
Supplies the loch has several islets and rocks in the fairway whilst
8.475 the upper part, which is generally very narrow, is without
1 Small quantities of provisions can be obtained at Onich dangers in the fairway. Marine farms (1.17) are moored
and at both North Ballachulish and South Ballachulish. along both sides of the loch, as shown on the chart.
Fresh provisions can be obtained from Glasgow. 8.482
1 Topography. The mountains on both sides of the loch
Anchorages rise somewhat precipitously to a considerable height,
seeming to crowd in on the narrower parts of the channel.
Chart 2379 8.483
Camas Chil Mhalieu Depths. The charted underwater contours in Loch Leven
8.476 are based on old and widely spaced leadline soundings.
1 Camas Chil Mhalieu (56°39′N, 5°25′W) affords good Undue reliance should not be placed on these contours,
shelter from N winds, clear of marine farms (1.17) which especially close inshore.
extends NW from Sgeir nan Gillean (8.466) towards a 8.484
small rock (0⋅6 m high), 4 cables NNW, which lies near the 1 Approach and entry. Loch Leven is approached
S edge of a drying bank at the head of the bay. through Ballachulish Bay (8.469) and entered through Loch
Chart 2380 Leven Narrows. Caolas Mhic Phadruig, at the W end of the
narrows, has a navigable width of less than 1 cable and a
Camas Shallachain
length of about 6 cables; it is entered between drying banks
8.477
composed of silt from the mountain streams, then passes
1 Camas Shallachain (56°42′N, 5°18′W) affords temporary
between the shores of the loch which are spanned by
anchorage, as required, clear of the bank extending
Ballachulish Bridge, a single span road bridge with a
1¼ cables SSE from Sgeirean Shallachain and of the drying
vertical clearance as given at 8.485.
bank which extends 2 cables W from Sallachan Point
2 Depths decrease suddenly at the W end of Caolas Mhic
(8.468).
Phadruig, from 29 m in Ballachulish Bay to a bar across
Anchorage for small craft, as shown on the chart, has a
the entrance, see 8.485. Depths then increase in the middle
depth of 15 m.
of Caolas Mhic Phadruig (under the bridge) E of which lies
another bar with a least depth of 3 m over it.
Small craft 3 Immediately within Caolas Mhic Phadruig the entrance
Chart 2379 opens into a small deep basin then contracts again to form
Loch a’ Choire a second narrows with a least charted depth of 4⋅3 m in the
8.478 fairway.
1 Loch a’ Choire (56°37′N, 5°30′W) affords anchorage for Entry to the upper loch is through Caolas nan Con
small craft in settled weather clear of the many marine (56°42′N, 5°03′W), the inner narrows, which has a depth of
farms (1.17) moored along the N shore. This loch is well 3⋅4 m and a width as given at 8.485.
sheltered but subject to violent squalls which sweep down
the glens between the impressive mountains which surround Limiting conditions
the loch. 8.485
2 Landing can be effected at a stone slip on the N side, 1 Controlling depth is 1⋅8 m which is the least depth over
at the head of the loch. the bar at the W end of Caolas Mhic Phadruig, in position
2⋅9 cables WNW of the centre of Ballachulish Bridge.
Other anchorages Mean tidal levels in Caolas Mhic Phadruig: MHWS
8.479 4⋅4 m, MLWS 0⋅7 m.
1 Eilean Balnagowan (56°38′N, 5°20′W) (8.466) affords 2 There are no recorded figures for tidal heights within
shelter from W winds in a bay on its E side. Loch Leven; however it is anticipated that the narrows at
Cuil Bay (56°39′N, 5°18′W) affords anchorage for small Caolas Mhic Phadruig and those at Caolas nan Con will
craft, 7½ cables ESE of Rubha Mór, as shown on the chart, severely restrict both the range and tidal levels within the
which is sheltered from N and E winds. loch.

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3 Controlling height. Ballachulish Bridge, with a vertical 4 After passing Clach Mhic Phadruig the track continues
clearance of 17 m, spans Caolas Mhic Phadruig near the ESE along the SW side of the channel, passing (with
centre of the narrows. positions from Rubha nan Leachd):
Controlling width. The inner narrows at Caolas nan SSW of a rocky ledge, with a charted depth of 2⋅9 m
Con have a minimum width of 25 m. over it (2¼ cables NW) which extends S from a
rocky spit with a drying rock near its SW end.
5 From a position ½ cable N of Rubha nan Leachd the
track leads SE through the second narrows (8.484), passing
Submarine cables (with positions from Rubha nan Leachd):
8.486 Over a bar, with a charted depth of 4⋅3 m (1½ cables
1 A submarine cable area (1.39) which extends across ESE), which extends across the middle of the
Caolas Mhic Phadruig is centred 1¼ cables E of fairway and has a navigable width of ¾ cable
Ballachulish Bridge. The landing places are marked by a between reefs and shoals extending from both
beacon on both shores. shores, thence:
A submarine cable is also laid across the loch at the E 6 SW of a reef extending ¼ cable SW from Rubha
end of Caolas nan Con (8.493). Charnuis (2½ cables E) which is a low, green,
sloping point at the end of a raised beach, thence:
SW of boulders which are steep-to and extend
½ cable SSE from Eilean Choinneich (5 cables E)
Tidal streams which is a flat green island with foul ground
8.487 extending 1 cable E from its E side and a marine
1 In Caolas Mhic Phadruig the streams set as follows: farm (1.17) moored close SE.
Interval from HW Oban Remarks 8.489
1 Useful marks, with positions from Rubha nan Leachd:
–0515 In-going stream begins Loch Leven Hotel (4¼ cables NW) standing on the N
+0100 Out-going stream begins side of Caolas Mhic Phadruig.
Ballachulish Hotel (5 cables WNW) which is a large
The rate at spring tides is from 4 to 5½ kn in both
building of grey stone standing close to the S
directions.
shore of Caolas Mhic Phadruig.
2 In the outer part of Loch Leven the streams are weak.
Stuart Memorial (4½ cables WNW) which is a stone
In Caolas nan Con the streams set as follows:
monument.
Interval from HW Oban Remarks 8.490
–0430 In-going stream begins 1 Lower Loch Leven. From a position 7 cables ESE of
Rubha nan Leachd the track alters to the NE through a
+0100 Out-going stream begins channel that is 2½ cables wide, with clear water outside the
The rate at spring tides of the in-going stream is 6 kn 20 m depth contour, passing (with positions from Aird
and of the out-going stream is 4½ kn. Eachainn (56°42′N, 5°06′W)):
3 In the inner part of Loch Leven the streams are SE of a shallow spit which extends ¾ cable SE from
negligible an above-water and below-water reef (1½ miles
Overfalls are created to the W of Caolas Mhic WSW), thence:
Phadruig, as shown on the chart, by the out-going stream 2 SE of Sgeir Dhubh (1¼ miles WSW) a detached
when the wind is from the W. shoal on which there are dangerous rocks, with a
depth of 0⋅3 m over them, lying up to 1¾ cables
SSE of Rubh’ Aird Daraich, a promontory on the
N side of the loch, thence:
Directions 3 NW of Rubha na Glas-lice (1¼ miles SW) an
(continued from 8.472) artificial promontory formed by the debris from the
8.488 workings of Ballachulish Slate Quarry, situated
1 Loch Leven Narrows. From position 56°41′⋅8N, 4 cables SSE of the promontory, thence:
5°12′⋅7W the alignment (114°) of the mid-point of 4 NW of Eilean Munde, reported to be known as Saint
Ballachulish Bridge (56°41′⋅4N, 5°10′⋅9W) (8.484) with Mungo’s (9 cables SW), which is the SW islet of a
Rubha nan Leachd (4¾ cables ESE) leads into Caolas Mhic group of islets and rocks extending 3½ cables
Phadruig (8.484), passing (with positions from Rubha nan ENE. The ruins of a chapel stand near the W end
Leachd): of the island which has been used as a burial
2 In mid-channel between the drying banks of stones ground from ancient times. And:
(8 cables WNW) which extend up to 1½ cables 5 SE of a rocky spur (9 cables WSW) which extends
from the coast on both sides of the entrance, and ¾ cable SE from the N shore of the loch.
over the bar with a least depth as given at 8.485, 8.491
thence: 1 From a position 1½ cables N of Eilean a’ Chòmhraidh,
Under the centre of Ballachulish Bridge (5 cables 7 cables SW of Aird Eachainn, the track alters ENE and
WNW) with a vertical clearance as given at 8.485, continues to Caolas nan Con in mid-channel, free from
thence: dangers in the fairway, passing (with positions from Aird
3 NNE of a dangerous rock, with a depth of 0⋅9 m over Eachainn):
it (4 cables WNW), which lies ½ cable NW of 2 NNW of Creagan nan Caorach (2½ cables SSE)
Clach Mhic Phadruig, a rock which dries 2⋅1 m, which is a wooded hill rising to an elevation of
lying close off the S shore. 74 m on which stands a large house. This point

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and the coast E is fronted by the embankment of a 5 Camas Eilean nam Ban (56°43′N, 5°01′W) a bay close
trunk road. Sgòr na Ciche (8.472) rises 1½ miles E W of Eilean nam Ban, affords anchorage.
of Creagan nan Caorach, about 6 cables from the S Head of the loch. Anchorage is possible off the wharf
shore. at Kinlochleven.
8.492
1 Useful mark. Callert House (56°42′N, 5°07′W) which LOCH LINNHE NORTHERN PART
stands on low ground near the N shore of the loch is a
grey stone building surrounded by woods. Callert cottage, General information
5 cables ENE, is a small villa enclosed by a plantation.
8.493 Chart 2380, 2372
1 Caolas nan Con. The deepest water in the channel Channel
through Caolas nan Con (56°42′N, 5°03′W) (8.484) lies on 8.497
the N side, about ¼ of the apparent width of the channel 1 The N part of Loch Linnhe, which extends about
from the N shore. A drying bank, which extends up to 8½ miles NE from Corran Narrows (56°43′N, 5°14′W)
¾ cable from the S shore along the full length of the (8.499), is deep and without dangers in mid-channel as far
narrows, is marked near both ends by a decaying timber N as Fort William (56°49′N, 5°06′W), a small town
beacon. situated on the E shore of the loch. This part of the loch
8.494 provides access to the Caledonian Canal (8.525), the
1 Upper Loch Leven. From Caolas nan Con the track entrance to which lies at the head of the loch, 1½ miles
continues generally ENE in mid-channel, free from dangers NW of Fort William, and to the Scottish Pulp and Paper
in the fairway, passing (with positions from Eilean nam Mills which has a loading berth at the head of the loch.
Ban (56°43′N, 5°00′W)): Loch Eil, which continues W from the head of the loch, is
2 SSE of the reef extending ½ cable SW from Eilean also accessed from the N part of Loch Linnhe.
nam Ban which lies close off the N shore of the Topography
loch. 8.498
1 Within Corran Narrows an impressive mountain ridge
Alongside berths rises close to the shore on both sides of the loch. Sgurr na
8.495 h-Eanchainne, which rises on the W shore, 1¾ miles NW
1 A wharf, with depths of 3⋅7 to 5⋅5 m alongside its N of Corran Point Light, has a number of waterfalls scattered
side, is situated on the S side of the head of the loch off around its SE slope.
the village of Kinlochleven. One of the earliest aluminium Ben Nevis (1341 m high), the highest mountain in
smelters powered by hydro-electricity was established here Britain, is situated 4 miles ESE of Fort William.
in 1908. Approach and entry
2 Artificial harbours have been formed on both the E 8.499
and W sides of Rubha na Glas-lice (56°41′N, 5°08′W) 1 Corran Narrows, which are approached from SW
(8.490); each has a concrete quay at its head alongside through a channel 2 cables wide, between Sallachan Point
which vessels can lie. The E harbour is reported to provide (56°42′N, 5°17′W) and Rubha Cuil-cheanna (1¼ miles E),
the best shelter and the W harbour has moorings and provide access to the N part of Loch Linnhe from the
facilities for small craft. central part of the loch. The channel through Corran
Narrows has a navigable width of 1 cable and depths of 11
Small craft to 27 m.
8.496 Entry to Loch Eil
1 Anchorages and berths are given in the following 8.500
paragraphs. 1 Annat Narrows (The Narrows) (56°50′N, 5°09′W)
2 Poll an Dùnain (56°41′⋅5N, 5°10′⋅0W), lying N of situated to the W of Corpach (8.523) provide access to
Eilean na h-Luraich on the N side of the basin in the Loch Eil. This channel has a navigable width of less than
middle of the entrance to the loch, affords anchorage for 1 cable and a least depth of 4⋅6 m in the fairway.
small craft in a depth of 4 m, clear of many moorings in
the bay. The holding is reported to be poor in an area Hazards
which provides little shelter during strong winds. Local 8.501
knowledge is required. 1 Swirls. Sudden swirls are likely to be encountered in
3 Port Eoghainn, close SW of Poll an Dùnain (above), Corran Narrows and it is recommended that vessels with
contains a mooring buoy and several moorings for small limited room for manoeuvre should be taken through these
craft. This bay does not provide shelter in strong winds. narrows in daylight and at, or a short time after, HW at
Temporary anchorage can be obtained in a narrow Corran (+0007 Oban). General description of tidal streams
channel E of Rubha Charnuis (56°41′N, 5°10′W) (8.488) is given at 8.503.
and also NNE of Eilean Choinneich, 2 cables ESE (8.488), 2 Ferries. A ferry crosses the N end of Corran Narrows,
in good holding ground. between a pier on the E side, 2 cables ENE of Corran
4 Occasional anchorage can be obtained in the bay SE of Point Light, and a slip on the W side, 2½ cables WNW, as
Eilean Munde (56°41′N, 5°08′W) and the islands extending shown on the chart.
NE from it. A pier which extends from the S coast of the A ferry crosses the N end of Loch Linnhe between Fort
bay is connected by road with the village of Glencoe, William Pier (56°49′N, 5°07′W) and a jetty at
3½ cables ENE. Camusnagaul, 7¼ cables NNW, as shown on the chart.
Camas na h-Eirghe (56°42′⋅0N, 5°04′⋅5W), a slight 3 Underwater tests. Tests of underwater equipment are
indentation on the N shore of the loch, affords good carried out in the N part of Loch Linnhe between Corran
anchorage 1 cable offshore in a depth of 16 m. Narrows, at the entrance, and Annat Narrows, at the head.

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These may include moored barges from which diving takes Directions
place. The test sites are generally marked by light-buoys (continued from 8.468)
(special) and should be approached with caution.
Chart 2372 plan of Corran Narrows
Approach to Corran Narrows
Rescue 8.508
8.502 (continued from 8.468)
1 An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) is based at 1 Initial position: 1 mile SSE of Sallachan Point
Corpach (56°50′⋅6N, 5°07′⋅5W). (56°42′N, 5°17′W).
Leading marks:
Tidal streams Front mark. Corran Point Lighthouse (white tower,
8.503 13 m in height) (56°43′N, 5°14′W), with a
1 Approach to Corran Narrows. From the S the rates of two-storeyed white building close SE.
the tidal streams increase as the narrows are approached Rear mark. Meall an t-Slamain, 6¼ miles NNE (chart
and in mid-channel between Sallachan Point and Rubha 2380).
Cuil-cheanna the rate at spring tides is 2 kn in both 2 The alignment (024½°) of these marks leads through the
directions. fairway towards Corran Narrows, as shown on the plan,
2 Eddy. The out-going stream, as it leaves Corran passing (with positions from Rubha Cuil-cheanna (56°42′N,
Narrows, forms an eddy on the NW side of the channel. 5°15′W)):
This eddy sets NW into Clovulin Bay then NE towards 3 WSW of Cuil-cheanna Spit which, with charted
Corran Point, creating overfalls SE of the point, where the depths of less than 10 m, extends 1¼ miles SSW
eddy meets the out-going stream. During the out-going from Rubha Cuil-cheanna which forms the SE side
stream an eddy also sets N in the bay on the E side of the of the approach to Corran Narrows. This spit,
channel, between Rubha Cuil-cheanna and Corran Narrows. which consists of sand and stones, is marked on its
8.504 SW extremity by a light-buoy (starboard hand) and
1 Corran Narrows. The direction and rate of the tidal lies within a white sector (305°- 030°) of Corran
streams in Corran Narrows are given on the chart. The Point Light. Thence:
in-going stream is strongest on the SE side of the channel. 4 ESE of Clovullin Flat (4 cables WNW) which, with
Overfalls. Strong winds blowing against the tidal stream depths of less than 10 m, extends up to 6½ cables
create overfalls across the whole width of the channel. from the shores of Clovullin Bay and is marked on
8.505 its SE extremity by a light-buoy (port hand). This
1 Loch Linnhe northern part. After passing Corran flat, which extends from Sallachan Point (8.468) to
Narrows the in-going stream sets along the SE shore of the Corran Point (1¼ miles NE), lies within a red
N part of Loch Linnhe. The rate of this stream decreases sector of Corran Point Light bearing more than
quickly with distance from the narrows and between 1 and 030°.
1½ miles N has a rate of only ¾ kn in both directions at
spring tides. The out-going stream sets directly towards the Corran Narrows
narrows. 8.509
2 Eddy. In mid-channel off Rubha Dearg, on the W side 1 From a position 5¼ cables SSW of Corran Point Light
of the loch 2 miles N of Corran Narrows, the in-going the track alters NE along the line of bearing 034° of
stream forms an eddy when less than 3 hours before HW Corran Narrows North-east Light-beacon (metal framework
Oban, which sets NW towards Rubha Dearg then SW along tower, 2 m in height) (56°43′⋅6N, 5°13′⋅8W), which leads
the NW shore of the loch, continuing around An Camas through Corran Narrows, passing (with positions from
Aiseig, 5 cables NW of Corran Point, then SE towards that Corran Point Light):
point.
3 The rate of the eddy at spring tides is ½ kn between
Rubha Dearg and An Camas Aiseig which then increases to
1½ kn along the SW shore of the bay. This eddy begins at
–0430 Oban in An Camas Aiseig which is earlier than the
eddy off Rubha Dearg and results in the stream setting S
and SE around the bay continuously for 11 hours, then W
and NW for 1½ hours.
4 Overfalls off Corran Point are created by the eddy
described above where it meets the in-going stream.
8.506
1 Head of Loch Linnhe. In general the tidal streams set
in the direction of the loch and are very weak but off the
entrance to the Caledonian Canal the rate at spring tides is
Corran Point
2½ kn in both directions. Further information is given on
the chart. Corran Narrows from SW (8.509)
(Original dated 2000)
(Photograph − Air Images)
Local weather
8.507 2 SE of a light-buoy (port hand) (4½ cables SSW)
1 Due to the length of Loch Linnhe and the mountainous which marks the SE edge of Clovullin Flats at its
terrain close to its shores the wind is normally funnelled NE end, thence:
along the loch, one way or the other, and the rainfall is SE of a rocky ledge, with depths of less than 10 m
generally increased. over it, which extends 1 cable S from Corran Point

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and of a drying bank which extends ¼ cable SE 5 Clear of marine farms (1.17) and moorings
from Corran Point, on which stands Corran Point established on both sides of the loch as far N as
Light (8.508). Fort William (3 miles NE).
3 From a position 1 cable E of Corran Point Light the 8.513
track leads generally N, passing (with positions from 1 Clearing lines. The line of bearing 222° of Keil House
Corran Point Light): (56°44′N, 5°15′W), open SE of Rubha Dearg (1½ miles
E of a spit, with depths of 2 to 5 m over it (3 cables NE) clears close SE of Victorious Rock and SE of the
N), which extends 1½ cables NE from the shore 6⋅1 m patch, 1 mile farther NE.
and has two mooring buoys near its outer end The green sector of Corran Point Light covers the
which are used by the local ferries, thence: dangers surrounding, and extending SW from, Black Rock.
4 One cable E of the light-buoy (port hand) which 8.514
marks the NE extremity of Corran Shoal, rock and 1 Useful marks, with positions from Rubha Bun
gravel, which is covered by a red sector (less than Chiochnish:
195°) of Corran Point Light. For a clearing line Corran Point Light (4 miles SW) (8.508).
see 8.510. And: Conaglen House (2 miles W) which stands among
W of Corran Narrows North-east Light (5 cables NE) trees.
(8.509). 2 Two beacons (1¾ miles NE), which formerly marked
8.510 the N limit of a measured distance, established on
1 Clearing line. The line of bearing 191° of Rubha the SE shore.
Cuil-cheanna (8.508) open E of Corran Point Light, clears The spire of the Episcopal Church (3¼ miles NE)
E of Corran Shoal. standing in the N part of Fort William.
8.511
1 Useful marks:
Beacons which mark the landing places of submarine
power cables and submarine cables (1.39) which Chart 2372 plan of Fort William and Corpach
cross the N end of Corran Narrows and the S end Approach to Corpach
of the N part of Loch Linnhe respectively, are 8.515
situated as follows (with positions from Corran 1 From a position 6½ cables S of McLean Rock
Point Light): 2¾ cables ENE; 5 cables NE; (56°49′⋅8N, 5°07′⋅0W) the track alters to NNE, passing
7½ cables NE; 2 cables NW; 3½ cables NW; (with positions from McLean Rock):
1½ miles N (chart 2380). WNW of Underwater Centre Ltd Pier (6¼ cables
2 A light (grey mast, 8 m in height), 1½ cables NNW SSE) (8.527), thence:
of Corran Point Light, standing on the head of a ESE of a shallow spit, with a depth of 8⋅5 m over its
pier. extremity (3¼ cables S), thence:
2 WNW of a light-buoy (starboard hand) (3 cables S)
moored ½ cable W of the entrance to River Lochy,
Chart 2380 off which shoaling was reported in 1990, as shown
Loch Linnhe northern part on the chart. The river passes through the S part
8.512 of Am Breun Chamas, also known as Lochy Flats
1 From a position 1 mile NNE of Corran Point Light the which extend from Fort William to the entrance to
track leads NE along the centre-line of Loch Linnhe, the Caledonian Canal at Corpach (7 cables N).
passing (with positions from Rubha Bun Chiochnish These flats are composed of sand with occasional
(56°46′N, 5°10′W)): patches of shingle, on which stands An Caol, a
SE of a light-buoy (special) (2½ miles SW) (8.501), narrow islet, the SW end of which is 1⋅4 m high.
thence: Thence:
2 SE of a detached shoal patch, with charted depths of 3 ESE of the coastal bank, with charted depths of less
less than 10 m (1¾ miles WSW) which lies on the than 10 m, extending ½ cable SE from McLean
coastal bank extending 3½ cables SE from Sgeir Rock which is marked by a light-buoy (port hand)
Mhic Ic Alasdair or Glengarry’s Rock, and: on the SE extremity of the bank. McLean Rock
NW of a shoal patch, with a least depth of 3⋅1 m lies at the E end of a shoal, with depths of less
over it (1¾ miles SW), lying near the edge of the than 5 m over it, on the W end of which lies New
coastal bank, thence: Rock, which has a depth of 1⋅5 m over it.
3 NW of Black Rock (1½ miles SW) which dries 4⋅4 m 8.516
and lies near the NE end of the coastal bank 1 From a position 1½ cables NE of McLean Rock the
which extends 1¾ cables offshore, thence: track alters to the N, passing (with positions from McLean
SE of Victorious Rock (1½ miles WSW) which lies Rock):
on the edge of the coastal bank extending 3 cables E of a drying reef which extends ¼ cable E from a
SE from Rubha na h-Airde, a promontory on grassy islet (2 cables NNW) which lies ¾ cable E
which stands a boathouse, thence: of Rubha Dearg, the NE extremity of the W side
4 SE of a detached shoal, with a least depth of 6⋅1 m of Loch Linnhe, with which it is connected by a
over it (7 cables WNW), which lies on the coastal narrow tongue of sand and gravel, thence:
bank, 1½ cables offshore, and has a marine farm 2 W of Am Breun Chamas (3 cables NE) (8.515)
(1.17) moored on its NE side. For clearing line see keeping well clear during the out-going tidal
8.513. Thence: stream which sets towards this flat from a position
NW of a reef which extends 1¼ cables from the off the N side of Rubha Dearg.
mouth of River Kiachnish, close S of Rubha Bun (Directions continue for approach to
Chiochnish, thence: Loch Eil at 8.519)

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8.517 marine farms (1.17) which extend up to 2 cables offshore,

1 From a position 2¾ cables ESE of the N extremity of as shown on the chart.
Eilean na Creiche (56°50′⋅3N, 5°07′⋅3W) the track leads 2 Depths. The charted underwater contours in Loch Eil
NW then W through a narrow channel towards Corpach are based on old and widely spaced lead-line soundings.
and the entrance to the Caledonian Canal, passing (with Underwater tests (8.501) are conducted within Annat
positions from the N extremity of Eilean na Creiche): Narrows, as shown on Chart 2372.
2 Close NE of a 5⋅5 m depth (2 cables ESE) which lies
Tidal streams
near the E end of the bank, with charted depths of
8.521
less than 10 m, extending E from Eilean na
1 Annat Narrows. In Annat Narrows the tidal streams set
Creiche, a grassy islet which lies near the E end of
as follows:
a drying reef, thence:
3 SW of the coastal bank, with charted depths of less Interval from HW Oban Remarks
than 10 m, which extends up to ½ cable SW from –0435 In-going stream begins
Am Breun Chamas (8.515), thence:
N of the bank, with charted depths of less than 10 m, +0130 Out-going stream begins
extending ¾ cable N from Eilean na Creiche, 2 The rate of the stream is 5 kn at spring tides, as given
which is marked near its NE extremity by a on chart 2380.
light-buoy (port hand), thence: Loch Eil. The in-going stream sets mostly along the N
4 Clear of a shoal, with a depth of 7⋅3 m over it shore of the loch with a rate which decreases with distance
(1½ cables NW), which lies close W of the from Annat Narrows, to be almost imperceptible from 2 to
channel, less than a cable SW of the entrance to 3 miles within the loch.
the canal. Channel
8.518 8.522
1 Useful marks, with positions from the N end of Eilean 1 The fairway through Annat Narrows lies close to the S
na Creiche: shore and is unmarked. A submarine pipeline which
Corpach Light (white tower, 6 m in height) (2 cables extends SSW across the E end of the narrows is shown of
N), which stands on the N wall of the sea-lock to the chart. A submarine cable (1.39) which crosses the
the entrance to the Caledonian Canal. narrows near the middle is marked by a beacon on the N
Conspicuous tower, with an elevation of 58 m shore; another submarine power cable which crosses the
(7½ cables WNW) which stands in the Scottish narrows from Rubha Mór (56°51′N, 5°10′W) is unmarked.
Pulp and Paper Mills.
2 Covered slipways (4¾ cables WNW). Corpach and the Caledonian Canal
Chart 2372 plan of Fort William and Corpach
Approach to Loch Eil General information
(continued from 8.516) 8.523
8.519 1 Corpach (56°50′⋅6N, 5°07′⋅5W), which stands on the N
1 From a position 4½ cables ESE of the S extremity of shore of the head of Loch Linnhe, provides access to the
Eilean a Bhealaidh (56°50′⋅3N, 5°07′⋅6W) the track towards West Highland area, to the Caledonian Canal and to a
Loch Eil leads WNW, passing (with positions from the S commercial berth at the Scottish Pulp and Paper Mills. In
extremity of Eilean a Bhealaidh): this text the commercial port facilities will be described
NNE of the coastal bank, with a charted depth of less first followed by the Caledonian Canal at 8.525.
than 5 m (2½ cables SE), which extends ½ cable
NNW from the grassy islet lying ¾ cable E of
Rubha Dearg (8.516), thence:
2 SSW of the drying reef and coastal bank, with a
charted depth of less than 5 m, which extends a
total of ½ cable SSW from Eilean a Bhealaidh, a
grassy islet which is connected to Eilean na
Creiche (8.517) by a drying reef, thence:
3 NNE of a dangerous rock (2¼ cables WSW) which
lies near the edge of the coastal bank, thence:
SSW of the drying reef and coastal bank, with
charted depths of less than 5 m, which extend a
total of ¾ cable SSW from Eilean nan Craobh
(2 cables WNW) (8.524).

Loch Eil
Pulp and Eilean nan Croabh Boyd Brothers Jetty
paper mills
Charts 2380, 2372 plan of Fort William and Corpach Corpach from SE (8.523)
General information (Original dated 2000)
8.520 (Photograph − Air Images)
1 Loch Eil (56°51′N, 5°15′W), which is joined to the head
of Loch Linnhe by Annat Narrows (8.500), is more open Commercial port
than Loch Linnhe and unusually featureless. This loch is 8.524
deep to within 2 cables of the shore and 4 cables of its 1 Traffic. In 2002, the port was used by 25 vessels with a
head and is free from dangers in the fairway except for total of 40 364 dwt.

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Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables. 6 Foul area exists in the deep water 2 cables SW of the
Mean spring range about 3⋅5 m; mean neap range about canal entrance; mariners are advised not to anchor in this
1⋅3 m. area.
2 Alongside berths. New Wharf, which extends from the Berth. A pier which extends from the N side of the
E side of Eilean nan Craobh (56°50′⋅4N, 5°07′⋅9W), has a canal entrance is used when entering the canal.
depth of 12⋅2 m alongside and dolphins situated N and S of 7 Repairs: There is a boatyard at Annat Point (3 cables W
the wharf which extend the berth to a charted length of of Eilean nan Craobh) (8.524).
130 m. Priority is given to pulp mill traffic at this berth Supplies:
which has travelling cranes fed from an overhead Marine diesel is available and fuel oil by road tanker
transporter which extends from the mainland. on request.
3 Boyd Brothers Jetty lies 1½ cables NNW of Eilean nan Fresh water is available at the berths.
Craobh. Provisions can be obtained in small quantities.
Moorings for small craft are laid off the N shore 8 Further information. For regulations and passage
between the canal entrance and the slipways, 4 cables W. details through the canal see North Coast of Scotland Pilot.

Chart 1791 Fort William

Caledonian Canal Chart 2372 plan of Fort William and Corpach
8.525 General information
1 General information. The Caledonian Canal affords 8.526
communication between the E and W coasts of Scotland by 1 Fort William (56°49′N, 5°07′W), a small town with a
a route 350 miles shorter than that through the Little population of 9908 in 2001, which extends along the E
Minch, North Minch and the Pentland Firth, where shore at the head of Loch Linnhe, is a major centre of the
navigation is intricate and the weather often stormy. Scottish tourist industry and base for the underwater trials
which are conducted in the loch. The original fort stands
on a gravel spit at the N end of the town.
2 Local weather. During SW gales a short, heavy sea sets
up the loch towards Fort William.

Fort William Pier from NW (8.526)

(Original dated 2000)
(Photograph − Air Images)

8.527
Entrance to Caledonian Canal from W (8.525) 1 Alongside berths. Underwater Centre Ltd Pier,
(Original dated 2000) extending from the NE end of the town, provides the main
(Photograph − Air Images) berth at Fort William with a charted depth of 11⋅9 m
alongside its head. A light stands on the head of the pier.
2 The canal, which extends from Corpach to Clachnaharry, Fort William Pier, extending a short distance from the
near Inverness, is 60 miles long, 22 miles being canalised coast near the centre of the town, is the main commercial
and the remainder being formed by Loch Lochy, Loch pier, with a depth of 1⋅5 m alongside, and is used by the
Oich, and Loch Ness. The passage from sea to sea local ferry. Mean tidal levels are given at 8.524.
generally takes 2 full days, but under adverse weather
conditions or heavy traffic may take longer. Small craft
3 The Caledonian Canal Authority is British Waterways 8.528
(Caledonian Canal Office), Seaport Marina, Muirtown 1 Anchorage can be obtained 1½ cables W of Fort
Wharf, Inverness, IV3 5LE, which also maintains an office William Pier, near the edge of the coastal bank, which is
in Corpach. very steep, as shown on the chart, or near the car park,
4 Maximum size of vessel. 1 cable SW of Fort William Pier.
Corpach Basin: Length 61⋅87 m, beam 10⋅67 m, Moorings for small craft extend in a line NNE from the
draught 4⋅11 m in fresh water. pier.
Canal: Length 45⋅72 m, beam 10⋅67 m, draught Supplies. Fresh water and small quantities of provisions
4⋅11 m in fresh water; however vessels up to can be obtained.
48⋅8 m loa and 10⋅67 m beam can transit the canal
provided their draught does not exceed 2⋅7 m. Anchorages
5 Port radio is operated at Corpach, for details see Chart 2372 plan of Corran Narrows
Admiralty Maritime Communications. Corran Narrows
Pilotage is not compulsory but Pilots are available on 8.529
request, for details see Admiralty Maritime 1 Anchorage can be obtained in fine weather off Clovullin
Communications. Flat (8.508) in position 56°42′⋅7N, 5°15′⋅0W with Corran

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CHAPTER 8

Small craft anchorages and berths

Victorious Rock
8.531
1 Victorious Rock (56°46′N, 5°12′W) affords good
sheltered anchorage inshore of the rock, 2 cables off the
NW shore of the loch, except in SE winds.
Chart 2372 plan of Corran Narrows
An Camas Aiseig
8.532
1 An Camas Aiseig (56°44′N, 5°15′W) affords anchorage
7 cables NNW of Corran Point Light, as shown on the
chart, in depths of 18 to 22 m, clear of marine farms (1.17)
Underwater Centre Ltd Pier, Fort William from SW (8.527) moored in the area. This area is sheltered from the tidal
(Original dated 2000)
stream and from SW winds but is exposed to squalls
during NW gales.
(Photograph − Air Images)
Good anchorage is also available at the SW end of the
bay, to the S of the W end of Corran Shoal, in a depth of
Point Light bearing 030°, as shown on the chart. This 16 m, clear of a mooring buoy (8.509).
position is clear of the out-going tidal stream. 2 Alongside berth. A berthing dolphin, on which stands a
light (8.511), situated 1½ cables NNW of Corran Point
Chart 2380 Light, has a depth of 1⋅3 m alongside and is connected to
Inverscaddle Bay and vicinity the shore by a footbridge.
8.530
1 Anchorage may be obtained in the SW part of Chart 2372 plan of Fort William and Corpach
Inverscaddle Bay (56°46′N, 5°14′W) in position 4 cables Camas nan Gall and vicinity
NNE of Rubha Dearg, as shown on the chart, or farther 8.533
offshore as required in depths of more than 20 m, mud. 1 Camas nan Gall (56°50′N, 5°07′W), on the NW side of
During NW winds this anchorage is to be preferred to that the loch above Fort William, affords anchorage in depths of
in An Camas Aiseig (8.532) for small craft. 9 to 13 m, clear of New Rock (8.515), with some
2 The coastal bank, with charted depths of less than 20 m, protection from SW gales (8.526). There are many mooring
which extends 1½ miles NE from the N end of buoys in the N part of the bay.
Inverscaddle Bay, contains suitable depths for anchoring. Anchorage is also possible off the shore 1½ cables
However this locality has not been closely examined and WNW of Rubha Dearg, as shown on the chart, with some
there may be some unknown rocky patches. shelter from S winds.

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Chapter 9 - Sea of the Hebrides - eastern part

10´ 7° 50´ 40´ 30´ 20´ 10´ 6° 50´ 40´

20´ 20´

Loch
Scavaig
rt
isho
9.229 Loch E
10´ 10´
CHAPTER 9.185
11

9.229
9.127 9.217
Canna 1796
CHAPTER
10
57° 9.212 9.126 Mallaig
57°
RUM

2208 1795 9.128

9.207 9.148
9.125 Sound of Arisaig
EIGG
9.170

9.199 9.128
50´ Muck 50´
9.128 Loch Moidart
9.128 9.143

Point of Ardnamurchan
2207

40´ CHAPTER 40´

8
9.170
COLL
2392
2474
1778

9.18 2652 Loc

2475 hT
u at
h 9.112
30´ TIREE 30´
2474 9.94
Loch na
9.18 9.58 Keal
2771
MULL
9.94
9.58

9.84 in
da
2169 cri
20´ h S 9.84 20´
2171 9.58 Loc

9.58
2617 CHAPTER
CHAPTER
8
5

10´ 10´
10´ 7° 50´ 40´ 30´ 20´ Longitude 6° West from Greenwich
February 2004

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CHAPTER 9

SEA OF THE HEBRIDES — EASTERN PART

GENERAL INFORMATION
Chart 2635 difficult to approach and be subject to local wind effects
Synopsis and strong squalls, as much of the coastline is exposed to
9.1 the S and W.
1 This chapter covers the E part of the Sea of the
Topography
Hebrides (57°00′N, 6°40′W) (1.84) which lies between, on
9.4
the E side, the W coast of the Island of Mull and the
1 General topography for the Island of Skye is given at
Scottish mainland, from the SW end of the Ross of Mull
1.90, for the Small Isles at 9.123, and for the Island of
(56°17′N, 6°21′W) to Mallaig (57°00′N, 5°49′W), 47 miles
Mull at 1.89.
NNE; and, on the W side, a line joining Skerryvore
Tiree is a low island which is highest at its W end and
(56°19′N, 07°07′W), Oigh Sgeir (56°58′N, 6°40′W) and the
has, near its centre, a plain called The Reef and several
SW coast of the Island of Skye at 57°22′N, 6°40′W.
lakes, the largest of which, Loch a’ Phuill, lies in the SW
2 This area includes the islands of Tiree (56°30′N,
end of the island.
6°50′W) and Coll, 2 miles NE, at the SW end, and the
2 Coll (56°38′N, 6°35′W), an island which is mostly
Small Isles (57°00′N, 6°20′W), in the N part of the area.
low-lying and of barren moorland, except where it rises to
its highest hill in Ben Hogh, 5¼ miles NE of the SW
Routes extremity, presents a bleak and sterile appearance from
9.2 seaward. There are numerous islets and rocks adjacent to
1 The principal routes through the E part of the Sea of the the island which is separated from Tiree by Gunna Sound
Hebrides are given from SW to NE, between the islands, (9.33).
and the islands and the mainland, as follows:
From seaward, between Dubh Artach (56°08′N, Depths
6°38′W) and Skerryvore, 20 miles NW, which 9.5
leads NE through the Passage of Tiree at 9.18. 1 The bottom across the E part of the Sea of the Hebrides
2 At the N end of the Passage of Tiree the above route is very uneven and in the N part of the area, surrounding
joins with the Inshore Traffic Route (1.11) as it the Small Isles, soundings are generally based on old
leaves the NW end of the Sound of Mull in the surveys. A caution is given on each of the charts concerned
vicinity of 56°42′N, 6°20′W. The combined route, and is mentioned with the description of each passage.
which continues NE towards the S entrance to the
Sound of Sleat in position 56°59′N, 5°55′W, is
Exercise areas
9.6
given at 9.128.
1 Submarines exercise frequently, both on the surface and
3 From the N end of the Passage of Tiree, as above, a
dived, in the area covered by this chapter, as shown on the
separate route, which leads NW towards the Little
charts and described in the text. A good lookout is to be
Minch as far as 56°59′N, 6°40′W, is given at
kept for them when passing through these waters.
9.170.
4 Secondary routes are given as follows: Fishing
Approach to the W coast of the Island of Mull from 9.7
S and SW, including the Sound of Iona (56°20′N, 1 A general description of fishing methods is given in The
6°23′W), at 9.58. Mariner’s Handbook and a summary of the methods used
Approach to the Small Isles (57°00′N, 6°20′W) from within the area covered by this volume is given at 1.14.
SW at 9.170. Within the area covered by this chapter known fishing
5 Sound of Eigg (56°52′N, 6°14′W) at 9.199. takes place as given in the following paragraphs.
Sound of Rum (Rhum) (56°57′N, 6°13′W) at 9.205. 2 Trawling and nephrop trawling is carried out off the
Sound of Canna (57°02′N, 6°27′W) at 9.210. SW coast of the Island of Skye from the end of January to
Route along the SW coast of the Island of Skye at the end of November, reaching a peak during May. This
9.185. fleet is based at Mallaig (57°00′N, 5°49′W) (10.16) and
Stornoway (58° 12′N, 6°23′W) (13.51).
Harbours and lochs 3 Seine net fishing is carried out throughout the whole
9.3 year off the W coast of Scotland.
1 There are no major harbours within the area covered by Other methods of fishing. Ring net, pair net and purse
this chapter and no minor harbours of any great net fishing for herring is carried on at times during the
importance. A number of lochs are included within the year off the W coast of Scotland, the W coast of the Island
chapter, some of which contain anchorage and limited of Skye, off Coll and Tiree.
berthing facilities as summarised at 9.13 and 9.118. 4 Marine farming equipment (1.17) has been established
2 Small craft facilities. There are no marinas within the in many of the lochs and inlets covered by this chapter.
area, though a busy yachting centre is established in The approximate position of known farms is shown on the
Arisaig Harbour (56°54′N, 5°51′W) (9.168) at the head of charts and reported in this text; however, further farms may
Loch nan Ceall. A few of the larger lochs provide limited be established without notice and may constitute a hazard
shelter and a variety of anchorages but these may be to navigation and anchoring.

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CHAPTER 9

Navigation aids 2 A Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre is operated by Oban

9.8 Coastguard, for details see 1.61.
1 The E part of the Sea of the Hebrides is covered by
radio navigation aids as given at 1.33. The area is also Local weather and sea state
reasonably well lit as, in good visibility, the beams of 9.10
major lights overlap across the area. 1 Weather. A climatic table for Tiree, in position 56°30′N,
2 Positions obtained from satellite navigation systems 6°53′W, is given at 1.164.
require some adjustment before being plotted on the chart, 2 Sea state. The E part of The Sea of the Hebrides is
until new editions of charts are published using the generally open to the Atlantic to the SW and affords only
European Terrestrial Reference System 1989 Datum. See local shelter to any sea from that direction. When the tidal
1.25 and individual charts for details. stream is setting against the wind, over an uneven bottom,
sea conditions can be very unpleasant. Under these
Rescue conditions, shallow areas such as Hawes Bank (56°45′N,
9.9 6°40′W) (9.172) and Maxwell Bank (56°51′N, 6°06′W)
1 An Emergency Co-ordination Centre is operated by (9.139), cause very heavy seas.
Campbeltown Coastguard as given in Admiralty Maritime
Communications. Tidal streams
A VHF Direction Finding Service for emergency use 9.11
only is also established within the area of this chapter; for 1 General movement of the tidal streams through the area
details see 1.69. covered by this chapter is given at 1.115.

PASSAGE OF TIREE AND APPROACHES

GENERAL INFORMATION On the SE side of Coll:

Loch Eatharna (56°37′N, 6°31′W) (9.48)
3 Small craft facilities. There are no marinas within the
Charts 1778, 2171 area covered by this section. There are, however, many
bays, lochs and sounds which afford anchorage and some
Synopsis
limited facilities for small craft. A description of these is
9.12
included within each of the lochs and harbours given
1 The approach to the Passage of Tiree (56°30′N,
above. In addition, information is included for the Sound of
6°35′W) lies between, on the SE side, Dubh Artach
Iona (56°20′N, 6°25′W) at 9.83, for the Treshnish Isles
(56°08′N, 6°38′W) and the islands, rocks and shoals
(56°30′N, 6°25′W) at 9.72, and for Gunna Sound (56°33′N,
extending up to 12 miles W from the W end of Ross of
6°43′W) at 9.40.
Mull (56°19′N, 6°22′W), including Iona; and, on the NW
side, the rocks and shoals extending up to 14 miles SW Topography
from the S extremity of Tiree (56°30′N, 6°50′W), including 9.14
Skerryvore (56°19′N, 7°07′W). 1 Island of Mull. General topography for the Island of
2 Passage of Tiree. From a line joining the SW extremity Mull is given at 1.89. The landscape of the W coast of the
of Tiree to the SW extremity of the Treshnish Islands, island is generally more rugged as it is open to the
14 miles E, the Passage of Tiree (9.18) extends 22 miles Atlantic. On the Ross of Mull and on Iona the shore is
NE to a line joining the NE extremity of Coll (56°38′N, mostly of granite, often pink in colour, with brilliant white
6°35′W) to the Point of Ardnamurchan, 7 miles ENE. sand.
3 West coast of Mull. This section also includes, to the E 2 Topography for the islands of Tiree and Coll is given at
of the Passage of Tiree, the W coast of the Island of Mull 9.4, and for the Treshnish Isles at 9.19.
from the SW extremity of the Ross of Mull to Caliach
Point (56°36′N, 6°19′W), nearly 20 miles N. This coast is Hazards
much indented and consists in the main of a large bay 9.15
containing many islands and several lochs. 1 Fishing. The Passage of Tiree and approaches are areas
4 Routes. This section describes the approach route to the of fishing activity as given at 9.7.
Passage of Tiree from a position 6 miles SE of Skerryvore, Submarines exercise within the area, as given at 9.6.
then continues through the Passage of Tiree to connect with Local weather
the Inshore Traffic Route (1.11) at the NW end of the 9.16
Sound of Mull in the vicinity of 56°42′N, 6°20′W, as 1 A climatic table for Tiree, in position 56°30′N, 6°53′W,
shown in the chapter index diagram. is given at 1.164.
9.13
1 Harbours and lochs. Within the area described above Sea state
the text includes the following lochs and minor harbours: 9.17
On the W coast of the Island of Mull: 1 The Passage of Tiree and the W coast of Mull are
Loch Scridain (56°22′N, 6°05′W) (9.84). generally open to the Atlantic to the SW and any sea from
Loch na Keal (56°28′N, 6°05′W) (9.94). that direction becomes higher and steeper as the shores
2 Loch Tuath (56°31′N, 6°15′W) (9.112). along the sides of the passage and its approaches close in.
On the SE side of Tiree: When the tidal stream is setting against an onshore wind
Gott Bay (56°31′N, 6°47′W) (9.41). the conditions may be very unpleasant.

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PASSAGE OF TIREE Local magnetic anomalies

9.23
1 The normal magnetic variation is reported to be
General information increased considerably in the vicinity of 56°27′⋅6N,
6°41′⋅0W, as shown on the chart. Owing to the geological
structure of the region, anomalous magnetic conditions are
Charts 1778, 2171 likely to exist throughout the Passage of Tiree.
Channel
9.18
1 Passage of Tiree (56°30′N, 6°35′W) is a channel, with a Tidal streams
least width of 5½ miles, which leads NE then NNE for 9.24
about 22 miles between Tiree (56°30′N, 6°50′W) and Coll, 1 Passage of Tiree. In the Passage of Tiree generally the
2 miles NE, to the NW, and Treshnish Isles (56°30′N, tidal streams are not strong; at the SW end the rate at
6°25′W) to the SE. This passage can be used to approach spring tides is less than ¾ kn in both directions and is 1 kn
the Inshore Traffic Route 1.11 which it joins at the NW at the NE end. Near the sides of the passage the times at
end of the Sound of Mull (56°40′N, 6°20′W) (8.307). which the streams begin differ appreciably from those in
2 A route for approaching the W coast of the Island of mid-channel, which are shown on the charts.
Mull from SW, passing NW of Dubh Artach (56°08′N, 2 Skerryvore. Around Skerryvore (56°19′N, 7°07′W) and
6°38′W) (8.51), is given at 9.32. the rocks in its vicinity, and between Skerryvore and Tiree
to the NE, the streams appear to set N and S as follows:
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
Topography
9.19 –0600 N-going stream begins
1 General topography for the islands of Coll and Tiree is +0030 S-going stream begins
given at 9.4. The SE coast of Tiree, which is indented by
3 In the vicinity of Skerryvore the rate at spring tides is
Hynish Bay (9.29) and Gott Bay (9.41), is fringed by
from 4 to 5 kn in both directions. The stream is also strong
numerous islets and rocks which warrant a wide berth.
between Skerryvore and Tiree but outside the 50 m depth
2 Treshnish Isles are a group of interesting and attractive
contour the rate decreases to 2 or 2½ kn.
islands, rising in grass-covered terraces to flat summits
4 Tiree. Little is known regarding the tidal streams off the
which, with many other islets and rocks, extend in a chain
SE coast of Tiree. At the SE end the streams probably
NE/SW for 5½ miles. These isles, which are a breeding
begin as at Skerryvore (above) and set NE and SW along
ground for grey seals and many sea birds, are seldom free
the coast becoming later towards the NE. These streams are
from swell.
fairly strong off the salient points but are weak in the bays
between them.
5 Treshnish Isles. Off the NW side of the Treshnish Isles
Depths the streams begin as follows:
9.20
1 The Passage of Tiree is free from dangers in the fairway Interval from HW Oban Remarks
which has a least depth of 27 m in the vicinity of 56°34′N, –0555 N-going stream begins
6°27′W. However, depths are very uneven across the
+0015 S-going stream begins
Passage of Tiree with banks and shoals extending up to
10 miles W from Iona (56°20′N, 6°25′W), as given at 9.29. The rate at spring tides is 1½ kn in both directions.
2 The submarine plateau on which Tiree and Coll stand 6 Mull. Off the W coast of Mull, between Rubh’ a’
extends into the passage up to 3½ miles SE from Tiree and Chaoil (56°32′N, 6°20′W) and Caliach Point, 4½ miles N,
includes South Bank (56°28′N, 6°44′W), with depths of 26 the streams set as follows:
to 30 m over it, and Scarinish Bank (56°30′N, 6°43′W), Interval from HW Oban Remarks
with a least depth of 23 m over it. Within the passage it is
advisable to remain in depths of more than 20 m. Depths at –0510 N-going stream begins
the S end of the plateau, between Tiree and Skerryvore, are +0115 S-going stream begins
described at 11.16.
7 The streams set fairly strongly along the coast in both
directions with a rate at spring tides of 2 to 2½ kn off the
salient points, but not more than 1 kn across the entrance to
Hazards
Calgary Bay, 2 miles N of Rubh’ a’ Chaoil. The streams in
9.21
Calgary Bay are imperceptible.
1 The Passage of Tiree passes through an area of fishing
8 Coll. Off the NE point of Coll the streams set as
activity, as given at 9.7, and includes submarine exercise
follows:
areas, as given at 9.6.
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
+0600 NE-going stream begins
Rescue
HW SW-going stream begins
9.22
1 A Coastguard Sector Base and an all-weather lifeboat The rate is strong between the islets.
(1.72) are maintained at Tobermory (56°37′N, 6°04′W) 9 Tidal streams between the NE end of Coll and Point of
(8.252). Ardnamurchan, 7¼ miles ENE, are given at 9.134.
Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams (1.61) are based at For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
Tiree (56°30′N, 6°48′W) and Coll (56°37′N, 6°31′W). North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland and
For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 9.9. tidal stream information on the charts.

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Overfalls Directions
9.25 (Directions for the offshore passage between
1 Strong tidal streams, with eddies races and heavy North Channel and Berneray are given at 5.12)
overfalls, occur over the banks 5 to 10 miles W of Iona
(56°20′N, 6°25′W), and over all the shoals between Tiree
and Mackenzie’s Rock, 12 miles SW, including Skerryvore, Route through Passage of Tiree
as shown on Chart 1778. These overfalls are dangerous in 9.29
heavy weather, especially with opposing winds, during 1 From the vicinity of 56°15′N, 7°00′W the route towards
which time violent turbulence is created over the whole and through the Passage of Tiree leads NE for about
area between Mackenzie’s Rock and Boinshly Rock, 27 miles, passing (with positions from Roan Bogha
7 miles NE, and even farther NE between the latter rock (56°32′N, 6°40′W)):
and Tiree. SE of the dangers surrounding Skerryvore (56°19′N,
7°07′W), 20 miles SW (5.12), including Pellys
Rock, 3½ cables S of the light, and:
Local weather 2 NW of a shoal, with a least depth of 17⋅5 m over it
9.26 (56°13′⋅6N, 6°52′⋅0W), which lies 10 miles SE of
1 A climatic table for Tiree, in position 56°30′N, 6°53′W, Skerryvore, thence:
is given at 1.164. SE of the foul ground and shoals, with a reported
The Passage of Tiree, which is exposed SW to the depth (1990) of 5⋅5 m, which extend up to 8 cables
Atlantic, receives only limited shelter from Tiree and Coll E from Bo Ruadh (56°20′N, 7°05′W), a drying
during gales from the N and NW. rock which lies 1 mile NE of Skerryvore. Caution
is necessary when approaching this area and local
knowledge is required for entry. Thence:
3 SE of the shallow bank, with charted depths of less
Principal marks than 20 m and over which the depths are very
9.27 uneven, which extends up to 1¾ miles E from
1 Landmarks: Boinshly Rock (56°22′N, 7°02′W), a rock awash
Dubh Artach Lighthouse (56°08′N, 6°38′W) (8.51). which lies 3¾ miles NE of Skerryvore and is
Skerryvore Lighthouse (56°19′N, 7°07′W) (5.10). usually marked by heavy breakers as shown on the
Conspicuous radar dome (56°27′N, 6°55′W), 25 m in chart and described at 9.25, thence:
height, standing on Carnan Mór which is the N 4 NW of the shallow patches, with a charted depth of
peak of Ben Hynish at the S end of Tiree. 8⋅8 m (56°21′⋅6N, 6°39′⋅5W), which extend up to
10 miles W from Iona (9.59) with a charted depth
of 16⋅9 m near the W extremity. This area, which
is subject to overfalls as given at 9.25, can be
avoided by use of clearing bearings given at 9.30.
Thence:
5 SE of a shallow patch, with a depth of 14 m over it
(9 miles SW), which lies 1½ miles ENE of another
patch, with a depth of 19⋅6 m over it. These
patches lie up to 3 miles off the S promontory of
Conspicuous radar dome, Tiree, from SW (9.27) Tiree, which is extremely foul, with many islets
(Original dated 2000) and drying rocks for a distance of 7½ cables
(Photograph − Air Images) offshore. At the SW end of the foul area lies Bo
Deobedal, which breaks in heavy weather, in the
centre lies Kirkabo and at the NE end lies
2 Conspicuous framework radio tower (56°30′N,
Ringdove Rock. Thence:
6°48′W), 10 m in height, which stands near the SE
6 SE of Sgeir Fhada (5½ miles SW), a steep-to,
coast of Tiree.
kelp-covered rock which dries and lies 5 cables SE
Conspicuous radio towers (56°30′N, 6°58′W) (11.26).
of Eilean nan Gobhar, the NE entrance point of
Ardnamurchan Lighthouse (56°44′N, 6°13′W) (9.136).
Hynish Bay, thence:
3 Major lights:
SE of Sgeir Gharbh (3½ miles SW), a drying rock
Dubh Artach Light—as above.
which lies 1 cable SSE of Soa Point, the S
Skerryvore Light—as above.
extremity of Soa Island which forms the SE
Scarinish Light (white square tower, 3 m in height)
entrance point of Gott Bay (9.41), thence:
(56°30′N, 6°48′W) is not easily distinguished by
7 SE and well clear of the coast of Tiree which is foul
day, due to many other buildings in Scarinish
for a distance of 6 cables offshore between Soa
which are also white and are higher.
Island (above) and Creachasdal Mòr (1½ miles W)
Ardnamurchan Light—as above.
(9.36), thence:
8 NW of the bank, with charted depths of less than
20 m, which extends up to 6 cables NW from Bac
Other navigational aids Beag (8 miles SE) and Bac Mòr, also known as
9.28 Dutchman’s Cap, which are connected by broken
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the rocky ground and lie at the SW end of the
Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given Treshnish Isles (9.19). They are easily identified by
at 1.33. a steep hill, which rises suddenly from the
A racon is situated at Skerryvore Light (5.10). comparatively low ground of the islands to a

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pronounced knob at an elevation of 84 m, steep-to and safe close inshore, even in a rough
3½ cables from the NE end of Bac Mòr, as shown sea, thence:
on the chart. And: 2 WNW of a detached rock, with a charted depth of
9 SE of Roan Bogha, which lies in the SE entrance to 13⋅4 m, which lies 4 cables W of Caliach Point,
Gunna Sound (9.33), just dries, and is marked on the NW extremity of the Island of Mull that is
its S side by a light-buoy (S cardinal). The sea reported to be the most prominent point on the W
breaks on this rock in all but calm weather and side of the island. Between Calgary Bay
great caution is necessary in its vicinity, thence: (2 miles S) (9.54) and Caliach Point the coast is
NW of a side channel which passes through the fringed by a reef which extends up to 2½ cables
Treshnish Isles between Bac Mòr and Lunga, offshore and it is recommended that this part of
1½ miles NE, as described at 9.70, and: the coast be given a clearance of at least 5 cables.
10 SE of foul ground, on which lies a wreck, which It is also reported that very heavy seas can be
extends 4 cables S from Soa (2 miles NE) all of generated off Caliach Point, especially with a fresh
which lie in the SW approach to Loch Breachacha, wind against a strong tide, and a clearance of
at the head of which stands a dark stone castle, 2 miles is recommended under these conditions.
thence: Thence:
NW of Lunga (8½ miles ESE), the largest and highest 3 Clear of a light-buoy (special) (2¾ miles WNW), and:
of the Treshnish Isles, which rises in terraces to its ESE of Eileanan na h-Aornan (5½ miles WNW)
summit on which stands a stone cairn, thence: which lies close off the SE coast of Coll, at its NE
11 NW of Sgeir a’ Chaisteil, lying close N of Lunga to end, which is generally clear of dangers outside a
which it is connected by a drying reef, and: distance of 2 cables, thence:
SE and well clear of the SE coast of Coll which is 4 WNW of the NW approach to the Sound of Mull
foul to a distance of 3 cables offshore between (4 miles NNE) as given at 8.295, thence:
Loch Breachacha (above) and Loch Eatharna, ESE and well clear of Sùil Ghorm (7 miles NW) on
4½ miles NE, and: which stands Cairns of Coll Light (white tower,
12 NW of Bogha Tuath (9 miles ESE) a drying rock 8 m in height), thence:
which lies 3 cables NW of Fladda, a flat island 5 ESE and well clear of the Cairns of Coll (7¼ miles
near the NE end of the Treshnish Isles, thence: NW), 2 rocks which dry and are nearly always
13 NW of Sgeirean Mhic Fhionnlaidh (9¼ miles E), a visible or marked by breakers, which are the NE
group of drying rocks which lie 1¾ cables W of of the islets and rocks extending 1½ miles NE
Cairn na Burgh More, a precipitous and almost from the NE end of Coll.
inaccessible rock on the summit of which stand the (Directions continue for Sound of Sleat at 9.138,
ruins of a chapel and of a fort or castle. Cairn na and for passage towards the Little Minch at 9.179.
Burgh More is connected by a drying reef to Cairn Directions for the NW approach to
na Burgh Beg (9.68). Thence: the Sound of Mull are given at 8.305)
14 SE of the foul ground which extends a short distance Chart 1778
SE from Eilean Ornsay (6¼ miles NE) which is Approach to west coast of Mull from south-west
situated close S of the W entrance point of Loch 9.32
Eatharna (9.48), and: 1 From the vicinity of 56°23′N, 6°45′W, on the route
NW of the channel (56°32′N, 6°22′W) between the through the Passage of Tiree given at 9.29, from where
NE extremity of the Treshnish Isles and the Island Dùn I (56°20′⋅4N, 6°23′⋅8W) (9.59) bears 106° and is well
of Mull, as given at 9.69, thence: open N of Rèidh Eilean, 2 miles WNW of Dun I, (9.67),
15 NW of Treshnish Point (56°33′N, 6°20′W) the SW the track can be altered to the E passing N of the shoals
entrance point of Calgary Bay (9.54). and overfalls given at 9.29.
For clearing bearings see 9.30.
Clearing bearings (Directions continue for Loch Scridain at 9.85,
9.30 for Loch na Keal at 9.98, and for the route between
1 West of Iona. The line of bearing 160° of Dubh Artach Treshnish Isles and Gometra at 9.68)
Light clears WSW of the shoals and overfalls extending W
from Iona and the line of bearing 055° of the summit of Gunna Sound
Lunga (56°29′⋅4N, 6°25′⋅4W) (9.29) clears NW of the same Chart 2475 plan of Gunna Sound
dangers. Channel
2 Treshnish Isles. The line of bearing 214° of the summit 9.33
of Bac Mòr (56°27′⋅6N, 6°28′⋅5W) (9.29) open NW of 1 Gunna Sound (56°33′N, 6°43′W), which separates Tiree
Tighchoie (Chart 2652) (56°30′⋅3N, 6°25′⋅1W), 3¼ miles from Coll, contains an intricate channel 5 cables wide that
NE, reported to be a prominent rectangular block, clears is reported to be used by vessels on passage to the Outer
NW of Bogha Tuath and Sgeirean Mhic Fhionnlaidh. Hebrides from a position S of the Island of Mull. This
channel passes SW of Gunna, an island in the NW entrance
Chart 2171 to the sound which lies 7 cables ENE of the N end of
Passage of Tiree northern part Tiree. The E end of the island is separated from the W end
9.31 of Coll by Caolas Ban, a channel which is both narrow and
1 From the vicinity of 56°35′N, 6°25′W the track alters to foul. The N and S coasts of the island are also foul but its
NNE for 7½ miles, passing (with positions from Caliach W end seems to be clear of dangers outside a distance of
Point (56°36′N, 6°19′W)): 2 cables.
ESE of Meall Eatharna, known locally as The Moil 9.34
(6 miles W) which is a bold headland on the E 1 Tidal streams in Gunna Sound are given in full on the
side of the entrance to Loch Eatharna (9.48) that is plan.

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The rates of these stream were observed on a number of 1¼ cables SW from the SW end of Gunna
occasions during spring tides at the light-buoy (starboard (7½ cables ENE) and:
hand) marking Placaid Bogha (56°33′⋅3N, 6°43′⋅8W). The 2 ENE of the dangers extending 1½ cables NE from
general maximum rate was found to be 1½ kn and never Urvaig (9.37), thence:
exceeded 2 kn. ENE of a shoal, with a depth of 2⋅5 m over it
2 Overfalls. It is also reported that heavy overfalls are (2¼ cables N) which lies 1 cable N of Sgeir Call,
created at the windward end of the sound with an opposing a rock which dries 2 m.
tide. 9.39
1 From north-west. From the vicinity of 56°34′⋅4N,
6°46′⋅0W, the line of bearing 138° of the left-hand edge of
Directions Creachasdal Beag (56°32′⋅3N, 6°42′⋅6W) (9.36) leads SE
9.35 into Gunna Sound, passing the features given at 9.38.
1 From south-east. From the vicinity of 56°31′⋅5N, When S of the light-buoy marking Placaid Bogha
6°40′⋅8W the line of bearing 349° of a submarine cable (56°33′⋅3N, 6°43′⋅8W) the track alters to 110° and leads
beacon (yellow diamond topmark) (56°34′⋅0N, 6°41′⋅7W) ESE through the sound passing the features given at 9.37.
leads NNW towards Gunna Sound, passing (with positions 2 When the cairn on the summit of Gunna (56°33′⋅8N,
from the cable beacon (above)): 6°43′⋅6W) bears 322° the track alters to 142° and leads
ENE of Sgeir Trosy-bheul (2¼ miles S), a drying SSE, with the cairn on that line of bearing astern, passing
rock which lies on foul ground extending the features given at 9.36 and 9.35.
2¾ cables SSE from Creachasdal Mòr (below). Small craft anchorage
9.36 9.40
1 When a cairn on the summit (34 m) of Gunna Island, 1 Temporary anchorage, with some shelter from the S and
1 mile WSW of the same cable beacon, bears 320°, the W, can be obtained during fine weather in Clach Chuirr
track alters to the NW, along this line of bearing, passing (56°32′⋅7N, 6°44′⋅3W) clear of two submarine cables (1.39)
(with positions from the same cable beacon): from Coll which are landed in the bay, the W of which is
SW of Roan Bogha (2 miles SSE) (9.29), thence: marked at its SW landing place by a beacon. Local
SW of a shoal, with a depth of 5⋅9 m over it knowledge is required.
(1½ miles SSE), thence: 2 Under the same conditions as above, temporary
2 NE of Creachasdal Beag (1¾ miles SSW) which, with anchorage can be obtained in Port Chunn Néill (56°33′⋅1N,
Creachasdal Mòr, close S, lies on a rocky ledge 6°44′⋅8W).
near the edge of the coastal bank extending
6 cables E from the E end of Tiree, thence: Gott Bay and vicinity
SW of Sgeir nan Garbhanach (8½ cables SSE), a
drying rock at the S end of foul ground extending Chart 2474 plan of Gott Bay and Scarinish Harbour
5½ cables S from the S extremity of Coll. General information
9.37 9.41
1 When the right hand edge of Urvaig (2 miles WSW), the 1 Gott Bay, which lies on the SE side of Tiree and is
N extremity of Tiree, which is not very clearly defined, entered between Rubh’ an Sgòir Mhòir (56°30′⋅4N,
bears 288°, the track alters to the WNW, along this line of 6°47′⋅6W) and Soa Point, 1 mile ENE (9.29), is exposed to
bearing, passing (with positions from the same cable winds from the S and E, is obstructed by a number of
beacon): dangers on both sides of the entrance, and contains a
2 NNE of a 2⋅5 m patch lying 3 cables E of Bogha number of rocks in the middle of the bay. This bay, which
Hoshmish (1½ miles SSW), a drying rock which is suitable only as an anchorage for small craft, contains a
lies near the outer end of a spit extending 1 cable pier on its SW side which is used as the vehicular ferry
N from Rubha Dubh, the NE extremity of Tiree, berth for Scarinish, the principal town of the island. This
thence: berth (9.44) connects Tiree with the main ferry route from
SSW of a shoal, with a least charted depth of 7⋅4 m Oban.
(1¼ miles SW), thence:
3 NNE of the foul ground extending 2 cables NE from
Eilean Ghreasamuill (1¾ miles SW) which lies on
the edge of the coastal reef and is the NE of the
dangers which extend up to 3½ cables from the
shores of a large bay forming the NE coast of
Tiree, and:
4 SSW of Placaid Bogha (1½ miles SW) which shows
as a dark mass just below the surface and over
which the water is disturbed at all states of the
tide. This rock, which lies on foul ground
extending 3 cables S from the SW extremity of
Gunna, is marked off its SW side by a light-buoy
(starboard hand).
9.38 Ro-Ro terminal, Gott Bay, Tiree, from E (9.41)
1 When clear of Placaid Bogha, the track alters to 325° (Original dated 2000)
which leads NW through the middle of the sound, towards (Photograph − Air Images)
clear water, passing (with positions from Urvaig):
WSW of the fringing rocks and bank, with a charted 2 Traffic. In 1999 the port was used by 4 vessels with a
depth of less than 5 m, which extends a total of total dwt of 5 100 tonnes.

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Port Authority is Argyll and Bute Council, Department 9.47

of Transportation and Property, Manse Brae, Lochgilphead 1 Milton Harbour (56°32′N, 6°44′W) is a small drying
PA31 8RD. Local control is exercised by a Pier Master. harbour with a concrete quay about 50 m in length, mainly
Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables. used by fishing vessels. The alignment (349°) of leading
Mean spring range about 3⋅3 m; mean neap range about lights (white poles, 4 m in height) leads into the harbour.
1⋅2 m.
3 Port radio station is operated from the pier, for details Loch Eatharna
see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6(1). Chart 2474 plan of Loch Eatharna
General information
Directions 9.48
9.42 1 Loch Eatharna (56°37′N, 6°31′W), which lies on the
1 Initial position: 56°30′⋅2N, 6°45′⋅1W. SE side of Coll, is divided in two by Eilean Eatharna
Leading lights: which lies near the entrance to the loch. The W and wider
Front light (grey metal column, 4½ m in height) part of the loch is the channel used for approaching the
(56°30′⋅6N, 6°47′⋅8W) standing on a sea wall Main Pier which is the ferry berth for Arinagour and the
½ cable ESE of the pier head. island of Coll, connecting the island with the main ferry
Rear Light (grey metal column, 4 m in height), 30 m route from Oban.
from the front light.
2 The alignment (286½°) of these lights leads WNW
towards the pier, as shown on the chart, clear of all
dangers to seaward, passing (with positions from Rubh’ an
Sgòir Mhòir):
SSW of Sgeir Gharbh (1¼ miles ENE) (9.29), thence:
SSW of a drying rock (8½ cables ENE), thence:
SSW of Clach a’ Chomharraidh (6 cables NE) which
consists of two rocks, the S of which dries, thence:
3 SSW of Sgeirean an Ròin (5½ cables NNE), a group
of above-water rocks which lie near the middle of
the entrance to the bay, thence:
NNE of a drying reef, on which lies an above-water
rock (1¼ cables NNE), which extends 1¼ cables E Loch Eatharna from SSE (9.48)
from Rubha na Seann Charraige and breaks in (Original dated 2000)
most weather conditions. Drying rocks extend up (Photograph − Air Images)
to ½ cable NNE from the same point.
9.43 2 Port Authority is Argyll and Bute Council, Department
1 Useful marks: of Transportation and Property, Manse Brae, Lochgilphead
Scarinish Light (56°30′N, 6°48′W) (9.27). PA31 8RD. Local control is exercised by a Pier Master.
Conspicuous radio tower, ½ cable W of the light, Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
(9.27). MHWS: 4⋅4 m, MHWN:3⋅2 m.
Dolphin standing ¾ cable SW of the W end of the 3 Local weather. Loch Eatharna is exposed to any sea
head of the pier. running, even along the coast, which is aggravated by the
shallow nature of the water. The W part, which is also
Alongside berth open to the S, with only partial shelter from the rocks in
the entrance, is suitable for temporary anchorage only, even
9.44
in summer.
1 A finger pier extends about 140 m E from a position
4 Port radio station is operated from the pier, for details
near the head of a pier which extends 1½ cables N from
see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6(1).
the coast, close within the SW entrance point of the bay.
The N face of the finger pier has a length of 76 m, with a
depth of 4 m alongside. A linkspan near the inner end of
the berth provides a Ro-Ro facility.

Supplies
9.45
1 Fresh water is available at the pier and small quantities
of diesel and provisions can be obtained at Scarinish,
5 cables SW.

Small craft Ro-Ro terminal, Loch Eatharna, from SSE (9.48)

9.46 (Original dated 2000)
1 Scarinish Harbour (56°30′N, 6°48′W), a small creek
(Photograph − Air Images)
with a very narrow entrance which is entered 6 cables SW
of Gott Bay, provides alongside berths which dry-out.
Anchorage for small craft can be obtained on the SW Directions
side of Gott Bay, 1½ cables N of the pier, in a depth of 9.49
5 m, as shown on the chart. This anchorage is reported to 1 From position 56°36′⋅2N, 6°30′⋅7W the approach to the
be suitable for overnight use only in settled westerly or main pier in Loch Eatharna leads NNW, passing (with
calm weather. positions from the head of the pier (56°36′⋅9N, 6°31′⋅2W)):

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ENE of a detached rock, with a charted depth of free from dangers. However, the tidal streams are strong
1⋅8 m (5 cables SSE), which lies near the SE (9.24) and local knowledge is required.
extremity of the bank extending 1½ cables E from
Chart 2652
the SE extremity of Eilean Ornsay (9.29), thence:
ENE of Sgeir Clarrach (2½ cables S), and: Anchorage
2 WSW of Bogha Mòr (2¾ cables SE) lying at the S 9.56
end of a chain of rocks extending 1¼ cables N, 1 An anchorage within the Treshnish Isles that is suitable
which is marked off its SW side by a light-buoy for small craft is given at 9.72.
(starboard hand), thence:
WSW of an obstruction, which dries 2⋅9 m, on the Other name
SW edge of McQuarrie’s Rock (1¼ cables E). Chart 2171
9.50 9.57
1 Useful marks: 1 Crossapol Bay (56°35′N, 6°40′W).
A light (grey metal column, 8 m in height) standing
on the head of the main pier. WEST COAST OF THE ISLAND OF MULL
A white, two-storeyed hotel (6½ cables NNW) AND APPROACHES
standing ¾ cable SSE of a prominent church tower
in the village of Arinagour. General information
Alongside berth Charts 2169, 2171
9.51 Approaches
1 A finger pier of open construction, which extends 180 m 9.58
SE from the W side of the loch, has berths on both sides 1 From south-west. The approach to the W coast of the
with a length of 24 m and a depth of 4 m alongside. Island of Mull from a position NE of Dubh Artach
A Ro-Ro facility is available at the S berth. (56°08′N, 6°38′W) leads NNE for about 13½ miles to a
position 3½ miles S of the S extremity of the Treshnish
Supplies Isles (56°27′N, 6°29′W). From this position the main route
9.52 leads NNE for about 9 miles to join the Passage of Tiree N
1 Fresh water, diesel, petrol and small quantities of of the Treshnish Isles (57°30′N, 6°25′W). This route also
provisions can be obtained at Arinagour. leads towards the entrance to Loch Tuath (56°31′N,
6°15′W) (9.112). Other routes lead from position
Small craft 56°23′⋅5N, 6°28′⋅5W as follows:
9.53 2 ESE for about 10 miles towards Loch Scridain
1 Anchorages. The main anchorage area lies W of Eilean (56°22′N, 6°05′W) (9.84).
Eatharna, in the approach to Arinagour (56°37′⋅4N, ENE for about 11 miles towards Loch na Keal
6°31′⋅5W), on a clean sandy bottom, clear of moorings on (56°28′N, 6°05′W) (9.94).
both sides of the approach and of a buoy (special) moored From south. The route through the Sound of Iona
1½ cables NNE of the head of the main pier. (56°20′N, 6°23′W) is given at 9.73.
2 Anchorage can also be obtained on the E side of the
loch, in position 1 cable ESE of the N extremity of Eilean Topography
Eatharna, suitable for craft with a draught of 1⋅5 m. 9.59
Moorings for visitors are laid along the W side of the 1 Mull. General topography for the Island of Mull is
loch to the N of the main pier. given at 1.89. The W coast of the island is much indented
Landing can be effected at a slipway and stone pier at and consists in the main of a large bay which extends from
Arinagour, with a depth of 2⋅7 m alongside. Rubha nan Cearc (57°21′N, 6°20′W), the NW extremity of
the Ross of Mull, to Rubh’ a’ Chaoil, 11 miles N. This bay,
Anchorages which is entered either N or S of the Treshnish Isles
(56°30′N, 6°25′W) (9.19), contains many other islands and
Chart 2171 leads to Loch Scridain in the SE corner, Loch na Keal in
Calgary Bay the centre and Loch Tuath at the N end of the bay. On the
9.54 S side of the bay, the N coast of Ross of Mull is rugged,
1 Anchorage can be obtained in Calgary Bay (56°34′N, rocky and generally steep-to.
6°19′W) during fine weather and when the wind is from 2 Treshnish Isles (56°30′N, 6°25′W) are described at 9.19.
the N or E. The head of the bay dries out and dangers 3 Staffa (56°26′N, 6°20′W) is a spectacular island which
extend up to 3 cables from the N shore and 2 cables from has the aspect of a table-land set above a precipitous
the S shore. coastline of columnar formation which is highest at its S
2 Two disused submarine cables (1.39) are landed at the end. This coast is indented by numerous caves the most
head of the bay near which stands Calgary Castle. remarkable of which is Fingal’s Cave, at the S end of the
It is reported that Calgary Bay is popular as a temporary island. The entrance to this cave is an archway, 21 m in
anchorage for small craft during calm weather. height, supporting a massive entablature, 9 m in height, the
front and sides of which are composed of complicated
Small craft ranges of gigantic columns.
4 Iona (56°20′N, 6°25′W), is a low island, 3 miles in
Chart 2392 length, which lies about 8 cables off the Ross of Mull, the
Side channel SW peninsula of the Island of Mull. The outline of Iona is
9.55 irregular being formed by numerous knolls of which Dùn I,
1 The channel between Cairns of Coll (56°43′N, 6°26′W) 6¾ cables SSW of the N extremity of the island, is the
(9.31) and Sùil Ghorm, 5 cables SW (9.31), is deep and highest and most prominent. From S and also from W, Iona

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presents a barren aspect; the W and NW sides of the island 4 Between Staffa (56°26′N, 6°20′W) and (with positions
have bold headlands and this coast, which is rugged and from Staffa) Gometra (2½ miles NNE), Rubh’ a’ Chaoil
rocky, warrants a wide berth. (6 miles N) and Treshnish Isles (4 miles NW):
Interval from HW Oban Remarks
–0555 N-going stream begins
+0015 S-going stream begins
(Photograph − Air Images) 5 The rate at spring tides between Staffa, Gometra and
Treshnish Isles is ¾ kn in both directions. This rate
increases towards the N to a maximum of 2 to 2½ kn
between Rubh’ a’ Chaoil and the NE extremity of
Treshnish Isles.
For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland and
Baile Mòr (9.82) Cathedral
tidal stream information on the charts.
6 Overfalls which occur between 5 and 10 miles W of
Iona from SSE (9.59) Iona are described at 9.25.
(Original dated 2000)
(Photograph − Air Images) Principal marks
9.64
1 Landmarks:
Depths Dubh Artach Lighthouse (56°08′N, 6°38′W) (8.51).
9.60 Ben More (56°26′N, 6°01′W) (1.89).
1 The track inside Dubh Artach, as given at 9.58, passes Major lights:
over an area of uneven depths including depths of less than Dubh Artach Light—as above.
20 m in the vicinity of 56°18′N, 6°29′. A recommended
approach route through deeper water is given at 9.18. Other navigational aids
Uneven depths also exist between Treshnish Isles 9.65
(56°30′N, 6°25′W) and Gometra, 3 miles ESE; also within 1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the
an area lying 2 miles WSW of Erisgeir (56°25′N, 6°15′W) Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given
at 1.33.
Hazards A racon is situated at Skerryvore Light (56°19′N,
9.61 7°07′W) (5.10).
1 The approach to the W coast of the Island of Mull
passes through an area of fishing activity (9.7), and Directions
includes submarine exercise areas (9.6).
Charts 2169, 2617
Rescue Approach to the west coast of Mull from south-west
9.62 9.66
1 A Coastguard Sector Base and an all-weather lifeboat 1 From the vicinity of 56°10′N, 6°33′W the line of
(1.72) are maintained at Tobermory (56°37′N, 6°04′W) bearing 015° of Stac Mhic Mhurchaidh (56°21′N, 6°28′W)
(8.252). (9.67) leads NNE in the approach to the W coast of the
Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams (1.61) are based at Island of Mull from SW, passing (with positions from
Ross of Mull (56°20′N, 6°20′W), Tiree (56°30′N, 6°48′W) Eilean Didil (56°20′N, 6°26′W)):
and Coll (56°37′N, 6°31′W). WNW of an isolated rock, with a least depth of 6⋅8 m
For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 9.9. over it (7¾ miles S) which lies 1¼ miles WSW of Frasiers
Rock (8.54), thence:
Natural conditions 2 WNW of isolated shallow patches, with a least depth
9.63 of 4 m over them (6¾ miles S), which form the
1 Tidal streams. To the W of Torran Rocks (56°15′N, SW side of the dangers extending SW from Na
6°24′W) and off the W coast of Iona (56°20′N, 6°25′W) Torrain (5½ miles S) (8.54), thence:
the tidal streams set as follows: WNW of the rocky shoal surrounding West Rock
Interval from HW Oban Remarks (5½ miles S) (8.54), thence:
3 WNW of a shoal, with a depth of 12⋅6 m over it,
+0600 N-going stream begins which lies 8 cables W of Soa Island (2¾ miles
–0015 S-going stream begins SSW) which is the largest island of a group of
islands and rocks and from which several
2 The rate at spring tides is between 1 and 1½ kn in both
above-water and below-water rocks extend 5 cables
directions.
SW, thence:
Off the W coast of the Island of Mull the streams set N
4 WNW distant 1 mile from Greave (2½ miles SSW), a
and S along the coast and weakly across the entrance to
drying rock from which a shoal, with a depth of
the wide bay described at 9.59, where they set as follows:
2⋅2 m over it, extends 1 cable NNW.
3 Between Iona and Staffa, 5 miles NNE:
9.67
Interval from HW Oban Remarks 1 After passing Greave (above) the track divides and leads
+0605 N-going stream begins generally N, in the deeper water, or NNE, passing (with
positions from Eilean Didil):
–0015 S-going stream begins W of a detached rocky shoal, with a charted depth of
The rate at spring tides is ½ kn in both directions. 4⋅4 m (1¾ miles SSW), which lies off the SW end

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of the islets, reefs and foul ground which fringe of Bac Mòr, 1½ mile farther SW, (9.29) clears
the SW side of Iona (9.59) to a distance of close SE of Bogha Ruadh.
5 cables, and: 8 Useful marks:
2 E of Five Fathom Rock (3½ miles WSW) which lies Gometra House (56°29′N, 6°18′W) with four cottages
1½ miles E of Iona Spit, thence: close E of it, situated 4 cables NE of Rubha Maol
W of a rock, with a depth of 4⋅7 m over it (6 cables na Mine, the SW extremity of Gometra, is white
SW), which is the seaward of the rocks which foul and is prominent from SW and S.
Camus Cuil an t-Saimh, a bay on the W side of (Directions continue for Loch Tuath at 9.113)
Iona, thence: 9.69
3 Clear of a rock, with a depth of 9⋅6 m over it 1 From the vicinity of 56°31′N, 6°20′W the track towards
(1½ miles W), thence: the Passage of Tiree (9.18) leads NW, passing (with
E of Bogha Reidh (3¼ miles W), thence: positions from the SW extremity of Fladda):
W of Stac Mhic Mhurchaidh (1½ miles NW), the W NE of the drying reef and bank, with charted depths
and larger of two islets, the SW coast of which of less than 10 m, which extends a total of 1 cable
has a remarkable basaltic columnar formation, or: NE from Cairn na Burgh Beg (1 mile NE) (9.68),
4 SE of the dangers fringing Rèidh Eilean, situated and:
close E of Stac Mhic Mhurchaidh (above), and of 2 SW of the reef fringing Rubh’ a’ Chaoil (2¾ miles
Bo an Rèidh Eilean, a drying rock 3 cables ENE, NE) which is the NW entrance point of Loch
and also of the chain of shoals, which dry at the S Tuath (9.112), thence:
end, extending 8 cables N from Bo an Rèidh Clear of a charted depth of 16 m (2½ miles NNE)
Eilean. reported (1985) which lies in the fairway.
(Directions continue for Loch Scridain at 9.85, (Directions continue for passage north at 9.31)
and for Loch na Keal at 9.98)
Treshnish Isles
Charts 2171, 2652 Channels
Route between Treshnish Isles and Gometra 9.70
(continued from 9.32) 1 The channel between Lunga (56°29′N, 6°26′W) (9.29)
9.68 and Bac Mòr, 1½ miles SW (9.29), which is free from
1 From position 56°23′⋅5N, 6°28′⋅5W the route between dangers in the fairway, leads NW, passing:
Treshnish Isles (56°30′N, 6°25′W) and Gometra (3 miles NE of foul ground and a shoal bank which extend a
ESE) leads NNE, passing (with positions from the SW total of 2½ cables NE from Bac Mòr, and:
extremity of Fladda (56°30′N, 6°24′W)): SW of rocky shoals, with depths of less than 2 m
ESE of Bac Beag (4¼ miles SW) (9.29), thence: over them, which extend up to 2¼ cables SW from
ESE of Sgeir Blàr nan Each, a drying rock which lies Lunga.
close SE of Bac Mòr (4 miles SW) (9.29), and:
2 WNW of foul ground which extends 4½ cables SW Chart 2652
from the W extremity of Staffa (4½ miles SSE) 9.71
(9.59), thence: 1 Chaolais Leac a Bhainne (56°31′N, 6°23′W), which
ESE of Lunga (1 mile SW) (9.29), thence: separates Fladda (9.29) from Cairn na Burgh More (9.29),
ESE of Sgeirean Mòr (1 mile SSW) which lies at the provides a route through the N part of the Treshnish Isles
S end of a foul area, consisting of a number of towards the Passage of Tiree. The channel, which is
above-water and below-water rocks, which extend 3½ cables wide and free from dangers along the coast of
from Lunga to Fladda, 1 mile NE, thence: Fladda, is narrowed by rocks extending SE from Sgeirean
3 WNW of a rock, with a depth of 8⋅8 m over it Mhic Fhionnlaidh, 1½ cables W of Cairn na Burgh More
(3 miles SE), which lies on the SE of two shoals (9.29) and by drying rocks which lie up to 1 cable NNE of
which extend up to 1 mile NW from Mâisgeir, a Bogha Tuath, 3 cables W of the N extremity of Fladda,
black and low-lying island situated 4 cables S of (9.29).
Gometra to which it is connected by a bank that is 2 A clearing bearing to the NW of Bogha Tuath and of
encumbered by rocks, thence: Sgeirean Mhic Fhionnlaidh is given at 9.30.
4 ESE of Bogha Ruadh (4½ cables SSE) which lies on Small craft anchorage
the SE end of the foul area given above, see
9.72
clearing line (below), thence:
1 Anchorage within the Treshnish Isles can be obtained by
ESE of Fladda (9.29), thence:
small craft in a pool NE of Lunga (56°29′N, 6°26′W)
5 WNW of a rock, with a depth of 7⋅9 m over it
(9.29), as shown on the chart. This anchorage can be
(2 miles ESE) which lies on the SW of several
approached from both N and S avoiding below-water and
detached shoals lying up to 1 mile WNW of Eilean
drying rocks which lie in both approaches.
Dioghlum, the NW extremity of Gometra, to which
it is connected by a drying reef, thence:
Sound of Iona and approaches to
6 ESE of Cairn na Burgh Beg (1 mile NE), a the southern entrance
precipitous and almost inaccessible rock which is
the NE of the Treshnish Isles and on the summit Chart 2617
of which stands the ruins of a fort. Cairn na Burgh General information
More (9.29) stands close SW of Cairn na Burgh 9.73
Beg. 1 Sound of Iona (56°20′N, 6°23′W), which separates the
7 Clearing marks: island of Iona (9.59) from the Ross of Mull, has a length
The alignment (235°) of the S extremity of Lunga of 4 miles, is fringed by a reef along its W side and is foul
(56°29′N, 6°26′W) (9.29) with the NW extremity along its E side, with shoals extending up to 3½ cables

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offshore. About halfway through the sound a sandbank, 4 ESE of the danger surrounding Sgeir an Oir
with a least depth of 0⋅1 m over it, extends from the E side (5¾ cables SSW) which lies 1 cable S of Eilean na
of Iona across the sound to within 1¾ cables of the E h-Aon Chaorach, the S of the islets, reefs and
shore, with numerous shoals lying in the fairway. The shoals which fringe the SW side of Iona to a
channel through this area has a least depth of 1⋅8 m and is distance of 5 cables, thence:
suitable only for small craft; local knowledge is required. ESE of Rubha na Carraig-géire, the S extremity of
2 The sound is reasonably clear to the S of the sandbank Iona, thence:
and affords anchorage for coasters. 5 WNW of a shallow bank which extends ½ cable NW
A vehicular ferry crosses the sound from a slipway at from Bogha an t’searraich (1 mile E), and on
Baile Mòr, 1 mile SSW of the N extremity of Iona, to a which lies a rock awash, and:
slipway at Fionnphort, 8 cables ESE, as shown on the ESE of the coastal bank and foul ground which
chart. extends up to 2 cables from the E side of Iona,
3 Approach to the S end of the sound can be made from and:
SSW, as given at 9.75, or from the E, as given at 9.77. 6 WNW of Bogha Choilta (1 mile ENE) which is
Topography for Iona is given at 9.59. marked on its SW side by a light-buoy (starboard
The W end of the Ross of Mull, which is heavily hand).
indented, consists mainly of pink granite above brilliant Thence to the anchorage described at 9.81.
white sands. 9.76
4 Caution. In poor visibility great caution is necessary in 1 Clearing bearings:
approaching Ross of Mull from SW, as soundings give The line of bearing 015° of Iona Cathedral (2 miles
little warning of the reefs until very close to them. NNE) (9.74) open W of the Free Church
Tidal streams. Round and between Torran Rocks (1½ miles NNE) (9.79) clears to the W of Bogha
(56°15′N, 6°24′W) the streams set in directions to and from hun a Chuhoil.
the Sound of Iona. These streams are not deflected by the The line of bearing 009° of Iona Cathedral open E of
streams along the S coast of Mull which are weak and the Free Church clears to the E of Bogha hun a
without influence. Chuhoil.
5 Within the Sound of Iona tidal stream arrows are shown 2 Useful marks:
on the chart. The rate in the narrows of the sound is A beacon standing on Sgeir Caolas na Cloiche
probably increased to about 2½ kn. (1½ miles E) which is a drying rock.
9.74 A boathouse, which is reported to be conspicuous,
1 Principal marks: standing near the coast (56°20′⋅4N, 6°23′⋅1W).
Conspicuous dome (56°18′N, 6°22′W) on a small 9.77
white tower seen above the disused buildings of a 1 Approach and entry from east. From position
lighthouse establishment, near the N end of Erraid, 56°15′⋅4N, 6°18′⋅3W the line of bearing 287° of the S
an island on the SE side of the Sound of Iona. extremity of Soa Island (56°17′N, 6°27′W) (9.29) leads
Iona Cathedral (56°20′N, 6°23′W) the massive square WNW towards the Sound of Iona, passing (with positions
tower of which, 21 m in height, is conspicuous in from the S extremity of Eilean a’ Chalmain (56°16′⋅3N,
the approach to the Sound of Iona. 6°21′⋅0W)):
SSW of Na Maoil Mhòra (1½ miles ESE) which is
the S of the above-water rocks extending 2 cables
Directions S from Rubha nam Maol Mòra, thence:
9.75 2 SSW of a rocky patch, with a least depth of 1⋅3 m
1 Approach and entry from south-south-west. Having over it, which lies 1 cable SE of Livingston’s
given a wide berth to West Reef (56°14′N, 6°27′W) (8.54) Rocks (6 cables ESE). A marine farm (1.17) is
the line of bearing 032° of the gap between the W coast of reported to be moored 2 cables S of Livingston’s
the Ross of Mull and Eilean nam Ban (56°20′N, 6°22′W), Rocks. Thence:
the S and largest of a chain of islets and rocks which lie 3 NNE of Bogha nan Ramfhear (7½ cables SSE), the
parallel to and close off the W coast of Ross of Mull, leads NE of the Torran Rocks (8.54), which lies 7 cables
NNE towards the Sound of Iona, passing (with positions NNE of Ruadh Sgeir (1¼ miles S) an above-water
from Rubha na Carraig-géire (56°18′⋅4N, 6°25′⋅2W)): rock which is marked by a prominent stone
2 ESE of the drying reef and bank, with charted depths beacon, thence:
of less than 10 m, which extend a total of 4 SSW of the islets, rocks and shoals which extend up
2¼ cables E from the S extremity of Soa Island to 3 cables off the SE and SW sides of Eilean a’
(1¾ miles SW) (9.29) which lies on the W side of Chalmain (above), thence:
the S approach to Sound of Iona, thence: NNE of a drying rock which lies at the N end of a
WNW of Bogha hun a Chuhoil (1¾ miles S) which is spit, with depths of 1⋅3 to 10 m over it, which
a pinnacle rock; for clearing bearing see 9.76. extends 2½ cables N from Dearg Sgeir (1¼ miles
Thence: SSW), an above-water rock, thence:
3 ESE of a charted depth of 2⋅5 m (1¼ miles SSW) 5 SSW, distant 2½ cables from a shoal, with a least
which is the SE of a group of rocks and shoals depth of 3⋅8 m over it, which lies 2½ cables WSW
which extend between Rubha na Carraig-géire and of Sgeir na Caillich (9 cables WNW).
Soa Island, thence: 9.78
WNW of a charted depth of 8 m (1 mile SE), which 1 When Dubh Sgeir (56°17′N, 6°24′W) is aligned (001°)
lies close W of a shoal with a least charted depth with Dun I, 3½ miles N (9.59), the track alters to 324°
of 1⋅9 m, which together form the W extremity of with Eilean na h-Aon Chaorach (56°18′N, 6°26′W) (9.75)
rocks and shoals which extend up to 7 cables W on that line of bearing ahead, passing (with positions from
from Erraid (1¾ miles ESE) (9.74), and: Dubh Sgeir):

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Clear of a shoal, with a least depth of 8⋅6 m over it influenced by the tidal stream, can be found at least
(4 cables SSW), thence: 2 cables NE of the pier, clear of the submarine water
2 SW of a spit, with depths of 4⋅7 to 5⋅3 m over it, pipeline which crosses the sound in this position, as shown
which extends 1½ cables SW from Dubh Sgeir, an on the chart.
above-water rock, and: 4 Bull Hole (56°20′N, 6°22′W), lying between Eilean nam
NE of Bogha hun a Chuhoil (6½ cables SW) (9.75); Ban and Ross of Mull, affords good and sheltered
for clearing bearing see 9.76. anchorage in position ¾ cable S of the NE extremity of
9.79 Eilean nam Ban, in depths of 1⋅2 to 4 m. There are
1 From a position 4 cables W of Dubh Sgeir (above) the mooring rings on the E side of Eilean nam Ban and a
alignment (012°) of the Free Church (56°19′⋅7N, mooring buoy in this vicinity. Mooring is recommended on
6°23′⋅6W), reported (1992) as being used as a house and account of the tidal stream. A beacon (triangular topmark)
difficult to see beyond 1½ miles, with the tower of Iona stands on Little Bull Rock, off the SE side of Eilean nam
Cathedral, 4½ cables farther NNE (9.74), leads NNE Ban.
through the fairway of the S part of the Sound of Iona,
passing (with positions from Dubh Sgeir):
2 Close WNW of a charted depth of 8 m (6 cables Loch Scridain and approaches
NNW), which lies close W of a shoal with a least
charted depth of 1⋅9 m. These features form the W Charts 2171, 2771
extremity of a chain of islets and above-water General information
rocks which extend 1¼ miles NNE from Dubh 9.84
Sgeir to An Caolas (9.83) and include Eilean nam 1 Loch Scridain, which lies on the N side of the Ross of
Muc and Eilean Dubh (4½ cables NE), and: Mull, is entered between Rubha na h-Uamha (56°22′⋅4N,
3 ESE of the danger surrounding Sgeir an Oir 6°12′⋅5W) and Carraig Chorrach, 2¼ miles SW. This loch,
(1½ miles NW) (9.75). which is suitable as a port of refuge, is accessible during
9.80 stormy weather.
1 From a position 6 cables ESE of Rubha na Carraig-géire 2 Depths. The S shore of the loch is foul, with dangers
(1½ miles NNW) the track alters to 032° and follows the extending up to 3¾ cables offshore in places, whereas the
track as given at 9.75. N shore is for the most part free from dangers outside a
distance of 1 cable offshore.
3 Tidal streams in the entrance to Loch Scridain set as
Anchorage follows:
9.81
Interval from HW Oban Remarks
1 Anchorage can be obtained in a depth of 8 m, 11 cables
S of Iona Cathedral (56°20′N, 6°23′W) (9.74), clear of the –0610 In-going stream begins
surrounding reefs. Bo an Sliginach, 8½ cables SSE of Iona HW Out-going stream begins
Cathedral, is marked off its W side by a light-buoy
4 Within the loch the streams are very weak.
(starboard hand), and a rock, with a depth of 1⋅6 m over it,
For further details see information on the chart.
6 cables SSE of Iona Cathedral, is marked off its SW side
by a light-buoy (S cardinal). This buoy is moored on the S
edge of the sandbank which crosses the Sound of Iona, as Directions
given at 9.73. (continued from 9.67 and 9.32)
9.85
1 Approach and entry. From position 56°23′⋅5N,
Alongside berth 6°28′⋅5W the approach to Loch Scridain leads ESE, passing
9.82 (with positions from Eileanan na Liathanaich (56°20′⋅5N,
1 A pier projects from the E side of Iona at the S end of 6°16′⋅2W)):
Baile Mòr, a village situated 2 cables S of Iona Cathedral. NNE of the shoals extending N from Bo an Rèidh
The E end of the pier is marked by a beacon (post with Eilean (6 miles W) (9.67), thence:
cage topmark). 2 NNE of several shoals, with a least charted depth of
7⋅1 m over them, which lie within 1 mile N and
NW of Eilean Annraidh (3½ miles W), the largest
Small craft anchorages and highest of a chain of islets and rocks
9.83 extending 5 cables NE from the NE end of Iona
1 Tinker’s Hole (56°17′⋅5N, 6°23′⋅0W), lying between (9.59), thence:
Eilean Dubh and the W side of Erraid, is reported to be 3 NNE of the N entrance of the Sound of Iona (3 miles
one of the most popular anchorages on the W coast as it is W) (9.73) which affects the tidal streams in the
sheltered in most weathers. vicinity, as given in a note on the charts, thence:
2 An Caolas (56°18′N, 6°22′W), which separates the N SSW of shoals, with a least depth of 20 m over them,
side of Erraid (9.74) from the Ross of Mull, is well reported 1973 and 1974 (2 miles N), thence:
sheltered but difficult of access, though the entrance is 4 NNE of Crab Patch (4 cables WNW), a rock which
marked by a beacon on both sides. Local knowledge is lies 4 cables off the coast and 3 cables ESE of
required. Lobster Patch which is also a rock, thence:
3 Baile Mòr. It is reported that a popular anchorage for NNE of Eileanan na Liathanaich, a group of islets
small craft lies S of the pier at Baile Mòr (56°19′⋅8N, and rocks, lying 3 cables N of the coast, near the
6°23′⋅5W), clear of the submarine cables which cross the entrance to Loch na Làthaich (9.89). A
sound close S of the pier, the landing places of which are light-beacon (white framework tower, 5 m in
marked by beacons. More peaceful anchorage, less height) stands on the SE islet of the group. Split

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Rock (9.90) lies 1 cable NE of the light-beacon. (2¼ miles NE) standing on Aird of Kinloch, a
Thence: promontory at the head of the loch.
5 SSW of Garadh na Sròine (2¾ miles ENE), a
headland on the N side of the entrance to Loch Anchorage in the approach to Loch Scridain
Scridain, which is bluff and steep-to, with the land 9.89
behind it rising in terraces to Bearraich, a summit 1 Loch na Làthaich (56°20′N, 6°16′W), a well sheltered
7 cables NNE, thence: inlet on the N side of Ross of Mull, has a straightforward
6 NNE of a dangerous rock which lies 1½ cables ENE entrance marked by a light-beacon (9.85) and affords
of Bogha Mòr (2½ miles E), a drying rock which anchorage with good holding in the outer part of the loch.
forms part of a group of below-water rocks lying Tidal streams in the entrance to Loch na Làthaich are
in the entrance to Bun an Leoib (9.93). shown on the chart. Within the loch the tidal stream is
9.86 imperceptible.
1 Useful mark: 9.90
Meall nan Carn (1¾ miles W), a conical hill that is 1 Directions. Loch na Làthaich can be approached on
reported to be conspicuous. either side of Eileanan na Liathanaich through channels
which are free from dangers. The wider channel, which lies
to the E of the group, is used in the Directions which
Chart 2771 follow.
9.87 2 From the vicinity of 56°21′N, 6°16′W the track into
1 Loch Scridain. From position 56°21′N, 6°10′W, 6 cables Loch na Làthaich leads generally SSE, passing (with
NNE of the promontory of Ardchrishnish, the track through positions from Rubh’ nam Bùthan (56°19′⋅5N, 6°16′⋅0W)):
Loch Scridain leads ENE, passing (with positions from ENE of Split Rock (1¼ miles N) which dries near the
Eilean an Fheòir (56°21′⋅6N, 6°04′⋅0W)): edge of the bank extending 1 cable NE from the
NNW of Aird Fada (2¼ miles WSW) a promontory SE and largest islet of Eileanan na Liathanaich
which extends from the S shore of the loch and is (9.85), thence:
fringed by a reef, thence: 3 WSW of Carraig Chorrach (1¼ miles NNE), the NE
2 SSE of a large marine farm (1¾ miles WNW) (1.17) entrance point of the loch, which is distinguished
which extends up to 2 cables from the N shore of by basaltic columns, thence:
the loch between Port na Luing and Scobull Point, Clear of Scott Rock (8 cables NNE) which lies in the
1 mile E, as shown on the chart, thence: middle of the entrance, and:
NNW of An Carraigean (1¾ miles WSW), a drying 4 WSW of Ionain Rock (9 cables NNE), a drying rock
rock situated close NE of a marine farm (1.17), which lies 1 cable offshore, see clearing line at
thence: 9.91, and:
3 NNW of Bogh’ an Rubha (1 mile WSW), which is a ENE of a shoal, with a depth of 3 m over it, which
drying rock, and of a shoal, with a least depth of lies 1¾ cables SE of Rubha na Tràighe-maoriach
2⋅1 m over it, which lies 2 cables ENE of the rock, (8 cables NNW), the W entrance point of the loch.
thence: 9.91
SSE of Sgeir Mhór (9 cables NNW), a rocky spur 1 Clearing marks:
extending ¾ cable ESE from the W entrance point The alignment (173°) of the Summit of Eilean nam
of Kilfinichen Bay (9.93), thence: Meann (4¾ cables ENE) with Cnoc an t-Suidhe,
4 NNW of Sgeir Alltachd (2 cables NNE), a drying 6 cables farther S, a prominent hill on the S side
rock at the N end of a foul area which extends of the loch, clears close W of Ionain Rock.
4 cables offshore; see clearing line at 9.88. Thence: 2 Useful mark:
SSE of the reef fringing Aird Kilfinichen (9 cables A white house with a black roof (1 mile ENE) which
NNE) a promontory on the N side of the loch, stands at the head of Traigh Mhor, an inlet which
situated near the foot of a glen dividing two dries, situated on the NE side of the loch.
ranges of high hills, thence: 9.92
5 SSE of a shoal, with a depth of 8⋅4 m over it 1 Anchorage. In 1960 HM Surveying Ship Owen
(1¼ miles NNE) which lies 1½ cables ESE of (1580 tons) anchored in the outer part of the loch with
Sgeir nighinn Mhic Chattain, a small drying rock good holding in mud.
which lies off the SE side of Aird Kilfinichen, 2 Small craft. The best anchorage for small craft lies
thence: 1¼ cables WSW of the S extremity of Eilean Ban
NNW of a shoal, with a depth of 6⋅1 m over it (56°19′⋅5N, 6°15′⋅0W). Anchorage can also be found in the
(1½ miles ENE), and: SW corner of the loch, in a depth of 3 to 4 m, clear of
6 SSE of marine farms (centred 1¾ miles NE) (1.17) yacht moorings, and also in the SE corner, clear of the
which are moored off the N side of the loch in the approach to the shallow pier at Bunessan (56°19′N,
approaches to Loch Beg (9.93). 6°14′W) which lies at the head of a narrow inlet.
9.88 3 Facilities. Bendoran Boatyard, 3½ cables S of Rubh’
1 Clearing marks: nam Bùthan carries out repairs and affords other facilities
The alignment (263°) of the S extremity of Dun for small craft.
Bhuirg (3½ miles W), a point on the N shore of Fresh water and small quantities of provisions can be
the loch, with Dun I (56°20′⋅5N, 6°23⋅7′W) (Chart obtained at Bunessan.
2171), 7½ miles farther W (9.59), clears to the N
of Sgeir Alltach. Small craft anchorages in Loch Scridain
2 Useful mark: 9.93
Beacon (white mast, triangular topmark in a circular 1 Bun an Leoib (56°20′⋅1N, 6°11′⋅5W) which lies inside
frame, studded with red reflectors, 4 m in height) Bogha Mòr (9.85), affords anchorage in depths of 9 to

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16 m with shelter from the W but not from the N or NW Directions

which create a heavy swell. 9.97
Port Mór (56°20′⋅3N, 6°09′⋅0W), an open bay on the S 1 Approach to Loch na Keal from south-south-west.
side of the loch, affords anchorage in depths of 11 to 13 m, From the vicinity of 56°22′N, 6°14′W, in the approaches to
1 cable offshore as shown on the chart. Loch Scridain (9.84), the approach to Loch na Keal from
2 Sgeir Alltachd. Small craft can obtain good but SSW leads NNE for about 5 miles, passing (with positions
restricted anchorage, completely sheltered from the wind, from Erisgeir (56°25′N, 6°15′W)):
1¾ cables SE of Sgeir Alltachd (56°21′⋅8N, 6°03′⋅8W), At least 3 cables WNW of the W coast of
between Sgeir Chailleach and Sgeir na Rad, in a depth of Ardmeanach (2½ miles SSE) (9.95) which is
7 m, as shown on the chart. It is recommended that this fringed by a narrow reef, thence:
anchorage should be approached at or near LW when Sgeir 2 ESE of Erisgeir (9.98) and of a drying rock 1 cable
Chailleach and Sgeir Rad will be visible. Local knowledge SSW of the island, and:
is required for entry at other times. WNW of Three-Foot Rock (1¾ miles E), thence:
3 Kilfinichen Bay (56°22′⋅7N, 6°04′⋅0W), an open bay on WNW of the shoal extending 1 cable from Sgeir a’
the N side of the loch, affords anchorage in quiet, settled Chlaideimh Mór, a detached drying rock which lies
weather, S of the drying part, as shown on the chart. at the W end of a chain of above-water and
Loch Beg (56°23′⋅4N, 6°00′⋅5W), at the head of the below-water rocks which extend 1¼ miles from the
loch, is reported to be the most satisfactory anchorage in coast. See clearing line, below.
Loch Scridain. Anchorage can be obtained just within the 3 The track then continues NNE to join the track (074°)
entrance, in a depth of 3 to 4 m, which is, however, given at 9.99.
reported to be subject to any sea running up Loch Scridain Clearing marks:
and to violent squalls during E winds. The alignment (027°) of the W extremity of the reef
fringing Inch Kenneth (3¼ miles NE) (9.99) with
the E extremity of the reef fringing Ulva, 2 miles
farther NNE (9.95), clears to the WNW of Sgeir a’
Loch na Keal and approaches Chlaideimh Mór and the dangers E of it, as shown
on the chart.
9.98
Charts 2171, 2652, 2771 1 Approach to Loch na Keal from west-south-west
(continued from 9.67 and 9.32). From position 56°23′⋅5N,
General information
6°28′⋅5W the approach to Loch na Keal from WSW leads
9.94
ENE, passing (with positions from the S extremity of Little
1 Loch na Keal, the main inlet on the W coast of Mull,
Colonsay (56°27′N, 6°15′W)):
is entered between Rubh’ a’ Ghearrain (56°27′N, 6°08′W)
2 SSE of a shoal, with a depth of 3⋅6 m over it
and the SE extremity of Ulva, 1½ miles NNW. This loch,
(2¾ miles WSW) which lies 1½ cables SSE of
which can be approached from WSW, as given at 9.98, or
Staffa (9.59) and is the SE of the dangers which
from SSW, as given at 9.97, affords anchorage that is
extend S and E from Staffa, which should not be
suitable for medium sized vessels and below.
approached within 3 cables, thence:
9.95
3 NNW of a rock, with a charted depth of 13⋅4 m
1 Topography. The N side of the approach to Loch na
(3 miles SSW), which lies in an area of uneven
Keal is formed by two main islands, Gometra (56°29′N,
depths (9.60), thence:
6°17′W) (9.68) and Ulva, a large island which is connected
NNW of the reef fringing Erisgeir (2 miles S), which
to Gometra by a road bridge and rises to a peak in Beinn
is steep-to and reported to be conspicuous, and of
Chreagach (56°29′N, 6°13′W). Numerous rocks fringe the S
shoal patches, with a depth of 8⋅6 m over them,
coasts of both islands, which are much indented.
which lie within 3½ cables W of the island, and:
2 The SE side of the approach to Loch na Keal is formed
4 SSE of shallow patches, with a least depth of 3⋅7 m
by the W coast of the peninsula of Ardmeanach, which
over them (reported 1976), which lie up to
extends from Rubha na h-Uamha (56°22′⋅4N, 6°12′⋅5W)
5½ cables WSW of the S extremity of Little
(9.84) to Rubh’ a’ Ghearrain, 5¼ miles NE, a steep bluff
Colonsay, a substantial island that is steep-to on its
which rises to high land close inland. Ardmeanach rises to
S side.
a peak in Beinn na Sreine (56°24′N, 6°07′W), and Ben
More (56°25′⋅5N, 6°00′⋅7W) (1.89) rises 2 miles SSE of the
S shore of Loch na Keal.
9.96 Chart 2652
1 Tidal streams along the coast between Loch Scridain 9.99
(56°22′N, 6°05′W) and Loch na Keal, 7 miles NNE, also in 1 Approach and entry. From a position 4 cables SSE of
the entrance to Loch na Keal and on both sides of Eorsa, Little Colonsay the alignment (074°) of the Left Fall of
an island in the middle of Loch na Keal, are very weak. Eorsa (56°27′⋅9N, 6°05′⋅8W) with the square peak close S
They begin as follows: of Cruach Torr an Lochain (56°29′⋅5N, 5°57′⋅7W) (Chart
2171), about 4¾ miles ENE, leads towards and through the
Interval from HW Oban Remarks fairway of the entrance to Loch na Keal, passing (with
–0610 NE-going stream begins positions from Geasgill Mór (56°27′⋅5N, 6°10′⋅1W)):
HW SW-going stream begins 2 SSE of the reef and bank fringing Geasgill Mór
which is the E and largest of the Geasgill Islands,
2 Local weather. Loch na Keal is remarkable for the which lie on the N side of the fairway in the
heavy squalls which sweep over it. entrance to Loch na Keal, thence:
In addition, strong winds from the W create a swell 3 NNW of rocks and the shallow bank fringing Maol
which penetrates to the head of the loch. an Domhnaich (6 cables ESE), a drying reef which

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rarely covers, lying near the N end of foul ground 9.102

which extends 4½ cables N from Inch Kenneth, an 1 Clearing marks:
island separated from the Island of Mull by a The alignment (027°) of a white cowshed in a wood
narrow channel that is foul, thence: and a conspicuous tree close N (2 miles NE) with
4 SSE of detached shoal patches, with a least depth of a small sharp summit on the skyline clears WNW
3⋅2 m over them (8½ cables NE), which lie of Gallie Rocks.
1½ cables E and 3 cables SE of Sgeir nan Leac, a Useful mark:
drying reef off the SE extremity of Ulva, and: White house (1¼ miles NNE), which is conspicuous.
5 NNW of a rock awash which lies on a bank 9.103
extending 1 cable N from Sgeir Bhuidhe (1 mile 1 After clearing Gallie Rocks (above) the alignment (253°)
ESE), a drying reef which lies near the NW end of of the N extremity of Eorsa with the summit of Geasgill
foul ground extending 2 cables NW from Samalan Mór, 2¾ miles WSW (9.99), astern, leads towards the head
Island, thence: of the loch and the anchorage given at 9.104, passing (with
SSE of Mac Quarrie’s Rock (1 mile ENE) a drying positions from Rubh’ an Dobhrain (56°29′⋅3N, 6°02′⋅0W)):
rock which lies in the entrance to the loch; see NNW of Gallie Rocks (8 cables SSW) (9.101),
clearing marks, below. thence:
9.100 2 SSE of Sgeir Maldaig (3 cables WSW) a drying spit
1 Clearing marks: which extends 1 cable from the N shore of the
The alignment (about 266°) of the NW extremity of loch, thence:
Geasgill Beag (2 cables WNW), the W of the NNW of the coastal bank, with a depth of 5 m over
Geasgill Islands, with the S extremity of Garbh it (6 cables S) which extends 2½ cables N from
Eilean, 2 miles farther W, clears to the S of Mac Scarisdale Rocks (8½ cables S), a group of drying
Quarrie’s Rock, as shown on the chart. rocks which lie on the coastal reef, 4 cables NE of
2 The alignment (347°) of the SE extremity of Ulva Scarisdale Point.
(1¼ miles NE) (9.95) with the E extremity of Ard
Anchorages in Loch na Keal
na Caillich, 2 cables farther NNW, clears close E
9.104
of the shoal extending 1 cable NE from Mac
1 Good anchorage, suitable for medium sized vessels, can
Quarrie’s Rock.
be obtained at the E end of South Channel, 6 cables SSE
3 Useful mark:
of the E extremity of Eorsa (9.101), in a depth of 22 to
A four-storeyed white house (1 mile SSE) which
27 m, mud, as shown on the chart.
stands on the E side of Inch Kenneth (9.99)
2 Good anchorage, suitable for small vessels, can be
midway along the SE shore.
obtained at the head of the loch, 7 cables NW of Rubha
9.101
Aird nan Eisirein (56°28′⋅7N, 6°00′⋅4W), in a depth of
1 Loch na Keal. After passing Mac Quarrie’s rock, the
14 m, mud, as shown on the chart, clear of a below-water
track into Loch na Keal leads either side of Eorsa
rock and of a drying rock which lie 2½ cables NNW of
(56°28′N, 6°05′W), an island in the middle of the loch,
Rubha Aird nan Eisirein.
passing through North Channel or South Channel. Of these
3 Another anchorage is charted 2 miles from the head of
two channels South Channel is considered the better route
the loch in position 56°28′⋅9N, 6°02′⋅8W.
and has been used for the Directions which follow.
2 From a position 3 cables SSE of Mac Quarrie’s Rock the Small craft anchorages and landing in the approach to
track through South Channel leads generally E in Loch na Keal
mid-channel, passing (with positions from the W extremity 9.105
of Eorsa): 1 Staffa (56°26′N, 6°20′W) (9.59). Temporary anchorage
S of Ullin Rocks (1 and 3 cables NW) which are a can be obtained off Am Buachaille, which is connected to
group of detached rocks, thence: the SE end of Staffa by a drying reef, in depths of 5 to
3 S of the narrow reef and bank fringing the S side of 11 m, on a bottom which is rocky and falls away sharply.
Eorsa, and: It is reported that a perch stands on the N end of Am
N of the coastal bank, with charted depths of less Buachaille.
than 10 m, which extends up to 2½ cables N from 2 Landing can be effected close N of Am Buachaille, in
the coast at the mouth of Abhainn Doire Dhubhaig position 1 cable E of Fingal’s Cave (9.59), at a metal
(1½ miles SE). railing on the shore below some light-coloured steps in the
4 Useful marks: shape of an inverted V.
Acharonich (1 mile NNW), a white house that is 9.106
prominent from S and SW and is a good mark for 1 Bail’ a Chlaidh (56°29′N, 6°16′W), known locally as
anchoring. Gometra Harbour, a small basin at the S end of Am Brù,
Dhiseig 1½ miles SE), a conspicuous building. the channel between Gometra and Ulva, affords excellent
5 When clear of Eorsa the track alters to NNE, passing anchorage for small craft, in a depth of 9 m, as shown on
(with positions from the E extremity of Eorsa): the chart. The approach to the bay is obstructed by Sgeir
ESE of Sgeir Bhuidhe, a drying reef at the E end of na Skeineadh, a drying reef 5 cables S of the entrance and
Eorsa, thence: by Bogha Ludden, below-water rocks lying 7 cables SSE of
6 WNW of a below-water rock lying 2¼ cables W of the entrance.
Rubha na Mòine (1¼ miles ESE) and: 2 It is reported that a substantial sea enters the bay during
ESE of a marine farm (5 cables E) (1.17), thence: strong winds from the S.
WNW of Gallie Rocks (1¼ miles ENE) which have a 9.107
least depth of 1⋅2 m over them and lie near the 1 Cragaig Bay (56°28′N, 6°13′W), which is filled with
centre-line of the loch, 7 cables NNW of the SE islets, rocks and reefs, affords anchorage for small craft
coast. towards the head of the bay, as shown on the chart. The

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recommended entrance lies E of Eilean na h-Uamha Directions

(56°27′⋅7N, 6°13′⋅0W). (continued from 9.68)
It is reported that some sea enters the bay during strong 9.113
winds from the S. 1 From the vicinity of 56°31′N, 6°20′W the track into
9.108 Loch Tuath leads generally E, passing (with positions from
1 Inch Kenneth (56°27′N, 6°09′W) (9.99). Anchorage can Rubha Chulinish) (56°30′N, 6°14′W):
be obtained in the bay formed between Inch Kenneth and N of Eilean Dioghlum (2½ miles W) (9.68), thence:
the Island of Mull, as shown on the chart. The S of Bogha Mòr (2¼ miles WNW) which lies
recommended approach is from NNW as the other 3 cables S of Rubh’ an t-Suibhein, a promontory
entrances are foul. on the N side of the loch, thence:
This anchorage is reported to be subject to violent 2 N of marine farms (1.17) which are moored in the
squalls from the cliffs of Mull during SE winds. bays along the S side of the loch, and:
S of a dangerous rock (1½ miles N) which lies on the
W side of the entrance to Tràigh na Cille.
Small craft anchorages and landing in Loch na Keal 9.114
9.109 1 From a position 7 cables NE of Rubha Chulinish, the
1 Sound of Ulva (56°28′⋅5N, 6°08′⋅3W), which separates track towards Soriby Bay (56°29′⋅5N, 6°11′⋅0W) alters to
the SE end of Ulva from the W coast of the Island of Mull SE, passing (with positions from Rubha Chulinish)):
and connects Loch na Keal with Loch Tuath, 1¾miles NW SW of An Carraigean (1¼ miles NE), an above-water
(9.112), affords good anchorage in the SE part of the rock which lies near the S extremity of the coastal
sound, in a depth of 13 m, mud, as shown on the chart. reef extending 1¼ cables offshore, 2 cables SE of
The recommended approach to the sound from SE favours Eilean Rainich which also lies on the coastal reef,
the SE coast of Ulva to avoid Clarke Rock, which lies in thence:
the middle of the entrance. 2 NE of a marine farm (7 cables ESE) (1.17) which is
It is reported that this anchorage is subject to fierce moored close off the S shore, thence:
squalls during S winds. SW of a rock, with a depth of 4⋅1 m over it
2 Concrete landing places, each with a small slipway, (1½ miles ENE) which lies on the coastal bank
which extend from both sides of the sound, 6½ cables from extending 3½ cables S from Torr an Aird. Bogha
the SE entrance, are used as ferry terminals. nan Ceard (1¾ miles ENE), a drying rock, lies on
9.110 the same bank, in the mouth of Ballygown Bay,
1 Eorsa (56°28′N, 6°05′W) (9.101). Anchorage can be thence:
obtained 1½ cables from the NE side of Eorsa, in depths of 3 NE of a marine farm (1.17) moored 1 cable E of
10 to 11 m, as shown on the chart. Marine farms (1.17) are Rubha nan Gall (1¼ miles SE), and:
moored up to 5 cables E of the island. Clear of a rocky shoal, with a least depth of 6⋅8 m
9.111 over it (1½ miles E), and:
1 Kellan Mill (56°29′⋅3N, 6°03′⋅2W) is the site of a small SW of the shoal surrounding Sgeir Dubhail
jetty which extends from the N shore of the loch. (1¾ miles E), which dries.

Anchorage
Loch Tuath 9.115
1 Soriby Bay (56°29′N, 6°11′W) entered between Rubha
nan Gall and Torr Ardalum, a promontory forming the W
entrance point to Sound of Ulva, affords the only safe
General information
anchorage in Loch Tuath during all winds. This bay is easy
9.112
of access and has moderate depths with good holding, but
1 Loch Tuath, the N of the three inlets along the W coast
a detached shoal, with a depth of 8⋅2 m over it, lies in the
of the Island of Mull, is entered between Eilean Dioghlum
mouth of the bay, 3 cables WNW of Torr Ardalum.
(56°30′N, 6°18′W), and Rubh’ a’ Chaoil, 2½ miles NW
2 Good anchorage for small craft can be obtained
(9.69). The S side of the loch is formed by the N sides of
4½ cables WNW of Torr Ardalum, as shown on the chart,
Gometra (9.68) and Ulva (9.95) which, at the E end of the
in a depth of 16 m mud.
loch, trends SE along the Sound of Ulva (56°28′⋅5N,
6°08′⋅3W) (9.109) towards Loch na Keal.
2 Loch Tuath affords safe anchorage for small vessels near Small craft anchorages
the head of the loch. 9.116
Tidal streams in Loch Tuath are very weak and set as 1 Acairseid Mhòr (56°30′N, 6°18′W), off the NW corner
follows: of Gometra, is reported to be a popular anchorage for small
Interval from HW Oban Remarks craft with shallow draught.
Port Rainich (56°31′N, 6°12′W), which lies inside
–0555 In-going stream begins
Eilean Rainich, on the N side of the loch, affords
+0015 Out-going stream begins. anchorage ENE of the island.

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THE SMALL ISLES AND APPROACHES

GENERAL INFORMATION each of the charts concerned and is mentioned within the
description of each passage.
Chart 2635
Synopsis Hazards
9.117 9.121
1 Area. This section covers the large bight between 1 Fishing. The vicinity of the Small Isles is an area of
Ardnamurchan Peninsula (56°45′N, 6°00′W) and the SW fishing activity as given at 9.7.
coast of the Island of Skye, from Point of Sleat (57°01′N, Submarines exercise within the area, as given at 9.6.
6°01′W) to Rubha Ruagh, 30 miles NW. The SW end of
the area is extended SW to include the N coast of Coll Tidal streams
(56°38′N, 6°35′W) and of Tiree (56°30′N, 6°50′W). 9.122
This sea area includes the Small Isles (57°00′N, 6°20′W) 1 The tidal streams round and between the Small Isles are
(9.123). rather uncertain in direction but, except off Canna
2 Routes between the Small Isles and the mainland, which (57°04′N, 6°33′W), in very general terms they set as
includes a part of the Inshore Traffic Route (1.11), and follows:
those which pass between the islands are shown in the Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
chapter index diagram.
+0600 N-going stream begins
Vessels from Mallaig (57°00′N, 5°49′W) (10.16) call
regularly at Eigg, Rum and Canna. HW S-going stream begins
9.118 2 To the W of Canna the tidal streams begin 15 minutes
1 Harbours and lochs. Within the area described above later than those in the table above.
the text includes the following useful lochs: Round and between the isles the direction and rate of
On the W coast of the Island of Mull: the streams are subject to great variation according to
Loch Ceann Traigh (56°47′N, 5°55′W) (9.143). location; these are therefore given, where known, within the
Sound of Arisaig (56°51′N, 5°50′W) (9.148) leading description of each route.
to Loch Ailort (56°51′N, 5°46′W) (9.151). 3 Tidal streams NW of the Small Isles are given at 11.24.
2 On the SW coast of the Island of Skye: For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
Loch Eishort (57°09′N, 5°58′W) (9.217). North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland and
Loch Slapin (57°11′N, 6°01′W) (9.218). tidal stream stations on the chart.
Loch Scavaig (57°11′N, 6°09′W) (9.229).
Loch Bracadale (57°20′N, 6°30′W) (9.245) leading to Principal islands
Loch Harport (57°20′N, 6°25′W) (9.246) which 9.123
contains Port nan Long (9.251). 1 The Small Isles (57°00′N, 6°20′W) consist of, from SE
3 Within the Small Isles the text includes the following to NW: Muck, Eigg, Rum, Canna and the outlying rocky
minor ports which are principal to each island: islets of Oigh Sgeir (11.30) (Chart 1796). Each of the
Galmisdale Point (56°52′⋅6N, 6°07′⋅8W) (9.160) on islands, which are inhabited by small communities, is
Eigg. described below.
Port Mór (56°50′N, 6°13′W) (9.166) on Muck.
Loch Scresort (57°01′N, 6°15′W) (9.209) on Rum Chart 2207
(Rhum). Muck
Canna Harbour (57°03′N, 6°29′W) (9.215) on Canna. 9.124
4 Small craft facilities. There are no marinas within the 1 Topography. The island of Muck (56°50′N, 6°15′W),
area covered by this section, though a busy yachting centre the S of the Small Isles, which rises to a summit in Beinn
is established in Arisaig Harbour (56°54′N, 5°51′W) Airein near its W end, has a generally smooth surface with
(9.168) at the head of Loch nan Ceall. A few of the larger a rocky coast and cliffs at its SW end. This island contains
lochs provide limited shelter and a variety of anchorages some springs of good water and, in comparison with the
but these may be difficult to approach and be subject to neighbouring islands, it is very fertile and contains an
local wind effects and strong squalls, as much of the agricultural estate.
coastline is exposed to the S and W. A description of these 2 General information. Muck is reported to be the least
is included within each of the lochs and harbours given visited of the Small Isles due to a lack of safe anchorage.
above. However, Port Mór, on the SE side of the island, affords
shelter for small craft and contains a small pier, as given at
Topography 9.166.
9.119
1 General topography for the Island of Skye is given at Eigg
1.90, for the islands of Coll and Tiree at 9.4, and for the 9.125
Small Isles at 9.123. 1 Topography. The island of Eigg (56°54′N, 6°09′W), the
It is reported that, overall, the scale of the landscape is E of the Small Isles, is low and flat in the middle, rising to
more dramatic to the N of Ardnamurchan Peninsula and hills at its N and S ends. At its N end the island terminates
along the SW side of the Island of Skye, than to the S of in a low point but 4 cables inland cliffs rise to an elevation
this area. of over 275 m and nearly encircle the island. Near the S
end, An Sgùrr (56°53′N, 6°10′W), a peculiar basaltic hill,
Depths is distinguished by a vertical cliff in its upper part; from
9.120 NE it looks like a ruined tower, on other bearings it
1 Depths within the area are very uneven and soundings resembles an irregular wall crowning the summit of a high
are generally based on old surveys. A caution is given on hill.

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Muck POINT OF ARDNAMURCHAN TO

SOUND OF SLEAT

General information
Charts 2207, 2208
Route
9.128
1 From a position 4 miles WSW of the Point of
Ardnamurchan (56°44′N, 6°13′W), at the N end of the
Passage of Tiree (9.18) and the NW end of the NW
Eilean Chathastail Galmisdale An Sgùrr approach to the Sound of Mull (8.224), the inshore route to
Eigg from NE (9.125) the Sound of Sleat (57°05′N, 5°50′W) (10.60) leads NE for
(Original dated 2000) 8 miles then ENE for about 5 miles to position 56°50′N,
(Photograph − Air Images) 6°02′W. From this position the route leads NNE for about
10 miles to a position in the S entrance to the Sound of
Sleat. This route forms part of the Inshore Traffic Route, as
2 General information. There are several bays and small
given at 1.11.
inlets around the coast which, in most places, is high and
rocky. There is no harbour but vessels from Mallaig Topography
(57°00′N, 05°49′W) (Chart 2208) (10.16) call regularly 9.129
using an anchorage on the SE side of the island, as given 1 The Small Isles. A general description of the Small
at 9.160. Isles (57°00′N, 6°20′W) is given at 9.123. A description of
3 The bulk of the population inhabit a village on the NW Muck (56°50′N, 6°15′W) is given at 9.124, and of Eigg
side of the island; the remainder live at the SE end, near to (56°54′N, 6°09′W) at 9.125.
the anchorage mentioned above. 2 Scottish mainland. The peninsula of Ardnamurchan
(56°44′N, 6°00′W) rises rapidly on its N and NW sides to
Charts 2207, 2208 attain a considerable elevation within 1½ miles of the coast
Rum (Rhum) between Point of Ardnamurchan and Rubha Aird
9.126 Druimnich, 9 miles ENE. Several peaks rise to over 300 m
1 Topography. The island of Rum (57°00′N, 6°20′W) is within the peninsula, which achieves a summit in Meall
the largest of the Small Isles. It is high and spectacularly nan Tarmachain (56°43′N, 6°06′W) (Chart 2171) about
mountainous, with several peaks on the S side attaining 4½ miles E of Point of Ardnamurchan.
elevations over 600 m, rising to a summit in Askival 3 The W coast of Ardnamurchan, between Point of
(56°58′⋅5N, 6°17′⋅5W) which terminates in a sharp pointed Ardnamurchan and Sanna Point, 2 miles NE, is rocky,
and almost inaccessible peak. This peak, in common with rugged and forms two bays, the NE of which is Sanna Bay
those of Ainshval, 1 mile SW, and of Orval, 3¾ miles (9.167).
WNW, the highest mountain on the SW side of the island, 4 The N coast of Ardnamurchan, between Rubha Carrach
is usually enveloped in cloud. (56°45′⋅6N, 6°09′⋅3W) and the entrance to Fascadale Bay,
2 The coasts of Rum are generally steep-to. Off the coast, 2 miles E, is generally cliffy and indented, with rugged
as a general rule, the nature of the bottom is rock to the S hills in the background. The cliffs end suddenly at the W
and W sides of the island, sand off the N side and mud off entrance point of the bay, where they are 90 m high, with a
and near the E side. fissure stretching from top to bottom. Between the E
General information. Rum is a National Nature Reserve entrance point of Fascadale Bay and Ardtoe Island
and the residents generally serve Scottish Natural Heritage; (56°46′N, 6°03′W), 1½ miles E, the coast forms a bay
vessels from Mallaig (57°00′N, 5°49′W) (10.16) call which is foul for 2½ cables offshore. From Ardtoe Island to
regularly. Rubha Aird Druimnich, 3 miles ENE, the coast is indented
by several bays, all of which are open and fronted by rocks
Charts 1795, 2208 in many places.
Canna 5 The coast between Point of Ardnamurchan and Arisaig
9.127 Promontory, 14 miles NE, is deeply indented and contains
1 Topography. The island of Canna (57°04′N, 6°33′W), several bays and lochs, the largest of which, the Sound of
the NW of the Small Isles, is low in the middle and rises Arisaig (56°51′N, 5°54′W), is described at 9.148. The sides
at both ends, attaining its summit in Carn a’ Ghaill (208 m of these bays and lochs are themselves deeply indented and
high), 1 mile from the E end of the island. When viewed also rugged in appearance, rising in places to over 200 m
from NW each end appears to terminate in a bluff with the within 2 miles of the coast
middle sinking down to a low neck. On the S side of the 6 Arisaig Promontory (56°53′N, 5°53′W), which is rugged
island basaltic columns attain an elevation of 6 m. with several hills rising inland, separates the Sound of
2 The surface of Canna is covered with fine grass, there is Arisaig from Loch nan Ceall, 1 mile N, (9.168).
a little heather on the summits of the hills and the beaches The coast between Eilean Ighe (56°55′N, 5°54′W), the N
are of white sand. entrance point to Loch nan Ceall, and Rubha Dà Chuain,
General information. The island is owned by the 2 miles NNE, consists of a series of sandy bays and rocky
National Trust for Scotland and vessels from Mallaig points. Back of Keppoch, a village of white cottages,
(57°00′N, 5°49′W) (10.16) call regularly at Canna Harbour extends 1¼ miles E from the coast abreast Eilean Ighe.
(9.215), off the SE end of the island. 7 From Rubha Dà Chuain (56°57′N, 5°51′W) to the
3 Sanday, which is joined to the SE end of Canna by a entrance to River Morar (9.169), 7 cables NNE, the coast is
drying reef and a bridge, is highest at its E end which generally rocky, with sandy beaches, and rises to an
terminates in a cliff and is steep-to. elevation of 100 m between 2 and 5 cables inland. River

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Morar flows into the sea over a sandy flat, the entrance to Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
which is indicated by the sandy coast and an opening
between the hills. Thence, to Rubha na h-Acairseid, +0550 NE-going stream begins
2¼ miles NNE, the coast is rocky with hills which attain –0010 SW-going stream begins
40 to 120 m some 2½ cables inland.
5 The rate during spring tides is 1 kn in both directions in
Depths mid-channel whereas close off the E side of Eigg the
9.130 N-going stream sets N at 4 kn and the S-going stream sets
1 The route described at 9.128 passes through deep water S at a similar rate, as shown on the chart.
that is free from dangers, however depths vary greatly 6 Eddies. One mile W of Luinga Bheag (56°55′N,
within the area and on both sides of the track. 5°55′W), on the E side of the channel between Eigg and
2 Caution. The majority of soundings on chart 2207 are the mainland, there appear to be eddies as the streams set
derived from old surveys and attention is drawn to the as follows:
caution on the chart regarding charted depths. In addition, a Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
number of depths, which are considerably less than the
surrounding charted depths, have been reported within the +0520 N-going stream begins and
area, as shown on the chart. These include depths of 31 to sets for 7½ hours
35 m (1985), 1½ miles SE of Muck, in the deep water +0020 S-going stream begins and
channel between Muck and Ardnamurchan. sets for 5 hours

Hazards 7 These streams are weak near the coast.

9.131 Between Eilean Ighe (56°55′N, 5°54′W) and Rubha na
1 The route described at 9.128 passes through an area of h-Acairseid, 5 miles NNE (10.32), the streams are weak
fishing activity (9.7), and includes submarine exercise areas near the coast but there appear to be eddies. Timing of the
(9.6). streams off Rubha na h-Acairseid is given at 10.66.
8 Sound of Arisaig. The streams are very weak in the
Rescue large bay entered between Sanna Point (56°45′N, 6°11′W)
9.132 and Rubh’ Arisaig, 12 miles NE, which includes the Sound
1 A Coastguard Sector Base (1.61) and an all-weather of Arisaig.
lifeboat (1.72) are maintained at Tobermory (56°37′N, For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
6°04′W) (8.252). North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland and
An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) and an tidal stream stations on the chart.
all-weather lifeboat (1.72) are maintained at Mallaig
(57°00′N, 5°49′W) (10.16).
2 Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams (1.61) are based at Sea state
Muck (56°50′N, 6°14′W) (9.124) and at Eigg (56°53′N, 9.135
6°08′W) (9.125). 1 Areas of shallow water, such as Maxwell Bank
For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 9.9. (56°51′N, 6°06′W), cause very heavy seas, particularly
when the tidal stream opposes the prevailing SW wind.
Magnetic anomaly Overfalls have been reported 3 cables S of the light on
9.133 Eilean Chathastail (56°52′N, 6°07′W) during E winds.
1 A local magnetic anomaly in the vicinity of 56°50′N,
6°10′W is given at 9.200.
Principal marks
Tidal streams 9.136
9.134 1 Landmarks:
1 Point of Ardnamurchan. Tidal streams off the Point of Ardnamurchan Lighthouse (grey granite tower, 36 m
Ardnamurchan set as follows: in height) (56°44′N, 6°13′W) standing on Point of
Interval from HW Oban Remarks Ardnamurchan (9.138). The lighthouse is
–0525 N-going stream begins surrounded by a high wall over which the
chimneys of the dwellings within are just visible.
+0100 S-going stream begins 2 Group of four radio masts (56°50′N, 6°13′W)
2 The rate at spring tides is 1½ kn in both directions. standing near the E end of Muck, reported to be
Between the Point of Ardnamurchan and the NE end of conspicuous from S and NE.cc
Coll, 7¼ miles WSW, the streams set as in the table above White mark painted on the cliff face at Rubha Arisaig
with a delay of 15 minutes. The rate at spring tides is from (56°53′⋅5N, 5°55′⋅3W) which is reported to be
1 to 1½ kn in both directions. visible at a distance of 10 miles.
3 The Small Isles. A general statement on the tidal Major light:
streams round and between the Small Isles is given at Ardnamurchan Light—as above.
9.122. Within this area the direction and rate of the streams
are subject to great variation according to locality. During
the N-going stream, the streams off the E side of Muck set Other navigational aids
N at 4 kn during spring tides and the S-going stream sets S 9.137
at a similar rate. 1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the
4 In mid-channel between Eigg and the mainland E the Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at
streams set as follows: 1.33.

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Ardnamurchan Lighthouse from E (9.136)

(Original dated 2002)
(Photograph − Jean Guichard)

Directions 4 NW of Sanna Point which has an irregular outline

(continued from 9.31 and 8.308) forming several summits and hollows over which
the top of Ardnamurchan Lighthouse is
Point of Ardnamurchan to Muck occasionally visible from NE, thence:
9.138 5 NW of a rock, with a charted depth of 16⋅6 m
1 From the vicinity of 56°42′N, 6°20′W the track along (1¼ miles N) which lies 1¼ miles NW of Bo ha
the Inshore Traffic Route leads NE, passing (with positions na Crag (1 mile ENE), a drying rock 2¼ cables W
from Sanna Point (56°45′N, 6°11′W)): of Rubha Carrach which is an overhanging cliff
2 NW of the Point of Ardnamurchan (2 miles SW) a with patches of bright orange-coloured lichens
small, rugged and mountainous promontory showing over a face of black rock. Rubha Carrach
forming the W extremity of the peninsula of is the E entrance point of White Sand Bay, which
Ardnamurchan and the N entrance point to the shows well from the N and NE. Thence:
NW approach to the Sound of Mull. 6 SE of Bogha na Fionn-aird (4½ miles NNW), a
Ardnamurchan Light (9.136) stands on the point. A drying reef which extends 1½ cables S from the S
light-buoy (special) is moored 4 cables WNW of extremity of Muck (9.124), thence:
the point. Thence: 7 SE of a rock, with a charted depth of 17⋅8 m (4 miles
3 NW of Bo Kora Ben (1½ miles SW) a rock with a NNW), which lies near the outer fringe of an area
depth of less than 2 m over it (charted as over which the sea breaks very heavily and within
dangerous rock) which lies 2 cables offshore, which there may be unknown rocks lying farther
thence: out than those charted. It is therefore advisable to
NW of Coiresgeir (4½ cables SW) which lies at the give the SW side of Muck a wide berth. Charted
SW extremity of several above-water and rocks within the area include Dubh Sgeir (9.166)
below-water rocks extending SW from Sanna Point (4½ miles NNW) and Bogha Ruadh (9.166),
and 3½ cables from the E side of Sanna Bay, 2 cables SE of Rubh’ a’ Chroisein (9.166)
thence: (56°50′N, 6°13′W). And:

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8 NW of a group of rocks, with a least charted depth 5 WNW of a rocky patch, with a depth of 14⋅3 m over
of 14⋅7 m (2¾ miles NE), which lie just over it (1 mile SSW) which lies 8 cables W of Black
1 mile from the north coast of Ardnamurchan. Rocks which extend 5 cables N/S and the S of
(Directions for Sound of Eigg are given at 9.202) which has a black appearance. The patch is also
1¼ miles W of Eilean a’ Ghaill which has a
square cliffy top, sloping W, and having the
Muck to Eigg appearance of a ruin when viewed from NW,
9.139 thence:
1 From the vicinity of 56°48′N, 6°10′W the track leads 6 WNW of the bank, with charted depths of less than
ENE, passing (with positions from Ockle Point (56°46′N, 20 m (8 cables WSW), which extends 3 cables
6°01′W)): WNW from Meallan Odhar a chain of rocks lying
NNW of Elizabeth Rock (3 miles WNW) and of a 4 cables SW of Rubh’ Arisaig, the W extremity of
rock 2¼ cables W of it, and: Arisaig Promontory (9.129). Several rocks, with
SSE of the SE entrance to the Sound of Eigg channels between them, lie between Meallan Odhar
(5½ miles NW) (9.199), and: and Rubh’ Arisaig. And:
2 NNW of Bo Faskadale (3¼ miles WNW) which has 7 ESE of the E coast of Eigg which is free from
two detached heads, the NW of which dries, and is dangers to the N of Rubha na Crannaig (6½ miles
marked off its NW side by a light-buoy (starboard W), a low point on which stands Kildonnan
hand). For clearing bearing see 9.140. Thence: House, a two-storeyed building. West of the point,
3 SE of a charted depth of 17⋅8 m (4¾ miles NW) on the rising ground, stands the Manse, the Kirk
which lies 4 cables SE of Maxwell Bank, 1½ miles and other buildings. And:
SSE of Eigg Island Light (9.141), which should be 8 WNW of rocky shoals which, with a least charted
avoided in heavy weather as the sea occasionally depth of 12⋅8 m (1¼ miles NW), extend 5½ cables
breaks on the bank, and: WNW from Luinga Mhòr (7½ cables NNW), the
4 NNW of a rock, with a charted depth of 16 m, lying largest and highest of the islets which lie on the
2¾ miles NW of Ockle Point which is salient and sandbank fronting Loch na Ceall (9.168), at the
presents columnar basaltic cliffs NE and grassy SW end of the bank, thence:
slopes SW, thence: 9 WNW of a bank and detached shoals, with charted
5 NNW of a bank, with charted depths of less than depths of less than 20 m over them, which extend
20 m, which extends 5 cables NW from Rubha a total of 8 cables WNW from Luinga Bheag
Aird Druimnich (1¾ miles ENE) a point which (1½ miles N) a group of islets on the NW end of
shows a decided summit a little inside the point the sandbank (above), thence:
when viewed from E and W. 10 WNW of a chain of detached shoals, with a least
9.140 charted depth of 12⋅4 m (2¼ miles NNW), which
1 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 217° of lie parallel to the coast 9 cables WNW of Bogha
Ardnamurchan Light, just open NW of Sanna Point, clears Ighe, a drying reef situated 5 cables W of Eilean
8 cables NW of Bo Faskadale. This light, which is Ighe (2 miles NNE) the N entrance point to Loch
obscured when bearing more than 217°, clears NW of the nan Ceall (9.168), thence:
rock when visible at night. ESE of an extensive shoal, with a least depth of
(Directions continue for Loch Ceann Traigh and 17⋅2 m over it (6 miles NW), and:
Loch Moidart at 9.144, and for 11 WNW of a bank and shoals, with a least charted
Sound of Arisaig at 9.149) depth of 11⋅6 m (2¾ miles NNE), which extend a
total of 5 cables WNW from Beannachd Chreag,
the NW of a group of drying reefs which include
Eigg to Sound of Sleat An Cuilean, at the SW extremity, and Sgeirean
9.141 Gobhlach, on the NE side. It is recommended that
1 From the vicinity of 56°50′N, 6°02′W the track towards these rocks should not be approached within a
the Sound of Sleat leads NNE, passing (with positions from depth of 45 m and that no attempt should be made
Rubh’ Arisaig (56°53′⋅5N, 6°55′⋅3W)): to pass E of the group. Thence:
ESE of Maxwell Bank (5¾ miles WSW) (9.139), 12 WNW of isolated patches, with a least charted depth
thence: of 16⋅5 m (3¾ miles NNE) which lie up to
2 ESE of foul ground extending 1 cable E from Eilean 5½ cables WNW of Bo Mòr, a drying rock at the
Chathastail, known locally as Eilean Castle NW extremity of a group of islets which include
(6½ miles WSW) which lies close off the SE point An Glas-eilean, at the SW end, and Eilean Dà
of Eigg (9.125). For overfalls see 9.135. Eigg Chuain at the N end. It is recommended that these
Island Light (white tower, 8 m in height) stands on rocks should not be approached within a depth of
the SE extremity of the island. And: 45 m and that no attempt should be made to pass
3 WNW of the Sound of Arisaig (2½ miles S) (9.148), E of the group. Thence:
thence: 13 WNW of a dangerous wreck (5 miles NNE) which
Clear of Oberon Bank (3¾ miles WSW) which lies lies 1½ miles off the coast.
near the middle of the channel, thence: 9.142
4 WNW of several patches, with depths of 15⋅2 to 1 Useful marks:
19⋅8 m over them, which lie on a bank extending Eilean Port nam Murrach (6½ cables S) situated close
1¾ miles WSW from Eilean an t-Snidhe (2 miles offshore, which is a prominent, peaked, rocky islet.
SE) (9.149). These patches have not been Point of Sleat Light (57°01′N, 6°01′W) (9.195).
examined and there may be lesser depths than (Directions continue for Sound of Sleat at 10.70,
those charted. Thence: and for route NW between Rum and Skye at 9.195)

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Loch Ceann Traigh, 9.145

Loch Moidart and approaches 1 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 098° of
Farquhar’s Point (56°47′N, 5°53′W) which rises to a
decided hill in Carn Mór, 5 cables SSE, and appears like an
Chart 2207 island from a distance, clears N of the dangers in the
General information vicinity of Rubha Aird Druimnich.
9.143 2 Clearing marks:
1 Loch Ceann Traigh, entered between Rubha Aird The alignment (044°) of the W extremity of An
Druimnich (56°47′N, 5°58′W) (9.139) and Farquhar’s Point, Glas-eilean (3½ miles NE) (9.141) with Rubha
2½ miles E, is open N and NW and has moderate depths Ghead a’ Leighe, 1 mile NE (9.149), clears close
with a sandy bottom; however, anchorage is not NW of Howorth Rock.
recommended as it is dangerous with onshore winds. This 3 Useful mark:
loch leads to Kentra Bay (56°45′N, 5°51′W) which dries Eilean Raonuill (56°47′N, 5°53′W), standing in the
out. entrance to South Channel, is a prominent islet
2 Loch Moidart, which lies in an opening of the coast which shows a black cliffy face to seaward.
between Farquhar’s Point (56°47′N, 5°53′W) and Rubha
nan Clach Dearga, 1¾ miles NE, is a picturesque loch with Small craft
sandy beaches between rocky headlands, which dries over 9.146
most of its area. The entrance is obstructed by Eilean 1 Loch Ceann Traigh anchorage. Anchorage can be
Shona (below) leaving narrow channels to the N and S of obtained in Camas an Lighe, at the head of the loch, in
the island which are suitable for small craft only. depths of 13 to 18 m, sand, as shown on the chart, clear of
Anchorage can be obtained in South Channel. Dubh Sgeir (56°45′⋅6N, 5°54′⋅1W) and a marine farm
3 Route. These two lochs, which occupy a bight to the S (1.17), 2½ cables W. However, see recommendation at
of the Sound of Arisaig (9.148), can be approached from 9.143.
NW by a common route for which Directions are given 9.147
below. 1 Loch Moidart. Tidal streams, which set fairly strongly
4 Topography. Eilean Shona (56°48′N, 5°42′W), which in both North Channel and South Channel, begin as
has a rugged appearance, especially on its W and N sides, follows:
rises to a high summit in Beinn a’ Bhàillidh, 1 mile SE of Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
its NW point. There are also several hills of lesser
elevation. +0530 In-going stream begins
5 Tidal streams are very weak in Loch Ceann Traigh. –0050 Out-going stream begins
2 A steep sea which is created in the entrance when the
out-going stream sets against a W wind has maximum
Directions effect during departure from the loch.
(continued from 9.140) 3 South Channel provides the main entrance and affords
9.144 the best anchorage facilities for small craft in a basin
1 From the vicinity of 56°50′N, 6°02′W the approach to 7 cables within the entrance, as shown on the chart,
Loch Ceann Traigh and Loch Moidart South Channel leads 1½ miles W of Castle Tioram (ruins). However, both
SE, passing (with positions from Rubha Aird Druimnich): channels are tortuous with drying rocks close on both sides,
NE of two shoals, with a least depth of 5⋅4 m over and lesser depths than charted, due to silting, have been
them, which lie close NE of Sgeir Charrach reported in South Channel. In view of this and the strong
(3 cables NE), a drying rock, a clearing bearing for tidal streams, local knowledge is essential.
which is given at 9.145, thence: 4 A jetty, two piers and a slip are available for landing
2 NE of Bo Ruadh (5 cables E), a rock awash at the E within South Channel.
end of an area off Rubha Aird Druimnich in which
the depth are very uneven, thence:
SW of a shoal, with a depth of 7 m over it, Sound of Arisaig and approaches
(2¼ miles NE) which lies on the W edge of a
bank extending 1 mile WNW from Eilean Shona, General information
thence: 9.148
3 SW of a shoal, with a depth of 5 m over it, lying 1 The Sound of Arisaig, entered between Rubha Ghead a’
close SW of Howorth Rock (2¼ miles ENE) for Leighe (56°50′N, 5°51′W) and the S extremity of Arisaig
which clearing marks are given at 9.145. Several Promontory, 2½ miles NNW, is a major inlet which divides
rocks which dry lie between Howorth Rock and into two lochs at its head. Anchorage can be obtained only
Eilean Shona. in Loch Ailort (56°51′N, 5°46′W) (9.151), the S of the two
4 From a position 1½ miles ENE of Rubha Aird lochs.
Druimnich the track towards Loch Moidart, South Channel 2 Topography. The S shore of the sound is generally
(9.147), leads generally E whilst that into Loch Ceann steep-to and clear of dangers outside 1 cable from the
Traigh leads generally S, passing (with positions from shore. In contrast, many rocks and islets lie up to 1 mile
Rubha Aird Druimnich): from the N shore.
5 E of marine farms (1.17) moored along the E coast of 3 Ardnish Peninsula, at the E end of the sound, which
Ardnamurchan, and: separates Loch Ailort, to the S, from Loch nan Uamh, to
W of a rocky bank, with a charted depth of 3⋅2 m the N, is generally hilly but there are many valleys and
(2¼ miles SE), which extends 4 cables SSW from several lochs. The neck connecting the peninsula to the
Sgeir an Eididh, a bare islet that is moderately mainland is low, 1 mile wide and occupied in part by a
bold on its W side. loch.

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4 Tidal streams in the Sound of Arisaig, which are barely Loch Ailort
perceptible, set as follows: 9.151
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks 1 General information. Loch Ailort, entered between
Goirtean na Caorrach (56°51′N, 5°46′W) and Rubha
+0530 In-going stream begins Chaolais, 1 mile NNW, in the SE corner of the Sound of
–0050 Out-going stream begins Arisaig, is an excellent anchorage for use by small vessels
in emergency as it is well sheltered by the islands which
Sea state. A heavy sea sets on to the S shore during lie across the entrance. The upper part of the loch, which is
onshore winds. obstructed by a bar 1 mile within the entrance, with many
rocky heads and depths of less than 2 m in the channels, is
suitable for small craft only.
2 Topography. The SE side of the loch is backed by high
mountains which include Rois-Bheinn (56°50′N, 5°41′W)
Directions which has a rounded summit, and An Stac, 1 mile NE,
(continued from 9.140) which has a peaked summit.
9.149 The N side of the loch is fronted by Ardnish Peninsula
1 From the vicinity of 56°50′N, 6°02′W the track towards (9.148).
and into the Sound of Arisaig leads ENE for 7 miles, 3 Entrance channels. The entrance to Loch Ailort is
passing (with positions from Rubha Ghead a’ Leighe obstructed by Eilean na Gobhar, which lies midway
(56°50′N, 5°51′W)): between the entrance points, with foul ground extending
SSE of several patches (2½ miles NW) as given in 2 cables SW to Sgeir Ghlas, known locally as Grey Island,
the main Directions at 9.141, and: a round and rocky islet. Channels in the entrance, to the N
2 NNW of a rock, with a depth of 6⋅8 m over it and S of these obstructions are given below.
(2 miles SW) which is the N of shallow patches 4 South channel passes between the foul area SW of
extending 1 mile WNW from Eilean Shona Eilean nan Gobhar and the S shore of the entrance which
(9.143), thence: is moderately bold and free of dangers except for two low
SSE of The Bellows (2 miles NW) a rock awash over above-water rocks close N of Goirtean na Caorach and
which the sea breaks in all but calm weather, marine farms (1.17) moored up to 7 cables W of the point.
thence: A rock, with a depth of 0⋅3 m over it lies close SE of the
3 NNW of a group of islets which extend up to S end of Eilean nan Gobhar.
3 cables N and E from An Glas-eilean (1 mile SW) 5 North channel, which passes between Eilean nan
which lies up to 4¾ cables offshore, and: Gobhar and Eilean a’ Chaolais, 2½ cables NNW, is free
SSE of Eilean an t-Snidhe (2 miles NNW), a group of from dangers except for a rock on the S side. Directions,
three islets, the E of which is formed in its highest which are given below for this channel only, include this
part by a basaltic pillar, thence: rock.
4 SSE of a marine farm (1.17) moored 3½ cables S of 6 Small craft channel. A narrow channel, with a depth of
Harpy Rock (2½ miles NNW) which dries and is 3⋅7 m in it, which separates Eilean a’ Chaolais from Rubha
covered with brown seaweed. A clearing bearing Chaolais, is reported to be suitable for small craft during
for Harpy Rock is given at 9.150. Thence: quiet weather. A dangerous sea is created in this channel
NNW of Am Boc (3 cables SW) a drying rock which when the W-going stream is opposed by a strong wind
lies ¾ cable offshore and 3 cables NNE of Red from the W.
Cow, a drying reef which lies 1¼ cables offshore, 7 Tidal streams in the entrance to Loch Ailort set as
thence: follows:
5 NNW of the reef and drying rocks fringing Rubha Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
Ghead a’ Leighe which rises inland gradually but +0530 In-going stream begins
irregularly to over 200 m, 1 mile SE, thence:
SSE of Gulnare Rock (2 miles N), a clearing bearing –0050 Out-going stream begins
for which is given at 9.150, thence: 8 The streams set fairly strongly in the entrance channels
6 NNW of the reef and bank fringing Samalaman (above) and with gales from the W the sea breaks across
Island (7 cables E) which is joined to the S shore these channels during the out-going stream.
by a drying reef. Samalaman House, which is Within the loch the streams are weak.
two-storeyed and slated, stands 2½ cables S of the Local weather. Heavy squalls come down from the
island. Thence: mountains (above) during SE and E gales.
SSE of a rock, with a depth of 4⋅3 m over it, which 9.152
lies 1 cable SE of Astly Rock (2½ miles NNE), off 1 Directions for north channel (continued from 9.150).
the SW end of the Borrodale Islands (9.155). From a position 1¼ miles W of Rubha Chaolais, the W
9.150 extremity of Ardnish Peninsula, the track through the N
1 Clearing bearings. The line of bearing 264° of the channel leads generally E, passing (with positions from
summit of Muck (56°50′N, 6°15′W) (9.124) well open S of Rubha Chaolais):
Eilean an t-Snidhe, 12¼ miles ENE, clears well S of 2 N of Priest Rock (5 cables SW) which dries and for
Gulnare Rock. which a clearing bearing is given below, thence:
The line of bearing 296° of the SE end of Black Rocks S of Eilean a’ Chaolais (1½ cables SSE) and of a
(56°52′⋅6N, 5°54′⋅3W) (9.141) open SW of Eilean a’ rock awash close off its SE end, and:
Ghaill, 3 cables ESE (9.141), clears SW of Harpy Rock. 3 N of a dangerous rock, lying close N of the N islet
(Directions continue for Loch Ailort at 9.152, of Eilean nan Gobhar (6 cables SSE), which
and for Loch nan Uamh at 9.156) consists of two islets joined together by a rough

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stony beach which nearly covers at HW. The SW 3 SE of Eilean an Sgùrra (1½ miles NW) which has on
islet, which is the higher, shows a rocky face to its summit a rock that has the appearance of a
the W and on its summit stand the remains of a castle, and:
vitrified fort. NW of the SE side of Ardnish Peninsula, and:
4 Clearing marks: SE of Eilean nan Cabar (1½ miles NNW) (9.155),
The alignment (031°) of a point of land, 3½ cables N thence:
of Rubha Chaolais with Sidhean Mór (56°55′N, 4 SE of a bank with shoal patches on it which extends
5°44′W), 3½ miles NNE, clears 2 cables WNW of 4½ cables SSE from Sgeir nan Eilid (2 miles
Priest Rock. NNE), an above-water rock. These shoals have not
9.153 been examined and less water may exist.
1 Anchorage. The recommended anchorage, which is well Useful Mark:
sheltered from the swell and recorded as good, lies 1 cable Arisaig House, 2¼ miles N, which is prominent from
E of Eilean nan Gobhar, as shown on the chart, in depths the S and stands on a commanding height with
of 5 to 7 m, clay and sand, clear of a drying reef which some fine trees and a cultivated valley to the E.
extends ½ cable E from the S islet. There are greater 9.157
depths farther S and more room to the NE, in depths of 5 1 Small craft anchorages are given in the following
to 6 m. paragraphs.
9.154 Borrodale Islands. Good anchorage can be obtained
1 Small craft can obtain anchorage with good shelter 1 cable WSW of Rafter’s Reef (56°53′⋅2N, 5°48′⋅0W) in a
close E of Eilean a’ Chaolais. depth of 11 m, that is clear of any swell. A perch stands on
Small craft can also proceed to the head of the loch, a drying rock at the S end of the anchorage.
4½ miles from the entrance, but after crossing the bar 2 Druimindarroch is a village on the W side of an inlet,
(9.151), for which local knowledge is required, the loch 2½ cables N of Rafter’s Reef (above), which affords
narrows and navigation is intricate. At the head of the loch anchorage for small craft up to 45 m in length.
lies a basin, with depths of 2 to 35 m in it, at the head of Borrodale Bay (56°53′⋅4N, 5°47′⋅6W), which can be
which is a jetty with an anchorage charted close SE. identified by its broad shingly beach, affords anchorage
during good weather in a depth of 25 m, as shown on the
chart, but the holding is not good. Anchorage can also be
obtained farther in, as required.
Loch nan Uamh 3 Head of the loch. Good anchorage can be obtained at
9.155
the head of the loch (56°53′⋅5N, 5°44′⋅3W) to the E of
1 General information. Loch nan Uamh, known locally
Eilean Gobhlach, a heather-covered islet with two distinct
as Loch na Nuadh, entered between Rubha Chaolais
summits, in depths of 4 to 7 m, as shown on the chart. A
(56°51′⋅5N, 5°47′⋅1W), the W extremity of Ardnish
safer anchorage to use when the wind is from between S
Peninsula, and Borrodale Islands, 1¼ miles NW, is open
and E, lies close N of Aird nam Buth, a promontory
SW and does not afford good anchorage for vessels other extending W from the head of the bay, in depths of 11 m,
than small craft at the head of the loch and in places along as shown on the chart. This anchorage is restricted and
the N side. subject to fierce offshore squalls.
2 Topography. The SE side of the loch is fronted by
Ardnish Peninsula (9.148) which also fronts Loch Beag at
the head of the loch.
The NW side of the entrance is fronted by Borrodale
Islands which extend 1¼ miles NE from An Glas-eilean, at Small craft anchorages and shelter in Sound of Arisaig
the SW end, to Eilean nan Cabar, near the N side of the 9.158
sound. 1 South side. Glenuig Bay, entered between Rubh’ a’
3 Tidal streams in Loch nan Uamh are very weak and set Chairn Mhoir (56°50′N, 5°48′W), which is connected to the
as follows: shore by a drying reef, and Samalaman Island, 9 cables W,
affords good shelter for boats during offshore winds only.
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
Drying rocks which lie in the centre of the bay, marked by
+0530 In-going stream begins a perch on their SW edge, all cover at HW and do not
–0050 Out-going stream begins provide much protection from W or NW. There are several
moorings, and a jetty which extends from the SE side of
9.156 the bay.
1 Directions (continued from 9.150). From a position 9.159
1¼ miles W of Rubha Chaolais the track into Loch nan 1 North side. Port nam Murrach (56°53′N, 5°55′W), a
Uamh leads NE, passing (with positions from Rubha small inlet protected by Eilean Port nam Murrach (9.142),
Chaolais): which lies across the entrance, affords shelter from N
NW of an isolated rock, with a depth of 11⋅6 m over winds and occasional anchorage in depth of 2 to 4 m.
it (1 mile WSW); this rock has not been examined Port a’ Bhàthaich (56°52′⋅8N, 5°54′⋅4W) which extends
and lesser depths may exist, thence: NW from the N end of Black Rocks (9.141) affords
2 SE of Sgeir Dubh (1½ miles NW) which is steep-to occasional anchorage.
on its S side, thence: 2 Port Doire na Drise (56°52′⋅6N, 5°53′⋅6W), a small inlet
NW of Rubha Chaolais (9.152), and: on the N side of the sound, affords occasional anchorage
Clear of a chain of shoals, with a least depth of which is partly sheltered by Eilean a’ Ghaill.
2⋅5 m over them (7½ cables NW) which extends Camas Drollaman (56°52′⋅6N, 5°52′⋅9W) is a snug
1¼ miles NE from a position 8 cables NW of harbour for boats.
Rubha Chaolais. These shoals have not been 3 Camas Ghaoideil (56°53′N, 5°50′W), an open bay to the
examined and lesser depths may exist. And: W of An Gharb-eilean, known locally as Rough Island, is

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not recommended as an anchorage as it is deep and fully SE of Sgeir nam Bagh (1½ cables NNE) which lies
open SW. on the edge of the reef extending 2½ cables from
the shore.
9.164
South-east end of the Small Isles 1 Anchorage and mooring. The bay affords good
anchorage for small craft, that is safe in moderate weather,
Eigg south-east side close off the pier at Galmisdale Point in a depth of 5 m or
9.160 in Poll nam Partan, a muddy bay on the SW side of Rubha
1 Galmisdale Point (56°52′⋅6N, 6°07′⋅8W), a salient point na Crannaig. Anchorage in South Bay is given at 9.203.
on the SE side of Eigg which lies abreast the N end of Moorings are laid in the small bay immediately E of the
Eilean Chathastail, forms the root for a jetty which jetty.
provides the main berth for Eigg. This berth is used by the 9.165
ferry from Mallaig and is the only place in Eigg from 1 Supplies. Fresh water is available at the pier and small
which communication by sea with the mainland is quantities of provisions can be obtained.
maintained. Galmisdale Point lies at the S end of a shallow Muck south-east coast
bay extending 6 cables NNE which is fringed and fronted 9.166
by reefs. The outer reefs, extended S by Eilean Chathastail 1 Port Mór, a small bay on the SE side of Muck (9.124),
(9.141), provides limited protection within the bay and entered between Rubh’ a’ Chroisein (56°50′N, 6°13′W) and
better protection to the pier. a point 3½ cables SW, is the main harbour for the island of
2 South of Galmisdale Point, between the coast and Eilean Muck. It exposed to some sea from the S and local
Chathastail, lies South Bay (9.203) which is connected to knowledge is required for entry. A ferry slipway is under
the shallow bay, above, by a channel between the point and construction (2001).
the island. 2 Directions. From a position 7 cables SSE of Rubh’ a’
9.161 Chroisein, the track leads within the white sector
1 Outer anchorage. The best anchorage lies outside the (321°−323°) of Port Mór Light (galvansied steel tower)
bay within 3 cables of Flod Sgeir, 3½ cable NNE of the (56°49′⋅9N, 6°13′⋅7W), passing (with positions from Rubh’
pierhead, in depths of 10 to 15 m, as shown on the chart, a’ Chroisein):
clear of the foul ground extending 1½ cables SSE from 3 ENE of a light (red pole with platform, 7 m in
Rubha na Crannaig (9.141), the N entrance point of the height) marking the drying reef which extends up
bay. A feature of the anchorage is that the depths increase to ½ cable from Dubh Sgeir (3¼ cables SSW), a
suddenly to 55 m at a distance of 3 cables from Flod Sgeir. double rock which shows well above HW, and:
2 Coastal anchorage can also be obtained up to WSW of Bogha Ruadh (3 cables S) of a light (green
2½ cables off the E coast of Eigg to the N of Rubha na pole with platform, 4 m in height), marking the S
Crannaig which is quite open but affords shelter from W end of foul ground extending 2½ cables SSE from
winds. Rubh’ a’ Chroisein.
9.162 4 Anchorage can be obtained, clear of moorings and
1 Entrance channels. The normal channel for approaching drying rocks, on the W side of the bay and landing can be
the pier, which lies between Flod Sgeir, 3½ cables NNE of made at an L-shaped stone pier which extends from the E
the pierhead, and Garbh Sgeir, close SE, is reported to side at the head of the inlet.
have a width of 40 m with depths of 3⋅7 m in the fairway.
An alternative channel, which lies between Garbh Sgeir and Small craft anchorages on the mainland coast
Eilean Chathastail, close SW, has a width of ½ cable with a Sanna Bay
depth of 3⋅7 m in the fairway; however, this channel
9.167
involves a large turn in the approach to the pier.
1 Sanna Bay (56°45′N, 6°12′W), 1½ miles NE of
2 Pilotage. Local knowledge is required for entry into the
Ardnamurchan Light, affords occasional anchorage for
bay; there are no regular pilots but local fishermen will
small craft clear of yacht moorings close inshore on the S
respond to a visual request for a pilot.
side of the bay. This bay can be identified by Meall Sanna,
Tidal streams. A strong SW tidal stream, beginning
5 cables E of the head of the bay, which rises in steep
2 hours after HW by the shore, sets through the bay and
escarpments to form the highest land on this part of the
into South Bay. The NE-going stream does not set as
coast.
strongly.
9.163 Loch nan Ceall leading to Arisaig Harbour
1 Directions. From a position 1 mile NE of Galmisdale 9.168
Point the track for entering by the normal channel (above) 1 Loch nan Ceall, which is encumbered by drying and
leads SW towards Galmisdale Point, keeping the point open dangerous rocks, is entered between Rubh’ Arisaig
W of the N extremity of Eilean Chathastail, passing (with (56°53′⋅5N, 5°55′⋅3W) (9.141) and Eilean Ighe, 2 miles NE.
positions from Galmisdale Point): A large sandbank, which dries and on which lie numerous
SE of foul ground which extends 1½ cables SSE from islets and rocks, fronts the entrance to the loch. Two
Rubha na Crannaig (6 cables NNE) (9.141), channels lead into the loch on the N and S sides of the
thence: sandbank as given below.
2 SE of Flod Sgeir (4 cables NE), a double rock which 2 South Channel between Arisaig Promontory, which can
dries, the S of which is marked on its SE side by be identified by the white mark on Rubh’ Arisaig as given
a perch with a circle topmark, and: at 9.136, and the S edge of the sandbank, has a navigable
NW of Garbh Sgeir (3½ cables NE) which dries, width of ½ to 1 cable and a least depth of 1⋅5 m in the
thence: fairway. This channel is marked by perches: red with a
3 NW of an above-water wreck (3 cables NE) which cross topmark to port, and diamond topmark to starboard,
lies close off the W side of Garbh Sgeir, thence: as shown on the chart; however, it has been reported that

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other perches have also been used. It is also significant that and anchorage can be obtained off a pier, which is
these perches are sited on the highest part of each rock and available for landing, in the NE corner of the loch. A
do not mark the edge of the shoal water. The channel is pontoon jetty, which is used by the local ferry, lies at the
tortuous and full of rocks; local knowledge, which is end of a causeway (not charted) close S of the pier.
recommended, can be obtained from local yachtsmen. If Repairs can be carried out at a boatyard, with slipway.
draught will allow it is advisable to enter at LW or soon Fuel, water and provisions are available.
after in order to see the reefs and rocks.
River Morar
9.169
1 River Morar (56°58′N, 5°50′W) contains several
moorings at the head of the estuary and can provide shelter
for small craft of shallow draught.

TIREE TO CANNA
General information
Charts 1796, 2207
Routes
9.170
1 From a position 4 miles WSW of the Point of
Tor Mór Ardnamurchan (56°44′N, 6°13′W), at the N end of the
South Channel, Loch nan Ceall (9.168) Passage of Tiree (9.18) and off the NW end of the Sound
(Original dated 2000) of Mull (8.224), the recommended route towards the Little
(Photograph − Air Images)
Minch (12.1) leads NNW for 10 miles then NW for
12 miles to pass through the clear and deep channel
3 North Channel, between Eilean Ighe and the N edge of between Oigh Sgeir (56°58′N, 6°40′W) and Humla Rock,
the sandbank, is encumbered by rocks and sandbanks and 2¾ miles NE.
is seldom used, even by those with local knowledge. 2 From a position 6 miles N of Tiree (56°30′N, 6°50′W) a
Tidal streams in the entrance to Loch nan Ceall set as route for approaching the Sound of Sleat (10.60) from SW,
follows: passing NW of Coll (56°38′N, 6°35′W), leads ENE for
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks about 20 miles to join the route given at 9.128.
+0545 In-going stream begins Topography
–0050 Out-going stream begins 9.171
1 Tiree. A general description of Tiree is given at 9.4.
4 When the sandbank which fronts the entrance to the The N coast of this island affords no shelter and allows of
loch dries, the stream sets very strongly through both of no anchorage.
the channels, but when the bank covers the streams spread Coll. A general description of Coll is given at 9.4. The
out across it and are weak in the channels. The in-going NW side of the island is exposed and affords no shelter
stream therefore sets strongly during its first half and is when the wind is N of W. There are no anchorages on this
weak during its second half; the reverse is also true during side of Coll.
the out-going stream. 2 The Small Isles. A general description of the Small
5 Anchorage can be obtained on the S side South Isles (57°00′N, 6°20′W) is given at 9.123. A description of
Channel, 8 cables ENE of Rubh’ Arisaig, as shown on the individual islands is given as follows: Muck (56°50′N,
chart, in a depth of 8 m, clear of any swell. 6°15′W) at 9.124; Canna (57°04′N, 6°33′W) at 9.127; and
Rum (57°00′N, 6°20′W) at 9.126. The SW coast of Rum is
rugged, broken and cliffy; it is also steep-to and no rocks
lie more than 2 cables offshore except in a position 5 cables
NW of the S extremity of the island. There are several
indentations along the SW coast but none of these afford
sufficient shelter for a landing to be effected during
onshore winds.
Depths and sea state
9.172
1 Caution. Depths vary greatly between Coll and Tiree, to
the S, and the Small Isles, to the N, and there are large
areas covered only by old or incomplete surveys, as shown
on the charts, in which dangerous rocks may exist. Within
this area, through which the routes described above pass, a
number of depths, which are considerably less than the
surrounding charted depths, have been reported to the NW
Arisaig from SW (9.169) and NNE of Coll, as shown on the chart, and less water
(Original dated 2000) than charted has been reported off the SW side of Rum, as
(Photograph − Air Images) given at 9.180.
2 Hawes Bank (56°45′N, 6°40′W), the SW end of which
6 Arisaig Harbour, at the head of Loch nan Ceall, is a is situated 11 miles W of the NE end of Coll, has been
busy yachting centre. There are 50 moorings for small craft, carefully examined but there may still in places be lesser

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depths than have been discovered. The bottom is mostly 6 To the W and SW of Canna generally, and off Oigh
rocky and the sea breaks heavily over the bank in bad Sgeir (56°58′N, 6°40′W) in particular, the tidal streams are
weather, especially when the wind blows against the tidal strong, as shown on the chart. The direction of the stream
stream. W of Canna is NNW but the direction of the stream to the
3 An area of irregular depths, centred about 4 miles NE of N and S of Canna is not known.
Hawes Bank, has depth variations from 9⋅3 m (56°50′N, 7 In all localities the S-going streams set in an opposite
6°27′W) to 98 m. direction with a similar rate.
4 Canna. Banks, on which there are several rocks and For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
small islets, including Oigh Sgeir (56°58′N, 6°40′W), North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland and
extend 13½ miles SSW from the W end of Canna. The tidal stream stations on the chart.
bottom is very uneven in this area and, in bad weather with
the wind against the tide, the sea breaks heavily up to Overfalls
15 miles SW of Canna. 9.176
1 Heavy overfalls occur over all the rocks to the W and
SW of Canna and around Oigh Sgeir.
Hazards In addition to these overfalls the sea breaks heavily over
9.173 exposed banks during bad weather as given at 9.172, and
1 The routes described at 9.170 pass through an area of along exposed coasts as given at 9.179.
fishing activity (9.7), and include submarine exercise areas
(9.6). Principal marks
9.177
Rescue 1 Landmarks:
Conspicuous radio towers (56°30′N, 6°58′W) (11.26).
9.174
Ardnamurchan Lighthouse (56°44′N, 6°13′W) (9.136).
1 An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) and an
Group of four radio masts (56°50′N, 6°13′W) (9.136).
all-weather lifeboat (1.72) are maintained at Mallaig
Hyskeir Lighthouse (56°58′N, 6°41′W) (11.26).
(57°00′N, 5°49′W) (10.16).
Major lights:
Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams (1.61) are
Ardnamurchan Light—as above.
maintained at Tiree (56°30′N, 6°48′W), Coll (56°37′N,
Hyskeir Light—as above.
6°31′W), Muck (56°50′N, 6°14′W), Rum (57°01′N,
6°17′W) and Canna (57°03′N, 6°29′W). Other navigational aids
For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 9.9. 9.178
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the
Tidal streams Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at
9.175 1.33.
1 Coll. After passing W of Tiree the N-going tidal stream
spreads out and sets in all directions between N and NE Directions
along the NW coast of Coll. On the next tide the streams (continued from 9.31 and 8.308)
from the opposite directions meet and set S past the W
side of Tiree. Little is known about these streams; they are Passage of Tiree and Sound of Mull to Sound of Rum
probably fairly strong off the salient points, with rates of 1 9.179
to 1½ kn, but weak in the bays. 1 From the vicinity of 56°42′N, 6°20′W the track along
2 Round Hawes Bank the streams set as follows: the recommended route towards the Little Minch leads
NNW, passing (with positions from the W extremity of
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks Muck (56°50′N, 6°17′W)):
+0545 NNE-going stream begins WSW of Point of Ardnamurchan (6½ miles SSE)
–0015 SSW-going stream begins (9.138), and:
ENE of Sùil Ghorm (9½ miles SW) (9.31), thence:
These streams do not appear to set strongly across the 2 ENE of Cairns of Coll (9 miles SSW) (9.31), thence:
bank. ENE of a shoal, the position of which is approximate,
3 The times at which the streams begin then become with a least depth of 20 m over it (reported 1998)
gradually later from SW to NE and off the NE point of (7½ miles SW), thence:
Coll they set as given at 9.24. 3 WSW of the drying reef which extends 1½ cables W
Tidal streams between the NE end of Coll and the Point from Rubh’ Leam na Làraich, the W extremity of
of Ardnamurchan, 7¼ miles ENE, are given at 9.134. Muck (9.124), and of Bogha Eir, 2½ cables N, a
4 The Small Isles. A general statement on the tidal rock which dries and on which the sea breaks
streams round and between the Small Isles is given at heavily. There may also be unknown rocks farther
9.122. Within this area the direction and rate of the streams off the W coast of Muck than those charted and
are subject to great variation according to locality. During the sea breaks very heavily along the entire coast;
the N-going stream, in the localities through which the it is therefore advisable to give this coast a wide
route given at 9.170 passes, the streams set as follows, with berth. And:
a rate at spring tides as given: 4 ENE of a shoal, with a least depth of 9⋅3 m over it
5 W side of Muck: N at 4 kn. (5½ miles W), which lies midway between Muck
SW coast of Rum: NW at 3 kn. and Hawes Bank (56°45′N, 6°40′W) (9.172) and at
Between Canna and Humla Rock, 2 miles SSW: the S end of an area of irregular depths as given at
NNW at 2½ kn. 9.172, thence:
Near Jemima and Belle Rocks (57°01′⋅5N, 6°36′⋅5W): 5 WSW of Eagamol (1 mile N), a small islet which lies
NNW at 4 kn. on the W extremity of the bank and drying reef

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which extend 2 cables W from Eilean nan Each NNW of the NW approach to Gunna Sound
(9.202). Dubh Sgeir nan Sgarbh (7 cables N) lies (6¼ miles SW) (9.33), thence:
on the SE extremity of the same drying reef. 2 SSE of Hawes Bank (8 miles NNW) (9.172), and:
(Directions continue for Sound of Rum at 9.207) NNW of the NW coast of Coll (9.171) and:
SSE of a charted depth of 18⋅5 m (6¾ miles NNE)
(reported 1986), thence:
Sound of Rum to the Sea of the Hebrides NNW of Bogha Mór (6 miles NE), a drying rock that
9.180 is nearly always marked by breakers, thence:
1 From the vicinity of 56°52′N, 6°24′W the track towards NNW of the Cairns of Coll (7½ miles NE) (9.31).
the Little Minch alters to the NW and leads towards the 3 Useful mark:
channel close NNE of Oigh Sgeir (56°58′N, 6°40′W), Cairns of Coll Light (7 miles NE) (9.31).
passing (with positions from the W extremity of Rum (Directions for route N, towards the Little Minch or
(57°00′N, 6°27′W)): Sound of Rum, are given at 9.179.
2 SW of Sgeirean Mora (5½ miles SE) which lie at the Directions for route NE to Sound of Sleat are given at
S extremity of foul ground extending 3 to 4 cables 9.138, and for Sound of Mull at 8.305)
offshore some 5 cables NW of Rubha nam
Meirleach, the S extremity of Rum (9.126). The Small craft
sea breaks heavily in this vicinity and, in 1977,
significantly less water than charted was reported Chart 1796
about 5 cables offshore between Rubha nam Tiree and Coll
Meirleach and Rubha Sgorr an t-Snidhe, 1¾ miles 9.183
NW. And: 1 Tiree north coast. Balephetrish Bay (56°32′N, 6°52′W)
3 NE of a shoal, with a least depth of 11⋅6 m over it is suitable for landing from small boats when winds from
(9½ miles SSW), which lies near the NW end of the SE render the S coast of Tiree untenable.
an area of irregular depths as given at 9.172,
Chart 2171
thence:
2 Coll north-west coast. Landing can be made from small
SW of A’ Bhrideanach, the W extremity of Rum,
boats in the bay 4 cables NE of Rubha Hogh (56°38′N,
thence:
6°37′W) when the wind is favourable.
SW of the SW extremity of Sanday (2¾ miles NW)
(9.127), thence: Charts 1796, 2208
4 NE of Oigh Sgeir (7½ miles WSW) (11.30), the E The Small Isles south and south-west sides
side of which is steep-to, and: 9.184
SW of Humla Rock (5 miles W) which is small and 1 There are no good anchorages along the SW sides of the
bare with rocks awash 1 cable NNE and 2 cables Small Isles. Facilities within the sounds between the islands
WSW of it. This group is marked by a light-buoy are given with the text for each sound.
(starboard hand) close SW of the SW rock.
Thence:
5 SW of Belle Rock (5½ miles W), which lies on the
POINT OF SLEAT TO LOCH BRACADALE
W side of a dangerous rocky shoal. Jemima
General information
Rocklies at the E end of the shoal. Thence:
6 SW of the foul ground which extends 3 cables WNW Charts 1795, 2208
from Garrisdale Point (5½ miles WNW), the W Route
end of Canna, which has several drying rocks up 9.185
to 2 cables offshore between the point and An 1 From a position S of the Point of Sleat (57°01′N,
Steidh, 9 cables SE, a flat-topped islet, and: 6°01′W) the route towards the Little Minch (12.1), passing
7 Over the bank extending SW from the SW end of between the Small Isles (57°00′N, 6°20′W), to the SW, and
Canna (5¼ miles WNW) (9.127), as given at the Island of Skye, to the NE, leads NW for about 28 miles
9.172, in charted depths of more than 20 m, to a position S of Rubha Ruadh (57°22′N, 6°40′W) a small
keeping NE of a charted depth of 14⋅3 m promontory on the SW coast of the Island of Skye, 5 miles
(9¾ miles WSW) which lies 2 miles W of Oigh NW of the entrance to Loch Bracadale.
Sgeir.
9.181 Topography
1 Useful mark: 9.186
Sanday Island Light (57°03′N, 6°28′W) (9.196) but 1 The Small Isles. A general description of the Small
this light is obscured over the passage between Isles (57°00′N, 6°20′W) is given at 9.123 and of individual
Humla Rock and Oigh Sgeir. islands as follows: Eigg (56°54′N, 6°09′W) (Chart 2207) at
(Directions continue for the Little Minch at 11.31, 9.125; Rum (57°00′N, 6°20′W) at 9.126; and Canna
Directions for the Sound of Canna are given at 9.212 (57°04′N, 6°33′W) at 9.127.
and for Sea of the Hebrides at 11.29) Island of Skye, south-west part — major mountains.
General topography for the Island of Skye is given at 1.90.
2 The principal range of mountains on the SW side of the
Charts 1796, 2171 island is the Cuillin Hills (57°12′N, 6°12′W) which rises
Channel north-west of Coll between Loch Scavaig (9.229) and Loch Brittle, 5 miles W
9.182 (9.243). Gars-Bheinn, the SE peak of the range, has a very
1 From the vicinity of 56°38′N, 6°52′W an approach to narrow summit; Sgùrr Alasdair, near the centre of the
the Sound of Sleat from SW leads ENE, passing (with range, is the highest of the hills; Sgùrr na Banachdich, with
positions from Rubha Hogh (56°38′N, 6°37′W)): its smooth shoulder Sgùrr nan Gobhar, 7½ cables W, form
NNW of the NW coast of Tiree (9.171), thence: the NW peaks of the range.

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3 To the E of the Cuillin Hills, at the head of Loch Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams (1.61) are based on
Scavaig, the coast rises rapidly to Sgùrr na Stri (57°12′N, Rum (57°01′N, 6°17′W) and Canna (57°03′N, 6°29′W).
6°08′W), the S peak of a range of mountains, which is a For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 9.9.
rugged, bare, dark, rocky and almost inaccessible cone, the
Magnetic anomaly
W face of which is mostly cliff, but the E face is not so
9.191
steep. A gully or split in the rock, which is open on NW
1 The local magnetic variation is reported to increase by
bearings, extends from the summit to the base of the SE
about 10° between Canna (57°04′N, 6°33′W) and Neist
part of the mountain, dividing the summit into two peaks.
Point, 22 miles NNW, as shown on the chart.
4 At the NW end of the island Healabhal Mhor (57°24′N,
2 The cliffs of Canna are highly magnetic and, on
6°38′W) (12.24) and Healabhal Bheag (57°23′N, 6°37′W)
Compass Hill at its E end, a magnetic compass becomes
are conspicuous mountains which stand near the SW coast.
useless, but this magnetic influence is limited to only a few
9.187
feet. However, vessels in the vicinity of such land may
1 Island of Skye, south-west part — coastal features.
pass over magnetic ground in water sufficiently shallow to
The SW coast of the island is deeply indented at the SE
allow of the compass being affected.
end between Sleat Peninsula (57°07′N, 5°55′W) (10.62),
A local magnetic anomaly in the Sound of Eigg is given
and Rubh’ an Dùnain, 13 miles NW. Strathaird Promontory,
at 9.200.
situated between the above points, which is formed by a
spur extending S from Blà Bheinn (57°13′N, 6°06′W), a Tidal streams
rugged mountain standing 5¾ miles N of the S end of the 9.192
promontory, rises in places to elevations of 120 to 340 m. 1 The Small Isles. A general statement on the tidal
2 Farther N, between the entrance to Loch Eynort streams round and between the Small Isles is given at
(57°14′N, 6°24′W) and Talisker Point, 3¾ miles NNW, the 9.122. Within this area the direction and rate of the streams
coastal cliffs rise nearly vertically in places to an elevation are subject to great variation according to locality. During
of 285 m and are pierced with caves. In other places, the N-going stream, off the NE coast of Rum the stream
sloping braes, formed by debris, extend halfway down the sets NW and in the opposite direction during the S-going
cliff to the foreshore. Close inland the mountains rise in stream.
Preshal Beg (57°16′N, 6°26′W) to a basaltic summit and in 2 South-west of the Island of Skye. Tidal streams
Preshal More, 1¼ miles N, to a remarkable mountain with between Geodha Daraich (57°11′N, 6°21′W) and Loch
a basaltic crown. Bracadale, 10 miles NW, set generally in the direction of
3 Continuing N from Rubha Cruinn (57°17′N, 6°29′W) to the coast as follows:
Rubha nan Clach, 1¼ miles N, the coast consists of broken Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
and uneven cliffs, 6 m high, a short distance within which
steep braes and cliffs rise in irregular slopes to a summit +0535 NW-going stream begins
6 cables inland. –0025 SE-going stream begins
4 To the NW of Loch Bracadale, the coast from Idrigill 3 These streams are not strong and the rate at spring tides
Point (57°20′N, 6°34′W) to Rubha Ruadh, 3½ miles WNW, is probably not more than 1 kn in either direction.
consists of vertical cliffs from 60 to 180 m high, broken For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
into fantastic forms and fringed by a reef extending in North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland and
places 1½ cables offshore. tidal stream stations on the chart.
Local weather
Depths 9.193
9.188 1 The rugged region of the Cuillin Hills (57°12′N,
1 The route described at 9.185 passes through deep water 6°12′W) (9.186) is subject to sudden and violent storms
that is free from dangers, however depths vary greatly with winds from the N which come on suddenly, causing
within the area and on both sides of the track. gusts to descend the steep side of Gars-Bheinn in most
2 Caution. The majority of the soundings on chart 2208, violent squalls, driving clouds of spray before them, and
which includes most of the above route, have been derived almost before there is time for the gust to drive a vessel to
from old leadline surveys and attention is drawn to the the limit of her cable, it has passed, and is followed for a
caution on the chart regarding charted depths. In addition, a few moments by a calm.
number of depths considerably less than the surrounding
charted depths have been reported within the area, as Navigational aids
shown on the chart. These include depths off the NW side 9.194
of Canna which were reported (1988) to be less than 1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the
charted. Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at
1.33.
Hazards Directions
9.189 (continued from 9.142)
1 The route described at 9.185 passes through an area of Chart 2208
fishing activity (9.7) and includes submarine exercise areas Sleat Peninsula to Strathaird Promontory
(9.6).
9.195
1 From the vicinity of 56°58′N, 6°00′W the track between
Rescue the Island of Skye and Rum leads NW for about 9 miles,
9.190 passing (with positions from Point of Sleat (57°01N,
1 An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team Station (1.61) 6°01′W)):
and an all-weather lifeboat (1.72) are maintained at Mallaig NE of an extensive shoal, with a least depth of
(57°00′N, 5°49′W) (10.16). 17⋅2 m over it (4¼ miles SSW) (9.141), which has

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a charted depth of 18⋅7 m in position 3½ miles the cliff at the E end of Sanday, is reported to be
SSW of Point of Sleat, thence: small but conspicuous. Thence:
2 SW of detached shoals, with a least charted depth of 5 SW of the fringing reef and bank, on which lies a
6⋅3 m (3 cables SW) which extend up to 1 mile rock awash, which extends a total of 1½ cables W
SW from Point of Sleat, the S extremity of both from Rubh’ an Dùnain (6 miles N), the SW
the Island of Skye (1.90) and of Sleat Peninsula extremity of a promontory which forms the E side
(10.62), which is low, rugged and uncultivated, of Loch Brittle (9.243). This promontory is
with outcrops of rock protruding on its W side prominent from S; on N and E bearings it appears
whilst the land to the NE rises gradually. Point of comparatively low and flat, with a double
Sleat Light (white tower, 7 m in height) stands on table-topped hill near its extremity; inland the
the point and above-water and below-water rocks ground is flat and lower but farther in it again
extend up to 2½ cables E and W from the point; rises to the Cuillin Hills (9.186). The area SW of
of these Sgeir Dhubh is the SW and Eilean Rubh’ an Dùnain remains unsurveyed, as shown
Sgòrach, two islets, are the NW. And: on the chart. Thence:
3 NE of Sgòrr Sgaileach (6 miles SW), the N extremity 6 NE of Bod an Stoil (5¾ miles W), a detached
of Eigg (9.125), which is connected to the coast pyramidal rock, 25 m high, which is situated close
by a drying reef, thence: off the N coast of Canna (9.127). This coast is
NE of the NE entrance to the Sound of Rum bordered by rocks and shoal banks extending up to
(5½ miles WSW) (9.205), thence: 3 cables offshore.
4 NE of a detached rocky shoal, with a least charted
depth of 18 m (4½ miles W), which lies 1½ miles Chart 1795
ENE of Seagull Bank and is considerably less than Loch Brittle to Rubha Ruadh
the charted depths NE, thence: 9.197
SW of the combined entrance to Loch Slapin and 1 From the vicinity of 57°09′N, 6°24′W the track off the
Loch Eishort (4½ miles NNW) (9.219), and: SW coast of the Island of Skye leads NW for about
5 NE of detached shoals, with charted depths of less 12 miles, passing (with positions from Talisker Point
than 20 m, which lie up to 7 cables NNE of Rubha (57°17′N, 6°28′W)):
Port na Caranean (57°00′N, 6°14′W) the E 2 SW of Geodha Daraich (6¾ miles SE), the NW
extremity of Rum (9.126), thence: entrance point of Loch Brittle (9.243), which
SW of the reef fringing Eilean na h-Airde (6¾ miles stands ¾ cable SW of An Crocan, a bluff which is
NNW) which is nearly connected to Rubha na prominent from S on the NW side of the loch. It
h-Easgainne (9.222) the S extremity of Strathaird has a rocky seafront rising vertically to 150 m and
Promontory (9.187). is intersected from top to bottom by a large chasm.
Thence:
Strathaird Promontory to Loch Brittle 3 SW of a large stream (6 miles SE) which breaks
9.196 through the cliffs which front the coast between
1 From the vicinity of 57°04′N, 6°13′W the track between Loch Brittle and Loch Eynort, 2½ miles NW,
the Island of Skye, to the NE, and Rum and Canna, to the thence:
SW, leads NW for about 8 miles, passing (with positions SW of Stac an Tuill (5 miles SE) a prominent
from Rubha Shamhnan Insir (57°04′N, 6°20′W)): pinnacle rock lying close offshore, thence:
NE of foul ground in the vicinity of Patterson Rock, 4 SW of An Dubh-sgeir (4¼ miles SSE), a bare rock
which dries and lies 3 cables E of Rubha with a clear channel on both sides of it, which lies
Shamhnan Insir, the N extremity of Rum (9.126), near the S end of the entrance to Loch Eynort
thence: (9.244), thence:
2 SW of An Coileach (4¾ miles NE) and A’ Chearc, SW of Sgeir Bheag (3½ miles SE) a drying rock off
the S of Na Gamhnaichean, a group of rocks the NW entrance point of Loch Eynort which
which lie up to 4 cables off the SW side of Soay should be given a berth of 1½ cables, thence:
(9.233). The N of the rocks, Rubh Dubh, lies 5 SW of Stac a’ Mheadais (2¾ miles SSE), a high rock
6 cables NNW of An Coileach, and a detached which resembles a martello tower and is prominent
shoal, with a depth of 3⋅2 m over it, lies 5 cables from S, thence:
E of the same rock. Thence: Clear of detached rocky patches, with a least charted
3 NE of the NE entrance to the Sound of Canna depth of 21 m (4¼ miles SW), which have not
(2 miles W) (9.210), thence: been examined; see 9.188 and:
SW of Leac nam Faoileann (5¾ miles NNE), the NW 6 SW of a rock, with a charted depth of 14⋅9 m
extremity of Soay, which forms the SE entrance (1¾ miles SW), thence:
point of Soay Sound (9.233). The W coast of Soay SW of a large above-water rock, with a smaller one
is free from dangers outside a distance of E of it, which lies 1 cable W of Talisker Point, the
1½ cables. And: SW entrance point of Talisker Bay. The head of
4 NE of detached rocks of considerable elevation which this bay is formed by a broad shingle beach
rise off the E end of Sanday (4½ miles WSW) fringed with sand at LW; inland from the beach
(9.127). Of these rocks, Ceann an Eilein are the stands Talisker House (7 cables ENE) which has a
most remarkable: two of them are not far from the wide band of trees extending N from it. Thence:
cliff and, although their elevations are not more 7 SW of Sgeir nan Eun (7 cables NW) which shows at
than 30 m, they form striking combinations with LW as two or three rocks, the S of which is the
the coast. The smaller resembles a steeple and the highest and dries. Unless the water is very smooth
other appears like a large tower. Sanday Island this group always shows; for clearing bearing see
Light (white tower, 9 m in height) which stands on 9.198. Sgeir nan Eun lies 1 cable SW of Rubha

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Cruinn, the W entrance point of Talisker Bay, Directions

which is a vertical cliff with a considerable 9.202
waterfall flowing over it from an elevation of 1 From the vicinity of 56°50′N, 6°08′W the track through
90 m. Thence: the Sound of Eigg leads NW for about 5 miles, passing
8 SW of Rubha nan Clach (1¾ miles NNW), the SE (with positions from Am Maol (56°51′N, 6°13′W)):
entrance point of Loch Bracadale (9.245), a steep SW of Maxwell Bank (3½ miles E) (9.139), thence:
cliff which slightly overhangs its base, with a SW of the drying reef which fringes Bogha Mhic
waterfall flowing over its N face. Along the foot Gill’-Iosa (3½ miles ENE) the S extremity of
of the cliff boulders and rocks lie close offshore. Eilean Chathastail (9.141), and:
9 SW of Wiay (3½ miles NNW), a prominent island 2 Clear of detached shoal patches, with a least depth of
which is the largest and outermost of the islands in 17⋅8 m (1½ miles E), which lie in the S entrance
Loch Bracadale. The coast is composed of vertical to the sound close SW of the centreline, thence:
cliffs generally and the S bluff is a remarkable SW of the S coast of Eigg (2¾ miles NE) (9.125)
overhanging cliff 56 m high, marked by yellow which is free of dangers beyond a distance of
lichen and by sea birds. Thence: 1 cable, thence:
10 SW of Macleod’s Maidens, reported to be a 3 NE of Am Maol, the NE extremity of Muck (9.124)
prominent group of rock stacks, which extend a and:
short distance from the coast, 3 cables W of SW of the drying reef and shallow bank extending
Idrigill Point (4¾ miles NW) the NW entrance 1½ cables SE from Dubh Sgeir (2 miles NNE) a
point of Loch Bracadale; an underwater rock lies bare rock lying 3½ cables offshore, thence:
close S of Idrigill Point, thence: 4 SW of Sgeir Eskernish (2¼ miles NNE) which is
SW of An Dubh-Sgeir (7½ miles WNW) (11.31) joined to the coast by a drying reef, and:
which lies 1½ miles S of Rubha Ruadh (11.31). NE of the shoal surrounding Gòdag (8 cables NNW)
9.198 an above-water and below-water reef, the N part of
1 Clearing bearings. The line of bearing 144° of Rubh’ which dries, and of a dangerous rock which lies
an Dùnain (8½ miles SE), open SW of Stac a’ Mheadais, 3 cables NNW of the highest part of the reef,
6 miles NW, clears close SW of Sgeir nan Eun. thence:
It is also reported that a line of bearing, more than 330°, of Neist 5 SW of the bank, with a charted depth of 13⋅5 m in
Point Light (below) clears SW of An Dubh Sgeir. position 3 cables W of Bogh’ a’ Churaich
Useful marks: (2½ miles N) which lies at the W end of rocks
Hyskeir Light (56°58′N, 6°41′W) (11.26). extending 1½ cables from the SW extremity of
Neist Point Light (57°25′N, 6°47′W) (11.26) Eigg. The sea breaks heavily in the vicinity. And:
(Directions for the Little Minch are given at 11.31) 6 NE of the fringing reef and bank extending a total of
2 cables NE from Eilean nan Each, known locally
as Horse Island (1¾ miles WNW) which is joined
Sound of Eigg to the NW side of Muck by a drying reef.
(Directions for Sound of Rum are given at 9.207)
Chart 2207
Channel Small craft anchorages
9.199 9.203
1 The Sound of Eigg (56°52′N, 6°14′W) which passes 1 Eigg — South Bay (56°52′⋅4N, 6°07′⋅8W), between the
between the islands of Muck (9.124), to the SW, and Eigg SE side of Eigg and Eilean Chathastail, affords anchorage
(9.125), to the NE, has a least charted width of 1½ miles for small craft in depths of 5 to 13 m, sand, but is exposed
with deep water charted in the fairway. However, the to SW winds and to strong tidal streams in the narrows as
charted depths are very uneven and the caution at 9.130 is given at 9.162. If circumstances dictate, it is possible for
pertinent, with a number of reported depths (1985) through craft to proceed N through the channel between Galmisdale
the middle of the fairway which are considerably less than Point (9.160) and Eilean Chathastail (9.141) which has a
the surrounding charted depths. width of ½ cable but a dangerous reef extends E from the
point. Local knowledge is required for the passage.
Natural conditions Anchorages N of the point are given at 9.164.
9.200 9.204
1 Local magnetic anomaly. The normal magnetic 1 Muck — Bagh a Ghallanaich (56°50′⋅7N, 6°15′⋅4W), a
variation is increased and decreased by up to 8½° in narrow indentation on the N side of Muck, affords
position 2 miles E of Muck, as shown on the chart. anchorage for small craft which is protected in part by
Local deflection of the compass is also reported to occur 2 miles drying reefs, and is therefore very unsafe at HW during N
S of Muck. winds. Bohaund, a drying reef, lies near the middle of the
2 Tidal streams. A general description of the tidal streams entrance and a rock awash is charted near the middle of
round and between the Small Isles is given at 9.122. In the the bay. A mooring buoy is established near the head of
Sound of Eigg the N-going stream sets NW at 3 kn, with a the bay. Local knowledge is required.
charted rate of 4 kn during spring tides, at the N end of the
sound. The S-going stream sets in an opposite direction at Sound of Rum (Rhum)
a similar rate. Chart 2207, 2208
Overfalls. See 9.135. Channel
9.205
Principal marks 1 The Sound of Rum (56°57′N, 6°13′W) which passes
9.201 between the islands of Eigg (9.125), to the SE, and Rum
1 Radio masts (56°50′N, 6°13′W) (9.136). (9.126), to the NW, has a least charted width of 3¼ miles

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with deep water charted in the fairway. However, the 2 Useful mark:
charted depths are very uneven and attention is drawn to A beacon (4¼ miles SE) which marks the landing
the cautions at 9.130 and at 9.188. place of two submarine cables (disused), as shown
on the chart.
(Directions for the route NW towards the
Little Minch are given at 9.195,
Tidal streams and for the Sound of Sleat at 10.70)
9.206
1 A general description of the tidal streams round and Chart 2208
between the Small Isles is given at 9.122. In the Sound of Small craft anchorage
Rum the N-going stream sets NE at 1½ kn whilst off the N 9.209
end of Eigg it sets NW. The S-going stream sets in an 1 Loch Scresort, entered between Rubha Port na Caranean
opposite direction at a similar rate. (57°00′N, 6°14′W) (9.195) and Rubha na Roinne, 9 cables
NNW, extends 1 mile W from the entrance. A drying reef
extending N from Rubha Port na Caranean is marked on its
N side by a buoy (N cardinal). This loch, which is exposed
Directions to winds from the E and reported to be subject to violent
(continued from 9.179) squalls during strong winds from the W, provides the main
9.207 anchorage area and landing facilities for the island of Rum.
1 From the vicinity of 56°52′N, 6°24′W the track through A ferry slipway exists close to Kinloch Castle.
the Sound of Rum leads NE for about 12 miles, passing 2 Topography. The S shore of the loch is moderately
(with positions from Stac nam Faoileann (56°57′⋅5N, steep-to except for a dangerous shelving reef of rocks and
6°15′⋅8W)): stones which extends 2¼ cables N from Rubha Port na
NW of the reef and bank fringing Eagamol (6½ miles Caranean. The N shore is bolder, especially at the entrance
S) (9.179), noting that the sea breaks NW of the where large above-water rocks mark the edge of the coastal
islet, thence: reef. Kinloch Castle, a large red stone building with a
2 NW of the NW end of the Sound of Eigg (4½ miles tower and flagstaff, stands near the head of the loch.
S) (9.199), thence: Kinloch House, two-storeyed and partially protected by
SE of Rubha nam Meirleach (2½ miles SW) (9.180), trees, stands close NE of the castle with some farm
and: buildings farther N.
3 NW of a charted depth of 17⋅8 m (4 miles SSE) 3 Anchorage can be obtained with Kinloch House bearing
which is detached and lies 7 cables WNW of 270°, at a distance of 4 to 5 cables from the pier at the
Bogh’ a’ Churaich (9.202) and 4 cables off the head of the loch, in a depth of 6 m, as shown on the chart.
coastal bank which, with a fringing reef, extends Smaller craft can obtain good anchorage farther in with the
up to 7 cables W from the W coast of Eigg pier bearing 250°, distant 2 cables, stiff mud.
between Bogh’ a’ Churaich and Rubha an 4 Alongside berths. A pier, which dries, extends from the
Fhasaidh, 1¼ miles N, thence: head of the loch, and a jetty and ramp extend from the S
4 SE of Sgeir a’ Mhàim-ard (4 cables NE), a drying shore 3 cables SE of the pier.
rock which lies 1¼ cables offshore and is the only Supplies. Very limited quantities of provisions are
rock lying off the E coast of Rum, which is available.
otherwise bold with a narrow fringing reef.
Thence: Sound of Canna
5 NW of the coastal bank extending 2½ cables W from
Bogha na Brice-nis (3½ miles ESE), a reef Charts 1795, 2208
extending 3 cables W from the NW extremity of Channel
Eigg, for which a clearing bearing is given at 9.210
9.208, thence: 1 The Sound of Canna (57°02′N, 6°28′W) which passes
NW of the reef and shallow bank surrounding Eilean between the islands of Rum (9.126), to the SE, and Canna
Thuilm (4 miles ESE) which lies 1½ cables W of (9.127), to the NW, with a width of 1¾ miles, is deep and
Sgorr Sgaileach (9.195), and: free from dangers in the fairway. However, the charted
6 SE of Bàgh na h-Uamha (2¼ miles NNE), a small depths are very uneven and attention is drawn to the
indentation situated 1 mile S of the entrance to caution at 9.188.
Loch Scresort (9.209), for which it might be Tidal streams
mistaken at night; though not so deep, the 9.211
formation of the land, especially the N points of 1 A general description of the tidal streams round and
each, is very similar, thence: between the Small Isles is given at 9.122. In the Sound of
7 SE of Rubha Port na Caranean (3 miles NNE) Canna the N-going stream sets NE at 1½ kn, with the
(9.195), thence: stream off the W extremity of Rum setting N at 3 kn and
SE of Seagull Bank (4 miles NNE) (9.195), thence: the stream off the SW extremity of Canna setting NW at 3
NW of an extensive shoal, with a least depth of to 4 kn, as shown on chart 1795. The S-going stream sets
17⋅2 m over it, 6¼ miles E, and: in an opposite direction at a similar rate.
SE of a detached shoal, with a least charted depth of
18 m (5½ miles NE) (9.195). Directions
9.208 9.212
1 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 210° of the E 1 From the vicinity of 56°58′N, 6°36′W the track through
extremity of Eilean nan Each (6½ miles S) (9.202) open the Sound of Canna leads NE for about 10 miles, passing
NW of the W side of Eigg clears NW of Bogha na (with positions from Sanday Island Light (57°03′N,
Brice-nis. 6°28′W)):

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SE of Humla Rock (5½ miles WSW) (9.180), thence: Loch Eishort, Loch Slapin and approaches
SE of Jemima Rock (5 miles WSW) (9.180), thence:
SE of An Steidh (4 miles W) (9.180), thence: General information
2 NW of A’ Bhrideanach (2¼ miles S) (9.180) and the 9.217
shoals and rocks, some of which dry, extending 1 Loch Eishort, entered between Eilean Ruairidh
3½ cables offshore between A’ Bhrideanach and (57°08′N, 5°59′W) (9.222) and Rubha Suisnish, 2 miles
Rubha Shamhnan Insir, 5¼ miles NE, (9.196), and: NNW, extends ENE for about 5 miles but narrows to a
SE of a reef extending 4 cables S from the middle of width of only 2½ cables, 2 miles within the entrance, and is
Tarbert Bay (2¼ miles W) (9.216), thence: suitable only for small craft above these narrows.
3 SE of drying rocks which extend up to 2 cables from 9.218
the S side of Sanday (9.127), thence: 1 Loch Slapin, entered between Rubha Suisnish (57°10′N,
SE of the E end of Sanday (9.196). 6°00′W) and Kilmarie Bay, 2 miles WNW, extends NNW
9.213 for 3¼ miles but narrows to a width of 2 cables, 2 miles
1 Useful marks: within the entrance, with a depth of 2⋅1 m near the middle
Rocks off the E end of Sanday and Sanday Island of the fairway, and affords anchorage only for small craft
Light as given at 9.196. above these narrows.
(Directions for passage NW are given at 9.197) 9.219
1 Approach. Loch Eishort and Loch Slapin share a
common approach which leads between the W side of Sleat
Peninsula (57°07′N, 5°55′W) (10.62) and the E side of
Chart 2208 Strathaird Promontory, 2½ miles WNW (9.187) and is deep
Small craft anchorage off Rum and free from dangers in the fairway.
9.214 9.220
1 Camas na h’ Atha (57°00′⋅7N, 6°26′⋅8W) on the NE 1 Marine farms (1.17) are moored off the NW coast of
side of A’Bhrideanach (9.180) is a small sandy bay with a Sleat Peninsula and the inner part of Loch Eishort contains
rock off each entrance point, which affords shelter from S several such farms, as shown on the chart.
and E winds. 9.221
1 Tidal streams in both Loch Eishort and Loch Slapin,
which are weak everywhere, set as follows:
Small craft harbour and anchorages off Canna Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
9.215 +0535 In-going stream begins
1 Canna Harbour, entered between Rubha Carrinnis
(57°03′⋅3N, 6°29′⋅3W) and the N side of Sanday, 1½ cables –0025 Out-going stream begins.
SW (9.127), is a secure harbour for small craft during SW
gales and provides the main harbour facilities for the island Directions
of Canna. Local knowledge is required for entry. 9.222
2 Topography. Sgeir a’ Phuirt, a drying reef, lies in the 1 Approach. From the vicinity of 57°05′N, 6°05′W the
fairway of the approach to Canna Harbour, with a channel combined approach to Loch Eishort and Loch Slapin leads
on both sides, the best approach being to the N. On the SE NNE for 5 miles towards Rubha Suisnish, the SW
side of the harbour drying rocks extend ½ cable from the termination of Carn Dearg, a steep hill, 6 cables E, passing
shore, as far N as Rubha nan Feannag, the N extremity of (with positions from Rubha Suisnish):
Sanday. On the NE side, Rubha Carrinnis, a small 2 WNW of the W coast of Sleat Peninsula which is
promontory which extends from the SE extremity of Canna, clear of dangers beyond 1½ cables offshore
consists of a black, steep-to, vertical cliff, 31 m high. A between Sgeir Dhubh (57°01′N, 6°01′W) (9.195)
drying rock lies off the SW side of this promontory, 55 m and Sgeir Biodaig, 5 miles N (below), thence:
W of the pier (below). 3 WNW of Sgeir Fhada (4 miles SSW), the nearest
3 Anchorage can be obtained in the entrance, as shown large rock of a group which extends from 1½ to
on the chart. Alternatively, within the harbour, on the line 5 cables offshore from the S entrance point of
joining the church on Sanday to the church on Canna, Tarskavaig Bay (9.226). The S rock of this group
4 cables NW of Rubha Carrinnis, which avoids the drying is Sgeir Biodaig and the E is Sgeir Mhór. Thence:
flat at the head of the harbour. 4 ESE of a drying reef which extends 1½ cables S from
Alongside berth. A pier extends from the SW side of Rubha na h-Easgainne, known locally as Ru na
Rubha Carrinnis, 1 cable from its SE end. Heasgahn or Strathaird Point (3¾ miles SW),
Supplies. Limited quantities of provisions are available. which is the S extremity of Strathaird Promontory
9.216 (9.187), thence:
1 Boat Harbour. Temporary and restricted anchorage, for WNW of drying rocks which lie 2 cables SW of
use in quiet weather, can be obtained, in a depth of 4 m, in Tarskavaig Point (3½ miles S), thence:
Boat Harbour (57°03′N, 6°31′W), on the S side of Canna, 5 WNW of Bogha Daraich (3 miles SSW) which is an
clear of Sgeirean Dubha which lies in the middle of the above-water rock, thence:
entrance; local knowledge is required. A sandy beach on ESE of the E side of Strathaird Promontory which,
the SE side of Boat Harbour, 1¼ cables S of the bridge from Rubha na h-Easgainne to Kilmarie Bay
joining Sanday to Canna, is suitable for hauling boats from (3¼ miles NNE), is generally free from dangers
the water. outside a distance of 3 cables, and:
2 Tarbert Bay. Temporary anchorage for use in quiet 6 WNW of a detached rock, with a charted depth of
weather can also be obtained in Tarbert Bay, 1 mile W of 9⋅3 m, which lies 3 cables NNW of Eilean
Boat Harbour, close W of the reef extending 4½ cables S Ruairidh (1¾ miles SSE), a group of four islets
from the S side of Canna. which lie off the N entrance point to Òb

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Gauscavaig (9.226). A ruined castle with a hills at the head of the loch and blowing out of the
drawbridge stands on the point. Thence: entrance.
7 ESE of Bogha Ailean (1¾ miles WSW) a rock lying 2 Anchorage can also be obtained on the E side of the
2½ cables offshore for which a clearing bearing is loch in a depth of 5 m off School House, a house that is
given below. walled round and is the last on the E side. The same
9.223 conditions apply as at the W anchorage (above) and it is
1 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 212° of the SE reported that marine farms (1.17) are moored within the
extremity of Rum, in position 56°57′⋅7N, 6°15′⋅6W, well loch.
open SE of Strathaird Promontory, clears ESE of Bogha
Ailean.
9.224 Loch Scavaig and approaches
1 Loch Eishort. From position 57°09′⋅2N, 6°00⋅6′W the
track into Loch Eishort leads ENE for 2½ miles towards
Sgeir an t-Struith (57°10′N, 5°56′W), a small rock which is General information
reported to stand above water near the middle of the 9.229
fairway, passing (with positions from Sgeir an t-Struith): 1 Loch Scavaig, entered between Rubh’ a’ Gheodha
2 NNW of the detached rock and marine farm (1.17) Bhuidhe (57°11′N, 6°10′W) and Rubha Bàn, 1¼ miles
which lie up to 3 cables NNW and 6 cables NNE ENE, extends NNW for 1¼ miles where it is connected to
of Eilean Ruairidh (2¼ miles SW) (9.222), thence: Loch Coruisk by a very narrow channel with a small
SSE of the drying reef which extends up to 1½ cables waterfall at its W end. Loch Scavaig has moderate depths
S from Rubha Suisnish (2 miles W) (9.222) and but is encumbered by islets and drying rocks which limit
from the coast extending 5 cables E, thence: the space available for anchorage.
3 NNW of the drying reefs, drying rocks and bank, 9.230
with charted depths of less than 10 m, which 1 Topography. The E shore of Loch Scavaig is formed by
extend a total of 2 cables NNW and 5 cables NE the W side Sgùrr na Stri (9.186) and the W shore of the
from Eilean Dubh (6½ cables SSW). loch by the E side of Gars-Bheinn (9.186), the rocky and
9.225 precipitous sides of which rise from the shore in black and
1 Loch Slapin. From position 57°09′⋅2N, 6°00⋅6′W the irregular cliffs. From S the sharp cone of Sgùrr na Stri,
track into Loch Slapin leads N for 2¼ miles, passing (with rising in the gap between the higher Cuillin Hills (9.186),
positions from Rubha Suisnish): to the W, and Blà Bheinn (9.187), to the E, serves to
E of Bogha Ailean (1¾ miles WSW) (9.222), thence: identify Loch Scavaig which is reported to be among the
W of a drying reef which extends 2 cables S and most spectacular lochs on the W coast of Scotland.
1½ cables W from Rubha Suisnish (9.222), and: 9.231
2 E of a shoal, with a depth of 8⋅8 m over it (1½ miles 1 Tidal streams in Loch Scavaig are weak and set as
W), lying off the entrance to Kilmarie Bay, which follows:
dries and has a few cottages on its SW side. Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
+0535 In-going stream begins
–0025 Out-going stream begins
Small craft anchorages In Soay Sound (57°10′N, 6°13′W) (9.233) the tidal
9.226 stream appears to set continuously to the W.
1 Approach. As the W coast of Sleat Peninsula (10.62) is 9.232
exposed to the prevailing winds (SW to NW) there are no 1 Local weather. Loch Scavaig is noted for the strength
safe anchorages along this coast. of the squalls which come down from the hills in all
Tarskavaig Bay (57°06′N, 6°00′W) has depths of 4 to quarters. With S or SE winds, a short but heavy swell rolls
7 m and is reported to afford occasional anchorage in in; with N and W winds, squalls descend from the hills in
settled weather; however, it is not recommended as an various directions, driving a vessel round her anchor.
anchorage and local knowledge is required for entry.
2 Òb Gauscavaig (57°08′N, 5°59′W) affords anchorage in
the middle of the bay, in a depth of 9 m, and is reported to Approach channels
be suitable for occasional anchorage in settled weather; 9.233
however, it is exposed NW and is not recommended. 1 The approach to Loch Scavaig extends from Rubha na
9.227 h-Easgainne (57°08′N, 6°05′W) (9.222) to Rubh’ an
1 Loch Eishort. The best anchorage lies to the E of Dùnain, 8 miles WNW (9.196) and includes Soay, 4 miles
Eilean Heast (57°10′N, 5°53′W), in a depth of 7 m, as W of Rubha na h-Easgainne, which is an island that is
shown on the chart, clear of marine farms (1.17) moored nearly divided in the middle being joined by a low
around the loch. isthmus; both parts of the island are reasonably high and
It is reported that Bàgh an Dubh Ard (57°09′N, the N part rises to a summit in Beinn Bhreac. Soay divides
5°56′W), on the S side of the narrows, affords occasional the approach into two channels as follows:
anchorage, noting that the bottom shelves steeply. 2 From S between Soay and Strathaird Promontory,
9.228 2½ miles E (9.187), which is deep and wide but
1 Loch Slapin. Anchorage can be obtained close N of the obstructed by shoals in the middle of the fairway.
narrows in a depth of 4 to 5 m, off the W side of the loch, 3 From W through Soay Sound, which separates the
to the N of Faoilean, as shown on the chart. This island of Soay from the S coast of the Island of
anchorage is well sheltered but if there is a swell the scend Skye, between Rubh’ an Dùnain (57°10′N,
carries right up to the head of the loch. In addition, it is 6°19′W) and Rubh’ a’ Gheodha Bhuidhe, 5 miles
reported that fierce gusts of wind can be expected from the ENE; the channel is clear of dangers in the

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fairway, with a least charted depth of 16⋅9 m in which extends 1½ cables NW from the SE entrance point
position 57°10′⋅1N, 6°11′⋅3W. of the bay. However, this bay is too open to be
recommended as an anchorage, even with an offshore wind.
Directions It often blows hard in this vicinity and a sudden shift in
9.234 the wind raises a considerable sea.
1 Approach from south. From the vicinity of 57°05′N,
6°09′W the approach to Loch Scavaig from S leads N for Small craft anchorages
about 6 miles, passing (with positions from An Dubh 9.239
Iaimhrig (57°09′⋅4N, 6°10′⋅7W)): 1 Loch Scavaig (9.229). Anchorage can be obtained in the
W of the reef and bank fringing Eilean na h-Airde partially sheltered area between Eilean Reamhar (57°11′⋅3N,
(3½ miles SE) (9.195), for which a clearing line is 6°09′⋅9W), a rocky islet close off the W side of Loch
given at 9.235, thence: Scavaig, and Sgeir Doighich, a small bare islet, 1½ cables
2 Clear of a charted depth of 15 m (2 miles SSE) which N. An alternative position lies midway between Sgeir
lies close E of much deeper water, thence: Doighich and Eilean Glas (57°11′⋅8N, 6°09′⋅8W), 2½ cables
W of the reef fringing Suidhe nan Eun (2½ miles SE) farther N at the head of the loch, in a depth of 5 m.
which terminates in an overhanging cliff, 30 m 2 In addition, restricted but safe anchorage can be
high, and: obtained in the middle of Loch na Cuilce (57°12′N,
3 E of the fringing reef and shallow bank which 6°10′W) with Eilean Glas in line with Eilean Reamhar, in a
extends 1½ cables from Rubha Dubh the SE depth of 4 m, mud. However less water was reported in the
extremity of Soay, thence: bay (1971) and local knowledge is required for entry. Rings
E of Camas nan Gall (1 mile SSW) (9.240), thence: are provided on Eilean Glas and on the shore NW for the
Clear of the rocky shoal surrounding Bogha Carrach use of stern-lines to guard against dragging during heavy
(1¼ miles E) which lies in the middle of the squalls. Landing steps on the NE side of Loch na Cuilce
fairway, and: are used by tourist boats from Elgol, where there is a small
4 E of the drying reef which extends 1½ cables from jetty from which a light is exhibited in position 57°08′⋅8N,
the E side of Soay and from An Dubh Iaimhrig 6°06′⋅4W.
the E extremity of the island, thence: 9.240
E of the E entrance to Soay Sound (7 cables N) 1 Camas nan Gall (57°09′N, 6°12′W), a bay on the SE
(9.233) side of the isthmus joining the two parts of Soay (9.233),
9.235 can be recognised by a cliff, 11 m high, in the middle of
1 Clearing marks: the NE side and by two gravel beaches, separated by a low
The alignment (344°) of Suidhe nan Eun (2½ miles SE) with cliffy head with a wall along its summit, at the head of the
Sgùrr na Stri, 3½ miles NNW (9.186), clears W of the foul bay. Camas nan Gall is open SE and a heavy sea sets in
ground extending W from Eilean na h-Airde. during S or SE gales. The shores of the bay are fringed by
9.236 drying reefs, which extend up to 1½ cables from the N
1 Approach from west through Soay Sound. From a shore, and a rock lies in mid-channel, 1 cable from the
position 8 cables S of Rubh’ an Dùnain (56°10′N, 6°19′W) head of the bay.
the track through Soay Sound leads ENE for about 4 miles, 2 The best anchorage in Camas nan Gall is on the
passing (with positions from Leac nam Faoileann (57°09′N, alignment (167°) of the SW entrance point of the bay with
6°15′W)): the E extremity of Eigg (56°55′⋅5N, 6°06′⋅8W) (Chart
2 SSE of two rocks awash lying close E of Sgeir Mhòr 2207), 13 miles SSE, in a depth of 27 m.
(2 miles WNW), a bare flat rock which is joined to 9.241
the coast, 4 cables ESE of Rubh’ an Dùnain, by a 1 Soay Harbour (57°09′⋅5N, 6°13′⋅4W) is a narrow creek
drying reef. The remains of an old fort stands on a on the NW side of the isthmus joining the two parts of
rock on the coastal reef, 1 cable ENE of Sgeir Soay (9.233). Drying reefs extend up to 1 cable from both
Mhòr. Thence: entrance points, and a bar, which dries 0⋅6 m, crosses the
NNW of the drying reef which fringes Leac nam channel ¾ cable within the entrance. The channel is 15 m
Faoileann (9.196), thence: wide and local knowledge is required for entering harbour.
3 NNW of the drying reef which extends ½ cable off Inside the bar depths of 3⋅7 to 6⋅4 m can be found between
the NW side of Soay, and: the shores which are steep-to except off the S end where a
SSE of a rock, with a charted depth of 8⋅6 m (1 mile mud bank dries out for ¾ cable.
NNE), which lies 2 cables SW of drying rocks 2 Anchorage can be obtained as convenient in the centre
which extend 1 cable offshore, thence: of the harbour, in a depth of 5 m, off the pier which
NNW of the entrance to Soay Harbour (1¼ miles extends from the E side.
ENE) (9.241). 9.242
9.237 1 An Dubh Chamas (57°10′N, 6°12′W), a small bay on
1 When N of the NW extremity of Soay the track alters to the N side of Soay, is open N but affords sheltered
the E passing between the reef fringing the N coast of anchorage with good holding ground clear of a marine farm
Soay and the coastal bank, with a charted depth of 3⋅2 m, (1.17) moored on the SW side of the bay.
which extends about 2 cables SSE from Ulfhart Point
(57°10′⋅4N, 6°11′⋅2W). This track passes over the least Loch Brittle and Loch Eynort
charted depth as given at 9.233.
Loch Brittle
Anchorage 9.243
9.238 1 Loch Brittle (57°11′N, 6°19′W), the shores of which are
1 Camas Fhionnairidh (57°11′N, 6°07′W), an open bay generally sloping, provides no shelter from S or SW winds,
to the E of Loch Scavaig, affords anchorage anywhere in which cause a lot of swell. Even with W winds anchorage
the bay, in depths of 2 to 10 m, clear of a drying reef is not safe in the loch.

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It is reported that small craft can find very occasional the village of Struan (57°21′N, 6°25′W) which is clearly
anchorage, when there is no swell. visible when entering Loch Harport as Struan stands on
high ground 5 cables N of the SW entrance point to Loch
Charts 1795, 2208 Beag; Bracadale Church stands on the N shore of this loch.
9.244 When proceeding along this track, fine on the port bow
1 Loch Eynort (57°14′N, 6°22′W), which is 5 cables wide will be seen The Castle (57°20′N, 6°28′W), a remarkable
at its entrance, extends 1½ miles ENE then 1 mile N to its pillar of rock which, however, is not easily distinguished
head. This loch is free from dangers and the holding from SW as it stands on a low rocky point at the SW
ground is good, but it is subject to fierce squalls from the extremity of Oronsay, the SW part of which is
N and a heavy sea comes in during W gales. wedge-shaped and composed of a vertical cliff 70 m high.
2 The only secure anchorage, suitable for small craft, lies This approach track passes (with positions from The
in a small area within the bend of the loch and rather near Castle):
to the E shore, in a depth of 5 m, mud, clear of a marine 2 NW of Sgeir nan Eun (2½ miles S) (9.197), thence:
farm (1.17) shown on the chart. W, distant 5 cables from Rubha nan Clach (1¼ miles
SSW) (9.197), thence:
Loch Bracadale SE of a drying reef which extends a short distance S
Chart 1795 and SE from the S bluff of Wiay (7 cables W)
General information (9.197), thence:
9.245 3 SE of a dangerous rock (1 cable S), known locally as
1 Loch Bracadale, entered between Rubha nan Clach Bogha Garbha, thence:
SE of a reef which extends 2 cables SSE from the E
(57°19′N, 6°29′W) (9.197) and Idrigill Point, 3¼ miles
extremity of Oronsay (5 cables NE) (above). A
WNW (9.197), is the principal inlet on the SW side of the
island of Skye (1.90). This loch contains several islands, small islet (5 m high) lies ½ cable within the outer
the largest of which is Wiay (9.197) situated near the part of this reef which, except in very fine
middle, and leads to several inner lochs including Loch weather, is marked by breakers. See clearing
Harport, entered from the NE corner, Loch Caroy, entered bearing at 9.249. And:
from the N end, and Loch Vatten, entered near the NW 4 NW of Sgurr nan Uan (1 mile ESE) the S entrance
corner of the loch. point of Fiskavaig Bay (9.256), thence:
2 The main port and recommended anchorage within Loch NW, distant 1 cable from a drying rock which extends
Bracadale is at Port nan Long (57°20′N, 6°25′W) (9.251), a short distance W from Ardtreck Point (1¼ miles
just inside the entrance to Loch Harport (9.246), which ENE) which is long, low and rocky. One cable
forms a harbour of refuge with good holding ground in any inland the rising ground is crowned by a basaltic
part of the loch when out of the swell. For the rest of the cliff, 9 to 12 m high, which rises to a summit of
area, Loch Bracadale contains few good anchorages as it is 35 m. Ardtreck Point Light (white clad metal
too open to the prevailing winds to afford protective shelter framework tower) stands on the point. And:
generally. 5 SE of the drying reef which fringes Bracadale Point
3 Tidal streams in Loch Bracadale generally are weak. (1½ miles NE) which extends 2 cables S from the
N side of Loch Harport and off the E side of
Loch Harport which a marine farm (1.17) is marked on its SE
9.246 side by a light-buoy (special).
1 Loch Harport is entered between Ardtreck Point 9.249
(57°20′N, 6°26′W) and Oronsay, 1 mile WSW, which lies 1 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 262° of the S
2 cables SSW of Ullinish Point, to which it is joined by a extremity of Wiay, well open S of The Castle, clears S of
drying reef. From the entrance Loch Harport extends the reef extending 2 cables SSE from the E extremity of
4 miles SE to its head, which dries. The NE side of the Oronsay.
loch is lined with high and steep grassy banks, sometimes
nearly precipitous, and it is fringed by a reef which extends Anchorage and berth in Loch Harport
½ cable offshore. The most notable hill on this side of the 9.250
loch is Cnoch Mhairtein (51 m high), 1 mile E of Ardtreck 1 Anchorage can be obtained ENE of Ardtreck Point
Point and on the S side of the entrance to Gesto Bay, when the wind is in the SW, in a depth of 27 m, clear of
which is round and surrounded at the summit by a low marine farms moored on the N and S shores of the loch.
cliff. The SW side of Loch Harport is mostly steep-to but, 9.251
in places, foul ground extends ½ cable offshore. 1 Alongside berth. Port nan Long, entered between
9.247 Ardteck Point and Rubha Bàn, a low green point 5½ cables
1 Tidal streams in Loch Harport are weak but noticeable ESE, is a convenient and land-locked bay which is
in the entrance where they set as follows: encumbered by a marine farm. The pier on the E side of
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks the bay is a concrete structure with a length of 23 m.
Vessels up to 60 m in length and with a draught of 4⋅6 m
+0535 In-going stream begins
can be berthed alongside.
–0025 Out-going stream begins 9.252
The rate at spring tides is from ½ to ¾ kn in both 1 Small craft can be anchored close inshore of a ruined
directions. slip on the E side of Port nan Long, in a depth of 7 m,
clear of marine farms (1.17) moored on the W side of the
Directions for Loch Harport bay.
9.248 2 Anchorage is also available, in depths of 13 to 16 m, off
1 From the vicinity of 57°17′N, 6°33′W the approach to the pier at Carbost on the SW side of the loch, 3¼ miles
Loch Harport leads NE towards the Free Church Manse in SE of Ardtreck Point, and also farther in, between the pier

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and the distillery, 3½ cables S, in a depth of 10 m, off a 6°31′W) the S extremity of Harlosh Promontory which is
corrugated iron shed on the shore. This anchorage should of modest height with cliffs facing the loch in places.
be clear of a shoal, with a depth of 0⋅9 m over it, which Harlosh Island, 1¾ cables SSW of Harlosh Point, which is
lies close off the stream at the distillery and also of a surrounded by vertical cliffs except in a small sandy bay at
marine farm (1.17) moored at the head of the loch. its NE end, is moderately steep-to. Loch Vatten is free
3 Loch Beag, at the N end of Loch Harport, has depths of from dangers in its outer part with the exception of Harlosh
4 to 7 m in it but is exposed to the W and affords Skerry, 2 cables WNW of Harlosh Point, and of a rock,
anchorage only for small craft when there is no sea from with a depth of 5⋅6 m over it, 9 cables NNW of the point.
the S. The bottom is soft and the holding has been found 2 This loch is exposed to the swell from SW and is not
to be poor. Struan Pier, a jetty, extends from the W side of recommended as an anchorage. Small craft can obtain
the loch 5 cables within the entrance. anchorage, in a depth of 4 m, close inshore in the SW
corner of Loch Bharcasaig, a small bay in the NW corner
Supplies in Loch Harport of Loch Vatten, which is reported to provide the best
9.253 anchorage in Loch Bracadale other than Loch Harport.
1 Small quantities of provisions can be obtained at the
village of Port na Long and at Carbost which also supplies Other anchorages for small craft in Loch Bracadale
fresh water. 9.256
1 Fiskavaig Bay (57°20′N, 6°26′W) has moderate depths
Loch Caroy and is free from dangers but is too open for safe
9.254 anchorage. Temporary anchorage can be obtained close to
1 Loch Caroy, entered between Colbost Point (57°22′N, the SW shore in a depth of 7 m, but not farther in than the
6°29′W) and Harlosh Point, 1½ miles W, extends 2 miles N stream which enters on the W side of the bay, near which
to Caroy. Both shores of the loch are fringed with a reef a boat slipway extends from the shore.
which extends in places 1 cable offshore, and Sgeir a’ 9.257
Chuain, known locally as Ocean Rock lies in the middle of 1 Oronsay (57°20′N, 6°28′W) (9.248) provides some
the loch. Loch Caroy is exposed to the swell from the S shelter to the anchorage, in a depth of 4 m, in a small bay
making it untenable as a safe anchorage. However, it is off the N end of the island, to the W of the drying reef
reported that anchorage can be found for small craft near which joins Oronsay to Ullinish Point.
the jetty (below). 9.258
2 A jetty, situated on the E side of the loch, 6 cables from 1 Tarner Island (57°22′N, 6°30′W), the W side of which
its head and protected on its S side by a breakwater, is is faced by remarkable cliffs, provides shelter to the
used by local fishing boats. anchorage which can be obtained ¾ cable off the NE side
of the island in a depth of 11 m, clay. Though exposed S
Loch Vatten and SE this anchorage should provide shelter in all
9.255 weathers. A marine farm (1.17) is moored off the NE side
1 Loch Vatten is entered W of Harlosh Point (57°22′N, of the island.

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Chapter 10 - Sound of Sleat, Loch Alsh, Inner Sound and approaches

20´ 10´ 6° 50´ 40´ 30´ 20´

50´ CHAPTER 50´

12

10.312

2210

10.322 Loch Gairloch

10.322
2528

40´ 40´
10.312
10.295

2479 10.340
L
2534 oc
h
Loch a´Bhràige T o 10.340
rri
don

Rona
10.191
2210
2480
30´ 30´

2534 10.236 10.236

Portree
rn

n
o
rr o
sh
10.283 Ki Ca
10.264 10.191 ch
h

Lo
oc

L
2528 10.236
R A A S AY 10.236 Strome Narrows

S K Y E 2534
10.211 2528
20´ g 10.183
20´
Lon
ch
2534 10.191 Lo
SCALPAY Kyle of Lochalsh
10.161
10.219
10.136
2540 Loch Alsh 10.182
Lo
ch
Broadford Du
ich
2498 10.219 Kyle Rhea
10.120
2209 2541
2540

10.60
10´ 2540 10´

Loch H
our
n 10.95
10.60
t
ea

2541
Sl

10.78
of

Armadale
Bay
nd

2541
ou
S

2541
Lo
ch

57° Mallaig 57°

Ne

CHAPTER
RUM 10.16 s 10.44
vi

2208

EIGG

20´ 10´ Longitude 6° West from Greenwich 40´ 30´ 20´

February 2004

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CHAPTER 10
SOUND OF SLEAT, LOCH ALSH, INNER SOUND AND APPROACHES

GENERAL INFORMATION
Charts 1794, 2208, 2209, 2210 Within the area covered by this chapter known fishing
Synopsis takes place as given in the following paragraphs.
10.1 2 Cod net fishing, known locally as “ground net fishing”,
1 This chapter covers, at the S end, the Sound of Sleat is carried out for white fish within the Inner Sound and off
(57°05′N, 5°50′W) with adjoining lochs, and Loch Alsh Longa Island (57°44′N, 5°48′W) by a small number of
(57°16′N, 5°39′W) with its approaches through Kyle Rhea vessels from September to May. This fleet is based at Kyle
(57°14′N, 5°39′W) and Kyle Akin (57°17′N, 5°43′W). of Lochalsh and Gairloch Harbour, which is also a base for
2 To the N of Loch Alsh the chapter covers the Inner vessels engaged in light trawling.
Sound (57°30′N, 5°56′W) and the Sound of Raasay 3 Ring net fishing for herring is carried on throughout the
(57°30′N, 6°05′W) with their approaches from the N, to the whole year off the W coast of Scotland, with the greatest
S of a line joining the NE extremity of the Island of Skye activity from August to February. Grounds fished include
(57°42′N, 6°18′W) with Rubha Réidh (57°52′N, 5°49′W). the Inner Sound and coastal waters N of Rona (57°33′N,
5°59′W) (10.194), the Sound of Raasay and Loch Kishorn
Inshore Traffic Route (57°23′N, 5°39′W) (10.236).
10.2 4 Pair net fishing for herring, which is engaged in by a
1 A section of the Inshore Traffic Route (1.11) passes large number of vessels, both local and from farther afield,
through the area covered by this chapter as summarised at follows a similar pattern to ring net fishing (above) except
10.11 and 10.185. This route indicates an important use of that the period of greatest activity is from October to
the waterways described in this chapter and has therefore March. Grounds fished are the same as for ring net fishing.
been given priority in the Directions. 5 Creel fishing for crabs is carried on in the Inner Sound,
off Longa Island, in Loch Gairloch and in the Sound of
Raasay. Creel-caught nephrops, also called “Norway
Harbours and lochs Lobsters” or “Dublin Bay Prawns” are landed at Kyle of
10.3 Lochalsh and Portree.
1 Mallaig Harbour (57°00′N, 5°49′W) (10.16), situated at
the SE entrance point of the Sound of Sleat, is the only Marine farms
major harbour within the area covered by this chapter. 10.6
Minor harbours of importance within the area are as 1 Marine farming equipment (1.17) has been established in
follows, given from S to N: many of the sounds and lochs covered by this chapter. The
Kyle of Lochalsh (57°17′N, 5°43′W) (10.161), approximate position of known farms is shown on the
situated at the W end of Loch Alsh. charts and reported in this text; however further farms may
2 Portree Harbour (57°25′N, 6°11′W) (10.283), situated be established without notice and may constitute a hazard
on the W side of the Sound of Raasay. to navigation and anchoring.
Loch a’ Bhràige (57°35′N, 5°58′W) (10.295), situated
on the W side of Rona, at its N end. Satellite derived positions
Gairloch Harbour (57°43′N, 5°41′W) (10.331), 10.7
situated near the head of Loch Gairloch, on the W 1 Positions obtained from satellite navigation systems
side of the mainland. require some adjustment before being plotted on the chart,
3 Lochs. A number of extensive lochs are covered by this until new editions of charts are published using the
chapter, as summarised at 10.12 and 10.186. European Terrestrial Reference System 1989 Datum. See
Small craft facilities. There are no marinas within the 1.25 and individual charts for details.
area covered by this chapter but the area does provide
sheltered waters with a wide variety of anchorages, plus a Regulations
number of small harbours which provide limited facilities 10.8
as summarised at 10.13 and 10.188. 1 Restricted areas in the Inner Sound, centred on
57°27′⋅5N, 5°56′⋅5W, are described at 10.197. This
description includes a summary of the regulations affecting
Exercise areas
the conduct of vessels in the area.
10.4
1 Submarines exercise frequently, both on the surface and Rescue
dived, in the much of the area covered by this chapter, as 10.9
shown on the charts and described in the text. A good 1 An Emergency Co-ordination Centre is operated by
lookout is to be kept for them when passing through these Stornoway Coastguard as given in Admiralty List of Radio
waters. Signals Volume 5.
A VHF Direction Finding Service for emergency use
Fishing only is also established within the area of this chapter; for
10.5 details see 1.69.
1 A general description of fishing methods is given in The 2 Maritime Rescue Sub-Centres are operated by Stornoway
Mariner’s Handbook and a summary of the methods used Coastguard and Oban Coastguard with a Sector Base at
within the area covered by this volume is given at 1.14. Portree (57°25′N, 6°11′W), for details see 1.61.

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CHAPTER 10

MALLAIG HARBOUR TO KYLE OF LOCHALSH

GENERAL INFORMATION
Charts 2208, 2209
Scope of the section
10.10
1 This section covers the Sound of Sleat (57°05′N,
5°50′W) (10.60) and Loch Alsh (57°16′N, 5°39′W)
(10.136). It also includes the approaches to Loch Alsh
through Kyle Rhea (57°14′N, 5°39′W) (10.120) and Kyle
Akin (57°17′N, 5°43′W) (10.136), which is given as a
departure at 10.146.

Inshore Traffic Route

10.11
1 Part of the Inshore Traffic Route (1.11) passes through
the area covered by this section, the text for which is given
as follows: Sgeir Dhearg
From the S end of the Sound of Sleat to Kyle Rhea
Entrance to Mallaig from N (10.16)
at 10.61.
(Original dated 2000)
Through Kyle Rhea at 10.120.
(Photograph − Air Images)
Through the W part of Loch Alsh and through Kyle
Akin at 10.136.

Harbours and lochs

10.12
1 Within the area described above the text includes the
following lochs and harbours, in order from S to N:
Mallaig Harbour (57°00′N, 5°49′W) (10.16).
Loch Nevis (57°01′N, 5°42′W) (10.44).
Loch Hourn (57°08′N, 5°40′W) (10.95).
2 E part of Loch Alsh (57°16′N, 5°34′W) (10.174).
Loch Duich (57°15′N, 5°30′W) (10.182).
Loch Long (57°18′N, 5°29′W) (10.183).
Kyle of Lochalsh (57°17′N, 5°43′W) (10.161).
10.13
1 Small craft facilities. In addition to the harbours given Mallaig Harbour from ESE (10.16)
above, facilities for small craft can be found as follows: (Original dated 2000)
Isleornsay Harbour (57°09′N, 5°48′W) (10.85). (Photograph − Air Images)
Kyleakin Harbour (57°16′⋅4N, 5°43′⋅3W) (10.169).
Most of the minor ports include some facilities for small Function
craft and there are many suitable anchorages and landings 10.17
within the area, all of which are mentioned in the text. 1 Mallaig, which had a population of 797 in 2001,
provides facilities for the fishing industry, with over 40
Depths vessels arriving each day during busy periods, as given at
10.14 10.5.
1 The controlling depth, as given at 10.138, can be Tourism is also important during the summer with as
maintained along the length of the Inshore Traffic Route many as 170 000 passengers and 37 000 cars passing
given in this section. This depth occurs in Kyle Akin and through the port during the season, using frequent ferries to
is shown on Chart 2540 plan of Kyle Akin. Armadale (10.78) and the Small Isles (9.123). The
frequency of ferry services is reduced during the winter
Exercise areas months.
10.15
1 The Sound of Sleat is a submarine exercise area as Topography
given at 10.4. 10.18
1 The land at the back of Mallaig is 90 m high and the
town, situated on the low land W and on the sides of the
MALLAIG HARBOUR AND LOCH NEVIS hills S and E of the port, is easily seen from seaward.
Harbour limits
General information 10.19
Chart 2541 plan of Loch Nevis and plan of Mallaig 1 Mallaig Harbour limits enclose the port area, and the
outer part of Loch Nevis as far as the parallel of 57°N, as
Position
shown on the chart.
10.16
1 Mallaig Harbour contains a small coastal port (57°00′N, Approach and entry
5°49′W) which lies at the SE entrance point to the Sound 10.20
of Sleat (10.60) and the SW entrance point to Loch Nevis 1 From the Sound of Sleat, Mallaig Harbour is approached
(10.44). through the approach to Loch Nevis (10.44) and the port is

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CHAPTER 10

then entered through the main channel which passes Harbour

between Sgeir Dhearg (57°00′⋅6N, 5°49′⋅5W) and Rubha
Bàn, 2 cables ENE. General layout of harbour
A speed restriction of 5 kn applies within the harbour. 10.32
1 The harbour consists of an outer basin, protected by a
Port authority breakwater and pier extending ENE from the promontory
10.21 which forms the W side of the harbour, and an inner
1 Mallaig Harbour Authority, Harbour Office, Mallaig, harbour.
Inverness-shire, PH41 4QB. Local control is exercised by The harbour is approached through a channel passing E
the Harbour Master. of Sgeir Dhearg (10.36).
Traffic signals
Limiting conditions 10.33
1 Three fixed red lights, disposed vertically on Mallaig
Controlling depth Steamer Pier Light-structure, situated on the head of the
10.22 Steamer Pier, (10.36), indicate that the movement of vessels
1 The main channel (10.32) has a least charted depth of is under the control of the Harbour Master.
5⋅4 m to the E of the Steamer Pier where the channel width
is only 40 m between the end of the pier and the 5 m depth
Natural conditions
contour to the E. 10.34
1 Natural conditions within Loch Nevis are given at 10.46.
Deepest and longest berth Principal mark
10.23 10.35
1 The longest berth lies on the S side of the Steamer Pier 1 Landmark:
(10.37) but the deepest water is found alongside parts of Four radio masts, 2 cables ESE of Rubha Bàn, as
Fish Pier, to the S of the Steamer Pier. shown on the plans.
Tidal levels Directions
10.24
1 See information in Admiralty Tide Tables. Mean spring Main entrance channel
range about 4⋅2 m; mean neap range about 1⋅5 m. 10.36
1 From the vicinity of 57°02′N, 5°49′W, the white sector
Maximum size of vessel handled (185°–197°) of Mallaig Steamer Pier Light (grey metal
10.25 framework tower on concrete base, 11 m in height)
1 The maximum size of vessel handled had an LOA of standing on the head of the breakwater, 1¾ cables SSE of
90 m and a draught of 6 m. Sgeir Dhearg (57°00′⋅6N, 5°49′⋅5W), leads through the
main entrance channel, passing (with positions from Sgeir
Local weather Dhearg):
10.26 2 Between the coastal bank extending 70 m W from
1 For local weather in Loch Nevis see 10.47. Rubha Bàn (2 cables ENE) and the bank, with
charted depths of less than 5 m, which extends
1 cable NE and ½ cable E from Sgeir Dhearg, and
Arrival information is marked by a light-buoy (starboard hand).
3 Sgeir Dhearg, known locally as Red Rocks, is a rocky
Port radio
ridge on the highest part of which stands a light (grey
10.27
beacon, 8 m in height).
1 A port radio station is operated from Mallaig, for details
When approaching the Steamer Pier, the track for
see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6(1).
vessels proceeding to the inner harbour alters S to pass
Outer anchorages close E of the Steamer Pier where the deeper water lies in
this narrow channel (10.32).
10.28
1 Mallaig Harbour includes the outer part of Loch Nevis,
as given at 10.19. The best anchorage within Loch Nevis
Alongside berths
10.37
lies in Inverie Bay (57°02′N, 5°42′W) (10.54) and 1 The largest berth, which lies on the S side of the
directions for entering the loch and approaching the Steamer Pier, has a length of 100 m with depths of 5⋅3 m
anchorage are given at 10.48. alongside. A Ro-Ro berth is situated at the root of the pier.
Fish Pier provides a total of 270 m berthing space with
Pilots depths up to 7⋅3 m alongside.
10.29
The outer basin has several berths with alongside depths
1 Pilotage is not compulsory. The Harbour Master will act
of 5 m; other berths are available as shown on the chart. It
as Pilot if requested. is reported (2000) that W gales cause a disruptive swell
within the outer harbour.
Tugs
10.30
Port services
1 Tugs are not available.
Repairs
Quarantine 10.38
10.31 1 A boatyard, with two slipways able to handle vessels up
1 For quarantine regulations see 1.50. to 25 m in length, provides normal repair facilities.

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Other facilities The streams are very weak in the wide entrance to the
10.39 loch NNE of Mallaig Harbour but, during spring tides,
1 There is a doctor in the town. attain rates of ½ kn in the channel S of Rubha Raonuill.
Comprehensive support facilities for fishing vessels are 2 A weak stream sets around the shores of Inverie Bay, at
available. the N end of the loch.
Farther up the loch the streams are imperceptible until
Supplies the narrows are reached where the rate at spring tides is
10.40 about 3 kn in both directions, as shown on the plan. Above
1 Fuel. Ample supplies are available in the outer harbour, the narrows, within the inner loch, the streams are
24 hours notice is required for very large amounts. imperceptible.
Fresh water and ice are available. 10.47
Provisions and ship’s stores can be obtained. 1 Winds in Loch Nevis are very baffling even in the
finest weather. During gales or even fresh winds the squalls
Communications are violent in force and uncertain in direction. Those
10.41 accompanying SE and SW winds are the worst at the
1 A helicopter landing area is established on the outskirts entrance and those with E winds are worst in the upper
of the town. loch. However, in any strong wind this loch is a dangerous
place for boats, as given in a note on the plan.
Rescue
10.42
1 The RNLI (see 1.71), has four boats based in the port. Directions
10.48
Small craft 1 Approach. From the vicinity of 57°02′N, 5°49′W the
10.43 approach to Loch Nevis leads SE for about 1 mile, towards
1 Anchorage is restricted to the head of the harbour, as the S side of the loch, passing (with positions from Sròn
shown on the chart, in order to keep the approaches to the Raineach (57°01′N, 5°47′W)):
piers clear. This anchorage is very confined, with many 2 SW of a charted depth of 13⋅7 m (reported 1966)
yacht moorings in the area. (1¼ miles NNW) which lies 4 cables SW of foul
Outer anchorages in Loch Nevis are given at 10.54. ground and a shallow bank extending ¾ cable
WSW from Eilean Dearg (1½ miles N). Eilean
Dearg is covered with heather and is the SW of a
Loch Nevis and approaches chain of islets which extend 2½ cables SSW from
the NW entrance point of Sandaig Bay (10.55),
Chart 2541 plan Loch Nevis, with continuation plan. thence:
General information 3 NE of the main entrance to Mallaig Harbour
10.44 (1½ miles WSW) (10.16), and:
1 Loch Nevis (57°01′N, 5°42′W), which lies on the E side SW of a charted depth of 16 m (reported 1966)
of the Sound of Sleat (10.60), close N of Mallaig Harbour, (9 cables NNW) which lies 3½ cables SW of
is approached from W between Rubha Bàn (57°01′N, Eilean Glas which is covered with long grass,
5°49′W) (10.36) and An Fhaochag, 3¼ miles NNE (chart thence:
2208) (10.70). The loch, which is entered between Rubha SW of a charted depth of 13⋅3 m (reported 1966)
Raonuill, a peninsula 2¾ miles ENE of Rubha Bàn, and the (7 cables NNW).
shore 6 cables S, extends generally SE for 4 miles to the 10.49
narrows thence ENE for 3 miles to its head. The channel 1 Entrance channel. From a position 5 cables WNW of
through the narrows, with a navigable width of 120 m and Sròn Raineach, the alignment (075°) of Bogha Don Beacon
a charted depth of 2⋅4 m, is suited for small craft. (tapered concrete base, stone cross topmark, 2 m in height)
1¾ miles ENE of Sròn Raineach, with Inverie Church,
Depths 1¾ miles farther ENE, leads into the entrance, passing
10.45 (with positions from Sròn Raineach):
1 Limiting depth in the approach to Loch Nevis is 13⋅1 m 2 Over the rocky spit which extends 6 cables NNE
in position 1½ miles ENE of Rubha Bàn, as described at from Sròn Raineach. There are patches with less
10.49. than 10 m over them on this spit, which connects
Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables. with a spit from the N coast of the loch to form a
Mean spring range about 4⋅3 m; mean neap range about bar across the entrance. The least depth along this
1⋅8 m. track is given at 10.45. Thence:
2 Caution. The soundings shown on the plan are derived SSE of an 8⋅5 m patch (6½ cables NNE).
almost entirely from old surveys. Undue reliance should not 3 If the leading marks, above, are not visible then the line
be placed on the depth contours and special caution should of bearing 072° of the SE extremity of Rubha Raonuill
be exercised close inshore, as uncharted shoals may exist. (1½ miles ENE) (10.50) will lead over the rocky spit,
above, in the same position as the leading marks.
Natural conditions 10.50
10.46 1 When the SW extremity of Eilean Dearg (1½ miles N)
1 Tidal streams in the loch set as follows: (10.48) bears 331° and is open NE of Eilean Glas (10.48)
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks the track alters to the E and leads in mid-channel for about
2 miles, through the entrance to the loch, passing (with
+0515 In-going stream begins
positions from Sròn Raineach):
–0105 Out-going stream begins S of Bogha cas Sruth (9 cables NE), thence:

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2 S of the bank, on which there are several shoals, with 10.53

a least depth of 1⋅2 m over them (1¼ miles ENE), 1 It is recommended that passage through the narrows
which extends up to 1½ cables S from Rubha (56°59′N, 5°37′W) should only be attempted with the aid
Raonuill, a steep, hilly promontory which is of a Pilot.
separated from the mainland hills by a deep
narrow valley. A salient point, 15 m high, juts out Anchorage, mooring and landing
from Rubha Raonuill half way along its S side and 10.54
a stone statue of the Virgin Mary, white or gold in 1 Inverie Bay, at the N end of Loch Nevis, affords the
colour and conspicuous from the W, stands an a best anchorage in the loch, anywhere in the E part of the
small promontory jutting from its SE corner. And: bay as depths permit, and clear of moorings 2 cables W of
Inverie pier. Inverie Bay lies within the limits of Mallaig
Harbour (10.16).
It is reported that, from experience, vessels up to
15 000 dwt are safely anchored and accommodated in Loch
Nevis.
2 Landing facilities are available at a pier which extends
from the coast at Inverie however, the landing at this pier
is bad in S winds.
Mooring buoy is moored 1½ cables S of the head of
the pier.
3 Small craft. Sheltered anchorages are available for small
craft at the W end of the bay, as shown on the chart, and
the drying bay W of Eilean na Glaschoille (57°02′N,
5°44′W) affords good shelter. Moorings for visitors are
situated inshore W of Inverie pier.
Statue of the Virgin Mary, Rubha Raonuill, 10.55
from WSW (10.50) 1 Sandaig Bay (57°03′N, 5°46′W), not to be confused
(Original dated 2000)
with the bay of the same name at 10.114, is unsafe as an
(Photograph − Air Images)
anchorage being open to the W with islets and rocks in the
approach.
3 N of a detached patch, with a charted depth of 4 m Small craft
(1¼ miles E), which lies off the foul ground and 10.56
shallow bank surrounding Eilean Giubhais, thence: 1 Mallaigmore (57°01′N, 5°47′W), a small bay on the S
Between Bo Ruag (1¼ miles E), a large flat rock side of the approach to Loch Nevis, has a jetty charted
which dries, and Smyth Rock (1½ miles ENE) near the head of the bay.
which lies close off the edge of the coastal bank, 10.57
thence: 1 Port Giubhais (57°01′N, 5°44′W) affords occasional
4 S of the shallow bank which extends ¾ cable SE anchorage for small craft in a small cove under a steep
from Bogha Don (1¾ miles WNW), on which hillside.
stands the beacon described at 10.49, which forms 10.58
the SE extremity of the shallow and foul ground 1 Tarbet Bay (56°58′N, 5°38′W), situated on the S side of
extending SE from Rubha Raonuill. the W entrance to the narrows, affords good anchorage for
5 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 083° of Inverie small craft in depths of 7 to 11 m, mud. Local knowledge
House (57°02′N, 5°40′W), just open S of Rubha Raonuill, is required for entry and during SW winds squalls are
clears 1 cable S of Bogha cas Sruth. frequent, see 10.47.
10.51 10.59
1 Inverie Bay. When Bogha Don Beacon is in line with 1 Head of the loch (57°00′N, 5°32′W) affords anchorage
the E extremity of Rubha Raonuill, bearing 345°, the track to the N or S of Eilean Maol as convenient, clear of
for Inverie Bay leads NE for about 1 mile, towards a house moorings and a marine farm (1.17) moored 1 cable NE of
(the Manse), passing (with positions from Sgeirean Glasa the island. There is a jetty in the bay 5 cables W of Eilean
(57°02′N, 5°43′W)): Maol.
2 SE of Bogha Don (4 cables SW) (10.50), thence:
SE of Sgeirean Glasa, a double rock, the SE part of
SOUND OF SLEAT
which dries and on which stands a beacon (metal
tripod, small square topmark).
General information
10.52
1 Loch Nevis southern part. From a position 7 cables Chart 2208
ENE of Rubha na Moine (57°01′N, 5°44′W), the track Channel
leads SSE for 1¾ miles, then ESE for about 2 miles, along 10.60
the centre-line of the loch, passing (with positions from 1 The Sound of Sleat (57°05′N, 5°50′W), entered at its S
Rubha na Moine): end from the Sea of The Hebrides, separates the SE coast
2 ENE of an 8⋅5 m patch which lies 1¼ cables E of of the Island of Skye (1.90) from the mainland. This
Sgeir a’ Ghaill (2 cables SSE), thence: sound, which has a maximum width of 4 miles at its SW
WSW of Creag an Eilean (1½ miles E) which lies on end abreast Mallaig Harbour (57°00′N, 5°49′W) (10.16),
the coastal reef extending ¾ cable offshore, thence: narrows abruptly to a width of 1 mile abreast Sandaig
Clear of marine farms (1.17) moored up to 2 cables Islands (57°10′N, 5°42′W) and then decreases gradually to
from both sides of the loch, as shown on the chart. 8¾ cables at its narrowest part, 1¼ miles NE of the islands.

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At its NE end the sound merges into Kyle Rhea (57°14′N, Tidal streams
5°39′W) (10.120). 10.66
2 There are no dangers in the fairway except at its 1 General information on tidal streams is given at 1.115.
extreme NE end. Two miles W of Mallaig the tidal stream sets as follows:
Interval from
Route Remarks
HW Ullapool
10.61
1 From a position 4 miles ESE of Point of Sleat (57°01′N, +0535 N-going stream begins
6°01′W) the route through the Sound of Sleat leads NNE –0025 N-going stream ends. There is no
for 6 miles then NE for 5¼ miles to a position 1¾ miles perceptible S-going stream.
SW of Sandaig Islands. From this position the route leads
N for 1¼ miles before continuing NE into the narrower 2 Tidal streams through the entire length of the Sound of
part of the sound for about 4 miles to a position off the S Sleat set as follows:
approach to Kyle Rhea. This route forms part of the Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
Inshore Traffic Route, as given at 1.11.
+0535 NE-going stream begins
Topography –0025 SW-going stream begins
10.62
1 The north-west side of the Sound of Sleat, at its SW 3 In the S and wider part of the sound the rate at spring
end, is formed by Sleat Peninsula which extends 11½ miles tides is 1 kn in both directions, increasing to 1½ kn in the
SW from the SW end of the Island of Skye, to which it is NE and narrower part. These streams are rather stronger off
connected by a low isthmus. This peninsula has several the salient points on both sides and, off Sandaig Islands
hills between 60 and 300 m high but they have no (57°10′N, 5°42′W), the rate at spring tides is 2 kn in both
distinctive character worthy of note. This coast has a directions.
fringing reef which dries and, in places, dangers which 4 As Kyle Rhea is approached the rate of the NE-going
extend up to 2 cables offshore. stream does not increase appreciably until the 30 m depth
2 North-east of the isthmus the coast is straight and contour off the entrance has been crossed, see 10.127.
steep-to, rising quickly to over 600 m in Ben Aslak, 1 mile However, the S-going stream from Kyle Rhea sets strongly
inland. as a narrow rapid stream with N-going eddies on both sides
3 On the south-east side of the sound, Loch Nevis of it. Also, though it loses strength rapidly, its rate does not
(57°01′N, 5°42′W) (10.44) is entered close N of Mallaig fall to the average of the sound until it has moved a mile
Harbour, and, 8 miles farther NE, Loch Hourn (57°08′N, or more SSE from the entrance. See diagrams on chart
5°40′W) (10.95) has a similar entrance. The coast between 2540 and in Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: North Coast of
these two lochs is rugged and in places there are dangers Ireland and West Coast of Scotland.
which extend up to 2 cables offshore. Above Loch Hourn, 5 Overfalls. During strong S or SW winds the SW-going
in the narrower part of the sound, the coast between stream creates heavy overfalls, dangerous to small craft, in
Sandaig Islands and Kyle Rhea is steep-to and increasingly an area 5 to 8 cables SSE of the entrance to Kyle Rhea, as
higher, steeper and more rugged than between the lochs. shown on the chart.

Depths
10.63
Principal marks
1 Depths in the Sound of Sleat are very uneven, especially 10.67
at its SW end and in the entrance. At the NE end of the 1 Landmarks:
sound, the shape and size of Glenelg Bay (57°13′N, Ornsay Lighthouse (white tower, 19 m in height)
5°38′W) (10.93) and Bernera Bay, 6 cables NW (10.94), standing on Eilean Sionnach (57°09′N, 5°47′W)
are deceptive at HW as the coastal bank dries out (10.73).
1¾ cables in places and shallow banks extend ½ cable
farther offshore.
2 Caution. Charted depths in the Sound of Sleat, except in
the SW entrance, are derived almost entirely from old
surveys, as shown on the chart. Undue reliance should not
be placed upon the depth contours and special caution
should be exercised close inshore; uncharted shoals may
exist.

Submarine exercise area

10.64
1 The Sound of Sleat is a submarine exercise area as Ornsay Lighthouse from SE (10.67)
given at 10.4. (Original dated 2000)

(Photograph − Air Images)

Rescue
10.65
1 An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) and an Conspicuous radio mast (57°06′⋅2N, 5°52′⋅4W).
all-weather lifeboat (1.72) are maintained at Mallaig 10.68
Harbour (57°00′N, 5°49′W). 1 Major lights:
For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 10.9. Ornsay Light—as above

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Other navigational aids Armadale Castle (7 cables N) which is a castellated

10.69 building standing on raised ground close to the
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the coast.
Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at
Central part
1.33.
10.73
1 From a position 4½ miles SSW of Ornsay Light
(57°09′N, 5°47′W) the line of bearing 038° of Sandaig
Directions Islands Light (white metal framework tower, 5 m in height)
(continued from 9.142) (57°10′N, 5°42′W), which stands on the NW end of Eilean
Mór (10.75) and is reported to be conspicuous, leads NE
through the middle of the fairway of the central part of the
South-west part Sound of Sleat, passing (with positions from Ornsay Light):
10.70 2 SE of a marine farm (1.17) (3½ miles SW) which is
1 From the vicinity of 56°59′N, 5°55′W the line of moored close to the W shore of Knock Bay,
bearing 025° of Ornsay Light (10.67) leads NNE through thence:
the fairway of the outer part of the Sound of Sleat, passing NW of the foul ground which extends 1 cable NW
(with positions from Rubha Phòil (57°04′N, 5°54′W)): and 1¾ cables NE from Airor Island (3½ miles S)
ESE of the rocks and shoals off Point of Sleat which is connected to the mainland by a drying
(4¾ miles WSW) on which stands a light (9.195), reef, thence:
thence: 3 SE of Tartar Rock (2 miles SSW) which lies
2 WNW of a rocky shoal, with a charted depth of 1¼ cables offshore and has a depth of 1⋅5 m over
19⋅4 m (4 miles S), which lies 1 mile WNW of it (charted as dangerous rock), thence:
Bogha Dearg, a reef of above-water and NW of Eilean Shamadalain (3¼ miles SSE) which
below-water rocks extending 1 cable offshore, lies 1½ cables offshore to which it is connected by
thence: a drying reef, thence:
ESE of Ard Thurinish (3 miles SW) which is a bold, 4 NW of a large gravel spit (2¾ miles SSE) which
cliffy and indented headland, thence: dries out 2½ cables from the mouth of the river
3 WNW of Eilean na h-Acairseid (3¾ miles SSE) Amhainn Inbhir Ghuiserein which has deposited
which lies on the coastal bank 4 cables WSW of the spit, thence:
Sgeir Dhearg (10.36), thence: NW of Rubha’ Ard Slisneach (2½ miles SE) which is
WNW of Sgeir Dhearg (3¾ miles SE), situated in the the SW entrance point of Loch Hourn (10.95),
entrance to Mallaig Harbour (10.16), thence: thence:
4 ESE of Bogha Chaslaic (5 cables SW), a drying rock 5 SE of foul ground and a shoal bank which extends
which lies 1½ cables SW of Rubha Dubh, a salient 1¾ cables E from Ornsay, on the S end of which
point, and: lies Eilean Sionnach which is connected to the
WNW of the entrance to Loch Nevis (4½ miles SE) larger island by a drying reef and on which stands
(10.44), thence: Ornsay Light (10.67). Ornsay, which is connected
5 ESE of Eilean Sgorach (1 cable S) and of Eilean to the shore by a drying reef, is covered with
Maol (1 cable E) which lie on the coastal bank grass. A light (white clad metal framework tower
extending 2¼ cables SE from Rubha Phòil, the SE on stone column, 8 m in height) stands on an islet
extremity of Ardvasar Promontory, keeping in deep at the NE extremity of the reef extending 1 cable
water at least 3 cables off the coast; see clearing N from Ornsay.
bearing at 10.71. Thence: 10.74
6 ESE of a reef which extends 1½ cables S and SE 1 Useful marks:
from the S and steepest part of Kilbeg Point Conspicuous white cottage (57°09′⋅6N, 5°48′⋅0W).
(1¾ miles NNE). The SE edge of the reef is 1 m Kinloch Lodge Hotel (57°10′⋅6N, 5°47′⋅8W), a
high and is generally visible but may be covered conspicuous white building partly surrounded by
during very high spring tides. And: trees which stands on the NE side of the head of
7 WNW of the reef and bank extending 2 cables NW Loch na Dal (10.86).
from An Fhaochag (3¼ miles ENE) which is a
salient point on the NE side of the approach to Charts 2208, 2540
Loch Nevis. North-east part
10.71 10.75
1 Clearing bearings. A line of bearing, not more than 1 From a position 1¾ miles SW of Sandaig Islands
030°, within the visible sector of Ornsay Light, clears ESE (57°10′N, 5°42′W) the track leads N for about 1¼ miles to
of the coastal bank off Rubha Phòil. a position NE of Ornsay Light (10.67). From this position
A line of bearing, less than 190°, within the white sector the line of bearing 228°, astern, of that light, leads NE
of Sgeir Dhearg Light (10.36), clears to the W of the through the fairway of the NE and narrowest part of the
dangers off An Fhaochag. Sound of Sleat, passing (with positions from Sandaig
10.72 Islands Light):
1 Useful marks: 2 SE of Sgeir Chulaih (1¼ miles WNW), a drying reef
Mallaig Harbour Light (4 miles SE) (10.36). which lies 1¼ cables offshore at the NE end of a
Tormore House (1½ miles SW) a prominent building shallow bank and foul ground extending SW along
which stands on the headland of the same name. the coast for 1¼ miles; see clearing bearing at
2 Armadale Pier Light (building) (3 cables N), situated 10.76. Thence:
on the head of the pier. This building is reported 3 NW of the reef fringing Eilean Mór, the W and
to be white and conspicuous. largest of the Sandaig Islands, which is covered

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with grass and on which stands Sandaig Islands A point on the NW shore in position 57°03′⋅96N,
Light (10.73). The remainder of the Sandaig 5°53′⋅77W, 46 m WSW of Armadale Estates Pier,
Islands form a group, connected with each other thence:
and with the mainland by a drying reef which 3 SSE for 53 m to position 57°03′⋅94N, 5°53′⋅73W,
extends 4½ cables ESE from the shore. And: thence:
4 SE of Tralcach (1 mile NW) which is a drying rock ENE for 128 m to position 57°03′⋅98N, 5°53′⋅63W,
lying ½ cable offshore, thence: thence:
SE of a drying reef which extends ½ cable E and S 4 ESE for 145 m to position 57°03′⋅94N, 5°53′⋅50W,
from Dunan Rùadh (57°12′⋅5N, 5°40′⋅1W), a thence:
conspicuous cliff forming a point on the NW side SSE for 113 m to position 57°03′⋅90N, 5°53′⋅45W,
of the sound. A marine farm (1.17) is moored thence:
1 cable NE of the point and a beacon, 3½ cables N WSW for 180 m to a point on the SW shore in
of the point, is mentioned at 10.87. Thence: position 57°03′⋅85N, 5°53′⋅61W, 60 m SSE of
5 NW of a flat of gravel and sand which dries out for Armadale Pier.
1½ cables NW from the mouth of Eilanreach River 5 Harbour Authority: Caledonian MacBrayne, The Ferry
(57°12′N, 5°38′W); see clearing bearing at 10.76. Terminal, Gourock, PA19 1QP.
10.76 Maximum size of vessel handled: Length 90 m, draught
1 Clearing bearings. The line of bearing 057° of the tall 3⋅2 m, grt 3500 tonnes.
ruins of Bernera Barracks (57°13′N, 5°37′W), standing on
Directions
the flat ground on the S side of the entrance to Glenmore
10.79
River, open SE of the NW shore of the sound, clears SE of
1 Approach to the pier. It is reported that the NNE face
Sgeir Chulaih.
of the pier should be kept open during the approach to
2 The line of bearing 050° of Bernera Barracks (above)
open NW of the jetty at Glenelg, 5 cables SW of the avoid a detached rock, which dries, 2½ cables SSE of the
barracks, clears NW of the flat extending from Eilanreach pierhead, and which lies ½ cable NNE of Eilean Maol
River. (10.70).
10.77 Alongside berth
1 Useful marks: 10.80
Free Church Manse (57°13′N, 5°38′W) which is 1 A linkspan provides a Ro-Ro facility, with a depth
conspicuous and stands on slightly rising ground alongside of 4 m, on the N side of the pier.
on the N side of Glenmore River (10.76) which
flows into Glenelg Bay. Port services
2 Glenelg Monument standing on Rubha Mhic Cuinn 10.81
(57°12′⋅7N, 5°37′⋅6W) the S entrance point of the 1 Supplies. Small quantities of provisions can be obtained
bay leading to Glenmore River. in Ardvasar, a village 4 cables SW of the pier.
Kyle Rhea Light (57°14′N, 5°40′W) (10.134). Small craft
(Directions continue for Kyle Rhea at 10.134) 10.82
1 Moorings are available for visitors in addition to other
Armadale Bay moorings in the bay. Restricted anchorage may also be
obtained in the bay, clear of the moorings, in a depth of
Chart 2208 18 m or closer in, off the pier, in a depth of 5 m. The outer
General information anchorage should be used with caution as it is exposed to
10.78 the NE and at times a considerable swell sets in.
1 Armadale Bay (57°04′N, 5°54′W) contains Armadale
Pier which extends ENE from the N extremity of Ardvasar
Anchorages
Promontory (10.70), which provides some shelter from S General information
winds. This pier, which has a light at its head (10.72), 10.83
provides berthing facilities for the car ferry service with 1 In addition to the anchorages given below, those
Mallaig Harbour, 4 miles SSE (10.16). anchorages which are to be found in Loch Nevis (10.44)
and Loch Hourn (10.95) are described within each loch.
Camas Daraich
10.84
1 Camas Daraich, situated on the E side of Point of Sleat
(57°01′N, 6°01′W), provides useful anchorage during N
winds but is open to the S. If local knowledge is not
available it is recommended that vessels be anchored off
the centre of the entrance with Ard Thurinish, 2 miles ENE
of Point of Sleat (10.70), bearing 071°, open S of Leir
Mhaodail, the E entrance point of Camas Daraich. This is
Armadale Pier from E (10.78) in a depth of 15 m, clear of a disused submarine cable, as
(Original dated 2000) shown on the chart, the landing place of which is marked
(Photograph − Air Images) by a beacon.
2 Small craft can be anchored in the centre of the bay, in
2 Harbour limits. Armadale Harbour consists of all a depth of 5 to 9 m, clear of drying rocks on both sides,
waters below the level of HW enclosed by a line joining below-water rocks farther into the bay and foul ground off
the following positions: the W side. Local knowledge is required.

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Isleornsay Harbour Anchorages and berths

10.85 10.89
1 Isleornsay Harbour (57°09′N, 5°48′W) provides a place 1 Port na Long, a small open bay on the W side of Ard
of refuge during SW gales as it is virtually sheltered from Thurinish (57°02′N, 5°58′W) (10.70), affords anchorage to
all winds, though NE winds send in a small sea and W small craft in good weather, keeping at least 2 cables off
winds are rather squally. The recommended anchorage for the W side of Ard Thurinish.
small vessels is with the light on the N end of Ornsay Port a’ Chuil, a small open bay on the E side of Ard
bearing 155° distant 4 cables. For the best anchorage in N Thurinish (above) affords anchorage to small craft in good
winds see Loch na Dal (10.86). weather.
2 Small craft can be anchored in the middle of the 10.90
harbour, as shown on the chart and clear of salmon nets off 1 Dun Ban Bay (57°04′N, 5°47′W), entered 2 cables ENE
the W side of the bay, in a depth of 5 m, hard clay, with of An Fhaochag (10.70), affords anchorage in the middle of
Sandaig Islands Light (57°10′N, 5°42′W) (10.73) bearing the bay in a depth of 5 m, sand. This anchorage is not
not less than 069° and open N of Ornsay. recommended as the bay is open to winds from W through
3 Moorings for small craft are established in the harbour N to NE, when a heavy and uncomfortable swell sets in.
and in the small bay 7 cables N of the pier, although it is Visitors’ moorings are laid on the SW side of the bay.
reported (1997) that these are no longer maintained. 10.91
4 Pier. A small pier which extends from the head of the 1 Airor. A small boat harbour, with a jetty, lies on the
harbour, near the houses, can accommodate vessels with a SW side of the small bay 2 cables SSE of Airor Island
draught of not more than 2⋅4 m alongside at HW. A light (57°05′N, 5°46′W) (10.73).
(post on rock, 3 m in height) stands on Eilean Iarmain 10.92
situated 6 m off the pierhead which is also floodlit. 1 Camas Croise (57°08′N, 5°48′W) affords temporary
5 Supplies. Small quantities of provisions and fresh water anchorage for small craft on the N side of the entrance in a
can be obtained from the hotels near the pier. depth of 5 m, stiff clay. This anchorage is not safe in SW
winds.

Loch na Dal Chart 2540

10.86 10.93
1 Loch na Dal (57°10′N, 5°48′W) affords anchorage off 1 Glenelg Bay (57°13′N, 5°38′W) (see 10.63) affords
the entrance, as shown on the chart, in a depth of 24 m anchorage in a depth of 27 m with Glenelg Jetty bearing
with good holding ground, clear of Sgeir Ghobhlach, which 139° distant 2¼ cables and Glenelg Church, 2½ cables NE
lies ¾ cable off the NE entrance point of the loch. This of the jetty and partly obscured by trees, bearing 094°, as
loch, which shoals quickly within the entrance, affords shown on the chart. This anchorage is clear of a shallow
better anchorage than Isleornsay Harbour during N winds. bank which extends ½ cable W from Bo Beag, a dangerous
rock lying ¾ cable W of Rubha Mhic Cuinn (10.77). The
tidal streams in the vicinity of the anchorage set N along
Chart 2540 the coast at a rate of ½ to 1½ kn at all times, as shown in
Bàgh Dùnan Ruadh the diagrams on the chart.
10.87 2 If draught permits mariners waiting for the tide usually
1 Bàgh Dùnan Ruadh (57°13′N, 5°40′W), 5 cables N of anchor close inshore, S of Bo Beag (above), as shown on
Dùnan Ruadh (10.75) affords the best anchorage at the the chart, clear of submarine cables which are landed on
head of the Sound of Sleat for mariners waiting for the tide the coast 2½ cables WSW of the jetty, as shown on the
in Kyle Rhea, in accordance with the tables at 10.127. A chart and marked by a beacon.
recommended anchorage, as shown on the chart, lies S of 3 The jetty, which extends from the coast near the SW
the entrance to Kylerhea River (10.122) with a sheepfold end of Glenelg Village, has a depth of 1⋅4 m alongside its
on the shore, 5 cables N of Dùnan Ruadh, bearing 305°, head which is reported to cover at HW.
and the NW extremity of Sandaig Islands (57°10′N, 10.94
5°42′W) bearing 206° and open SE of the coastal reef off 1 Bernera Bay (57°13′⋅4N, 5°38′⋅5W) (see 10.63) affords
Dùnan Ruadh. In this position the holding ground is good anchorage for small craft in the middle of the bay, with a
in a depth of 20 m, mud, clear of submarine cables which ruined house situated near the beach in position 57°13′⋅6N,
are landed 3½ cables N of Dùnan Ruadh, as shown on the 5°38′⋅4W, bearing 020°, as shown on the chart, in a depth
chart and marked by a beacon. This anchorage has a of 18 m, sand and shells. This anchorage is better than that
restricted swinging circle but it is clear of the main tidal at Glenelg Bay (10.93) as it is out of the influence of the
streams and is sheltered from SW winds; however, with tidal streams which affect that anchorage.
NW winds, violent squalls blow down the valley.

Loch Hourn

Small craft Chart 2541 plan of Loch Hourn

General information
10.95
Chart 2208 1 Loch Hourn, which lies on the E side of the Sound of
General information Sleat, near its N end, is approached from W between
10.88 Sandaig Islands (57°10′N, 5°42′W) (10.75) and Rubha’ Ard
1 In addition to the anchorages and berths given below, Slisneach, 3 miles SSW (10.73). The loch, which is entered
those anchorages and berths which are to be found in Loch between Rubha an Daraich, 2¾ miles SSE of Sandaig
Nevis (10.44) and Loch Hourn (10.95) are described within Islands, and the coast 9 cables N, extends generally ESE
each loch. for about 5 miles to the first narrows (57°06′N, 5°31′W).

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Above these narrows the loch continues generally E as Directions

Loch Hourn Beag, passing through three more narrows to 10.101
its head. 1 Approach from north. From a position 4 cables WSW
of Sandaig Islands Light (57°10′N, 5°42′W) (10.73) the
approach to Loch Hourn from N leads SSE for about
Topography 2¼ miles, passing (with positions from Rubha Buidhe
10.96 (57°09′N, 5°40′W)):
1 Loch Hourn is reported to be one of the most 2 WSW of Eilean Mór (1¾ miles NW) (10.75), thence:
spectacular lochs in Scotland. The surrounding mountains WSW of a rocky shoal, with a depth of 10⋅5 m over
rise steeply to great elevations within a short distance of it, which lies 3 cables WSW of Sgeir nan Eun
the shores of the loch, rising to a conspicuous summit in (1½ miles NW) from which foul ground extends
Beinn Sgritheall (57°09′N, 5°35′W) on the N side of the ¾ cable SSE, thence:
outer loch and in Ladhar Bheinn (57°05′N, 5°35′W) on the 3 WSW of foul ground and the coastal bank which
S side, near which there are numerous precipices. Above extends 2 cables SSW from Rubha Mór (1¼ miles
the first narrows, Druim Fada (57°07′N, 5°30′W) rises NW), thence:
steeply from the N shore with lower slopes which are well WSW of Eilean Chlamail (7 cables WNW), charted
wooded. on a drying reef which extends 1 cable W from the
2 The surrounding country consists almost entirely of open coast, thence:
moorland with little cultivation, except on the low ground, 4 WSW of a detached patch, with a charted depth of
such as that near Arnisdale River, to the N of Druim Fada, 9⋅1 m (6 cables W), thence:
and for some additional afforestation on the lower slopes of WSW and well clear of a rock that is nearly awash
Beinn Mhialairigh (57°09′N, 5°38′W). (charted as dangerous rock) (6 cables SW) which
lies 1 cable W of Sgeir Ulibhe (10.103).
(Directions continue for entering
Loch Hourn at 10.103)
Depths 10.102
10.97 1 Approach from west. From a position 4 cables N of
1 The outer part of the loch is, for the most part, very Rubha’ Ard Slisneach (57°07′N, 5°43′W) (10.73) the
deep as far as the first narrows and able to accommodate approach to Loch Hourn from W leads WNW for about
very large vessels. The first narrows, which has a least 1 mile towards the entrance, passing (with positions from
depth of 8⋅7 m in the fairway, leads to a small basin at the Rubha Ard Slisneach):
W end of Loch Hourn Beag, which has depths greater than NNW of a spit, with a depth of 1⋅8 m over it
30 m. The second narrows, 9 cables above the first narrows, (3½ cables ENE) which extends 1¼ cables
known as Caolas Mór, is shallow and suitable only for offshore.
small craft which also restricts the use of the upper parts of 10.103
Loch Hourn Beag. 1 Entrance channel (continued from 10.101 and 10.102).
From position 57°07′⋅8N, 5°41′⋅2W the track continues
ENE for about 1½ miles, passing (with positions from
Natural conditions Rubha an Daraich (57°07′⋅6N, 5°39′⋅4W)):
10.98 2 SSE and well clear of a bank, with a charted depth of
1 Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables. less than 10 m, which extends 1 cable S from Sgeir
Mean spring range about 4⋅2 m; mean neap range about Ulibhe (9 cables NW) which in 1981 had the
1⋅8 m. remains of a metal beacon on it, see clearing
10.99 marks at 10.104. Between Sgeir Ulibhe and the N
1 Tidal streams in Loch Hourn set as follows: shore of the loch the bottom is irregular with
depths of as little as 2⋅1 m over Clansman Rock,
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks 2¾ cables NNE of the beacon. And:
+0600 In-going stream begins 3 NNW of a shallow spit which extends ¾ cable NNW
–0010 Out-going stream begins from the mouth of Croulin Burn (4 cables WSW)
that is created by the silt discharged by this burn,
2 The streams are very weak in the outer loch but, during thence:
spring tides, attain a rate of 3 kn in both directions in the NNW of a charted depth of 18⋅9 m (2½ cables N)
first narrows where the in-going stream sets mostly along which lies 2½ cables off the S entrance point of
the N side with an out-going eddy on the S side, as shown the loch.
on the chart. The streams also set fairly strongly through 10.104
the other narrows in Loch Hourn Beag but are weak 1 Clearing marks:
elsewhere. The streams are weak in the first narrows at or The alignment (107°) of Creag an t-Sagairt, a
near the time of HW and LW which makes this a good headland 4 cables E of Rubha an Daraich, with
time to pass through. Rubha Ruadh, 1¾ miles ESE (10.105), clears SSW
10.100 of the dangers surrounding Sgeir Ulibhe.
1 Local weather. Loch Hourn has one of the heaviest 10.105
rainfalls in the British Isles and is a gloomy place when 1 Route through Loch Hourn. From a position 9 cables
the clouds hang low on the sides of the loch, as they often WSW of Eilean Ràrsaidh (57°08′⋅6N, 5°37′⋅0W) the track
do. leads ESE for about 2 miles, passing (with positions from
In bad weather, especially with strong winds from the S extremity of Eilean Ràrsaidh):
between S and W, violent squalls come down from the NNE of Creag an t-Sagairt (1¼ miles SW) (10.104),
high land from unpredictable directions. thence:

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2 SSW of Eilean Ràrsaidh, which lies ¾ cable off the 2 N of the coastal bank which dries and extends 2 to
N shore of the loch. From the SE side of the 4 cables off the E shore of Barrisdale Bay
island a spit extends 1½ cables SE with a depth of (3 cables S), and:
1⋅5 m at its extremity and on which lie some Close S of the S islet of Còrr Eileanan, a chain of
drying rocks, thence: three islets, 1 cable apart, of which the S islet is
SSW of Eilean a’ Chuilinn (3 cables ESE) the W and steep-to on its S side, thence:
NE sides of which are fringed by a reef, thence: 3 NW of Eilean Choinnich (4 cables E) which lies on
3 SSW of a detached patch, with a charted depth of the coastal bank (above) near its NE end.
14⋅9 m, lying 2 cables S of Sgeirean Ràrsaidh 10.109
(6 cables E) a group of rocks on the coastal bank 1 The first narrows. Recommended times for passing
which extends 2½ cables offshore, thence: through the first narrows are given at 10.99. From a
SSW of a shallow spit extending 2 cables offshore position 2½ cables NE of the S of Còrr Eileanan (10.108)
with a charted depth of 6⋅1 m in position ¾ cable the channel through the first narrows, with a width of
SSE of Eilean Mhairtein (9 cables ESE) which has ½ cable and a least depth as given at 10.97, leads ENE,
a few small trees on its summit, thence: passing (with positions from the S extremity of Eilean a’
4 NNE of Rubha Ruadh (1½ miles SSE), a headland, Gharb-làin (57°06′N, 5°31′W)):
12 m high, at which the trend of the shore turns 2 Close SSE of Eilean a’ Gharb-làin which is connected
abruptly from E to SSE. to the N shore by a drying bank, and:
10.106 NNW of the N end of the coastal bank (10.108)
1 From a position 5 cables NNE of Rubha Ruadh which extends 1 cable NNW of Eilean Choinnich
(above) the track leads SE for about 2¼ miles, (2½ cables SSE) (10.108) and ½ cable NNW of
passing (with positions from Rubha Camas na Fraoch Eilean (3 cables ESE).
Cailinn (57°06′⋅8N, 5°33′⋅1W)):
Anchorages
SW of Eilean Tioram (1½ miles NNW) which lies
10.110
¾ cable off the shore, to which it is connected by
1 General information. There is no good anchorage in
a drying reef, thence:
Loch Hourn during bad weather (10.100) as the winds
2 NE of Rubha Ruadh (1¼ miles WNW) (10.105), and:
cause vessels to sheer badly.
Clear, according to draught, of a shoal with a depth
10.111
of 22 m over it (1 mile NW), which lies in the
1 The best anchorage in the outer part of the loch, suitable
middle of the fairway, and:
for small vessels, is positioned 3 cables SSW of Eilean
SW of Cruda Ard (8½ cables NNW), a rocky point
Mhairtein (57°08′⋅4N, 5°35′⋅5W) (10.105), as shown on the
on the SE side of Camas Bàn, thence:
chart, in a depth of 29 m, with good holding in soft mud.
3 NE of foul ground and a shallow spit, with a charted
10.112
depth of less than 20 m, which extends 2 cables E
1 Anchorage suitable for coasters can be obtained in the
from Eilean a’ Phiobaire (1 mile W) which lies
approaches to the first narrows in position 5 cables E of
¾ cable offshore. An extensive marine farm (1.17)
Eilean a’ Mhuineil (57°06′N, 5°34′W) (10.106), as shown
is moored to the N of the island. Thence:
on the chart, in a depth of 55 m, mud and sand, clear of
4 SW of a charted depth of 15⋅2 m (3½ cables WSW)
Ellice Shoal (57°06′N, 5°32′W) (10.106) and of a shoal,
which lies near the extremity of a spit, with
with a depth of 6⋅4 m over it, 1 cable N. In many parts of
charted depths of less than 20 m, which extends
this reach the bottom is rocky and uneven.
4 cables WSW from Rubha Camas na Cailinn. On
the N side of the spit lies Sgeir Leathan Small craft
(2½ cables NNW), a rocky islet from which a 10.113
shallow bank extends 2 cables SSW, and on the S 1 Channel. In the approach to the first narrows from W a
side lies a patch with a depth of 6⋅1 m over it clear water channel (57°06′⋅0N, 5°31′⋅6W) passes between
(1¾ cables SW). Thence: the N and central islets of the Còrr Eileanan group.
5 NE of the coastal reef, with above-water and However, the approach to this channel is obstructed by
below-water rocks on it, which extends 1 cable E Duncan Shoal, 1½ cables W of the N islet, and by a 6⋅4 m
from Eilean a’ Mhuineil (8 cables SSW) and patch, 3½ cables W of the N islet.
connects the island to the mainland S, thence: 10.114
NE of a shoal, with a depth of 10⋅1 m over it (1 mile 1 Anchorages for small craft are given in the following
S), and: paragraphs in order from W to E.
6 SW of Ellice Shoal (1 mile SSE) which is a rocky Sandaig Bay (57°10′N, 5°42′W), on the SE side of
shoal and the SW of dangers extending 4½ cables Sandaig Islands (10.75), not to be confused with the bay of
SW from the N shore of the loch; see clearing the same name at 10.55, affords anchorage in depths of 5
bearing below. to 14 m, sand, with good shelter in N winds but it is open
10.107 SW.
1 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 340° of Sgeir 10.115
Leathan, seen midway between Eilean Tioram and Crudha 1 Eilean Ràrsaidh. Anchorage can be obtained to the N
Ard, clears W of Ellice Shoal. or E of Eilean Ràrsaidh (57°08′⋅6N, 5°37′⋅0W) (10.105),
10.108 according to the wind, with good holding, clear of Sgeir
1 Approach to first narrows. From a position SW of Mhic Lèoid, 1½ cables E of Eilean Ràrsaidh.
Ellice Shoal (10.106) the approach to the first of the 10.116
narrows leads E for about 6 cables then NE, passing (with 1 Camas Bàn (57°08′N, 5°34′W) affords fair anchorage to
positions from the S of the Còrr Eileanan (57°05′⋅9N, the S of the village of Arnisdale with Arnisdale House
5°31′⋅6W)): bearing 085°, as shown on the chart, or closer inshore,
S of Ellice Shoal (3½ cables W) and: clear of a marine farm (1.17) moored off the W side of the

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bay. It is, however, reported (1997) that the bay is now Topography
completely obstructed by moorings. Winds from the S 10.122
create a sea in the bay. 1 The land on both sides of the channel is high and steep
10.117 with a smooth surface, except where it is intersected by
1 Poll a’ Mhuineil, known locally as Camas Doin wooded burns. The E shore consists generally of low cliffs
(57°06′N, 5°34′W) affords anchorage in the middle of the whereas, on the W side, N of Kylerhea River (57°13′⋅2N,
bay or close to its W side. In bad weather (10.100) the 5°39′⋅8W), there is a large area of land part cultivated and
squalls are very fierce in this bay. part meadow; there are also several cottages in this locality.
Chart 2541 plan of continuation of Loch Hourn Depths
10.118 10.123
1 Skiary. Good anchorage is available in moderate depths 1 Controlling depth is given at 10.121.
to the N of Skiary (57°07′N, 5°25′W), a village near the On the W side of Kyle Rhea, to the S of Kyle Rhea
head of Loch Hourn Beag. The squalls here are said to be Light (57°14′⋅3N, 5°39′⋅9W), the 10 m depth contour lies
less violent than in any other part of the Loch. within ½ cable of the shore, whereas to the N of the light,
10.119 it extends nearly 2 cables offshore.
1 Loch Beag (57°07′N, 5°24′W), a basin at the head of 2 On the E side of Kyle Rhea the 10 m depth contour lies
Loch Hourn Beag, affords anchorage in depths of 9 to ¾ cable offshore throughout the length of the channel, the
18 m. This anchorage is above the fourth narrows which ground inside it being foul and rocky.
has a very narrow and tortuous channel with reefs
extending from both sides. Hazards
10.124
1 The tidal streams are rapid and may at times constitute
KYLE RHEA a hazard to vessels on passage through the kyle, see 10.127
and caution at 10.131.
A ferry crosses the Kyle at its S end from a position
General information 1½ cables N of West Ferry House (57°13′⋅5N, 5°39′⋅8W).
Chart 2540 with plan of Kyle Rhea
Pilotage
Channel 10.125
10.120 1 Pilots may be obtained at the cottages on the W side of
1 Kyle Rhea (57°14′N, 5°39′W), entered at its S end from Kyle Rhea, at its S end.
the Sound of Sleat (10.60), separates the E coast of the 10.126
Island of Skye (1.90) from the mainland. This kyle, which 1 An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) and an
has a least width of ½ cable between the 10 m depth inshore lifeboat (1.72) are based at Kyle of Lochalsh
contours in its S entrance, and a least charted depth as (57°17′N, 5°43′W) (10.161).
given at 10.121, connects the Sound of Sleat with Loch
Alsh, 2 miles NNE (10.136) and forms part of the Inshore Tidal streams
Traffic Route as given at 1.11. 10.127
1 General information on tidal streams is given at 1.115.
Tidal streams in Kyle Rhea and its approaches are
shown on inset diagrams in Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland, based
on HW at Dover and referred to HW Ullapool; also by
similar diagrams on the chart which are based on HW at
Ullapool.
2 In Kyle Rhea the tidal streams set as follows:
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
+0545 N-going stream begins
–0015 S-going stream begins
Kyle Rhea Light (10.120) The rate at spring tides is 6 to 7 kn on the N-going
(Original dated 2000)
stream and 8 kn on the S-going stream, as shown on the
(Photograph − Air Images) chart.
3 Strong and prolonged winds from the S and SW
Limiting conditions increase both the duration and rate of the N-going stream,
10.121 and correspondingly reduce the S-going stream. Strong and
1 Controlling depth. The least charted depth along the continuous winds from the N have the reverse effect. The
track given in the Directions is 11 m, in position 57°13′⋅5N, S-going stream is also increased, and the N-going stream
5°39′⋅4W. This track also passes close to depths of less reduced, when snow is melting in spring, and during and
than 10 m, as given at 10.134; however, slightly deeper after periods of heavy rain.
water is charted to the E and SE of this track. 10.128
2 Controlling height. An overhead power cable, with a 1 North-going stream. When approaching from the Sound
safe vertical clearance of 61 m, spans Kyle Rhea in of Sleat an appreciable increase in the rate of the stream
position 57°14′⋅5N, 5°39′⋅2W, as shown on the chart. only begins within about 3 cables of the S entrance, inside
Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables. the 30 m depth contour. The rate then increases very
Mean spring range about 4⋅2 m; mean neap range about quickly as Caolas an Lamhachaidh (57°13′⋅5N, 5°39′⋅5W)
2⋅3 m. (10.134) is approached.

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2 Within Kyle Rhea, from 3 hours before HW until HW, both sides on lines which met in an inverted V in position
the N-going stream sets over the low-water rocks along the 3 cables NNE of West Ferry House. Within the V the water
W shore, at a rate of 4½ kn. At the N end of the kyle it was moving smoothly, with its surface ruffled by a light
then discharges NNE into Loch Alsh as a narrow rapid wind from the SE. From the point of the V, a line which
stream with eddies on both sides of it, quickly losing extended in a gentle curve towards Kyle Rhea Light,
strength until, 5 cables outside the 30 m depth contour, it 7 cables N of West Ferry House, indicated the limit of the
spreads weakly W towards Kyle Akin and E into the E S-going eddy along the W shore of the channel. To the W
part of Loch Alsh. of the middle and S parts of this line the water appeared to
3 Eddies during the north-going stream. Throughout the be moving SSE at a rate of 3 kn, and the danger of getting
duration of the N-going stream an eddy sets S close along the vessel’s stern into the eddy with her bow in the full
the W shore of the channel, from Kyle Rhea Light force of the N-going stream was evident.
(57°14′⋅3N, 5°39′⋅9W) to the point, 6¾ cables S, which lies
Waiting areas
close NE of West Ferry House. This eddy then continues
10.132
from a position close S of the same point to a position 2 or
1 Whilst waiting for a favourable tide, mariners can find
3 cables S of the entrance to Kylerhea River (57°13′⋅2N,
anchorage as given in the following paragraphs.
5°39′⋅8W). At the same time an eddy sets S along the E
South end: in Bàgh Dùnan Ruadh (57°13′N, 5°40′W)
shore of the channel, from a position 3 or 4 cables N of
(10.87) and, for small craft, in Glenelg Bay (57°13′N,
Eilean Liath (57°14′⋅1N, 5°39′⋅3W) to a position 4 cables S
5°38′W) (10.93) and Bernera Bay (57°13′⋅4N, 5°38′⋅5W)
of that islet. At its widest this eddy extends 1 cable W of
(10.94).
Eilean Liath.
2 North end, facilities are as follows: mooring buoys in
4 During the first half of the N-going stream eddies also
Loch na Béiste (57 16′N, 5°43′W) (10.167) and anchorage,
set S along both shores of the N part of the Kyle.
suitable for coasters, off Rubha Buidhe (10.166).
However, as the rocks along the shore cover with the rising
Anchorages for small craft are available in Loch na Béiste,
tide, these eddies cease and the main stream sets strongly
off Rubha Buidhe and in Balmacara Bay (57°17′N,
N over the rocks.
5°39′W) (10.171).
10.129
1 The south-going stream sets towards the N entrance of Principal marks
Kyle Rhea from both E and W and begins to increase its 10.133
rate at about 6 cables from the entrance. Within Kyle Rhea, 1 Landmarks:
near the S end, the S-going stream sets directly over Sgeir West Ferry House (57°13′⋅5N, 5°39′⋅8W), situated
nan Laogh (57°13′⋅8N, 5°39′⋅3W) and the adjacent rocks ¾ cable from the W coast, 3 cables N of Kylerhea
which lie within 3 cables of the E Ferry Pier. river, is a conspicuous two-storeyed building.
2 At the S end of the kyle it discharges SSE into the East Ferry House, 4½ cables NE of West Ferry
Sound of Sleat as a narrow rapid stream, with N-going House, situated close to the E coast, is also a
eddies on both sides of it. This stream then loses strength conspicuous two-storeyed building.
quickly and, a mile or so from the S entrance, it is no
stronger than the natural stream in the Sound of Sleat. Directions
3 Eddies during the south-going stream. During the (continued from 10.77)
whole of the S-going stream an eddy sets N along the W Passage north
shore of the channel from the point (57°13′⋅6N, 5°39′⋅7W), 10.134
lying NE of West Ferry House, to Kyle Rhea Light, 1 From position 57°12′⋅9N, 5°39′⋅1W the line of bearing
6¾ cables N. At its N end, a short distance S of the light, 343° of Kyle Rhea Light (white beacon) (57°14′⋅3N,
this eddy extends 1½ cables offshore. An eddy also sets N 5°39′⋅9W), standing close off the W shore, leads NNW
along the E shore of the channel from a position 3½ cables through the middle of Caolas an Lamhachaidh, the S
S of Eilean Liath to a position 2½ cables N of that islet. At entrance to Kyle Rhea. This track, which lies within a
its widest part, 1 cable S of Eilean Liath, this eddy extends white sector (338°−346°) of Kyle Rhea Light, passes (with
1 cable offshore. positions from Kyle Rhea Light):
Overfalls 2 Close ENE of a detached rocky shoal, with a charted
10.130 depth of 9⋅1 m, (9¼ cables SSE), which lies within
1 When the S-going stream is opposed by fresh S and SW the white sector of the light, thence:
winds, heavy overfalls, dangerous to boats, extend from WSW of Cuil a’ Mheannain (8¾ cables SE), the SE
6 cables to 1 mile SSE of the S entrance to Kyle Rhea, as entrance point to the kyle, thence:
shown on the chart. Over the least charted depth along the track
(7¾ cables SSE) as given at 10.121, and:
Caution 3 Close ENE of a detached shoal, with a charted depth
10.131 of 8⋅7 m (7½ cables SSE), the 10 m depth contour
1 Ship report. In 1943, HM Surveying Ship Scott, on of which lies very close to the track and all of
passage from N to S during the strength of the N-going which lies within the white sector of the light,
stream at spring tides reported the following. When in thence:
position 57°15′⋅5N, 5°37′⋅7W, in the N entrance to Kyle 4 WSW of a charted depth of 7⋅3 m (7 cables SSE)
Rhea, on a course of 223°, the ship slewed violently to situated near the edge of the coastal bank, on
port through an arc of 70°. Later, at the other end of the which lie drying and below-water rocks, extending
kyle, in position 2¼ cables NE of West Ferry House 1 cable SW from the point 2¼ cables WNW of
(57°13′⋅5N, 5°39′⋅8W) (10.133), when steaming with Cuil a’ Mheannain, thence:
revolutions for nearly 12 kn, no headway was made relative 5 WSW of a charted depth of 7⋅3 m (5¾ cables SSE)
to the land. The tidal streams seemed to pour through the which lies near the edge of the coastal bank,
narrows of Caolas an Lamhachaidh from off the points on ½ cable SW of Sgeir nan Laogh a drying rock on

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the coastal reef, situated close SSE of the Ferry forms part of the Inshore Traffic Route (1.11) and is given
Ramp on the E side of the channel, and: as a single channel in this text.
6 ENE of a rock awash (5½ cables S) which lies 3 Kyle Akin, with a least width of ¾ cable and a least
¼ cable ENE of the Ferry Ramp on the W side of depth as given at 10.138, lies between the N side of the
the channel. Island of Skye and Plock of Kyle, a peninsula extending W
7 When East Ferry House (10.133) bears 070° the track from Kyle of Lochalsh (57°17′N, 5°43′W) (10.161). The E
alters to the N, in mid-channel, passing (with positions end of Kyle Akin, entered between Rubha Ard Treisnis
from Kyle Rhea Light): (57°16′N, 5°43′W) and the W entrance point of Scalpaidh
W of marine farms (1.17) (4 cables SE) which are Bay, 8 cables NE, is divided into two channels by Eileanan
moored up to ¾ cable off the coast, thence: Dubha (57°16′⋅6N, 5°42′⋅5W) (10.137). The main channel
W of Eilean Liath (3¾ cables SE) which lies close through the kyle is that which passes S of Eileanan Dubha.
offshore. The channel to the N of these islands has a navigable
8 When E of Kyle Rhea Light the track alters to the NE, width of 130 m, with a depth of 13 m in the fairway.
following the deeper water on the SE side of the centreline,
passing (with positions from Kyle Rhea Light):
Under a power cable (5 cables NE) (10.121), thence:
NW of a charted depth of 4 m (5½ cables ENE)
which lies ¾ cable offshore, near the edge of the
coastal bank, and:
9 SE of Research Rock (5½ cables NE) which lies
1½ cables offshore, within a white sector
(219°−228°) of Kyle Rhea Light.
10 After passing Research Rock the track is adjusted
towards the N for a short distance to regain the centreline
of the channel. When Kyle Rhea Light bears 222° the track
is altered to 042° to maintain this light on a line of bearing Eileanan Dubha Kyle of Lochalsh
222°, astern, within a white sector (219°−228°) of the light, Kyle Akin from E (10.136)
which leads in mid-channel out of the N entrance to Kyle (Original dated 2000)
Rhea, passing (with positions from Garbhan Còsach
(57°15′N, 5°38′W)): (Photograph − Air Images)
11 NW of Garbhan Còsach, the E entry point at the N
end of Kyle Rhea, thence: 4 Skye Bridge connects the S side of Eilean Bàn
SE of a rocky islet lying on a reef which extends (57°16′⋅7N, 5°44′⋅5W) with the N coast of the Island of
¾ cable NE from Rubha na Caillich (6¼ cables Skye, 2 cables S; limiting conditions are given at 10.138. A
NW), a low grassy point with some cultivation on causeway and second bridge connect Eilean Bàn with Plock
it, which forms the W entrance point at the N end of Kyle on the mainland.
of Kyle Rhea, thence: Submarine cables and submarine power cables (1.39)
12 SE of Sgeir na Caillich (7 cables NW), an cross Kyle Akin in several places, as shown on the chart;
above-water rock on which stands Sgeir na their landing places are generally indicated by beacons.
Caillich Light (beacon).
Topography
Night passage 10.137
10.135 1 The S side of the central and W parts of Loch Alsh,
1 It is not advisable to proceed through Kyle Rhea at between Ardintoul Point (57°15′⋅6N, 5°35′⋅6W), which is
night without local knowledge. low, flat and cultivated, and Garbhan Còsach, 1½ miles
(Directions continue for the route Kyle Rhea to Inner WSW (10.134), consists of a gravel beach which rises,
Sound at 10.146) 6½ cables S of the shore, to Glas Bheinn, which has steep
but smooth sides. Farther W, the shore between Rubha
Buidhe (57°16′N, 5°40′W) and the head of Loch na Béiste,
LOCH ALSH AND KYLE AKIN
2¼ miles W, is fringed by a reef which extends ½ cable
offshore in places. Continuing W from the W entrance of
General information Kyle Akin the shore is backed by hills 30 m high.
Charts 2540 with plan of Kyle Akin 2 On the N side of Loch Alsh, Sgurr Mór, which rises in
Channel position 57°17′⋅5N, 5°36′⋅9W, is partly encircled halfway
10.136 up by a belt of trees and large red earthworks show among
1 Loch Alsh (57°16′N, 5°39′W), entered at its S end, near the dark heather on its sides.
the middle, from Kyle Rhea (10.120) and at its W end 3 Eileanan Dubha, lying in the E entrance to Kyle Akin,
from Kyle Akin (57°17′N, 5°43′W), separates the N side of is a group of islets and rocks, the two largest of which are
the E extremity of the Island of Skye from the mainland. covered with heather. Lights are exhibited from the W and
The E part of Loch Alsh leads to Loch Duich (57°15′N, the SE islets of the group.
5°30′W) (10.182), and to Loch Long (57°18′N, 5°30′W)
(10.183). The E part of Loch Alsh and the adjoining lochs Limiting conditions
are given in full at 10.174. 10.138
2 By connecting Kyle Rhea to Kyle Akin, the W part of 1 Controlling depth. Kyle Akin has a least depth of 8⋅8 m
Loch Alsh forms part of a channel connecting the N end of (57°16′⋅55N, 5°42′⋅80W) in the fairway of the channel
the Sound of Sleat (57°13′N, 5°39′W) (10.60) with the S passing S of Eileanan Dubha. The least depth in the
end of the Inner Sound (57°18′N, 5°45′W); this channel channel passing N of Eileanan Dubha is 13⋅9 m.

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Controlling height and width. Skye Bridge, with a Principal marks

minimum vertical clearance of 30 m over a navigable width 10.144
of 80 m, spans the W entrance to Kyle Akin. 1 Landmark:
2 Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables. Kyle Akin Lighthouse (disused) (white tower, 21 m in
Mean spring range about 4⋅5 m; mean neap range about height) (57°16′⋅7N, 5°44′⋅5W) which stands on
1⋅7 m. drying rocks ¼ cable SW of Eilean Bàn (10.152)
to which it is connected by a bridge. Following the
construction of the road bridge (10.136) it was
Vessel Traffic Management System reported that this lighthouse was fully visible from
10.139 the N but only partially so from the E.
1 A voluntary reporting scheme is in operation for vessels
approaching the Kyle of Lochalsh and Kyle Rhea and Other navigational aids
intending to pass under the main span of the Skye Bridge. 10.145
For details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the
6(1). Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at
1.33.

Traffic signals Directions from Kyle Rhea to Inner Sound

10.140 (continued from 10.135)
1 A red flag by day and a red light at night, shown at the
BUTEC support base (57°16′⋅8N, 5°42′⋅5W) indicates that
General information
passage in the Inner Sound is restricted as given at 10.197. 10.146
1 The Directions which follow are given first for a single
route from the N end of Kyle Rhea to Inner Sound, using
the channel to the S of Eileanan Dubha. Directions are then
Rescue
given at 10.156 for the channel to the N of Eileanan Dubha
10.141
as a deviation from the single route mentioned above.
1 An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) and an
inshore lifeboat (1.72) are based at Kyle of Lochalsh Loch Alsh western part
(57°17′N, 5°43′W). 10.147
1 From position 57°15′⋅6N, 5°37′⋅5W, in the N approach
to Kyle Rhea, the track leads NW for about 8 cables,
Natural conditions towards Donald Murchison’s Monument, 1 mile NNW of
10.142 Rubha Buidhe (57°16′N, 5°40′W), which is a prominent
1 Tidal streams in the W part of Loch Alsh and in white granite obelisk, 8 m in height, standing on Doire na
Kyle Akin. General information on tidal streams is given at h-Earba, passing (with positions from Rubha Buidhe):
1.115. 2 SW of Ru Aird a Mhill (1½ miles ENE), a grassy
2 Tidal streams in the W part of Loch Alsh and in Kyle point that is steep-to and rises 2¼ cables inland to
Akin (57°17′N, 5°43′W) and its approaches are shown on Ard Hill, and:
inset diagrams in Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: North NE of Sgeir na Caillich (5 cables ESE) (10.134),
Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland, and on the thence:
chart for a tidal stream station in the middle of the W NE of Caillich Knoll (4¼ cables E) which is a sandy
entrance to Kyle Akin. shoal lying near the edge of the coastal bank off
3 The streams in the W part of Loch Alsh depend entirely the NE extremity of the Island of Skye, thence:
on the relationship between the streams in Kyle Akin and 3 SW of a detached rocky shoal, with a depth of 4⋅6 m
those in Kyle Rhea (10.127), whilst the streams in the E over it (1¼ miles NE), which lies near the SW end
part of Loch Alsh (10.176) either join or separate from the of a spit extending 3¼ cables SW from the N
streams in the W part. As a result the streams, which set shore of the loch.
mainly along the S shore of the W part of the loch, are 10.148
usually weak and never exceed a rate of 1 kn. Off the N 1 Useful marks:
shore of the loch the streams are both weak and variable. A prominent white building (1½ miles NNE) standing
10.143 near the shore on the E side of Balmacara Bay.
1 Flow. Strong and prolonged S and SW winds increase Balmacara House, standing on the W side of the head
both the duration and rate of the W-going stream in both of Balmacara Bay (10.173) 4 cables WNW of the
the W part of Loch Alsh and in Kyle Akin, and white building (above), is a large three-storeyed
correspondingly reduce the E-going stream. Strong winds house with long frontage to the loch. There are
from the N have the reverse effect. The W-going stream is several cottages to the W of Balmacara House.
also increased, and the E-going stream reduced, when the 2 Balmacara Lodge (charted as Greystone House)
snow is melting in spring, and during and after periods of (1 mile N), which stands close to the wooded
heavy rain. The currents caused by winds, melting snow shore of Balmacara Bay near to a small jetty.
and rain do not vary with the rate of the tidal stream; their
effects are therefore most noticeable when the stream is Approach and entry to Kyle Akin south channel
weak. During periods of weak and variable tidal streams 10.149
the resultant flow may set W with S winds, melting snow 1 When Eileanan Dubha (E) Light (white metal framework
or rain, and may set E with N winds. tower, 5 m in height) (57°16′⋅6N, 5°42′⋅3W) bears 284°, the
2 Caution. In the approach to Skye Bridge from the W, track is altered to the WNW for about 1½ miles with the
mariners should be aware of the effects of the tidal set of light on a line of bearing ahead, passing (with positions
the E-going stream. from Rubha Ard Treisnis (57°16′⋅3N, 5°42′⋅6W)):

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Channel Channel Channel

marker port centre marker marker starboard

Kyle Akin Lighthouse (disused)

Skye Bridge from E (10.152)
(Original dated 1996)
(Photograph − HMSML Gleaner)

N of a bank, with a depth of less than 10 m over it, mole and Sgeir a’ Chaisteil. In summer the buildings are
which extends 1¾ cables N from the coast close completely obscured by the trees except from the E; during
W of Rubha Buidhe (1¾ miles ESE), thence: the winter they may show through the trees.
2 S of the bank extending 4 cables S from Doire na 10.151
h-Earba (1½ miles ENE) which is a slightly 1 Useful marks:
projecting headland. Bo Doire na h-Earba lies on The ruins of Caisteal Maol (2¾ cables W) a square
the S part of this bank, the S edge of which is tower standing near the coast.
steep-to, thence: Marks along the N coast of Kyle Akin are given at
3 N of Bo Sròn an Tairbh (9 cables ESE) a rocky shoal 10.159.
which lies near the N edge of a bank which
extends 2 cables N from Sròn an Tairbh, and on
which lies the below-water wreck of HMS Port
Kyle Akin channel and western entrance
Napier. A chain of marine farms (1.17) is moored
10.152
along the coast to the S of the wreck.
1 The line of bearing of the centre light of Skye Bridge
4 When Kyle Akin Lighthouse bears 278°, the track is
271° ahead and Eileanan Dubha Light 091° astern leads W
altered to the W for about 1 mile with the lighthouse on a
for about 7½ cables through the channel under the main
line of bearing ahead, passing (with positions from Rubha
span of Skye Bridge, passing (with positions from Kyle
Ard Treisnis):
Akin Lighthouse):
S of foul ground and a shallow bank which extends
2 N of foul ground and a bank with depths of less than
½ cable S from the SE islet (3¼ cables NE) at the
10 m over it which extends 1 cable N from the N
E end of Eileanan Dubha (10.137), thence:
side of the mole at Kyleakin (4 cables WNW) near
5 N of a drying reef and shallow bank which extends
the middle of which stands a light (metal post);
¾ cable NE from Rubha Ard Treisnis, the NE
see clearing bearing at 10.150. Thence:
extremity of a narrow peninsula which juts out
3 N of the coastal bank, with charted depths of less
from the N coast of the Island of Skye, thence:
than 10 m, which extends up to 1¼ cables N from
S of the W islet of Eileanan Dubha (2¾ cables N)
the promontory on which Kyleakin village stands
(10.137), thence:
(4¾ cables ESE), thence:
6 Over the N end of the shallow bank, with charted
S of a depth of 0⋅2 m (6¼ cables E) (10.158), thence:
depths of less than 10 m, which extends 1 cable N
4 Under the main span of Skye Bridge; lights, shown
from String Rock (1¾ cables NNW), a drying rock
on the chart, and daymarks are exhibited from
which is marked off its N side by a light-buoy
each side of the main span defining the N and S
(port hand) in the vicinity of a charted depth of
edges of the navigation channel. Kyle Akin
3⋅8 m. This bank forms the least depth in the S
Lighthouse (10.144) stands on the SW end of the
channel, as given at 10.138. Thence:
W part of Eilean Bàn on which also stand a
7 N of a shallow bank, with charted depths of less than
number of dwellings.
10 m, which extends 1¼ cables N from the W
5 See caution at 10.143.
extremity of Sgeir a’ Chaisteil (3 cables WNW)
10.153
which has two rocky heads which dry; see clearing
1 Useful mark:
bearing at 10.150.
King’s Arms Hotel (4½ cables SE), a long white
10.150
building which stands close to the S shore,
1 Clearing bearings. A line of bearing, more than 111°,
fronting Kyleakin, a village with two churches.
of Rubha Buidhe (57°16′N, 5°40′W) (10.147) clears NNE
of String Rock but passes over the shallow bank extending
N from the rock.
2 The line of bearing 262° of Kyle House (1 mile W), a Departure from Kyle Akin western entrance
white two-storeyed building with stables close S of it, 10.154
which has the appearance of a small chapel, standing 1 When Kyle Akin Lighthouse bears 059° distant
within high trees on a mound which is faced on its N side 1½ cables, the line of bearing 140°, astern, of Kyle House,
by a precipitous cliff, open N of the boathouse, 2 cables E 2¼ cables S of Kyle Akin Lighthouse, (10.150), leads NW
of it, clears N of the banks extending N from Kyleakin for about 7½ cables, through the W approach to Kyle Akin

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in a least charted depth of 9⋅4 m, passing (with positions Kyle Akin north channel
from Kyle Akin Lighthouse): 10.158
2 SW of the coastal bank, with charted depths of less 1 The line of bearing 264° of the centre light of Skye
than 10 m in general and a charted depth of 7⋅4 m Bridge ahead, and Balmacara Hotel (above) 084° astern,
(1 cable W), thence: leads W for about 1½ miles through the fairway of the N
3 SW of a 6⋅2 m patch (2¼ cables WNW), which lies channel, clear of all dangers, passing (with positions from
on the coastal bank 2¼ cables SW of Fork Rocks, the W extremity of Eileanan Dubha):
a group of above-water and below-water rocks 2 S of the coastal bank, with a charted depth of 4⋅6 m
surrounded by foul ground and marked off their (3½ cables ENE) which extends ½ cable S from
SW side by Fork Rocks Light-buoy (starboard the N shore and is steep-to, thence:
hand), and: 3 N of the foul ground and bank, with depths of less
4 NE of Black Eye Rock (4 cables W) which is marked than 10 m over it, which extends ½ cable NNE
off its N side by Black Eye Rock Light-buoy (port and NNW from the N islet at the E end of
hand), thence: Eileanan Dubha (2¾ cables E) on the summit of
NE of a shallow patch, with a least charted depth of which stands a red beacon with a white reflector,
8⋅7 m (5½ cables WNW), and: 1 m in height, thence:
5 SW of the bank, with charted depths of less than 4 S of BUTEC Jetty (2 cables NE) (10.197), an
10 m, extending 2¼ cables SW from Carrach Rock L-shaped structure, on the S corner and on the E
(4¾ cables NNW) which lies near the W edge of end of which stands a light (white metal post, 3 m
foul ground extending 2¾ cables W from the S in height), and:
end of Eilean a’ Mhal and is surrounded by reefs N of the two largest islands of Eileanan Dubha
and shoals. Thence: (10.137), and:
6 NE of Bow Rock Light-buoy (port hand) (7½ cables 5 S of Railway Terminus Pier (1½ cables N) (10.164)
W), which is moored 1½ cables inside the 10 m on both the SE and SW corners of which stand a
depth contour and marks the N side of an light (post, 3 m in height), thence:
extensive shoal, with depth of 2⋅4 to 3⋅5 m over it, S of a charted depth of 0⋅2 m (3½ cables WNW)
lying N and NW of Bogha Beag (6¾ cables which lies near the S edge of foul ground and the
WSW) which is a drying rock. Thence: coastal bank, with depths of less than 10 m over it,
7 SW of a group of rocky patches, with a least depth which extend ¾ cable S from the coast.
of 1⋅2 m over them (6 cables NNW). Carrach 6 After passing the 0⋅2 m patch (above) the track may be
Light-buoy (starboard hand) is moored 1½ cables adjusted as required to continue W as given at 10.152 and
W of the 1⋅42 m patch; this buoy is fitted with a to depart from Kyle Akin as given at 10.154.
racon, for details see Admiralty List of Radio 10.159
Signals Volume 2. 1 Useful marks:
8 When in depths of over 40 m a vessel is clear of all Station Hotel (2½ cables NW) which is a
dangers in the W approach to Kyle Akin. three-storeyed building.
10.155 A tank (2½ cables NNW).
1 Useful mark: Marks along the S coast of Kyle Akin are given at
A light (elevation 10 m) (57°16′⋅5N, 5°45′⋅1W) 10.151.
standing 10 m off the head of Alt-an-Avaig Jetty.
(Directions continue for Inner Sound at 10.204; Other name
for Loch Carron at 10.244; 10.160
for Caolas Pabay at 10.224; 1 Doctor’s Rock (57°16′⋅5N, 5°44′⋅5W).
and for Caol Mór at 10.213)
Kyle of Lochalsh
General information
Approach to Kyle Akin north channel 10.161
10.156 1 Kyle of Lochalsh (57°17′N, 5°43′W), a small town on
1 From position 57°16′⋅3N, 5°40′⋅6W, with Kyle Akin the N side of the E entrance to Kyle Akin, which had a
Lighthouse bearing 280° distant 2⋅15 miles, the approach to population of 739 in 2001, is the railhead of the line from
the channel passing N of Eileanan Dubha leads NW for Inverness and maintains communications by sea with The
about 8 cables towards a beacon marking the landing place Hebrides and other coastal ports.
of submarine power cables, passing (with positions from 2 Harbour limits. Kyle of Lochalsh Harbour consists of
Rubha Ard Treisnis): all waters below the level of HW enclosed by a line
2 SW of the bank extending SW from Bo Doire na joining the following positions:
h-Earba (1¼ miles ENE) (10.149), thence: A point on the N shore in position 57°16′⋅79N,
SW of the coastal bank, with depths of less than 5°43′⋅27W, thence:
10 m over it, which extends 1½ cables S from the SSE for 412 m to position 57°16′⋅59N, 5°43′⋅10W,
head of Scalpaidh Bay (9½ cables NE) and near thence:
the S end of which lies Sgeir Oighrig, a drying 3 E for 620 m to position 57°16′⋅61N, 5°42′⋅49W,
rock. thence:
10.157 NE for 310 m to position 57°16′⋅74N, 5°42′⋅30W,
1 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 084° of thence:
Balmacara Hotel (57°17′⋅0N, 5°37′⋅6W), a stone building N for 180 m to a point on the N shore in position
standing near the shore at the base of Sgurr Mór (10.137), 57°16′⋅84N, 5°42′⋅31W.
just open S of Doire na h-Earba, 1½ miles W, clears S of 4 Traffic. In 1999 the port was used by 7 vessels with a
Sgeir Oighrig, passing over the edge of the coastal bank. total dwt of 10 000 tonnes.

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Port Authority: The Highland Council, Department of Anchorages and moorings

Roads and Transport, Council Buildings, Glenurquhart
Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX. Local control is vested in the Rubha Buidhe
Harbour Master, Kyle Harbour, Kyle of Lochalsh, 10.166
Ross-shire, IV40 8AQ. 1 Good anchorage, suitable for coasters, can be obtained
on the S side of Loch Alsh in position 2¾ cables NE of
Rubha Buidhe (57°16′N, 5°40′W) with Sgeir na Caillich
Limiting conditions
bearing 150° distant 4¾ cables, in depths of 13 to 15 m,
10.162
sand and mud, ½ cable E of the position shown on the
1 Deepest berth is the Railway Pier (10.164).
chart. This area is sheltered from the S and SW and very
Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
little tidal stream is experienced.
Mean spring range about 4⋅5 m; mean neap range about
2 Small craft can obtain anchorage with Sgeir na Caillich
1⋅7 m.
bearing between 140° and 150° distant from 1 to 3 cables,
Maximum size of vessel. Vessels up to 95 m in length
in depths of 4 to 5 m.
(120 m if fitted with a bow thrust unit), 12 m breadth and
6⋅4 m draught can be accommodated. Loch na Béiste
10.167
Arrival information 1 Loch na Béiste (57°16′N, 5°43′W) is currently used as
10.163 an anchorage for vessels awaiting entry to Kyle of
1 Port radio operates on VHF. See Admiralty List of Lochalsh (10.161) or favourable tides through Kyle Rhea
Radio Signals Volume 6(1) for details. (10.120). Although the area is subject to occasional squalls
Notice of ETA. Advance warning is requested. it generally affords good shelter from the prevailing winds.
Tugs. Two tugs are based in the harbour. Old moorings exist in the bay but it is reported that little
Regulations. A speed limit of 5 kn is in force within the trouble is experienced in vessels with power winches.
harbour limits. Special bye-laws, details of which can be 2 Small craft can obtain anchorage on a narrow shelf
obtained from the Harbour Master, are in force for vessels along the NW side, 3½ cables from the head of the loch,
carrying petroleum, carbide of calcium and explosives. or on the S side, close in, nearer to its head, clear of
marine farms (1.17) and a wreck which is marked by a
Berths buoy (special), as shown on the chart.
10.164
1 The principal berth is the Railway Terminus Pier, a Small craft
concrete structure extending 110 m S from the shore abreast
the middle of the town. This pier has a total quay length of General information
270 m with a minimum depth of 6⋅5 m alongside the S face 10.168
at MLWS. Lights stand on both corners of the S face, as 1 In addition to the anchorages and berths given below
given at 10.158. those anchorages and berths which are to be found in the E
part of Loch Alsh and within Loch Duich are described
within each loch.

Kyleakin Harbour
10.169
1 Kyleakin Harbour (57°16′⋅4N, 5°43′⋅3W) situated on the
S side of Kyle Akin, is formed by a rocky knoll, extended
¾ cable E by a stone mole, situated at the E end of a
peninsula enclosing An t-Ob, an elongated narrow loch.

Railway Terminus Pier, Kyle of Lochalsh, from S (10.164)

(Original dated 2000)
(Photograph − Air Images)
Caisteal Moal
Kyleakin from NE (10.169)
2 There are three other berths in the port which provide (Original dated 2000)
facilities for specialist vessels such as leisure craft and (Photograph − Air Images)
fishing. Harbour Authority: The Highland Council, Department
of Roads and Transport, Council Buildings, Glenurquhart
Port services Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX. Local control is vested in the
10.165 Harbour Master at Kyle of Lochalsh (10.161).
1 Repairs: A slipway for repairs to vessels up to 60 m in 2 Berths. There are pontoon moorings on the S side of
length. the mole which has a slipway on the S side of its E end.
Supplies: Fuel, on 24 hours notice, and fresh water are There are two other berths on the S side of the harbour.
available at Railway Pier; petrol and all domestic There are visitors moorings close NW of the King’s Arms
provisions can be obtained in the town. Hotel.

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Anchorage can be obtained in a small pool between the 3 Submarine cables (1.39), including a power cable, cross
N and S berths, as shown on the chart. Loch Alsh close E and W of Glas Eilean, as shown on the
chart; their landing places are marked by beacons on the
Kyle of Lochalsh mainland shore.
10.170 10.175
1 Seasonal pontoon berths for small craft are situated 1 Topography for the east part of Loch Alsh. The S
adjacent to the old ferry slipway, ¾ cable W of the coast between Rubha Aird a’ Mhadaidh (57°15′⋅6N,
Railway Terminus Pier. The pontoons, from the W end of 5°34′⋅0W), which rises to an elevation of 180 m just
which a light is exhibited, are in place fron 1 April to 2½ cables inland, and Totaig, 1½ miles ENE, is steep,
30 September each year. rugged and covered with trees in places.
The N coast, between Ru Sgarabhaig and Ardelve Point
Balmacara Bay (57°17′N, 5°31′W), 2½ miles E, is moderately bold with
10.171 many small bays and shallow inlets.
1 Anchorage can be obtained in Balmacara Bay (57°17′N, 10.176
5°39′W) on the line of bearing 300° of a wooden hut at 1 Tidal streams in the E part of Loch Alsh and in Loch
the root of the NE jetty (ruins) on the W side of the bay, Duich and Loch Long set as follows:
near to the anchorage shown on the chart. The depth in this
position is 18–22 m, mud, but the bottom drops away Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
suddenly and craft might be driven off the bank in heavy +0600 In-going stream begins
squalls from the N. S and SW winds create a short sea in –0020 Out-going stream begins
the bay.
2 Landing is possible at a jetty near the SW entrance The streams are weak and nowhere exceed a rate of ½
point to the bay, close to Greystone House (10.148). to ¾ kn at spring tides.
2 In the W entrance to the E part of Loch Alsh the
Aird a Mhill Bay in-going stream divides and sets along both sides of Glas
10.172 Eilean. At the E end of this loch the stream again divides
1 Aird a Mhill Bay (57°17′N, 5°36′W) provides some to set NE into Loch Long and SE into Loch Duich.
shelter in E winds but is exposed SW and the head of the In the narrow, shallow entrance to Loch Long the
bay, which dries for 1 cable, drops steeply to over 30 m. streams are appreciable, but they are imperceptible in the
Anchorage may be obtained in a depth of 5 m on the E loch.
side of the head of the bay. 3 In Loch Duich the in-going stream is appreciable for
1 mile along the NE shore, but elsewhere in the loch the
Other anchorages streams are imperceptible.
10.173 The out-going streams from Loch Duich and Loch Long
1 Scalpaidh Bay (57°17′N, 5°41′W) affords anchorage meet in the E part of Loch Alsh then divide to set out on
NW of Sgeir Oighrig (10.156). both sides of Glas Eilean.
Kyle Akin: 4 Flow. The rates and directions of the out-going streams
N side, in a small bay 4½ cables W of Railway are increased and the in-going streams correspondingly
Terminus Pier, as shown on the chart, clear of a reduced when snow is melting in spring, and during and
mooring in the centre of the bay. after heavy rain. The effect of wind on the streams is
2 Small craft moorings are established on the S side of probably negligible.
Kyle Akin, 1 cable NNW of King’s Arms Hotel (10.153),
as shown on the chart. Directions
10.177
Loch Alsh eastern part, 1 From position 57°16′⋅1N, 5°36′⋅0W the alignment (074°)
Loch Duich and Loch Long of Ais-sgeir (57°16′⋅6N, 5°32′⋅8W), a bare black rock, with
Loch Duich Hotel, 1 mile farther ENE, a stone building
Chart 2541 plans of Loch Duich and of Loch Long somewhat obscured by trees on its S side, leads ENE
General information through the fairway of the N channel, as shown on the
10.174 chart passing (with positions from Ru Sgarabhaig (57°16′N,
1 The E part of Loch Alsh, entered between Ardintoul 5°36′W)):
Point (57°15′⋅6N, 5°35′⋅6W) (10.137) and Ru Sgarabhaig, 2 Very close SSE of the coastal bank, with a charted
7 cables N, extends 2½ miles ENE to the S entrance to depth of 7⋅2 m near its S edge which extends
Loch Long (57°17′N, 5°31′W) (10.183) and the NW ¾ cable SE from Ru Sgarabhaig, the SW extremity
entrance to Loch Duich (57°16′N, 5°31′W) (10.182). of Avernish, a promontory forming the N side of
2 Channels. Glas Eilean (57°16′N, 5°35′W), a flat and the N entrance channel, thence:
green island which lies in mid-channel near the W entrance 3 Close SSE of foul ground and rocks awash
to the E part of Loch Alsh, creates two entrance channels (1½ cables E) which extend ¾ cable SE from the
between the drying reef which surrounds Glas Eilean and point close E of Ru Sgarabhaig. This area is rather
extends up to 1 cable off the W side of the island, and the deceptive at HW, the rocks being covered. And:
reefs which extend up to 1 cable from the mainland shores 4 NNW of Racoon Rock (2½ cables ESE) which has a
to the N and S. Both of these channels are navigable but least depth of 1⋅8 m over it (charted as dangerous
the channel passing S of Glas Eilean has a dangerous rocky rock) and is marked on its NW side by a
shoal lying in the middle of the E entrance. The channel light-buoy (starboard hand), thence:
passing N of the island, with a width of about 1 cable at its 5 SSE of an obstruction (4 cables ENE), the position of
W end and charted depths of less than 10 m, is straighter, which is approximate, which is the remains of a
wider and easier to navigate than the S channel and is the marine farm lying near the middle of Avernish
only channel for which Directions are given in this text. Bay.

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6 When within 2 cables of Ru an Aisig (57°16′⋅4N, reef, partly above-water, in the middle of the bay, affords
5°34′⋅5W) the track alters towards the E for about 2 miles, anchorage on a hard bottom, clear of moorings which
passing (with positions from Ru an Aisig): restrict the anchorage space. The tidal stream (10.176),
S of the coastal bank extending ½ cable S from Ru which sets strongly around the bay, is reported to set
an Aisig, the SE extremity of Avernish peninsula, clockwise with the in-going stream and anti-clockwise with
thence: the out-going stream.
7 N of the coastal bank, which extends 1¼ cables N
from Glas Eilean, and which is marked by a Loch Duich
light-buoy (starboard hand), thence: 10.182
N of the shoal on which lies Larach Tigh Mhic 1 Loch Duich, which is entered between Totaig
Dhomhnuill (5 cables SE) which dries, thence: (57°16′⋅2N, 5°31′⋅4W) and Eilean Tioram, 3 cables N
8 S of an obstruction (6½ cables E) the position of (10.177), extends 5 miles SE to its head in Loch Beg. Loch
which is approximate, which is the remains of a Duich is seldom used by shipping.
marine farm lying off the SE edge of the coastal Topography. The shores of Loch Duich are generally
bank extending 2½ cables offshore in the entrance steep and partially wooded; around the head of the loch
to Nostie Bay (6 cables NE). Thence: several sharp-peaked precipitous mountains rise to between
9 N of Nostie Bank (8 cables ESE) for which clearing 610 and 915 m.
marks are given at 10.178, thence: 2 Depths. Loch Duich is deep except in the entrance
S of an obstruction (1 mile E), the position of which which is partly blocked by Aile More Bank, 1 cable ENE
is approximate, which is the remains of a marine of Totaig, and at the head of the loch which is indented by
farm, thence: several bays in which flats dry out up to 4½ cables from
10 S of foul ground and the coastal bank, with depths of the shore.
less than 10 m over it, (1½ miles E) which extends 3 Obstructions. A large experimental raft, marked by a
3½ cables S from the N shore of Loch Alsh, and: light and by a buoy (special), is moored in the middle of
N of an obstruction (1½ miles E) the position of the loch, 2½ miles within the entrance, as shown on the
which is approximate, which is the remains of a chart, between April and December each year.
marine farm (1.17) lying about 1½ cables W of the Numerous marine farms (1.17) are moored along the SW
NE extremity of Eilean Aoinidh, a rocky and shore of the loch, as shown on the chart.
wooded point on the S side of the loch, and: 4 Useful marks:
11 S of the drying reef and coastal bank which Eilean Donnan Castle, 4 cables NE of Totaig,
surrounds and extends 2 cables SW and SE from (10.178).
Eilean Tioram (1¾ miles E), a low grassy islet Ratagan youth hostel (57°13′⋅4N, 5°27′⋅0W), standing
which lies at the junction of Loch Alsh, Loch near the shore towards the head of the loch, is a
Long and Loch Duich. conspicuous white house.
10.178 5 Anchorage. Loch Duich affords anchorage for small
1 Clearing marks: craft outside the flats around the head of the bay in depths
The alignment (089°) of the N extremity of Eilean of 11 to 22 m. In addition, specific anchorages in this area
Aoinidh (1½ miles E) (10.177) with a point on the are reported to be:
coast, 6½ cables farther E, which lies ¾ cable S of On the SW side of Ratagan Bay (57°13′N, 5°26′W)
Cnoc an Tuairnir, clears close N of Nostie Bank. in a depth of 5 m, where good shelter has been
2 Useful mark: found.
A ruined castle that is covered with ivy and is 6 Off a concrete slip by the hotel on the E side of Bay
reported to be conspicuous, standing on Eilean of Invershiel (57°13′N, 5°25′W).
Donnan (2 miles E) (10.183). Moorings for small craft are established off Letterfearn
(57°15′⋅4N, 5°30′⋅6W) on the SW side of the loch.
Anchorages for small craft in the eastern part of Loch
Alsh Loch Long
10.179 10.183
1 Ardintoul Bay (57°15′⋅5N, 5°35′⋅4W) on the E side of 1 Loch Long, entered between Eilean Tioram (57°16′⋅5N,
Ardintoul Point (10.137) affords anchorage for small craft 5°31′⋅5W) (10.177) and Eilean Donnan, 2 cables E, an islet
in a depth of 5 m off the W shore of the bay, clear of a close off the E shore, to which it is connected by a drying
marine farm (1.17) moored over the centre of the bay, as reef, extends 2¾ miles NE through a tortuous and, in
shown on the chart. places, very shallow channel to a small, deep basin near
A jetty extends from the W side of the bay. drying flats at its head.
10.180 2 The entrance channel, between Ardelve Point and Dornie
1 Avernish Bay (57°16′⋅4N, 5°34′⋅7W) (10.177) affords village, is suitable only for small craft as it is very narrow,
shelter in strong E and NE winds clear of submarine cables has a least depth of 2⋅1 m in the fairway and height
(10.174) and of an obstruction (10.177). restrictions due to a bridge which spans the channel.
10.181 3 Anchorage can be obtained off Dornie village, clear of a
1 Ob Aoinidh (57°16′⋅2N, 5°31′⋅6W), a small bay on the submarine cable (1.39), or off a slip on the NW side of
E side of Eilean Aoinidh (10.177), which has an extensive Eilean Donnan. The tidal stream is strong in both positions.

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CHAPTER 10

INNER SOUND AND APPROACHES, SOUND OF RAASAY

GENERAL INFORMATION Hazards
10.189
1 The area covered by this section is used extensively for
Charts 1794, 2209, 2210 fishing, see 10.5, and with the exception of Loch Carron
Scope of the section and Loch Kishorn, is a submarine exercise area, see 10.4.
10.184 In addition the Inner Sound contains a submarine range
1 This section covers the Inner Sound (57°30′N, 5°56′W) (10.196) and restricted areas (10.197).
(10.191), which extends some 20 miles N from Broadford 2 Kelp grows in large concentrations along the rocky
Bay (57°15′N, 5°53′W) to the N end of Rona (57°35′N, shores of the Inner Sound, extending in places up to
5°58′W), together with Loch Carron (57°21′N, 5°40′W) 2 cables from the shore. Within the 15 m contour the kelp
(10.236). It also covers the Sound of Raasay (57°30′N, may be so dense as to give false readings on an echo
6°05′W) (10.264) and the approaches from the N from the sounder. Kelp may also conceal underwater hazards, and it
Little Minch (12.1) and North Minch (13.1). lies sufficiently close to the surface to foul propellers and
2 The area covered by this section cannot be given in a intakes.
simple linear sequence; it is therefore described in the
following order:
Inner Sound at 10.191. Local weather
Loch Carron and Loch Kishorn at 10.236. 10.190
Sound of Raasay and approaches at 10.264. 1 It is reported that cloud caps blowing off the hills of the
N approach to Inner Sound at 10.312. Island of Skye are taken to be an indication of imminent
squalls.

Inshore Traffic Route

10.185 INNER SOUND
1 Part of the Inshore Traffic Route (1.11) passes through
the area covered by this section, the text for which is given
as follows: General information
From the W entrance to Kyle Akin (57°17′N,
5°45′W), through the Inner Sound, to the N end of Charts 2209, 2210
Rona ((57°35′N, 5°58′W) at 10.192. Channels
From the N end of Rona to North Minch (57°52′N, 10.191
5°55′W) (13.1) at 10.312. 1 Inner Sound (57°30′N, 5°56′W) is the deep water
channel on the E side of a chain of islands which extends
from the S end of Pabay (57°16′N, 5°52′W) for a total of
Harbours and lochs 22 miles WNW then N to the N extremity of Rona
10.186 (57°35′N, 5°58′W). The S shore of this sound is formed by
1 Within the area described above the text includes the the N coast of the Island of Skye, from the W entrance of
following lochs and harbour, in order from S to N: Kyle Akin (57°17′N, 5°45′W) to and including Broadford
Loch Carron (57°21′N, 5°40′W) (10.236). Bay, 5 miles WSW (10.219). The E shore consists, at the S
Portree Harbour (57°25′N, 6°11′W) (10.283). end, of the mainland coast from Plock of Kyle (57°17′N,
Loch Torridon (57°35′N, 5°45′W) (10.340). 5°44′W) to Portnacloich Point, 1½ miles N. The remainder
Loch Gairloch (57°43′N, 5°45′W) (10.322). of the E shore extends N from Rubha na h-Uamha
10.187 (57°21′N, 5°47′W) to Rubha na Fearn, a distance of
1 Minor harbours within the area, with very limited 15 miles.
facilities are as follows: 2 The S part of Inner Sound is encumbered with islands
Broadford Bay (57°15′N, 5°53′W) (10.219). and shoals around its shores, but to the N of Linne Crowlin
Loch Kishorn (57°23′N, 5°38′W) (10.255). (below) there are no dangers in the fairway and the sound
Loch a’ Bhràige (57°35′N, 5°58′W) (10.295). is from 3½ to 6 miles wide, with the narrowest part
Gairloch Harbour (57°43′N, 5°41′W) (10.331). towards the N entrance.
3 Linne Crowlin (57°19′N, 5°51′W), which passes
between Crowlin Islands and Longay, 2 miles SW, forms
Small craft facilities the narrowest part of Inner Sound.
10.188 Caolas Mór (57°21′N, 5°49′W), a side channel which
1 The Sound of Raasay, with the Inner Sound and adjacent passes between Crowlin Islands and the mainland NE, is
lochs, provides an area of sheltered water with a wide described at 10.216.
variety of anchorages within the sounds, within the lochs
given above and within most of the minor lochs around the
area. Few of these anchorages offer any facilities and some Routes
of the lochs are subject to violent squalls with the wind 10.192
from certain directions, as given in the text. In addition to 1 Kyle Akin to North Minch. The main route N from
the harbours given above, some facilities, such as moorings Kyle Akin (10.136) to the S end of North Minch (57°45′N,
and slips, may be found at the following: 6°00′W) (13.1) passes through Inner Sound (10.191) which
2 Plockton Harbour (57°20′N, 5°39′W) (10.258). is more open and a better channel than Sound of Raasay
Churchton Bay (57°21′N, 6°05′W) (10.305). (57°30′N, 6°05′W) (10.264).
Caolas Bad a’ Chrotha (57°42′⋅2N, 5°43′⋅3W) 2 From a position 1 mile NW of Kyle Akin Lighthouse
(10.334). (57°16′⋅7N, 5°44′⋅5W)(10.144) the route through Linne

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Crowlin leads NW for about 4 miles, to a position 5 Rona. (57°33′N, 5°59′W), an elongated island which
8½ cables W of the SW extremity of Crowlin Islands borders the W side of the N part of Inner Sound, has a
(57°20′N, 5°50′W) then NNW for about 6 miles to the S bare rugged outline with small patches of greenery but very
end of the Inner Sea Area (10.197). From the vicinity of little cultivation. It rises to a summit in Meall Acairseid
57°25′N, 5°57′W the route leads NNE for about 11 miles in (57°33′N, 5°58′W) and several hills from 60 to 100 m high
mid-channel through the Inner Sound to a position extend as a ridge along the E of the centre-line of the
2½ miles WNW of Rubha na Fearn (57°35′N, 5°49′W). island on which side they fall steeply to the sea. This side
The N part of this route passes along the E side of a is nearly straight, steep-to and free from dangers outside
Submarine Range (57°34′⋅0N, 5°55′⋅5W) (10.196). This 1 cable offshore, except at its N end.
route forms part of the Inshore Traffic Route as given at 10.195
1.11. 1 On the east side of the sound there is only one group
3 Kyle Akin to Sound of Raasay. The routes from Kyle of islands, as given below.
Akin to Caol Mór, (57°20′N, 6°00′W), the S entrance to Crowlin Islands (57°20′N, 5°50′W), lying on the E side
Sound of Raasay, are described at 10.211. of the S part of Inner Sound, are a group of three islands
connected by drying reefs.
Topography Hazards
10.193 10.196
1 The south shore of Inner Sound, to the W of Sgeir na 1 Submarine exercise areas. The route described above
Iasgaich (57°16′N, 5°47′W), is backed by hills rising close passes through an area used for submarine exercises as
inland to an elevation of 30 m. given at 10.4.
2 The east shore, at the S end of the sound, from Plock Submarine Range (57°34′⋅0N, 5°55′⋅5W) is established
of Kyle (57°17′N, 5°44′W) (10.136) to Portnacloich Point, to the E of Rona, as shown on the chart. This area is used
1½ miles N, (10.236), is fringed by islands and rocks. extensively by submarines at varying depths and speeds. A
Several villages stand on or near the shore which is closely number of seabed obstructions are located within the
skirted by the railway. Loch Carron (57°21′N, 5°40′W) and boundary.
Loch Kishorn (57°23′N, 5°38′W) which extend NE from 2 Restricted areas as given at 10.197.
the SE corner of Inner Sound, are described at 10.236. Fishing area. The Inner Sound is also an area of fishing
Farther N, the E side of the sound from Rubha na activity as given at 10.5.
h-Uamha (57°21′N, 5°47′W) (10.244) to Rubha na Fearna,
15 miles N, is much indented in its S part, which is Restricted areas
generally steep-to with no dangers beyond 3 cables 10.197
offshore, whilst the N part is comparatively regular. 1 The following restricted areas are established in Inner
10.194 Sound as part of the British Underwater Test and
1 On the west side of the sound, major islands in the Evaluation Centre (BUTEC) Range. Communication details
chain forming the W boundary of Inner Sound are are given in Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6(1).
described in the following paragraphs, in order from S to 2 Inner Sea Area (57°27′⋅5N, 5°56′⋅5W) and Cable Area
N. (57°28′⋅4N, 5°53′⋅2W), which extend W from Ru na
2 Pabay (57°16′N, 5°52′W), an island formed of blue Lachan (57°28′N, 5°52′W) (10.208) then SSW and NNE,
limestone rock, is intersected by numerous trap dykes as shown on the chart, contain a number of seabed
which are outcrops of rock resembling walls. The E and W obstructions. The N and S limits of the combined area are
sides of the island rise steeply to an elevation of 12 m and indicated by the alignment of beacons (white and yellow
then more gradually to a flat summit, 3¼ cables N of its with triangular topmarks) as follows:
SE extremity. This island is covered with grass, has a 3 N limit (110°) of the front beacon (57°28′⋅6N,
prominent line of trees on its summit and some farm 5°52′⋅1W) with the rear beacon 1 cable ESE.
buildings on its W side. S limit (290°) of the front beacon (57°25′⋅6N,
3 Scalpay (57°18′N, 5°58′W) rises abruptly from its S and 6°01′⋅8W) with the rear beacon (no topmark)
SW coasts to its highest point in Mullach na Carn 1½ cables WNW.
(57°17′⋅5N, 5°58′⋅4W). Its N and E coasts are rocky and 4 Anchoring, fishing, dredging, dumping, and all
fringed by a reef extending, in places, 1 cable offshore. The underwater activities are prohibited in the Inner Sea Area
E coast is also steep-to except in the approach to Caolas and adjoining Cable Area. When a red flag (red light at
Scalpay (10.302). night) is shown at the Range Control Building, 1 cable N
4 Raasay (57°25′N, 6°03′W) is an elongated island which of Ru na Lachan, vessels are not permitted to remain in
borders the W side of the S part of Inner Sound. The E these areas longer than is necessary for direct passage.
side of the island is nearly straight and steep-to with no 5 Outer Sea Areas surround the Inner Sea Area and
offshore shoals but, in places shallow banks extend 2 cables Cable Area (above) as shown on the chart. The red sector
offshore. The S part of Raasay is mountainous, many of (022°−117°) of Ru na Lachan Light (57°29′N, 5°52′W)
the summits exceeding 300 m in elevation; their W sides (10.210) covers all the Outer Sea Area, except for a strip,
slope gradually to the sea whilst the E sides terminate in 1 cable wide, along the SE side. The S end of the area is
high cliffs which vary from 120 to 275 m in elevation. The marked by light-buoys (special) in position 57°24′⋅2N,
N part of the island, except for Beinn na h-Iolaire 5°55′⋅6W, marking the SE corner, and 2¾ miles W, near
(57°29′N, 6°00′W) (10.265), is comparatively low. The the E coast of Raasay. The N end of the area is marked by
most remarkable feature in Raasay is Dùn Caan (57°23′N, No 8 Light-beacon (57°30′⋅7N, 5°58′⋅5W) standing on the
6°02′W), a mountain terminating in the conspicuous plug SE extremity of Garbh Eilean (10.208), marking the NW
of a former volcano which forms a small fortress-like corner, and by a light-buoy (special), 3 miles ESE, near the
hillock with a truncated summit, having the same mainland coast.
appearance from all directions except from the NE part of 6 Fishing by any method involving the use of a net or
Sound of Raasay (10.264). dredge is prohibited in the Outer Sea Areas, with the

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exception of fishing by means of a line or creel, or fixed Directions

or anchored gill nets. (continued from 10.155)
Chart 2498
Dumping ground Kyle Akin to Crowlin Islands
10.204
10.198
1 From a position 1 mile NW of Kyle Akin Lighthouse
1 A disused dumping ground for explosives lies in the
(57°16′⋅7N, 5°44′⋅5W) (10.144), the main track through
vicinity of 57°19′N, 5°51′W, as shown on the charts.
Inner Sound leads NW in deep water, passing (with
positions from the SW extremity of Eilean Mór (57°20′N,
5°50′W):
Rescue
2 SW of a detached rock, with a depth of 24⋅5 m over
10.199
it (6 cables SSE) which rises rapidly from depths
1 A Coastguard Sector Base (1.61) and an all-weather
of over 100 m, thence:
lifeboat (1.72) are maintained at Portree (57°25′N, 6°11′W)
SW of the reef which fringes the SW extremity of
(10.283). An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) is
Eilean Mór, the SE and largest of the Crowlin
based at Kyle of Lochalsh (57°15′N, 5°43′W) (10.161).
Islands (10.195) which rises to a summit in Meall
For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 10.9.
a’ Chòis near its SE end, thence:
3 NE of Longay (2¼ miles SE) which rises to a summit
near its centre. The coasts of this island are steep
Tidal streams with long stretches of cliff and, in places, rocks
10.200
which lie ¾ cable offshore. Sgeirean Tarsuinn, a
1 Tidal streams in Inner Sound set in the direction of the
detached reef which dries, extends up to 1½ cables
fairways, to or from Kyle Akin, and begin at times which
NNW from the NW coast of the island. And:
become later towards the S end of the sound and which
4 About 5 cables SW of a drying reef (3 cables W)
differ widely from those at which the E-going and W-going
which extends 1¼ cables SSW from the S
streams begin in Kyle Akin (10.142). On average the
extremity of Eilean Meadhonach, an elongated
streams set as follows:
island lying close off the W side of Eilean Mór
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks (above). The coastal bank, with charted depths of
+0505 S-going stream begins less than 50 m, extends up to 5½ cables SW from
the S end of Eilean Meadhonach, on which lies a
–0055 N-going stream begins 28 m patch (5½ cables WSW).
2 In Linne Crowlin, at the S end of Inner Sound the Chart 2480
streams, which set SE and NW, begin 45 minutes later than Crowlin Islands to mid-Raasay
the average given above. 10.205
3 Rate. Clear of the land in the sound generally the 1 From the vicinity of 57°20′N, 5°52′W the track alters to
streams are very weak but there are probably appreciable the NNW passing, (with positions from Eilean Beag Light
streams with a rate of 1 kn at spring tides off the salient (57°21′N, 5°51′W)):
points on both sides of the sound. In Linne Crowlin the 2 ENE of the fringing reef and coastal bank, with
rate is ½ kn at spring tides whereas off the entrance to depths of less than 10 m over it, which extend a
Kyle Akin the streams are weak and irregular. total of 1 cable NE from Sgeir Dhearg (2¾ miles
For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: SW). The coastal bank, with charted depths of less
North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland. than 50 m, which extends 1 mile NE and nearly
2 miles N from Sgeir Dhearg, has an uneven
bottom with depths of 26 m near its outer edge.
Principal marks Thence:
10.201 3 ENE of the coastal bank, with charted depths of less
1 Landmarks, from S to N: than 10 m, which extends up to 1¾ cables from
Scalpay House (57°17′N, 5°56′W), standing in trees Sgeir Thraid (3 miles WSW) a drying rock on
2 cables W of Rubh’ an Tòrr Mhoir. The house which stands a red metal beacon with a
may be obscured to the NE. barrel-shaped cage topmark, 9 m in height, and:
Conspicuous house standing ½ cable W of Brochel 4 WSW of the reef and coastal bank fringing Eilean
Castle (57°26′⋅5N, 6°01′⋅6W) which is in ruins and Beag, the N of Crowlin Islands, on which stands
stands close to the E coast of Raasay. Crowlin Light (white clad metal framework tower,
2 Rona Lighthouse (white tower, 13 m in height) 5 m in height). Foul ground extends 2½ cables
(57°34′⋅7N, 5°57′⋅5W) which is conspicuous and NNE from the island and a detached 8⋅2 m patch
stands near the NE extremity of Rona. lies 2 cables farther N; for clearing bearing see
10.202 10.206. The coastal bank, with charted depths of
1 Major light: less than 50 m, which extends up to 1¼ miles
Rona Light—as above. WNW from Eilean Beag, has an uneven bottom.
Thence:
5 WSW of Eilean na Bà (1¼ miles NNE) (10.217). The
Other navigational aids coastal bank, with charted depths of less than
10.203 50 m, which extends 1½ miles W from Eilean na
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the Bà, has an uneven bottom. Thence:
Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at 6 WSW of Sgeir Mhór (2¼ miles NNE), a drying rock
1.33. on which stands a beacon, reported to be a thin

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steel perch which almost covers at HW. Sgeir WNW of the light-buoy (1¼ miles NNW) marking
Mhór lies up to 2½ cables W of the N extremity the N limit of the Outer Sea Area (10.197), thence:
of Ardban, a promontory on which there is a 5 ESE of Garbh Eilean (57°30′⋅8N, 5°58′⋅7W) which
prominent patch of white sand to the S of some rises to a double peak and stands on the N side of
cottages; for a clearing bearing see 10.206, thence: the SE entrance of Caol Rona (10.279). This island
7 WSW of the reef surrounding Eilean nan Naomh is joined by a drying reef to the S coast of Rona
(3 miles NNE) (10.233), for clearing bearing see and No 8 light-beacon (white, triangular topmark)
10.206, and: stands on its SE extremity. And:
8 ENE of Rubha na’ Leac (57°22′N, 6°00′W), a salient 6 WNW of the coastal bank, with depths of less than
point on the E coast of Raasay (10.194), from 10 m over it, which extends 1 cable from Ard na
which banks, with depths of less than 50 m over Claise Móire (2 miles N) which is a prominent
them, extend up to 2 miles NNE and include feature lying 3 cables SSW of the village of
Fishing Bank (57°23′⋅5N, 5°57′⋅7W) near the NE Lonbain. Along this part of the coast a bank, with
extremity, and: charted depths of less than 50 m, on which lie
WSW of the light-buoy (57°24′⋅2N, 5°55′⋅6W) which several patches with depths of less than 20 m,
marks the SE corner of the Outer Sea Area extends up to 1½ miles from the coast. Thence:
(10.197). 7 WNW of a detached rocky shoal, with a least depth
10.206 of 6⋅6 m over it (57°31′⋅0N, 5°52′⋅4W), which lies
1 Clearing bearings. The line of bearing 032° of 4 cables off the coast, thence:
Camusterrach Kirk and manse (57°24⋅5′N, 5°48′⋅7W), open ESE of a salient point (57°32′N, 5°58′W) on which
NW of Ardban, 1 mile SSW (10.205), clears NW of the stands No 12 light-beacon (orange), and:
foul ground extending N from Eilean Beag. 8 WNW of a detached shoal, with a least depth of
2 The line of bearing 018° of a prominent clump of trees 9⋅3 m over it (57°32′N, 5°52′W) which lies
surrounding the church (57°27′N, 5°49′W) which stands at 3 cables off the coast, thence:
the head of Applecross Bay (10.234), open W of the ESE of a salient point (57°32′⋅6N, 5°57′⋅8W) on
extremity of the land, 1½ miles SW, clears to the W of the which stands No 3 light-beacon (white with orange
shoals lying W of Ardban and Eilean nan Naomh. stripes), thence:
10.207 9 ESE of a drying reef (57°33′⋅1N, 5°57′⋅5W) which
1 Useful marks: extends 1 cable E from the E coast of Rona
Eyre Point Light (57°20′N, 6°01′W) (10.271). (10.194) and on which stands No 11 light-beacon
Beacons (57°25′⋅6N, 6°01′⋅8W) marking the S limit (orange), thence:
of the Inner Sea Area (10.197). 10 ESE of rocks extending ½ cable E from Rubha
Chùil-tairbh (57°34′N, 5°57′W) on the outer end of
which stands Rubha Chuiltairbh Light (white
Charts 2479, 2480 beacon), and:
Mid-Raasay to north end of Rona WNW of a bank, with depths of less than 5 m over
10.208 it, which extends ¾ cable NNW from Rubha
1 From the vicinity of 57°25′N, 5°57′W the track alters to Chuaig (57°34′N, 5°51′W) at the N extremity of a
the NNE passing (with positions from Ru na Lachan promontory lying NE of The Little Bay, thence:
(57°28′N, 5°52′W)): 11 WNW of the bank, with charted depths of less than
Through the middle of the Inner Sea Area (2¼ miles 10 m, which extends 2 cables W and 2½ cables
WSW) (10.197), and: NW from Eilean Chuaig (57°34′N, 5°51′W), a
2 ESE of a salient point (57°27′⋅4N, 5°59′⋅9W) on the rocky islet that is fringed by a drying reef and lies
E side of Raasay on which stands No 7 beacon in the middle of the entrance to Ob Chuaig
(white), thence: (10.234), thence:
WNW of Little Rocks (7 cables S) which dry and lie 12 WNW of the coastal bank, with rocks and depths of
on the coastal bank which, with depths of less than less than 5 m over it, which extends up to
10 m over it, extends up to 3 cables from the shore 1½ cables from Rubha na Fearna (57°34′⋅6N,
to the N and S of Little Rocks, thence: 5°50′⋅4W) which appears long, low and sterile
3 WNW of Ru na Lachan, on the S end of which stand from SW, and:
two red and white beacons with diamond topmarks 13 ESE of Limpet Rock (57°35′⋅2N, 5°57′⋅7W) on which
which, in line bearing 090°, with a buoy (special) stands a perch. The coastal bank, with charted
and a light-buoy (special) to seaward, mark the S depths of less than 20 m, extends 3 cables E from
end of the Cable Area (10.197). An identical pair Limpet Rock. Thence:
of beacons, 2¾ cables N, with similar buoys to WNW of the shoal, with charted depths of less than
seaward, mark the N limit of the cable area. The 10 m, which extends 1 cable W from Murchadh
BUTEC Range Control Building (10.197), with Breac (57°35′N, 5°50′W) which dries; see clearing
flagstaff and a helipad close by, stands near the bearing at 10.209, and:
coast midway between the two pairs of beacons. 14 ESE of the shoal surrounding Concrete Block
Applecross Pier Light (green triangle on a post) (57°35′⋅6N, 5°57′⋅7W) a rock which is capped by
stands at the head of a short pier which extends a large concrete block which, at LW, has the
from the shore close WNW of the Range Control appearance of a submarine’s conning tower, thence:
Building. Thence: 15 ESE of the shoal, with charted depths of less than
4 ESE of Rubha Ard Ghlaisen (57°30′N, 5°59′W) a 10 m, which surrounds and extends 1 cable SW
salient point, 9 m high, on the E side of Raasay, from Na Gamhnachain, a drying rock which lies
on which stands No 5 beacon which is a rusty iron 1½ cables N of Concrete Block (above) which is
pole with triangular topmark, thence: the more prominent of the two. This is the N of

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the above-water and below-water rocks which track leads about 280° for 4½ miles, passing (with positions
extend 8½ cables N from the N end of Rona from the N extremity of Pabay (57°17′N, 5°51′W)):
forming a barrier to safe passage. For a clearing 2 N of the coastal reef and bank, with depths of less
bearing to the N of Na Gamhnachain see 10.209. than 10 m over it, which extend a total of
10.209 4¾ cables NW from the N extremity of Pabay
1 Clearing bearings. The line of bearing 189° of Ard na (10.194). For a clearing bearing see 10.214.
Claise Móire (57°30′N, 5°52′W) open W of Eilean Chuaig Marine farms (1.17) are moored up to 2½ cables
(57°34′N, 5°51′W) (10.208) clears to the W of the shoal off the NE side of Pabay, as shown on the chart.
surrounding Murchadh Breac (57°35′N, 5°50′W) (10.208) Thence:
and of the rocks lying W of Rubha na Fearna (57°34′⋅6N, 3 S, distant 2¾ cables from the reef extending ½ cable
5°50′⋅4W) (10.208). SW from the SW side of Longay (2 miles NNW)
(10.204).
Chart 2210 10.214
2 The line of bearing 098° of the white school house 1 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 101° of Caisteal
(57°34′⋅6N, 5°41′⋅0W) standing on the E shore of Loch Maol (57°16′⋅4N, 5°43′⋅1W) (10.151), open twice its
Diabaig (10.344) just open N of Rubha na Fearn, 4 miles breadth N of the mound on which Kyle House stands,
W of the school, (10.343) clears 2½ cables N of Murchadh 7½ cables W (10.150), clears close N of the dangers
Breac (above) and close N of Na Gamhnachain (57°35′⋅8N, extending N from Pabay, in a depth of more than 10 m.
5°57′⋅7W) (10.208). 2 Useful mark:
Scalpay House (57°17′N, 5°56′W) (10.201).
Chart 2479 10.215
10.210 1 Longay to Caol Mór. From a position 4 cables SW of
1 Useful marks: Longay the track leads NNW for 7½ cables, passing (with
Ru na Lachan Light (metal framework tower, 3 m in positions from the S extremity of Sgeir Dhearg (57°19′⋅6N,
height) (57°29′N, 5°52′W) standing 8 cables N of 5°55′⋅5W)):
Ru na Lachan. ENE of the NE coast of Scalpay (1 mile S) (10.194),
Two beacons (57°28′⋅6N, 5°52′⋅0W) marking the N and:
limit of the Inner Sea Area (10.197). WSW of Sgeirean Tarsuinn (1 mile ESE) (10.204).
(Directions continue for the route N at 10.320) 2 From a position 8 cables WNW of the SW extremity of
Longay, the alignment (121°) astern of the SW extremity of
Kyle Akin to Sound of Raasay Longay with Beinn na Caillich (57°14′⋅6N, 5°41′⋅7W)
(Chart 2209), about 7½ miles ESE, leads WNW through
Chart 2498 the fairway of the channel across the coastal bank, which
Routes has an uneven bottom in this vicinity, passing (with
10.211 positions from the S extremity of Sgeir Dhearg):
1 Main route. The widest and deepest route from Kyle 3 SW of the shoal surrounding Gulnare Rock (3 cables
Akin (57°17′N, 5°43′W) (10.136) to Caol Mór (57°20′N, SSW) which is marked off its S side by a
6°01′W) (10.264), the S entrance channel to Sound of light-buoy (starboard hand), and:
Raasay, follows the main route through Inner Sound, as NNE of a rock, with a depth of 9⋅6 m over it
given at 10.192, to a position NW of Crowlin Islands (5 cables SSW), which lies 2½ cables SW of
(57°20′N, 5°50′W), then leads SW towards Caol Mór, as Gulnare Rock, making this the narrowest part of
given at 10.212. the channel, thence:
2 Southern route. The S route from Kyle Akin to Caolas 4 NNE of the coastal bank, with charted depths of less
Mór passes SW of Longay (52°19′N, 5°53′W) (10.204) than 10 m and on which lies a drying rock
then follows the NE coast of Scalpay (10.194) through a (8 cables WSW), which extends 1½ cables N from
channel that is free from dangers with a least width of Rubha Doire na Boceinein, a salient point on the
3 cables, except for an underwater rock (57°19′⋅1N, N coast of Scalpay, and:
5°56′⋅1W) as given at 10.215. The tidal streams between SSW of shoals, with depths of less than 10 m over
Longay and Scalpay have a rate of 2 kn at spring tides. them, which lie within 2 cables S of Sgeir Thraid
(5½ cables WNW) (10.205), thence:
Chart 2480 5 NNE of foul ground which extends up to 2 cables off
Directions for the main route the NE coast of Scalpay for a distance of 1 mile
10.212 ESE from Eilean Leac na Gainimh (2¼ miles W)
1 From the vicinity of 57°22′⋅5N, 5°54′⋅5W the approach (10.271).
to Caol Mór leads SW, within a white sector (215°−266°) (Directions continue for Caol Mór at 10.271)
of Eyre Point Light (57°20′N, 6°01′W) (10.271), directly
towards Caol Mór. However, the N edge of the white
sector given above passes over the coastal reef and bank Caolas Mór
extending up to 1 cable SE from Raasay.
(Directions continue for Caol Mór at 10.271)
Chart 2480
Chart 2498 General information
Directions for the southern route 10.216
(continued from 10.155) 1 Caolas Mór (57°21′N, 5°49′W), the channel between
10.213 Crowlin Islands and the mainland, 7 cables NE, extends
1 Kyle Akin to Longay. From a position 1 mile NW of about 2½ miles NW from its S entrance.
Kyle Akin Lighthouse (57°16′⋅7N, 5°44′⋅5W) (10.144) the Tidal streams in Caolas Mór set as follows:

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Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks Beinn na Caillich, slopes steeply NE towards Caolas
Scalpay (10.302).
+0550 SE-going stream begins 3 Natural conditions. There is little if any tidal stream in
–0010 NW-going stream begins Broadford Bay. However, a short sea is quickly created by
the wind and is reflected by Corry Pier at the W end of the
2 The rate at spring tides is 1 kn in both directions. bay.
4 Approaches. Broadford Bay can be approached from the
Directions N, between Pabay (57°16′N, 5°52′W) (10.194) and Scalpay,
10.217 2 miles W (10.194), or from the NE through Caolas Pabay
1 From a position 6 cables SW of Rubh na h-Uamha (below). The wider and deeper approach is from the N,
(57°21′N, 5°47′W) the channel through Caolas Mór leads through a channel with charted depth of more than 25 m,
NW, passing (with positions from Rubh na h-Uamha): which is free of dangers in the fairway and provides an
SW of Rubha na h-Uamha (10.244), and: easy approach to the bay.
NE of the reef fringing the E side of Eilean Mór 5 Caolas Pabay (57°16′N, 5°51′W), the channel between
(1¼ miles W) (10.204) which extends, in places, Pabay and the N coast of the Island of Skye, is narrowed
½ cable offshore, and: by reefs and shoals from both sides to a least width of
2 SW of a rock, with a least depth of 0⋅3 m over it, 1¾ cables between the 10 m depth contours. Depths of less
which lies on a shoal extending 2 cables SSW than 11 m are charted in the fairway in position 57°15′⋅8N,
from Bo Du (1 mile NW), a drying rock in the 5°51′⋅2W and local knowledge is required for the use of
middle of the entrance to Loch Toscaig (10.230), this channel with vessels of medium draught. Tidal streams
thence: in Caolas Pabay set as follows:
SW of bare rocks (1¼ miles NW) which lie close off
the W entrance point of Loch Toscaig, thence: Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
3 SW of Sgeir Shalach (1½ miles NW) which dries, +0535 NE-going stream begins
and: –0025 SW-going stream begins
NE of the fringing reef and foul ground extending
NNW from Eilean Beag (2 miles WNW) (10.205);
for clearing bearing see 10.218, and: Principal marks
4 SW of marine farms (2 miles NW) (1.17) moored up 10.220
to 5 cables from the coast, as shown on the chart, 1 Landmarks:
thence: Sgeir Ghobhlach Beacon (green metal framework
SW of Sgeir Bhuidhe (2¼ miles NW) which lies near structure, cage topmark) (57°15′⋅7N, 5°52′⋅2W),
the S edge of the reef fringing Eilean na Bà which which stands on the SE extremity of Sgeir
extends, in places, 1½ cables offshore. Ghobhlach.
10.218 White hospital building in Broadford (57°15′N,
1 Clearing bearings. The line of bearing 172° of the 5°55′W).
channel (1¾ miles W) between Eilean Mór and Eilean
Meadhonach (10.204), with the channel open, clears to the Directions
E of the foul area extending NNW from Eilean Beag. 10.221
The line of bearing 055° of the village of Coillegillie 1 Approach from the north. From the vicinity of
(2¼ miles NNW) open NW of Eilean na Bà, clears to the 57°18′N, 5°52′W the N approach to Broadford Bay leads
NW of the foul area extending NNW from Eilean Beag. SW for about 2 miles, passing (with positions from
2 The line of bearing 334° of the NE side of Eilean na Guillamon Island (57°16′⋅5N, 5°55′⋅0W)):
Bà, just open WSW of a 5 m bare rock (1¼ miles NW) 2 NW of a marine farm (1.17) (1¼ miles ENE) which
clears close WSW of the dangers extending SSW from Bo is moored 1 cable W of the foul ground and
Du (10.217). coastal bank, with depths of less than 10 m over it,
Useful mark: which extends up to 2¼ cables W from the W
Crowlin Light (2¼ miles WNW) (10.205). coast of Pabay (10.194), as shown on the chart,
see clearing bearing at 10.222, thence:
3 SE of a marine farm (1.17) (7 cables N) moored in
Broadford Bay and approaches Camas na Fisteodh, as shown on the chart.
Shellfish research is carried out in the coastal
Chart 2498 waters of Scalpay, particularly to the NNE of
General information Camas na Fisteodh, where the underwater
10.219 equipment is marked by small orange floats.
1 Broadford Bay, entered between Rubh’ Achadh a’ 4 From a position E of Guillamon Island the track leads
Chuirn (57°15′N, 5°52′W) and Rubh’ an Eireannaich, SSE for about 1½ miles into Broadford Bay, passing (with
1¼ miles WNW, affords no shelter from N winds and the positions from Guillamon Island):
shores of the bay are fringed by a reef. Broadford Harbour E of Guillamon Island which is steep-to on its E side
(10.227) occupies the SW corner of the bay and a First and has a depth of less than 5 m extending
Class mooring buoy is established near the middle, as ½ cable from its S coast, thence:
given at 10.226. 5 WSW of a marine farm (1.17) (1½ miles ESE) which
2 Topography. The village of Broadford is situated on the is moored 1 cable W of the foul ground and
W side of the bay, with numerous cottages around the coastal bank, with depths of less than 10 m over it,
shore and along the road to Kyleakin. which extends 6½ cables SW from the SW
High land rising to the W of Broadford achieves its extremity of Pabay, as shown on the chart; see
summit in Beinn na Caillich, 2 miles W of Broadford Hotel clearing bearing at 10.222 and beacon at 10.220,
(57°14′⋅5N, 5°54′⋅6W). Creag Strollamus, 1½ miles N of and:

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6 ENE of marine farms (1.17) (1 mile SSE), as shown Ardnish Peninsula which is long and narrow. The
on the chart, which are moored on the coastal trap dykes, which are outcrops of rock that extend
bank which, with foul ground and depths of less from the shore and resemble massive jetties, are
than 5 m over it, extends up to 1 cable offshore noticeable features in this vicinity. Thence:
along this part of the coast. 6 SE of the coastal bank, with depths of less than 10 m
10.222 over it, which extends ½ cable SE from Sgeir
1 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 353° of the W Ghobhlach (9 cables SW), a drying rock situated
extremity of Longay (57°19′N, 5°54′W) (10.204) with the 2½ cables inside the SW extremity of the foul area
E extremity of Rona, (57°34′N, 5°57′W) (chart 2210) about extending 6½ cables SW from Pabay. Sgeir
16 miles N (10.194) clears to the W of the dangers off the Ghobhlach Beacon (10.220) stands on the SE
W side of Pabay. extremity of the rock. And:
10.223 7 NW of the coastal bank, with depths of less than
1 Useful marks (with positions from Broadford Hotel 10 m over it, which extends 1¼ cables NW from
(57°14′⋅5N, 5°54′⋅6W)): Sgeir an Roin (1 mile SSW), situated at the W
Parish church (1 cable E). extremity of the reef extending 5 cables W from
Another church (6 cables ESE). Rubha Ardnish (above), thence:
Large white hotel (9½ cables ESE) 8 NW of the coastal bank, with depths of less than
10.224 10 m over it, extending 1 cable NW from Bogha
1 Approach through Caolas Pabay (continued from Mór Achadh a’ Chuirn (1½ miles SW) which lies
10.155). From a position 1 mile NW of Kyle Akin 2½ cables NW of Rubh’ Achadh a’ Chuirn.
Lighthouse (57°16′⋅7N, 5°44′⋅5W) (10.144) the track leads Useful marks are given at 10.223.
WSW for about 1 mile, passing (with positions from Kyle
Akin Lighthouse): Anchorage and mooring
NNW of the coastal bank, with charted depths of less 10.226
than 10 m, which extends 4¼ cables NNW from 1 Anchorage. The best anchorage in Broadford Bay is
Bogha Beag (6¾ cables WSW) (10.154), thence: obtained with the head of Corry Pier (57°14′⋅8N, 5°54′⋅2W)
2 NNW of the coastal bank, with charted depths of less bearing 275° distant 1½ to 3 cables, as shown on the chart,
than 10 m, which extends ¾ cable N from the N in depths of 10 to 12 m with good holding ground, but
of Bogha an t-Sasunnaich (1¼ miles WSW) which with restricted swinging room.
consists of several detached rocks which dry and 2 Mooring. A First Class mooring buoy, with a light, is
lie up to 2½ cables offshore. moored near the centre of the bay, about 5½ cables ENE of
3 Clearing bearing and marks. The line of bearing 101° the head of Corry Pier, in depths of more than 20 m.
of Caisteal Maol, as given at 10.214 clears to the N of
Bogha an t-Sasunnaich and of the coastal bank in its Broadford Harbour
vicinity. 10.227
4 The alignment (348°) of the E extremity of Crowlin 1 Harbour limits. All water below the level of HW
Islands (57°20′N, 5°50′W) (10.195) with the W extremity enclosed by a line joining a point on the W side of the
of Ru na Lachan (57°28′N, 5°52′W) (chart 2209) about bay, 55 m N of the pier in position 57°14′⋅9N, 5°54′⋅4W, to
8 miles NNW, (10.208), clears to the W of Bogha an a point 310 m ESE, then 660 m S to a position on the S
t-Sasunnaich. side of the bay, 120 m E of a pier in position 57°14′⋅5N,
10.225 5°54′⋅2W.
1 From a position 1¾ miles WNW of Kyle Akin
Lighthouse, the track leads SW through the fairway of
Caolas Pabay, passing (with positions from the SE
extremity of Pabay (57°16′⋅3N, 5°50′⋅9W)):
2 NW of marine farms (1.17) moored up to 4 cables off
the coast in the vicinity of Sgeir na Iasgaich
(2 miles ESE) which is a rocky peninsula
connected to the Island of Skye by a low neck of
shingle. Foul ground extends 1 cable N and W of
Sgeir na Iasgaich. Thence:
3 NW of a drying reef which extends ½ cable NW
from Sgeir Dubh (9 cables SE) which is the NW
of the dangers lying off Rubha Lusa (1¼ miles
Beinn na Caillich Corry Pier
SE), a flat cultivated point on the E side of the
mouth of Abhainn Lusa and upon which are some Broadford Harbour from ESE (10.227)
farm buildings. Thence: (Original dated 2000)
(Photograph − Air Images)
4 SE of foul ground and a shallow bank, with depths of
less than 10 m over it, which extends up to 2 Harbour Authority: The Highland Council, Department
1¾ cables SE from the SE side of Pabay, forming of Roads and Transport, Council Buildings, Glenurquhart
the NW side of Caolas Pabay, and: Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX.
5 NW of the drying reef and shallow bank, with depths 3 Alongside berth. Corry Pier, which extends 1 cable ESE
of less than 10 m over it, which extends a total of from the W shore, has a berth on the outer end of the N
7 cables NNE from Rubha Ardnish (1 mile S) and face. The berths on the S face have depths of only 1⋅2 to
extends SW, with depths of less than 3 m, up to 2⋅0 m alongside, are exposed and very dangerous in a
4 cables offshore, forming the SE side of Caolas strong wind.
Pabay. Rubha Ardnish is the NE extremity of There is one other pier, suitable only for small craft.

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CHAPTER 10

10.228 LOCH CARRON AND LOCH KISHORN

1 Port services. Repairs and salvage. A small diving
vessel is based at Broadford; underwater repairs and General information
salvage can be undertaken. Chart 2209
Supplies. Small quantities of provisions are available. Channel
Communications. Broadford Airstrip, situated 2½ miles 10.236
ENE of Broadford, provides regular flights to Glasgow. 1 Loch Carron, entered between Portnacloich Point
10.229 (57°18′N, 5°44′W) and Rubha na h-Uamha, 3 miles NW,
1 Small craft are able to find convenient anchorage off extends 4¾ miles NE to a broad promontory where the
the head of Corry Pier, clear of a drying rock, ½ cable SW loch divides to form two arms. The N arm, NW of Rubh
of the pierhead. It is reported that small craft can usually na h-Airde (57°22′⋅5N, 5°38′⋅3W), becomes Loch Kishorn,
berth on the S side of Corry Pier to embark stores. whilst the S arm, SW of Rubha Thollaidh (57°21′⋅6N,
5°36′⋅7W), continues ENE as Loch Carron.
2 The inner part of Loch Carron, E of Rubha Mór
(57°21′N, 5°39′W), is divided into two parts by Strome
Small craft Narrows, which have a least navigable width of 1 cable
through an area encumbered by numerous islets, rocks and
shoals. Within the narrows the loch opens out to a width of
Chart 2480 1 mile in its upper part which is free from dangers in its
Anchorages SW half, except for a series of marine farms (1.17) which
10.230 are moored up to 1½ cables from both shores. An extensive
1 Loch Toscaig (57°22′N, 5°48′W), a narrow inlet that is shallow bank extends from the head of the loch.
open to SW winds, affords anchorage for small craft well 3 Loch Kishorn, entered NW of Kishorn Island
up the loch, in a depth of 18 m, with good holding, clear (57°22′⋅5N, 5°39′⋅0W), extends 2 miles ENE and is clear of
of marine farms (1.17) as shown on the chart. dangers in the fairway.
10.231 Function
1 Crowlin Harbour (57°21′N, 5°51′W), situated at the N 10.237
end of the channel between Eilean Mór (10.204) and Eilean 1 Loch Carron affords access to a railhead at South
Meadhonach (10.204), affords anchorage for small craft in Strome (57°21′N, 5°33′W) (10.259).
its entrance, as shown on the chart. Loch Kishorn (10.255) is an excellent port of refuge
10.232 with no dangers in the entrance.
1 Poll Domhain (57°23′⋅5N, 5°49′⋅3W), an inlet to the E
of Ardban (10.205) that is easy of access, affords Topography
anchorage for small craft ½ cable S of An Ruadh-eilean, as 10.238
shown on the chart. 1 The southern approach to Loch Carron, between Plock
10.233 of Kyle (57°17′N, 5°44′W) and Portnacloich Point,
1 Poll Creadha (57°24′N, 5°49′W), a narrow inlet on the 1½ miles N, is given at 10.193. From Portnacloich Point,
E side of Aird-dhubh, is obstructed by drying reefs, some for 1 mile NE, the SE shore of the outer part of Loch
of which are marked by perches, as shown on the chart, Carron is fringed by a reef extending 1½ cables offshore.
which are subject to change and may be difficult to Continuing NE for 1¾ miles to An Dubh-aird (57°20′⋅4N,
identify. Anchorage may be obtained near the head of the 5°41′⋅0W), a dark heath-covered peninsula which rises
inlet, as shown on the chart, in depths of 5 m. Eilean nan steeply on all sides, the coast is deeply indented with bays
Naomh which lies off the entrance to Poll Creadha, is low, that have rocks and islets lying offshore.
flat and fringed by a drying reef which extends 2 cables N 2 The north-west shore of the outer part of Loch Carron
and S from the islet. is steep-to with a background that is mountainous and
10.234 sterile. The high line starts near Rubha na h-Uamha
1 Applecross Bay (57°26′N, 5°49′W), a wide bay that is (57°21′N, 5°47′W) (10.244) with rugged hills from 245 to
open SW, affords temporary anchorage along the shore, as 300 m high, that increase in elevation and bareness until
shown on the chart, in depths of 9 to 18 m, keeping at reaching Sgùrr a’ Chaorachain (794 m high) (57°25′N,
least 1 cable clear of the slipways situated near the SE 5°40′W), 5½ miles NE.
entrance point of the bay. A pier provides landing facilities 3 Inner part, south side. Within the inner part of Loch
for local fishermen and berthing for leisure craft at all Carron, Rubha Mór (57°21′N, 5°39′W) is the NE extremity
states of the tide. of a hilly peninsula, the lower slopes of which are
cultivated in patches and separated from the higher hills to
the S by a gap. Creag nan Garadh (142 m high), 9 cables
Chart 2479 SSW, a steep-faced wooded hill, is situated on the S side
2 Ob Chuaig (57°34′N, 5°51′W), a bay which is fully of this gap, and Creagdaroch (57°19′⋅6N, 5°37′⋅8W), a
exposed to winds from the N and W, affords temporary conspicuous hill, lies 9 cables ESE. To the E of
anchorage for small craft. Local knowledge is required. Creagdaroch the character of the shore changes from rock
to alluvial deposit. It is backed close inland by Creag an
Duilisg (57°20′N, 5°36′W) (Chart 2528), about 1 mile NE
Chart 2210 of Creagdaroch, which is a range of basaltic cliffs, about
10.235 350 m high, which curves with the coast.
1 Ob na h-Uamha, known locally as Ob na Uag 4 Between this range and Creag Mhaol (57°21′N, 5°34′W),
(57°35′N, 5°49′W), a bay which is fully exposed to the N, a steep and conspicuous mountain, lies Strath Ascaig, a
may afford temporary anchorage for small craft. Local deep valley, the entrance to which is crossed by a railway
knowledge is required. embankment. A remarkable raised beach begins on the E

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side of Strath Ascaig and fronts the hills for 1 mile, rising Directions
to an elevation of 25 to 30 m, with a narrow strip of flat (continued from 10.155)
stony land at its base, only a metre or so high. Am
Chart 2498
Meallan, 8 cables ESE of Creag Mhaol, is a sharp-pointed
peak and the highest of the hills immediately S of Strome Approach and entry from south-south-west
Narrows. 10.244
5 Inner part, north side. On the N side of the inner part 1 From a position 1 mile NW of Kyle Akin Lighthouse
of the loch, Rubha Thollaidh (57°21′⋅6N, 5°36′⋅7W) stands (57°16′⋅7N, 5°44′⋅5W) (10.144) the approach to Loch
at the W extremity of a high promontory formed by a spur Carron from SSW leads NNE for about 3½ miles, passing
extending 1¾ miles WSW from Bad a’ Chreamha. The (with positions from Portnacloich Point (57°18′N, 5°44′W)):
sides of the promontory are wooded and its SW coast rises WNW of a rock (6 cables SW) which dries 2 m and
in remarkable terraces to an elevation of 26 m. is the W danger of the foul area extending 3 cables
SW from the S of Black Islands, thence:
Fishing 2 WNW of the coastal bank, with a charted depth of
10.239 1⋅8 m (3½ cables WSW), which extends W from
1 The route described above passes through an area of the N of Black Islands, thence:
fishing activity, as given at 10.5. WNW of three marine farms (1.17) (2 cables WSW,
1 cable NW and 4½ cables N) moored off the
Pilotage fringing reef and coastal bank, as shown on the
10.240 chart, thence:
1 There are no regular pilots for Loch Carron, but it is 3 WNW of Eilean na Crèadha (7 cables NNE) which
generally possible to obtain the services of a fisherman lies at the edge of the coastal reef, thence:
acquainted with the loch as follows: WNW of Eilean nan Gobhar Mór (9 cables NNE)
At Kyleakin (57°16′⋅4N, 5°43′⋅3W) (10.169) for the which lies at the edge of the coastal reef, thence:
outer part of the loch. 4 ESE of Rubha na h-Uamha (3¼ miles NW), the NW
At Plockton (57°20′N, 5°39′W) (10.258) for the upper entry point of Loch Carron, which is a steep, bold
part of the loch. point, terminating in a cliff, thence:
2 Local knowledge is required for Strome Narrows WNW of foul ground and the coastal bank, with
(57°21′N, 5°34′W) (10.236) and the loch above these charted depths of less than 10 m, which extends
narrows is very little visited by shipping. 2½ cables SW from Eilean Dubh Dhurinish
(2 miles NNE) which is 6 m high.
Rescue (Directions continue for Inner Loch Carron at 10.246)
10.241
1 A Coastguard Sector Base (1.61) and an all-weather Charts 2498, 2528 plan of Loch Kishorn to Strome Narrows
lifeboat (1.72) are maintained at Portree (57°25′N, 6°11′W) Approach and entry to Loch Kishorn
(10.283). An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) is 10.245
maintained at Kyle of Lochalsh (57°15′N, 5°43′W). 1 From position 57°20′⋅5N, 5°43′⋅0W the approach and
For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 10.9. entry into Loch Kishorn (10.236) leads generally NE,
passing (with positions from the S extremity of Kishorn
Chart 2528 plan of Loch Kishorn to Strome Narrows Island (57°22′⋅4N, 5°39′⋅0W)):
Tidal streams 2 SE of Airigh-drishaig (2 miles WSW) which lies on a
10.242 slope with a few white cottages and is the first
1 The tidal streams in Loch Carron are weak except in cultivated land on an otherwise sterile shore
Strome Narrows where they set as follows: approaching Loch Kishorn. This slope, although
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks steep, is flatter than the adjacent land and has a
burn which enters the loch immediately W of the
+0550 In-going stream begins
slope. The shore is skirted by a belt of trees and at
–0010 Out-going stream begins all seasons the bright green and yellowish tints in
The rate at spring tides is shown on the plan. this area contrast with the sombre appearance of
2 Caution. In the W entrance to the narrows the in-going the adjacent country, thence:
stream sets towards the N shore, as shown on the plan, and 3 NW of a detached shoal, with a least depth of 8⋅4 m
caution is necessary to avoid approaching the N shore too over it (1 mile SSW), which lies 2½ cables WSW
closely. Conversely, with the out-going stream which sets of Sgeir a Chinn (10.246), thence:
over the spit E of Portchullin (57°21′N, 5°35′W) (10.252), NW of detached rocky shoals, with a least depth of
it is necessary to keep close to the N shore. 4⋅8 m over them (4¾ cables SW) which lie from
In the E entrance to Strome Narrows the out-going 2¼ cables NW to 4 cables NNW of Sgeir Bhuidhe
stream sets towards the S shore. (10.246), and:
4 SE of marine farms (1.17) (9½ cables WNW) which
Principal marks are moored on the edge of the coastal bank,
10.243 2 cables E of the mouth of Allt a’ Chois (10.243),
1 Conspicuous old lighthouse (57°21′N, 5°39′W), newly thence:
painted white (2000), standing on the N point of 5 NW of a rock, with a least depth of 2 m over it
Eilean a’ Chait (10.248). (4 cables S), which lies on the coastal bank
Conspicuous waterfall (57°23′N, 5°41′W), situated extending 2 cables W from the S end of the Garra
1½ cables from the mouth of Allt a’ Chois, which Islands, a chain of islets and rocks lying off Rubha
is 73 m high with a steep brow on its W side and na h-Airde the NW head of the promontory
the mountains of Meall Gorm (57°24′N, 5°41′W) separating Loch Carron from Loch Kishorn,
descending towards its E side. thence:

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6 NW of Kishorn Island, the N and largest of the Garra Clearing marks

Islands (above), which is highest on its W side. 10.247
Foul ground extends 1¼ cables SSW from the S 1 The alignment (073°) of the beacon on the SW
extremity of Kishorn Island, and Sgeir an Tairbh, a extremity of Sgeir Golach (4½ cables SE) (10.246)
drying reef, lies near the SW end of this foul area, with Eilean na Beinne, 1 mile ENE of the beacon
thence: (10.248), clears close NW of the dangers extending
7 NW of a marine farm (5 cables NNE) (1.17) which from Sgeir nan Sgarbh (1 mile SSW) (10.246).
lies off the NE end of Kishorn Island, and: 2 The alignment (095°) of the remarkable steep fall of
SE of the mouth of Allt a’ Chumhaing (9½ cables N), the raised beach above Ardaneaskan (1¾ miles
2½ cables within the entrance of which stands a ESE) (10.248) with the N extremity of the land on
waterfall, 76 m high and visible from seaward. the S side of Strome Narrows, 1¼ miles farther E,
clears 1¼ cables N of Sgeir Golach (4½ cables SE)
(10.246).
3 The alignment (320°) of the NE end of Sgeir Bhuidhe
(½ cable E) (10.246) with the waterfall on Allt a’
Approach and entry to Inner Loch Carron Chois, 1½ miles NW (10.243), clears close NE of
(continued from 10.244) Sgeir Golach in a least depth of 6⋅4 m.
10.246
1 From position 57°20′⋅5N, 5°43′⋅0W, a sector of bearing
(063° to 067°) of Loch Reraig Beacon (white triangular Chart 2528 plan of Loch Kishorn to Strome Narrows
topmark on a concrete base, 2 m in height) (57°22′N, 10.248
5°37′W), situated on the N shore of Loch Reraig, leads 1 From a position 6½ cables WSW of Loch Reraig Beacon
ENE towards the main channel into the inner part of Loch (57°22′N, 5°37′W), a sector of bearing (162° to 166°) of
Carron, passing (with positions from Sgeir a Chinn Duncraig Beacon (white triangular topmark on a concrete
(57°21′⋅7N, 5°39′⋅4W)): base, 2 m in height) (57°20′⋅3N, 5°37′⋅6W), situated
2 NNW of A’ Ghlas-leac (1¾ miles SW) which is the 1½ cables E of Duncraig Castle, a conspicuous stone
outer of the islets and rocks lying close offshore building standing in well-wooded grounds, leads SSE in a
between Bagh an t-Srathaidh (10.257) and Camas least charted depth of 7⋅4 m (6½ cables NNW of the
Dubh-aird, 5 cables N, thence: beacon), passing (with positions from Rubha Mòr (57°21′N,
NNW of a rocky shoal, with a depth of 11⋅2 m over 5°39′W)):
it (1½ miles SW) which lies 2¾ cables NNW of
Sgeir nan Claidhean, a drying rock close off the N
end of An Dubh-aird (10.238), thence:
3 NNW of a shoal, with a depth of 7⋅5 m over it
(1 mile SW), which lies 2½ cables NW of a foul
area, in which there are numerous islets and rocks,
extending 1 mile E to Rubha Mòr (10.238) and up
to 3½ cables offshore, thence:
4 NNW of rocky shoals, with a least depth of 5⋅2 m
over them (8½ cables SSW), which lie up to
2 cables N of Sgeir nan Sgarbh, which lies at the
NW extremity of the foul area (above), see Duncraig Castle from N (10.248)
(Original dated 2000)
clearing marks at 10.247, thence:
(Photograph − Air Images)
5 SSE of a rocky shoal, with a least depth of 8⋅4 m
over it (2½ cables WSW), and: 2 ENE of the bank, with charted depths of less than
NNW of a rocky shoal, with a least depth of 9⋅3 m 10 m, which extends up to 1¾ cables E from the
over it (4¾ cables S), thence: NE extremity of Sgeir Golach (6 cables NNW)
NNW of a bank, with charted depths of less than (10.246), and:
10 m, on which lies a rocky shoal with a least WSW of a detached rocky shoal, with a charted
depth of 4⋅3 m over it (4½ cables SSE), thence: depth of 8 m (9¼ cables NE), which lies off the
6 SSE of the foul ground and a bank, with depths of bank extending 2 cables W from Eilean na Beinne,
less than 10 m over it and dangerous rocks near its a bare rock of pale-coloured stone, thence:
SW extremity, which extends 1 cable S from Sgeir 3 WSW of the coastal bank, with charted depths of less
a Chinn, thence: than 10 m, which extends ½ cable W from
7 NNW of Sgeir Golach (4½ cables SE) an above-water Douglas Rock (9½ cables NE), and:
and below-water reef which extends over an area NNE of High Stone (4¼ cables NNW), situated near
of 2 cables square. The SW extremity of the area the SE extremity of Sgeir Golach, which has a
is marked by a beacon (red pile, cage topmark, whitish stone marker not easily distinguished at
3 m in height). For clearing marks see 10.247, HW, thence:
thence: 4 ENE of Hawk Rock (2¼ cables N) which lies
8 SSE of foul ground and a rocky bank, with depths of ¾ cable ENE of Eilean a’ Chait which is
less than 5 m over it, which extends ½ cable SE connected to the mainland S by a drying spit of
from Sgeir Bhuidhe (½ cable E), thence: sand, and on which stands an old lighthouse
SSE of a rocky shoal, with a depth of 6⋅2 m over it (10.243). Eilean a’ Chait and Eilean a’ Bhàta,
(2 cables E), thence: 1 cable W, are known as Cat Islands. And:
SSE of the shoal surrounding Sgeir Beag (3¼ cables 5 WSW of the flat which, with depths of less than 5 m
ENE). over it, extends 5 cables WSW from the coast at

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Ardaneaskan (1½ miles ENE) which has a SE of the drying reef which fringes Eilean nan Stac
remarkable raised beach with a steep fall close (1½ cables ENE) which is joined to Eilean an
behind it, thence: Sratha by drying reefs, thence:
6 Between shoal patches, with a least depth of 3 m over 3 SE of the drying reef and coastal bank, with charted
them (1¾ cables ENE), and Bogha Dubh Sgeir depths of less than 5 m, which extend up to
(4½ cables ENE) a drying rock which is marked ½ cable SE from Strome Islands (2½ cables NE),
by a beacon (red pile, cage topmark, elevation thence:
3 m). The track passes over the least charted depth NW of the coastal reef and bank, with charted depths
in the channel, as given above. For clearing marks of less than 5 m, which extend a total of ½ cable
see 10.249. NW from the coast on which stands Portchullin
(7½ cables ENE) a small fishing village with a few
huts at the foot of the raised beach.
Clearing marks
10.249 Chart 2528 plan of Loch Kishorn to Strome Narrows, with plan
1 The alignment (320°) of Sgeir Bhuidhe with the of Strome Narrows
waterfall on Allt a’ Chois, as given at 10.247, clears SW of Strome Narrows
Bogha Dubh Sgeir (4½ cables ENE) and passes between 10.253
two shoals with depths of 7⋅4 m and 7⋅5 m over them, the 1 From a position 1½ cables SW of Leacanashie Beacon,
position of which is doubtful, charted close W of Bogha the track through Strome Narrows leads generally E,
Dubh Sgeir. The depth of 7⋅4 m is the least charted depth tending towards either shore to avoid dangers as given
given at 10.248 and the clearing line passes SW of it. below, passing (with positions from the ruins of Strome
Castle (57°21′⋅6N, 5°33′⋅3W)):
Approach to Strome Narrows from west
10.250
1 From position 57°20′⋅8N, 5°37′⋅9W the line of bearing
275°, astern, of the summit of Eilean an Duine (57°20′⋅8N,
5°38′⋅7W) (10.248) leads 095° towards Strome Narrows, in
a least charted depth of 6⋅5 m (57°20′⋅7N, 5°36′⋅7W).
Deeper water can be found in the fairway to the S of this
position but charted depths of less than 8 m, near the W
end of the track, cannot be avoided. The track as given
along the leading line passes (with positions from the S
extremity of Eilean an t-Sratha (57°21′N, 5°36′W)):
2 S of the shallow bank, with depths of less than 5 m Strome Narrows from W (10.253)
over it, which extends 1 cable S from Bogha Dubh (Original dated 2000)
Sgeir (9 cables W) (10.248), thence:
N of Birch Rock (7 cables WSW) which lies in the (Photograph − Air Images)
middle of the fairway, thence: 2 N of a spit, with depths of less than 5 m over it
3 S of the shallow bank, with depths of less than 5 m (6 cables WSW), which extends 1½ cables N from
over it, which extends over 1 cable S from An the S shore, close E of Portchullin (10.252), see
Dubh Sgeir (5¼ cables W) which is a flat rock, caution at 10.242, thence:
thence: 3 S of a charted depth of 4⋅9 m (2¾ cables SW)
N of the rocks extending ½ cable NNW from Ulluva situated at the S extremity of a narrow shoal, with
(5¼ cables SW) which is a bare, flat rock, marked a least depth of 2⋅8 m over it (2¼ cables SW),
near its N end by a rough stone beacon that is not which extends 1½ cables S from the N shore into
easily distinguished from the N, thence: the middle of the fairway, thence:
4 Very close S of the shallow bank, with depths of less 4 S of Eilean an Fhraoich (1 cable SW), situated close
than 5 m over it and with very shallow patches offshore on the N side on the narrows at the E
near its S limit, which extends over 1 cable S from end, thence:
Sgeir Ollach (3 cables WSW). N of the coastal bank, with charted depths of less
10.251 than 5 m, which extends ½ cable N from the S
1 Useful mark: shore, to the E of South Strome (4¼ cables S)
Fernaig Shore (5¼ cables ESE) a conspicuous cottage (10.259).
standing on the shore 1½ cables N of the
embankment. Chart 2209
10.252 10.254
1 From position 57°20′⋅7N, 5°36′⋅0W a sector of bearing 1 Upper Loch Carron. The loch above South Strome
(041° to 044°) of Leacanashie Beacon (white triangular (57°21′N, 5°33′W) is best transitted in mid-channel.
topmark on a concrete base, 2 m in height) (57°21′⋅6N,
Anchorages and berths
5°34′⋅5W) leads through the channel towards Strome
Narrows in depths of less than 10 m, passing (with Chart 2528
positions from the S extremity of Eilean an t-Sratha Loch Kishorn
(57°21′N, 5°36′W)): 10.255
2 SE of the shallow bank, with depths of less than 5 m 1 Loch Kishorn (57°23′N, 5°38′W) (10.236) affords safe
over it and above-water and below-water rocks on anchorage (10.237) on good holding ground and with little
it, which extends 1½ cables S from the S extremity swell, off the SE side of the loch or near the head of the
of Eilean an t-Sratha, thence: loch, as shown on the plan. Larger vessels may anchor

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farther offshore, clear of Sgorr a’ Bhrid-eòin Mhóir Upper Loch Carron

(57°23′⋅5N, 5°36′⋅4W), the W of several drying rocks 10.259
which extend up to 5 cables offshore and of marine farms 1 South Strome (57°21′N, 5°33′W) and North Strome,
(1.17) in its vicinity. A detached patch, with a depth of 3½ cables N, are villages on either side of the E end of
14⋅8 m over it, lies near the middle of the loch, and several Strome Narrows, each with a stone slipway extending into
patches, with depths of less than 10 m over them, lie up to the narrows.
6 cables from the head of the loch. Submarine cables (1.39) extend across the loch, close E
2 Winds. The most dangerous winds are from the NW. of the narrows, as shown on the plan. The landing places
Berths. A pier, which extends from the W side of the of the cables are marked by beacons.
loch in position 57°23′⋅7N, 5°38′⋅1W, and a quay, 4 cables
NE, are all that remain of an offshore platform construction Chart 2209
site. 10.260
3 Small craft can obtain anchorage off the E side of 1 Ardnarff Bay (57°22′N, 5°31′W) affords temporary
Kishorn Island, as shown on the plan, clear of several anchorage close inshore in a depth of 11 m, as shown on
marine farms (1.17) moored in the vicinity. the chart. The depths increase rapidly with distance
offshore and it possible for an anchored craft to be driven
off the bank.
Loch Carron 10.261
10.256 1 Slumbay Harbour (57°23′N, 5°30′W), situated on the N
1 Within Loch Carron the only anchorage, which is good side of Slumbay Island, affords anchorage to small craft in
but restricted, lies 2½ cables ESE of Rubha Mòr (57°21′N, depths of 3 to 4 m, 2 cables ESE of the pier, as shown on
5°39′W) (10.238), ½ cable E of the position shown on the the chart. The entrance channel, E of Slumbay Island, is
plan, in a depth of 11 m. This anchorage lies 3 cables NE reported to have shoaled and local knowledge is required.
of the pier at Plockton (10.258). 10.262
1 Lochcarron (57°24′N, 5°30′W), known locally as
Jeantown, affords anchorage off the village, 3 cables E of a
Small craft small pier, as shown on the chart, in a depth of 5 to 6 m.
Visitor’s moorings are laid 5 cables ENE of the pier.
Chart 2498 10.263
Bagh an t-Srathaidh 1 Attadale (57°24′N, 5°27′W) provides a jetty that has
10.257 access to the railway.
1 Bagh an t-Srathaidh (57°20′N, 5°41′W) with Port Luinge
on its E side, affords anchorage for small craft near the SOUND OF RAASAY AND APPROACHES
middle of the bay, as shown on the chart, in a depth of
4 m. It is possible to enter the bay on either side of Eilean General information
Dubh Dhurinish (10.244) but local knowledge is required. Charts 2209, 2210
Channels
Chart 2528 plan of Loch Kishorn to Strome Narrows 10.264
Plockton Harbour 1 Sound of Raasay (57°30′N, 6°05′W), the channel
10.258 passing between the Island of Skye to the W, and the
1 Plockton Harbour (57°20′N, 5°39′W), a bay 5 cables S islands of Raasay and Rona to the E, is wide and deep
of Rubha Mòr (10.238), is an excellent harbour for small except at the Narrows of Raasay, 2 miles from the S end of
craft. Anchorage may be obtained in the bay ¾ cable W of the sound (below). It is connected at its S end to Inner
Sgeir Bhuidhe, as shown on the plan, clear of Plockton Sound (10.191) by Caol Mór (57°20′N, 6°01′W) (below),
Rocks. Craft can also be beached near the village on the W which forms the S entrance channel to the sound, and by
side of the bay, where it is flat and free from rocks. Loch na Cairidh (57°17′N, 6°00′W) (10.303) and Caolas
Scalpay (57°16′N, 5°58′W) (10.302), which join to form an
entrance channel from the S for small craft. Caol Rona
(57°31′N, 6°00′W) (10.279) provides an entrance to Sound
of Raasay from the N part of Inner Sound.
2 At its N end the Sound of Raasay opens into the North
Minch (13.1).
Narrows of Raasay is the channel between Ardhuish
(57°21′N, 6°05′W), on the SW side of Raasay, and An
Aird, 6 cables SW, a peninsula which is connected to the
Island of Skye by an isthmus.
3 Caol Mór, the channel between the NW end of Scalpay
and the S end of Raasay is deep and free from dangers in
the fairway but banks extend from both sides.
Submarine power cables (1.39) cross the S end of the
Plockton from E (10.258) Narrows of Raasay, as shown on the chart; their landing
(Original dated 2000) places are generally marked by beacons.
(Photograph − Air Images) Topography
10.265
2 Small craft moorings are laid off the N end of the 1 General topography for the Island of Skye is given at
village, where there is a pier, floating pontoon and a slip, 1.90, and for the islands of Scalpay, Raasay and Rona at
and along the W side of the bay, as shown on the plan. 10.194.

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2 Island of Skye. The E coast of the Island of Skye, from (10.283). An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) is
the root of An Aird (57°20′N, 6°06′W) (10.264) to the based at Broadford (57°15′N, 5°55′W) (10.219)
head of Tianavaig Bay, 2½ miles NNW, has a moderately For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 10.9.
steep slope. Numerous cottages are scattered along the
sides of the hills and the school at Upper Ollach is situated
Tidal streams
7 cables WNW of the N extremity of An Aird. 10.269
3 Between Creagan na Sgalain (57°22′N, 6°08′W), the NE 1 Sound of Raasay. Tidal streams in the Sound of Raasay
entrance point of Tianavaig Bay, and Udairn, 2 miles N generally are very weak but increase towards the S end of
(10.283), the coast is formed by the base of Ben Tianavaig, the sound as the Narrows of Raasay are approached. On
the cliffs of which are remarkable when seen from the average the streams set as follows:
Sound of Raasay; the upper parts have pinnacles and Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
overhanging stones and the lower parts are deeply +0505 S-going stream begins
perforated with caves. Farther N, The Storr (57°30′N,
6°10′W), which has high cliffs and pillars near the top, is –0055 N-going stream begins
conspicuous; 4 miles SSE of the N end of the island, Meall 2 The streams begin rather earlier at the N end of the
nan Suireamach rises within 2 miles of the coast. sound and rather later at the S end of the sound. The
4 Raasay. On the E side of the S part of the Sound of streams in the lochs on the E side of the sound are
Raasay, between Ardhuish (57°21′N, 6°05′W) (10.274) and imperceptible.
Manish Point, 7 miles N, the coast consists of sloping hills, 3 Northern approach to the Sound of Rassay. Tidal
with patches of trees and cultivation and occasional small streams in the channel between Rubha na h-Aiseig
gravel beaches. Beinn na h-Iolaire (57°29′N, 6°00′W), (57°42′N, 6°18′W), the NE extremity of the Island of Skye,
standing 2 miles N of Manish Point, is rocky and sterile and Eilean Trodday, 1 mile N, are given at 12.62. Along
except for a few patches of fern which grow in the niches the E coast of the Island of Skye, between Rubha na
of the rock. h-Aiseig and Rubha nam Brathairean, 9 miles SSE, a weak
5 Eilean Fladday (57°29′N, 6°02′W), the S extremity of stream probably sets SSE and NNW along the coast.
which lies 1¼ miles NE of Manish Point (above), is flat 4 Narrows of Raasay. The movement of the tidal streams
topped with a village and some cultivation towards the S in the Narrows of Raasay is shown on the chart. The rate
end of the island, which is connected to Raasay by a of these streams increases up to 3 kn near the shoals on
drying reef. both sides of the narrows and an eddy sets N in Churchton
Bay, on the E side of the narrows, during the S-going
Depths stream. The streams as given lose their strength rapidly to
10.266 the N and S of the narrows
1 Depths at the S end of the Sound of Raasay are very 5 Caol Mór. Tidal streams in Caol Mór set as follows:
uneven with shallow banks and detached patches extending Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
into the fairway, particularly in the Narrows of Rassay
where the least charted depth in the fairway is 12⋅9 m in +0550 E-going stream begins
position 3 cables E of the N extremity of An Aird (Chart –0010 W-going stream begins
2534 plan of Narrows of Raasay), as given at 10.274. The 6 These streams set in the entrance as shown on Chart
uneven nature of the bottom then continues N into the 2534, plan of Sound of Raasay, but are rather variable in
sound for about 1 mile, particularly on the E side. direction and may set towards the land; the rate is shown
2 The central and N parts of the Sound of Raasay are on the plan.
generally deep and free from dangers outside a distance of
6 cables from the shore. However, surveys in 1988 revealed Local weather
several patches with depths of 22⋅5 to 38⋅0 m over them 10.270
lying up to 2½ miles off the W shore of the sound for up 1 It is reported that it is often calm in Caol Mór when
to 8 miles S of Staffin Island (57°39′N, 6°12′W), the there are strong breezes in the vicinity.
position of which are best seen on chart 2210.
3 In the N approach to the Sound of Raasay, a shoal, with Directions
a least depth of 12⋅1 m over it and with general depths of (continued from 10.212 and 10.215)
15 to 21 m, lies between 2¾ and 4 miles E of Sgeir Eirin Chart 2534 plan of Sound of Raasay
(57°40′N, 6°14′W). Another shoal, with several depths from Caol Mór
23 to 28⋅5 m over it, extends 1½ miles NNE from position 10.271
57°41′⋅5N, 6°05′⋅3W. Closer inshore, a third shoal, with 1 From a position 7½ cables N of Eilean Leac na Gainimh
depths from 23⋅5 to 28 m over it, extends 1½ miles NW (57°19′⋅5N, 5°59′⋅7W) the track into Caol Mór leads SW
from position 57°41′⋅4N, 6°11′⋅5W, lying parallel to and for 1¼ miles, passing (with positions from Eilean Leac na
2¼ miles off the NE coast of the Island of Skye. Gainimh):
NW of a bank, with depths of less than 5 m over it,
Hazards which extends 1 cable NNE from Eilean Leac na
10.267 Gainimh, a grassy islet situated close offshore
1 The main channel described at 10.264 passes through an 1¾ cables E of the N extremity of Scalpay, and:
area of fishing activity (10.5), and includes submarine 2 SE of a marine farm (9 cables NW) (1.17) moored on
exercise areas (10.4). the coastal bank, thence:
SE of a bank, with depths of less than 10 m over it,
Rescue which extends 2½ cables SE from Eyre Point
10.268 (9½ cables WNW), on which stands Eyre Point
1 A Coastguard Sector Base (1.61) and an all-weather Light (white clad metal framework tower, 5 m in
lifeboat (1.72) are maintained at Portree (57°25′N, 6°11′W) height), and:

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3 NW of foul ground and a bank, with depths of less 2 Close E of the coastal bank, with depths of less than
than 10 m over it, which extends 1 cable NW from 10 m over it, which extends 2 cables E from the E
Rubh’ a’ Chinn Mhòir (3 cables WSW), the NE side of An Aird (6 cables SSW) (10.264). A
entrance point of Camas na Geadaig (57°19′N, shallow spit, with a depth of 2⋅2 m over its
6°00′W). extremity, extends 1¼ cables SE from Rainy Rocks
4 From a position NW of Rubh’ a’ Chonnaidh (57°19′⋅2N, (5 cables SSW) which lie on the coastal bank.
6°00′⋅9W) the track alters to the W for about 1½ miles, Thence:
passing (with positions from Rubh’ a’ Chonnaidh): 3 W of a shoal, with a depth of 5⋅6 m over it (6 cables
S of the coastal bank, with charted depths of less SE), which lies on the coastal bank, with depths of
than 10 m (9½ cables WNW) which extends up to less than 10 m over it, which extends up to
2¼ cables from the S coast of Raasay, thence: 3 cables offshore between Eilean Aird nan Gobhar
5 Three cables S of Rubha na Cloiche (1¼ miles and the point abreast Suisnish Cottage, 7½ cables
WNW) which is the S extremity of Raasay. A reef SE (10.272), and:
and bank, with depths of less than 10 m over it, 4 E of Penfold Rock (3½ cables SSW) which is marked
extends a total of 1 cable S and 3¼ cables ESE on its E side by a light-buoy (port hand).
from Rubha na Cloiche. Useful marks:
6 Useful marks: Raasay House (4 cables NE) which stands on slightly
Sconser Lodge (57°19′N, 6°06′W), a large cottage raised ground, is protected from the N by a
with a few trees around it, which stands near the wooded hill and has other buildings standing close
root of a jetty on the S side of the entrance to E.
Loch Sligachan (10.304). 5 A school (5 cables E) which is an Elizabethan cottage
Sconser Ferry Pier Light, 3 cables W of Sconser standing near the coast with a church charted close
Lodge (above), (10.304). ENE.
10.274
Chart 2534 plans of Sound of Raasay and of Narrows of Raasay 1 When the school house at Upper Ollach (57°20′⋅9N,
Narrows of Raasay 6°07′⋅4W) (10.265) bears 282°, just open N of the N
10.272 extremity of An Aird, the track alters to WNW for about
1 From a position 5 cables S of the Ferry Pier at East 1 mile, passing (with positions from the N extremity of An
Suisnish (57°20′N, 6°04′W) the track alters to the NW for Aird):
1¼ miles, passing (with positions from the Ferry Pier): NNE of Penfold Rock (4 cables ESE) (10.273),
NE of a tongue, with depths of less than 10 m over thence:
it, which extends the coastal bank 5 cables ENE 2 Over the least charted depth in the fairway (3 cables
from Bo Sligachan (1 mile SW) which lies in the E) (10.266). This depth is charted close WSW of a
approach to Loch Sligachan (10.304), thence: detached shoal, with a depth of 9⋅3 m over it
2 SW of the Ferry Pier at East Suisnish, the T-head of (3¼ cables ENE), which lies in the middle of the
which extends to the 5 m depth contour. A light fairway. Another detached shoal, with a least depth
(grey mast, 5 m in height) stands on the SE end of of 1⋅3 m over it, situated 1 cable E of Eilean Aird
the pierhead, and a ramp used by barges lies close nan Gobhar (5½ cables ENE) which is connected
E. Thence: to Ardhuish, the NW entrance point of Churchton
3 NE of a spit of sand and shingle (1 mile WSW) Bay (10.305), by a drying reef. Thence:
which dries and lies on the coastal bank, with 3 NNE of a rocky shoal, with a depth of 3⋅5 m over it
charted depths of less than 10 m, which extends a (1¾ cables SE), which lies 1 cable offshore,
total of 2½ cables NE from the cliffs fronting Tòrr thence:
Mór, the summit of a grassy peninsula which SSW of a detached shoal, with a least depth of 4⋅1 m
forms the S entrance point to Balmeanach Bay, over it, (4¼ cables NE), thence:
thence: SSW of McMillan’s Rock (4 cables N) which lies in
Three cables SW of Suisnish Point (2 cables NNW) the N entrance to the Narrows of Raasay and is
which is fronted by a reef and a bank, with depths marked on its SW side by a light-buoy (starboard
of less than 10 m over it, which extends a total of hand), thence:
1¼ cables SW from the point, thence: 4 NNE of foul ground and a bank, with depths of less
4 SW of a shoal patch, with a depth of 4⋅7 m over it than 10 m over it, which extends a total of ¾ cable
(3½ cables NW), which lies near the edge of the E from Sgeir Dhubh (3½ cables NW) which is a
coastal bank, and: bare islet situated on the SW side of the fairway.
NE of a large marine farm (1.17) (1 mile W) moored
near the middle of Balmeanach Bay, thence:
SW of Jackal Rock (6 cables NW) which is marked Chart 2534 plan of Sound of Raasay
on its W side by a light-buoy (starboard hand). Narrows of Raasay to Portree
5 Useful mark: 10.275
Suisnish Cottage (6½ cables N) which is a 1 From a position N of Sgeir Dhubh (57°21′N, 6°07′W)
two-storeyed building. the track alters to the N, through the Sound of Raasay for
10.273 about 4 miles, passing (with positions from Holoman Island
1 After passing W of the light-buoy marking Jackal Rock (57°23′N, 6°05′W)):
(above), the alignment (358°) of the W extremity of Eilean 2 W of Long Rock (1¼ miles S) which is fringed by a
Aird nan Gobhar (57°21′N, 6°05′W) (10.274) with Sgeir bank, with depths of less than 5 m over it,
Chnapach, 1½ miles farther N (10.275), leads N for extending ½ cable from its W side. A detached
2¼ cables, along the W side of the fairway, passing (with patch, with a least charted depth of 18⋅1 m, lies
positions from Eilean Aird nan Gobhar): 7½ cables WSW of Long Rock. Thence:

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3 W of Oskaig Point (1 mile S) which is a grassy 6 W of Bo na Faochag (3½ miles ENE) which has a
headland. Shoal patches, with depths of 11⋅1 to depth of 1⋅8 m over it (charted as dangerous rock),
16⋅3 m over them, lie up to 6 cables W of Oskaig thence:
Point. Thence: W of a reef which extends ¾ cable N from Rubha na
W of Ebbing Rock (8 cables S) which dries, thence: Cloich’ Uaine (4¼ miles ENE), the NW extremity
4 W of Sgeir Chnapach (7 cables SSW), a small round of Eilean Tigh (10.282), thence:
islet situated on a drying reef. Shoal patches, with 7 W of the NW entrance to Caol Rona (4½ miles ENE)
a least charted depth of 12⋅6 m, lie up to 2 cables (10.279), thence:
W of Sgeir Chnapach. Thence: E of the mouth of Rigg Burn (2¾ miles N) which is
5 W of the drying reef and bank, with depths of less backed by sloping grassland, terminating in low
than 10 m over it, which extend a total of ¾ cable cliffs, thence:
W and 1 cable NNW from Holoman Island which 8 W of Eilean Garbh, known locally as Rough Island
is covered with heather and grass and is joined to (5 miles NE), which lies in the entrance to
the shore E by a drying reef, thence: Acairseid Mhór (10.309), about ¾ cable off the W
6 E of Clach Dubh (1½ miles WNW) and the rocky side of Rona (10.194) and is covered with heather.
reef fringing the base of Ben Tianavaig (2 miles This island is difficult to identify as it is similar in
WNW) (10.265) for 7 cables S, thence: appearance to the adjacent land, despite a white
E of Pin Rock (2 miles NW) which lies ½ cable arrow reported to be painted on its S side. Thence:
offshore at the NW end of a chain of drying rocks 9 W of a chain of rocks and islets which lie close
which fringe the coast and extend up to 1 cable offshore between Eilean Garbh (above) and the S
offshore in places, thence: entrance point of Acairseid Thioram (5½ miles
7 E of the entrance to Portree Harbour (57°25′N, NE) (10.310), a distance of 6¾ cables, thence:
6°11′W) (10.283). 10 W of Sgeirean Buidhe Bhorlum (57°34′⋅3N,
(Directions for entering 5°59′⋅4W) (chart 2479) situated at the N end of
Portree Harbour are given at 10.287) foul ground which extends 2 cables offshore for
1½ miles to the S of this rock, thence:
W of Sgeir Shuas (57°35′⋅0N, 5°58′⋅5W) (Chart
Charts 2209, 2210 2479), a group of islets on the centre islet of
Portree to Rubha nam Brathairean which stands a light-beacon, thence:
10.276 11 E, distant 1½ miles, of Rubha nam Brathairean
1 From position 57°24′⋅9N, 6°06′⋅7W the track through (57°35′N, 6°08′W), a peninsula which terminates
Sound of Raasay continues generally N for about 11 miles, in a pinnacle-shaped rock, on which lies a dome or
passing (with positions from Holm Island (57°29′N, lump, the peculiar character of which is noticeable
6°08′W)): from SE. To the S of Rubha nam Brathairean the
W of a rock, with a depth of 0⋅6 m over it (charted coast consists of low cliffs which show specimens
as dangerous rock), (2¾ miles SE), thence: of columnar trap halfway down and terminate at
W of Comet Rock (2¾ miles SE) which lies ¾ cable the sea in steep slopes. Foul ground extends up to
offshore, thence: 1 cable offshore for 3¾ cables S of Rubha nam
2 W of Manish Island (2¾ miles ESE), situated close Brathairean. And:
off the E shore of the sound to which it is 12 W of foul ground and shoal patches, with depths of
connected by a drying reef, 2 cables SE of Manish less than 10 m over them, which extend 2½ cables
Point, which is long and low with more rock than NW and 7 cables NNE from Cow Rock
herbage showing on the surface, thence: (57°35′⋅2N, 5°58′⋅1W) (Chart 2479) on which
W of Glas Eilean (3¼ miles ESE), thence: stands a perch, thence:
3 W of Bo Leachan (2¾ miles E) which has a depth of 13 E of Valtos Rocks (57°36′N, 6°09′W) which lie
2 m over it (charted as dangerous rock), and: 1¼ cables offshore, and:
E of Holm Island which is small, with grass on top, W of Na Gamhnachain (57°35′⋅8N, 5°57′⋅7W)
lying 2½ cables offshore from which it is separated (10.208) and Concrete Block, 1½ cables S,
by a channel that is almost completely blocked by (10.208).
drying rocks. At night this island is difficult to see (Directions continue for passage NNE at 10.278)
against a high background. And:
4 W of a rocky patch, with a depth of 6⋅2 m over it, Chart 2210
which lies on the rocky bank extending 3 cables Rubha nam Brathairean to Rubha na h-Aiseig
SSE from Griana-sgeir (3 miles E), a small, rocky 10.277
islet with grass on top which lies 2 cables from the 1 From the vicinity of 57°36′N, 6°05′W the passage along
W side of Eilean Fladday (10.265), thence: the NE coast of the Island of Skye leads NW for about
W of Bo na Currachie (3 miles E) which lies 9 miles, within a white sector (130°−322°) of Eilean
2½ cables NNE of Griana-sgeir, and: Trodday Light (57°44′N, 6°18′W) (12.70), passing (with
5 E of rocks which dry 2⋅4 m (7 cables NNW) and positions from the NW extremity of Staffin Island
extend 1¼ cables offshore from the mouth of a (57°39′N, 6°12′W)):
stream which discharges a considerable body of 2 NE of Staffin Island which is flat, grassy and
water into the sound from Loch Leathan. A power moderately bold lying 3 cables offshore, and:
station stands near the edge of the cliffs, close S SW of a detached shoal (3¼ miles NE) (10.266),
of the stream and close E of the course of an old thence:
waterfall. From this vicinity Rona Light NE of Eilean Flodigarry (1¼ miles NNW) which lies
(57°34′⋅7N, 5°57′⋅5W) (10.201) is visible to the 5 cables offshore and is steep-to on its E side, the
NE. Thence: coast of which is a basaltic cliff, thence:

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3 NE of a rocky patch, with a depth of 6⋅9 m over it, navigable channels on the SW side of the entrance. The
which lies 2 cables NE of the NE side of Sgeir SW of these two channels, which has a least width of
Eirin (1½ miles NNW) which is a narrow, bare 1 cable, is generally preferred and therefore given in
rock with foul ground extending 1 cable NW and Directions.
2 cables SE from it, thence:
4 NE of Clach nan Ràmh (2 miles NW), a steep-to and Tidal streams
drying rock, 2 cables offshore, the black head of 10.280
which is generally visible and a clearing bearing 1 Tidal streams in Caol Rona set as follows:
for which is given below. The coast NW of Clach Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
nan Ràmh is fringed by several detached rocks or
columns. Thence: +0450 SE-going stream begins
NE of Rubha na h-Aiseig (4¾ miles NW) (12.57) –0110 NW-going stream begins
which rises inland to Ben Volovaig, 5 cables SSW. 2 The rate at spring tides is up to 2 kn in both directions.
5 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 151° of the SW The SE-going stream sets in the direction of the channel,
extremity of Staffin Island (above) just open SW of Eilean but the NW-going stream tends to set towards Eilean
Flodigarry (above) passes close NE of Clach nan Ràmh. Seamraig, the centre of the three islands in the entrance,
(Directions for passage NW of the (10.281).
Island of Skye are given at 12.70)
Rubha nam Brathairean towards North Minch Directions
10.281
(continued from 10.276)
1 From a position 6½ cables NNE of Rubha Ard Ghlaisen
10.278
1 From the vicinity of 57°36′N, 6°05′W the passage the approach to the SE entrance leads WNW for about
towards North Minch leads NNE for about 7 miles, passing: 6½ cables, passing (with positions from Rubha Ard
WNW of Hinds Shoal (57°39′N, 5°57′W) (10.320), Ghlaisen):
and: NNE of Rubha Ard Ghlaisen (10.208), thence:
ESE of a detached shoal (57°41′N, 6°07′W) (10.266). 2 SSW of Sgeir nan Eun (8¾ cables N), a small islet
(Directions continue for passage to which is connected by a drying reef to Eilean
North Minch at 10.321) Seamraig, ½ cable WNW, the centre of the three
islands in the entrance, which has some grass on
Caol Rona its summit, thence:
3 SSW of a bank, with charted depths of less than
Chart 2479 10 m, which extends ¾ cable S from Eilean an
Channel Fhraoich (9 cables NNW) which is the SW of the
10.279 three islands, with grass on the top and No 4
1 Caol Rona (57°31′N, 6°00′W), which separates the S beacon (black and yellow, triangular topmark)
end of Rona, to the N, from the N end of Raasay and standing on the SW side of the island.
Eilean Tigh, to the S, is entered from the SE between 10.282
Rubha Ard Ghlaisen (57°29′⋅7N, 5°58′⋅6W) and the SE 1 When clear of the danger off the S end of Eilean an
extremity of Rona, 1¼ miles N. This entrance is obstructed Fhraoich the track alters NNW, between Eilean Tigh and
by three islands, interspersed with rocks, leaving two Eilean an Fhraoich, keeping towards Eilean Tigh and at

Island of Skye Garbh Eilean Rona

An Caol En an Fhraoich En Seamraig Sgeir nan Eun

Caol Rona from SE (10.279)

(Original dated 2000)
(Photograph − Air Images)

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least ½ cable off Eilean an Fhraoich, passing (with entered between Udairn (57°24′⋅4N, 6°08′⋅3W) and Rubha
positions from Eilean an Fhraoich): na h-Airde Glaise (1½ miles N) (10.345).
WSW of foul ground which extends ½ cable SW and
¾ cable NW from Eilean an Fhraoich (10.281),
and:
2 ENE of the fringing reef and coastal bank, with
charted depths of less than 5 m, which extends up
to ½ cable NE from Eilean Tigh (2 cables W), a
rugged and rocky island which rises to a summit
in Meall Mór. It is connected at its SE end to
Raasay by a drying reef and separated from it at
HW by a narrow cut which is only a few metres
wide. A few cottages stand on the SE coast of
Eilean Tigh, near the cut. Thence:
3 WSW of Rubha Dubh Chamais (8 cables NNW) the
SW extremity of Rona (10.194) and the S entrance
point of An Dubh Chamas.
(Directions for passage N through
Sound of Raasay are given at 10.276) Vriskaig Point Sgeir Mhòr Marine Farm

Approach to Portree from E (10.283)

Portree Harbour (Original dated 2000)
Chart 2534 plan of Portree Harbour (Photograph − Air Images)
General information Portree Harbour serves the town of Portree which is
10.283 built around the harbour and, with a population of 1917 in
1 Portree Harbour (57°25′N, 6°11′W), situated on the W 2002, is the capital of the Island of Skye and a popular
side of the Sound of Raasay, is the inner part of the bay tourist centre.

Portree from SE (10.283)

(Photograph − Air Images) (Original dated 2000)

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2 Topography. The mountains on both sides of the which is a black rock. This reef is marked off its
harbour are crowned with dark trap cliffs and, as the land S side by a light-buoy (starboard hand).
at the head of the bay is much lower, the entrance can be 10.288
identified by day and on dark nights. 1 After passing Sgeir Mhór the track alters WNW towards
3 Harbour limits. All water below the level of HW the pier, 3 cables NW of Vriskaig Point, passing (with
enclosed by a line joining a point 100 m NW of Udairn positions from Vriskaig Point):
(57°24′N, 6°08′W), on the S side of the harbour, to a point NNE of Vriskaig Point (10.287), thence:
on the coast 1¼ miles NNW in position 57°25′⋅5N, NNE of a light-buoy (special) (1¾ cables WNW).
6°09′⋅0W. 10.289
4 Traffic. In 2002, the port was used by 7 vessels with a 1 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 268° of Viewfield
total of 10 000 dwt. House (7 cables W) which stands on rising ground partly
Harbour Authority: Highland Council Harbours HQ, surrounded by a plantation, well open N of Vriskaig Point,
Lochinver, Sutherland IV27 4LE. Local control is vested in clears to the N of Scorr Skerry and the coastal bank with
the Harbour Master (Uig), Portree Pier, Portree IV51 9GD. depths of less than 5 m over it.
Useful marks (with positions from Vriskaig Point):
Limiting conditions Cullin Hills Hotel (5¼ cables N) which is situated on
10.284 a hill, 19 m high.
1 Deepest and longest berth. The pier at Meall na 2 Two conspicuous cylindrical tanks (3 cables WNW)
h-Acairseid (10.291) is the deepest and longest berth. standing on the E side of Meall na h-Acairseid, a
Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables. projecting bluff which is wooded and on which
Mean spring range about 4⋅6 m; mean neap range about stands an ornamental tower.
1⋅8 m. A light (post) standing near the head of Portree Pier
Maximum size of vessel handled. Vessels with a length (3 cables NW) which is exhibited when vessels are
of 65⋅5 m, width of 11⋅25 m and draught of 4⋅08 m expected.
(summer), 3⋅99 m (winter) can be accommodated alongside.
Basins and berths
Arrival information 10.290
10.285 1 Anchorage, with good holding ground, may be obtained
1 Port radio station is operated from Portree, when in a depth of 25 m with the head of Portree Pier bearing
manned, for details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals 278°, 7 cables, as shown on the plan, clear of a sewage
Volume 6(1). outfall pipe which extends 5½ cables E from Stron a’
Notice of ETA is 24 hours for vessels carrying Mhill, the SE extremity of Meall na h-Acairseid, as shown
dangerous substances and for all vessels over 30 m LOA. on the plan.
2 It is reported that vessels can also be anchored in Camas
Natural conditions Bán, a sandy bay extending ESE from Vriskaig Point. This
10.286 is not a good anchorage as it is susceptible to violent
1 Tidal streams are imperceptible within the harbour. squalls.
Local weather. With strong E and SW winds, violent 10.291
squalls may be expected which funnel fiercely down the 1 Alongside berth. Portree Pier, situated near the head of
sides of the hills and out of the harbour. the harbour on the NE side of Meall na h-Acairseid
(10.289), has depths of 3⋅2 m alongside, over a length of
45 m. Elsewhere the bottom is smooth and it is safe to take
Directions
the ground.
10.287
1 From a position 1½ miles ENE of Vriskaig Point Port services
(57°24′⋅5N, 6°10′⋅9W) the approach to Portree Harbour 10.292
leads WSW for 1¼ miles, with Vriskaig Point, a raised 1 Medical: Hospital, doctor and dentist are all located in
terrace which is steep-to on its N and E sides, ahead, Portree.
passing (with positions from Vriskaig Point): Customs office.
2 NNW of the fringing reef and bank, with depths of Oily waste reception facilities are available for up to
less than 5 m over it, which extends ¾ cable N 2500 litres.
from Scorr Skerry (8½ cables E) a drying rock 2 Supplies. Fresh water, diesel and petrol can be obtained
which lies close offshore near the mouth of Scorr at Portree Pier; small quantities of provisions and ship’s
Burn which flows through a small area of sloping stores can be obtained in the town.
and cultivated land, and: Harbour regulations. Special bye-laws are in force
3 SSE of marine farms (between 3½ cables and concerning the dumping of refuse in Portree Harbour to the
1¼ miles NE) (1.17) which are moored along the W of a line drawn SE from Sgeir Mhór.
coast about 1 cable offshore, and:
4 SSE of Viewfield Rock (5½ cables NE) which has a Small craft
depth of less the 2 m over it (charted as dangerous 10.293
rock), and which lies near the edge of the coastal 1 Entry. In strong W winds (10.286) it is difficult for
bank, with depths of less than 5 m over it, which, craft under sail to approach Portree Harbour.
with a fringing reef, extends up to a total of 2 Anchorage can be obtained E of the pierhead in a depth
¾ cable offshore, thence: of 5 m but the holding, in soft mud, is not very good and
5 SSE of a marine farm (4½ cables NE) (1.17) which is moorings are laid in this area. In strong SW winds this
moored about 1 cable offshore, thence: anchorage can be very uncomfortable and good shelter can
SSE of the drying reef extending 1 cable SE from the then be obtained in Camas Bán, 6 cables SE of the pier
shore, on which lies Sgeir Mhór (3½ cables NE) (10.290), off a sandy beach SE of Vriskaig Point, in a

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depth of 4 to 6 m. However, the anchorage in Camas Bán 10 m over it, which extends 1 cable SE from the
is subject to severe downdraughts in S winds. NE side of the loch.
3 Moorings are available for visitors off the N shore of 10.297
the harbour but these are reported to be untenable in S 1 Useful marks:
winds. No 1 Light-beacon (orange) (7½ cables S) which
stands on the summit of a hill on the S side of the
Other name loch.
10.294 2 Light-beacon (port hand) (5¼ cables SE) which stands
1 Port a’ Bhata (57°25′⋅3N, 6°09′⋅6W), a bay. close SE of an under-water rock situated in the
middle of the entrance to a cove in the NE corner
of the loch.
Loch a’ Bhràige Rona Lighthouse (57°34′⋅7N, 5°57′⋅5W) (10.201).
Chart 2534 plan of Loch a’ Bhràige Mooring and berth
General information 10.298
10.295 1 Mooring. A special 5th class mooring buoy is
1 Loch a’ Bhràige (57°35′N, 5°58′W), a narrow harbour established near the head of the loch, as shown on the
on the W side of the N end of Rona (10.194) is open NW chart, in charted depths of more than 20 m.
but affords secure mooring and alongside berthing facilities. Alongside berth. A piled quay with rubber fendering
A helicopter landing site is established ½ cable NNE of stands near the W entrance point of a sheltered cove in the
the berth. NE corner of the loch; a depth of 2⋅4 m is charted in the
vicinity. A light stands on the SE corner of the quay.
2 Small craft can obtain anchorage in a depth of 18 m,
1 cable from the SW shore with Rona Light (10.201), close
E of the loch, bearing 070°. Also in the cove in the NE
corner of the loch.

Anchorages
Chart 2534 plan of Sound of Raasay
Caol Mór
10.299
1 Temporary anchorage can be obtained anywhere along
the N side of Caol Mór (10.264) between Eyre Point
(57°20′N, 6°01′W) (10.271) and Suisnish Point, 1½ miles
W (10.272), at a distance of 2½ cables offshore, in depths
of 22 to 27 m.
Rona Lighthouse Chart 2210
Loch a’Bhràige Jetty from WSW (10.295) Staffin Bay
(Original dated 2000)
10.300
(Photograph − Air Images) 1 Staffin Bay (57°39′N, 6°13′W), which is entered NW of
Staffin Island (10.277), is open N which allows a lot of
Directions swell to set in.
2 In 1977 HM Surveying Ship Hecla (2800 tons) anchored
10.296
with the N point of Staffin Island bearing 126°, distant
1 From a position 3 cables W of Sgeir Shuas Light
5½ cables, in a depth of 16 m, sand and small stones. It
(57°35′⋅0N, 5°58′⋅5W) (10.276), the alignment (136½°) of
was reported that this anchorage was sheltered from winds
No 9 Light-beacon (white and orange), which stands on an
between S and NW, but that fierce gusts were experienced
islet in the middle of a drying reef 6¾ cables SSE of Sgeir
with strong W winds.
Shuas Light, with No 10 Light-beacon (white) 1¼ cables
3 Small craft can obtain anchorage abreast the middle of
farther SE, leads into Loch a’ Bhràige, passing (with
Staffin Island, 2 cables offshore in a depth of 9 to 13 m,
positions from Sgeir Shuas Light):
mud, as shown on the chart.
2 NE of a detached rock, with a depth of 3⋅2 m over it
(3½ cables SW), which lies in the middle of the
Small craft
entrance, and:
SW of detached patches, with charted depths of less Chart 2498
than 10 m over them (1¼ cables SW and Channel
1½ cables SSW)) which lie ½ cable SW of the SW 10.301
islet of Sgeir Shuas (10.276), thence: 1 Caolas Scalpay (57°16′N, 5°58′W) (10.302) and Loch
3 NE of a detached patch, with a charted depth of na Cairidh (57°17′N, 6°00′W) (10.303), the heads of which
5⋅5 m (3½ cables SW), thence: are connected by narrows (57°16′⋅4N, 5°58′⋅8W), form a
SE of a shoal, with depths of less than 10 m over it, channel between the S and W sides of Scalpay (10.194)
on which lies a drying rock (2½ cables SSE), and the Island of Skye. This channel, which has a least
thence: width of 2½ cables near its centre, is further constrained by
4 NW of the drying reef which fringes the coast on the drying reefs which extend from both shores leaving a
SW side of the loch (4½ cables S), and: navigable channel less than ¼ cable in width, with a least
SE of a 4⋅3 m patch (3½ cables SSE) which lies near depth of 0⋅1 m in the fairway. This channel is suitable only
the outer end of a spit, with depths of less than for small craft at or near HW.

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2 Submarine power cables (1.39) cross the narrows, as entrance, as shown on the chart, the landing places of
shown on the chart, their landing places are marked by which are marked by beacons.
beacons. 4 Sconser Ferry Pier extends ½ cable NNW from the S
3 Tidal streams in Caolas Scalpay and Loch Cairidh set shore of the loch close within the entrance; a light (grey
as follows: post) stands on the head of the pier.
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks Chart 2534 plan of Narrows of Raasay
+0505 SE-going stream begins 10.305
1 Churchton Bay (57°21′N, 6°05′W), situated on the NE
–0110 NW-going stream begins
side of the Narrows of Raasay, affords anchorage in its N
The rate at spring tides is 1 kn in both directions. part during the summer. The SE side of the bay is foul and
a line of small craft moorings extend along the 5 m depth
Anchorages contour on the NE side of the bay. During the winter,
10.302 violent squalls from the mountains of the Island of Skye,
1 Caolas Scalpay (57°16′N, 5°58′W), which is easily may make it necessary to leave the anchorage.
accessed from the E, has moderate depths with good 2 The main anchorage lies with the knoll (9 m high),
holding ground. With most winds the squalls in Caolas which extends from the N shore of the bay, bearing 353°,
Scalpay are very strong and uncertain in direction because distant 2½ cables, in a depth of 10 m, clay and mud, as
of the steep slopes on both shores. shown on the chart. Restricted anchorage, with good
2 Anchorage can be obtained, in depths of 9 to 11 m, holding, is also available between Eilean Aird nan Gobhar,
7 cables ESE of the narrows, or 1½ cables E of the the NW entrance point (10.274), and Perch Rocks,
narrows, as shown on the chart, clear of the fringing reef 1½ cables E, which are two detached rocks, the S of which
and of marine farms (1.17) which are moored up to is marked by a perch.
1½ cables off both shores. 3 A pier which projects WSW from the 9 m knoll (above)
3 Landing, which is dependant on the tide, can be effected affords good shelter for landing during SW winds, but it
at a pier situated in a natural harbour 2 cables S of Scalpay dries alongside. A jetty and two slipways are also available
House (57°17′N, 5°56′W) (10.201). and there are limited facilities for small craft.
10.303
Chart 2534 plan of Sound of Raasay
1 Loch na Cairidh (57°17′N, 6°00′W), which extends
10.306
3 miles N from the narrows with Caolas Scalpay, is most
1 Tianavaig Bay (57°22′N, 6°08′W), situated on the W
easily approached through Caol Mór (57°20′N, 6°01′W)
side of the Sound of Raasay, affords temporary anchorage
(10.264), to the NE, or from the Sound of Raasay (Chart
during W winds, in a depth of 8 m, sand. However, this
2534) (10.264), to the NW. Anchorage in the inner part of
bay contains a group of moorings on the W side of the bay
the loch can be obtained off Dunan School House, 7 cables
and fixed fishing nets which extend up to 1 cable from the
WNW of the narrows, in a depth of 9 m, as shown on the
head of the bay and from both the N and W sides within
chart, clear of the fringing reef which extends up to
3 cables of the head of the bay. These nets are marked by
1½ cables offshore and of moorings established close
orange floats.
inshore of the anchorage position.
2 Loch Ainort (57°17′N, 6°03′W) (Chart 2209), which Charts 2209, 2100
extends SW from the SW side of Loch na Cairidh, is a 10.307
narrow inlet which is surrounded by mountains of unusual 1 Fladday Harbour (57°28′⋅5N, 6°01′⋅5W), which lies
shape, forming ravines through which the wind becomes between the S end of Eilean Fladday (10.265) and the W
concentrated into fierce and dangerous squalls and flurries coast of Raasay, is an enclosed area which affords secure
which render the loch unsafe for anchorage. anchorage in depths of 5 to 18 m. It is entered by a
channel, with a width of ½ cable and a least depth of
Chart 2534 plan of Sound of Raasay, 2209 5⋅5 m, which enters the SW corner of the bay between
10.304 Fraoch Eilean, the SE of a chain of rocks and reefs
1 Loch Sligachan (57°19′N, 6°07′W), situated at the W fronting the bay, and Ard an Torrain, the NE entrance point
end of Caol Mór, has a narrow entrance which is of Loch Arnish. Local knowledge is required.
encumbered by rocks and shoals extending SSE from 10.308
Rubh’ an Tòrra Mhoir from both shores reducing the 1 Caol Fladda (57°29′N, 6°01′W), a narrow inlet between
navigable channel to a width of ¼ cable with a least depth the E side of Eilean Fladda and the W coast of Raasay,
of 4⋅1 m in the fairway. The loch is surrounded on all sides affords anchorage in a depth of 5 to 7 m, as shown on the
by steep mountains and is notorious for very heavy squalls. chart, but the area is reported to be full of kelp and the
2 Tidal streams in the entrance to Loch Sligachan set as holding to be poor. This inlet can only be approached from
follows: the N through Loch a’ Sguirr, clear of Bo na Faochag
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks (57°30′⋅2N, 6°01′⋅7W) (10.276), as its S end is blocked by
a stone causeway.
+0550 In-going stream begins
Chart 2479
–0030 Out-going stream begins
10.309
The rate and direction of the streams in the entrance are 1 Acairseid Mhór (57°32′N, 6°00′W), situated on the W
shown on the chart; within the loch the stream is side of Rona (10.194), affords good anchorage in a depth
imperceptible. of 6 m, mud, in the middle of the bay, clear of a marine
3 Good anchorage for small craft can be obtained farm (1.17), moored close to the S shore. Anchorage is
anywhere in the loch so far as the depth and nature of the also obtainable near the head of the harbour, in a depth of
bottom are concerned, clear of marine farms (1.17) and 4 m, sheltered from the wind and sea. The principal
submarine cables (1.39) which cross the loch inside the entrance, which lies SE of Eilean Garbh (10.276), is very

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narrow with a least depth of 4 m; local knowledge is Tidal streams

required. 10.316
10.310 1 The tidal streams between the NE coast of the Island of
1 Acairseid Thioram (57°33′N, 5°59′W) a wide, open bay Skye (57°42′N, 6°17′W) and the mainland, 16 miles E, are
on the W side of Rona (10.194) is not suitable for very weak and more or less rotary clockwise, as shown by
anchorage but does afford shelter for boats in the NE a tidal station on chart 2210.
corner of the bay. Along the mainland coast, between Longa Island
(57°44′N, 5°48′W) and Rubha Réidh, 7½ miles N, weak
tidal streams probably set S and N, beginning as in
Chart 2210 mid-channel.
10.311 2 For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
1 Kilmaluag Bay (57°41′⋅5N, 6°17′⋅5W), a small inlet North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland.
situated 8 cables SSE of Rubha na h-Aiseig (12.57), affords
anchorage for small craft during W winds, in depths of 5
to 9 m, sand. This is a convenient anchorage whilst waiting Principal marks
for suitable conditions for a passage beyond the N end of 10.317
the Island of Skye, but this bay is reported to be subject to 1 Landmarks:
fierce squalls in strong W winds. Rona Lighthouse (57°34′⋅7N, 5°57′⋅5W) (10.201).
Conspicuous radio masts, (57°47′N, 5°47′W) standing
near the coast, and (57°51′N, 5°47′W) standing on
a hill.
INNER SOUND TO RUBHA RÈIDH Rubha Réidh Lighthouse (57°52′N, 5°49′W) (13.134).
10.318
1 Major lights:
Rona Light—as above.
General information Rubha Réidh Light—as above.

Charts 1794, 2210 Other navigational aids

Route 10.319
10.312 1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the
1 The route along the W coast of Scotland, from a Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at
position 2½ miles WNW of Rubha na Fearn (57°35′N, 1.33.
5°49′W), leads generally N for about 17 miles, towards
North Minch (13.1), to a position WNW of Rubha Réidh
(57°52′N, 5°49′W). This route forms part of the Inshore Directions
Traffic Route as given at 1.11. (continued from 10.210)

Chart 2210
Topography
10.313 Inner Sound to Loch Gairloch
1 The W coast of Scotland, between Rubha na Fearn and 10.320
Rubha Réidh, 16 miles N, is indented by Loch Torridon 1 From the vicinity of 57°36′N, 5°53′W the coastal route
(57°35′N, 5°45′W) (10.340) and Loch Gairloch (57°43′N, leads generally N for about 7 miles, passing (with positions
5°45′W) (10.322), separated by a headland which has no from the S extremity of Red Point (57°38′N, 5°49′W)):
dangers beyond 1 cable and a bank, with depths of less W of Red Point, the N entrance point of Loch
than 10 m over it, which extends up to 3½ cables offshore. Torridon (10.340), which is the termination of
North of Loch Gairloch the coast, which is formed by the slightly sloping land, and:
W side of a prominent headland, is generally bold and 2 E of Hinds Shoal (4 miles W), a clearing bearing for
rocky and contains a few sandstone cliffs and hills, and which is given below, thence:
several natural arches as shown on the chart. This coast is W of drying rocks which lie 3 cables SSW and
bordered by foul ground and a bank, with depths of less ¾ cable NW of Sròn na Carra (3¾ miles NNE)
than 10 m over it, which extends up to 2½ cables offshore. which is the S entrance point of Loch Gairloch
(10.322).
3 Clearing bearing. A line of bearing, more than 190°, of
Rona Lighthouse (57°34′⋅7N, 5°57′⋅5W) (10.201) clears to
Hazards the E of Hinds Shoal.
10.314 (Directions for entering
1 The route described above passes through an area of Loch Gairloch are given at 10.326)
fishing activity (10.5), and includes submarine exercise
areas (10.4).
Chart 1794
Loch Gairloch to Rubha Réidh
Rescue (continued from 10.278)
10.315 10.321
1 An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) is based at 1 From the vicinity of 57°43′N, 5°54′W the coastal route
Gairloch (57°43′N, 5°41′W). continues generally N for about 10 miles, passing (with
For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 10.9. positions from Rubha Bàn (57°45′N, 5°49′W)):

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2 W of the foul ground and a bank, with depths of less Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
than 10 m over it, which extends up to 1¼ cables
from the W coast of Longa Island (1 mile S) –0620 In-going stream begins
(Chart 2528 plan of Loch Gairloch) which lies on –0020 Out-going stream begins
the N side of the entrance to Loch Gairloch
(10.322), separated from the mainland by Caolas The streams are very weak in the middle of the loch but
Beag. This island, which is covered with grass and attain rates of ¼ to ½ kn near to the land on both sides.
heather, is almost divided in two by a low neck of The highest rate, which occurs in Caolas Beag (57°44′⋅4N,
land situated 2 cables E of its W end. Thence: 5°47′⋅0W) (10.333), is shown on the chart.
3 W of Rubha Bàn, the N entrance point of Loch
Gairloch, which rises to an elevation of 124 m,
1 mile inland, thence:
W of Rubha Réidh (6½ miles N) (13.136). Directions
(Directions continue for passage NNE along the 10.326
W coast of Scotland at 13.136) 1 From the vicinity of 57°43′N, 5°49′W a white sector
(080°−102°) of Glas Eilean Light (metal pedestal, concrete
base), situated on the summit of Glas Eilean (57°43′N,
5°42′W) which is 7 m high and conspicuous, leads E
Loch Gairloch through the entrance and into the loch for 3¼ miles, clear
of all dangers, passing (with positions from Leac Bad an
Tionail (57°42′⋅5N, 5°45′⋅3W)):
Chart 2528 plan of Loch Gairloch 2 S of Sròn na Caillich (2 miles NW) the SE extremity
General information of Longa Island (10.321) which is fringed by a
10.322 reef, thence:
1 Loch Gairloch (57°43′N, 5°45′W), entered between Sròn N of drying rocks which extend ¾ cable NW from
na Carra (57°42′N, 5°47′W) (10.320) and Rubha Bàn, Sròn na Carra (1¼ miles WSW) (10.320), thence:
3¼ miles NNW (10.321), is generally free from dangers in 3 N of Nares Rock (7 cables WSW) which lies up to
its outer part, beyond 3 cables from the shore. 3 cables off Sròn a’ Muilt, the NE entrance point
2 Gairloch Harbour (10.331) situated near the head of the of Port Henderson, thence:
bay, 4 miles from the entrance, which had a population of S of marine farms (1 mile N) (1.17) which are
1265 in 2001, has a 60 m berthing pontoon for small moored close S of the coastal bank, with depths of
vessels in addition to a restricted anchorage area. less than 10 m over it, which extends from the
3 Harbour limits. All waters below the level of HW fringing reef for a total of up to 2½ cables from
enclosed by a line joining Seana Chreag (57°42′⋅6N, the N shore of the loch, thence:
5°41′⋅3W) to Goban Innis a Ghobhainn, 3 cables ESE. 4 N of a marine farm (2 cables ENE) (1.17) which is
Harbour Authority: The Highland Council, Department moored close N of the coastal bank, with charted
of Roads and Transport, Council Buildings, Glenurquhart depths of less than 10 m, which, with a fringing
Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX. Local control is vested in the reef, extends up to 1 cable N from the S coast of
Harbour Master, Gairloch Pier, Gairloch, Wester Ross. the loch between Leac Bad an Tionail and Sròn
nan Gabhar, 6 cables E, thence:
5 S of marine farms (1½ miles NE) (1.17) which are
Limiting conditions moored off the coastal bank at the W end of Strath
10.323 Bay, a wide and exposed bay which occupies the
1 Deepest and longest berth is at the pier in Gairloch NE corner of the loch.
Harbour (10.331). 10.327
Tidal levels, see information in Admiralty Tide Tables: 1 Useful marks:
mean spring range about 4⋅6 m; mean neap range about Gairloch Hotel, 8½ cables NE of Glas Eilean Light,
2⋅2 m. and a church, 1¼ cables S of the hotel, which are
Maximum size of vessel berthed alongside had a both conspicuous. A second church, 5 cables NNW
length of approximately 50 m and a draught of 4⋅5 m. of the hotel, is not conspicuous.
10.328
1 From a position 4 cables W of Glas Eilean Light the
track alters to the ESE, passing (with positions from Glas
Arrival information Eilean Light):
10.324 NNE of the rocky bank, with depths of less than 5 m
1 Port radio. A listening watch is maintained on VHF over it and a depth of 3⋅6 m (4½ cables WSW)
during working hours. near its outer edge, which extends 1½ cables N
Notice of ETA. Notice of 24 hours is mandatory for from Eilean Horrisdale, thence:
vessels carrying dangerous substances, and is requested for 2 SSW of a shoal, with depths of less than 10 m over
vessels over 30 m LOA. Notice of 1 hour is requested for it, which extends 1 cable SSW from Glas Eilean
smaller vessels. For details see Admiralty List of Radio (10.326), thence:
Signals Volume 6(1). At least 1 cable SSW of Seana Chreag (5½ cables
ESE) which is the NW entrance point of
Flowerdale Bay (10.339), thence:
Tidal streams 3 NNE of the reef fringing Fraoch Eilean (8½ cables
10.325 SSE) which is covered with heather and is
1 Tidal streams in Loch Gairloch set as follows: conspicuous.

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10.329 narrow, tortuous channel, to the S of Eilean Horrisdale,

1 Useful mark: connects Birds Nest with Caolas Bad a’ Chrotha, 3 cables
Shieldaig Lodge (1¾ miles SSE) which is a W (10.334).
conspicuous hotel standing near the shore at the 10.336
head of Loch Shieldaig (10.331). 1 Camas na h-Airighe (57°42′N, 5°42′W), situated
between Fraoch Eilean (10.328) and the mainland SW,
affords anchorage in a depth of 24 m, in the middle of the
Anchorages bay, as shown on the chart, clear of a marine farm (1.17),
10.330 moored near the S shore of the bay.
1 Small vessels can be anchored N of Longa Island 10.337
(10.321) during S gales but this anchorage becomes 1 Loch Shieldaig (57°41′⋅5N, 05°41′⋅0W) (10.331),
untenable when the wind is from the W. situated at the head of Loch Gairloch, affords anchorage in
In 1932, HMS Stuart (1800 tons) was anchored 7 cables a depth of 9 m mud, 1 cable N of Eilean Shieldaig and
ESE of Longa Island and good holding was found during a 1¼ cables E of Eilean an t-Sabhail, as shown on the plan,
NW gale. or farther in, to the E of Eilean Shieldaig. It is reported
that Loch Shieldaig is mainly occupied by moorings, many
of which are used by local fishing boats, and marine farms
Basins and berth (1.17) are also moored around the shores of the loch.
10.331 Shieldaig Lodge (10.329) stands near the root of a jetty at
1 Basins. The head of the loch is divided into three bays: the head of the loch.
Flowerdale Bay (10.339) to the N, which contains Gairloch 10.338
Harbour and anchorages for small craft; Loch Kerry 1 Loch Kerry (57°42′⋅2N, 5°40′⋅8W), situated close NE of
(10.338), in the middle, which contains a poor anchorage; Loch Shieldaig, affords poor anchorage in the middle of the
and Loch Shieldaig, to the S, which can accommodate entrance to the loch, as shown on the plan. In this position
small craft only (10.337). the depth is 9 m in sand which is generally good holding
2 Alongside berth. A pier, which extends about 120 m ground, clear of moorings which occupy part of the loch,
from the N shore of Flowerdale Bay, has depths of about and of a dangerous rock, with a depth of about 1 m over it,
5 m alongside its outer arm and a length of approximately which lies 1 cable from the SW shore; however, a
50 m. Landing steps are situated on the E side of the root considerable swell sets into the loch during and after W
of the pier, and a light (framework tower, 2 m in height) is winds.
occasionally exhibited from the head of the pier. 10.339
1 Flowerdale Bay (57°42′⋅5N, 5°41′⋅0W) affords
anchorage on the alignment (293°) of Seana Chreag
Supplies (10.328) with the NE extremity of Glas Eilean, 5½ cables
10.332 WNW (10.326), as shown on the plan, in a depth of 15 m.
1 Small quantities of provisions can be obtained in the This anchorage is subject to much swell during W winds
village of Gairloch, 6 cables N of the pier; a post office making it better for smaller craft to anchor farther into the
and bank are situated close to the pier. bay, in a depth of 5 m mud, keeping seaward of the pier.

Small craft channel Loch Torridon

10.333
1 Caolas Beag (57°44′⋅4N, 5°47′⋅0W) the channel between
Longa Island (10.321) and the mainland NE, contains a Chart 2210 and plan of Upper Loch Torridon
very narrow channel with a least depth of 5⋅4 m in it. General information
There are no suitable leading marks for this channel. 10.340
1 Loch Torridon (57°35′N, 5°45′W), entered between
Rubha na Fearn (57°35′N, 5°49′W) and Red Point, 3 miles
Small craft anchorages N, extends 5 miles SE to Loch Shieldaig which in turn
10.334 gives access to Upper Loch Torridon (57°33′N, 5°35′W)
1 The following anchorages are given in sequence from (10.341).
the mouth of the loch inwards. 2 Secure anchorage can be obtained in Upper Loch
2 Caolas Bad a’ Chrotha (57°42′⋅2N, 5°43′⋅3W), situated Torridon, as given at 10.348, which is approached through
between the SW side of Eilean Horrisdale (10.328) and the a channel 2 cables wide with depths of 20 to 24 m in the
foul ground which extends up to 3 cables from the shore of fairway.
the mainland, affords well-sheltered moorings and Restricted anchorage only is available in Loch Torridon
designated anchorage areas, with navigable channels and in Loch Shieldaig.
between them. This harbour, which is easy to approach 10.341
from N and can also be approached from the E (10.335), is 1 Topography. The NE shore of the loch, between Red
much frequented by leisure craft and fishing boats. A jetty, Point (10.320) and Rubha na h-Airde, 5½ miles SE, is
which extends from the SW shore of the harbour, serves barren and bleak, then continues as rocky and indented for
Badachro, a village close-by, from which provisions can be a farther 2 miles SE to Rubha na h-Airde Glaise (10.345).
obtained. The peninsula, of which Rubha na h-Airde is the N
10.335 extremity, is rugged and rocky.
1 Birds Nest, (57°42′⋅1N, 5°42′⋅4W), situated between the 2 The SW shore of the loch, between Rubha na Fearn
E side of Eilean Horrisdale (10.328) and Rubha Mhic (10.343) and Ardheslaig, 3¾ miles ESE (10.345), is
Chonnuill, 3 cables SE, is a designated area for visitors’ indented by a number of small creeks and bays which are
moorings, clear of several rocks which lie in the vicinity. A generally too open for anchorage.

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Upper Loch Torridon is surrounded by spectacular Loch Shieldaig (10.340), passing (with positions from Mas
mountains and hills and its head dries out 4 cables from the Diabaig):
mouth of River Torridon. SW of Mas Diabaig, the S extremity of the peninsula
10.342 which has Rubha na h-Airde (10.341) as its N
1 Tidal streams in Loch Torridon are very weak except in extremity, thence:
the narrows between Loch Shieldaig and Upper Loch 2 NE of Ardheslaig (4½ cables SSW) a peninsula which
Torridon, where they set as follows: rises to a hill of irregular outline, 4½ cables SSE
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks of its N extremity. The isthmus which connects
this peninsula to the mainland S is low, narrow
–0620 In-going stream begins and cultivated. Thence:
–0020 Out-going stream begins SW of Rubha na h-Airde Glaise (1½ miles SE) which
is the NW entrance point of the channel leading to
The rate at spring tides is about 2 kn in both directions. Upper Loch Torridon, and:
2 Local weather. Upper Loch Torridon is reported to be 3 NE of Dora Rock (1½ miles S) which has a depth of
subject to squalls if there is any wind. less than 2 m over it and lies 1 cable offshore,
close S of a marine farm (1.17).
10.346
1 Channel to Upper Loch Torridon. From a position S
Directions of Rubha na h-Airde Glaise the narrow channel (10.340)
10.343 into Upper Loch Torridon leads NE for about 5 cables,
1 Loch Torridon. From the vicinity of 57°38′N, 5°51′W passing NW of a spit extending ½ cable N from Eilean a’
the track into Loch Torridon leads SE for 3¾ miles, passing Chaoil, 3½ cables SE of Rubha na h-Airde Glaise, which is
(with positions from Rubha na Fearn): connected to the mainland S by a drying reef.
2 SW of the foul ground and a bank, with depths of 2 Useful mark:
less than 10 m over it, which extends ¾ cable S A conspicuous house (white with a red roof) stands
and 1 cable W from Sgeir Ghlas (3 miles N) which on the W shore of Loch Shieldaig, 1½ miles SW
lies on the coastal bank 4 cables ESE of the S of Rubha na h-Airde Glaise.
extremity of Red Point. Marine farms (1.17) are 10.347
moored up to 3 cables offshore for 1½ miles ESE 1 Upper Loch Torridon. When clear of Eilean a’ Chaoil
of Sgeir Ghlas. Thence: the track alters to the E, through the middle of the loch,
3 SW distant 7½ cables from Sgeir na Trian (2 miles passing:
NNE) which is surrounded by foul ground and a N of the marine farms (1.17) which are moored near
bank, with depths of less than 10 m over it, which the edge of the coastal bank, with depths of less
extends 2½ cables SE from the rock, thence: than 10 m over it, which, with a fringing reef,
SW of a detached patch, with a depth of 3⋅7 m over extends up to 3 cables from the S shore of the
it (1½ miles NNE), which lies 4½ cables SSE of loch, and:
Sgeir na Trian, thence: 2 S of the foul ground and spits of gravel which extend
4 SW of a detached shoal, with a least charted depth of up to 2 cables from the N shore of the loch,
14⋅9 m (1¼ miles NE), which extends across the especially off the mouths of the burns. Some
centre-line of the loch, and: marine farms (1.17) are also moored off the N
NE of Sgeir a’ Ghair which lies on a drying reef shore of the loch.
extending 1¼ cables NE from Rubha na Fearn, a 3 Useful mark:
point with an undulating outline. A conspicuous church with a square belfry which
10.344 stands near the N shore, 3 miles E of Rubha na
1 From the vicinity of 57°35′N, 5°47′W the track leads h-Airde Glaise.
ESE for 2¾ miles, towards the channel between the N
extremity of Ardheslaig, to the S, and Mas Diabaig
(57°34′N, 5°42′W), to the N, passing (with positions from
Mas Diabaig): Anchorages
2 NNE of a shoal, with depths of less than 10 m over 10.348
it, which extends 1½ cables NNE from Sgeir 1 The best anchorage is obtained in Upper Loch
Dhubh (2 miles W) which lies about 1 cable Torridon, 4 miles E of Rubha na h-Airde Glaise, as shown
offshore, thence: on the plan, in a depth of 24 m. A pier extends from the N
NNE of Eilean Mór (1¾ miles W) which lies about shore 3¾ miles E of Rubha na h-Airde Glaise and several
½ cable offshore, thence: jetties and slips are established around the loch as shown
3 SSW of Sgeir Dùghall (1¼ miles NNW) which on the plan.
consists of two above-water rocks lying near the 2 Small craft can obtain anchorage in moderate depths off
edge of a tongue extending 3 cables SW from the most of the small bays which indent the S shore of the
coast, close NW of the entrance to Loch Diabaig, loch.
thence: 10.349
4 NNE of a rock, with a depth of less than 2 m over it 1 Restricted anchorage can be obtained in Loch Shieldaig
and another rock, which is awash, lying S of Shieldaig Island (57°31′⋅5N, 5°39′⋅5W) in a depth of
respectively ½ cable N and 1½ cables ENE of 24 m, with the inn, 2½ cables SE of the S extremity of
Dubh Sgeir (8 cables WSW). Shieldaig Island, bearing 070°. However, the bottom is soft
10.345 mud through which the anchor easily drags and a shoal,
1 Loch Shieldaig. From a position 3½ cables W of Mas with a depth of 9⋅8 m over it, lies in the anchorage area. A
Diabaig the track alters to the SE for about 2 miles, into war memorial stands in the N part of the village, 3 cables

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ENE of the S extremity of Shieldaig Island, as shown on Small craft anchorages

the chart. 10.351
2 The entire anchorage area is controlled by the Highland 1 In addition to the anchorages mentioned at 10.348, those
Council, Council Buildings, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, anchorages suitable only for small craft are given in the
IV3 5NX. following paragraphs.
A small jetty and slipway are available. 2 Red Bay (57°38′⋅2N, 5°48′⋅3W) a sandy bay between
Fresh water and small quantities of provisions can be Red Point (10.320) and Eilean Tioram, 6 cables E, affords
obtained at Shieldaig. temporary anchorage, clear of Sgeir Ghlas (10.343) and
3 Small craft can obtain good anchorage between fishing nets which lie in the bay. This bay provides good
Shieldaig Island and the mainland E, and also near the shelter from N winds but is completely exposed to the S.
head of the loch, with good protection from SW winds. Camas Eilean (57°33′⋅5N, 5°45′⋅2W), a small bay SW
10.350 of Eilean Mór (10.344), affords occasional anchorage clear
1 Restricted anchorage can also be obtained in Loch a’ of a marine farm (1.17) moored on the S side of the bay
Chracaich (57°33′N, 5°45′W) clear of Sgeir Ghlas which 3 Loch Beag (57°33′N, 5°43′W), a narrow inlet on the
lies off the N entrance point of the loch, and clear of SW side of Ardheslaig which is occupied in part by
marine farms (1.17) moored off the N and S sides of the moorings for fishing boats and is used as an anchorage by
loch. fishing vessels during the summer, affords restricted
2 The anchorage shown on the chart, in a depth of 31 m, anchorage at the head of the loch, in a depth of 3 m. This
mud, which is suitable only for small craft, is well anchorage is well sheltered from the N but the bottom is
protected from the swell. It is reported that weed may be a reported to contain very thick seaweed.
problem in this anchorage.

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Chapter 11 - Sea of the Hebrides - western part

50´ 40´ 30´ 20´ 10´ 7° 50´ 40´ 30´

30´ 30´

CHAPTER
BENBECULA 12

S K Y E

20´ 20´

2904
SOUTH
UIST
CHAPTER
9
Loch 11.14
2825 Eynort 11.151
CHAPTER
6

10´ 2770
11.131 10´
Lochboisdale
So

nd
u

of
Ba
rra
11.89

11.89

57° 57°
11.89
BARRA 2770

Castlebay
11.70 1795
2769
CHAPTER
9
11.14
11.66

50´ 11.62 50´

11.39
11.57

Barra Head
2769

40´ 40´

COLL
11.14

30´ TIREE 30´

1796

CHAPTER
5

CHAPTER
9

20´ 20´

50´ 40´ 30´ 20´ 10´ Longitude 7° West from Greenwich 40´ 30´

February 2004

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CHAPTER 11
SEA OF THE HEBRIDES — WESTERN PART

GENERAL INFORMATION
Chart 2635 Harbours
Synopsis 11.5
11.1 1 There are no major harbours within the area covered by
1 This chapter covers the W part of the Sea of the this chapter.
Hebrides (57°00′N, 7°00′W) (1.84) which lies between the Minor harbours of importance, in order of presentation
S group of the Outer Hebrides, S of Ushenish Promontory are as follows:
(57°18′N, 7°12′W), and the W limit of the Inner Hebrides, Castle Bay (56°57′N, 7°30′W) (11.70).
W of a line joining Skerryvore (56°19′N, 7°07′W), Oigh Loch Boisdale (57°09′N, 7°16′W) (11.131).
Sgeir (56°58′N, 6°41′W), the SW coast of the Island of 2 Small craft facilities are limited to the natural shelter
Skye at 57°22′N, 6°40′W and Neist Point (5 miles NW). provided by the many islands and inlets; there are no
marinas and few services or supplies.
Waterway and routes Topography
11.2
11.6
1 The W part of the Sea of the Hebrides is entered from
1 The W part of the Sea of the Hebrides, which is
the S between Berneray (56°47′N, 7°38′W) and Skerryvore
26 miles wide between Berneray and Tiree (56°30′N,
(32 miles SE); it is entered from the E through a channel
6°55′W), extends 85 miles NNE to the Little Minch.
close N of Oigh Sgeir, and from the N through the Little
A general description of the Outer Hebrides is given at
Minch, for which recommended routes are given at 12.2.
1.84, of the Island of Skye at 1.90 and of Tiree at 9.4.
For navigational dangers see 1.2, with special reference
to the inner passage at 1.4. For areas to be avoided see Depths and sea state
1.42. 11.7
2 Routes for deep-draught ships are given at 6.10. 1 The bottom in the W part of Sea of the Hebrides is very
Laden tankers. The IMO recommend that, weather uneven and steep seas may be encountered throughout the
permitting, laden tankers over 10 000 grt use the Deep area. As a result the sea in this area is about twice as
Water Route given at 6.10. rough in a given wind as the sea in the Little Minch, as
For regulations and areas to be avoided see 1.42. described at 1.116.
3 Radio reporting procedures for a position S of the
Outer Hebrides, prior to starting a route to the E or W of Exercise areas
these islands, are given in Admiralty List of Radio Signals 11.8
Volume 6(1). 1 Submarines exercise frequently, both on the surface and
dived, in the area covered by this chapter, as shown on the
Traffic charts and described in the text. A good lookout is to be
kept for them when passing through these waters.
11.3
1 The majority of the commercial traffic using the W part Fishing
of the Sea of the Hebrides, other than inter-island ferries 11.9
(1.12) and fishing vessels 11.9, proceed along a N/S route 1 A general description of fishing methods is given in The
between the N and S entrances of the waterway. Many of Mariner’s Handbook and a summary of the methods used
these are tankers transitting through the area taking within the area covered by this volume is given at 1.14.
advantage of the lee from the Outer Hebrides. Within the W part of the Sea of the Hebrides known
fishing takes place as given in the following paragraphs.
Directions Large trawlers occasionally trawl for white fish in the
11.4 area generally.
1 Directions generally are given from S to N, on both 2 Light trawling and nephrop trawling takes place in
sides of the area, to agree with the S/N flow of traffic, and the area generally and specifically off the E coast of South
the identification of features and landmarks are included in Uist and the W coast of the Island of Skye from the end of
these Directions in that order. January to the end of November, reaching a peak during
Vessels crossing the area from E to W or W to E will May. A fleet of vessels, both local and from farther afield,
find the following identification features and landmarks are based at Mallaig (57°00′N, 5°49′W), Lochinver
useful: (58°09′N, 5°14′N) and Ullapool (57°54′N, 5°10′W) during
2 Hyskeir Light (56°58′N, 6°41′W) (11.26). the season.
Neist Point Light (57°25′N, 6°47′W) (11.26), Island 3 Ring net fishing is carried on off the E coast of South
of Skye. Uist, the W coast of the Island of Skye, off Tiree and
Ushenish Light (57°18′N, 7°11′W) (11.127), South Barra throughout the year, with a period of greatest activity
Uist. from August to February.
3 Boisdale Hills (57°11′N, 7°16′W) (11.121), South Pair net fishing follows a similar pattern to Ring net
Uist. fishing (above) except that the period of greatest activity is
Benmore (57°16′N, 7°18′W) (11.121), South Uist. from October to March.
Ben Heaval (56°58′N, 7°28′W) (11.46), Barra. 4 Purse net fishing is carried out predominantly off the E
Barra Head Light (56°47′N, 7°39′W) (6.52), Berneray. coast of South Uist, W coast of Island of Skye, off Tiree

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and Barra. Vessels are active throughout the greater part of A VHF Direction Finding Service for emergency use
the year but especially from August to March. only is also established within the area of this chapter; for
Creel fishing for lobsters takes place generally off the E details see 1.69.
coast of the Outer Hebrides. Maritime Rescue Sub-Centres are operated by Oban and
Stornoway Coastguards, for details see 1.61.

Marine farms
11.10
1 Marine farming equipment (1.17) has been established in
many of the sounds and lochs covered by this chapter. The
Tidal streams
approximate position of known farms is shown on the 11.13
charts and reported in this text; however further farms may 1 General information on tidal streams is given at 1.115.
be established without notice and may constitute a hazard In general, between the S end of the Hebrides and the
to navigation and anchoring. NW point of Ireland, the streams set inward towards the
coast of Scotland and outward into the Atlantic as given at
5.9. Part of this stream turns N round Barra Head into the
Navigation aids Sea of the Hebrides whilst another part crosses the S end
11.11 of the area to set NE along the NW coasts of Tiree and
1 The W part of the Sea of the Hebrides is covered by Coll as given at 9.175. This latter stream passes through
radio navigation aids as given at 1.33. The area is also the islands then sets out in a NW direction along the SW
reasonably well lit as, in good visibility, the beams of coast of the Island of Skye.
major lights overlap along the centreline. 2 Offshore, the tidal streams in the Sea of the Hebrides
2 Positions obtained from satellite navigation systems differ greatly from those which set along the E side of the
require some adjustment before being plotted on the chart, Outer Hebrides between Barra Head and East Loch Tarbert
until new editions of charts are published using the (70 miles NNE), on the W side of the area, and from those
European Terrestrial Reference System 1989 Datum. See which set between Skerryvore and Neist Point, on the E
1.25 and individual charts for details. side of the area. The streams probably change very quickly
with distance from the land and 3 to 4 miles offshore
resemble more nearly those of the sea than those along the
Rescue coast. Clear of the land the streams are everywhere weak
11.12 and more or less rotary.
1 An Emergency Co-ordination Centre is operated by 3 For details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: North
Stornoway Coastguard as given in Admiralty List of Radio Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland and tidal
Signals Volume 5. stream information on the charts.

EAST SIDE OF SEA OF THE HEBRIDES — WESTERN PART

SKERRYVORE TO NEIST POINT Topography along the W side of the passage is given at
11.46 and 11.121.

General information
Depths and sea state
11.16
Chart 2635 1 The seabed is very irregular between Skerryvore and
Passage Tiree (9 miles NNE) and for 6 miles NW from Skerryvore;
11.14 shallower water than charted may exist over the banks and
1 The passage along the E side of the Sea of the Hebrides shoals between Tiree and Skerryvore. Deep water can be
— W part, from a position NW of Skerryvore (56°19′N, found both N and S of Boinshly Rock (3¾ miles NE of
7°07′W) leads NNE for about 35 miles, then N for about Skerryvore) (9.29) but the use of these channels is not
20 miles, in deep water outside the coastal banks, to a recommended as this locality is never free from a long
position 3 miles WSW of Neist Point (57°25′N, 6°47′W). heavy swell which breaks in even a moderate breeze.
This passage leads into the recommended route through the 2 In NW gales the whole area between Skerryvore and
Little Minch for N-bound traffic, as given at 12.2. Tiree is a mass of breakers making it impossible to identify
2 Coastal passage along the W side of the Sea of the the position of the rocks and thus making this an area to
Hebrides — W part, including the marks and dangers along be avoided. For overfalls see 11.25.
the E side of the Outer Hebrides, is given at 11.45 and
11.120.
Hazards
11.17
Topography 1 Fishing and submarine exercises. The passage
11.15 described above passes through an area of fishing activity
1 General topography along the E side of the passage is as given at 11.9 and of submarine exercises as given at
given as follows (from S to N): Tiree at 9.4, Coll at 9.4, 11.8.
Rum at 9.126, Canna at 9.127, and Island of Skye at 1.90. Traffic convergence. Traffic en route between the Little
Healabhal Mhor (57°24′N, 6°38′W) (12.24) and Healabhal Minch and Sound of Mull (56°35′N, 6°00′W) (8.224) may
Bheag (57°23′N, 6°37′W) (9.186) are conspicuous be expected to cross the path of this passage in the vicinity
mountains near the W side of the Island of Skye. of Oigh Sgeir (56°58′N, 6°41′W), as given at 11.33.

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Traffic regulations Five miles NW of the N end of Tiree the streams begin
11.18 as follows:
1 Regulations regarding the use of this passage and the Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
radio reporting procedure required before starting the
passage are given at 11.2. –0545 NE-going stream begins
+0040 SW-going stream begins
2 The streams set strongly past Oigh Sgeir (56°58′N,
Rescue 6°41′W) and Mill Rocks (2½ miles SW) and across the
11.19 bank extending SW.
1 Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams (1.61) are based at W of Canna the streams begin as follows:
Tiree (56°30′N, 6°48′W), Coll (56°37′N, 6°31′W),
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
Lochboisdale (57°09′N, 7°19′W) and Castlebay (56°57′N,
7°30′W). An all-weather lifeboat (1.72) is maintained at +0615 NNW-going stream begins
Castlebay. +0015 SSE-going stream begins
For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 11.12.
11.24
1 South-west of the Island of Skye the streams close
inshore, between Loch Bracadale (57°20′N, 6°32′W) and
Natural conditions Neist Point (10 miles NW), set as follows:
11.20
1 Local magnetic anomalies. Large deflections of the Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
compass, which considerably increase the normal magnetic +0525 NW-going stream begins
variation, have been occasionally reported but not
confirmed to occur within the Sea of the Hebrides between –0035 SE-going stream begins
Skerryvore and Neist Point. 2 The streams set strongly, especially near An Dubh Sgeir
2 Specific deflections of the compass have been reported (57°20′N, 6°40′W), Am Bi-bogha Mór and Am Bi-bogha
to occur between Canna and Neist Point as given at 9.191. Beag (close N of An Dubh Sgeir).
Off Neist Point the normal magnetic variation is reported to 3 Off Neist Point the tidal streams set as follows:
increase by about 10°. Interval from
11.21 Remarks
HW Ullapool
1 Local weather. A climatic table for Tiree, in position
56°32′N, 6°55′W, is given at 1.164. –0415 to –0035 Streams set NW and N round the point.
11.22 –0035 to +0210 N-going stream hits the point and
1 Tidal streams. A general description of the tidal streams separates to set N up the W coast and SE
within the Sea of the Hebrides is given at 11.13. round Moonen Bay.
Tidal streams in the vicinity of Skerryvore and between +0210 to +0525 Streams set S and SE round the point
Skerryvore and Tiree are given at 9.24, and those SW of
Canna, are given at 9.175. +0535 to –0405 NW-going stream meets S-going stream
2 Between Skerryvore and Neist Point the main streams down the W coast and turns W.
set N and S and over the whole area they generally begin 4 Although not strong in mid-channel, these streams set
as follows: fairly strongly along the coast and off the salient points.
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks Offshore the streams set as follows:
–0500 N-going stream begins Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks

+0110 S-going stream begins –0400 NW-going stream begins

3 Near Skerryvore the streams are strong; they are also +0225 SE-going stream begins
fairly strong off the salient points, near the Small Isles For details of a tide rip extending NW from Neist Point
(9.123), and over and near detached rocks and shoals. see 12.31.
Elsewhere the rate at spring tides does not exceed 1 kn. 5 For further details on the tidal streams see Admiralty
Close inshore the streams begin 2 to 3 hours earlier than Tidal Stream Atlas: North Coast of Ireland and West Coast
the main stream mentioned above. of Scotland and tidal stream stations on the charts.
The following text gives tidal stream information for 11.25
positions along the passage, from S to N. 1 Overfalls, which are heavy and, with opposing winds,
4 Tidal streams NW of Skerryvore and SW of Tiree dangerous occur over the banks extending 10 miles W from
begin as follows: Tiree and over all the shoals between Tiree and
Mackenzie’s Rock (12 miles SW) as shown on the chart.
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
There are also heavy overfalls round Oigh Sgeir
–0600 N-going stream begins (56°58′N, 6°41′W) and over the rocks in its vicinity.
+0030 S-going stream begins
5 There is little information available regarding the Principal marks
streams off the NW coast of Tiree but they probably follow 11.26
the direction of the coast setting strongly off the salient 1 Landmarks:
points, with rates of 1 to 1½ kn during spring tides, and Skerryvore Lighthouse (56°19′N, 7°07′W) (5.10).
are weak in the bays. Radar dome (56°27′N, 6°55′W) (9.27).
11.23 Conspicuous radio towers (56°30′N, 6°58′W) standing
1 The times at which the streams begin gradually becomes 2½ cables SSW of the summit of Beinn Hough
later with progress from SW to NE. (Chart 1796).

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3 WNW of a shoal patch, with a depth of 8⋅2 m over it

(3¾ miles W), lying 2¾ miles W of Bo Mór which
is a dangerous rock, thence:
WNW of Dubh Sgeir (2 miles NW) lying 8 cables
WNW of Hough Skerries, an above and below
water reef extending NW from the NW side of
Tiree, thence:
4 WNW of Hawes Bank (56°45′N, 6°40′W) (9.172),
and:
Conspicuous radio towers, Tiree, from W (11.26)
Clear of pinnacle rocks, with a least charted depth of
(Original dated 2000)
36 m (56°48′N, 7°05′W).
(Photograph − Air Images)
11.30
1 From the vicinity of 56°50′N, 7°03′W) the passage
2 Hyskeir Lighthouse (white tower, 39 m in height) continues NNE, passing (with positions from Hyskeir Light
(56°58′N, 6°41′W) that is conspicuous, standing on (56°58′N, 6°41′W)):
a rock 4 cables SSW of the N extremity of Oigh 2 WNW of Mill Rocks (2½ miles SW). The bank
Sgeir. extending 3 miles SW from Mill Rocks has depths
so uneven that, although the least known depth is
19⋅3 m, the sea breaks heavily over the bank
during gales and continues to break heavily up to
7½ miles SW of the rock with wind against tide.
Thence:
3 WNW of a beacon (5 cables SW) (orange; 6 m in
height) marking the SW end of the drying rocks
and breakers extending about 7 cables SW from
Oigh Sgeir. Oigh Sgeir is the largest of a group
islets, the W of which are low lying, and all of
Hyskeir Lighthouse from W (11.26) which are covered with coarse grass in summer;
(Original dated 2002) Hyskeir Light (11.26) stands within the group and
(Photograph − Jean Guichard)
an isolated patch, with a depth of 14⋅3 m over it,
lies 2¼ miles W of the light.
Neist Point Lighthouse (white tower, 19 m in height)
(57°25′N, 6°47′W) standing on the W side of
Neist Point (11.31) 2 cables N of its S extremity.
11.27 Chart 1795
1 Major lights: 11.31
Skerryvore Light—as above. (continued from the above paragraph and from 9.181)
Barra Head Light (56°47′N, 7°39′W) (6.52). 1 From the vicinity of 57°02′N, 6°53′W the passage leads
Hyskeir Light—as above. N, crossing the channel to Sound of Mull (11.33), passing
Ushenish Light (57°18′N, 7°11′W) (11.127). (with positions from Neist Point (57°25′N, 6°47′W)):
Neist Point Light—as above. W of the rocks and dangers off the W end of Canna
(57°04′N, 6°33′W) (9.127) as given at 9.180,
thence:
Other navigational aids 2 W of An Dubh-Sgeir (6½ miles SE) which is narrow,
11.28 black and steep-to on its S side, being the S of a
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the chain of rocks extending 1½ miles S from Rubha
Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at Ruadh, a small promontory extending from the SW
1.33. Racons are situated at Skerryvore Light (5.10) and side of the Island of Skye, thence:
Hyskeir Light. 3 W of Damsel Rocks (4 miles SE), with a depth of
less than 2 m over them, which lie on the NW side
of the entrance to Lorgill Bay situated at the NW
Directions end of a stretch of coast fringed by vertical cliffs
(Directions for the offshore passage between which are pierced by caves, thence:
North Channel and Berneray are given at 5.12) 4 W of rocks, with a depth of less than 2 m over them,
which extend ½ cable W from Hoe Rape
(2½ miles SE), situated at the NW end of The
Charts 1778, 1796 Hoe, a headland which has a vertical face of black
11.29 rock intersected at intervals of 6 m by horizontal
1 From the vicinity of 56°30′N, 7°20′W the passage along reddish veins. At Gob na Hoe, near the middle of
the E side of the Sea of the Hebrides — W part leads the headland, the cliffs attain an elevation of
NNE, passing (with positions from Rubha Chràiginis 202 m. Thence:
(56°30′N, 7°00′W)): 5 3 miles W of Neist Point, the W extremity of the
2 WNW of a shoal patch, with a depth of 18 m over it Island of Skye, which is a low point, the basaltic
(8¼ miles W), lying near the W end of a bank and columns of which appear to have been cut off a
shoals, over which the sea breaks in a moderate few feet above the sea, but which then rises,
breeze, extending 8½ miles W from Rubha 3 cables NNE, to a hill which terminates in a sharp
Chràiginis, the W extremity of Tiree, thence: point, showing a vertical face of basaltic columns

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to the N. Neist Point Light (11.26) stands on the between Waterstein Head (11.32) and Neist Point affords
point. temporary anchorage in depths of 15 to 20 m. This bay is
open S and is only safe for use in settled weather. Small
craft can anchor closer in, near the head of the bay, in 5 m.
2 Landing. A small cove on the W side of the bay
(1 cable E of Neist Point Light) affords good landing for
boats in almost any weather except a S gale.

Small craft
Chart 1778
Tiree
Neist Point, Isle of Skye, from NW (11.31) 11.35
(Original dated 2000) 1 Between Hough Skerries (56°31′N, 7°00′W) (11.29) and
(Photograph − Air Images) the N extremity of Tiree there are many dangers off the
coast. Local knowledge is essential for any passage
Useful mark between these rocks and the coast, otherwise a wide berth
11.32 is recommended.
1 Waterstein Head (1 mile E) a hill which rises There is neither shelter nor anchorage along the N coast
precipitously from the sea, forming a good of Tiree.
landmark.
(Directions continue for directed route Chart 1796
NW of Skye at 12.35) Oigh Sgeir
11.36
Channels to Sound of Mull 1 Landing can generally be effected in moderate weather
in some of the creeks on the NW side of Oigh Sgeir
Charts 1796, 2635 (56°58′N, 6°41′W) (11.30) but there is no anchorage near
Route these islets.
11.33
1 The recommended route between the Little Minch Chart 1795
(57°30′N, 7°00′W) (12.1) and the NW entrance to the Island of Skye
Sound of Mull (56°40′N, 6°15′W) (8.295) crosses the Sea 11.37
of the Hebrides to pass N of Oigh Sgeir, as given at 9.180. 1 There are 2 inshore channels off the SW coast of the
Passage between Oigh Sgeir and Mill Rocks (2½ miles Island of Skye. The channel more frequently used, with a
SW) (11.30) is not recommended owing to breakers in the least depth of 8⋅4 m, passes between Am Bi-bogha Mór
area. (57°21′N, 6°40′W) and Am Bi-bogha Beag (4 cables NNE),
2 Passage S of Mill Rocks can be checked by the line of lying 2 cables offshore. The other channel, with a least
bearing 085° of the N extremity of Eigg (56°57′N, 6°08′W) depth of 3 m, which is used at HW, passes between the
(9.125), open S of the S end of Rum (56°56′N, 6°19′W) bank extending 1 cable SE from Am Bi-bogha Mór and the
(9.126) which passes 1½ miles S of Mill Rocks. drying rocks which extend 3½ cables N from An
Dubh-Sgeir (7 cables S).
Anchorage
Other names
Chart 1795
Camas nan Sidhean Charts 1778, 1795
11.34 11.38
1 Camas nan Sidhean, known locally as Camas Bane Balephuil Bay (56°27′N, 6°57′W).
(57°25′N, 6°46′W) situated at the N end of Moonen Bay Ramasaig Bay (57°24′N, 6°44′W).

WEST SIDE OF THE SEA OF THE HEBRIDES

GENERAL INFORMATION Sound of Barra (57°04′N, 7°20′W) (11.89).
Loch Boisdale (57°08′N, 7°15′W) (11.131).
Chart 2635
Traffic routes
Synopsis 11.40
11.39 1 The area covered by this section lies at the S end of a
1 This section describes the coastal passage off the E side directed route through the Little Minch, on the side of the
of the Outer Hebrides from a position SE of Berneray Outer Hebrides, along which mariners are recommended to
(56°47′N, 7°38′W) to a position E of Ushenish Promontory proceed in a S direction, as shown on the chart and given
(57°18′N, 7°12′W), a distance of about 50 miles and at 12.2.
includes the following sounds, lochs and harbours (given
from S to N): Traffic regulations
2 Sound of Berneray (56°47′⋅5N, 7°38′⋅0W) (11.57). 11.41
Sound of Mingulay (56°50′N, 7°36′W) (11.62). 1 Regulations regarding the use of the passage described
Sound of Pabbay (56°52′N, 7°32′W) (11.66). at 11.39 and the radio reporting procedure required before
Castle Bay (harbour) (56°57′N, 7°30′W) (11.70). starting the passage are given at 11.2.

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Topography Isolated patches, with depths of less than 50 m, lie up to

11.42 3 miles off the E coast of Barra.
1 A general description of the Outer Hebrides is given at 2 Caution. In the area SW of Vatersay (56°56′N, 7°32′W),
1.84. within the coastal bank and between the islands, depths
Topographical features within the islands, visible from have been obtained by lead-line surveys and mariners
the W side of the Sea of the Hebrides, are given in the text should note the caution given on chart 2769.
of each coastal passage.
Hazards
Hazards 11.48
11.43 1 Fishing and submarine activity. The passage described
1 Fishing. The W side of the Sea of the Hebrides is an above passes through an area of fishing activity as given at
area of fishing activity as given at 11.9. 11.9 and through submarine exercise areas as given at 11.8.
Submarines exercise within the area, as given at 11.8. Rescue
11.49
Flow
1 An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) and an
11.44
all-weather lifeboat (1.72) are maintained at Castlebay
1 There are no permanent currents along the E side of the
(56°57′N, 7°30′W).
Outer Hebrides and information regarding the effects of
For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 11.12.
wind is not available. There is, however, no doubt that
along that part of the coast covered by this section, strong Natural conditions
and persistent S and SW winds increase both the direction 11.50
and the rate of the N and NE-going streams and 1 Tidal streams within the Sea of the Hebrides, including
correspondingly reduce the SW and S-going tidal streams. positions 3 to 4 miles off the coast, are given at 11.13.
Close S of Berneray (56°47′N, 7°38′W) the tidal streams
appear to be affected by eddies and set as follows:
BERNERAY TO SOUND OF BARRA
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
General information –0605 E-going stream begins and
continues for 4¼ hours
Chart 1796 2769
–0150 W-going stream begins and
Passage continues for 8¼ hours
11.45
1 The coastal passage along the E side of the S group of 2 The rate of the E-going stream at spring tides is 2 kn
the Outer Hebrides from a position SE of Berneray and it sets ESE off the SW coast of the island and NE off
(56°47′N, 7°38′W) leads NNE for about 20 miles, in deep the SE coast where there are overfalls, as shown on the
water outside the coastal bank, to a position SE of the SE chart. These overfalls are probably caused by the main
entrance to the Sound of Barra (57°01′N, 7°18′W). stream meeting a SW-going eddy from the Sound of
Berneray on the N side of the island. The W-going stream
Topography is weaker than the E-going stream.
11.46 11.51
1 From Barra Head, the S extremity of Berneray, the S 1 On the E side of the Outer Hebrides, off the coast
group of the Outer Hebrides consists of a number of between Berneray and Sound of Barra, the streams begin
islands, islets and rocks extending NNE for 18 miles to the 2 hours earlier than off Barra Head and set in the general
N end of Barra. direction of the coast as follows:
2 Berneray has a distinctive wedge shape with Barra Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
Light (6.52) standing near its highest point near the W end
+0510 NE-going stream begins
of rugged cliffs which extend along the S coast.
Mingulay (56°49′N, 7°38′W) is reported to be the most –0050 SW-going stream begins
spectacular of the S group of islands with its 6 small 2 The rate at spring tides, in both directions, is 1½ kn off
compact peaks. the salient points, but less in the bays and farther to
3 Barra, the largest of the islands, gradually rises from N seaward.
to S. This island has many hills all of which, except Ben A set to the W will be experienced near the E entrance
Tangaval (56°57′⋅6N, 7°31′⋅9W), have a peaked appearance to all the sounds during the time that a W-going stream is
when viewed from the S, much of which is lost when setting in them, which approximates to the SW-going
viewed from the E or W. Ben Tangaval has a rounded stream along the coast.
outline from all directions; Ben Heaval (2 miles E of Ben 11.52
Tangaval), when viewed from the N, shows a sharp peak 1 Overfalls are created off the E side of Mingulay
with a double peak (61 m lower) NE of the summit. The (56°49′N, 7°38′W) by the confluence of the E-going
SE coast of Barra is very foul and indented by many small streams from the Sound of Berneray (11.57) and the Sound
rocky bays, with more rocks and shoals off this coast than of Mingulay (11.62).
off any other part of the E side of the Outer Hebrides.
Principal marks
Depths 11.53
11.47 1 Landmarks:
1 The coastal bank, with depths of less than 50 m, extends Barra Head Lighthouse (56°47′N, 7°39′W) (6.52).
up to 2 miles from the general line of the island chain. Bo Curachan (56°58′N, 7°21′W) a conspicuous rock that
Vich Chuan (56°56′⋅4N, 7°23′⋅2W) (11.55), lies close inside is a good mark for identifying the entrance to
the edge of the bank along the N part of the passage. North Bay (11.115).

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Berneray − Barra Head from W (11.55)

(Original dated 2002)
(Photograph − Jean Guichard)

2 Major light: 4 ESE of Solon Beag (5¼ miles SW) the SE of 4 rocks
Barra Head Light—as above. or islets lying close E of the NE extremity of
Mingulay, thence:
Other navigational aids ESE of Rosinish (3 miles SW) a long, bare, rocky
11.54 point extending 5 cables SE from the NE extremity
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the of Pabbay, which is high on its W side. Rosinish
Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at is separated from Pabbay at HW. Thence:
1.33. 5 ESE of Eilean Mór, a bare, black and rocky islet,
lying close SE of the E extremity of Sandray
Directions which rises to its highest point in the centre. A
(Directions for the offshore passage between large sandy patch on the E side of Sandray is a
North Channel and Berneray are given at 5.12) good landmark. Thence:
11.55 6 ESE of Muldoanich (2½ miles NE) a substantial
1 From the vicinity of 56°41′N, 7°30′W the coastal island which rises precipitously from the sea along
passage leads NNE for about 20 miles, passing (with its E side and is steep-to. A light-buoy moored
positions from Eilean Mór (56°53′N, 7°29′W)): 8 cables NNW of Muldoanich is fitted with a
2 ESE of Barra Head (8 miles SW), the S extremity of racon, as given at 11.77. Thence:
Berneray (11.46), situated in the middle of the S 7 ESE of Bo Vich Chuan (4¾ miles NE) which is
coast which consists of rugged cliffs rising from steep-to and marked off its S side by a light-buoy
44 m at its E end to 190 m at its W end. These (S cardinal) fitted with a racon, for details see
cliffs swarm with seabirds during the breeding Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 2, thence:
season (1.92). Thence: 8 ESE of a rock, with a depth of 4⋅7 m over it (6 miles
3 ESE of Sgeir Mhór (7½ miles SSW) a rocky island NE), which lies 5½ cables SE of Bo na Clach
lying 1½ cables SE of Nisam Point, the E Mór, thence:
extremity of Berneray, thence: ESE of foul ground extending up to 4 cables NE
ESE of Hecla Point (6½ miles SW) the SE extremity from Curachan (6¾ miles NE) (11.53). The foul
of Mingulay which, from the E and W, shows 4 ground is marked off its NE side by Curachan
rounded summits which become merged into 3 on Light-buoy (E cardinal). Thence:
NE and SW bearings. The E coast is generally 9 ESE of the E entrance to Sound of Barra (10 miles
rugged but is not precipitous. Thence: NE) (11.89).

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11.56 2 Landing can be effected at a slip (pier) 1½ cables W of

1 Clearing line to the ESE of Curachan and the dangers Maclean’s Point on Berneray or at Skipisdale on the SE
extending about 3 miles SSW to Bo Vich Chuan is given at coast of Mingulay.
11.75.
(Directions continue for Sound of Barra at 11.99, and
for passage off the E coast of South Uist at 11.129) Sound of Mingulay

General information
Sound of Berneray 11.62
1 Channel. Sound of Mingulay (56°50′N, 7°36′W), which
passes between the uninhabited islands of Mingulay and
Chart 2769 Pabbay (1½ miles NE), has a least charted width of
General information 7½ cables at its W end and is free from dangers in the
11.57 fairway, with a least charted depth of over 22⋅5 m. See
1 Channel. Sound of Berneray (56°47′⋅5N, 7°38′⋅0W), caution regarding soundings at 11.47.
which passes between the uninhabited islands of Berneray 11.63
and Mingulay (4 cables N), has a least width of 2½ cables 1 Sea state. In heavy weather the sea often breaks
at its W end and is free from dangers in the fairway, with completely across the area between Inner Heisker (3 cables
a least charted depth of 14⋅3 m midway through the sound. SW of Pabbay) and Outer Heisker (5½ cables W) due to
See caution regarding soundings at 11.47. the uneven nature of the bottom. The recommended
11.58 channel therefore passes S of the islets.
1 Sea state. During heavy weather from the W or with a 11.64
W swell outside the sound, very heavy seas may be 1 Tidal streams in the Sound of Mingulay set as follows:
experienced at the W end of the sound. Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
11.59 +0500 E-going stream begins
1 Tidal streams in the Sound of Berneray appear to be
affected by eddies and set as follows: –0150 W-going stream begins
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks The rate at spring tides is 3 kn during the E-going
stream and 2–2½ kn during the W-going stream.
–0605 E-going stream begins and 2 During the E-going stream a heavy race extends
sets for 4½ hours 3½ cables E from the N point of Mingulay. Details of the
–0150 W-going stream begins and overfalls off the E coast of Mingulay are given at 11.52.
sets for 8¼ hours
2 The rate of the E-going stream is 2½ kn at spring tides Directions
and, when it is setting strongly against the wind, turbulence 11.65
is created at the E end of the sound. 1 From the vicinity of 56°50′⋅3N, 7°33′⋅0W the route
through the Sound of Mingulay leads generally W in
mid-channel, passing (with positions from the S islet of
Directions Inner Heisker (57°50′⋅7N, 7°36′⋅2W)):
11.60 S of drying rocks which extend ½ cable S from the
1 From the vicinity of(56°47′⋅7N, 7°36′⋅0W) the route SE end of Rosinish (1¾ miles E) (11.55), thence:
through the Sound of Berneray leads generally W, in 2 S of Pabbay which is steep-to. Dark, narrow, vertical
mid-channel, passing (with positions from Shelter Rock fissures intersect the cliffs on the SW coast.
(56°47′⋅5N, 7°37′⋅9W): Thence:
N of Sgeir Mhór (1 mile ESE) (11.55), thence: S of Inner Heisker, a group of 3 islets off the SW
S of the S side of Mingulay (4 cables NNW) which is extremity of Pabbay, thence:
not very bold but has no detached rocks, and: N of Sgeir nan Uibhein (9 cables SSW) the NE of 4
2 N of Shelter Rock which lies ¾ cable off the N side rocks or islets lying close E of the NE extremity
of Berneray, thence: of Mingulay, thence:
S of Geirum Mór (8 cables WNW) the larger and W S of Outer Heisker (6 cables W) a group of 4 islets
of 2 islets lying close off the SW extremity of situated in the W entrance to Sound of Mingulay.
Mingulay. The islet has black cliffs and is
reasonably steep-to with no dangers outside
¼ cable from the coast. Sound of Pabbay

General information
Anchorage and landing 11.66
11.61 1 Channel. Sound of Pabbay (56°52′N, 7°32′W) passes
1 Anchorage in depths of about 15 m is charted 3¼ cables between the uninhabited islands of Pabbay, to the S, and
ENE of Shelter Rock. Sandray (2 miles NE) and Flodday (1¾ miles N) to the N,
Good anchorage for small craft is charted closer to passing either side of Lingay and Greanamul.
Berneray. 2 The deepest water is charted in the channel between
These anchorages are not safe for use when a heavy sea Pabbay and Lingay, but several patches with depths of less
is running; very heavy squalls occur during gales from the than 15 m over them are charted in the W approach to
S or SW but the swell is not felt in the anchorage area. Sound of Pabbay, and less water than charted has been

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reported (1996) to exist between Lingay and Flodday, as Castle Bay

shown on the chart. See also caution regarding soundings
at 11.47.
3 Sea state. During heavy weather the sea breaks over a Chart 2769, plan of Castle Bay
shoal patch 6 cable W of Lingay. General information
11.67 11.70
1 Tidal streams in mid-channel in sound of Pabbay set as 1 Position. Castle Bay (56°57′N, 7°30′W), situated in the
follows: middle of the S coast of Barra (11.46) is entered between
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks Orosay (56°56′⋅7N, 7°29′⋅0W) (11.78) and Uinessan
(8 cables S).
+0500 E-going stream begins
–0150 W-going stream begins
2 The E-going stream has a rate of 3½ to 4 kn at spring
tides and is strongest during its first 3 hours. The W-going
stream is weaker then the E-going stream. Eddies form on
both sides of the sound and, close inshore, the streams
begin 3 hours earlier than in mid-channel. Vatersay Barra
Approach to Castle Bay, Barra, from E (11.70)
(Original dated 2000)
Directions (Photograph − Air Images)
11.68
1 From the vicinity of 56°52′N, 7°29′W the routes through 2 Function. Castle Bay, which had a population of 1172
the Sound of Pabbay lead W or WNW, as required, passing in 2001, is an excellent harbour affording good anchorage.
(with positions from Greanamul (56°52′⋅6N, 7°33′⋅0W)): It is the terminal for the vehicular ferries from Oban and
S or SSW of Sgeir Leehinish (1¾ miles E) an Mallaig, on the Scottish mainland, and from Lochboisdale
above-water rock lying 1 cable off the SE on South Uist.
extremity of Sandray (11.55), thence: 3 Topography. Vatersay Sound (6.55), W of Castle Bay, is
2 S or SSW of Cletta (1½ miles E) an above-water permanently closed to shipping by a causeway (56°56′⋅8N,
rock lying 1 cable S of Sandray, thence: 7°31′⋅9W).
S or SSW of a rock, with a depth of 7⋅7 m over it
(1¼ miles E), which breaks during heavy seas and
lies 2 cables S of Sandray, thence:
3 Clear of Greanamul which, with a small islet close
W, lies on a bank, with a depth of 1⋅3 m over it
(1½ cables NW), situated near the middle of the
Sound of Pabbay. A rock, with a depth of 12⋅3 m
over it, lies 3½ cables WSW of the islet. Thence:
Clear of Lingay (6½ cables W) (6.47), thence:
SSW of Flodday (1 mile NW) (6.47) or: Ciasmul Castle
4 2½ cables N of the N extremity of Pabbay (1¼ miles Castlebay from SSW
SW) to avoid a rock, with a depth of 0⋅4 m over (Original dated 2000)
it, lying 1 cable N of the point. The N side of (Photograph − Air Images)
Pabbay is otherwise steep-to. Thence:
Clear of a shoal, with a depth of 8⋅3 m over it Port limits extend 200 m from the Ro-Ro berth (11.82).
(1¾ miles W). Port Authority is Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd, Ferry
Terminal, Gourock PA19 1QP.

Sound of Sandray
Limiting conditions
11.71
General information 1 Depth. The least charted depth in the fairway is 6⋅5 m
11.69 (56°56′⋅55N, 7°29′⋅65W) situated on the leading line
1 Channel. Sound of Sandray (56°54′⋅4N, 7°31′⋅0W), (295°), 5½ cables ESE of the front leading light. Greater
which passes between Sandray and Flodday, to the S, and depths can be found close N of the leading line, as shown
Vatersay (6.47) to the N, has a charted width of about on the chart.
1½ cables between dangers in the E entrance. Tidal levels: See information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
2 Sea state. At the W entrance to the sound the sea Mean spring range about 3⋅7 m; mean neap range about
breaks frequently over a bank extending 3 cables N from 1⋅4 m.
Flodday. In the E approach to the sound (1½ miles E of
Sandray) lies a bank over which it is reported that a sea,
dangerous to small vessels, occurs during SE gales. Arrival information
See caution regarding soundings at 11.47. 11.72
3 Tidal streams in the sound appear to conform with the 1 Pilots can be obtained by special request to the Port
details given at 11.64 for Sound of Mingulay. Authority.
Local knowledge is required to navigate this sound as Anchoring is not permitted in the approach to Castle
there are several dangers in or near the fairway. Bay due to the presence of submarine cables, as shown on

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the chart. The approach to the Ro-Ro berth should be kept 2 The alignment (283°) of these marks, near the N limit of
clear at all times. the white sector of the front light, leads towards Castle Bay
Quarantine. For quarantine regulations see 1.50. through the deep water fairway, passing (with positions
from the front light):
SSW of Bo Vic Chuan (3 miles E) (11.55), the E
Harbour danger in the approach to Castle Bay, thence:
11.73 SSW of Bo Vich il a Vhetur (2¾ miles ENE), thence:
1 General layout. Castle Bay is formed by a natural 3 SSW of Bo na Clerich (2 miles E) and:
indentation in the S coast of Barra, at the E end of NNE of Muldoanich (1¾ miles SE) (11.55), thence:
Vatersay Sound (6.55). The bay is sheltered by Vatersay to SSW of Sgeir a Scape (9 cables E), on which stands
the S and by Muldoanich, with shoals extending N, to the a ruined beacon, and which is marked off its SE
SE. Shoals extend north from Muldoanich. side by a light-buoy (starboard hand). There are a
11.74 number of pinnacle rocks within a distance of
1 Tidal streams. In a position 107°, 1⋅6 miles from Sgeir 1½ cables N and NW of Sgeir a Scape. And:
Dubh Light (56°56′⋅4N, 7°28′⋅9W) the tidal streams, which 4 NNE of a shoal, with a least depth of 1⋅6 m over it
are weak and rotary, set as follows:
(9¼ cables SE), which is marked off its NE side
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks by a light-buoy (port hand) fitted with a racon, for
–0500 070° details see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume
2. This shoal is situated near the NE extremity of
+0200 210° a bank with foul ground on it which extends
The maximum rate at spring tides is ½ kn; at other 9 cables N from the W extremity of Muldoanich.
times the streams are weak. 5 After passing Sgeir a Scape, the recommended track
2 In the narrow channel SW of Sgeir Dubh the tidal leads 270° in the white sector of Channel Rock Light
streams attain a maximum rate of ½ kn and set as follows: (11.78), as shown on the plan, passing just under 2 cables
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks S of a rock with a depth of 3⋅5 m over it (3½ cables E).
6 Clearing lines. The SE edge of the white sector (277°)
–0500 E-going stream begins of Channel Rock Light clears to the N of the 1⋅6 m shoal
+0115 W-going stream begins above. The N edge of the white sector (280°) of Sgeir
In Castle Bay the streams are weak. Dubh Light clears to the S of Sgeir a Scape but passes
over depths of less than 10 m.
11.78
Charts 1796, 2769 1 Entrance channel. Initial position: 3¼ cables SE of
Directions Sgeir Dubh Light.
11.75 Rubha Glas Leading Lights:
1 Outer approach from north-east. From the vicinity of Front light (orange triangle, point up, on white
56°58′N, 7°17′W) the alignment (238°) of the SE extremity framework tower, 5 m in height) (56°56′⋅8N,
of Muldoanich (56°55′N, 7°27′W) (11.55) with the sandy 7°30′⋅6W), standing near the SW extremity of
patch on the E side of Sandray (2 miles WSW) (11.55) Rubha Glas.
leads WSW towards the approach line for Castle Bay 2 Rear light (orange triangle, point down, on white
passing SSE of Bo Vich Chuan (2 miles ENE of framework tower, 4 m in height) (2½ cables WNW
Muldoanich) (11.55). of the front light).
2 Clearing line. A line of bearing, less than 014°, of Ben The alignment (295°) of Rubha Glas Leading Lights
Scrien (57°05′N, 7°17′W) (Chart 2770) (11.91), about leads WNW through a narrow channel, passing (with
11 miles NNE of Muldoanich, open E of the E extremity of positions from the front light):
Gighay (57°01′N, 7°20′W) (11.90), clears ESE of Curachan 3 NNE of a bank, with a charted depth of 3⋅5 m, which
(2½ miles SSW of the E extremity of Gighay) (11.53) and extends ½ cable NW of Channel Rock, known
the dangers extending about 3 miles SSW to Bo Vich locally as Bo na Sholaidh (1⋅1 miles SE), on which
Chuan (11.55). stands Channel Rock Light (white concrete
11.76 column, red bands, 7 m in height). The light marks
1 Outer approach from south leads generally N, passing the N extremity of foul ground extending
2 to 3 cables E of Muldoanich (above)) towards the 3½ cables N from the E end of Uinessan, an island
approach line for Castle Bay. If conditions on the coastal which has a sandy patch on its N side that is
bank make it dangerous over the shoals (8 cables SE of visible from N. And:
Muldoanich), mariners are recommended to remain outside 4 SSW of a bank, with a charted depth of 2⋅5 m, which
the bank and to join the approach line for Castle Bay in extends ¼ cable S from Sgeir Dubh (1 mile ESE)
the vicinity of 56°55′⋅7N, 7°23′⋅5′W. (11.77) which is the S rock of a chain extending
2 cables S from the SE extremity of Orosay, the E
Chart 2769, plan of Castle Bay entrance point to Castle Bay, which has 2 small
11.77 hillocks and a ruined house on its W side. A
1 Inner approach. Initial position 56°55′⋅7N, 7°23′⋅5W. second island named Orosay is situated about
Leading marks: 1½ miles W of the island mentioned above.
Front light (white concrete column with green bands, Thence:
8 m in height) (56°56′⋅4N, 7°28′⋅9W) standing on 5 SSW of a shoal, with a least depth of 0⋅4 m
Sgeir Dubh. (8¼ cables ESE) which lies on a bank which
Rear mark, a partly demolished daymark, (1 mile extends 1¾ cables SSW from the SW extremity of
WNW) standing on Sgeir Liath, a low rocky islet. Orosay, thence:

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SSW of a light-buoy (starboard hand) (7½ cables N, the landing places of which are marked by
ESE). beacons. This bay is encumbered with moorings
NNE of a light-buoy (port hand) (6 cables SE). and the holding is doubtful.
6 Clearing line. The SW edge of the white sector (121½°) 3 In Bàgh Beag (5 cables W of Ciasmul Castle) in
of Channel Rock Light clears to the N of a group of depths of 2 to 9 m; local knowledge is required.
underwater rocks (5½ cables WNW).
Caution: It is reported (2001) that the bank N, E and Chart 2769
SE of this group of underwater rocks is extending NE into In Vatersay Sound, close E of the causeway
the fairway, since the construction of the Vatersay Sound (56°56′⋅8N, 7°31′⋅9W), clear of submarine cables
causeway. and a submarine pipeline which cross the sound,
11.79 as shown on the chart.
1 When Inisgeir (3½ cable NNW of Sgeir Dubh), a rock 4 In Cornaig Bay (56°56′⋅4N, 7°31′⋅4W), in depths of 4
lying ½ cable off the W side of Orosay, is in line with the to 8 m, clear of submarine cables and a submarine
Roman Catholic Church (6 cables N), which has a square pipeline which cross the bay, as shown on the
tower with a clock, bearing 010°, the track into Castle Bay chart.
leads N as required, clear of the shallow patches NW and There is a slip on the E side of the S end of the
NNW of Inisgeir and an isolated rock, with a depth of less Vatersay Sound causeway.
than 1⋅8 m over it (charted as dangerous rock), lying
1¾ cables N of Inisgeir.
11.80 Anchorages
1 Useful mark:
Castlebay Light (metal column, 4 m high) (2 cables
Vatersay Bay
W of Ciasmul Castle, charted as Kiessimul Castle,
11.85
(56°57′⋅1N, 7°29′⋅2W)).
1 Good anchorage can be obtained in Vatersay Bay
(56°55′⋅6N, 7°31′⋅0W) in depths of 13 to 15 m sand,
protected by Vatersay and sheltered from the E by
Anchorages and berths Muldoanich (1¾ miles ESE of the entrance) (11.55) and the
11.81 chain of islets and rocks extending WNW to Creag Mhór,
1 Castle Bay affords excellent anchorage with depths of 5 the N entrance point of the bay.
to 16 m in good holding ground, mud in its N part and fine 2 Small craft can anchor near the head of the bay, off a
sand in its S part. broad, low sandy beach, clear of any swell.
2 Anchorage is available for coasters, in a depth of 11 m, Directions. From a position 2 to 3 cables S of
with Ciasmul Castle bearing 046° distant 4 cables, as Muldoanich the approach track leads NW towards the bay,
shown on the chart, clear of a marine farm (1.17) moored passing (with positions from the S extremity of
1 cable WNW of the anchorage position. Muldoanich):
11.82 3 SW of Sgeirean Fiaclach (9 cables NW), part of the
1 Alongside berth. Castlebay Pier extends from the N foul ground extending WNW from Rubh’ a’
side of Castle Bay, 1 cable NNW of Ciasmul Castle. There Mhorbhuile, the NW extremity of Muldoanich. A
is also a Ro-Ro facility, with a light (steel column, 5 m in patch which dries 1⋅1 m lies 2 cables NW of
height) on its S end, which is the terminal for the vehicular Sgeirean Fiaclach. Thence:
ferry from the mainland. This terminal is used by vessels 4 NE of Masamuile (1¾ miles WNW) an above-water
with a length of 99 m and a draught of 3⋅5 m. and below-water reef lying 2½ cables E and SE of
Am Meall, the S entrance point of the bay, which
rises steeply from the sea, thence:
Supplies SW of Sgeir Honish (2 miles NW) which lies 1 cable
11.83 off Creag Mhór.
1 There is a limited supply of petrol and diesel. 5 When the bay has opened out the track alters to the W
Fresh water is available at the berth. along the fairway into the bay, passing (with positions from
Provisions can be obtained all year round. Am Meall):
Waste disposal facilities are available. N of Sgeir Vichalea (5 cables WNW) a drying rock
Showers and lavatories are available at the pier. which lies on a bank extending 3 cables from the
S shore of the bay, and:
S of a shoal which dries 0⋅2 m (7½ cables NW).
Small craft
11.84
1 Mooring buoys are established across the head of the Mingulay Bay
bay and ENE of Ciasmul Castle. Comhairle Nan Eilean 11.86
Siar maintains 12 visitors moorings for small craft up to 1 Anchorage, which is not protected from the SW swell,
15 tonnes, 1 cable WNW of the Ro-Ro berth. can be obtained during W or NW winds off the entrance to
2 Anchorage is available as follows: Mingulay Bay (56°48′⋅7N, 7°37′⋅3W) in depths of 16 to
1¼ cables NW of Ciasmul Castle, in a depth of 7 m, 18 m, as shown on the chart. An anchor bearing to the N
as shown on the chart but anchoring in this consists of the E extremity of Solon Beag (56°50′N,
position obstructs the approach to the Ro-Ro 7°37′W) (11.55) open E of Rubha Domhain (7 cables
terminal. SSW).
In a small bay ENE of Ciasmul Castle, in depths of 4 2 Landing may be effected in moderate weather at either
to 5 m, clear of submarine cables and a submarine end of a long sandy beach, adjoining the rocks, dependent
pipeline laid between Ciasmul Castle and the shore on the wind. Generally there is a swell on the shore and a

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better landing may be effected at Skipisdale, 1 mile SW of 3 The north end of Barra terminates in a peninsula
the bay. which is connected to the main island S by a low neck of
land, with small sand hills over which the sea nearly
washes at high tides, which is bounded at its S end by the
Small craft Fall of Ben Erival (11.111). Near the N end of the
peninsula Ben Scurrival shows a plain flat summit which
terminates N in the high ground of Scurrival Point, the NW
Anchorage extremity of Barra, and falls S rather abruptly to low
11.87 swampy ground.
1 Sandray. Temporary anchorage is available in settled 4 Fuday (4 miles N), which is covered with grass, rises to
weather in the bay W of Eilean Mór (56°53′N, 7°29′W) at 3 hills that are rather flat, with Mullach Neachel, the
the SE end of Sandray. highest, in the centre; the NW coast rises to high sandhills
overlooking the Sound of Fuday which separates the island
from the N end of Barra.
Other name 5 Hellisay (2¼ miles NE) has 2 distinct peaks: Meall Mór
11.88 (11.99) near the S end of the island and Beinn a’ Charnain
1 Bàgh Bàn (56°51′N, 7°34′W) towards the NW side.
Gighay (2¾ miles NE) has a summit which shows a
cliffy face to the SW.
11.91
SOUND OF BARRA 1 The north-east side of Sound of Barra extends
6½ miles WNW from Ru Melvick (57°06′N, 7°14′W)
(11.129), the SE extremity of South Uist, to Orosay, the
General information NW entrance point to the sound, which is only separated
from Boisdale Point at very high tides. The shore and
Chart 2770 islands on this side of the sound have sandy bays and
green grass and have significant features as described
Channel
below.
11.89
2 Easaval (57°07′N, 7°20′W), a long flat-topped hill
1 Sound of Barra (57°04′N, 7°20′W), passing between the
standing near the S end of South Uist shows as a long flat
N end of Barra and the S end of South Uist, is from 3½ to
summit from the S, the N shoulder of which, a distinctive
7 miles wide but a great part of this space is occupied by
spur terminating in a steep face, extends W from the
islands, islets and rocks making the channel through the
highest part.
sound very narrow in places where it passes less than
3 Eriskay (1½ miles SW of Ru Melvick), a large island
1 cable from danger.
which rises to its summit at Ben Scrien, a sharp well
2 The SE entrance channel, which lies between Gighay
defined peak, is joined to South Uist (6 cables NE) by a
(57°01′N, 7°20′W) and Stack Islands (1¼ miles NNE), is
causway across the Sound of Eriskay (11.119).
well defined and can be identified by the ruins of Weaver’s
Lingay (57°05′N, 7°22′W), a grass covered islet which,
Castle which is a good reference mark standing near the S
from S, shows a double summit, with the highest to the W,
end of Stack Islands.
and several dark cavernous indentations breaking the
3 The NW entrance, between Fiaray (57°04′N, 7°27′W)
coastline. From NW this island shows as a single hill.
and Orosay (3¾ miles NNE), is not easily distinguished
until the entrance of the sound bears 124°, when Weaver’s
Castle (above) will be visible. This entrance is encumbered
with rocks and shoals and great caution is necessary when
approaching it. Depths
4 Recommended route through the sound is shown on the 11.92
chart and described from E to W at 11.101. This route 1 Controlling depth. The channel through Sound of Barra
follows a single path except where it leaves the sound at has a least depth of 6⋅7 m in Drover Channel (57°04′N,
the W end where a choice exists between Washington 7°24′W) (11.105). This depth limitation applies only on the
Channel (57°05′N, 7°27′W) (11.107), the deeper but more leads (11.101) and when using Washington Channel
exposed route, and Temple Channel (6 cables S of (11.107). The least charted depth when using Temple
Washington Channel) (11.108) the calmer, shallower route. Channel (11.108) is 4⋅6 m.
Controlling depth is given at 11.92. 2 Caution. Soundings shown on the chart are largely
derived from old surveys; see caution on the chart
regarding the possibility of uncharted rocks and less water
Topography than charted.
11.90
1 The south-west side of Sound of Barra extends 6 miles
NNW from Bruernish Point (56°59′N, 7°23′W), the SE
entrance point of the sound, to Fiaray, the SW entrance Nature of the bottom
point of the sound. The shore and islands along this side of 11.93
the sound are rocky with a good deal of heather and have 1 The bottom towards the middle and S portions of the
significant features as described below, with positions from sound is clear sand and shells, with patches of weed in
Bruernish Point. places over which the depths shoal a few feet. In daylight
2 Fiaray, a low island showing 2 rather flat summits with these patches are visible and easily avoided. Towards the N
a hollow between them, is separated by the Sound of portion of the sound, the bottom is rocky and very uneven,
Fiaray (11.117) from the N extremity of Barra (3 cables S). and the shoals are only marked by breakers.

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Local knowledge 11.98

11.94 1 Overfalls, which are very strong, extend 5 cables E from
1 Pilots are not available and local knowledge is required the NE coast of Fuday (57°03′N, 7°23′W), as shown on the
to pass through the sound, which should be carried out in chart. During the SE-going stream this area has the
daylight only. Passage from the E into the main anchorage appearance of a shoal sandbank.
at Oitir Mhór (57°02′N, 7°21′W) (11.109) can be made
without assistance.

Directions
(continued from 11.56)
Rescue
11.95
1 Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams (1.61) are based at
Castlebay (56°57′N, 7°30′W) and Lochboisdale (57°09′N, Charts 1796, 2770
7°19′W). An all-weather lifeboat (1.72) is maintained at Approach from south
Castlebay. 11.99
For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 11.12. 1 From the vicinity of 56°59′N, 7°17′W the approach to
Sound of Barra from S leads N, outside the coastal bank
(11.47), passing (with positions from Rubha na h-Uamh
(57°00′N, 7°20′W)):
Natural conditions E of foul ground (2 miles SSW) (11.55), lying just
11.96 over 1 mile ESE of Bruernish Point which rises
1 Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables. inland to a hill, thence:
Mean spring range about 3⋅6 m; mean neap range 2 E of Beatsons Shoal (1¼ miles SSW) which is
about 1⋅4 m. situated in the approach to North Bay, thence:
11.97 E of Flodday (7 cables SW) an island covered with
1 Tidal streams in the Sound of Barra set inwards at both grass and heather except for Rubh’ a’ Chaolais, its
ends simultaneously and outwards simultaneously. They SW extremity, which is bare, low and rocky,
meet and separate in Outer Oitir Mhór (57°02′N, 7°21′W) thence:
and W of Eriskay (57°05′N, 7°18′W), where they are weak 3 E of Rubha na h-Uamh which is steep and bold and
and variable. In Sound of Barra the streams set as follows: forms the SE extremity of Hellisay (11.90). This
Interval point is the termination of Meall Mór which shows
from HW Remarks a vertical face from the W (61 m high) distinctly
Ullapool marked with orange-coloured lichens near the top.
+0520 NW-going stream begins in the following 4 Clearing line. The line of bearing 013° of Ben Scrien
places: (57°04′⋅8N, 7°17′⋅3W) (11.91) just open E of Rubha na
Sound of Hellisay (57°00′N, 07°21′W) Muireart (4 miles SSW) (11.102) clears SE of Beatsons
SE entrance (57°02′N, 07°19′W) Shoal.
Sound of Stack (57°03′N, 07°18′W) Useful mark:
SE-going stream begins in the following places: Curachan (56°58′N, 7°21′W) (11.53).
Sound of Fiaray (57°04′N, 07°27′W)
Washington Channel(57°05′N, 07°27′W)
Charts 1795, 2770
–0050 Streams turn and begin to set in opposite
Approach from north-east
directions
11.100
2 In Drover Channel (57°04′N, 7°23′W) (11.105) the tidal 1 From the vicinity of 57°05′N, 7°11′W the approach to
streams begin as in Washington Channel (above); the Sound of Barra from NE leads SW, outside the coastal
SE-going stream sets towards Fuday and the NW-going bank (11.47), passing (with positions from Hartamul
stream sets towards Drover Rocks. (57°05′N, 7°14′W)):
3 At the E end of the Sound of Barra the streams outside SE of an isolated shoal (7 cables NE) (11.129) which
the sound begin to set NE and SW across the entrance at lies 5 cables ESE of Ru Melvick (11.129), thence:
about the same time as the streams set NW into and SE 2 SE of the rocks which extend 2 cables NE and
out of the sound. This occurs as branches from the 4¼ cables S from Hartamul, an island with a
NE-going stream across the entrance set into the channels grassy summit. Red Rocks form the S group of
at the SE end of the sound. Later, at the turn of the tide, these rocks. Thence:
the SE-going streams from the sound join the SW-going 3 SE of a chain of rocks with least depths of 6⋅4 m
stream across the entrance. (2 miles SSW) and 4 m (2¾ miles SSW) lying
4 After passing the entrance, however, the NE-going close to the edge of the coastal bank, about
stream divides with one branch continuing along the E 6 cables seaward of the inshore rocks: Roderick
coast of South Uist whilst the other turns W towards Rock, known locally as Rorie’s Ashes, (2½ miles
Rubha na h-Ordaig (57°07′N, 7°13′W) off which it again SW) and Galeac (3 miles SW), thence:
divides and sets NW towards Loch Boisdale and SW SE of Binch Rock (4 miles SSW) (11.102).
towards Ru Melvick (1½ miles SW) and round that point 4 Clearing lines. The line of bearing 014° of the E
into Sound of Eriskay. extremity of Rubha na h-Ordaig (2 miles NNE) (11.129)
5 The SW-going stream along the E coast of South Uist well open NNE of the above-water rocks NE of Hartamul,
appears to also set SW between Rubha na h-Ordaig and Ru clears ESE of Red Rocks.
Melvick, so that along that part of the coast the stream The alignment (019°) of Hartamul with Rubha na
apparently sets SW continuously. h-Ordaig clears ESE of Binch Rock (11.102).

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5 Useful marks: Rear beacon (white stone with a diamond topmark,

Acairseid Mhór Leading Lights (orange metal elevation 12 m) (1½ cables W of the front beacon).
columns with white triangular daymarks) (2¼ miles 2 The alignment (273°) of these beacons leads W through
SW). Drover Channel, in a least depth as given at 11.92, passing
(with positions from the front beacon):
S of a shoal, with charted depths of less than 5 m,
Chart 2770 extending 2 cables SSE from Drover Rocks
Route through Sound of Barra (1½ miles E) some of which dry and are marked
11.101 off their SW side by a light-buoy (S cardinal),
1 The route through Sound of Barra leads along the and:
recommended track as shown on the chart, in accordance 3 N of a bank, with a charted depth of 2⋅7 m lying
with the Directions given in the following paragraphs. 1 cable NW of Ru Hornish (1½ miles ESE) the N
11.102 extremity of Fuday (11.90), and with depths of less
1 From position 57°01′N, 7°17′W the alignment (327½°) than 5 m lying 2½ cables NW of the point, thence:
of the E extremity of Lingay (57°05′N, 7°22′W) (11.91) Close N of a shoal, with a least depth of 2⋅4 m over
with the W extremity of Orosay (3¼ miles NNW) (11.91) it (1¼ miles E), lying 2¾ cables NNE of Old
leads NNW, passing (with positions from the S extremity Woman’s Rock which dries and is marked by a
of Stack Islands (57°02′⋅5N, 7°18′⋅0W)): perch (starboard hand), reported to be damaged
2 ENE of Rubha na Muireart (1¾ miles SSW) the SE (1992) and possibly not visible at HW.
extremity of Gighay (11.90), thence: 4 Useful mark:
WSW of Binch Rock (8½ cables SSE) which is Dun Scurrival (1½ miles SSW of the front beacon)
marked off its E side by a light-buoy (S cardinal), which rises steeply to a narrow truncated top, on
thence: which stands the remains of an old building, is a
3 ENE of Meall an Laoigh (1¼ miles SW) a steep good mark except from the N.
point, which appears to be high and flat from SE, 11.106
terminating in a hummock that forms the NE 1 On reaching the alignment (180°) of Traillisker
extremity of Gighay (11.90). An Laogh, a detached (57°03′⋅3N, 7°24′⋅1W), a wedge-shaped black rock on the
rock, lies 1 cable NW of the point. Thence: NW edge of Tràigh na Reill, with Dunan Ruadh (4 cables
4 WSW of Eilean Leathan, the S and highest of Stack S), a sandy point forming the W extremity of Fuday
Islands, which is steep-to. The ruins of Weaver’s (11.90), the track alters NNW, with Mullach Neachel
Castle (11.89) stand near the SW end of the island. (11.90) bearing 150° astern, passing (with positions from
Thence: Traillisker):
5 ENE of Bo Tanna Light-buoy (E cardinal) (1½ miles 2 WSW of Drover Rocks (1 mile NNE) (11.105),
WNW) marking Bo Tanna, a rock with 2 drying thence:
heads which lies near the W end of a shoal with a ENE of a dangerous rock (1¼ miles NW) lying near
least depth of 2⋅7 m over it. Thence: the NE edge of a bank extending 5 cables NE
6 Very close ENE of two dangerous rocks (1¼ miles from Fiaray (11.90), and:
NW), thence: 3 WSW of isolated shoal patches, with a least depth of
WSW of a dangerous rock (1¼ miles NNW). 1⋅5 m (1¾ miles NNE), and nearer patches with
11.103 charted depths of 4⋅6 m, 3 cables SW from the
1 When Corran Bàn (57°04′N, 7°26′W), a sandy spit least depth, thence:
forming the E extremity of Fiaray (11.90), bears 277° and Between charted depths of 5⋅2 m (1½ miles NNW and
is just open N of Ru Hornish (1½ miles E), the N 1¾ miles NNW), thence:
extremity of Fuday (11.90), the recommended track leads 4 ENE of an isolated rock, with a charted depth of
along this line of bearing, passing (with positions from Ru 4⋅6 m (1¾ miles NNW) which is the E of rocks
Hornish): extending 8 cables E from Temple Rock, thence:
3½ cables N of Bo Tanna ( 2 miles ESE) (11.102), ENE of a charted depth of 5⋅8 m (2 miles NNW),
and: thence:
2 1 cable S of McGillivray Patch (1¾ miles E) the S of 5 WSW of the bank, with a depth of 2⋅7 m (2¼ miles
shoals and rocks extending 5 cables S from N) which extends 3½ cables WSW from Hasgeir
Maxwell Rock, thence: Fiaray, a large flat rock, thence:
N of McVean Rock (1¼ miles ESE) which lies near WSW of Outer Hasgeir Fiaray (2¾ miles NNW) a
the N end of a shoal with charted depths of less group of small rocks.
than 5 m. 6 Clearing line. The line of bearing 138° of Meall an
11.104 Laoigh (57°01′⋅6N, 7°19′⋅4W) (11.102), just open NE of
1 When the SW extremity of Orosay (57°08′N, 7°25′W) the NE extremity of Fuday (2¾ miles NW) (11.90), clears
(11.91) bears 333° and is just open SW of Lingay (3 miles SW of all dangers ENE of the track except for Drover
SSE) (11.91) the track leads 317° for about 4 cables, as Rocks.
shown on the chart. 11.107
11.105 1 Washington Channel. From the vicinity of 57°05′⋅5N,
1 Drover Channel. Initial position: 57°03′⋅9N, 7°21′⋅4W. 7°26′⋅0W, the alignment (072°) astern of the dip between
Kate Beacons: the S fall of Easaval (57°07′N, 7°20′W) (11.91) and the N
Front beacon (white stone with a triangular topmark fall of Cruachan (1¾ miles E) provides a guide through
point up, elevation 6 m) (57°04′⋅1N, 7°26′⋅3W) Washington Channel. This alignment is rather indefinite but
standing on the NE side of Fiaray (57°04′⋅1N, passes close SSE of Pochallar Inn (57°06′⋅3N, 7°22′⋅4W), a
7°26′⋅3W). two-storeyed slate house standing on the SW extremity of

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South Uist. The recommended track leads 252° passing flat island covered with grass that is the only noticeable
(with positions from the NW extremity of Fiaray (57°04′N, island in its group, leads through Outer Oitir Mhór, passing
7°27′W)): (with positions from Greanamul):
2 NNW of Temple Rock (8 cables N) (11.106) and the 2 N of An Laogh (2 miles E) (11.102), thence:
shoal, with a charted depth of less than 5 m, S of Sgeir Meall na Hoe Light-buoy (E cardinal)
extending 2½ cables NE, thence: (7 cables NNE) marking Sgeir Meall na Hoe, a
3 SSE of a rock, with a depth of 2⋅4 m over it rock with a depth of 1⋅8 m over it lying on a shoal
(1¾ miles NNW), situated at the S end of patch, and:
Washington Reef over which there are heavy N of a dangerous rock (4 cables ESE) lying close NE
breakers in many places. During stormy weather of Bo Carach.
these heavy breakers extend about 5 cables SW 3 From a position 2¾ cables E of Greanamul, the
and SE from the reef, bringing them close N of alignment (294°) of Eoligarry House (57°02′⋅5N,
the track. 7°26′⋅1W), a two-storeyed, slated building with offices
4 Clearing line to the W of Washington Reef is given adjoining, which is prominent from Oitir Mhór, with Dun
at 6.70. Scurrival (5¼ cables WNW) (11.105) leads towards Inner
(Directions continue for passage off the Oitir Mhór, passing (with positions from Greanamul):
W coast of South Uist at 6.69) 4 NNE of the reef extending N and NW from
11.108 Greanamul, marked off its W side by a light-buoy
1 Temple Channel (57°04′⋅6N, 7°26′⋅5W) provides an (W cardinal), and:
alternative exit from Sound of Barra with a least depth as SSW of a rock, with a charted depth of 2⋅7 m
given at 11.92. The water in this channel is comparatively (5 cables NE).
smooth and it never breaks, even in the heaviest seas, 5 When the Fall of Ben Erival (57°01′N, 7°28′W), a steep
except when caused by a weather-going tidal stream. hill, bears 257° and is just open S of Orosay, 1½ miles
2 From the vicinity of 57°04′⋅6N, 7°24′⋅9W) the alignment ENE, (below), the track leads along this line of bearing
(087°) astern of the S extremity of Lingay (57°05′N, into Inner Oitir Mhór. Orosay is covered with grass and
7°22′W) (11.91) with the summit of Ben Scrien (2½ miles heather and, from E, shows smooth sloping sides, rising to
E) (11.91) leads through Temple Channel, passing (with a flat summit. From S the island presents an irregular
positions from the NW extremity of Fiaray (57°04′N, shape.
7°27′W): 6 Clearing line. The line of bearing 257°, above, clears
Close N of an isolated rock with a charted depth of SSE of Sgeir Meall na Hoe and the 2⋅7 m patch 2 cables
4⋅3 m (5½ cables NE), thence: SW.
3 Over a charted depth of 4⋅6 m (5 cables NNE) lying Useful mark:
on the N edge of the shoal extending NW from The summit of Fuiay (1¾ miles SSE) which shows as
Inner Temple Rock, thence: a prominent peak from NW.
Touching the 5 m depth contour of a rock with a least
charted depth of 4⋅6 m (5 cables NNE), thence:
Shelter
11.112
S of Temple Rock (8 cables N) (11.106).
1 During strong winds from the E or SE better shelter is
(Directions continue for passage off the W coast of
afforded in the S part of Inner Oitir Mhór.
South Uist at 6.69)
Berth
Oitir Mhór 11.113
1 A curved breakwater extends E and SSE from Aird
Anchorages Mhór (57°00′⋅5N, 7°25′⋅0W) to protect the Ro-Ro terminal
11.109 for the ferry to Eriskay. A light (grey metal column, 4 m in
1 Outer Oitir Mhór (57°02′N, 7°21′W) affords good height) is exhibited from the head of the breakwater.
anchorage for small vessels, that is safe at all times, in
depths of 9 to 12 m as shown on the chart. Larger vessels
North Bay
can be anchored farther E in depths of 18 m. Ardveenish
2 A submarine cable (1.39) is laid across the N part of the 11.114
area, as shown on the chart. In addition, several patches of 1 General information. The port of Ardveenish (57°00′N,
weed, with depths of 4 to 6⋅4 m over them, which lie on 7°24′W), which is approached through North Bay, is
the bank extending 1 mile E from Bonnet Rock (57°02′⋅4N, regularly used by tankers of 1600 dwt, by coasters serving
7°22′⋅2W) and S from Cat Rock (1 mile NE) have a very the local timber and cement industry and by fishing vessels
suspicious appearance. The alignment (035°) of Old Man’s landing their catches at the prawn processing plant.
Point (57°04′⋅1N, 7°18′⋅5W) with the N shoulder of Ben Principal mark: Curachan (56°58′N, 7°21′W) (Chart
Scrien (1 mile NW) (11.91) clears SE of Cat Rock and the 1796) (11.53).
patches of weed. 2 Directions. From position 56°58′⋅6N, 7°20′⋅0W, the
11.110 white sector (304°−306°) of Ardveenish Light (grey metal
1 Inner Oitir Mhór (57°01′N, 7°24′W) affords anchorage column, 4 m in height) standing at the head of the harbour,
for small vessels, that is safe in all winds, in depths of 7 to 1 cable NE of a factory chimney, leads NW into the
11 m, sand and clay, with occasional patches of weed, as harbour passing (with positions from Rubha Mhicheil
shown on the chart. (56°59′⋅4N, 7°22′⋅7W)):
3 Close NE of Curachan Light-buoy (E cardinal)
Directions (1½ miles SE) (11.55). This buoy, which lies close
11.111 ENE of Red Rocks (chart 1796), a patch of rocks
1 From the vicinity of 57°01′⋅9N, 7°19′⋅0W the line of submerged and awash, indicates the position of the
bearing 260° of Greanamul (57°01′⋅5N, 7°22′⋅9W), a small white sector in relation to the rocks. Thence:

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Aird Mhor Ferry Terminal from NW (11.113)

(Original dated 2003)
(Photograph − Crown Copyright)

SW of Beatsons Shoal (1 mile E), thence: anchorage, and Irishman Rock, 1½ cables S of the
4 NE of the foul ground extending NE from Rubha anchorage.
Mhicheil, thence: 2 Anchorages are also available in Sgeirislum, an inlet on
SW of Black Island (7 cables NW), situated at the the SW side of the sound (NW of Fuiay), as shown on the
NW end of North Bay (below), thence: chart, clear of marine farms (1.17) moored in the
NE of a buoy (port hand) marking rocks lying NNE extremities of the inlet.
of Rubha Chàrnain (8 cables NW), thence:
5 SW of a buoy (starboard hand) marking the SW
extremity of rocks extending W from an island Sound of Fiaray
1 cable NW of Black Island, thence: 11.117
NE of a buoy (port hand) marking the NE side of 1 Emergency anchorage can be obtained in Sound of
drying rocks (1 mile NW) extending N from Fiaray (57°04′N, 7°27′W), at HW in a least depth of 4 m,
Bruernish. clear of dangerous rocks and shoal patches shown on the
Thence the track leads W, passing N of a buoy (port chart.
hand) moored N of drying rocks at the S entrance point to Entry can be made from the W only, as the area
Bay Hirivagh (1¼ miles NW). between the E end of Fiaray and the NW end of Fuday is
6 Alongside berth is available at Ardveenish Pier which foul.
extends S from Ardveenish, on the NW shore of Bay
Hirivagh. This pier has a length of 82 m and depth
alongside of 6 m. A light (grey column, 8 m in height) is
Acairseid Mhór
11.118
exhibited from the SE corner of the pier.
7 A landing slipway to the E of the main pier provides 1 Anchorage is available in Acairseid Mhór (57°04′N,
7°18′W), situated on the E side of Eriskay (11.91). The
berths for small craft. It dries at its W end and has a depth
alongside the toe of 1⋅5 m. holding ground is generally good but the head of the inlet
is encumbered by abandoned moorings.
Leading lights are described at 11.100.
2 Moorings, available for visiting craft, are established
North Bay
along the SW side of the inlet.
11.115
Landing stage, on which stands a light (grey metal
1 Anchorage is available in North Bay (57°00′N, 7°23′W)
column), which projects from the NE side of the inlet,
in depths of 10 to 11 m, 2 cables WSW of the NW
1 cable from its head, is mostly used by fishing vessels.
extremity of Fuiay (11.111), as shown on the chart. Better
shelter is available for small craft in an inlet situated
5 cables W, anchoring in a depth of 11 m, 1 cable WNW of Sound of Eriskay
Black Island, clear of the approach to Ardveenish Pier 11.119
(above) and of the marine farms (1.17) moored on both 1 The Sound of Eriskay (57°06′N, 7°17′W), between the
sides of the channel. N end of Eriskay and the S end of South Uist, contains
2 Moorings are available for visiting small craft in Bay many reefs, sandbanks and shoal patches and local
Hirivagh (11.114). knowledge is required to navigate in safety. Navigation aids
are provided, as shown on the chart, for a ferry service
which connects Ludag on Saltavik Bay (57°06′⋅2N,
Small craft 7°19′⋅4W), a fishing port which dries, with Eoligary Boat
Harbour (57°02′⋅5N, 7°25′⋅2W) situated near the NE
extremity of Barra.
Sound of Hellisay 2 A causeway crosses the Sound linking Eriskay to South
11.116 Uist. A bridge allows marine life and small craft to pass
1 Secure anchorage is available in Sound of Hellisay through the causeway. The centre span is marked by a light
(57°00′N, 7°21′W) in a small bay on the S side of the on either side of the span. There are slips and a pier at
sound (close NW of Flodday) in a depth of 16 m, as shown Haun (1¼ miles SE of Ludag), a village on the N coast of
on the chart, clear of Fuiay Rock, 1 cable N of the Eriskay.

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CHAPTER 11

SOUND OF BARRA TO Rescue

USHENISH PROMONTORY 11.124
1 Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams (1.61) are based at
Castlebay (56°57′N, 7°30′W) and Lochboisdale (57°09′N,
7°19′W). An all-weather lifeboat (1.72) is maintained at
Castlebay.
General information For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 11.12.

Natural conditions
Chart 1795
11.125
Passage 1 Tidal streams off Loch Boisdale (57°09′N, 7°16′W) set
11.120 as between Berneray and Sound of Barra (11.51) as
1 The coastal passage along the E side of the S group of follows:
the Outer Hebrides, from a position off the SE entrance to
the Sound of Barra (57°01′N, 7°18′W), continues generally Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
NNE for about 20 miles, in deep water outside the coastal +0510 N-going stream begins
bank, to a position ENE of Ushenish Light (57°18′N,
–0050 S-going stream begins
7°12′W).
2 Off Loch Eynort (5 miles N) the streams begin later and
set as follows:
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
Topography
11.121 +0540 N-going stream begins
1 A general description of South Uist is given at 1.85. –0020 S-going stream begins
Features inland. From Sound of Barra the island of 3 The rate at spring tides, in both directions, is from 1½
South Uist (1.85) extends 18 miles N. The E part of the to 2 kn off the salient points but is less in the bays
island is mountainous and barren with distinctive features between them and the streams also lose strength offshore.
as given below. For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: North
2 At the S end of the island Easaval (57°07′N, 7°20′W), Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland.
which is described at 11.91, is connected with Ru Melvick 11.126
(3½ miles ESE) by hills, the highest of which is Roneval 1 Local weather. During W winds the area to seaward of
(2½ miles ESE). Benmore (11.121) is subject to the most violent squalls
3 Boisdale Hills, which lie between Loch Boisdale which come down from the gullies and have the greatest
(57°09′N, 7°16′W) and Loch Eynort (4 miles N), have force nearest to the coast.
3 distinct summits of which Stúlaval (57°12′N, 7°17′W) is
the highest. From the E, this range shows above all the
other hills in its vicinity until close inshore. Principal marks
4 Benmore (57°16′N, 7°18′W), the N and highest 11.127
mountain range in South Uist, rises steeply from the sea 1 Landmark:
with 3 distinct summits: Beinn Mhor at the SW end; Ben Ushenish Lighthouse (white tower, 12 m in height)
Corodale, 1 mile NNE of Beinn Mhor; and Hecla, 2 miles (57°18′N, 7°11′W) standing on the SE extremity of
NNE of Beinn Mhor, which is prominent. Ushenish Promontory (12.132), on a sloping face
11.122 just above the cliffy part of the point.
1 Coastal features. Between Rubha na Creige Móire
(57°10′N, 7°15′W) and Stuley (1½ miles N) the coast is
moderately steep-to, being formed by the E slopes of
Boisdale Hills. North of Stuley the bottom shelves more
gently and, as the entrance to Loch Eynort is approached,
several islets and rocks lie up to 3 cables offshore.
2 From Creag Mór (57°14′N, 7°16′W) to Rubha Bhilidh
(3½ miles NNE) the coast, which is steep-to 1 cable
offshore, is formed by the spurs and bowl-shaped hollows
of Benmore. In places the coast and sides of the ravines
rise vertically to heights of 245 m, with dark caves showing
to seaward.
3 From Rubha Bhilidh (57°17′N, 7°13′W) to the SE Ushenish Lighthouse from SSE (11.127)
(Original dated 2000)
extremity of Ushenish Promontory (1¼ miles NNE) the
coast is steep-to with no dangers outside 3 cables from the (Photograph − Air Images)
shore. 2 Major light:
Ushenish Light—as above.

Hazards Other navigational aids

11.123 11.128
1 The passage described above passes through an area of 1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the
fishing activity, as given at 11.9, and includes submarine Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given
exercise areas, as given at 11.8. at 1.33.

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Loch Boisdale from ESE (11.131)

(Original dated 2000)
(Photograph − Air Images)

Directions E of Rubha Bhilidh (9¾ miles N) situated on the NE

(continued from 11.56) side of Usinish Bay which has a gravel beach in
11.129 its NW corner, thence:
1 From the vicinity of 56°59′N, 7°13′W the coastal 8 E of Ushenish Light (11 miles N) (11.127).
passage leads NNE for about 12 miles then N for about
8 miles, within the white sector (less than 356°) of Useful mark
Ushenish Light (11.127), clear of dangers, passing (with 11.130
positions from Rubha na h-Ordaig (57°07′N, 7°13′W)): 1 Beinn Ruigh Choinnich (272 m high) (3¼ miles NW)
ESE of the E entrance to Sound of Barra (6 miles which has a prominent sharp cone and rugged
SSW) (11.89), thence: rocky ravines descending to the shore.
2 ESE of Hartamul (2 miles SSW) (11.100), thence: (Directions continue for passage along the west side of
ESE of a shoal patch, with a depth of 3⋅3 m over it, the Little Minch at 12.132)
lying 5 cables ESE of Ru Melvick (1¼ miles
SSW), a bold rocky headland, forming the SE Loch Boisdale
extremity of South Uist, which terminates in Sgeir Charts 1795, 2770 plan of Loch Boisdale
a’ Mhill a bare rock which is steep-to, thence: General information
3 ESE of Rubha na h-Ordaig, a prominent ridge which
has an irregular outline with several peaks, of
which the highest has an elevation of 106 m and
presents a nearly vertical face N but falls suddenly
on its W side to low ground. The sea breaks
heavily over a reef extending 1¼ cables E from
Rubha na h-Ordaig. Thence:
4 ESE of dangers in the approach to Loch Boisdale
(5 cables to 2 miles NNW) (11.131), thence:
ESE of Rubha na Creige Móire (3 miles NNW) a
prominent headland, with the large mouth of a
cave in its S face, which stands-out from the bold
and cliffy coastline, thence:
5 ESE of Sgeir an Fhéidh (3½ miles NNW) which lies
close offshore, thence:
ESE of Glas-eilean Mór (4¼ miles NNW) which is
covered with a bright green sward and lies 2 cables Lochboisdale from S (11.131)
SSE of Stuley, a grass covered island, thence: (Original dated 2000)
6 ESE of Dubh-sgeir Mhór (4½ miles N), the E of 3
(Photograph − Air Images)
small islets, which is quite bare, thence:
7 E of Cleit a’ Ghlinn-mhóir (5¾ miles NNW) which is 11.131
connected to the mainland by a drying reef, 1 Loch Boisdale, approached between Rubha Meall na
thence: Hoe (57°08′N, 7°15′W) and Rubha na Creige Móire,
E of the entrance to Loch Eynort (6½ miles NNW) 1¾ miles N, is the S harbour on the E side of South Uist.
(11.151), thence: The loch affords anchorage for coasters in its outer part.

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Berthing facilities for coasters are available at 11.139

Lochboisdale, situated midway in on the N side of the 1 Caution. During the night in October and November
loch. With a population of 1951 in 2001, Lochboisdale is fishing nets are often anchored, clear of the fairway but
the terminal for the vehicular ferries from Oban, on the without lights, in the entrance to the loch, and are usually
Scottish mainland, and from Castle Bay on Barra. left unattended.
2 The entrance between Calvay, 7 cables NW of Rubha 11.140
Meall na Hoe, and the N shore is 4 cables wide and free 1 Tidal streams in Loch Boisdale set as follows:
from dangers. Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
11.132
1 Topography. The land at the head of Loch Boisdale is +0520 In-going stream begins
so low that from a few miles to seaward the harbour might –0050 Out-going stream begins
be mistaken for a sound. The coasts on both sides of the
loch are rocky, with heather-clad hills rising steeply behind 2 The streams are barely perceptible in the entrance and
them. The hills on the N side are considerably steeper than within the loch but set fairly strongly off the coast, as
those to the S, rising to Beinn Ruigh Choinnich (57°09′⋅4N, given at 11.125, between Rubha na h-Ordaig (57°07′N,
7°17′⋅0W) (11.130) thence towards Boisdale Hills (11.121) 7°13′W) and Calvay (2 miles NW), where the rate at spring
which serve to identify the loch from seaward. The N shore tides is 2 kn in each direction off Rubha na h-Ordaig,
is bold and cliffy with Creag nan Gamhna, 1 mile E of decreasing to ½ kn off Calvay. The tidal streams set
Beinn Ruigh Choinnich, a prominent dark cliff which is strongly through the narrow channels W of Gasay, but a
nearly perpendicular. boat can be taken through them in depths of 1⋅5 to 6 m.
11.133
1 Harbour limit. The seaward limit of the harbour is Directions
defined by a line from Hotel Point (57°09′⋅2N, 7°18′⋅1W) 11.141
to the W extremity of Rubha Bhuailt, 2¾ cables SSE. 1 Approach from south-east. From a position 5 cables E
11.134 of Rubha na h-Ordaig (57°07′N, 7°13′W) (11.129) the
1 Traffic. In addition to a regular ferry service the port is recommended approach leads N, keeping E of the line of
frequently used by coasters and fishing vessels. bearing 199° of Hartamul (2 miles SSW of Rubha na
11.135 h-Ordaig) (11.100) just open E of Rubha na h-Ordaig.
1 Port Authority. Lochboisdale harbour is managed by 2 When the houses at Lochboisdale (57°09′⋅2N, 7°18′⋅3W)
Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd, Ferry Terminal, Gourock. The bear 285° and are just open S of the N shore of the loch
jetty is operated by Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd, Pier which is marked by a light (metal post, 2 m in height)
Office, Lochboisdale. (7 cables ESE), the recommended track leads along this line
of bearing towards the entrance, within the white sector
Limiting conditions (202°−286°) of Calvay Light (57°08′⋅5N, 7°15′⋅3W)
11.136 (11.142), passing (with positions from Calvay Light):
1 Controlling depth is 5⋅6 m in the approach to the jetty 3 NNE of a dangerous rock lying 1 cable NNE of Clan
as shown on the chart in position 57°09′⋅14N, 7°18′⋅14W. Ewan Rock (1½ miles SE) which lies 2 cables
2 Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables. offshore, thence:
Mean spring range about 3⋅6 m; mean neap range NNE of McKenzie Rock (1 mile ESE) marked off its
about 1⋅3 m. N side by a light-buoy (port hand), thence:
Density of water: 1⋅025 g/cm3 4 Over an area of irregular rocky ground (7½ cables E)
Maximum size of vessel handled was a ferry with a which extends 6 cables NNW from McKenzie
length of 99 m and grt of 5 400 tonnes. Rock. There are no depths of less than 14 m but
3 Caution. Soundings shown on the chart are largely rocky heads, which are small and steep-to, rise
derived from old surveys; see caution on the chart suddenly from depths of between 25 and 30 m; see
regarding the possibility of uncharted rocks and less water caution at 11.136, thence:
than charted. It is recommended that, in vessels with a 5 NNE of Rubha Meall na Hoe (6½ cables SE) which
draught of more than 3 m, mariners should proceed with is somewhat similar in appearance to Rubha na
extreme caution at LW springs. h-Ordaig (above) but is not so high.
4 NE winds can be funnelled by Beinn Ruigh Choinnich (Directions continue for entering harbour at 11.144)
(11.132) to cause stronger winds in the harbour than in the 11.142
open waters of the Minch. 1 Approach from north-east. From the vicinity of
57°10′N, 7°13′W the white sector (202°−286°) of Calvay
Arrival information Light (white framework tower, 6 m in height) (57°08′⋅5N,
11.137 7°15′⋅3W) which is prominent and stands on the NE side
1 Quarantine. For quarantine regulations see 1.50. of Calvay, a grass covered island, leads SW towards the
Communications. Caledonian MacBrayne can be entrance, passing (with positions from Calvay Light):
contacted by telephone. 2 SE of shoal patches, with a depth of 4⋅7 m over them
(9 cables NNE and 1 mile NNE) which lie up to
Harbour 2 cables offshore midway between Rubha na
11.138 Creige Móire (11.129) and Rubha na Cruibe.
1 General layout. Loch Boisdale is a natural indentation 3 Clearing line. The line of bearing 359° of the E
in the coast which is divided into 2 arms by the island of extremity of Stuley (3 miles N) (11.129) open E of Rubha
Gasay (57°09′⋅0N, 7°17′⋅5W) and the promontory of Rubha na Creige Móire, clears close E of the shoal patches.
Bhuailt. The N arm leads to the berths at Lochboisdale and 11.143
the S arm provides mooring facilities and anchorage for 1 At night, when approaching from N or S, it is
small craft. recommended that mariners remain within the white sector

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of Ushenish Light (57°18′N, 7°11′W) (11.127) until the 7 SSW of the bank, with a depth of 1⋅5 m over it
white sector of Calvay Light (11.142) is visible. (1½ cables E), which extends 1½ cables ESE from
Rubha nan Eireannach, the NE extremity of the
flat-topped triangular point of land on which stands
Lochboisdale. This shoal is covered by the green
Chart 2770 plan of Loch Boisdale sector of the light at the Ro-Ro terminal.
11.144 8 Caution. The terminal lights are difficult to
1 Entering harbour. (continued from 11.141). After distinguish against background shore lights. The
passing Calvay Light the track leads towards the outer alignment of Gasay Spar Buoyant Beacon and
anchorage (5 cables ESE of Gasay) within the white sector Sgeir Rock Light-buoy, can be used to help
(120°–284°) of Gasay Light (white framework tower, 6 m identify the terminal when Gasay Light bears 282°
in height) (57°08′⋅9N, 7°17′⋅3W) standing on the NE distance 3⋅8 cables.
extremity of Gasay, an island covered with coarse grass 11.146
and heather, passing (with positions from Gasay Light): 1 Useful marks:
2 NNE of a bank, with charted depths of less than Police station (1¾ cables W) which is conspicuous.
10 m and on which there is foul ground (1¼ miles Prominent hotel (½ cable NNW) which is a
ESE), which extends ½ cable NE from the NE end two-storeyed stone building with gables facing the
of Calvay (11.142). The ruins of Castle Calvay harbour.
stand on an islet lying close off the N coast of Eilean Dubh Light (black column, 2 m in height)
Calvay near its W end. Thence: (1 cable SSE).
3 NNE of foul ground and shoal patches which extend
up to 1½ cables NNW and NW from the W end of
Anchorage
Calvay, thence:
11.147
SSW of A’ Mhaol Bhuidhe (6 cables ENE) and the
1 Anchorage is available 5 cables ESE of Gasay, as
coast extending W, which has no dangers more
shown on the chart, in depths of 20 to 24 m, mud. An
than ½ cable offshore, and:
alternative anchorage, which does not hinder the fairway,
NNE of shoal patches, with a least depth of 5⋅6 m
and not shown on the chart, is 1¾ cables SE of Gasay,
over them (4 cables ESE).
clear of a marine farm and an obstruction (reported 1983).
4 Useful mark:
Conspicuous pier (5 cables SSW).
11.145 Alongside berth
1 When the jetty at Lochboisdale (57°09′⋅1N, 7°18′⋅2W), 11.148
at the head of which stands a light (black metal dolphin, 1 A jetty, extended by a catwalk and roundhead, with a
5 m in height), bears 288° the track into the N arm of the total length of about 100 m, extends ESE from the SE
loch leads along this line of bearing, through the channel N extremity of the promontory on which Lochboisdale stands.
of Gasay in a least depth of 7⋅8 m, then towards the berths A Ro-Ro berth, with an alongside depth of 3⋅6 m is
in a least depth as given at 11.136, passing (with positions situated on the S side of the jetty. This berth is marked by
from the jetty): a light. A further berth lies on the N side of the jetty.
2 SSW of the N shore (8 cables E) (11.144), marked at
its W end by a light (11.141), and:
NNE of an obstruction (7¼ cables ESE) the position Port services
of which is approximate, which lies within the red 11.149
sector of Gasay Light (5 cables ESE) (11.144) 1 Supplies:
bearing more than 284°, thence: Petrol and diesel can be obtained locally.
3 NNE of Gasay Rock (6 cables ESE) which, when it is Water is available at the berth.
covered in calm weather, cannot be detected due to Provisions can usually be obtained in small quantities.
the brownish water and seaweed which covers the
rock. This rock lies within the red sector of Gasay
Light (5 cables ESE) (11.144) bearing more than Small craft
284°, thence:
4 NNE of, and very close off, a bank with a charted
depth of 3⋅8 m (5 cables ESE) which extends Loch Boisdale
½ cable NNE from the NE extremity of Gasay 11.150
(11.144), thence: 1 Anchorage is available off the SW side of Gasay, as
5 Close SSW of isolated shoal patches with a charted shown on the chart, in depths of 15 to 16 m, mud and
depth of 3⋅8 m (3¼ cables and 4 cables ESE) shell. This is not a good anchorage during strong W or SW
which are covered by the green sector of the light winds.
bearing less than 283°. Gasay Light-beacon Anchorage is also available as follows:
(starboard hand buoyant beacon) lies close ESE of In the bay NE of a conspicuous pier (57°08′⋅5N,
these patches. Thence: 7°17′⋅7W) clear of a marine farm (1.17).
6 NNE of the bank, with charted depths of less than In Bàgh Dubh (close SW of the terminal) which
5 m, which extends from the NW end of Gasay provides anchorage and local moorings.
(3 cables ESE) to the Ro-Ro terminal, and: In the bay W of Rubha Bhuailt (57°09′N, 7°18′W),
SSW of Sgeir Rock (2½ cables E) marked off its S clear of marine farms (1.17).
side by Sgeir Rock Light-buoy (starboard hand). 2 Small craft moorings, including visitors moorings, are
This shoal is covered by the green sector of the established in an area 1½ cables NE of the roundhead at
light at the Ro-Ro terminal. Thence: the end of the jetty.

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Caution. Mariners should avoid anchoring close to the 4 Anchorage within the outer part of the loch is available
fairway between Gasay and Sgeir Rock and in the as follows:
approaches to the Ro-Ro terminal at Lochboisdale. In Cearcdal Bay, in the SW corner, in a depth of
15 m mud, as shown on the chart.
Chart 2825 plan of Loch Eynort Close E of the entrance to Sruthan Beag, on the N
Loch Eynort side of the loch, with good holding in 11 m mud,
11.151 as shown on the chart.
1 Loch Eynort (57°14′N, 7°18′W), which is a loch in 5 In Poll Craigavaig, on the S side of Sruthan Beag, in
2 parts, does not afford good anchorage as the outer part is depths of 9 to 13 m mud, clear of a marine farm
exposed to the E and the inner part, Upper Loch Eynort, (1.17) and a private mooring laid close S of it.
can only be accessed through Sruthan Beag, a narrow
channel in which the tidal streams set at 5 to 7 kn and the
passage of which is both difficult and dangerous. Other names
2 The entrance to the loch, which is 5 cables wide, can be
identified by Meall Mór, a hill on the N side of the Charts 1795, 2770, 2825 plan of Loch Eynort
entrance which appears deeply notched when viewed from 11.152
the SE. 1 Broad Rocks(57°12′N, 7°15′W).
3 Caution. Depths shown on parts of the plan of Loch Calvay Sound(57°08′N, 7°15′W).
Eynort are from old surveys. Undue reliance should not be Hartavagh (57°07′N, 7°14′W).
placed on the depth contours shown on this plan and Iasgaich, Eileanan (57°09′N, 7°19′W).
special care should be exercised close inshore; uncharted Iasgaich, Meall an (57°08′N, 7°14′W).
shoals may exist. Lochain, Camas an (57°06′N, 7°14′W).

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Chapter 12 - The Little Minch

20´ 10´ 7° 50´ 40´ 30´ 20´ 10´ 6°

10´ 10´

L E W I S CHAPTER
13

th

or
af
Se
58° 58°

ch
Lo
12.316

1795
CHAPTER
6 Tarbert
12.266 2905 Shiant Islands
12.304
12.316
Ea
st

oc
L

h
Ta
50´ rb e 50´
H A R R I S rt

12.249
12.56
12.233
Leverburgh
2210
CHAPTER
12.195 10
42
26

12.195 1794
12.249
12.56
40´ 40´

N O R T H 12.73
U I S T 12.122
Lochmaddy 2533
12.169 2825 2841
12.73 Uig
12.73
2825 2533
Loch Eport
12.160 12.122 Loch
Dunvegan
12.23 12.36
30´ 30´

BENBECULA

12.122 S K Y E

2825 Loch Carnan

12.144
Lo 2825
20´ ch 20´
Sk
ip por
t
12.139 2904
S O U T H
U I S T

CHAPTER
11

20´ 10´ Longitude 7° West from Greenwich 40´ 30´ 20´ 10´ 6°
February 2004

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CHAPTER 12
THE LITTLE MINCH

GENERAL INFORMATION
Charts 1794, 1795 Directions
Synopsis 12.4
12.1 1 In this chapter Directions generally are given from SW
1 This chapter covers the Little Minch (57°40′N, 6°45′W) to NE on both sides of the Little Minch, along the routes
which separates the NW coast of the Island of Skye from given at 12.2. These Directions agree with the direction
the Outer Hebrides. From a line joining Ushenish recommended for N-bound traffic but are in the reverse
Promontory (57°18′N, 7°12′W) to Neist Point, 15 miles direction to that recommended for S-bound traffic.
ENE, it extends 20 miles NNE then 25 miles NE to a line
drawn from Rubha na h-Aiseig (57°42′N, 6°18′W) to Gob
Harbours
12.5
na Milaid Light (58°01′N, 6°22′W), passing E and N of
1 There are no major harbours within the area covered by
Shiant Islands (57°54′N, 6°22′W). The Little Minch, which
this chapter.
is the narrowest part of the Minch Channel (1.84), with an
Minor harbours of importance, in order of presentation
average width of 12 miles, connects the Sea of the
are given below.
Hebrides (57°00′N, 6°40′W) (1.84) with North Minch
2 South-east side of the Little Minch:
(58°N, 6°W) (13.1).
Uig Bay (57°35′N, 6°22′W) (12.73).
North-west side of the Little Minch:
Loch Maddy (57°36′N, 7°08′W) (12.169).
Waterway and routes East Loch Tarbert (57°52′N, 6°45′W) 12.266.
12.2 12.6
1 North-bound traffic. When passing through the Little 1 Small craft facilities are limited to the natural shelter
Minch N-bound traffic should be kept to the E side of the provided by the many islands and inlets on both sides of
waterway, off the Island of Skye, as given at 12.23 and the Little Minch; there are no marinas and few services or
12.56. supplies. Anchorages of particular use for small craft are
South-bound traffic should be kept to the W side of recommended within the lochs and bays given below.
the waterway, off the Outer Hebrides, as given at 12.122, 2 South-east side of the Little Minch:
12.249 and 12.304. Loch Pooltiel (57°28′N, 6°46′W) (12.55).
2 The N part of both the above routes is shown by Loch Dunvegan (57°30′N, 6°40′W) (12.36).
recommended tracks on all charts of the area. Information Uig Bay (57°35′N, 6°22′W) (12.73).
regarding depths in the area and along the routes is given Loch Snizort (57°35′N, 6°30′W) (12.74).
at 12.8. Duntulm Bay (57°41′N, 6°21′W) (12.113).
For navigational dangers see 1.2, with special reference 3 North-west side of the Little Minch:
to the inner passage at 1.4. For areas to be avoided see Loch Skiport (57°20′N, 7°15′W) (12.139).
1.42. Loch Carnan (57°22′N, 7°16′W) (12.144).
3 Routes for deep-draught ships are given at 6.10. Loch Eport (57°33′N, 7°10′W) (12.160).
Laden tankers. The IMO recommend that, weather Loch Maddy (57°36′N, 7°08′W) (12.169).
permitting, laden tankers over 10 000 grt use the Deep Sound of Harris (57°44′N, 7°05′W) (12.195).
Water Route given at 6.10. 4 Loch Rodel (57°44′N, 6°58′W) (12.297).
For regulations and areas to be avoided see 1.42. Loch Finsbay (57°46′N, 6°54′W) (12.298).
4 Radio reporting procedures for a position S of the Loch Stockinish (57°49′N, 6°50′W) (12.300).
Outer Hebrides, prior to starting a route to the E or W of East Loch Tarbert (57°52′N, 6°45′W) (12.266).
these islands, are given in Admiralty List of Radio Signals Loch Seaforth (57°55′N, 6°40′W) (12.316).
Volume 6(1). Loch Shell (58°00′N, 6°27′W) (12.327).
The recommended routes for small craft when crossing Topography
the Little Minch are given at 12.16. 12.7
1 A general description of the Island of Skye is given at
1.90 and of the Outer Hebrides at 1.84.
Traffic Depths
12.3 12.8
1 The majority of the commercial traffic using the Little 1 Controlling depths along the routes through the Little
Minch, other than inter-island ferries and fishing vessels Minch, as recommended in this text, are given as follows:
(12.10), proceed along the routes given above. Many of North-bound route, in position 57°44′⋅3N, 6°18′⋅4W,
these are tankers transitting through the area taking at 12.58.
advantage of the lee from the Outer Hebrides, a significant South-bound route, in position 57°55′N, 6°26′W, at
number of which are laden and of over 10 000 grt, despite 12.306.
the IMO recommendation. A survey in 1989 recorded 17 2 General depths within the Little Minch are very
such vessels in 21 days. In addition, use of the routes irregular and several banks, some of them extensive, lie
given above is not mandatory and their use by other between the NW coast of the Island of Skye and Harris, as
vessels cannot be fully relied upon. shown on chart 1795.

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3 A chain of islets, banks and rocks crosses the Little Escallop dredging is carried out by a small number of
Minch from the N end of the Island of Skye (57°42′N, motor vessels off the NW Coast of the Island of Skye and
6°18′W) to the SE extremity of Scalpay, 14 miles NW. within East Loch Tarbert.
Those islets and banks which lie near the sides of the Little
Minch, at the extremities of the chain, are given at 12.58
and at 12.260. Closer to the middle of the chain, Eugenie Marine farms
Rock (57°47′N, 6°28′W) 2¼ miles NW of Fladda-chùain 12.11
(12.57), with a depth of 0⋅9 m over it (charted as dangerous 1 Marine farming equipment (1.17) has been established in
rock), lies near the centre of a bank with depths of 6 to many of the lochs and inlets bordering the Little Minch.
24 m over it. Sgeir Graidach, on the N part of this bank, a The approximate position of known farms is shown on the
rock 45 m square with long weed showing the same charts and reported in the text; however, further farms may
distance N from it, is marked by a beacon (red metal with be established without notice and may constitute a hazard
a cylindrical open cage topmark surmounted by a cross, to navigation and anchoring.
12 m in height). The channel between Eugenie Rock and
Sgeir Graidach is encumbered with rocks. East Bank, with
a least depth of 14⋅4 m over it (57°46′⋅7N, 6°31′⋅2W), is an Navigation aids
extensive rocky bank lying 1¾ miles W of Sgeir Graidach, 12.12
on the SW side of the chain. Another rocky bank, with a 1 The Little Minch is covered by radio navigation aids as
least depth of 22 m over it (57°47′⋅6N, 6°23′⋅0W), lies given at 1.33. The area is well lit as, in good visibility, the
between 1 and 3 miles E of Eugenie Rock, on the NE side beams of major lights overlap along the centreline.
of the chain. Positions obtained from satellite navigation systems
4 South Shiant Rock (57°51′N, 6°25′W) which lies require some adjustment before being plotted on the chart,
2¼ miles SW of the S extremity of Eilean an Tighe until new editions of charts are published using the
(12.305), is steep-to and situated near the SW end of an European Terrestrial Reference System 1989 Datum. See
extensive bank, with depths of less than 30 m over it, 1.25 and individual charts for details.
which extends 3½ miles SW and 3 miles NW/SE from the
Shiant Islands (12.305). Several patches with depths of less
than 20 m lie on the bank and one depth of 7 m is charted Rescue
in position 57°52′⋅8N, 6°22′⋅0W, 5 cables W of Sgeir 12.13
Mianish. 1 An Emergency Co-ordination Centre is operated by
5 From the E extremity of the bank surrounding the Shiant Stornoway Coastguard as given in Admiralty List of Radio
Islands a chain of detached shoals, with a least charted Signals Volume 5.
depth of 23⋅5 m (57°53′N, 6°15′W), extends S to connect A VHF Direction Finding Service for emergency use
with the shoal patches off the Island of Skye. only is also established within the area of this chapter; for
details see 1.69.
A Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre is operated by
Stornoway Coastguard, for details see 1.61.
Exercise areas
12.9 Weather and sea state
1 Submarines exercise frequently, both on the surface and 12.14
dived, in the area covered by this chapter, as shown on the 1 In bad weather the Little Minch forms a dangerous sea
charts and described in the text. A good lookout is to be area due to the wind, tidal stream, and uneven nature of
kept for them when passing through these waters. the bottom all combining to produce steep waves.
North-easterly gales bring in the heaviest swell. With SW
gales the water is more broken but equally dangerous to
small craft.
Fishing
12.10
1 A general description of fishing methods is given in The Tidal streams
Mariner’s Handbook and a summary of the methods used 12.15
within the area covered by this volume is given at 1.14. 1 General information on tidal streams is given at 1.115.
Within the Little Minch known fishing takes place as given Timing. The times at which the tidal streams begin in
in the following paragraphs. the Little Minch become gradually later from SW to NE.
Light trawling and nephrop trawling, in the area On average the stream is 1 hour later at a position
generally from the end of January to the end of November, 4½ miles N of Eilean Trodday (57°43′N, 6°18′W) than at a
reaching a peak during May. position 9 miles SW of Neist Point (57°25′N, 6°47′W) and
2 Long line fishing takes place in Loch Dunvegan 45 minutes later than at a position 5½ miles WNW of
(57°30′N, 6°40′W) (12.46). Waternish Point (57°36′N, 6°38′W). There is no great time
Ring net fishing is carried out throughout the year, with difference across the area and the streams in mid-channel
a period of greatest activity from August to February. Uig begin at about the same time as those near to the land.
Bay (57°35′N, 6°22′W) (12.73) is used as a main landing 2 Rate. The rate at spring tides varies from 1 kn in both
port. entrances to 2½ kn in the channels between Rubha na
3 Pair net fishing follows a similar pattern to ring net h-Aiseig (57°42′N, 6°18′W) and the islands and rocks
fishing (above) except that the period of greatest activity is extending NW from it. These rates are much affected by
from October to March. the wind, especially at neap tides.
Purse net fishing is carried out throughout the greater 3 The Shiant Islands (57°54′N, 6°22′W) lie across the
part of the year but especially from August to March. direction of the tidal stream and eddies occur in their

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vicinity. Off the E side of the islands the streams set as recommended route leads WNW as required for the
follows: entrance to Loch Maddy (57°36′N, 7°06′W) (12.169).
Interval from 2 Loch Dunvegan to East Loch Tarbert. From a position
Remarks clear of Ardmore Point (57°33′N, 6°39′W) (12.39) the
HW Ullapool
recommended route leads N towards Eilean Glas
+0255 S-going stream begins; it turns SW to the S Lighthouse (57°51′N, 6°38′W) (12.255), then as required to
of the islands with a rate at spring tides of enter East Loch Tarbert (57°52′N, 6°45′W) (12.266).
2 kn. Uig Bay to East Loch Tarbert. From a position clear
–0330 NE-going stream begins but is rather of Uig Bay (57°35′N, 6°22′W) (12.73) the recommended
uncertain. route leads NNW towards Eilean Glas Lighthouse and into
East Loch Tarbert, as given above.
+0140 Slack water until the S-going stream begins
3 Uig Bay to Loch Maddy. From a position clear of
again. Waternish Point (57°36′N, 6°38′W) (12.35) the
4 South of the Shiant Islands the streams set ENE and recommended route leads W as required for the entrance to
WSW; 1 mile SE of the S extremity of the islands the rate Loch Maddy, as given above.
at spring tides is 3 kn in both directions and there are North of Skye to Loch Maddy. From a position clear
heavy overfalls during the E-going stream, as shown on the of Rubha Hunish (57°42′N, 6°21′W) the recommended
chart. route leads WSW as required for the entrance to Loch
5 Near Shiant South Rock, 2 miles SW of the islands, the Maddy, as given above.
streams are more or less rotary clockwise and set as 4 North of Skye to East Loch Tarbert. From a position
follows: 1 mile N of Eilean Trodday (57°44′N, 6°18′W) (12.70) the
Interval from recommended route leads NW passing (with positions from
Remarks Eugenie Rock (57°47′N, 6°28′W)):
HW Ullapool
NE, distant 1 mile from Comet Rock (3½ miles SE)
+0140 Stream is weak, setting to SSE and
(12.70), thence:
changing direction gradually to W as the
5 NE of Sgeir nam Maol (3¼ miles SE) (12.70)
rate increases
allowing a wide berth to avoid overfalls as given
+0455 Stream sets strongly WSW at 12.63, thence:
–0530 Stream changes direction gradually NE of Eugenie Rock (12.8) and of Sgeir Graidach
through W and N (4 cables NW) (12.8) allowing a wide berth to
avoid overfalls as given at 12.15, thence:
–0345 Stream sets ENE 6 NE of the light-buoy (starboard hand) marking Sgeir
6 The rate at spring tides in the WSW and ENE directions Inoe (4½ miles NW) (12.260), thence:
is 3 kn but is greater over the rock itself. As required for entering Sound of Scalpay (8½ miles
Small craft routes across the Little Minch NW) (12.268) and thence to East Loch Tarbert, as
12.16 given above.
1 The Little Minch affords the shortest routes with the 7 North of Skye to Loch Shell. From a position N of
best navigation aids for the crossing to the Outer Hebrides. Eilean Trodday (above) the recommended route leads N to
The most popular of these routes, recommended for small pass E of the Shiant Islands (57°54′N, 6°22′W) (12.305)
craft in yachting publications, are given in the following thence as required for the entrance to Loch Shell (58°00′N,
paragraphs. 6°27′W) (12.327). This route avoids the Sound of Shiant
Loch Dunvegan to Loch Maddy. From a position clear (57°55′N, 6°27′W) (12.305) which is prone to heavy seas.
of Dunvegan Head (57°31′N, 6°43′W) (12.35) the

THE LITTLE MINCH — SOUTH-EAST SIDE

GENERAL INFORMATION Traffic Route
12.18
1 The area covered by this section includes the directed
Chart 1794, 1795 route for N-bound traffic, off the Island of Skye, as given
Synopsis at 12.2. The coastal route given in this section at 12.23 and
12.17 12.56 follows the track and direction of the directed route.
1 This section presents the coastal route off the W side of
Topography
the Island of Skye, along the E side of the Little Minch,
12.19
from a position 3 miles W of Neist Point (57°25′N,
1 A general description of the Island of Skye is given at
6°47′W) to a position 7½ miles W of Rubha Réidh
1.90. Topographical features visible from the E side of the
(57°52′N, 5°49′W), a distance of about 40 miles, and
Little Minch, are given in the text of each coastal route.
includes the following lochs and harbour, given from S to
N: Depths
2 Loch Dunvegan (57°30′N, 6°40′W) (12.36). 12.20
Loch Snizort (57°35′N, 6°30′W) (12.74). 1 A general description of the depths in the Little Minch,
Uig Bay (57°35′N, 6°22′W) (12.73). including depths to the NW of Fladda-chùain and between
A description of Fladda-chùain (57°45′N, 6°26′W) and Fladda-chùain and the Shiant Islands (57°54′N, 6°22′W), is
the smaller islands in its vicinity is given at 12.57 and given at 12.8. Controlling depth along the route, in position
anchorage in this area is given at 12.111. 57°44′⋅3N, 6°18′⋅4W, is given at 12.58.

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Hazards 3 There are no hidden dangers along the route described at

12.21 12.23, however, the route as given passes over a rocky
1 Fishing. The E side of the Little Minch is an area of patch, with a least depth of 26 m over it, in position
intensive fishing activity as given at 12.10. 57°28′N, 6°50′W, which can be avoided if required.
Submarines exercise within the area, as given at 12.9. Hazards
12.26
Tidal streams
1 The route described above passes through an area of
12.22
fishing activity, as given at 12.10, and includes submarine
1 Tidal streams in the Little Minch generally are given at
exercise areas, as given at 12.9.
12.15, also within the geographical text for specific areas
along the coastal route and within the lochs. Traffic regulations
12.27
1 Regulations regarding the use of this route and the radio
NEIST POINT TO WATERNISH POINT reporting procedures required before starting along the
route are given at 12.2.
General information Rescue
Chart 1795 12.28
Route 1 An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) is based at
12.23 Dunvegan (57°26′N, 6°35′W).
1 The S part of the coastal route along the E side of the For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 12.13.
Little Minch (12.1) from a position 3 miles W of Neist Natural conditions
Point (57°25′N, 6°47′W), leads NNE for 13½ miles, off the 12.29
NW coast of the Island of Skye, to a position 2½ miles 1 Local magnetic anomaly. The normal magnetic
WNW of Waternish Point (57°36′N, 6°38′W). This route variation is reported to be increased by about 10° off Neist
follows the track and direction of the directed route given Point. In 1983 the variation was reported to be increased
at 12.2 for N-bound traffic. by up to 20° between Neist Point and An Ceannaich,
2 miles N.
Topography 12.30
12.24 1 Tidal streams. A general description of the tidal streams
1 General topography for the Island of Skye is given at within the Little Minch is given at 12.15.
1.90. Tidal streams off Neist Point are given at 11.24.
Healabhal Mhór (57°24′N, 6°38′W), a conspicuous Between Neist Point and Dunvegan Head the tidal
mountain with a table-top, stands 7 miles SSE of Dunvegan streams set as follows:
Head.
2 The NW side of the Island of Skye consists generally of Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
peninsulas separated by wide lochs, rather than any –0415 N-going stream begins
continuous length of coastline. Waternish Peninsula +0200 S-going stream begins
(57°34′N, 6°35′W), which separate Loch Dunvegan from
Loch Snizort, rises to a peak at Ben Geary, 3¼ miles SSE 2 The rate at spring tides is 1½ kn in both directions.
From a position off Dunvegan Head, the N-going stream
of the N extremity and at Ben Bhuidhe (249 m high),
sets in a NE direction towards Ard Beag, off which it
2 miles SSE of the N extremity. This peninsula is
divides. One part continues N along the coast towards
uncultivated except in the vicinity of Ardmore Bay
Waternish Point, the other part sets S, with a rate at spring
(57°33′N, 6°39′W) (12.43) and of Aros Bay (57°33′N,
tides of 1 kn, towards Ardmore Point.
6°33′W) (12.97).
3 The SW-going stream off Waternish Point turns S as it
3 From Neist Point to Dunvegan Head, 6 miles NNE, the
coast consists of cliffs which rise to 310 m (57°30′N, rounds the point and sets towards Dunvegan Head. This
stream also forms an eddy which sets E towards Ard Beag
6°45′W) except in a small bay just N of Neist Point and in
where it divides to set N along the coast towards Waternish
Loch Pooltiel, 2 miles farther N (12.55). From Ard Beag
Point and S towards Ardmore Point. Thus there is a
(57°33′N, 6°39′W) to Waternish Point, 3¼ miles N, the
continuous S-going stream along the coast between Ard
coast consists of generally inaccessible cliffs over which
Beag and Ardmore Point and a continuous N-going stream
waterfalls cascade after heavy rain. The ruins of an ancient
along the coast from Ard Beag to Waternish Point.
fort stand on the slopes above the cliffs 2¼ miles NNE of
4 Off Waternish Point the streams set as follows:
Ard Beag and the ruins of Unish House stand on the N
slope of the hills 5 cables farther N. Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
–0400 NE-going stream begins
Depths
12.25 +0225 SW-going stream begins
1 A general description of the banks and depths within the The rate at spring tides is 2½ kn in both directions.
Little Minch is given at 12.8. However, off the middle of the entrance to Loch Dunvegan,
2 The coastal bank, with depths of less than 50 m over it, 5 miles SSW, the rate at spring tides is probably not more
extends less than 1 mile offshore between Neist Point and than 1 kn in both directions.
Dunvegan Head. Between Ardmore Point (57°33′N, 5 For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
6°39′W) and Waternish Point, 4 miles N, the coastal bank North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland and
extends 1¼ miles offshore and on it lie rocky shoals, with tidal stream stations on the chart.
a least charted depth of 15⋅2 m, 9 cables W of Ardmore 12.31
Point, which extend in a chain N and S from the least 1 Overfalls are shown on the chart within 1 mile W of
charted depth, as shown on the chart. Waternish Point.

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A tide rip extends NW from Neist Point for 2 miles on WNW distant 2½ miles from a rock, 1⋅5 m high,
the N-going stream at spring tides. which lies 1 cable NW of Waternish Point
(6¼ miles NNE) which is cliffy and forms the N
Principal marks extremity of Waternish Peninsula (12.24).
12.32 Waternish Point Light (white metal tower, 7 m in
1 Landmarks: height) stands on the point and a reef, the N part
Neist Point Lighthouse (57°25′N, 6°47′W) (11.26). of which dries and is steep-to, extends 1 cable N
Conspicuous TV mast (57°28′N, 6°42′W) standing from the point.
2¾ miles S of Dunvegan Head. (Directions continue for
12.33 directed route NW of Skye at 12.70)
1 Major lights:
Neist point Light—as above Loch Dunvegan
Eilean Glas Light (57°51′N, 6°38′W) (12.255). Chart 2533, plan of Loch Dunvegan
General information
Other navigational aids 12.36
12.34 1 Loch Dunvegan, entered between Dunvegan Head
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the (57°31′N, 6°43′W) and Ard Mór, 2¾ miles NE, (12.35),
Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at includes Loch Bay and approaches (12.38) situated on the
1.33. NE side of Loch Dunvegan near the entrance. The channel
to Dunvegan and its wharf, at the head of the loch narrows
Directions to less than 1 cable and is obstructed by a shoal, making it
(continued from 11.32) of limited use to coasters. However, the approaches to
12.35 Loch Bay provide anchorage for large vessels, as given at
1 From a position 3 miles W of Neist Point (57°25′N, 12.41.
6°47′W) the coastal route along the E side of the Little 2 Topography. The entrance to Loch Dunvegan may be
Minch leads NNE, passing (with positions from Dunvegan identified by Dunvegan Head (12.35) and Healabhal Mhor,
Head (57°31′N, 6°43′W)): 7 miles SSE, (Chart 1795) (12.24), which is visible from
WNW of Neist Point (6 miles SSW) (11.31), thence: seaward when the loch is well open.
2 WNW of The Merchant (4 miles SSW), a basaltic The SW side of Loch Dunvegan is generally bold for
column which is detached from An Ceannaich, the first 3 miles then indented for the next mile and finally
known locally as Meal a’ Veg, a headland which fringed by a chain of islands and islets which extend SE
rises in basaltic columns, and: for 1¼ miles encumbering the inner part of the loch.
Over or clear of the least depth on the route (5 miles 3 The NE side of the loch is deeply indented by the
SW) as given at 12.25, thence: approaches to Loch Bay, in the entrance to which stands
3 WNW of Biod an Athair (1¼ miles SW) which is the Isay Island which is covered with grass and is the largest
termination of a spur sloping down from a position of 3 islands in the entrance. To the S of Isay Island, Loch
halfway up a nearly vertical cliff (310 m high) Dunvegan narrows and the NE shore, which is fringed by a
which constitutes the highest part of Dunvegan reef extending 1½ cables offshore in places, rises inland to
Peninsula, thence: a summit in Beinn Bhreac (57°29′N, 6°35′W).
4 WNW of Dunvegan Head, the N extremity of Limiting conditions
Dunvegan Peninsula, which is fairly steep-to,
12.37
thence:
1 Deepest and longest berth is the wharf at Dunvegan
WNW of the entrance to Loch Dunvegan (1 mile NE)
(12.52).
(12.36), thence:
Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
5 WNW of Rogheadh (2¾ miles NE) (Chart 2533), a
Mean spring range about 4⋅5 m; mean neap range about
remarkable perforated wall of rock in the shape of
1⋅7 m.
arches which extends from the W side of Ard Mór.
This is a projecting peninsula, forming the NE Outer anchorages in Loch Bay and approaches
entrance point of Loch Dunvegan (12.36), which 12.38
shows from seaward as a cliffy face 36 m high and 1 Loch Bay (57°30′N, 6°34′W), the main approach to
slopes on its E side to a low point on which which passes between Ardmore Point (57°33′N, 6°39′W)
stands Ardmore House, which is occasionally and Isay Island, 1 mile S, affords safe anchorage for large
visible from N. Ard Mór is fringed by a reef vessels in the approach (12.41) and anchorage for small
which extends a short distance offshore and also vessels within the bay (12.42). A secondary approach,
by shoals on the coastal bank, as given at 12.25. between the S end of Isay Island and Groban na Sgeire,
Thence: 5 cables S, (12.47), is fouled by banks extending from both
6 WNW of Ard Beag (3¼ miles NE) which is faced shores and by Sgeir na Caorach, known locally as Sheep
seaward by dark cliffs, 28 m high, and is Rock, which lies in the middle; it is suitable only for small
connected to Ard Mór and to the main island by a craft.
low neck of land, thence: 12.39
ESE of isolated shoal patches, with a charted depth 1 Directions for entering Loch Bay. From position
of 27⋅5 m (57°36′N, 6°51′W) as described at 12.8, 57°32′⋅1N, 6°42′⋅0W the main approach to Loch Bay leads
thence: E for 2 miles, passing (with positions from Ardmore Point):
7 WNW of An Càmastac (5½ miles NNE) which is a Between a charted depth of 15⋅9 m (8 cables WSW)
rock lying close offshore. A rock awash also lies and a charted depth of 17⋅7 m (1 mile SW) both of
close offshore 1 cable NNW of An Càmastac. which lie on the edge of the coastal bank, near the
Thence: S end of a chain of similar patches, thence:

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2 S of foul ground and a shallow bank which extend 12.42

1½ cables S from Ardmore Point, the S extremity 1 Loch Bay affords anchorage for small vessels near the
of Ard Mór (12.35), and: centre of the bay, as shown on the chart, that provides
N of a shallow bank, with a charted depth of 3⋅4 m, good shelter and is safe provided the winds are not too
which extends ½ cable N from Sgeir a’ Chuain strong. However, the holding ground of soft mud is not as
(8 cables S), a drying rock at the N end of the good as in the area E of Isay Island, given at 12.41. A
drying reef which extends 2¾ cables N from Isay mooring is established in Camas Lusta, at the E end of the
Island (12.36), thence: bay.
3 N of foul ground which extends ½ cable NW from 12.43
Clett (9 cables SSE) a small island with cliffs 1 Ardmore Bay (57°33′N, 6°38′W) affords shelter during
along its NE coast from which the land slopes SW. N winds but the holding ground is not good and the head
Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 240° of the of the bay is very shallow. Small vessels can anchor near
tangent of Dunvegan Head (12.35) clears NNW of Sgeir a’ the centre of the bay, close to the position shown on the
Chuain and the bank extending N from it. chart, in depths of 11 to 15 m, clear of a marine farm
12.40 (1.17) 8 cables E of Ardmore Point. Small craft can anchor
1 From a position 6½ cables SE of Ardmore Point the closer inshore, between Ardmore Point and Ardmore
track leads SE towards and into Loch Bay, passing (with House, 3 cables NNE, in depths of 5 to 9 m.
positions from the SE extremity of Clett): 12.44
SW of Càrnach Mór (1 mile NNE) a range of steep 1 Lovaig Bay (57°30′N, 6°37′W) affords good anchorage
earth cliffs on the E shore of Ardmore Bay (12.43) for small vessels in depths of 13 to 20 m. At the head of
which rises towards its SE end thence decreases to the bay the hills rise steeply between the shore and Rubha
the mouth of Allt na Luinge (1 mile NE), and: Maol, 8 cables NE, with earth cliffs which, in places,
2 NE of Clett, thence: extend to the foot of Sgùrr a’ Bhagh (12.40).
NE of a marine farm (1.17) moored close E of the 12.45
reef fringing the S part of Mingay Island 1 Small craft can obtain anchorage in the S part of the
(1½ cables SW) which is joined to Clett by a channel between Isay Island (57°31′N, 6°39′W) (12.36) and
shallow bank and separated from Isay Island by a Mingay Island, close E, (12.40).
narrow channel which has a least depth of 10⋅1 m Stein (57°31′N, 6°34′W), situated on the E shore of
in the fairway, thence: Loch Bay, has a pier and moorings for visiting small craft
3 NE of Sgeir nam Biast (1 mile SE) a drying reef as well as many local moorings. This area is uncomfortable
from which a shallow bank extends ¾ cable W in strong winds from the S.
and S, thence:
SW of Oans Point (1¾ miles ESE) which rises Dunvegan Harbour
steeply from the loch. A group of moorings are 12.46
established close to the coast, 2 cables SE of the 1 Hazard. Great line fishing (1.14) is carried out by small
point. Waternish House is situated among trees and local craft and fishing floats are scattered throughout the
cultivated land 3½ cables NE of the point. And: loch.
4 NE of a shoal, with a least depth of 4⋅3 m over it Tidal streams in the loch are very weak but there may
(1¾ miles SE), which lies in a NW/SE direction be a continuous outgoing flow in the narrow channel at the
and is situated up to 3 cables NE of Rubha Maol. head of the loch when the snow is melting in spring and
This point, which forms the N extremity of the after heavy rain.
promontory between Loch Dunvegan and Loch Local knowledge is required to navigate the channel
Bay, is rounded and steep, rising inland to Sgùrr a’ above Fiadhairt Point (57°27′⋅7N, 6°37′⋅5W) in the dark.
Bhagh, an almost vertical rocky cliff, 60 m high, 12.47
which extends along the SW side of Loch Bay. 1 Directions for entering Loch Dunvegan — outer part.
From Rubha Maol the ground rises steadily to the From a position 5 cables NE of Dunvegan Head the line of
N summit of Beinn Bhreac (12.36). bearing 144½° of Uiginish Point Light (white hut, 5 m in
5 Useful marks: height) (57°27′N, 6°37′W), close to the E limit of the white
At Clach Bhuidhe (57°30′N, 6°34′W) the cliffs of sector (132°−145°) of the light, leads SE into Loch
Camas Lusta, as shown on the chart. Dunvegan, passing (with positions from Groban na Sgeire
Large ruined house (57°31′⋅1N, 6°38′⋅7W) on the E (57°30′N, 6°38′W)):
coast of Isay Island. 2 NE of Dunvegan Head (2½ miles WNW) (12.35),
12.41 and:
1 Anchorage can be obtained anywhere E of Isay Island, SW of Ardmore Point (2½ miles NNW) (12.39),
Mingay Island and Clett where the holding ground is good thence:
and the area well sheltered from all winds between S and SW of a charted depth of 17⋅7 m (1¾ miles NW)
W of N; however, winds from the E raise an unpleasant (12.39), thence:
sea. Winds from SE increase their normal force by 3 SW of the SW extremity of Isay Island (6 cables
katabatic effect from the high land around Beinn Bhreac NNW) (12.36), which consists of a vertical cliff at
(57°29′N, 6°35′W) (12.36). This anchorage area is suitable the S end of a coast which is generally low,
for large vessels, of up to 100 000 tonnes. thence:
2 Excellent anchorage for small vessels can be obtained SSE of Gob na Hoe (1¾ miles WSW) which is a
3½ cables ESE of the S extremity of Mingay Island, as bold headland, thence:
shown on the chart, in a depth of 26 m, stiff mud under a 4 SW of a reef which dries and a shallow bank which
thin layer of coarse sand and shell, clear of Sgeir nam extend a total of 2¾ cables SSW from the S
Biast and marine farms (1.17) moored up to 1½ cables NE extremity of Lampay Islands (3 cables SSW), for
of Isay Island, along its S part. which a clearing bearing is given at 12.48. These

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islands, which lie about 1 cable from the NE shore its position. A clearing line for these dangers is
of Loch Dunvegan, are joined by a drying reef. given below. Thence:
The N island is flat whilst the S island rises to a 7 SW of a drying rock which lies ½ cable S of Sgeir
mound at its S end. A reef of sand and stone, Calvaig (4½ cables NNW) which lies ¾ cable SW
which also dries, connects the S island with the of the S end of Fiadhairt Peninsula and ¾ cable
promontory which separates the upper part of Loch SE of a large flat rock which dries 1⋅2 m, thence:
Dunvegan from Loch Bay. This promontory rises NE of Black Rock (3 cables NW) and Bo Channanich
to Cnoc Mór a’ Ghrobain, a flat-topped mound, (2 cables NW) which lie on the SW edge of the
1 cable S of Groban na Sgeire, the NW extremity fairway, see clearing line below, thence:
of the promontory. 8 SW of Gairbh Eilean (2 cables NE) which is fairly
12.48 steep-to on its SW side and has cliffs on its NW
1 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 000° of the W and SW points, and:
extremity of Ard Mór (2½ miles NNW) (12.35) open W of NE of Uiginish Point which falls rather steeply from
Isay Island clears W of the dangers in the vicinity of Uiginish Bonnet, a hill 1½ cables SE of the point.
Lampay Islands. Uiginish Point Light (12.47) stands on the point
Useful marks: and Cnocan Leathan, with almost vertical sides, is
Claigan (9 cables SE) is a prominent farmhouse prominent 3½ cables SE of the light.
which stands at an elevation of 43 m. 9 Clearing light sector. The white sector of Uiginish
2 Dunvegan Castle (57°27′N, 6°35′W), a massive Point Light, bearing more than 128°, clears all of the
structure standing on a grey plateau of rock, with dangers described above on the SW side of the fairway
which its old lichen-covered walls appear nearly to with the exception of the NE edge of Bo Channanich.
blend, can be seen from the NW over the low 12.50
isthmus connecting Fiadhairt Peninsula, 1 mile NW, 1 Channel north of Bo na Famachd. When the
(12.49) to the NE side of the loch. boathouse situated ¾ cable SW of Dunvegan Castle
12.49 (57°27′N, 6°35′W) (12.48) bears 086° and is well open S
1 Directions for entering Loch Dunvegan — inner part. of Gairbh Eilean the track alters to the E, passing (with
When proceeding into Loch Dunvegan in thick weather it positions from Uiginish Point Light):
is possible to mistake Camalaig Bay (57°28′N, 6°37′W) for S of a bank, with depths of less than 5 m over it,
the channel through the inner part of the loch. Therefore, which extends ¾ cable SE from Gairbh Eilean
from a position about 1 mile NW of Fiadhairt Point (2 cables NE), thence:
(57°27′⋅7N, 6°37′⋅5W), the track is adjusted S to join the 2 N of Bo na Famachd (4 cables E) a rock which lies
alignment of the leading marks given below: in the middle of the fairway. A light-buoy
2 Front mark: NE extremity of the land 4 cables ESE of (starboard hand) is moored close N of the rock;
Uiginish Point. see clearing bearings below.
Rear mark: church tower, 1 mile SE of Uiginish Point When clear of Bo na Famachd the track alters S towards
Light, standing on the NE side of the head of the the wharf, 7 cables ESE of Uiginish Point Light, passing:
loch. W of a light-buoy (special) marking the seaward end
3 The alignment (128°) of these marks leads SE into the of an outfall, thence:
inner part of the loch, passing (with positions from 3 SW of the coastal bank, with a charted depth of
Uiginish Point Light): 4⋅9 m, which extends 1¼ cables NW from the
NE of foul ground and a shallow bank which extend wharf.
½ cable from Leinish Point (1½ miles WNW) Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 137° of the
which is the E extremity of a promontory forming church tower, 1 mile SE of Uiginish Point Light, open NE
the S side of Leinish Bay (12.54), thence: of the post office 2½ cables NW of the church, clears NE
4 NE of a rock which just dries (1½ miles WNW) of Bo na Famachd.
which lies 1½ cables SSE of Leinish Point and 4 Useful mark:
½ cable offshore, thence: Light (post) on the N corner of the wharf.
NE of Sgeir na Traighe (1¼ miles WNW), the NW 12.51
rock of a group of islets and rocks which extend 1 Channel south-west of Bo na Famachd. The channel
4 cables SE and form the outer edge of an area on the SW side of Bo na Famachd (above) is very narrow
which is encumbered by reefs. Eilean Dubh Beag, and unmarked, with a depth of 6⋅4 m in the fairway.
the SE and highest of the group, has foul ground However, this channel affords the most convenient
which extends ¾ cable ESE with Clach a’ Charra approach to the wharf.
at its SE end. And: 2 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 131° of the
5 SW of a drying reef which fringes Fiadhairt Point church tower, 1 mile SE of Uiginish Point Light, open SW
(1 mile NNW), the NW extremity of Fiadhairt of the post office, 2½ cables NW, clears SW of Bo na
Peninsula, which has a coastline of cliffs to Famachd.
seaward and is connected to the NE side of the
loch by a low isthmus, thence:
6 NE of the drying reef, foul ground and bank
surrounding Eilean Grianal (6 cables WNW), the Basins and berths
NW and largest of 2 islets in a group, which has 12.52
grass on its summit. The reef, which extends 1 Anchorages are given at 12.41.
1½ cables SE and 1¼ cables NW from Eilean Alongside berth. A wharf, situated 7 cables SE of
Grianal, with Bo Mor near its NW extremity, has Uiginish Point Light, has a length of 20 m with depths of
depths of over 50 m within 1 cable N and NW of 3⋅0 to 3⋅4 m alongside.

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Supplies track and direction of the directed route given at 12.2 for
12.53 N-bound traffic.
1 Provisions can be obtained in small quantities at
Dunvegan, 5 cables SE of the wharf. Topography
12.57
1 General topography for the Island of Skye is given at
Small craft 1.90 and general topography for the NW side of the island,
12.54 including Waternish Peninsula, is given at 12.24.
1 Leinish Bay (57°27′⋅7N, 6°39′⋅8W), which is exposed to 2 Between Waternish Peninsula and Dùn Liath, 7 miles
the N, affords anchorage in the centre of the bay, in a ENE, the coast is deeply indented by Loch Snizort which is
depth of 13 m, or farther in, near the head of the bay on described at 12.74 and includes the Ascrib Islands
the W side, in a depth of 7 m. (57°35′N, 6°31′W). From Dùn Liath to Rubha Hunish,
2 Loch More (57°27′N, 6°38′W), which is entered 4½ miles NE, the coast is indented by 3 small bays, with
between Clach a’ Charra (12.49) and Eilean Dubh, few cliffs along a gentle coastline. On the N side of the
1¼ cables SE, is obstructed by a bar with a depth of 4 m island, between Rubha Hunish (57°42′N, 6°21′W) and
over it. Good anchorage is available within the bay in a Rubha na h-Aiseig, 1¾ miles E, the coast is cliffy and
depth of 7 m. forms a bay fringed by a reef in places.
Loch Erghallan (57°26′⋅4N, 6°37′⋅0W) affords 3 Several islands and islets lie off the NE end of the
anchorage in depths of 9 to 13 m, mud, between Eilean Island of Skye within 4 miles of Rubha Hunish. Of these
Mor and the main island. An t-Iasgair, 3 miles WSW, and Eilean Trodday, 2 miles
3 Head of the loch. Good anchorage is available in ENE, are described at 12.70. Fladda-chùain, 3 miles NW,
mid-channel, 5 cables ESE of Uiginish Point Light, as the largest and NW of a chain of islets which extend
shown on the chart, in a depth of 9 m. Anchorage is also 1½ miles SE, is a narrow and uninhabited island, the SW
available SSE of the wharf. Moorings for visitors are laid coast of which is fringed with reefs which extend in places
in mid-channel about 2 cables SSE of the wharf. 1 cable offshore. The NE side of the island is cliffy and
4 Well-sheltered anchorage can be obtained between the free from dangers; a drying reef, on which there are some
SE extremity of Garbh Eilean, 3 cables ENE of Uiginish above-water rocks, extends 1¾ cables ESE from the SE end
Point Light, and drying rocks which extend ¾ cable NW of the island.
from the point 2½ cables E of Garbh Eilean, in a depth of 4 Just over 3 cables S of Fladda Chùain, across a channel
8 m. However the holding ground is rocky and not to be encumbered with rocks, lie the islands of Thon Eilean and
trusted. Gaeilavore Island, a rock with a rounded outline and a
Husabost (57°28′N, 6°40′W) contains a boat landing at vertical face on its S side, which are joined by a chain of
the head of the bay. jagged rocks. The Cleats, 1 cable ESE of Gaeilavore Island,
are remarkable for having a portion of a basaltic column
Small craft standing on them.
5 At the SE end of the chain, 2½ miles NW of Rubha
Chart 1795 Hunish, lie Gearran Island and, very close E of it, Lord
Loch Pooltiel Macdonald’s Table. These islands have flat summits and
12.55 black vertical columnar cliffs which appear inaccessible. A
1 Loch Pooltiel (57°28′N, 6°46′W), entered 1 mile E of peculiar cave penetrates Gearran Island from E to W and at
An Ceannaich, is 1½ miles long and affords good certain states of the tide it appears possible for a small boat
anchorage in a depth of 5 m, mud, but is exposed to the to traverse this cave.
NW. Smaller craft can obtain secure anchorage in a hole,
with a least depth of 3 m, mud, at the mouth of the Depths
Hamara River which runs into the head of the bay at 12.58
Glendale. Many marine farms (1.17) and fishing floats are 1 A general description of the banks and depths within the
moored in the loch. Little Minch is given at 12.8.
2 Useful mark: 2 Controlling depth. Charted depths vary greatly along
Schoolhouse, consisting of 2 storeys with a slate roof, the route described at 12.56 and shoal patches, some of
situated 5 cables up Hamara River, is visible from which are extensive, lie on both sides of the route. Off
seaward. Eilean Trodday (57°44′N, 6°18′W) a bank extends 1 mile
WNW to meet with the shoal extending SW from Sgeir
nam Maol, 2¾ miles NW, thus lying fully across the route
WATERNISH POINT TO RUBHA RÈIDH which passes over a least charted depth of 35 m in position
57°44′⋅3N, 6°18′⋅4W.
General information
Hazards
Charts 1794, 1795, 2210 12.59
Route 1 The route described above passes through an area of
12.56 fishing activity, as given at 12.10, and includes submarine
1 The N part of the coastal route along the E side of the exercise areas, as given at 12.9.
Little Minch (12.1) from a position 2½ miles WNW of
Waternish Point (57°36′N, 6°38′W), leads 062° for Rescue
16 miles, along the recommended track shown on the chart, 12.60
to a position 1½ miles NE of Eilean Trodday Light. Thence 1 An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) is based at
045° for 10 miles to a position 7½ miles W of Rubha Duntulm (57°41′N, 6°21′W).
Réidh (57°52′N, 5°49′W) (13.136). This route follows the For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 12.13.

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Tidal streams and overfalls stream turns NNE where it meets Rubha Hunish. On the
12.61 same side of the main channel the stream setting W along
1 A general description of the tidal streams within the the N coast of the Island of Skye is deflected NW by
Little Minch is given at 12.15. Rubha Hunish. As a result of these deflections and eddies,
Tidal streams off Waternish Point are given at 12.30. a vessel proceeding NE through the channel between
Tidal streams off Rubha Hunish (57°42′N, 6°21′W), and Fladda-chùain and Rubha Hunish will, whichever way the
off Ru Bornesketaig, 3½ miles SSW, set as follows: main stream is setting, be deflected first to the SE by the
set off Gearran Island, then to the N by the set off Rubha
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
Hunish.
–0415 NE-going stream begins 12.65
+0210 SW-going stream begins 1 In the channels between Fladda-chùain and Sgeir
Graidach, 2¾ miles NNW (12.8), the streams set as
2 The rate at spring tides in both directions is 2½ kn off follows:
both points, the S-going stream having set very close Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
around Rubha Hunish. These streams set in the general
–0345 E-going stream begins
direction of the coast, but eddies, which probably form in
the bays during the streams in both directions, set as +0240 W-going stream begins
follows: 2 The rate at spring tides is 2½ kn in both directions. Off
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks the NW end of Fladda-chùain the E-going stream is
+0340 NE-going eddy begins deflected NE for about 5 cables and a marked sheer-line is
visible with overfalls between this stream and the
–0245 SW-going eddy begins comparatively slack water under the E coast of the island,
as shown on the chart. On the W-going stream a similar
3 Both eddies have a rate of 1 kn at spring tides. shear-line and overfalls extend WNW for more than a mile
12.62 from the NW extremity of Fladda-chùain, as shown on the
1 In the channel between Eilean Trodday (57 44′N, chart. On this W-going stream the change in direction is
6°18′W) and Rubha na h-Aiseig, 9 cables S, the tidal less marked, however the difference in rate is even more
streams set E and W even though to the E of this channel marked, the main stream being accelerated by the
and to the W of Rubha Hunish the stream sets NE and SW. configuration of the land whilst the water under the SW
Within the channel the streams set as follows: side of Fladda-chùain is almost slack.
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks 12.66
1 In the immediate vicinity of Sgeir Graidach the streams
–0400 E-going stream begins
begin rather earlier, as follows:
+0225 W-going stream begins
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
2 The rate at spring tides is 2½ kn in both directions and –0430 E-going stream begins
there are probably eddies in Lùb a’ Sgiathain the bay +0155 W-going stream begins
1½ miles SW of Eilean Trodday.
Tidal steams in the channel between Eilean Trodday and 2 At neap tides the E-going stream may continue to set
Comet Rock, 2½ miles WNW, are given on the chart. until +0410 Ullapool. During the strength of the streams,
12.63 especially the E-going stream, there is violent turbulence
1 Fladda-chùain, east-going stream. The streams around with eddies and heavy overfalls extending ENE or WSW
Fladda-chùain (57°45′N, 6°26′W) and Sgeir nam Maol, from the rocks, as shown on the chart.
1½ miles ENE, are irregular but well defined. West of For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
Fladda-chùain the E-going stream sets fair on to the W side North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland and
of the island and the chain of islets extending SSE from it. tidal stream information on the charts.
On meeting these obstructions the stream divides to set N
of Fladda-chùain, as shown on the chart, and S of it past
Gearran Island, 6 cables S, and with diminished force
across the islets and rocks between them. Off Gearran Principal marks
Island the stream sets strongly SE, not regaining an E 12.67
direction for 1 mile or more. 1 Landmarks:
2 Between Fladda-chùain and Sgeir nam Maol the streams A framework tower (57°41′N, 6°20′W) standing on
are irregular and subject to eddies, becoming stronger and Cnoc Roll which is conspicuous.
more definitely E-going towards Sgeir nam Maol, until they Rubha Réidh Lighthouse (57°52′N, 5°49′W) (13.134).
set strongly E over the rocks with eddies and overfalls 12.68
extending 5 cables E, from them, as shown on the chart. 1 Major lights:
3 Fladda-chùain west-going stream. East of Sgeir nam Rubha Réidh Light—as above.
Maol the W-going stream begins +0155 Ullapool, which is Eilean Glas Light (57°51′N, 6°38′W) (12.255).
30 minutes earlier than in the channels. This stream sets
strongly W across the N side of Sgeir nam Maol and, with
less force, NW between Sgeir nam Maol and
Fladda-chùain. Off Gearran Island the tidal stream sets Other navigational aids
SSW. 12.69
12.64 1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the
1 Main channel. On the S side of the main channel Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at
between the Island of Skye and Fladda-chùain the E-going 1.33.

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Directions depth of 27 m situated 4 cables NW of Eilean

(continued from 12.35) Trodday (5¼ miles NE) which is of basaltic
formation with an isolated column off its NE
Charts 1795, 2210 coast. Eilean Trodday Light (white clad metal
Waternish Point to Eilean Trodday framework tower, 7 m in height) stands on the
12.70 summit of the island, with a hut adjacent.
1 From a position 2½ miles WNW of Waternish Point 12.71
(57°36′N, 6°38′W) the route leads 062°, along the 1 Useful mark:
recommended track shown on the chart, passing (with A small hut, 5 cables SE of Rubha Hunish, stands on
positions from Ru Bornesketaig (57°40′N, 6°25′W)): high ground (114 m) and is reported to be
NNW of the dangers fringing Waternish Point conspicuous.
(8 miles WSW) (12.35), thence: Chart 1794
2 Over or clear of the SE extremity of an isolated Eilean Trodday to North Minch
shoal, with a least depth of 25 m over it (7 miles 12.72
W) which, with depths of less than 50 m, extends 1 From position 57°45′N, 6°16W the line of bearing 225°,
5 cables NW and SE from the least depth, thence: astern, of Rubha Hunish (57°42′N, 6°21′W) (12.70), just
3 NNW of an extensive bank, with a least depth of open NW of Eilean Trodday (12.70) leads 045°, along the
22⋅5 m over it (4½ miles WSW), which extends recommended track shown on the chart, passing clear of
3¾ miles N from the NW of the Ascrib Islands isolated shoal patches on both sides of the track, with a
(12.74) and has a charted depth of 27⋅5 m in least charted depth of 24⋅5 m (57°47′N, 6°05′W), and of
position 5¼ miles W of Ru Bornesketaig, thence: the S extremity of Shiant East Bank (57°54′N, 6°08′W)
4 NNW of the N entrance to Loch Snizort (2½ miles (13.5).
SW) (12.74), thence: 2 From a position 7 miles W of Rubha Réidh (57°52′N,
SSE of an isolated shoal, with a least charted depth 5°49′W) (13.136), course can be adjusted as required to
of 18⋅3 m (6 miles NW), thence: pass through the North Minch.
5 NNW of a shoal, with a depth of 6⋅4 m over it, (Directions continue for the coastal passage along the
which lies 2½ cables W of Rubh’ a’ Chàirn Léith E side of North Minch at 13.136)
(8 cables SSW), the W extremity of the N face of
Dùn Liath, which consists of a conspicuous cliff of Uig Bay and approaches
columnar formation. Dùn Liath, known locally as Charts 1795, 2533 plan of Loch Snizort
Dun Lea is the summit of the E entrance point of General information
Loch Snizort which drops in grassy slopes towards 12.73
the loch. The point rises inland to a long tableland 1 Uig Bay (57°35′N, 6°22′W), an indentation on the E
and Dùn Liath takes its name from a ruined fort or side of Loch Snizort (12.74), provides a terminal for the
dun which is visible on the W slopes., thence: vehicular ferry to East Loch Tarbert (12.266) on Harris and
6 NNW of a charted depth of 26⋅5 m which lies to Loch Maddy (12.169) on North Uist as well as facilities
4 cables NNW of An t-Iasgair (1¾ miles NW) a for local fishing vessels, as given at 12.10.
group of 4 islets or rocks which are steep-to and
inaccessible except at the W end of the highest
island, thence:
7 SSE of Gearran Island (4 miles N) (12.57) and of a
shoal, with a depth of 6⋅4 m over it, which extends
2 cables ENE from Lord Macdonald’s Table, close
E of Gearran Island, (12.57), with a depth of 8⋅8 m
at its extremity, thence:
SSE of an isolated patch, with a depth of 18 m over
it (3¾ miles N), thence:
8 NNW of a charted depth of 18 m, situated 2 cables W
of Rubha Hunish (3¼ miles NNE), the NW
extremity of a flattish promontory which extends
Ru Idrigill
5 cables NW from the NW end of the Island of
Skye. The N and NE coasts of this promontory Approach to Uig from S (12.73)
consist of vertical cliffs 15 m high, the outer part (Original dated 2000)
of which is steep-to except off the W extremity. (Photograph − Air Images)
Thence:
9 SSE of a bank, with a depth of less than 20 m over Uig village stands on rising ground on the SE side of
it, which extends 8 cables SSE from the SE of the the head of the bay.
2 rocks which comprise Sgeir nam Maol (5½ miles 12.74
NNE) which dries and on which stands a beacon 1 Topography in the approaches. Loch Snizort, entered
(black metal with a cylindrical cage topmark between Waternish Point (57°36′N, 6°38′W) and Dùn Liath,
surmounted by a cross, 12 m in height). Comet 7 miles ENE, extends 7 miles SE to Lyndale Point
Rock, with a depth of 0⋅6 m over it (charted as (57°32′N, 6°24′W) where it divides into Loch Greshornish,
dangerous rock), lies on this bank, 3 cables SSE of the W arm, and Loch Snizort Beag, the E arm.
the beacon and Comet Light-buoy (port hand) is 2 The SW shore of Loch Snizort, between Waternish Point
moored just over a mile E of the rock. Thence: and Gob Uisgebrigh, 8¼ miles SE, consists chiefly of steep
10 Over the bank, on which lie the least charted depths cliffs from 50 to 100 m high, rising to a peak of 143 m,
as given at 12.58, passing NNW of a charted 8 cables NW of Gob Uisgebrigh. The waterfall of Allt

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Uig Pier from SE(12.73)

(Photograph − Colin Alston) (Original dated 2004)

Achaidh Bhig, 1½ miles NW of Gob Uisgebrigh, is 33 m 12.79

high and noticeable after rain, and a white cottage, 3 miles 1 Deepest and longest berth is the Ro-Ro berth (12.92).
SE of Waternish Point, is reported to be conspicuous. 12.80
Between the E entrance of Loch Diúbaig (57°30′N, 1 Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
6°27′W) (12.109) and Greshornish Point, 1¼ miles NE, the Mean spring range about 4⋅6 m; mean neap range about
cliffs backing the shore are rugged and steep, attaining an 2⋅0 m.
elevation of 87 m under the summit of Maol na h-Airde 12.81
(12.85). 1 Maximum size of vessel berthed on the Ro-Ro pier had
3 The NE side of Loch Snizort is mountainous but the a length of 100m and a draught of 3⋅0 m.
outline of the hills is smooth, being covered by grass with
a little heather. Between Dùn Liath and Ru Idrigill, Arrival information
3¾ miles SSE, (12.88) the E shore of the loch is low, with 12.82
sloping, cultivated country extending a mile or so inland. 1 Port radio. A listening watch is maintained on VHF
This country is studded with occasional farms and other during working hours.
buildings including a church at Kilvaxster, 1¾ miles ESE Notice of ETA. Notice of 24 hours is required for
and Monkstadt House, with some farm buildings nearby, vessels carrying dangerous substances. For details see
1¾ miles SSE respectively of Dùn Liath, above which rises Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6(1).
Meall nan Suireamach (57°39′N, 6°17′W) (10.265). Quarantine. For quarantine regulations see 1.50.
Between Ru Idrigill and Ru Chorachan, 9 cables S (12.89) Harbour
the coast is indented by Uig Bay (12.73), cliffs then 12.83
continue S along the coast for about a mile. At the S end 1 Uig Bay has shores which slope rather steeply to the
of the loch, Lyndale Point (57°32′N, 6°24′W), a steep-to beach and are well cultivated. There are 3 piers in the bay,
shelf of low rock stands at the N end of a low promontory of which the largest and main, King Edward Pier, extends
of irregular outline. ESE from the W side of the bay near its S end, over the N
4 Ascrib Islands (57°35′N, 6°31′W) which extend end of a spit and shallow coastal bank. Camas Beag, at the
1¾ miles SSE/NNW from a position near the middle of the S end of Uig Bay, is a small bay free of dangers.
entrance to Loch Snizort are uninhabited, used for grazing 12.84
sheep and cattle and provide a haven for sea birds and 1 Tidal streams in the approach. Between Waternish
seals. Individual islands within this group are described at Point and Ru Bornesketaig, 8 miles ENE, the tidal streams
12.86 and 12.88. set approximately ENE and WSW across the entrance to
12.75 Loch Snizort. These streams lose strength ENE of
1 Harbour limits. All waters in Uig Bay commencing at Waternish Point and WSW of Ru Bornesketaig and are
the HW level at Ru Idrigil (57°35′⋅1N, 6°23′⋅6W), thence probably weak, with a rate at spring tides of not more than
in a S direction for a distance of 1700 m to the HW level 1 kn, midway between the 2 points. The streams are
at Ru Chorachan, 9 cables S. negligible within the wide outer part of Loch Snizort.
12.76 2 An eddy probably forms E of Waternish Point during the
1 Approach and entry. Uig Bay is approached from the ENE-going stream with the likely result of a W-going
Little Minch through Loch Snizort (12.74) passing either stream which sets nearly continuously along the coast E of
side of the Ascrib Islands (12.74), noting that the deeper the point.
water lies to the E of these islands, and entered from WSW 12.85
within the white sector of a directional light. 1 Principal mark:
12.77 Maol na h-Airde (57°31′N, 6°26′W) which has a
1 Harbour Authority. Highland Council Harbours HQ, conspicuous summit.
Lochinver, Sutherland IV27 4LE. Local control is vested in
the Harbour Master, Uig Pier, Isle of Skye IV55 9XX. Directions
12.86
1 Approach from north-west. From the vicinity of
Limiting conditions 57°38′N, 6°36′W the approach and entry into Loch Snizort
12.78 from NW leads SSE, passing (with positions from the SW
1 Controlling depths. Loch Snizort is deep, with few extremity of South Ascrib (57°34′⋅6N, 6°31′⋅0W)):
dangers in the fairway. Uig Bay is clear of dangers in the WSW of the bank extending N from Ascrib Islands
fairway with depths as required for anchoring or berthing. (4½ miles NNW) (12.70) and:

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ENE of the reef extending 1 cable N from Waternish Chart 2533, plan of Loch Snizort
Point (4 miles WNW) (12.35), see clearing bearing 12.89
at 12.87, thence: 1 Entering Uig Bay. From the vicinity of 57°34′N,
2 Over a bar, with a least charted depth of 23 m, rock 6°27′W a white sector (052°−075°) of the light (grey mast)
(2½ miles NW) which extends W from the N end standing on the outer dolphin of the Ro-Ro berth 7¼ cables
of Ascrib Islands (12.74) to connect with the E of Ru Idrigill, leads ENE into Uig Bay, passing (with
coastal bank off the NE coast of Waternish positions from Ru Idrigill):
Peninsula, passing ENE of a shoal, with a depth of 2 NNW of a spit, with a depth of 3⋅5 m over it, which
10⋅8 m over it (2¾ miles WNW) which lies on the extends ½ cable N from Ru Chorachan (9 cables S)
coastal bank, thence: which rises in a slope, the upper part of which is
3 WSW of the reef fringing Eilean Iosal (1½ miles stratified cliff, but it is not well defined, thence:
NNW), that is flat and the NW of the Ascrib SSE of a drying rock which lies 1½ cables ESE of
Islands, and: Ru Idrigill (12.88), thence:
ENE of Caisteal an Fhithich (2 miles WNW) which is As required for anchoring or berthing alongside.
a steep rock projecting from the cliffs on the NE 12.90
side of Waternish Peninsula, thence: 1 Useful marks in Uig (with positions from the light on
WSW of Eilean Creagach (1¼ miles NNW) which is the outer dolphin of the Ro-Ro berth):
separated from Eilean Iosal by a rocky channel The United Free Church (tower) (5 cables E).
that is awash at very low spring tides, thence: Round masonry tower (34 m in height) (4 cables E)
4 WSW of Eilean Garave (7 cables N), thence: which stands ¾ cable W of Uig hotel.
WSW of Skate Rock (1¾ cables WNW) which is 2 Prominent cottages standing near the shore (4¼ cables
awash and steep-to on its W side, lying on the SW NNE and 3½ cables SE).
edge of the bank extending 4 cables W from South
Ascrib, the S of the Ascrib Islands, which has a Anchorages and berths
stone hut near its N end and is connected to Eilean 12.91
Garave by a drying reef. The channel between 1 Anchorage for coasters may be obtained 2 cables SSW
Skate Rock and South Ascrib is fouled by Scalp of the light on the Ro-Ro berth outer dolphin, as shown on
Rock. Thence: the chart, in a depth of 11 m. This anchorage may be
5 ENE of a drying reef which extends ½ cable N from approached along the line of bearing 041° of the
Oans Point (2 miles SSW), the E entrance point of Established Church, 7 cables NE of the same light, which
Aros Bay (12.97). does not show up well.
12.87 2 In 1977 HM Surveying Ship Hecla (2800 tons, with a
1 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 120° of the SW draught of 5 m) anchored with the head of King Edward
extremity of South Ascrib, open NE of Waternish Pier bearing 033°, distant 4½ cables, in a depth of 16 m,
Peninsula, 3½ miles NW, clears close NE of the reef with good holding in black mud, shells and stones. It was
extending N from Waternish Point. reported that this anchorage was well sheltered from strong
(Directions for entering Uig Bay are given at 12.89) winds between NE and E.
12.88 12.92
1 Approach from north and north-east. The outer 1 Alongside berths. King Edward Pier, which extends
approach to Loch Snizort from NE passes either side of An 300 m ESE from the NE side of Rubh Dubh, 6 cables E of
t-Iasgair (57°41′N, 6°26′W) (12.70), then as given below. Ru Idrigill, has a berth at its head with a length of 42 m
From the vicinity of 57°40′N, 6°29′W the approach and a depth of 3⋅5 m alongside.
and entry into Loch Snizort from N leads generally 2 The Ro-Ro berth, which is situated on the E side of
S, passing (with positions from Ru Idrigill King Edward Pier, has a length of 85 m and a depth of
(57°35′N, 6°24′W)): 5⋅5 m. Two dolphins have been constructed and the berth
E of the bank extending N from Ascrib Islands can now accomodate vessels of up to 100 m in length.
(4 miles W) (12.70), and:
Supplies
2 W of a shoal which lies 2½ cables W of Rubh’ a’
12.93
Chàirn Léith (4 miles NNW) (12.70), thence:
1 Fuel is available.
W of the coastal bank which, with charted depths of
Fresh water is laid on to the pier.
less than 50 m, extends up to 1¾ miles from the
Small quantities of provisions can be obtained.
NE shore of the loch, with a charted depth of
19 m (1¾ miles NNW) and: Harbour regulations
3 E of drying rocks which extend ¾ cable NW and SE 12.94
from Sgeir a’ Chuain (4 miles WNW), a rock lying 1 The Ro-Ro berth is normally to be cleared one hour
at the N end of a chain of rocks which connect it before the scheduled arrival times of ferries; or as ordered
with Sgeir a’ Chapuill (below), thence: by the Harbour Master.
E of Sgeir a’ Chapuill (4 miles W), and:
W of Stack of Skudiburgh (6½ cables N), a column Small craft
surrounded by boulders and stones which is 12.95
detached from the cliff face on the W side of Dùn 1 Anchorage. Small craft may be anchored closer to King
Skudiburgh which is a remarkable hillock, thence: Edward Pier, as shown on the chart, or in Camas Beag, on
4 E of South Ascrib (3¾ miles W) (12.86), thence: the S side of Uig Bay, clear of marine farms (1.17) in
W of Ru Idrigill, the N entrance point of Uig Bay, position 7 cables SSW and just over 1 mile SSW of King
which rises in a steep grassy slope to a belt of Edward Pier, when the wind is from the S.
stratified cliff 15 m wide surrounding its upper Berths alongside the pier are generally taken by fishing
part, which is a mound. vessels.

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Anchorages within Loch Snizort 4 SW of Bo Eilean (4¾ cables NE), a drying rock off
the S end of Eilean Mór; see clearing bearing
Chart 1795 below, thence:
Ascrib Islands and vicinity NE of Sgeir an Dùin (3 cables SSE), a drying rock
12.96 which lies ½ cable offshore; see clearing bearing
1 In 1981 HM Surveying Ship Hydra (2800 tons) anchored below.
with Waternish Point Light (57°36′N, 6°38′W) (12.35) 12.100
bearing 279° and Caistealan Fhithich, 2 miles SE of the 1 Clearing bearings. The line of bearing 066° of the S
light, bearing 156°, in a depth of 30 m, to shelter from SW end of Eilean Beag (1 mile NE) (12.104) just open NW of
gales. Eilean Mór, clears NW of Clinigin Rocks.
2 In 1977 HM Surveying Ship Hecla (2800 tons) anchored The line of bearing 014° of Dùn Skudiburgh (57°36′N,
4½ cables NNE of the N point of Eilean Iosal (57°36′N, 6°24′W) (12.88) well open W of Scart Rock (6 cables NE)
6°32′W) (12.86), as shown on the chart, in a depth of clears to the W of Bo Eilean.
22 m, with good holding in mud and sand. The Ascrib 2 Clearing marks:
Islands (12.74), being low, gave little protection from the The alignment (010°) of Scart Rock (above) with
wind but the ship rode out strong gales from SE to SW. Dùn Skudiburgh (above) clears close E of Sgeir an
Dùin.
Aros Bay 12.101
12.97 1 Anchorage is available for small vessels in the vicinity
1 Aros Bay (57°33′N, 6°33′W), on the SW side of Loch of Lyndale Bay, on the E side of the loch, near the
Snizort, affords anchorage in the middle of the bay with entrance, clear of the following dangers (with positions
Oans Point (12.86) bearing 122°, distant 5 cables, in a from Greshornish Point): Sgeir an Dùin (3 cables SSE), see
depth of 28 m, with good holding in soft grey mud with clearing marks, above; a shoal, with a depth of 7⋅6 m over
shells and stones. This bay, which has moderate depths and it (7½ cables ESE) see clearing marks, below; a shoal, with
is free from dangers outside the reef which extends 1 cable a least depth of 2⋅1 m (charted as dangerous rock) (9 cables
from the S shore, affords temporary shelter from SW gales ESE) see clearing marks, below; and a rock, with a depth
but the anchorage is insecure if the wind blows from E of of 5⋅3 m over it (7¾ cables SE).
S. Ascrib Islands, 2½ miles NNE of the bay (12.74), 2 Clearing marks:
provide some shelter from NE winds. The alignment (010°) of the W extremity of the land
2 Small craft can anchor farther into the bay, as shown 1½ cables N of Rubha Bhreidein, 7½ cables E of
on the chart, or in a depth of 5 to 8 m off the clear part of Greshornish Point, with the E extremity of Eilean
the beach at the head of the bay. Beag, 5½ cables farther N, (12.104), clears W of
the two E dangers given above.
Chart 2533, plan of Loch Snizort 12.102
Loch Greshornish 1 Small craft which are able to anchor farther into Loch
12.98 Greshornish can obtain the best of the shelter afforded
1 Loch Greshornish, the W arm of Loch Snizort, entered throughout the loch, clear of Crachan Rock (57°29′N,
between Greshornish Point (57°31′N, 6°26′W) and Lyndale 6°26′W) and of marine farms (1.17), 2 cables WNW and
Point, 1¼ miles ENE, (12.74), affords anchorage in all 4 cables N of the rock. Provisions can be obtained at
parts of the loch in depths of 7 to 27 m. Both the E and W Edinbain which is situated at the head of the loch.
shores of this loch are fringed by reefs which extend
½ cable offshore in places and it is reported that large unlit
Loch Snizort Beag
marine farms (1.17) are moored at the mouth of the loch.
12.103
2 Tidal streams in Loch Greshornish are very weak and
1 Loch Snizort Beag, the E arm of Loch Snizort, entered
set as follows:
between Lyndale Point (57°32′N, 6°24′W) (12.74) and a
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks point 9 cables NNE, affords good anchorage in mud in any
+0550 In-going stream begins part of the loch where the depth is suitable. Both shores of
the loch are fringed by a reef extending ¾ cable offshore in
–0030 Out-going stream begins places but beyond this reef the offshore dangers are few
12.99 and the shelter is excellent.
1 Directions. From a position 2 miles NNW of 2 Topography. The SW shore of the loch is bold and
Greshornish Point the line of bearing 138° of Lyndale steep as far S as Rubha Dubh, 2½ miles SE of Lyndale
House, 1¼ miles SE of Greshornish Point, which is nearly Point, with no dangers beyond ½ cable from the shore. The
surrounded by trees but shows up well from NW, leads SE NE shore of the loch, which is generally steep-to, is backed
into Loch Greshornish, passing (with positions from by sloping land which is either cultivated or covered with
Greshornish Point): grass. There are several houses on this side including
2 Over the SE extremity of a detached shoal, with a Kingsburgh House, 1¾ miles SE of Lyndale Point.
least depth of 14⋅4 m over it (8 cables NNW), 3 Tidal streams in Loch Snizort Beag are very weak and
passing very close to the 30 m depth contour, set as for Loch Greshornish, given at 12.98.
thence: 12.104
SW of Scart Rock (6 cables NE) which lies on the 1 Directions. From a position 2 miles NW of Lyndale
coastal reef extending ½ cable W from Eilean Mór Point the track leads SE into Loch Snizort Beag, passing
which shows a semi-columnar cliff to the N, and: (with positions from Lyndale Point):
3 NE of Clinigin Rocks (1¾ cables NNW) consisting of SW of Christie Rocks (1¼ miles N), which dry and
several drying heads which lie on a bank are connected to the shore by a bank with depths
extending 2½ cables NNW from Greshornish Point; of less than 5 m over it, see clearing bearing
see clearing bearing below, thence: below, thence:

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2 SW of a detached rock, with a least depth of 4⋅4 m 2 Poll na h-Ealaidh, known locally as Port na Ella
over it (1 mile N), which lies in the entrance to (57°33′N, 6°23′W), a small inlet on the E side of Loch
Poll na h-Ealaidh (12.109), see clearing bearing Snizort, affords anchorage in a depth of 4 m that is well
below, thence: sheltered from all winds except W. The best position is to
NE of Eilean Beag (2½ cables NW) which is steep-to the N of Dùn Maraig, an islet (6 m high) on the S side of
65 m offshore and is separated from Eilean Mór, the inlet, on which stands the ruins of an old castle.
3 cables SW (12.99), and from Lyndale Point by a 3 Loch Diúbaig (57°30′N, 6°28′W) situated in the SW
deep channel. corner of Loch Snizort, affords anchorage in a depth of
3 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 000° of Stack of 8 m, in the centre of the bay where the holding ground is
Skudiburgh (57°36′N, 6°24′W) open W of the coastal edge, good. This loch, which is free from dangers in the fairway,
2 miles S, clears close W of Christie Rocks and the shoal is sheltered from S and W winds but is exposed to the N.
in the entrance to Poll na h-Ealaidh. Chart 1795
Useful marks: 4 Ascrib Islands (57°35′N, 6°31′W) (12.74) affords
4 A farm situated on the N side of the head of Poll na temporary anchorage in fine weather that is sheltered from
h-Ealaidh is conspicuous when bearing less than the W and SW, between Sgeir a’ Chuain, the NE islet
080°. (12.88) and the islands SW, as shown on the chart, in a
Cuidrach House, situated 1 cable N of the depth of 15 to 18 m with good holding ground.
conspicuous farm, above, is conspicuous from S.
12.105 Anchorages
1 Passage through the loch can be made in mid-channel,
Chart 2210
passing (with positions from Rubha nan Cudaigean
(57°30′N, 6°22′W)): Lùb Score
Between Beatson Rock (5 cables NNE) which has a 12.110
least depth of 1⋅2 m over it, and Seal Rock 1 Anchorage can be obtained in Lùb Score, a wide bay
(4½ cables NNW), thence: entered between Ru Bornesketaig (57°40′N, 6°25′W)
2 NE of a dangerous rock lying ½ cable NE of Rubha (12.70) and Ru Meanish, 2½ miles NE, which is small
nan Cudaigean which is the W entrance point of promontory on which stands the ruins of Duntulm Castle.
Cladhacamus (12.108), thence: This bay is free from dangers and the depths decrease
NE of Odhar Sgeir (7½ cables SE) a rock which gradually towards the shore. In 1995 HMS Berkeley
dries, lying ½ cable NW of Rubha Dubh. (615 tonnes) anchored about 3 cables off the coast and
Useful mark: reported the holding ground to be good in all strengths of
A conspicuous storehouse (5½ cables ENE) which wind from NW through to S.
stands on the beach. Fladda-chùain
12.106 12.111
1 Anchorage. Small vessels can be anchored as required 1 In 1981 HM Surveying Ship Hydra (2800 tons) anchored
within Loch Snizort Beag to the NW of a line between with the beacon on Sgeir nam Maol (57°45′N, 6°23′W)
Sgeir Dhubh (57°29′⋅6N, 6°20′⋅4W), a drying rock on the (12.70) bearing 067° and the right hand edge of Gearran
NW edge of a reef extending ¾ cable NNW from Aird Island, 1¾ miles SW of the beacon (12.57), bearing 123°,
Point the N extremity of The Aird, and the bank of gravel in 23 m of water with protection from a heavy swell from
and stones off the mouth of River Romesdal, 5 cables ENE the NE.
of Sgeir Dubh. 2 Small craft. Boat Cove (57°44′⋅5N, 6°26′⋅2W), a small
12.107 inlet among the rocks near the middle of the SW side of
1 Supplies. Small quantities of provisions can be obtained Fladda-chùain, is said to afford shelter to small craft during
at Bernisdale, 1 mile S of Aird Point. the summer.
12.108 3 There is also indifferent anchorage during fine weather
1 Small craft can be anchored in the following areas on the SW side of Fladda-chùain, with the highest part of
(with positions from Rubha Dubh (57°30′N, 6°21′W)): the island bearing 042°, and Gaeilavore Island, 4 cables S
Cladhacamus (8 cables WNW) which affords good of Fladda-chùain, (12.57) bearing 144°, in a depth of 29 m,
anchorage in the middle of the bay in a depth of broken shells. Some protection from the tidal stream
7 m. The head of the bay dries out for 1½ cables (12.65) may be obtained here.
and a considerable stream flows into the bay from 4 With S winds a landing can be effected along the middle
a river at its head. of the NE side of Fladda-chùain; a landing can also be
2 Loch Treaslane (7 cables SSE) which affords good easily effected on the NW end of the island.
and sheltered anchorage in the middle of the loch
just within the entrance, in a depth of 4 m. The Small craft
head of the loch dries out for 4 cables. Anchorages
Loch Eyre (1 mile SE) which affords good anchorage 12.112
off the entrance in a depth of 4 m, mud. The entire 1 Camas Mór (57°39′N, 6°25′W) affords anchorage for
loch dries out. small craft near the head of the bay, as shown on the chart.
Tidal eddies which may form in the bay are described at
Small craft 12.61.
12.109 A slip extends from the S side of the bay near its head.
1 In addition to the anchorages within the larger lochs and 12.113
bays in Loch Snizort, which have already been described 1 Duntulm Bay, entered between Ru Meanish (57°41′N,
under the name of the appropriate loch or bay, anchorage is 6°21′W) and Rubha Voreven, 8½ cables NNW, affords
also available for small craft in the following areas within convenient anchorage for small craft that is sheltered from
Loch Snizort. the W by Tulm Island but is open to the NW.

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Reefs extend from both ends of Tulm Island leaving of Tulm Island, close to its NE side, where it is possible to
only narrow channels for entering the bay, of which the S ride out a gale from the W or SW.
entrance is recommended. There is a landing place at Duntulm at the SE end of
2 The best anchorage is situated close N of the mid-point the bay, E of the ruins of Duntulm Castle.

THE LITTLE MINCH — NORTH-WEST SIDE

GENERAL INFORMATION Traffic regulations
12.119
1 Regulations regarding the use of this route and the radio
Chart 1794, 1795 reporting procedures required before starting along the
Synopsis route are given at 12.2.
12.114
1 This section presents the coastal route off the E side of
the Outer Hebrides, along the W side of the Little Minch, Tidal streams
from a position E of Ushenish Promontory (57°18′N, 12.120
7°12′W) to a position SE of Gob na Milaid (58°01′N, 1 Tidal streams in the Little Minch generally are given at
6°22′W), a distance of about 50 miles, and includes the 12.15 and within the geographical text for specific areas
following sound and lochs, given from S to N: along the coastal route and within the lochs and sound.
2 Loch Skipport (57°20′N, 7°15′W) (12.139).
Loch Carnan (57°22′N, 7°16′W) (12.144).
Loch Eport (57°33′N, 7°10′W) (12.160). Flow
Loch Maddy (57°36′N, 7°08′W) (12.169). 12.121
Sound of Harris (57°44′N, 7°05′W) (12.195). 1 There are no permanent currents along the E side of the
East Loch Tarbert (57 52′N, 6°45′W) (12.266). Outer Hebrides and information regarding the effects of
Loch Seaforth (57°55′N, 6°40′W) (12.316). wind is not available. There is, however, no doubt that
Loch Shell (58°00′N, 6°27′W) (12.327). along that part of the coast covered by this section, strong
3 A description of the Shiant Islands (57°54′N, 6°22′W) is and persistent S and SW winds increase both the direction
included at 12.305 and anchorages in the vicinity are given and the rate of the N and NE-going tidal streams and
at 12.334. correspondingly reduce the SW and S-going tidal streams.

Traffic Route USHENISH LIGHT TO SOUND OF HARRIS

12.115
1 The area covered by this section includes the directed
route for S-bound traffic, off the E side of the Outer General information
Hebrides, as given at 12.2. The coastal route given in this
section at 12.122, 12.249, 12.304 follows the track of the Chart 1795
directed route but is presented from S to N which is the Route
reverse direction to that given for the directed route.
12.122
1 The S end of the coastal route along the W side of the
Little Minch (12.1), from a position 4 miles E of Ushenish
Topography Light (57°18′N, 7°11′W), leads N for 17 miles to a position
12.116 off Weaver’s Point (57°36′⋅5N, 7°06′⋅0W), then 040° for
1 A general description of the Outer Hebrides is given at about 4 miles to a position off the SE entrance to the
1.84. Topographical features within the islands, visible from Sound of Harris (57°40′N, 7°00′W) (12.195). This route
the W side of the Little Minch, are given in the text of follows the track of the directed route given at 12.2 but is
each coastal route. presented from S to N which is the reverse direction to that
given for the directed route.
Depths
12.117 Topography
1 A general description of the depths in the Little Minch, 12.123
including depths to the S and SW of the Shiant Islands 1 South Uist. Topography for the E side of South Uist to
(57°54′N, 6°22′W), is given at 12.8. Controlling depth the S of Ushenish Light is given at 11.121 and features on
along the route, in position 57°55′N, 6°26′W, is given at the E side of the Little Minch are given at 12.24.
12.306; however the route as given passes over other North of Ushenish Light the E coast of South Uist
charted depths of 31 m. (1.85) is very broken and deeply indented. Farther inland
Ben Tarbert (57°20′N, 7°18′W) shows a decided summit
with a notch on each side.
Hazards 2 Benbecula. The E coast of Benbecula (57°27′N,
12.118 7°20′W) (1.86) is low-lying and lacks dominant features; it
1 Fishing. The W side of the Little Minch is an area of is also very rocky and much indented with numerous
intensive fishing activity as given at 12.10. islands and rocks close offshore. On its S side Benbecula is
Submarines exercise within the area, as given at 12.9. separated from South Uist by South Ford, an area which

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dries and is crossed by a causeway near the middle Natural conditions

connecting Benbecula to South Uist. On its N side 12.127
Benbecula is separated from North Uist by North Ford 1 Magnetic anomaly. Local deflection of the compass is
(6.60), which is crossed by a causeway at its E end reported to occur in the vicinity of 57°30′N, 7°00′W,
connecting Benbecula to North Uist. The area E of the 7 miles SSE of Weaver’s Point.
causeway is occupied by 2 large and many small islands. 12.128
3 North Uist. Distinctive hills through the centre of North 1 Tidal streams. A general description of the tidal streams
Uist are described at 6.90. The E side of North Uist, which within the Little Minch is given at 12.15.
is considerably higher than the W side, rises to a summit in Streams off the E coast of South Uist, to the S of
Eaval (57°32′N, 7°11′W) which is the only mountain in the Ushenish Light, are given at 11.51.
island. From a little distance offshore it shows above all Further information is given in Admiralty Tidal Stream
the other hills, appearing conspicuously wedge-shaped and Atlas: North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland
sloping S when viewed from the E and W. On this slope, and tidal stream information on the chart.
9 cables S of the summit, Beinn na h-Aire (143 m high) Climatic table for Benbecula is given at 1.160.
rises to a distinct double-topped hill. Burrival, 1 mile NNE
of Eaval, is a hill with a table-shaped summit.
4 Farther N a range of rugged hills rise close to the E Principal marks
coast of North Uist, between Loch Eport (57°33′N, 12.129
7°10′W) and Loch Maddy, 3 miles N. The S part of this 1 Landmarks:
range, South Lee, is separated from North Lee, 6 cables Ushenish Lighthouse (57°18′N, 7°11′W) (11.127).
NE, by a deep valley into which the N side of South Lee Conspicuous power station, a long rectangular
descends almost vertically for 180 m. This division is building with 2 chimneys (57°22′N, 7°16′W),
visible from the SW and W but is not open when bearing standing outside Sandwick in Loch Carnan.
less than 240°. 12.130
5 The E coast of North Uist consists of rocky cliffs of 1 Major lights:
moderate height, indented with many bays, creeks and Ushenish Light—as above.
inlets of which Loch Eport (12.160) and Loch Maddy Neist Point Light (57°25′N, 7°47′W) (11.26).
(12.169) are the largest.
Other navigational aids
12.131
Depths 1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the
12.124 Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at
1 A general description of the banks and depths within the 1.33.
Little Minch is given at 12.8.
2 Charted depths are very uneven along the length of the
route described at 12.122 which passes close W and NW Directions
of an extensive shoal area, with a least depth of 24⋅5 m (continued from 11.130)
over it (57°33′⋅4N, 6°58′⋅8W), which lies about 4 miles
offshore and extends 8 miles NE from the position of the
least depth. The coastal bank, with charted depths of less Ushenish Light to Ronay
than 50 m, extends less than 1 mile offshore; however, a 12.132
detached shoal area, with a least charted depth of 39 m 1 From position 57°18′N, 7°04′W the coastal route along
(57°29′N, 7°05′W) extends 2 miles N from the least charted the W side of the Little Minch leads N for about 10 miles,
depth. clear of dangers within the white sector (more than 193°)
3 From the SE extremity of North Uist (57°31′N, 7°09′W) of Ushenish Light (57°18′N, 7°11′W) (11.127), passing
to Rubha Mhic Gille-mhìcheil, 2¾ miles N, the coast is (with positions from Rubha Cam nan Gall (57°25′N,
steep-to 1 cable offshore. To the N of Rubha Mhic 7°11′W)):
Gille-mhìcheil the coast continues generally steep-to and 2 E of Rubha Hallagro (6¼ miles S) the NE extremity
free of dangers outside 1 cable for about 1¾ miles. From of Ushenish Promontory, a bold rocky headland
Weaver’s Point (57°37′N, 7°06′W) to Leac na Hoe, which rises to Beinn a Tuath (126 m high) 4 cables
2¼ miles NNE, the coast is bold and steep-to. SSW of Rubha Hallagro, and terminates in cliffs
40 m high, thence:
3 E of Luirsay Glas (4 miles S) a small islet which has
dark cliffs of moderate height and a summit that is
Hazards covered with grass. Luirsay Glas lies close E of
12.125 Luirsay Dubh, a larger islet, the SW coast of
1 The route described above passes through an area of which is an irregular rocky cliff. A remarkable
fishing activity, as given at 12.10, and includes submarine ruin with 2 high gables stands near the N shore of
exercise areas, as given at 12.9. Bagh Clann Alasdair (57°20′⋅5N, 7°14′⋅0W) Chart
2904, 8 cables W of the S extremity of Luirsay
Glas. Thence
4 E of a light-buoy (safe water) (2¼ miles S) marking
Rescue the approach to Loch Carnan (12.144), thence:
12.126 E of Meall nan Caorach (7½ cables S) the E
1 An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) is based at extremity of Wiay which is the largest island off
Lochmaddy (57°36′N, 7°10′W). the SE coast of Benbecula (1.86). Wiay, which is
For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 12.13. thickly covered with heather and grass, has few

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rocky outcrops and slopes gently. From S it has a W of detached rocky shoals (6¼ miles NE) (12.124)
smooth outline rising to a rounded summit in and:
Beinn a’ Tuath, (100 m high). Thence: 6 E of an isolated pinnacle, with a depth of 2⋅4 m over
5 E of Scaraclett (4 cables S) a group of islets lying off it (5 miles NNE), lying 1 cable offshore, thence:
the NE side of Wiay in the midst of many drying E of Madadh Gruamach (5¼ miles NNE), a rocky
rocks, thence: islet lying ¼ cable offshore, thence:
E of Rubha Cam nan Gall the NE extremity of Wiay, E of Madadh Mór (5¾ miles NNE) which lies 1 cable
thence: E of Leac nam Madadh, the NE extremity of the
6 E of Bo Greanamul (6 cables NNE), the position of North Lee range of hills (12.123) and the S
which is generally indicated by tide rips, which entrance point of Loch Maddy (12.169). Madadh
lies on the coastal bank 3½ cables ESE of Mór is steep-to except on its W side and shows a
Greanamul Deas, a prominent islet, and the green slope to seaward although its W coast is a
numerous offshore rocks and islets which lie off dark columnar basaltic cliff.
the E coast of Benbecula to the S of Loch
Uiskevagh (12.194) (2½ miles NW). For clearing
bearing see 12.133. Thence: Loch Maddy to Sound of Harris
7 E of foul ground extending ¾ cable from the S end 12.135
of Maaey Glas (1¼ miles N) which is joined by a 1 From the vicinity of 57°35′N, 7°00′W the coastal route
drying reef to Maaey Riabhach, 1½ cables NW, along the W side of the Little Minch leads NE for about
thence: 4 miles, passing (with positions from the E extremity of
E of Greanamul (2½ miles N) a group of islets and Floddaymore):
rocks on the NE side of the entrance to Loch 2 SE of Madadh Beag (6½ miles NNE), a steep-to rock
Uiskevagh, thence: lying 2 cables SSE of Weaver’s Point which is
8 E of Morrison’s Rock (3 miles N) which lies steep-to and terminates in a cliff 32 m high.
3½ cables NE of Maragay Mór which is one of the Weaver’s Point Light (white metal framework
largest in a group of islets and rocks lying 2 cables tower, 5 m in height) stands close NE of the point.
offshore. For clearing bearing see 12.133. The background consists of hills with a rounded
12.133 outline. Thence:
1 Clearing bearings. The line of bearing 193° of Luirsay 3 SE of Leac na Hoe (8¾ miles NNE), a bold headland
Glas (above) well open E of Wiay clears to the E of Bo which rises inland to Crogary na Hoe, a
Greanamul, as shown on Chart 2904. conspicuous hilly ridge, and terminates seaward in
black, irregular, steep-to cliffs forming the E
extremity of North Uist, thence:
4 SE of Hermetray (10 miles NNE) the E coast of
Ronay to Loch Maddy which is moderately bold whereas the W and SW
12.134 coasts are foul for 1 cable offshore, thence:
1 From the vicinity of 57°28′N, 7°02°′W, the coastal route SE of the SE entrance to Sound of Harris (57°40′N,
along the W side of the Little Minch continues N for a 7°00′W) (12.195).
further 8 miles, within the white sector (more than 193°) of 12.136
Ushenish Light (57°18′N, 7°11′W) (11.127), between 1 Clearing bearings. The line of bearing 013° of Madadh
detached shoal patches, as shown on the chart, passing Mór (above), open E of Floddaymore (above) clears close
(with positions from the E extremity of Floddaymore E of Ritchie Rock and the foul ground off Eilean Fheidh
(57°30′N, 7°09′W)): (above).
2 E of Ritchie Rock (1¾ miles SSW) lying near the 2 The line of bearing 263° of Rueval (57°28′N, 7°18′W),
SW end of a spit, on which lie shoals and a the only hill in Benbecula, open S of Rubha na Rodagrich
dangerous rock, extending 6 cables SE from (the S extremity of Ronay) which is a cliffy promontory
Ronay. This is a large island, the coast of which is 15 m high, rising inland to Beinn Rodagrich a hill 97 m
much indented and which rises inland to several high, clears S of Ritchie Rock.
hills, the highest of which is Beinn a’ Charnain (Directions continue for the route NE through the
(113 m high) (57°29′N, 7°11′W). For clearing Little Minch off the E coast of Harris at 12.258;
bearing see 12.136. Thence: for Sound of Harris, main channel at 12.215
3 E of a drying reef (7 cables SSW) which lies at the E and for Sound of Harris, Cope Passage at 12.226)
end of foul ground extending 2½ cables SE from
Eilean an Fheidh, situated close off the E side of
Ronay, thence:
E of Rubha nan Caorach, the E extremity of Anchorages
Floddaymore an island that is steep-to on its E
side, lying close off the NE side of Ronay, thence:
4 E of Floddaybeg (3 cables N), an island that is Chart 2904
steep-to on its E side, lying very close S of the SE Mol a’ Tuath
extremity of North Uist, thence: 12.137
E of Rubha Mhic Gille-mhìcheil (3¼ miles N) the S 1 Mol a’ Tuath (57°18′N, 7°13′W), on the NW side of
entrance point of Loch Eport (12.160), thence: Ushenish Promontory (12.132), affords anchorage for small
5 E of a promontory (4 miles N) which terminates in a vessels, 2½ cables offshore, as shown on the chart. A
vertical cliff, 34 m high. An t-Aigeach, elevation second anchorage, suitable for small craft, 1¼ cables
4 m, is a double headed rock with 2 sharp peaks offshore, as shown on the chart, has moderately good
lying close off the S end of the promontory. And: holding ground.

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Other anchorages Anchorage

12.138 12.142
1 Other anchorages and berths along the E coasts of South 1 Good anchorage may be obtained in the roadstead,
Uist, Benbecula and North Uist are included with the 4½ cables SSW of Rubha fo Deas, in a depth of 24 m, as
appropriate loch or inlet, which are given in this text from shown on the chart. This anchorage is protected on its E
S to N. side by Ornish Island (12.141) and to the W by Shillay
Mór and Shillay Beag which are 2 islands connected by a
drying reef. Shillay Mór, the larger island, has 3 distinct
summits the highest of which is covered with heather.
Marine farms (1.17) are moored on the SE side of the
Loch Skipport roadstead, as shown on the chart, and Float Rock,
5½ cables SSW of Rubha fo Deas, which is square, white
on top and covered with shells, lies on a bank extending
Charts 2904, 2825 plan of Loch Skipport 1½ cables NNW from Rubha Grimman, on the SW side of
the roadstead.
General information
12.139
1 Loch Skipport, entered between Rubha Grimman
(57°19′⋅5N, 7°14′⋅0W), the N extremity of Ornish a Small craft
promontory extending N from the Beinn Mhor range of 12.143
hills (11.121), and Rubha fo Deas, 6½ cables N (12.141), 1 Anchorage is available for small craft in the following
extends a total of 2¾ miles WSW then WNW to Loch Bee bays (with positions from the NE extremity of Shillay
to which it is connected by a floodgate. Mór):
2 Loch Skipport contains an outer roadstead, where Wizard Pool (4½ cables S) which is less subject to
coasters can obtain shelter from all except E winds, and heavy squalls in bad weather (12.140).
several secure anchorages for small craft. Caolas Mór, known locally as Little Kettle Pool
3 Topography. The outer part of the loch has several (4½ cables SW), for which local knowledge is
islands and islets in it and there are many bays and inlets required.
on both sides, several of which contain marine farms 2 Bàgh Charmaig, known locally as McCormack Bay
(1.17). The N side of the loch is low whilst the S side rises (6 cables W) affords anchorage in the entrance as
to a range of hills less than 1 mile SW. well as good land-locked anchorage within the bay,
4 Caution. Depths shown on parts of the plan of Loch sheltered by Rubh’ a’ Mhanaich, but the holding is
Skipport are from old surveys. Undue reliance should not poor and the bay is subject to severe squalls in S
be placed on the depth contours shown on this plan and winds.
special care should be exercised close inshore; uncharted Poll na Cairidh (8 cables WSW), affords good
shoals may exist. anchorage with shelter from S gales.
12.140
1 Tidal streams in the entrance to Loch Skipport set as
follows:
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks Loch Carnan and approaches
+0535 In-going stream begins
–0045 Out-going stream begins Charts 2904, 2825 plan of Loch Carnan
General information
These streams are barely perceptible except in the 12.144
narrower channels. 1 Loch Carnan (57°22′N, 7°16′W) is enclosed by the coast
2 Local weather. Heavy squalls blow down from the of South Uist on the S side and by the island of Gasay to
Beinn Mhor range of hills, 2 miles SW, during SW gales. the NE.
A quay, situated on the SW side of the loch, owned by
the Ministry of Defence and leased to an oil company, can
Chart 2825 plan of Loch Skipport accommodate vessels of up to 1000 tonnes supplying fuel
Directions for the power station at Sandwick.
2 Approach and entry. Loch Carnan is approached from
12.141
the Little Minch through a wide entrance between the NE
1 From a position 5 cables E of Rubha fo Deas, the N
extremity of South Uist (57°21′N, 7°13′W) and the island
entrance point of the loch, the track into Loch Skipport
of Wiay (2¼ miles N), which leads to Bàgh nam Faoileann
leads WSW, passing (with positions from Rubha fo Deas):
(57°23′N, 7°16′W) (12.156). The loch is then entered N of
NNW of Ornish Island (3½ cables SSE) which is
Gasay (57°22′N, 7°15′W) by a channel which is marked by
steep-to on its N, E and W sides and has cliffs
light-buoys and leading lights.
which are black just above the HW mark. The
3 Traffic. In 2002, the port was used by 10 vessels with a
island is joined to Ornish by a shallow bank on
total of 13 450 dwt.
which there are islets and drying rocks. Thence:
2 SSE of a spit, with charted depths of less than 5 m,
extending ½ cable SSE from Rubha fo Deas,
thence: Outer anchorage
SSE of a detached drying reef, on which stands an 12.145
islet (10 m high), which extends up to 1 cable SE 1 Anchorage, charted in position 5 cables ENE of the NE
from Rubha Camas nam Feuchaig (1¾ cables W). extremity of Gasay, has a charted depth of 20 to 25 m.

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Pilotage Chart 2825 plan of Loch Carnan

12.146 12.151
1 There are no pilots at Loch Carnan but pilotage 1 Entrance channel. From a position 5 cables ENE of the
assistance can be provided on application to the Royal N extremity of Gasay, the entrance channel leads WSW,
Artillery Range, Isle of Benbecula. The boarding place for passing (with positions from the N extremity of Gasay):
an adviser is N or NE of Grey Island Rocks (57°22′N, Between Inner No 1 Light-buoy (starboard hand)
7°14′W) where temporary anchorage may be obtained. (3½ cables NE) and No 2 Light-buoy (port hand),
close S, thence:
2 SSE of the drying reef and bank extending ½ cables
S from Sgeir a’ Choin (3 cables NE), thence:
Submarine power cable NNW of No 3 Light-buoy (port hand) (1 cable NNW)
12.147 which marks a group of shoal patches, with a least
1 A submarine power cable (1.39) from Skye is landed at charted depth of 2⋅1 m (¾ cable NNW), which lies
Sandavig Point (57°22′N, 7°16′W) at the SE end of a close SSE of the track over a distance of nearly
promontory, as shown on the chart. 2 cables, thence:
3 SSE of the drying reef and bank extending ¼ cable S
from Taigh Iamain (1½ cables NNW).
12.152
Tidal streams 1 Approach to berth. Initial position: 1¾ cables WNW of
12.148 the N extremity of Gasay.
1 Tidal streams in the channels between South Uist and Leading lights:
Benbecula set as follows: Front light (white diamond with red vertical stripe, on
post) 5¼ cables WSW of the N extremity of
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
Gasay.
+0525 In-going stream begins Rear light (similar structure) 58 m from the front
–0035 Out-going stream begins light.
2 The alignment (222°) of the leading lights leads SW into
Loch Carnan, towards the quay at Sandwick, passing (with
positions from the front light):
SE of the reef fringing the SE extremity of
Landmark Gashernish (4 cables NNE) a small peninsula
12.149 forming the NE end of South Uist, thence:
1 Power station (57°22′N, 7°16′W) (12.129). 3 Close NW of No 4 Light-buoy (port hand) (3½ cables
NE), thence:
SE of the drying reef and bank, with charted depths
of less than 5 m, which extend ½ cable SSE from
Directions the SE extremity of Direy (2 cables NNE) which is
12.150 connected to Gashernish by foul ground, thence:
1 Approach. From the vicinity of the landfall light-buoy 4 Between No 2 Light-buoy (starboard hand) (1¼ cables
(57°22′N, 7°12′W) (12.132) the approach to Loch Carnan NE) and shoal water ¼ cable ESE of the buoy.
leads generally W, passing (with positions from the N Thence as required to proceed alongside noting that,
extremity of Gasay (57°22′N, 7°15′W)): in places in the approach to the quay, there are
S of Du’ Sgeir a’ Tuath (2 miles ENE) and a rock depths of less 4 m.
which dries lying ¾ cable E of Du’ Sgeir a’ Tuath,
thence:
Alongside berth
2 S of An Dubh-sgeir a’ Deas (1¾ miles ENE) a rock
12.153
which lies 2½ cables S of Meall an t-Sruith, the
1 A quay, 55 m in length with a depth of 3⋅7 m alongside
SE extremity of Wiay (12.132), thence:
is situated ½ cable NW of the front leading light. Masters
Clear of an isolated shoal, with a depth of 17⋅5 m
are advised to berth vessels port-side to.
over it (1½ miles E), and:
Ro-Ro cargo can be discharged from ramped vessels at a
3 N of the reef fringing Glas-Eileanan (1¾ miles ESE)
concrete hard at the W end of the quay.
which consists of 2 islets lying 4 cables NNE of
the NE extremity of South Uist (1.85), thence:
N of a shoal, with a least depth of 2⋅1 m over it, Port services
which lies 1¾ cables NE of Flagro Rocks (1 mile 12.154
ESE), thence: 1 Medical assistance may be obtained from the Royal
4 N of the drying reef and bank, with charted depths of Artillery Range, Isle of Benbecula.
less the 20 m, which extend 4½ cables NW from Supplies: small quantities of marine diesel can be
Grey Island Rocks (1 mile E), an extensive group obtained; fresh water is not available; limited quantities of
of drying rocks that is marked off its NE side by provisions can be obtained from Creagorry, 5 miles distant.
No 1 Light-buoy (port hand), and:
5 Clear of a detached shoal, with a charted depth of
17⋅8 m (9 cables ENE), thence: Chart 2904
S of the rocks extending 1 cable S from the SE Small craft
extremity of Steisay (8 cables NE). 12.155
Thence as required for the outer anchorage (5 cables 1 Loch Carnan south entrance channel. Loch Carnan
ENE) (12.145). can also be approach through an unmarked channel, with a

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least depth of 1⋅2 m in the fairway, passing S of Grey however, to obtain assistance from the Port Manager at
Island Rocks (57°22′N, 7°14′W) (12.150) and Gasay, Lochmaddy (12.176).
9 cables W. Local knowledge is required.
2 Moorings for visitors are established in the upper part
of Loch Carnan, NW of the quay. Tidal Streams
12.156 12.162
1 Bàgh nam Faoileann (57°23′N, 7°16′W) contains a 1 Tidal streams in Loch Eport set as follows:
channel leading to South Ford (57°24′N, 7°19′W). The Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
causeway across South Ford (12.123) contains a bridge in
+0540 In-going stream begins
the section N of Creagorry Island which has a horizontal
clearance of 15 m and a vertical clearance of 2⋅9 m. –0030 Out-going stream begins
12.157
1 Peter’s Port (57°23′⋅4N, 7°14′⋅4W) lying between 2 At spring tides the rate in each direction in the narrows
Fodragay, Eilean na Cille and Trialabreck to the NW and at the entrance is 3 kn with eddies close inshore on both
Lingay to the SE, affords anchorage and contains a slip, on sides. The streams are weak everywhere inside the narrows
which stands a light (grey column, white base, 3 m in but in Acairseid Lee, 1 mile within the entrance, on the N
height), on the SE extremity of Eilean na Cille. The side of the loch, an eddy sets E during the in-going tidal
approach is marked by Petersport No 1 (port hand) and 2 stream.
(starboard hand) Light-buoys situated, respectively, ½ cable
E and N of Lingay. Local knowledge is required. Chart 2825 plan of Loch Eport
12.158 Directions
1 Loch Sheilavaig (57°21′N, 7°15′W) affords anchorage 12.163
to small craft clear of the many marine farms (1.17) 1 Entrance channel. From the vicinity of 57°33′⋅5N,
moored in the loch. Local knowledge is required. 7°07′⋅0W the track into the entrance channel leads
Loch Sheilavaig may be approached through a deep generally W through a position midway between Bo Lea
channel between Glas-Eileanan (57°21′⋅3N, 7°12′⋅7W) 57°33′⋅3N, 7°08′⋅1W and the N shore, passing (with
(12.150), to the NE, and Corr-Eileanan and Eilean an positions from Bo Lea):
Fhraoich Mia, 3 cables SW. N of a drying reef which extends ¾ cable WNW
12.159 from Bo Lea, a rock which lies ¾ cable offshore,
1 Caolas Luirsay (57°21′N, 7°13′W) is a narrow channel thence:
which affords anchorage. N of a shallow spit on which lies Bo Carrach
(2 cables WNW).
Loch Eport 2 After passing Bo Carrach the track closes the N shore of
the narrows to avoid drying rocks which extend 30 m from
Chart 2825 plan of Loch Eport, 1795 the S shore, just within the narrows.
General information Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 267° of the Hole
12.160 through the NW end of Eilean Mhic Shealtair (7½ cables
1 Loch Eport, which is entered between Rubha Mhic W) (12.164) open N of the S side of the entrance clears N
Gille-mhìcheil (57°33′N, 7°08′W) (12.134) and the coast of Bo Lea, Bo Carrach and the drying rocks on the S side
4 cables N, extends 5½ miles W to the head of the loch, as of the entrance.
shown on Chart 1795. 12.164
2 Topography. The shores on both sides of the entrance to 1 The narrows. After passing the drying rocks (above) the
the loch are steep-to, rising, in some places, to cliffs. track continues in mid-channel through the narrows, passing
The S side of the loch is composed of deep black bog (with positions from Bo Lea):
on which stand a few straggling cottages. The N side is N of Eilean Mhic Shealtair (7½ cables W) which
virtually uninhabited. does not appear as an island until close to. The
3 Caution. Depths shown on parts of the plan of Loch summit is a hummock and the NW part is
Eport are from old surveys. Undue reliance should not be perforated which forms the Hole, as shown on the
placed on the depth contours shown on this plan and chart, being visible from the entrance to the loch.
special care should be exercised close inshore; uncharted Thence:
shoals may exist. 2 S of Rubha nan Gall (8½ cables W), a salient point
4 Approach and entry. The approach to Loch Eport is on the N shore which rises to a round-topped hill,
clear of dangers and the entrance may be identified by and of the rocks extending 1 cable W from the
several remarkable hills in its vicinity, including the point, which makes this an area to be avoided.
following: 12.165
Eval (57°32′N, 7°11′W) (12.123). 1 Loch Eport, eastern end. When clear of the narrows
Beinn na h-Aire, 9 cables S of Eaval, (12.123). the track continues W, towards Skart Rocks, 1½ miles W of
5 Burrival, 1¼ miles WSW of Rubha Mhic Bo Lea, a group of above-water rocks of which the W and
Gille-mhìcheil, (12.123). highest is 1 m high, passing (with positions from Rubha
South Lee (57°34′N, 7°10′W) (12.123) Chart 1795 nan Gall):
which rises steeply from the N side of the 2 S of Sgeir n’ Iolla (3 cables W) which is steep-to on
entrance. its S side and lies near the SW end of foul ground
extending 1½ cables SW from the coast, thence:
Pilotage N of a drying reef which extends 65 m N and 1 cable
12.161 WNW from Riffag Mhór (4 cables WSW), a group
1 There are no licensed pilots at Loch Eport but the of grassy islets which are nearly connected to each
services of a local inhabitant might be obtained. It is better, other and with the shore at LW.

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3 Clearing bearings. Any line of bearing that maintains

the entrance to the loch a little open clears S of Sgeir n’
Iolla.
The line of bearing 082° of Caragarry Point, just open N
of Eilean Mhic Shealtair, clears N of Riffag Mhór and the
rocks in its vicinity, as shown on the chart.

Channel to the head of Loch Eport

12.166 Cam−ard Mór
1 The channel to the head of the loch passes S of Skart Approach to Lochmaddy terminal (12.169)
Rocks (57°33′⋅4N, 7°10′⋅9W) (12.165) and is very narrow (Original dated 2000)
with numerous rocks, islets and shoals, but a depth of (Photograph − Air Images)
5⋅5 m can be carried to within 1½ miles of the head of the
loch. Within this distance the depths decrease but there are
12.170
holes with depths of 5⋅5 m to within a short distance of its
1 Topography. Loch Maddy is a broad loch with few
head.
open spaces. On the S side of the entrance the coast rises
2 Local knowledge is essential when navigating W of
steeply to North Lee (12.123), Chart 1795, 1 mile inland.
Skart Rocks.
The N side of the loch is studded with islands, inlets and
Anchorage shoals.
12.167 12.171
1 Good but restricted anchorage can be obtained, in a 1 Port limits: W of a line drawn from Weaver’s Point to
depth of 22 m, mud, to the S of Acairseid Lee with Skart Leac nam Madadh.
Rocks (12.165) bearing 260° distant 2 cables and Burrival 12.172
(12.123) bearing 161°, as shown on the chart. The loch 1 Approach and entry. Loch Maddy is approached direct
entrance is open to this position but little tidal stream is from the Little Minch through an entrance that is easily
experienced in the anchorage. identified from seaward by the gap in the hills at the
entrance and the prominent angular islets on both sides.
Small craft 2 The entrance is clear of dangers, including the coasts on
12.168 both sides, allowing passage to a sheltered anchorage
1 Loch Eport provides good shelter with ease of entry in without the aid of a Pilot.
reasonable visibility but account must be taken of the tidal 12.173
stream in the entrance, as given at 12.162. 1 Traffic. In 2002, the port was used by 2 vessels with a
Anchorage for small craft can be obtained in the total of 1993 dwt. This does not include the ferries and
following bays (with positions from Rubha nan Gall): many fishing vessels operating in the Little Minch.
2 Acairseid Lee (4 cables WNW) in a depth of 16 m, as 12.174
shown on the plan. 1 Port Authority: Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar, Balivanich,
Bàgh a’ Bhiorain (5 cables SW) in depths of 5 to Benbecula HS7 5LA. Local authority is vested in The Port
15 m, mud. Local knowledge is required for Manager, Lochmaddy Pier, Lochmaddy, North Uist. Local
entering this bay. control is exercised by the Harbour Master.

Limiting conditions
Loch Maddy 12.175
1 Controlling depth from the entrance to South Basin, off
Chart 2825 plan of Loch Maddy
the Ferry Terminal, is 9⋅1 m when using the deepest
General information channel (12.177).
12.169 Deepest and longest berth is the Ferry Terminal at
1 Loch Maddy, entered between Weaver ’s Point Lochmaddy as given at 12.189.
(57°36′⋅5N, 7°06′⋅0W) (12.135) and Leac nam Madadh 2 Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
(8½ cables S) (12.134) contains Lochmaddy Harbour which Mean spring range about 4⋅1 m; mean neap range about
fronts Lochmaddy, with a population of 1657 in 2001, at 1⋅7 m.
the W end of the loch. This is the main harbour in North
Uist with the terminal for the vehicular ferry from Uig, on Arrival information
the Island of Skye. Loch Maddy provides good shelter in 12.176
all but E winds and affords convenient but somewhat poor 1 Port radio is manned on VHF, for details see Admiralty
anchorage. List of Radio Signals Volume 6(1).
Tugs are not available.
Quarantine. For quarantine regulations see 1.50.

Harbour
12.177
1 General layout. Loch Maddy is a broad loch littered
with islets and rocks. South basin, in the SW corner of the
loch, provides the main berthing area and access to the
Ferry Terminal at Lochmaddy.
Loch Maddy − South Basin from ENE (12.169) 2 If proceeding alongside the Ferry Terminal the channel
(Original dated 2000) N of Glas Eilean Mór (57°36′N, 7°07′W) and S of Ruigh
(Photograph − Air Images) Liath, 9½ cables WSW, provides the deepest water and is

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to be preferred as it affords a straight approach to the 3 When clear of the detached rocky shoals (above) the
berth. track alters SSW for about 2½ cables passing ESE of the
12.178 rocky reef, the outer part of which dries, extending ¾ cable
1 Tidal streams in Loch Maddy set as follows: SE from Faihore (1 cable NNE of Ruigh Liath Light).
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks 12.183
1 Approach to South Basin from east-north-east. From
+0545 In-going stream begins a position 3 cables E of Ruigh Liath Light, a white sector
–0035 Out-going stream begins (254°−257°) of Vallaquie Island Light (white concrete
pillar, 1 m in height), 5¾ cables WSW of Ruigh Liath
2 The streams are weak in the loch generally. However, Light, leads WSW towards the preferred approach line for
the out-going stream sets strongly on the S side of the the berth at Lochmaddy, with the deepest water on the N
entrance, especially during and after heavy rain, then sets side of the sector, passing (with positions from Ruigh Liath
towards Madadh Mór, 1 cable E of the entrance point. Light):
During the in-going stream there is a fairly strong 2 SSE of the dangers extending SE from Faihore
NE-going stream on the N side of the entrance between (above), thence:
Weaver’s Point and Madadh Beag, 2 cables SSE. SSE of rocks which dry and a bank, with depths of
3 The stream on the S side of the entrance is partly less than 5 m over it, which extends ½ cable S
caused by the S-going coastal stream; that on the N side is from Ruigh Liath, on the E islet of which stands a
caused entirely by the N-going coastal stream. light (concrete pillar), thence:
12.179 3 Over or NNW of the coastal bank, with charted
1 Local weather and sea state. Loch Maddy can be depths of less than 10 m (1½ cables SW), which
entered in all weathers, but heavy seas may be encountered just intrudes into the S side of the white sector. A
off the entrance when the wind and tidal stream are red beacon (2 cables SSW) stands on the drying
opposed, making the best approach in mid-channel. bank extending N from North Uist.
2 Within the loch, although open to the E, the swell does 12.184
not penetrate the anchorage area, but squalls are felt with 1 Approach to the Ferry Terminal at Lochmaddy.
the wind from SW. Initial position: 3¾ cables ENE of Vallaquie Island Light.
12.180 Leading lights:
1 Landmark: Front light (column, 8 m in height) standing on the
Sponish House (57°36′⋅6N, 7°09′⋅4W), a conspicuous pier head.
three-storey building standing on the S side of a Rear light (column on dolphin, 4 m in height)
narrow peninsula. standing on the Ro-Ro ramp N lifting dolphin at
the root of the pier.
2 The alignment (298°) of the leading lights leads through
Directions South Basin towards the Ferry Terminal at Lochmaddy,
12.181 passing (with positions from the front leading light):
1 Approach to the channel with the deepest water. From NNE of Bo Rua (3½ cables SE), a drying patch near
a position 1 mile ESE of Weaver’s Point Light (57°36′⋅5N, the edge of the coastal bank, thence:
7°06′⋅0W) the approach to the channel with the deepest SSW of the dangers extending S from Ruigh Liath
water (12.177) leads W, passing (with positions from (3¾ cables E) (12.183) on the W islet of which
Weaver Point Light): stands a beacon (white concrete, can topmark)
2 N of Madadh Mór (9 cables S) (12.134), and: (3¼ cables W), thence:
S of Madadh Beag (2 cables SSE) (12.135), thence: 3 NNE of a drying reef and bank extending ¾ cable
S of Weaver’s Point (12.135), thence: NE from the E extremity of Cam-ard Mór
S of the entrance to Caolas Loch Portain (5 cables (1½ cables S) a promontory, on the NE extremity
WNW), and: of which stands a beacon (port hand).
3 N, distant 1½ cables, of Glas Eilean Mór (6½ cables
SW), a small square rock on the summit of which Secondary channels
stands a light-beacon (aluminium column). A reef 12.185
which dries, extended by a bank with depths of 1 South of Glas Eilean Mór. From a position 3 cables E
less than 5 m over it, extends ¾ cable NE, ½ cable of Glas Eilean Mór (57°36′N, 7°07′W), a white sector
N and 1 cable W from Glas Eilean Mór. (254°−257°) of Vallaquie Island Light (57°35′⋅5N,
12.182 7°09′⋅3W) (12.183) leads WSW through the channel S of
1 Channel with the deepest water. When clear of the Glas Eilean Mór, passing (with positions from Glas Eilean
dangers surrounding Glas Eilean Mór the track leads WSW Mór Light):
towards Faihore (57°36′N, 7°08′W) the N and largest of 4 2 SSE of Glas Eilean Mór, passing over a bank, with a
islets which are nearly joined at LW, passing (with least depth of 5 m over it (¾ cable S), which
positions from Ruigh Liath Light, 1 cable SSW of Faihore): extends 1¼ cables S from the island, covering
SSE of a rocky bank fringing the S coast of Flodday most of the channel, and:
(1 mile NE) which is moderately steep-to, thence: 3 NNW of a light-beacon (white post, 2 m in height)
2 SSE of An Glais-eilean Meadhonach (7½ cables NE), standing on the S shore of the loch 1¼ cables W
a rock surrounded by a drying reef, and: of Rubha nan Pleac.
NNW of detached rocky shoals, with a least depth of (Directions continue for the approach to the
6⋅8 m over them (6 cables ENE), which lie up to South Basin from ENE at 12.183)
4½ cables W of Glas Eilean Mór, and: 12.186
SSE of An Gairbh-sgeir (6½ cables NE), a drying 1 Approach to South Basin from north-north-east. From
reef, parts of which are visible except at HW. a position 5 cables W of Glas Eilean Mór Light the track

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leads WNW for about 4½ cables, passing (with positions Benbecula. Showers and lavatories are available at the
from Ruigh Liath Light): Museum and Art Centre, 250 m from the Ferry Terminal.
NNE of the drying reef which extends ¼ cable N There is a local doctor and a hospital at Balivanich.
from Faihore (1½ cables NNE) (12.182), and: Supplies: Marine diesel; fresh water; provisions can be
2 SSW of the reef fringing Hamersay (4½ cables NNE), obtained in Lochmaddy.
and:
NNE of the rocky bank, with a least depth of 5⋅9 m
Small craft
over it (2½ cables N), which extends up to 12.191
2 cables NW from Faihore. 1 Loch Maddy, which is easy to approach in reasonable
3 When clear of the bank extending NW from Faihore the visibility and the easiest harbour to approach at night,
track alters to the WSW for 2½ cables, passing (with provides good shelter for small craft.
positions from Ruigh Liath Light): 2 Anchorages and moorings. In addition to the
SSE of McInnis Rock (5 cables N), thence: anchorages given at 12.188 the areas given in the following
SSE of the drying reefs and a shallow bank extending paragraphs afford anchorage and moorings for small craft
2 cables SE from Shealtragram (6 cables NW), (with positions from the NE extremity of Hamersay
and: (57°36′N, 7°08′W).
4 NNW of the bank, with depths of less than 5 m over 3 South or SW of the Ferry Terminal (8 cables SW), clear
it, extending 3 cables WSW from Faihore, marked of the approach line to the berths. A line of mooring
off its N side by a light-buoy (port hand), and: buoys, including 5 for visiting small craft up to 15 tonnes,
SSE of the drying reef and shallow bank which extends SW from the root of the terminal.
extends ¾ cable E from Eilean Phail (5½ cables Bàgh Aird nam Madadh There are two moorings for
NW). visiting small craft up to 15 tonnes.
12.187 4 Acairseid Nighean, also known as Charles Harbour
1 From a position 5 cables NNE of Vallaquie Island Light, (3 cables W) in which the best anchorage lies NE of Eilean
a white sector (205°−210°) of the light leads SSW towards Fear Vallay, as shown on the chart, clear of Red Rock and
South Basin, over a least depth of 5⋅9 m, passing (with a marine farm (1.17) SW of the rocks. There are two
positions from the light): moorings for visiting small craft 1 cable SSE of Eilean Fear
WNW of the bank extending 3 cables WSW from Vallay.
Faihore (6½ cables ENE) and: Sponish Harbour (4½ cables NNW), as shown on the
2 ESE of the drying reef and shallow bank extending chart, with indifferent holding ground.
up to 1 cable NE and SE from Aird a’ Bhaile 5 Loch Portain (1½ miles NNE) affords sheltered
(3½ cables N) close E of which stands a beacon anchorage to craft with a draught of less than 2⋅7 m.
(concrete structure, white can topmark). Moorings Other names
are laid ¾ cable NE of the beacon. 12.192
1 Madadh, Acairseid nam (57°36′N, 7°07′W).
Basins and berths Chlann Néil, Bàgh (57°36′N, 7°06′W).
12.188
1 Anchorages. The bottom is generally sand or mud over Small craft
rock affording poor holding ground. Chart 2904
The main anchorage, in a depth of 13 m, sand, is
Kallin Harbour
situated 3 cables E of Faihore (57°36′N, 7°08′W).
12.193
2 South Basin, in the SW corner of Loch Maddy,
1 Kallin Harbour (57°29′N, 7°12′W), on the SE end of
2½ cables SE of the Ferry Terminal, is well sheltered and
Grimsay, is a small harbour that is 25 m by 32 m with
affords anchorage in depths of 7 to 11 m. The bottom is
depths of 2⋅5 m and a slipway that is 6 m wide. This
very soft near the centre of this basin and care is necessary
harbour, which is usable at all states of the tide, services
when anchoring, especially if the wind is blowing hard
the local fishing fleet and provides the landing place for
from between SE and S when squalls are particularly
supplies for the N part of Benbecula and North Ford.
heavy.
2 Approach to the harbour is through a channel marked by
12.189
light-buoys and a light (grey metal column, 5 m in height)
Alongside berths. The largest berth in Loch Maddy is
standing on the SE side of the harbour entrance. Local
the Ferry Terminal at Lochmaddy, situated on the W side
knowledge is required for entry.
of South Basin, which has a length of 115 m along its S
Anchorage can be obtained outside the harbour, W and
face with a dredged depth alongside of 4 m and reported
NNW of Ru na Monach (57°28′⋅4N, 7°11′⋅6W) the SW
depths of 7 m (MLWS) at the SE end and 4 m at the NW
extremity of Ronay (12.134), as shown on the chart, and in
end. This berth is cleared to accommodate the ferry.
Vallastrome, the inner channel leading to the harbour.
1 Ro-Ro Linkspan is situated at the NW end of the S face
3 There are two moorings for visiting small craft off
of the Ferry Terminal.
Vallastrome, close to the anchorage area.
One other berth, with a depth alongside of 4 m and
60 m of berthing space, is available on the N side of the Anchorages
Ferry Terminal. 12.194
1 Anchorages for small craft within the major lochs are
Port services given as part of the information for each loch.
12.190 2 Many of the indentations around the E coast of
1 Repairs. Small repairs can be effected and the services Benbecula and between the islands lying close offshore
of a diver can be obtained. afford shelter for small craft, but they have narrow
Other facilities. Oily waste reception can be arranged entrances of 1 cable or less and are not easy of access,
through the Harbour Master, Council Offices, Balivanich, being encumbered with rocks and shoals. It is

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recommended that this coast should not be approached in E. These 2 channels rejoin S of Red Rock (57°47′⋅0N,
poor visibility nor in E winds which are fresh to strong. In 7°04′⋅5W) and continue NW to the Atlantic as Outer
such conditions it is recommended that Loch Skipport Stromay Channel (12.222).
(57°20′N, 7°14′W) (12.139) or Loch Maddy (57°36′N, 2 Caution. Shoals exist less than ½ cable from the
7°06′W) (12.169) should be used. recommended track in parts of the above channels, so that
3 Anchorages are charted in the inlets given in the safe passage depends on identifying and following a series
following paragraphs. of leading marks to keep exactly on the tracks shown on
Loch a’ Laip (57°24′⋅5N, 7°12′⋅8W) between Wiay Chart 2642 and described at 12.215. In addition, the tidal
(12.132) and Keiravagh Islands, close NW. streams, as given at 12.210, set strongly across the track in
Loch Keiravagh (57°25′N, 7°13′W) between Keiravagh places, necessitating great care to maintain track, especially
Islands and Rarnish, a promontory at the SE end of when changing the lead, to avoid being set on to the many
Benbecula. Local knowledge is required. dangerous rocks along the route. In view of the above
4 Loch Uiskevagh (57°26′⋅5N, 7°13′⋅0W), in which the constraints and hazards it is recommended that passage of
best anchorage is in position 4 cables WNW of Orosay these channels should be made at or near high slack water.
Uiskavagh, an island on the S side of the loch, in a depth In addition, as a number of the leading marks are unlit, it
of 15 m, mud. Local knowledge is required for passage W is advisable to make the passage in daylight.
of Orasay Uiskevagh. 3 Leverburgh Channel provides an alterative route to
Flodday Sound (57°30′N, 7°10′W) which lies between Stanton Channel and also leads to the approach channel for
Floddaymore (12.134) and Floddaybeg (12.134) to the E, Leverburgh. However, Leverburgh Channel, with a width of
and the N end of Ronay and Haunaray to the W, affords only ½ cable, is very constricted and local knowledge is
anchorage in two places, as shown on the chart. required.
4 From a position W of Rubha Chàrnain (57°46′⋅7N,
07°03′⋅2W) it is possible to leave Leverburgh Channel and
SOUND OF HARRIS proceed to sea through Sound of Stromay, 8 cables NW of
Rubha Chàrnain, which is ½ cable wide and unmarked.
General information
Channel along the south-west side of the sound
Charts 2642, 2841 12.198
12.195 1 Cope Passage, entered from the Little Minch between
1 The Sound of Harris (57°44′N, 7°05′W) which separates the Groay Group of islands (57°42′N, 7°02′W) (12.203)
North Uist from South Harris, 6½ miles NE, is a maze of and the Hermetray Group, 2½ miles SSW, (12.202), leads
islands, islets, rocks and shallow passages. It provides the generally NW, through a channel marked by light-buoys,
main navigable channels through the Outer Hebrides, in from the E entrance to a position NE of the NE extremity
addition to the Sound of Barra (57°04′N, 7°20′W) (11.89), of Berneray (57°44′N, 7°09′W). Parts of the caution at
40 miles to the S. Sound of Harris is entered from the 12.197 are also applicable to this part of Cope Passage.
Little Minch between Leac na Hoe (57°38′⋅4N, 7°03′⋅8W) 2 Beyond this point the channel, which is not marked,
and Renish Point, 6 miles NNE; and from the Atlantic passes across the W end of a bar, see caution below, over a
between Shillay (57°48′⋅0N, 7°15′⋅0W) and Toe Head, least charted depth as given at 12.199.
4 miles ENE. 3 Caution. A bar, composed of shifting sand, extends
2 Ferries. Ferries ply the Sound of Harris between from the NE end of Berneray in a curve to the W side of
Leverburgh (12.233) and Berneray (12.202). The ferry Killegray, 1¾ miles ENE. This bar is usually marked by
routes, which are marked by buoys and beacons most of overfalls except at slack water and is reported to break
which are lighted, are shown on the charts. right across between the two islands in heavy weather.
Banks on the bar, with a least charted depth of 0⋅3 m
Channels (57°44′⋅9N, 7°08′⋅4W), have been known to dry with
12.196 exceptionally low tides. Extreme caution is required and
1 General. The navigable channels through the Sound of passage should not be attempted in adverse weather
Harris lie along the NE and SW sides of the sound. Of conditions.
these channels the combination providing the widest, 4 Recorded passage. In June 1964 HMS Upton (425 tons)
deepest, and best marked route is that along the NE side. passed through Cope Passage obtaining a least depth of
This route, which consists of, from SE to NW, main 3 m over the bar.
channel, Stanton Channel and Outer Stromay Channel, is
described below and Directions are given at 12.215. Limiting conditions
2 The channel along the SW side of the sound is known 12.199
as Cope Passage which is described at 12.198 and for 1 Controlling depths:
which Directions are given at 12.226. Stanton Channel: 4⋅9 m, charted in position
57°46′⋅2N, 7°03′⋅7W.
Channel along the north-east side of the sound Outer Stromay Channel: 4⋅9 m, charted in position
12.197 57°47′⋅3N, 7°05′⋅9W.
1 The main channel through the Sound of Harris, which 2 Leverburgh Channel: 4⋅3 m.
is entered from the Little Minch between Renish Point Sound of Stromay (57°47′N, 7°04′W) has a least
(57°43′⋅7N, 6°58′⋅0W) and Dùn-aarin, 1¼ miles SW, leads depth of 7 m in the fairway.
generally NW along the recommended tracks shown on Cope Passage has a least charted depth of 2⋅4 m in
Chart 2642, most of which are based on leading marks position 57°44′⋅3N, 7°08′⋅6W.
given on the chart and described in Directions. From a 12.200
position SW of Jane’s Tower (57°45′⋅8N, 7°02′⋅1W) 1 Tidal levels at Leverburgh (57°46′N, 7°01′W). See
(12.213) the main channel divides with Stanton Channel information in Admiralty Tide Tables. Mean spring range
(12.220) to the W and Leverburgh Channel (12.224) to the about 4⋅0 m; mean neap range about 1⋅6 m.

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Topography Sranndabhal, is the highest hill adjacent to the Sound of

12.201 Harris.
1 General. The most common rock in the sound and its 3 Farther NW, Bideinan (57°47′⋅3N, 7°03′⋅8W), a ridge
vicinity is a coarse-grained type known as gneiss; however, which stands close to the NE shore of the sound, has the
the rock on many of the islands is covered with shelly sand prominent summit of Grèabhal rising 6½ cables ENE and
which produces a bright green grass. There are scarcely the summit of Maodal (57°48′⋅1N, 7°03′⋅4W) standing
any trees. 8½ cables NNE.
2 Approach from the Little Minch. When approaching 4 Continuing NW, between Hunter’s Rock (57°47′⋅5N,
the Sound of Harris from the Little Minch the entrance 7°04′⋅4W) and Rubh’ an Teampuill, 1¼ miles NW (12.221),
may be identified by, on the NE side of the sound, the the coast is indented by South Sand Bay, Tràigh na
high land of Sranndabhal (57°45′⋅1N, 6°59′⋅0W) (12.204) Cleavag and North Sand Bay. Between South Sand Bay
and Roineabhal, 1 mile NNE of Sranndabhal. On the SW and Tràigh na Cleavag the rising ground is covered with
side of the sound Crogary na Hoe (57°38′⋅4N, 7°04′⋅3W) grass, otherwise the coast is faced with a dark coloured
(12.135), Crogary Mór (57°38′⋅3N, 7°15′⋅1W) (6.90) and cliff.
Pabbay (57°46′N, 7°14′W) (6.100) all have the appearance 5 At the NW end of the sound, Taobh Deas (57°49′N,
of islands from a distance of 10 miles. 7°07′W), a peninsula forming the NE side of the NW
3 On closer approach to the SE entrance, Dùn-aarin entrance, is connected with the mainland by a narrow
(57°42′⋅9N, 6°59′⋅8W) (12.215) and Renish Point, 1¼ miles isthmus at the head of South Sand Bay. This peninsula
NE (12.215), are easily identified. rises on its SW side to Chaipaval which is conspicuous
Topography in the approach from the Atlantic is given at with 2 distinct rounded summits of nearly equal elevation
6.90. falling steeply W to Cape Difficulty, 5 cables SW, and
Within the Sound of Harris Beinn Mhór (57°40′⋅1N, terminating N in Toe Head (57°50′⋅2N, 7°08′⋅0W) (6.100).
7°12′⋅3W) and Beinn Bhreac, 6 cables NNE (6.90) are The cliffs on the W side of Taobh Deas to the N of
visual from all positions. Bretasker, 8 cables S of Toe Head, are very high.
12.202
Nature of the bottom
1 South-west side. Between Leac na Hoe (57°38′⋅4N,
12.205
7°03′⋅8W) (12.135) and Leac Bhan (57°41′⋅8N, 7°11′⋅5W),
1 The bottom consists mainly of fine white sand,
the N extremity of North Uist, 5½ miles NW, the coast is
interspersed with rocks which are invariably covered with a
much indented and includes numerous rocks and shoals.
reddish brown seaweed of great length that is easily seen
The 2 principal inlets on this side of the sound are Loch
from a height when the sun is high. In many areas there
Aulasary (57°39′N, 7°07′W) which is only accessible to
are also numerous rocky outcrops, some of which dry, as
boats, and Loch Mhic Phàil (57°40′N, 7°09′W) which is
shown on the chart.
encumbered by rocks and shoals and suitable for small
craft only. Local knowledge is required. Pilotage
2 Hermetray group (57°39′N, 7°03′W) lying on the SW 12.206
side of the SE entrance to the sound consists of several 1 There are no licensed pilots for the Sound of Harris but
islands and islets and many rocks. Hermetray (12.135) is it is possible that a fisherman acquainted with the locality
the S island of the group and Tahay, 1 mile WNW, is the may be found at Leverburgh (57°46′N, 7°01′W) or at Bays
highest island in the group. Loch (57°43′N, 7°10′W).
3 Berneray (57°43′N, 7°11′W), the largest island in the
Sound of Harris, is hilly on its E side rising to a summit in Local knowledge
Beinn Shléibhe (12.228) at the NE end. The NW part of 12.207
the island consists in the main of blown sand dunes which 1 Passage through Sound of Harris is not advisable
attain an elevation of 18 m. without local knowledge due to the strong tidal streams and
12.203 numerous shoals.
1 Centre. Groay group (57°42′, 7°02′W) situated in the Rescue
centre of the SE entrance to the Sound of Harris consists 12.208
of a number of islands, islets and rocks, none of which are 1 An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) is based at
inhabited but may be used for grazing. Between Scaravay, Leverburgh (57°46′N, 7°02′W).
at the S end of the group, and Killegray (57°44′N, For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 12.13.
7°04′W), there are numerous rocky outcrops, some of
which dry. In places these rocks and shoals extend SSW to Tidal streams
join those off the SW side of the sound, and N towards the 12.209
S coast of Harris. 1 General information. Tidal streams in the Sound of
12.204 Harris appear to be very much affected by diurnal
1 North-east side. Between Renish Point (57°43′⋅7N, inequality and to be almost entirely diurnal during neap
6°58′⋅0W) (12.215), the SE extremity of Harris, and the tides. The in-going stream enters the sound at the NW
entrance to Bàgh Chàirminis (2 miles NW) the shore is entrance and sets SE through the sound to join the
rocky. From Bàgh Chàirminis to The Obbe (57°46′⋅3N, NE-going stream in the Little Minch. They change very
7°01′⋅4W), a shallow sea loch 1 mile NW, the coast is quickly off the SE entrance to the sound and begin
formed by Carminish Peninsula and fronted by Carminish 2¼ hours later off the coast NE of the sound than off the
Islands which are low and rocky with shallow water coast S of it.
between them and the shore. 12.210
2 Inland, Sranndabhal, rising 1½ miles NNW of Renish 1 North-east side. Tidal streams in a position 7½ cables
Point shows its SW face falling steeply to the coast whilst W of Renish Point (57°43′⋅7N, 6°58′⋅0W) set SE and NW
its NW shoulder falls away to Beinn an Tòib (57°45′⋅7N, and may attain a rate of 1 kn at spring tides. In a position
7°00′⋅5W), 1 mile NW. Roineabhal, 9½ cables NNE of 8 cables SE of Mallory Rock (57°48′⋅2N, 7°08′⋅3W) the

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tidal streams are similar to those off Renish Point. In both haystack with an elevation of 7 m, standing on
positions the streams are semi-diurnal at springs and mainly Eilean a’ Charnain (12.219). A light (concrete
diurnal at neaps. pedestal, 1 m in height) which stands close WNW
2 In Caolas Skaari (57°45′N, 7°04′W) and the channels of Jane’s Tower is obscured by the tower from
between Ensay and the SW coast of Harris, including 273° to 318°.
Stanton Channel and Leverburgh Channel, the streams are
remarkable and conform to a local pattern as follows:
3 At springs, both in summer and in winter, the stream
sets SE during the greater part of the rising tide over the
following period.
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
+0535 SE-going stream begins
–0035 SE-going stream ends
4 The NW-going stream sets during the greater part of the
falling tide.
At neaps, however, in summer the SE-going stream sets
during the whole of the day and the NW-going stream sets Jane’s Tower from S (12.213)
during the whole of the night. (Original dated 2000)
5 At neaps in winter the pattern is reversed with the (Photograph − Air Images)
NW-going stream setting during the whole of the day and
the SE-going stream setting during the whole of the night. 2 Heb Beacon (57°46′⋅2N, 7°01′⋅9W) a conspicuous
In the narrow channels the tidal streams may achieve a white stone column surmounted by a disused
rate of 5 kn during spring tides. In the wider channels the lantern, standing 1½ cables NW of Rubh’ an
rate will be less but the streams are still strong. Losaid.
12.211 Conspicuous water tower (57°46′⋅5N, 7°01′⋅5W)
1 Groay group. At spring tides the tidal streams between standing between The Obbe and Loch Steisevat.
the islands of the Groay group (57°42′N, 7°02′W) (12.203) 3 Kyles Lodge (57°46′⋅7N, 7°03′⋅2W), a conspicuous
set as follows: white house standing on Rubha Chàrnain (12.225),
the upper part of which can be seen from the NW,
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks over the point.
–0035 By day SE-going stream 4 Conspicuous cairn (57°46′⋅2N, 7°05′⋅0W) standing on
begins the summit of a hill near the N end of Ensay
+0140 NW-going stream begins which is a grassy island. A beacon (white metal
framework tripod, red stripe) stands close to the
2 Farther N the duration of the SE-going stream is greater. cairn.
The rate at spring tides is 1½ kn in both directions. Landmark on the SW side of the sound:
12.212 Beinn a’ Charnain (57°46′⋅7N, 7°13′⋅6W) (6.100).
1 South-west side. The tidal streams between the islands
of the Hermetray group (57°39′N, 7°03′W) (12.202) set as
follows: Other navigational aids
12.214
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the
–0545 NW-going stream begins Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at
+0025 SE-going stream begins 1.33.
2 In the narrower channels the rate at spring tides is up to
3 kn in both directions. Directions for the main channel, Stanton
Details of the tidal streams NW of Gousman (57°41′⋅9N, Channel and Outer Stromay Channel
7°03′⋅3W) are shown on the chart. (continued from 12.136)
3 At spring tides the tidal streams on the bar NE of
Berneray (57°44′N, 7°09′W), set as follows:
Approach to main channel from the Little Minch
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks 12.215
+0505 SE-going stream begins 1 From the vicinity of 57 38′N, 6°55′W the approach to
the main channel (12.197) leads NNW towards Renish
–0135 NW-going stream begins
Point (57°43′⋅7N, 6°58′⋅0W), which appears from a distance
4 The rate is from 2½ to 3 kn in both directions. as 3 rounded hummocks, the highest having an elevation of
During neap tides in summer the stream by day sets SE 48 m, passing (with positions from the SE extremity of
for 8 to 9 hours and NW for 2 to 4 hours only; by day in Gilsay (57°42′N, 7°00′W)):
winter it sets SE for 2 to 4 hours only. 2 ENE of Hermetray (3¼ miles SSW) (12.135), thence:
ENE of Scaravay (1 mile SSW), the S island of the
Groay group (12.203) which consists of 2 parts
Principal marks joined by a neck of stony land, the SE part being
12.213 the higher, thence:
1 Landmarks along the NE side of the sound: 3 ENE of a drying reef which extends ¾ cable E from
Jane’s Tower (57°45′⋅8N, 7°02′⋅1W), a conspicuous Crago (6½ cables SSW) a small islet separated
white banded concrete cairn which resembles a from Lingay by a very narrow channel, thence:

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ENE of Lingay (5½ cables SSW) a flat island which viewed from SE as it has a background of open
is highest at its E end, thence: water.
4 ENE of Gilsay which shows a peak at its centre and 2 Rear mark: The conspicuous cairn on Ensay,
terminates at its SE end in a low, bare, rocky 1½ miles WNW of Dubh Sgeir, (12.213).
point, thence: The alignment (300¼°) of the leading marks leads
ENE of Dùn-aarin (6 cables N), the SW entrance WNW along the recommended track shown on the chart,
point to the main channel which is prominent and passing (with positions from Jane’s Tower):
easily distinguished. SSW of Bo Tagerlich (5½ cables SE), thence:
5 Useful mark: 3 Over the NNE edge of a detached shoal, with a depth
Ordnance survey pillar on the summit of Groay of 6⋅4 m over it (5¾ cables SSE), lying 1 cable
(1¼ miles W) the largest island in the Groay group NNE of Stumbles Rock which is marked on its E
(12.203). side by a light-buoy (port hand), and:
SSW of a drying rock (4½ cables SSE) which lies
near the S end of a bank extending 3 cables S
from Sùnam (12.219).
Chart 2642 12.219
Main channel 1 Track D. Leading marks:
12.216 Front beacon (white metal framework tripod, red
1 Track A. From a position 6½ cables S of Renish Point stripe) standing close to a cairn on the SW side of
the alignment (316¼°) of the pointed summit of the island Saghay More (57°46′⋅2N, 7°03′⋅0W), the largest
Suem (57°45′⋅7N, 7°02′⋅8W) with the summit of Coppay and highest island in the Saghay group.
(57°49′⋅7N, 7°10′⋅1W) (6.100), leads NW along the Rear mark: A cairn on the summit of Stromay, 1 mile
recommended track shown on the chart, passing (with NW of Saghay More, which is composed of pale
positions from Dùn-aarin (57°42′⋅9N, 6°59′⋅8W)): red rock on which there is a little herbage.
2 SW of Renish Island (1 mile NE) which lies 2 The alignment (325½°) of these marks, which were
1½ cables SSW of Renish Point (12.215) and is reported in 1998 as being difficult to distinguish, leads NW
steep-to on its seaward side, thence: along the recommended track shown on the chart, passing
NE of Dùn-aarin (12.215) which lies at the SE end of (with positions from Jane’s Tower):
a chain of islets and reefs which extend NW for 3 SW of a charted depth of 1⋅5 m (2¼ cables SSE) on
3½ miles to Ensay (57°46′N, 7°05′W) and form a bank, with drying and below-water rocks on it,
the SW boundary of the main channel, thence: which extends 2 cables WSW from Sùnam the S
3 SW of Frog Rock (9 cables NE), thence: of a group of islands bordering the E side of the
NE of Gumersam Bheag (4 cables NW), thence: channel, thence:
NE of Gumersam Mhór (6 cables NW) and Clett a’ 4 SW of a bank, with drying and below-water rocks on
Mhadaidh, 1 cable farther NW, to which it is it, which extends 1¾ cables SSW from Eilean a’
joined by a drying reef, thence: Charnain, on which stands Jane’s Tower (12.213),
4 SW of Fanny Rock (1½ miles N) which lies 2 cables and from Eilean na Cloicheig, close ESE, and:
offshore, thence: NE of a spit, with depth of 4⋅3 to 4⋅9 m over it,
NE of Dent Shoal (1½ miles NNW) which extends which extends ¾ cable NE and 2¾ cables SE from
4¼ cables NNE from Mile-sgeir. Dubh Sgeir Light (3½ cables SW) (12.218),
12.217 thence:
1 Track B. The alignment (329½°) of Jane’s Tower 5 NE of a reef extending ¼ cable from the N and E
(57°45′⋅8N, 7°02′⋅1W) (12.213) with the left tangent of sides of Suem (4 cables WSW) (12.216), thence:
Kyles Lodge (12.213), 1 mile NNW of Jane’s Tower, leads SW of Bo Stainan (2 cables WNW), a steep-to drying
NNW along the recommended track shown on the chart, rock.
passing (with positions from Jane’s Tower): (Directions for the approach to Leverburgh Channel
2 WSW of Leade Rocks (1¼ miles SE), a group of and for Leverburgh are given at 12.224)
rocks lying 3 cables offshore, thence:
WSW of a shoal, with a least charted depth of 2⋅7 m,
which extends 1¼ cables SW from Big Rock
(1 mile SE) which lies at the SE end of the reefs Stanton Channel
and islets fringing the coast of Carminish 12.220
Peninsula, and: 1 Track E. Leading marks:
3 ENE of a sandy spit, with a least depth of 7 m over A cairn and beacon (black and white striped)
it, which extends 4 cables ESE from Cook Rock (57°46′⋅2N, 7°04′⋅7W) on the foreshore of Ensay,
(7 cables S), thence: with another cairn and beacon on the summit of
WSW of Oar Rock (8 cables SE) which lies 1 cable S Ensay (12.213). These marks were reported (1998)
of Eilean na Ceardaich, the S of the Carminish as being difficult to distinguish.
Islands (12.204), on which stands a cairn. 2 The alignment (287°) of the leading marks, and the line
12.218 of bearing 107°, astern, of Jane’s Tower leads WNW along
1 Track C. Leading marks: the recommended track shown on the chart, passing (with
Front beacon: Dubh Sgeir Beacon (57°45′⋅5N, positions from Jane’s Tower):
7°02′⋅6W), a white octagonal stone tower 11 m in SSW distant ½ cable from Bo Leachan (4½ cables
height, standing close SSW of Dubh Sgeir Light WNW), a detached rocky reef, and:
(red concrete tower, black bands, 6 m in height). 3 NNE of the drying reef and bank, with charted depths
Dubh Sgeir Beacon is reported to be more of less than 5 m, which extends a total of 1 cable
conspicuous than Jane’s Tower (12.213) when NNE from Suem (4 cables WSW) (12.216), thence:

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SSW of a charted depth of 3⋅4 m (5½ cables WNW) 3 NNE of a patch, with a depth of 4⋅3 m over it, which
which lies on a bank extending 1½ cables S from lies 1 cable NNE of Sgeir Einis (3 cables SW).
Saghay More (12.219), thence: Sgeir Einis lies near the N extremity of a bank
4 SSW distant ½ cable from Horse Rock (6½ cables extending 2¾ cables NNE from Rubha nan Sgarbh,
WNW), thence: the N extremity of Ensay which is a steep,
NNE of a detached shoal, with a least depth of 4 m dark-coloured rocky point. South of this point a
over it (7½ cables W), situated on the E side of distinct sandy beach stretches over 4 cables to the
the shoals extending from Ensay, forming the SW NW extremity of the island. Thence:
side of Stanton Channel. 4 SSW of a rocky patch with a depth of 4⋅3 m over it
12.221 (1½ cables NW), and:
1 Track F. Leading marks: Over a shoal, with a depth of 5⋅5 m over it (2 cables
Front beacon, (green metal framework) standing on W), which lies on the track through Outer Stromay
the S extremity of Red Rock (57°47′⋅0N, Channel, thence:
7°04′⋅5W) which is bare and brownish in colour. 5 NNE of a rock awash (5 cables WSW) which lies
Another beacon (white metal tripod framework near the SE end of a bank extending 5 cables SE
with red stripe) stands close to Red Rock Beacon. from Colasgeir (below), thence:
2 Rear mark. The W end of a moss-clad ruined chapel Close SSW of 2 patches, with a depth of 4⋅3 m over
standing on Rubh’ an Teampuill, 1¾ miles from them (4½ cables and 6 cables WNW), thence:
Red Rock. A destroyed beacon is situated close to 6 NNE distant 1½ cables from a narrow spit, with a
the chapel. charted depth of 1⋅2 m near its NE extremity,
The alignment (329¾°) of the leading marks, which which extends 1 cable NE from Colasgeir (8 cables
were reported in 1998 as being difficult to distinguish, W) which is a small pointed rock, thence:
leads NNW along the recommended track shown on the Over or very close to a patch which constitutes the
chart, passing (with positions from Red Rock Beacon): least depth in Outer Stromay Channel (8¼ cables
3 WSW of a reef fringing the SW extremity of Saghay WNW) as given at 12.199, thence:
Beg (1 mile SE), thence: 7 NNE of Corder Rock (1 mile W) for which a clearing
ENE of a shoal, with a depth of 2⋅1 m over it bearing is given at 12.223, thence:
(8½ cables SSE), lying 1¼ cables NNE of SSW of Inner Temple Rocks (1¼ miles NW) which
Na-Grunnan which are 2 detached rocks which lie 2¾ cables WNW of Bomasanhui, thence:
dry, and: NNE of Sandy Rock (2 miles W), thence:
4 Over a patch which constitutes the least depth in 8 SSW of Outer Temple Rocks (1¾ miles NW) which
Stanton Channel (8¼ cables SSE), as given at are joined to Inner Temple Rocks by a number of
12.199, and: rocky outcrops. For clearing bearing see 12.223.
Close WSW of the bank extending ¼ cable WSW Thence:
from Bo Quidam (8 cables SSE) which constricts SSW of Mallory Rock (2½ miles WNW), thence:
the width of Stanton Channel to 1 cable, thence: Between Coppay (57°49′⋅7N, 7°10′⋅1W) (6.100) and
ENE of a detached rock awash (6 cables S) and: Shillay (57°48′⋅0N, 7°15′⋅0W) (6.100) clear of all
5 WSW of a patch, with a depth of 4⋅9 m over it dangers.
(6 cables SE) which lies 1 cable SSW of Sgeir 12.223
Volinish (12.222), thence: 1 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 349° of Toe Head
ENE distant ¾ cable from Bodha Leathach Caolais (57°50′⋅2N, 7°08′⋅0W) (6.100) just open W of Bretasker,
(3½ cables SSE) which has 2 detached heads, 7½ cables SSE of Toe Head, a rock lying close offshore
thence: and connected with the coast by a drying reef, clears
6 WSW of a sandy spit, with a least depth of 2⋅4 m 1½ cables W of the NW head of Outer Temple Rocks and
over it (2¼ cables ESE), which extends 2½ cables W of Corder Rock.
SSE from Stromay (12.219) and over which there 2 Clearing marks: The alignment (125°) of the summit of
are eddies. Stromay (57°47′⋅1N, 7°04′⋅2W) (12.219) with Sranndabhal
(57°45′⋅1N, 6°59′⋅0W) (12.204) 3½ miles SE of Stromay,
clears SW of Outer Temple Rocks and Inner Temple
Rocks.
Outer Stromay Channel (Directions continue for passage off the
12.222 W coast of Lewis at 6.127)
1 Track G. Leading beacons:
Front beacon. Sgeir Volinish Beacon (red metal
framework) standing on the E side of Sgeir Directions for Leverburgh Channel
Volinish (57°46′⋅6N, 7°03′⋅6W) which dries 1⋅5 m.
Another beacon (white metal framework tripod
with red stripe) stands close to Sgeir Volinish Entry from south-south-west
Beacon. (Directions for main channel are given at 12.215)
2 Rear beacon. Heb Beacon, 1 mile from Sgeir Volinish 12.224
Beacon, (12.213). 1 Track I. From a position 2 cables SW of Jane’s Tower
The alignment (117½°) astern of the leading beacons (57°45′⋅8N, 7°02′⋅1W) (12.213) the alignment (014¾°) of 2
leads WNW along the recommended track shown on the leading lights (white metal framework masts on concrete
chart, passing (with positions from Red Rock Beacon plinths) standing on the shore, 5 cables N of Jane’s Tower,
(57°47′⋅0N, 7°04′⋅5W)): with a white mark on the same alignment, leads NNE
Very close SSW of the bank fringing the SW side of along the recommended track shown on the chart, passing
Red Rock (12.221), thence: (with positions from Jane’s Tower):

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2 ESE of a patch, with a depth of 1⋅2 m over it Directions for Cope Passage
(1½ cables WNW), which lies on a shoal (continued from 12.136)
extending ½ cable SE from Bo Stainan (12.219),
and: Charts 2841, 2642
Close WNW of a drying reef and bank which extend Approach and entry from south-east
½ cable W and ¾ cable NNW from Eilean a’
12.226
Charnain (12.219), restricting the channel to a
1 Cope Passage (12.198). Initial position 57°37′⋅6N,
width of ½ cable, thence:
7°00′⋅0W.
3 Close WNW of a shoal with a depth of 1⋅8 m over it
Leading marks:
(1¾ cables N), thence: Front mark: summit of Gousman (57°41′⋅9N,
ESE of a depth of 0⋅6 m on a shoal extending 7°03′⋅3W) a grass covered islet in the entrance to
¾ cable E from Sgeir Mhic Coma (3 cables the channel. A destroyed beacon stands on the
NNW), the E islet of the Saghay group (12.219), summit.
thence: 2 Rear mark: a small cairn on the summit of Killegray
4 WNW of 2 drying reefs (2½ cables NNE), the E of (57°45′N, 7°05′W), a grassy islet.
which is marked by Leverburgh Reef Light-beacon The alignment (338¼°) of the leading marks leads NNW
(red perch, white bands, red can topmark). along the recommended track shown on chart 2642, passing
At a distance of 1½ cables from the front beacon the (with positions from the summit of Greanem (57°39′⋅8N,
track alters gradually to the heading required for track H, 7°02′⋅4W)):
as given below. 3 ENE of Big Reef (8 cables S) which is a steep-to
above-water rock lying ¾ cable SE of Hermetray
(12.135), thence:
ENE of Greanem, a small islet, thence:
WSW of Fairway Light-buoy (safe water) (7 cables
Leverburgh Channel
ENE), thence:
12.225
4 ENE of the drying reef surrounding and the foul
1 Track H. Leading beacons:
ground extending 3½ cables NNW from Sight
Front beacon (pole), standing ¾ cable SSE of Heb
Rock (5 cables NW), thence:
Beacon (57°46′⋅2N, 7°01′⋅9W) (12.213), which
Over a charted depth of 5⋅8 m (1 mile N) which is
stands close N of a rock (2 m high) lying close
the E extremity and least charted depth over a
offshore.
detached rocky area at the SE entrance to Cope
Rear light-beacon (grey column, 4 m in height)
Passage, thence:
standing on the head of Leverburgh Pier,
5 WSW of a dangerous rock (1½ miles N) marked off
1½ cables from the front beacon.
its S side by No 1 Light-buoy (starboard hand)
2 The alignment (125°) astern of the leading beacons leads
close ENE of the track. This light-buoy lies
NW along the recommended track shown on the chart,
4 cables WSW of a drying reef (1½ miles NNE)
passing (with positions from Heb Beacon):
on which there is an above-water rock, and:
NE of a shoal, with a depth of 2⋅7 m over it
6 ENE of detached shoals, with least charted depths of
(3½ cables WNW), which extends NNE from the
2⋅4 m (1½ miles N), which lie off the E extremity
drying reef which surrounds Sgeir Arbhair, and:
of the Cabbage group (12.228) and are marked on
3 Close SW of a shoal, with a depth of 3⋅7 m over it
their NE side by No 2 Light-buoy (port hand),
(4 cables NW), which lies ¾ cable offshore on the
close WSW of the track.
edge of the coastal bank, which, with depths of
less than 5 m, extends in places up to 1 cable
offshore from a coast which is fairly steep-to, Chart 2642
thence: Passage
Very close SW of a shoal, with a depth of 3⋅1 m over 12.227
it (5¼ cables NW), extending ½ cable SW from 1 From a position 5 cables SSE of the summit of
Smearinish, a point which is low, rocky and Gousman the track leads NW for 5 cables towards a
moderately bold, thence: position 1¼ cables SSW of Gousman, passing (with
4 Less than ½ cable NE of a shoal, with a depth of positions from the summit of Gousman):
4⋅3 m over it (6 cables WNW), which lies on the SW of the drying reef which extends 2¼ cables SSE
bank extending 1 cable N from Iolla Sgeir, thence: from Gousman, thence:
Between the reef fringing Rubha Chàrnain (9 cables 2 NE of a drying reef on which stands an islet (0⋅6 m
NW), a salient point on which stands Kyles Lodge high) (2¾ cables SW) marked on its NE side by
(12.213), and a 4⋅6 m patch, ¾ cable SSW of the No 4 Light-buoy (port hand), and:
point, which lies 1 cable NNE of the shoal, on SW of No 3 Light-buoy (starboard hand) moored off
which lies Cramer Rock, extending 1¾ cables N the SW side of the drying reef extending ½ cable
from Coitem, thence: SW from Gousman.
5 Between a charted depth of 2⋅1 m (1 mile NW) lying 3 From a position between No 3 Light-buoy and No 4
on the coastal bank which, with depths of less than Light-buoy, the line of bearing 336° of Rubh’ an t-Soithich,
5 m, extends up to 1 cable offshore to the NW of the W extremity of Killegray (12.226) leads NNW for
Rubha Chàrnain, and Sgeir Volinish (1 mile WNW) 6½ cables along the NE side of the fairway.
(12.222). 12.228
After passing Sgeir Volinish the track is adjusted to join 1 From a position 6½ cables NW of the summit of
the ESE end of Outer Stromay Channel for which Gousman, the line of bearing 297½° of Beinn Shléibhe
Directions are given at 12.222. (Moor Hill) (57°44′⋅0N, 7°09′⋅8W) the conspicuous summit

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of Berneray (12.202), leads WNW along the recommended (52°42′⋅2N, 7°10′⋅7W) at the SE extremity of
track shown on the chart, passing (with positions from the Berneray, close E of the causeway (12.240). A
summit of Gousman): slipway lies close W of the breakwater.
2 NNE of No 6 Light-buoy (port hand) (9 cables NW)
moored close N of a drying rock at the NE Leverburgh
extremity of Cabbage group, a group of General information
above-water and below-water rocks extending from 12.233
8 cables SSE to 1½ miles W from Gousman, and: 1 Leverburgh Pier (57°46′⋅0N, 7°01′⋅6W), which has a
3 SSW of No 5 Light-buoy (starboard hand) moored length of 31 m and a depth of 3⋅2 m (MLWS) alongside its
close SW of a dangerous rock (1 mile NW), outer end, is situated on the S side of the entrance to The
thence: Obbe (12.204), through which the tidal stream sets at a
SSW of No 7 Light-buoy (starboard hand) moored at great rate. A slipway, used by the ferry to Berneray, lies
the WNW end of shoal patches, with a least close SE of the pier. The village of Leverburgh stands
charted depth of 1⋅2 m (1¼ miles NW). around the N and E sides of The Obbe.
12.229 2 Tidal information is given at 12.200.
1 From a position 7 cables SSW of Kylie (57°43′⋅4N,
7°04′⋅8W) the track leads NW through the buoyed channel, Directions
passing (with positions from Kylie): 12.234
NE of a charted depth of 3⋅4 m (7½ cables SSW) at 1 Leverburgh is approached from SE through Main
the NE extremity of the bank extending 1½ cables Channel (12.197), followed by Leverburgh Channel
NE from Fowls Rocks. Number 8 Light-buoy (port (12.224). From a position in Leverburgh Channel,
hand) is moored ½ cable S of the 3⋅4 m depth. 2¾ cables N of Jane’s Tower (12.213), the alignment (317°)
Thence: astern, of the SW extremities of Rubha Chàrnain
2 Over the E edge of a shoal, with a least charted (57°46′⋅7N, 7°03′⋅2W) (12.225) and Taobh Deas (57°49′N,
depth of 3⋅4 m (6¼ cables SW), thence: 7°07′W), 3 miles farther NW (12.204), leads SE for
Over a detached shoal, with a least charted depth of 2 cables passing SW of 2 rocky outcrops which dry,
4 m (5¾ cables SW), lying close S of No 9 2½ cables NNE of Jane’s Tower, the E of which is marked
Light-buoy (starboard hand) which the track passes by Leverburgh Reef Light-beacon (12.224).
close SW of, thence: 2 From a position 1¾ cables NE of Jane’s Tower the
3 NE distant ½ cable from No 10 Light-buoy (port alignment (225°) astern, of Jane’s Tower with the beacon
hand) (8½ cables W) moored at the NE end of on Dubh Sgeir, 4 cables farther SW (12.218), leads NE
Corran Rocks (1 mile WSW). These rocks extend towards Leverburgh Pier, passing NW of a drying reef
1 mile NNE from The Reef, a narrow stony spit which extends 1¾ cables N from the E side of Suam an
extending 1¼ miles ESE from Berneray (12.202). t-Sruth, which lies 2 cables E of Jane’s Tower.
4 After passing No 10 Light-buoy the track continues NW 3 At night, from a position 1 cable NNW of Jane’s Tower,
to pass close NE of No 12 Light-buoy (port hand), the white sector (059°−066°) of the light on the head of
9½ cables ENE of Beinn Shléibhe (57°44′⋅0N, 7°09′⋅8W) Leverburgh Pier (12.225) leads ENE towards the pier
passing NE of shoal water, on which there is a dangerous through a least depth of 3⋅4 m, 2 cables NE of Jane’s
rock (57°43′⋅5N, 7°07′⋅1W), which extends along the SW Tower, close S of Leverburgh Reef Light-beacon, passing
side of the track. very close to drying rocks on both sides of the sector.
12.230 Supplies
1 Over the bar. From a position close NE of No 12 12.235
Light-buoy the track leads WNW to pass about 3 cables 1 Diesel fuel can be arranged with prior notice.
NNE of the NE coast of Berneray (12.202) in a least Fresh water is available at the pier.
charted depth as given at 12.199. This track passes between Provisions may be obtained in small quantities from
shoal patches, one with a least depth of 0⋅6 m over it and Leverburgh.
another with a least depth of 0⋅9 m over it, respectively
9 cables ENE and 6½ cables ENE of Beinn Shléibhe, as Anchorages
shown on the chart. See caution at 12.198. Main channel
12.231
12.236
1 Departure. Having cleared the bar, in the vicinity of
1 In 1954 HM Surveying Ship Cook (1580 tons) frequently
57°45′N, 7°10′W, the track leads NNW towards the
obtained anchorage in a depth of 16 m in position
Atlantic, passing (with positions from Beinn a’ Charnain
57°44′⋅8N, 7°01′⋅2W with the summit of Coppay
(57°46′⋅7N, 7°13′⋅6W) (6.100):
(57°49′⋅7N, 7°10′⋅1W) (6.100) bearing 316° and Big Rock
ENE of The Reef (1 mile ESE), a number of
(57°45′⋅1N, 7°00′⋅7W) (12.217) bearing 043°. In this
detached rocks which dry extending 3 cables SE
position with swinging room in excess of 2 cables, several
from Rubh’ a’ Bhaile Fo Thuath, the E extremity
gales were ridden out; however the holding ground of hard
of Pabbay (6.100), the NE coast of which is bold,
sand is not very good.
and:
2 WSW of Halo Rock (2 miles E), thence: West-north-west of Groay
Between Shillay (57°48′⋅0N, 7°15′⋅0W) (6.100) and 12.237
Coppay (57°49′⋅7N, 7°10′⋅1W) (6.100) clear of all 1 Anchorage may be obtained in position 57°42′⋅6N,
dangers. 7°03′⋅9W, as shown on the chart, on the alignment (016°)
12.232 of the cairn on Eilean na Ceardaich (57°43′⋅6N, 7°03′⋅3W)
1 Useful mark: with Jane’s Tower, 2¼ miles farther NNE (12.213), and
Light (mast, 5 m in height) at the head of a with the pillar on the summit of Groay (57°42′⋅2N,
breakwater which extends S from Aird Ma-Ruibhe 7°02′⋅0W) (12.215) bearing 111°, distant 1 mile.

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North-east of Pabbay 12.243

12.238 1 North-west of Groatay. Anchorage may be obtained
1 Anchorage may be obtained during W or SW winds in 5 cables NW of Groatay (57°38′⋅9N, 7°03′⋅9W), as shown
position 57°46′⋅8N, 7°11′⋅9W, as shown on the chart, about on the chart, or close SW in position 1 cable ESE of Righe
3 cables off the NE coast of Pabbay, with Beinn a’ nam Ban, clear of Mary Rock.
Charnain (6.100) bearing 265°, in a depth of 11 m, sand. 12.244
This position is exposed to winds from N to NW. 1 South of Tahay. Anchorage with good holding in depths
of 4 to 7 m, sheltered from all winds, clear of several reefs
Small craft in the centre of the bay may be obtained in approximate
position 57°39′⋅4N, 7°05′⋅5W. Local knowledge is required.
Passage This bay is reported to have the best shelter and best
12.239 holding in the area.
1 It is recommended that passage through the Sound of 12.245
Harris from SE to NW should only be undertaken in small 1 Cabbage group. Anchorage can be obtained on the NE
craft in settled moderate weather, noting that, even in light side of the Cabbage group (12.228) in position 57°42′⋅3N,
winds, a heavy sea may be running at the NW end of the 7°05′⋅0W, as shown on the chart, in a depth of 7 m.
sound. 12.246
1 East of Groay. Good anchorage can be obtained in
Bays Loch position 57°42′⋅3N, 7°01′⋅6W, 1½ cables off the NE side of
12.240 Groay (12.215), as shown on the chart, in a depth of 11 m,
1 Bays Loch (57 43′N, 7°10′W) contains a harbour, known mud.
locally as Berneray Harbour, used by fishing vessels, and a 12.247
concrete jetty with a depth of 0⋅6 m alongside, on the SW 1 Bàgh Chàirminis (57°45′⋅3N, 7°00′⋅4W) (12.204)
side of the bay, both protected by a breakwater on which affords anchorage but local knowledge is required.
stands a light (grey column, 5 m in height). Anchorage in a
depth of 3⋅7 m, mud, is available in the NE corner of the Other names
bay which is sheltered from all except SE winds. Visitor 12.248
moorings are laid in the bay. 1 Langay (57°43′⋅4N, 7°01′⋅1W).
2 Approach can be made through Cope Passage (12.198) Patterson Rock (57°38′⋅7N, 7°03′⋅0W).
as far as No 12 Light-buoy (57°44′⋅2N, 7°08′⋅1W) thence Rodel Rocks (57°42′⋅5N, 7°01′⋅2W).
through Reef Channel, 5½ cables E of the breakwater,
which passes between the inner end of The Reef (12.229) SOUND OF HARRIS TO RUBHA CRAGO
and Berneray, with a least depth of 0⋅6 m and is marked by
No 1 and No 2 Light-beacons (wooden piles). Tidal streams General information
in Reef Channel attain a rate of 4 kn at spring tides. Chart 1795
3 An alternative channel which passes SE of The Reef is Route
marked by light-buoys, as shown on the chart. 12.249
1 The central part of the coastal route along the W side of
Chart 2841 the Little Minch (12.1), from a position off the SE entrance
Berneray causeway to the Sound of Harris (57°40′N, 7°00′W) (12.195),
12.241 continues NE for about 18 miles, to a position off Rubha
1 Berneray causeway. A causeway connecting Berneray Crago (57°53′N, 6°40′W). This route follows the track of
with North Uist extends from Otternish, near Leac Bhan the directed route given at 12.2, the NE end of which is
(57°41′⋅8N, 7°11′⋅5W) (12.202), to Aird Ma-Ruibhe, the SE shown as a recommended track on the chart, but is
extremity of Berneray. presented from S to N which is the reverse direction to that
2 Otternish has two slipways, one on either side of the given for the directed route.
causeway. The E slipway, on which stands a light (mast,
5 m in height), is approached from E, passing between Topography
Eilean Fuam (57°41′⋅9N, 7°10′⋅7W) on which stands a light 12.250
(white metal column on concrete base, 2 m in height) and 1 A general description of the Isle of Lewis is given at
Aird Ma-Ruibhe (12.232). 1.87 and features on the SE side of the Little Minch are
3 The W slipway is approached through Sound of given at 12.57.
Berneray; see 6.115. Topography at the S end of South Harris, bordering the
Loch nam Ban (57°41′⋅5N, 7°11′⋅5W, a bay on the E Sound of Harris, is given at 12.204. To the NE of this
side of North Uist, at its N end, affords anchorage for coastal range there are many other mountains in South
small craft and contains a jetty at Newton, on which stands Harris which attain elevations of nearly 550 m.
a light (grey metal column, 8 m in height). 2 Between Renish Point (57°43′⋅7N, 6°58′⋅0W) (12.215),
the S extremity of South Harris, and East Loch Tarbert,
Chart 2642 11 miles NE (12.266), the E coast is much indented,
Anchorages forming the bays and inlets known as the East Bays of
12.242 Harris. However, this coast possesses no particular features
1 Basin of Vaccasay (57°39′⋅5N, 7°03′⋅7W) between the which can be identified, even in clear weather. From a
W side of Hermetray (12.135) and the E side of Vaccasay, short distance nothing can be seen but a rough, bare,
affords anchorage in depths of 22 to 24 m, mud, clear of a uneven coast of moderate height without cliffs; inland, the
marine farm (1.17), as shown on the chart, in a rocks protruding from the mountain sides amongst the
well-sheltered harbour with smooth water in all winds. peaty soil present a most desolate aspect. The square tower
Approach to the basin from N may be made from Grey of the church of Saint Clements, at Rodel, 8 cables N of
Horse Channel. Renish Point, may be identified from S.

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3 Scalpay (57°52′N, 6°40′W), situated in the entrance to 4 The tidal streams are much affected by the wind.
East Loch Tarbert, is a substantial island, 2½ miles long, In the channels between Sgeir Graidach (57°48′N,
with an irregular outline, the W half of which is deeply 6°28′W) (12.8) and Sgeir Inoe, 4 miles NW, the streams set
indented. The E side of the island rises to a summit in as follows:
Beinn Scoravick (102 m high). Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
–0345 E-going stream begins
Depths +0240 W-going stream begins
12.251
5 The rate at spring tides is 2½ kn in both directions.
1 A general description of the banks and depths within the
For further details see Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas:
Little Minch is given at 12.8.
North Coast of Ireland and West Coast of Scotland and
Charted depths are very uneven along the route
tidal stream information on the chart.
described at 12.249 which crosses an extensive irregular
bank, with a least depth of 24 m over it (57°45′⋅6N,
6°42′⋅6W) passing over patches with a least depth of 31 m Principal mark
over them. 12.255
2 The coastal bank, with charted depths of less the 30 m, 1 Landmark:
extends less than 1 mile offshore. Eilean Glas Lighthouse (white tower with red bands,
30 m in height) (57°51′N, 6°38′W) standing on the
summit of Eilean Glas, a small peninsula, steep-to
Hazards and rocky, forming the SE extremity of Scalpay
12.252 (12.250) to which it is connected by a narrow
1 The route described above passes through an area of isthmus. A racon is fitted at the light, for details
fishing activity, as given at 12.10, and includes submarine see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 2.
exercise areas, as given at 12.9. 12.256
1 Major light:
Eilean Glas Light—as above.
Rescue
12.253
1 Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams (1.61) are based at Other navigational aids
Scalpay (57°51′N, 6°38′W), and at Tarbert (57°54′N, 12.257
6°48′W). 1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the
For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 12.13. Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at
1.33.
Tidal streams
12.254
Directions
1 A general description of the tidal streams within the (continued from 12.136)
Little Minch is given at 12.15.
Between the SE entrance to the Sound of Harris
(57°40′N, 7°00′W) and the SE entrance to East Loch Renish Point to Rubha Chluar
Tarbert, 14 miles NE, the tidal streams set as follows: 12.258
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks 1 From the vicinity of 57°38′N, 6°55′W the coastal route
–0345 NE-going stream begins along the W side of the Little Minch leads NE over
detached rocky shoals, as given at 12.251, passing (with
+0240 SW-going stream begins positions from Rubha Chluar (57°48′N, 6°47′W):
2 The rate at spring tides in both directions is 2 kn off the SE of Renish Point (7¼ miles SW) (12.215), to the
salient points but the streams are very weak in the lochs NE of which there are no offshore dangers for
between the points. 1¾ miles, thence:
Between Eilean Glas (57°51′N, 6°38′W) and Sgeir Inoe, 2 SE of Lingarabay Island (5½ miles WSW) which lies
3 miles ESE, the tidal streams at spring tides usually set close offshore in the entrance to Lingara Bay
ENE and SW as follows: (12.263), thence:
3 SE of Finsbay Island (4 miles WSW), a small,
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
green-topped island with a black cliffy coast, lying
–0315 ENE-going stream begins close offshore. Its S extremity is steep-to, and a
+0310 SW-going stream begins rock with a depth of 1⋅8 m over it lies 1 cable NE
of the island, with drying rocks between them.
3 The ENE-going stream has a rate of 2½ kn whilst the Thence:
rate of the SW-going stream is somewhat weaker. 4 SE of Rubha Quidnish (3½ miles WSW) which is
At neap tides the tidal streams set as follows: rocky and steep-to with a cave in it and has the
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks appearance of being split into blocks, thence:
5 SE of Earr Mhànais, a drying rock which is the
–0515 NNE-going stream begins,
seaward of a group of rocks extending 2 cables E
turning gradually to E and
from Aird Mhànais (2¼ miles WSW), a low-lying,
continuing for 8½ hours
bare and rocky point on which stands a small
+0310 SW-going stream begins and triangulation pillar; the SW side of the point is
sets for 4 hours composed of cliffs, thence:

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6 SE of a drying rock charted off the SE extremity of (Chart 2841) (6.131), about 9 miles WNW of the
Rubha Chluar, a rugged point which rises to an light, clears N of Sgeir Inoe.
elevation of 48 m with a cairn on top, but is not (Directions continue for Sound of Shiant at 12.314)
easily distinguished. This point is bounded by
steep cliffs and, from SW, a deep black chasm,
situated near a position under the summit, can be Anchorages and berths
distinguished from some distance.
12.259
Lingara Bay
1 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 029° of the SE
12.263
extremity of Aird Mhànais (57°47′⋅4N, 6°51′⋅3W) open SE
1 Lingara Bay (57°45′N, 6°56′W) lies close N of
of Rubha Quidnish, 1 mile SSW, clears SE of all the rocks
Lingarabay Island (12.258). A loading jetty for the export
lying off the coast SW of Rubha Quidnish.
of rock from a coastal quarry is situated at the W end of
the bay.
Directions. From a position 1 mile E of Lingarabay
Island the approach leads WNW, passing:
Rubha Chluar to Rubha Crago 2 SSW of a reef which extends 1½ cables SE from the
12.260 coast in position 4 cables NE of Lingarabay Island,
1 From the vicinity of 57°46′N, 6°43′W the recommended thence:
track continues NE, passing (with positions from Rubha NNE of the reef, on which stand several islets and
Chluar): rocks, extending 1¼ cables NE from Lingarabay
SE of Nun Rock (1¾ miles NE), noting that dangers Island.
extend 5 cables offshore along this part of the 3 The entrance to the bay is free from dangers but the W
coast, thence: end is encumbered with above-water and below-water rocks
2 SE of Bogha Bhocaig (2¼ miles NE) which lies and local knowledge is required.
3¾ cables ESE of Rubha Bhocaig, the SW Anchorage is available for small craft between
entrance point of East Loch Tarbert (12.266), Lingarabay Island and Eilean Collam, 1 cable N, in a depth
which is not easily identified. For clearing bearing of 5 m with good shelter from the S, W and N but totally
see 12.261. Thence: exposed to winds from the E.
3 SE of Bràigh Mór (3¼ miles NE) (12.268) the SW 4 Development. It was reported (1994) that the quarrying
entrance to East Loch Tarbert, thence: activity is to be expanded, with facilities for bulk carriers
SE of Bogha Lag na Laire (4¾ miles NE) which up to 100 000 dwt.
consists of 2 detached rocky heads, the S of which
dries. For a clearing bearing see 12.261. And:
NW of East Bank (7½ miles E) (12.8), thence: Loch Flodabay
SE of Glebe Rock (5½ miles NE) which lies 1 cable 12.264
S of Eilean Glas Light (12.255), thence: 1 Anchorage. Loch Flodabay (57°47′N, 6°52′W) is an
4 NW of Sgeir Inoe (7½ miles ENE) which lies on a open bay, encumbered with below-water rocks and
narrow, irregular bank at the S end of a chain of containing no safe anchorage. However, in 1981, HM
irregular pinnacles, with depths of less than 30 m Surveying Ship Hydra (2800 tons) anchored in the entrance
over them, marked close NW by a light-buoy to Loch Flodabay, about 5 cables NE of the SE extremity
(starboard hand). The recommended track passes of Rubha Quidnish (12.258) in a depth of 49 m, to shelter
about 2½ cables NW of the light-buoy and very from W gales.
close NW of a charted depth of 30 m (7¾ miles 2 Topography. The Free Church and Manse, standing on
ENE). For clearing bearings see 12.261. Thence: the NE side of the head of the loch, which are the only
5 SE of Rubha Crago (6 miles NE) the SE extremity of slated buildings visible between Rodel (57°44′N, 6°58′W)
North Harris which forms the N entrance point to (12.297) and Tarbert (11 miles NE), can be seen from
Sound of Scalpay (12.268). certain directions.
12.261 Boat harbour. A good boat harbour is situated in a
1 Clearing bearings. The hill with a notched appearance creek at the head of the loch.
on the fall of Roineabhal (57°46′N, 6°58′W) (12.204) open
S of Rubha Chluar, passes 1 cable S of Bogha Bhocaig.
The line of bearing 041° of the high land of Rubh’
Other anchorages
Uisenis (57°56′N, 6°28′W) (12.315) open SE of Eilean 12.265
Glas Light, 7½ miles SW, clears SE of Bogha Lag na 1 Other anchorages and berths along the E coast of South
Laire. Harris are included in East Loch Tarbert (12.266) or
12.262 grouped under Small Craft at 12.297.
1 Clearing marks for Sgeir Inoe:
The alignment (034°) of Rubh’ Uisenis (above) with
East Loch Tarbert
Srianach (58°00′N, 6°23′W) (Chart 1794) (12.315),
4½ miles NE, clears NW of Sgeir Inoe.
2 The alignment (308°) of Eilean Glas Light (57°51′N, Chart 2905
6°38′W) (12.255) with the summit of Tirga Mór General information
(58°00′N, 6°59′W) (chart 2721) about 14 miles 12.266
WNW, the first hill N of Tarbert, clears 4 cables 1 East Loch Tarbert, entered between Rubha Bhocaig
SW of Sgeir Inoe. (57°50′N, 6°44′W) (12.260) and Rubha Crago, 4 miles NE,
3 The alignment (292°) of Eilean Glas Light with the N is a broad loch with many bays. It contains a terminal for
fall of Ben Luskentyre (57°53′⋅6N, 6°54′⋅2W) the vehicular ferry from Uig, on the Island of Skye, in

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addition to several busy fishing harbours, making it the daylight using one of the two entrance channels described
most frequented loch between Loch Maddy and Stornoway. in the following paragraphs.
The harbour affords good anchorage for small vessels and 2 Bràigh Mór, lying SW of Scalpay, is the main entrance
alongside berths at Tarbert Village, which, with a channel. It has deep water in the channel but the bottom is
population of 1350 in 2001, stands at the head of the loch very uneven and although mainly mud is rocky in many
on the narrow isthmus separating East Loch Tarbert from places with several shoal patches in the fairway. Directions
West Loch Tarbert (6.129). for this channel are given at 12.273.
3 Sound of Scalpay, lying NE of Scalpay, is a narrow
channel providing an alternative entrance to the loch. The
fairway, with a width of less than ½ cable at its W end, is
generally clear of dangers with depths of 15 to 29 m and
sides that are moderately steep-to. A bridge, with a vertical
clearance of 20 m and marked by lights as shown on the
chart, spans the narrows at the W end of the sound; a
submarine power cable (1.39), laid between Carnach
(57°53′N, 6°41′W) and a small bay 3 cables SSE, is
marked by beacons at its landing places; a pipeline is laid
across the sound in a S direction from 57°52′⋅87N,
6°41′⋅55W. Directions for this channel are given at 12.283.
4 Port Authority. The pier at Tarbert (12.288) is owned
and operated by Caledonian Mac Brayne Ltd, The Ferry
Tarbert Village, Harris, from SE with East Loch Tarbert in Terminal, Tarbert, Harris, Western Isles, PA85 3DG.
the foreground and West Loch Tarbert beyond (12.266)
(Original dated 2000)
(Photograph − Air Images) Limiting conditions
12.269
1 Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
Mean spring range about 4⋅2 m; mean neap range about
1⋅6 m.
Density of water: 1⋅025 g/cm3
Maximum size of vessel handled had a length of 85 m,
width of 16 m and draught of 3⋅4 m.

Arrival information
12.270
1 Port radio is operated during normal working hours
with listening watch on VHF.
Quarantine. For quarantine regulations see 1.50.

Fishing
East Loch Tarbert Linkspan and Pier from S (12.266) 12.271
(Original dated 2000)
1 Escallop dredging (12.10) is carried out within the loch.
(Photograph − Air Images)

Tidal streams
Topography 12.272
12.267 1 Tidal streams in Bràigh Mór set as follows:
1 The country round East Loch Tarbert is rugged and Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
desolate. The sides of the hills NE are almost continuous –0530 NW-going stream begins
patches of bare rock, and the land SW presents a
succession of small rocky hills scantily covered with peat. +0055 SE-going stream begins
Scalpay (57°52′N, 6°40′W) (12.250) lying in the 2 The NW-going, or flood stream, sets into East Loch
entrance to the loch, with Eilean Glas Light (12.255) Tarbert through Bràigh Mór, then N between Scalpay and
standing on its SE extremity, set between the mountains of Scotasay and E out of the loch through Sound of Scalpay.
Harris, help to identify the loch from seaward. The SE-going, or ebb stream, sets W into the loch through
2 Scotasay (57°53′N, 6°45′W), lying W of Scalasay is Sound of Scalpay, then S between Scalpay and Scotasay
covered with heather; it occupies a central position in the and SE out of the loch through Bràigh Mór.
loch and the 2 entrance channels (below) unite off its N 3 In Sound of Scalpay the rate at spring tides is 1¼ to
end. 2 kn in both directions but is less elsewhere. Above
Scotasay the tidal streams in the loch are imperceptible.

Approach and entry

12.268 Directions for Bràigh Mór
1 In addition to Scalpay there are many other islets and 12.273
rocks which lie in the entrance and within East Loch 1 Entrance channel. From a position 1¼ miles S of Meall
Tarbert. However, the loch may be safely navigated during Challibost (57°51′N, 6°40′W), a headland forming the S

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extremity of Scalpay, the line of bearing 316° of Sgeir island leads WNW along the recommended track shown on
Ghlas Light (white round concrete tower, 5 m in height) the chart, passing (with positions from Dun Corr Mór Light
(57°52′⋅4N, 6°45′⋅2W) standing on Sgeir Ghlas (12.278), (57°51′N, 6°44′W)):
leads NW into Bràigh Mór (12.268), along the SSW of Sgeir Bràigh Mór (6 cables NNE) which is
recommended track shown on the chart, passing (with marked off its S side by a light-buoy (starboard
positions from the summit of Greinem (57°51′N, 6°42′W)): hand), and:
2 SW of Bogha Lag na Laire (1 mile ESE) (12.260), 2 NNE of a detached shoal, with a depth of 6⋅5 m over
thence: it (1¾ cables NNW), thence:
SW of Sgeir Griadach Light-buoy (S cardinal) NNE of the drying reef and bank extending ½ cable
(7 cables SSE) which is moored 2 cables SSW of NE from the N islet of Gloraig Iosal (2¾ cables
Sgeir Griadach, a drying rock surrounded by a NW).
bank, with depths of less than 10 m over it, which 12.276
extends up to 1¼ cables from the rock. For 1 South-west of Scotasay. From a position 9¾ cables SE
clearing marks see 12.274. Thence: of Sgeir Ghlas Light the line of bearing 318½° of the
3 NE of Bogha Bhocaig (57°49′⋅6N, 6°43′⋅4W) summit of Eilean a’ Gheòidh, a steep rocky islet that is
(12.260), thence: bold on its NE side, leads NW along the recommended
NE of a bank, with depths of less than 5 m over it, track shown on the chart, passing (with positions from
which extends 1½ cables NE from Rubha Bhocaig Sgeir Ghlas Light):
(57°50′N, 6°44′W) (12.260) on which lies Sgeir 2 NE of the drying reef and bank extending 1¼ cables
Bhocaig, thence: N from Gloraig Dhubh (1 mile S), thence:
4 SW of a bank, with charted depths of less than 10 m, NE of Bogha Ruadh (7 cables S) a drying rock that is
which extends 1 cable SW from Greinem which is covered with red seaweed. For clearing bearing see
steep-to on its S side, and: 12.277. Thence:
NE of Eilean na Sgaite (1½ miles SW), the S islet of 3 SW of a rock, 2 m high (5¼ cables SE), which lies
The Gloraigs (12.274), which is a small, green, ¾ cable S of Eilean Dubh, thence:
conical islet, thence: NE of Eileanan a’ Ghille-bheid (5 cables SW), 2
5 NE of a detached patch, with a depth of 9⋅1 m over it islets of which the SE is covered with grass and
(7¼ cables WSW), the position of which is the NW is covered with heather. A drying rock
approximate and the existence of which is lies ½ cable E of the S islet.
doubtful, which lies 3¾ cables NE of Sgeir an 12.277
Leum Bhig which is joined to Sgeir an Leum 1 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 305° of the SW
Mhóir, 1 cable NW, by a drying reef, and: extremity of Eilean Arderanish (7 cables W) which is
6 SW of Hamarsay (3 cables NW), the SW side of covered with heather, open NE of Eileanan a’ Ghille-bheid
which is bold, and: (5 cables SW) (12.276) clears close NE of Bogha Ruadh.
NE of a detached patch, with a least depth of 3⋅8 m 12.278
over it (9½ cables W), which lies 2½ cables E of 1 West of Scotasay. From a position 1½ cables SW of
Dun Corr Beag, the NE islet of a group of 3, Sgeir Ghlas Light the line of bearing 352° of Ard Caol
which appears to be peaked when viewed from S, Urgha (57°53′⋅6N, 6°45′⋅7W) leads N along the
thence: recommended track shown on the chart, which was swept
7 NE of a detached rocky patch, with a least depth of clear to a depth of 12 m in 1973, passing (with positions
7⋅9 m over it (9½ cables W), which lies 2¾ cables from Sgeir Ghlas Light):
ENE of Dun Corr Mór, on the N side of which 2 W of a drying reef which extends ¼ cable W from
stands Dun Corr Mór Light (white structure, 2 m Sgeir Ghlas, a small islet with a grassy summit on
in height), reported to be inconspicuous, thence: which stands Sgeir Ghlas Light (12.273), thence:
8 SW of the SW extremity of Rossay (8 cables NW) W of the coastal bank, with charted depths of less
which is the S of a chain of islets which are than 10 m, which extends ½ cable W from
nearly joined at LW. Sgonn Rossaidh, a drying Scotasay (1½ cables NE) (12.267), and:
rock, lies close off the SE end of the islet. 3 E of the shoal extending from Mid Sound Rock
12.274 (4½ cables WNW), thence:
1 Clearing marks: E of the bank, with depths of less than 10 m over it,
The alignment (052°) of Sgeir a Gobha (57°51′N, which surrounds Cuidsgeir (7½ cables NW) which
6°39′W) which is a black rock, with Eilean Glas is a bare islet.
Light, 4 cables NE (12.255), clears SE of the bank 12.279
surrounding Sgeir Griadach but passes very close 1 Approach to Tarbert. From a position 5½ cables S of
NW of Bogha Lag na Laire. Ard Caol Urgha the track leads WNW towards East Loch
2 Clearing bearings. The line of bearing 339° of the Tarbert Pier, passing (with positions from the summit of
summit of Scotasay (57°53′N, 6°45′W) (12.267) open E of Eilean Mór (57°53′N, 6°47′W)):
The Gloraigs (57°51′N, 6°44′W), a group of islets and SSW of the foul ground extending ½ cable SSE from
rocks, 1¼ miles in length, lying about 5 cables off the SW Sgeir Urgha (9½ cables E), thence:
shore, clears 3¼ cables ENE of Bogha Bhocaig. 2 NNE of Little Whiting Rock (5 cables ESE) and of a
3 The line of bearing 319° of the summit of Scotasay just bank extending 1¼ cables NW on which there are
open SW of Rossay (above) clears close SW of the shoals several drying rocks. For clearing marks see
surrounding Sgeir Griadach but passes between Sgeir 12.280. Thence:
Griadach Light-buoy (above) and the rock it marks. 3 NNE of a detached rocky shoal, with a least charted
12.275 depth of 6⋅2 m (1½ cables NE), which fronts
1 North-east of The Gloraigs. From a position 9½ cables Eileanan Diraclett, a group of islands extending
WNW of Greinem the line of bearing 110°, astern, of that

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5 cables NW/SE which are connected to each other S, distant 1 cable, from Rubha Crago (12.260), the
and to the SW shore by a drying reef. Eilean Mór NE entrance point of the sound, to avoid the
is the largest of the group. Thence: fringing reef and bank, thence:
4 SSW of Oban Rocks (5 cables NNE) which lie 3 N of Elliot Rock (2½ cables SSW) which consists of
1 cable from the N shore, thence: 3 heads, the central of which has a swept depth as
NNE of Sgeir Bhuidhe (4¼ cables NNW) an shown on the chart, which lies 1½ cables NNW of
above-water reef extending ¾ cable from the shore Bulla na h-Acairseid Fhalaich. Thence:
and marked near its E extremity by a red beacon, Between the shores of the sound which are bold and
and: steep-to at the E end.
5 SSW of Rubha Dubh (6 cables NNW), on which 4 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 284° of the
stands a white beacon and which is so steep-to Sound of Scalpay, kept open, clears close N of Bogha Aird
that it is sometimes used for vessels to lie Riabhach but passes over shoal water close E of the rock
alongside, thence: and also over Elliot Rock, 5½ cables WNW of Bogha Aird
NNE of Craobhag (6½ cables NW) a vertical cliff on Riabhach.
the S side of the entrance to East Loch Tarbert 12.284
Harbour, on which stands a red beacon. 1 Narrows. From a position 5¾ cables WSW of Rubha
12.280 Crago the track leads WNW through the fairway of the
1 Clearing marks: narrowest part of the sound, in which the deeper water is
The alignment (153°) of the SW coast of Sgeir Ghlas found S of the centreline, and under the road bridge
(57°52′⋅4N, 6°45′⋅2W) (12.278) with Dun Corr (12.268), passing (with positions from Rubha Crago):
Mór Light (1½ miles SSE) (12.273) clears 1 cable 2 SSW of drying rocks which extend ¾ cable SE from
ENE of Little Whiting Rock. Mol a Chaolais (7 cables W) on which stands a
12.281 beacon, thence:
1 Useful marks: SSW of the fringing reef and coastal bank, with
Two conspicuous white houses standing on the SW charted depths of less than 10 m, extending
shore of East Loch Tarbert Harbour in position ½ cable S from the N shore (9 cables W).
2 cables SSE and 4 cables SSE of East Loch 12.285
Tarbert Pier Light. 1 Useful marks:
2 Berthing lights shown from structures as follows: Beacon (1 mile W) and another, 2 cables SW of the
(grey column on dolphin) on the SE corner of East first beacon, which mark the landing places of a
Loch Tarbert Pier; (grey column) at the end of the submarine cable.
Ro-Ro ramp, close NW of the pier. 12.286
1 Approach to Tarbert. From a position 1¼ miles W of
Rubha Crago the track leads generally W for 1½ miles in
Directions for Bràigh Mór at night clear water, passing (with positions from the summit of
12.282 Scotasay (57°52′⋅7N, 6°45′⋅0W)):
1 From the vicinity of 57 50′N, 6°42′W a white sector S of the N shore of the loch which is bold and free
(319°–329°) of Sgeir Ghlas Light (57°52′⋅4N, 6°45′⋅2W) from dangers, and:
(12.273) leads into Bràigh Mór but includes within the 2 N of MacQueens Rock (1 mile E) which covers at
sector the 3 detached shoals, with least depths of 9⋅1 m, HW and from which a reef extends ¾ cable E,
3⋅8 m and 7⋅9 m, as given at 12.273. Passage along the NE thence:
part of the sector is recommended but it should be noted N of Sgeir Reamhar (8 cables ESE) a drying rock
that 2 of the above shoals lie in this part of the sector. which lies on the E side of the channel passing SE
2 When Sgeir Ghlas Light is 7 cables distant the track of Scotasay, which connects with Bràigh Mór,
alters to pass 1 cable W of the light. From this position the 1 mile S, thence:
track leads N to achieve a white sector (153°–164°) astern, 3 N of Stac a’ Chaorainn (5½ cables ESE) an
of Sgeir Ghlas Light, which then leads NNW in clear above-water rock near the SE end of a bank and
water.
foul ground extending 2¼ cables E from the E
From a position 8 cables NNW of Sgeir Ghlas Light the
extremity of Scotasay (12.267), thence:
track leads WNW into East Loch Tarbert Harbour as given
N of marine farms (1.17) moored up to 1 cable off
at 12.279.
the N coast of Scotasay.
4 From a position 3 cables NNW of the Summit of
Directions for Sound of Scalpay and approach to Scotasay the track leads WNW into East Loch Tarbert
Tarbert Harbour as given at 12.279.
12.283
1 Approach and entry. From position 57°52′⋅7N,
6°38′⋅0W the approach and entry into Sound of Scalpay Basins and berths
(12.268) leads W passing (with positions from Rubha 12.287
Crago (57°53′N, 6°40′W)): 1 Anchorage is available near the head of the loch in
N of Bogha Aird Riabhach (5½ cables SE), a drying mid-channel, as shown on the chart, in depths of 26 m,
rock lying 1 cable ENE of Aird Riabhach, a point mud, well protected from the weather. However, it was
on the NE side of Scalpay (12.250) which forms reported (1953) that the holding ground was poor. Smaller
the SE entrance point of the sound, and: vessels and craft anchor closer to East Loch Tarbert Pier, as
2 S of the bank surrounding Sgeir an Daimh (9 cables shown on the chart.
NNE), which lies 3½ cables NE of Squally Boe 2 Anchorage is also available outside North Harbour
and is visible except at very high water with a (57°52′⋅5N, 6°42′⋅0W), as shown on the chart, but the
smooth sea, thence: holding ground is not good.

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12.288 several other sheltered anchorages. However there are

1 Alongside berths. East Loch Tarbert Pier, which extends numerous rocks in this loch, most of which dry, and marine
from the NE shore near the head of the loch, connects with farms (1.17) are moored off the S and N sides of the loch,
the ferry terminal. as shown on the chart. A slipway is situated in the SW
A Ro-Ro terminal, extended by 2 dolphins, is situated corner of the loch.
close NW of the pier, and has an alongside depth of 4⋅9 m.
There is 1 other berth. Small craft
2 There is a berth for coasters and fishing vessels at a Chart 2642
seafood processing plant at Bayhead (57°52′⋅6N, 6°41′⋅3W)
Loch Rodel
on the S side of the Sound of Scalpay close W of the
12.297
bridge.
1 Anchorage. Loch Rodel (57°44′N, 6°58′W), lying on
Port services the NE side of Renish Point, is 2 cables wide with deep
12.289 water in the fairway. In offshore winds anchorage may be
1 Supplies: petrol and diesel fuel can be obtained; fresh obtained 5 cables within the entrance in depths of 18 to
water is available at the pier; limited quantities of 22 m, clear of a marine farm (1.17), but a heavy sea sets in
provisions and ship’s stores can also be obtained. with gales between SE and WSW. Secure anchorage can be
obtained at the head of the bay on the NW side.
Small craft 2 Poll an Tigh-mhail, lying close E of Loch Rodel, is a
12.290 small, well sheltered basin which, it is reported, is only
1 General information. East Loch Tarbert is reported to accessible above half tide. The main entrance is from the
be an excellent place of arrival for small craft at the Outer NE side of Loch Rodel, where the bottom is smooth and
Hebrides from positions on the Scottish mainland N of little swell is felt, or directly from seaward when there is
Skye. This combines a shorter crossing of the Little Minch no swell.
with relative ease of access. The loch provides many 3 Poll an Tigh-mhail contains an artificial harbour, which
well-sheltered harbours and anchorages but careful dries, and a jetty in the NW part of the basin. Visitors’
navigation is required. moorings extend along the SE side of the basin and
12.291 anchorage can be obtained on the S side or off the jetty in
1 North Harbour (57°52′⋅5N, 6°42′⋅0W), a sheltered inlet the N corner of the basin.
on the NW side of Scalpay, is the principal harbour for the Chart 1795
island and is a fishing station.
Loch Finsbay
Good anchorage can be obtained in the main basin in a
12.298
depth of 3⋅5 m.
1 Anchorage. Loch Finsbay (57°46′N, 6°54′W) affords
2 Fish Pier, with a length of 54 m and a depth of 1 m
anchorage in mid-channel, 5 cables NW of Finsbay Island
alongside its head, extends from the head of the harbour; a
(12.258), which is approached through a channel with a
light stands on the head of the pier. There is also a wharf
width of 1 cable. Smaller craft can obtain good anchorage,
and several other berths.
sheltered from all winds, in the N arm of the head of the
Supplies can be obtained.
loch, in mid channel, in a depth of 5 m, mud. This loch is
Drinishader open SE but hardly any sea is raised and the holding
12.292 ground is good.
1 A small concrete pier at Drinishader (57°51′⋅2N, 2 Access. Loch Finsbay is the only one of the East Bays
6°46′⋅0W) extends NE from the W part of a bay NW of of Harris (12.250) which can be approached in safety
Rubha na Móine. without local knowledge, although it is not easy to
12.293 distinguish in misty weather.
1 Anchorages around Scalpay and within East Loch Supplies. Small quantities of provisions can be obtained
Tarbert are given in the following paragraphs in order from at Finsbay village which is situated on the W side of the
SE to NW. W arm at the head of the loch.
Eilean Glas. The bay close W of Eilean Glas (57°51′N, Loch Gheocrab and Loch Beacravik
6°38′W) provides occasional anchorage sheltered from all 12.299
directions except S. An overhead cable crosses the head of 1 Loch Gheocrab (57°48′N, 6°51′W) affords anchorage in
the bay, as shown on the chart, and there is a pier with a summer, clear of marine farms (1.17) and of a submarine
crane on the E side of the bay. power cable which is landed on the E side of the loch,
12.294 near the entrance to Loch Beacravik (below).
1 South Harbour (57°52′N, 6°42′W), a sheltered inlet on 2 Loch Beacravik, the W arm at the head of Loch
the SW side of Scalpay, affords anchorage to a variety of Gheocrab, which forms an almost landlocked basin, affords
craft, clear of marine farms (1.17) as shown on the chart. good sheltered anchorage in a depth of 9 m, clear of
There are many small craft moorings in the N part of the marine farms (1.17) moored in the loch. A large shed,
harbour. which contains a salmon hatchery, stands at the head of the
12.295 loch. The entrance to the loch is obstructed and local
1 Plocrapool Bay (57°50′⋅6N, 6°45′⋅0W) provides a snug knowledge is required.
but shallow anchorage on the SW side of East Loch
Tarbert, inside The Gloraigs (12.274). Local knowledge is Loch Stockinish
required to avoid numerous rocks which dry. 12.300
12.296 1 Anchorage. Loch Stockinish (57°49′N, 6°50′W) affords
1 Loch Ceann Dibig (57°52′N, 6°48′W) situated on the good anchorage in depths of 16 to 22 m in the inner part
W side of East Loch Tarbert, affords good anchorage in a of the loch that is completely sheltered and 2½ cables
clear space 2½ cables in width, as shown on the chart, and wide, clear of marine farms (1.17) moored in the loch.

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2 Access. Stockinish Island and numerous islets and rocks Shell, the coast consists of cliffs, 30 to 90 m high, which
block the fairway to the loch making access very difficult slope steeply to the shores of the bays. The most notable of
and local knowledge essential. Caolas Beag, the channel these is Mol Chadha Gearraidh, 2 miles NNE of Rubh’
NE of Stockinish Island, which has a least width of 27 m Uisenis, with its cottages, gravel beach and marked
at its N end and a depth of 3⋅7 m, is the recommended watercourse. The coastline extending N from Srianach
entrance channel for small craft. (58°00′N, 6°23′W) continues cliffy.
3 Alongside berth and a pontoon are available at 3 Many of the mountains in the Isle of Lewis attain
Stockinish Pier. elevations of nearly 550 m; of these Toddun (57°56′N,
6°43′W) shows prominently from the E. Crionaig, in close
Loch Grosebay proximity to Gormol (57°58′N, 6°34′W) is a broad-topped
12.301 mountain and Meall Mór, 2 miles SSE, is a remarkable
1 Loch Grosebay (57°49′N, 6°47′W) affords safe hummock (67 m high) which rises abruptly from the E
anchorage in 9 m, mud, above Sgeir a’ Chais, a group of shore of Loch Bhrollum (12.336) and is reported to be
above-water rocks which lie 2 cables from the head of the conspicuous.
loch. This anchorage, which is approached through a 4 Shiant Islands (57°54′N, 6°22′W), lying about 4 miles
channel with a width of 1 cable, is rather exposed to SE SE of Rubh’ Uisenis and separated from it by the Sound of
winds and swell and is not recommended by local Shiant, are a group of 2 islands and several islets and rocks
fishermen who prefer Loch Scadabay (below). of basaltic formation. These islands are not permanently
inhabited but afford pasture to a number of sheep and
Loch Scadabay
home to a profusion of seabirds. Eilean an Tighe, the S
12.302
part of the largest island of the group, has precipitous cliffs
1 Loch Scadabay (57°50′N, 6°46′W), which extends NE
on its E side and is lower than Garbh Eilean, the N part, to
from the NE side of Loch Grosebay (above), forms a
which it is joined by Mol Mor, a distinctive, low, narrow
canal-like channel between low cliffs, with a least width of
and stony isthmus. Eilean Mhuire, 3 cables E of Garbh
30 m and a least depth of 2⋅1 m, sand in the fairway.
Eilean, is narrow, low and flat along its SE end,
Entrance to the loch is not difficult.
terminating in an above-water rock.
2 A pool at the head of the loch affords perfect shelter
5 A chain of detached islets and rocks extends 1¼ miles
and secure anchorage in a depth of 2⋅1 m, mud, at its
W from the NW extremity of Garbh Eilean; all of the
centre. This anchorage is used by local fishermen during
rocks are above-water and bare except for Damhag, at the
winter gales.
W extremity, which dries. Galta Mòr, the largest islet in the
3 A rough concrete jetty extends from the E side of the
chain, has a little grass on its summit.
loch and small quantities of provisions can be obtained.
Depths
Other names 12.306
1 A general description of the banks and depths within the
Chart 1795, 2905 Little Minch, including depths to the SW and S of the
12.303 Shiant Islands, is given at 12.8.
1 Chluar, Loch (57°48′N, 6°48′W) Controlling depth. Charted depths are very uneven
Paterson Rock (57°52′⋅8N, 6°46′⋅5W) along the route described at 12.304 which passes over
Stiughay (islet) (57°52′N, 6°43′W) detached rocky shoals and the NW extremity of the bank
Uamha, Loch na h- (57°49′⋅4N, 6°45′⋅2W) surrounding the Shiant Islands, in a least charted depth of
30 m (57°55′N, 6°26′W).
RUBHA CRAGO TO GOB NA MILAID 2 The coastal bank, with charted depths of less than 50 m,
extends less than 1 mile offshore; however, detached shoals,
General information with a least charted depth of 23⋅5 m (57°59′N, 6°22′W),
which lie up to 2¼ miles off the coast, are situated inside
Chart 1794 the recommended track given at 12.304.
Route
12.304
Hazards
1 The N part of the coastal route along the W side of the 12.307
Little Minch (12.1) from a position off Rubha Crago 1 The route described above passes through an area of
(57°53′N, 6°40′W) continues NE for about 2½ miles then fishing activity, as given at 12.10, and includes submarine
ENE for about 7½ miles to a position SE of Gob na Milaid exercise areas, as given at 12.9.
(58°01′N, 6°22′W). This route follows the track of the Rescue
directed route given at 12.2 and shown on the chart but is 12.308
presented from SW to NE which is the reverse direction to 1 An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) is based at
that given for the directed route. Scalpay (57°51′N, 6°38′W).
For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 12.13.
Topography
12.305 Tidal streams
1 A general description of the Isle of Lewis is given at 12.309
1.87. 1 A general description of the tidal streams within the
Isle of Lewis south-east side.The SE coast of the Isle Little Minch, including the streams in the vicinity of the
of Lewis is as bleak and remote as any in the Outer Shiant Islands, is given at 12.15.
Hebrides, with neither roads nor houses between Loch 2 Details of the tidal streams in the Sound of Shiant,
Seaforth (57°55′N, 6°40′W) and Loch Shell, 8 miles NE. between Rubh’ Uisenis (57°56′N, 6°28′W) and the Shiant
2 From Rubh’ Uisenis (57°56′N, 6°28′W) (12.315) to Islands is given on the chart. However, with strong winds
Rubha Ailltenish, 3¼ miles N, the S entrance point to Loch from the NE, the SW-going stream sets in a more S

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direction, towards Damhag (57°54′N, 6°25′W) and the Loch Bhrollum to Gob na Milaid
channel between Galta Mòr, 4 cables ESE, and the main 12.315
islands. 1 From position 57°54′N, 6°30′W the line of bearing 240°,
12.310 astern, of Eilean Glas Light (57°51′N, 6°38′W) (12.255),
1 Heavy overfalls which occur in the Sound of Shiant, to leads 060° along the recommended track shown on the
the NE of the bank in position 57°55′N, 06°26′W, as chart, through the Sound of Shiant (12.305), passing (with
shown on the chart, are particularly dangerous to small positions from Rubh’ Uisenis Light (57°56′N, 6°28′W)):
craft when winds from the NE oppose the NE-going tidal 2 SSE of drying rocks which extend ½ cable S from
stream. Rubha Bhrollum (1½ miles WSW) which consists
of a vertical cliff 30 m high. Deep water exists
Principal marks outside the rocks. And:
12.311 3 SSE of a detached rocky patch, with a charted depth
1 Landmark: of 10⋅5 m (1¼ miles WSW), the existence of
Eilean Glas Lighthouse (57°51′N, 6°38′W) (12.255). which is doubtful, which lies 3 cables offshore in
the S entrance to Camas Thimascro thence:
4 SSE, distant 1½ miles from Rubh’ Uisenis, a smooth,
sloping headland which terminates in a rocky point
and contrasts strongly with the rugged cliffs of the
coast to the N. Uisenis Light (white tower, 7 m in
height) stands on the point. Thence:
5 Over the controlling depth (12.306) lying on the NW
part of a narrow bank which extends 2½ miles
WNW from Garb Eilean (4 miles SE) the largest
of the Shiant Islands (12.305). At this point the
recommended track passes 1½ miles NW of Galta
Mòr (12.305) and about 7 cables NW of Shiants
Light-buoy (starboard hand) which is moored
7½ cables NNW of Damhag (12.305). Thence:
6 SSE of Sgeir Ailltenish, a low green islet lying close
SSE of Rubha Ailltenish (3¼ miles N) which is
also green. It is reported that a large vertical mark,
Eilean Glas Light from ESE (12.311) situated near Rubha Ailltenish, can be seen from a
(Original dated 2000) distance of 10 miles to seaward. Sgeir Ailltenish,
(Photograph − Air Images) which sometimes though rarely covers, is nearly
joined to the point at LW. Thence:
12.312 7 SSE of the entrance to Loch Shell (3½ miles NNE)
1 Major light: (12.327), and:
Eilean Glas Light—as above. NNW of Eilean Mhuire (4¾ miles ESE) (12.305),
thence:
Other navigational aids SSE of Srianach (4½ miles NNE) a bold headland
12.313 which is precipitous, steep-to and shows a vertical
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the face to the W, thence:
Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at SSE of Gob na Milaid (6 miles NE) (13.35).
1.33. (Directions continue for coastal passage NE at 13.35)

Directions Loch Seaforth

(continued from 12.262)
General information
Loch Seaforth to Loch Brollum 12.316
12.314 1 Loch Seaforth, a long narrow loch which reaches into a
1 From the vicinity of 57°52′N, 6°33′W the coastal route mountainous region of Harris and Lewis, is entered
leads 040° along the recommended track shown on the between Rubha Crago (57°53′N, 6°40′W) (12.260) and
chart, passing (with positions from Eilean Glas Light): Aird a’ Bhàigh, 2¾ miles NE. The main loch extends
SE of the entrance to Loch Seaforth (3½ miles N) 6½ miles NNW to Seaforth Island which occupies a central
(12.316), thence: position in the loch, leaving a clear channel 1 cable wide
2 NW of an isolated shoal patch, with a least charted on both sides. The loch then continues 3½ miles NNE and
depth of 29 m (4¼ miles ENE), thence: thence 2½ miles E to its head, which is known as Upper
SE of rocks which dry, extending ½ cable SW from Loch Seaforth.
Rubha Bhalamuis Bhig (4 miles NE), a long, low, 2 The loch proper commences between Ard Caol,
irregular point containing a few hillocks 15 to 2¼ miles N of Rubha Crago, and Rubha Bridog to the E,
21 m high and terminating in a rock 3 m high, where the channel is only 5 cables wide. One mile within
which forms the E entrance point to Loch Claidh the entrance the loch narrows to a width of 2¼ cables in
(12.335), thence: consequence of the high mountains on both sides.
3 SE of drying rocks which extend ¾ cable from Rubh’ 12.317
a’ Bhaird (4¾ miles NE), a sloping point with very 1 Topography. The position of Loch Seaforth can be
little cliff, lying at the E end of a coast which is identified by its proximity to Eilean Glas Light (57°51′N,
rocky and indented for 1 mile. 6°38′W) (12.255) and the mountain of Toddun (57°56′N,

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6°43′W) (12.305) which stands WNW of the entrance to entrance to the loch proper from S, passing (with positions
the loch proper. from Ard Caol):
2 The E shore of the loch from Rubha Bridog, which from 4 E of the entrance to Loch Trollamarig (5 cables S) in
S shows as a cliff with a bare point of rock extending from which there are several above-water and
it, to a position abreast Seaforth Island, is steep-to and below-water rocks and which, being open E is not
nearly straight. For the first 3 miles the coast consists of safe as an anchorage, and:
rugged broken cliffs nearly 300 m high in places which rise W of Bo Ruadh (6 cables ESE) a rock which dries
inland to Caiteshal, a steep hill. Kenmore, 3 miles above 0⋅3 m, lying close S of Sgeir Hal, above, thence:
the entrance (12.322), is the only point which breaks the 5 Between Iolla Mhor (2½ cables S) a drying rock and
straight line. Sgeir Hal, 5 cables E of the rock, above, which
3 The W shore of the loch from Ard Caol, on which lies 4 cables WSW of Rubha Bridog (12.317).
stands a radio mast, to Seaforth Island is generally free Within the loch it is necessary only to keep in
from dangers except for Sgeir nan Ron, which dries 2⋅1 m, mid-channel.
and lies 3 cables N of Glas Sgeir, a green islet, 1¼ miles 12.322
NNW of Ard Caol and 75 m from the SW shore. 1 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 338° of Kenmore
Marine farms (1.17) are moored in the loch. (57°57′⋅6N, 6°42′⋅1W), a remarkable isolated hill, 56 m
12.318 high, standing on the E side of the loch and with a
1 Depths within the loch are considerable until close to shepherd’s hut on the lower neck connecting the point with
Seaforth Island. Channels past this island have a least depth the land behind it, open NE of the SW side of the loch,
of 5⋅9 m on the W side and of 10⋅2 m on the E side. clears close ENE of Iolla Mhor. This line of bearing does
12.319 not clear Sgeir an Daimh.
1 Tidal streams in the entrance to Loch Seaforth are 12.323
weak and set as follows: 1 Useful mark. Aline Lodge and adjacent buildings
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks (5¾ miles NNW), situated on the W shore of the loch
above Seaforth Island, are visible from the entrance to the
+0600 In-going stream begins loch.
–0025 Out-going stream begins

2 In the narrows on both sides of Seaforth Island the

Anchorages
in-going stream begins 10 minutes later and the out-going 12.324
stream 5 minutes later than at the entrance. The rate at 1 In the entrance. In 1977 HM Surveying Ship Hecla
spring tides is 1 kn in both directions. (2800 tons) obtained anchorage in the entrance to Loch
3 In the narrows leading to Upper Loch Seaforth the Seaforth as follows:
streams set as follows: With Rubha Bridog (57°55′N, 6°39′W) (12.317)
bearing 345°, 1¼ miles, in a depth of 28 m.
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks 2 With Rubha Bridog bearing 334°, 5½ cables, as
–0415 In-going stream begins shown on the chart, in a depth of 29 m, clear of
Bo Bhridag, a drying rock lying close off Rubha
+0025 Out-going stream begins
Bridog, and of Eilean Dubh a’ Bhaigh (21 m high),
7 cables SE of Rubha Bridog, which is fringed
The stream here sets very strongly and is said to attain a
with drying rocks.
rate of 7 kn in both directions at spring tides.
3 Both positions have good holding in soft grey mud and
12.320
broken shell, with shelter from winds between SW and N.
1 Local weather. Squalls, which occur above the narrows,
The coast between Rubha Bridog and Aird a’ Bhàigh,
1 mile from the entrance, are extremely sudden and violent
1¼ miles E (12.335), is indented with 2 small inlets.
from unpredictable directions due to the wind accelerating
12.325
down the steep mountain slopes on both sides of the loch.
1 Loch Maaruig (57°57′N, 6°43′W), on the W side of
Traffic. This loch is not much used by shipping at
Loch Seaforth, affords good anchorage that is suitable for
present.
coasters, clear of a marine farm (1.17) moored in the loch,
and with the entrance to Loch Seaforth shut-in.
Useful marks:
Directions Maaruig Island (10 m high), 4 cables WNW of the S
12.321 entrance point to Loch Maaruig.
1 Approach from south-east. From the vicinity of 2 Maaruig Point, 4 cables W of the S entrance point,
57°51′N, 6°37′W the line of bearing 341° of Sgeir Hal, a which is the extremity of a black cliffy promontory
small bare rock 5½ cables ESE of Ard Caol (57°55′⋅0N, extending from the N side of the loch.
6°40′⋅4W), leads towards the entrance, passing (with Basin. A well sheltered basin within Maaruig Point, with
positions from Ard Caol): depths of 7 m mud, affords anchorage to small craft and, in
ENE of Eilean Glas (3¾ miles SSE) (12.255), thence: places, the shore is so steep-to that craft can moor to it and
2 ENE of Sound of Scalpay (2½ miles S) (12.268), lie afloat.
thence:
ENE, distant 2½ cables from Sgeir an Daimh
(1½ miles SSE) (12.283), thence: Small craft
WSW of Eilean Mòr a’ Bhàigh (1¾ miles ESE) a 12.326
grass covered islet which is steep-to. 1 Anchorage is available for small craft off the jetty at
3 When clear of the bank extending 3½ cables NNW from Aline Lodge (58°00′N, 6°45′W) in depths of 13 to 18 m
Sgeir an Daimh and the unexamined 11⋅4 m patch at the mud. More shelter can be found 5 cables farther NE in a
extremity of the bank, the track is adjusted to approach the depth of 7 m.

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Loch Shell 12.329

1 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 146° of the NE
extremity of Eilean Mhuire (6 miles SE) (12.305) open SW
of Sgeir nan Caorach (above), clears close SW of Sgeirean
General information Dubha and of Bogha Ruadh.
12.327
1 Loch Shell, entered between Rubha Ailltenish (57°59′N,
6°27′W) and Srianach, 2¼ miles ENE, contains one of the
best and most convenient anchorages on the E side of the
Anchorages
Isle of Lewis. The main loch is entered through Caolas a’
12.330
Deas, 5 cables N of Rubha Ailltenish (12.315), the entrance
1 Loch Shell. The best anchorage in Loch Shell lies in the
to which is prominent, free of danger and easy of access.
middle of the loch with Eishken Lodge, near the head of
2 An outer anchorage is approached through Caolas a’
Tob Eishken (58°01′N, 6°32′W), which has farm buildings
Tuath, 1½ miles NE of Rubha Ailltenish, (12.331).
and sheep enclosures close to it, bearing 337°, as shown on
Topography. The S side of Loch Shell is high and steep
the chart, in a depth of 33 m. The holding ground in this
but without any cliffs. The N side of the loch is much
position is stiff mud making this anchorage safe against the
indented and, between Srianach and Tob Lemreway,
strongest gales.
1½ miles WNW, there are 2 bays with gravel or stony
12.331
beaches.
1 Caolas a’ Tuath (58°00′N, 6°25′W) set between Eilean
3 Marine farms (1.17) encumber several of the inlets
Iubhard (12.328) and the mainland N and NE, affords
within the loch.
excellent anchorage.
Depths. Within Rubha Ailltenish there are no offshore
2 Topography. Caolas a’ Tuath is difficult to identify from
shoals along the S side of the loch.
S as Eilean Iubhard does not appear to be detached from
Tidal streams, which are barely perceptible, set as
the mainland, but a high cavern in the highest cliff of
follows:
Srianach, 5 cables from the point (12.315), and the shape of
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks Eilean Iubhard (12.328) assist in identifying the entrance.
+0610 In-going stream begins 3 Directions. To enter Caolas a’ Tuath the track leads
midway between Srianach and the E end of Eilean Iubhard,
–0005 Out-going stream begins thence in mid-channel, passing (with positions from
4 Local weather. In W gales very violent squalls are Srianach):
experienced in the outer anchorage at Caolas a’ Tuath, 4 SE of Sgeir Phlathuig (dries 0⋅6 m) (8 cables NW)
6 cables W of Srianch, and severe gusts also occur in the which lies 1 cable offshore; its position is marked
inner part of Loch Shell. by a steep watercourse and ravine with large
stones at its mouth, formed where the coast
changes from precipitous cliffs to fairly steep
braes. See clearing bearings, below.
Directions 5 When Sgeir Fhraoich (5 m high) (1½ miles WNW)
12.328 which is covered with heather, is visible, open N of Eilean
1 Approach and entry. From the vicinity of 57°59′N, Iubhard, the track alters W towards the anchorage, passing
6°25′W the approach and entry to Loch Shell leads NW, clear of marine farms (1.17) moored along the N shore of
passing (with positions from Rubha Ailltenish): the island.
SW of Srianach (2¼ miles ENE) (12.315), thence: 6 Clearing marks:
NE of a rocky shoal, with a depth of 7⋅4 m over it The alignment (272°) of Rubha Buidhe (2 miles W),
(3 cables SE), and: a sloping promontory on the N side of the loch,
2 SW of Stac a’ Bhaig (8 cables NE) a small islet lying with a deep hollow in the distant land and just
off the S side of Eilean Iubhard, a larger island, open N of Sròn Chrom, the NE extremity of
lying in the entrance to Loch Shell, which has an Eilean Iubhard, clears close S of Sgeir Phlathuig.
irregular outline and a fall in the middle, with 7 The alignment (178°) of the SE extremity of Eilean
coasts which are generally steep-to ½ cable Iubhard with the W extremity of Galta Mòr,
offshore, thence: 6 miles S, (12.305) clears close W of Sgeir
3 NE of Sgeir Ailltenish (12.315), thence: Phlathuig.
Through Caolas a’ Deas and SW of Sgeir nan 8 Anchorage. The recommended anchorage lies close E of
Caorach (7 cables N) a rock (1 m high) lying close Sgeir Fhraoich in a depth of 20 m, stiff mud, with the
SW of the W extremity of Eilean Iubhard, thence: entrance to Caolas a’ Tuath well shut-in. See local weather
4 SW of Sgeirean Dubha (dries 2⋅9 m) (8½ cables N), 2 at 12.327.
rocks close together which lie 2 cables SW of
Rubha Buidhe (12.331), thence:
SW of a reef, parts of which dry, which extends
1 cable E and N from Bogha Ruadh (1 mile N) Small craft anchorages
which lies 1 cable offshore, dries 4 m and is 12.332
steep-to at its S end, thence: 1 Tob Lemreway. Anchorage may be obtained in the
5 SW of Sgeir Leum (2 m high) (1¼ miles NNW), a entrance to Tob Lemreway, 1½ miles WNW of Srianach, in
small rock lying 2 cables from the N shore with a depth of 11 m, with a swinging circle of 1 cable. In N
another rock, with a depth of 0⋅3 m over it, winds anchorage is recommended off the E side of the
close W. inlet, 3 cables from its head. The village of Lemreway
Within the loch it is necessary only to keep in stands on the shores of the inlet and the hills in its vicinity
mid-channel. are cultivated.

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12.333 peninsula separating Loch Seaforth from Loch Claidh, and

1 Head of Loch Shell. Anchorage may be obtained Rubha Bhalamuis Bhig, 1¼ miles ESE, (12.314). This loch
5 cables from the head of the loch in a depth of about 9 m. is recommended for use as an anchorage only in
emergency, also for small craft.
Anchorages 2 The entrance is open and reasonably clear except for the
following rocks (with positions from Aird a’ Bhàigh):
Shiant Islands Sgeir Niogaig (8 cables ESE) a bare rock 5 m high,
12.334 that is connected with the shore by a drying reef
1 A general description of the Shiant Islands (57°54′N, and has 2 drying rocks lying ½ cable W.
6°22′W) is given at 12.305 and a description of the depths 3 Pender Rock (3 cables SE) which lies near the SE
surrounding these islands is included at 12.8. Tidal streams end of foul ground, with above-water and
in the vicinity are described at 12.15. below-water rocks on it, which extends 4 cable SE
2 Channels. The channel between Garbh Eilean (12.305) from Aird a’ Bhàigh.
and Galta Beag, 3 cables SW, is deep and free from danger. 4 Tidal streams set strongly near Pender Rock creating
The channels between Damhag, at the W end of the group, turbulence that is dangerous to small craft. The directions,
(12.305) and Galta Mòr (12.305), and between that island rates and times of these streams are not known.
and Galta Beag, are not recommended due to the uneven Anchorage may be obtained off an indentation on the
nature of the bottom. SW side of the loch, 1¼ miles within the entrance, with
3 Anchorages. In 1953 HM Surveying Ship Cook
shelter during a SW gale but exposed to the SE.
(1580 tons) anchored on the W side of Shiant Islands in a 5 Small craft may obtain anchorage as follows (with
depth of 27 m, rock, with Galta Mòr bearing 299°, distant
positions from Rubha Bhalamuis Bhig):
about 1 mile, as shown on the chart. This was found to be
6 Tob Smuaisibhig (2½ miles NW), an inlet on the NE
a fair anchorage in E winds.
side of the loch, provides the best anchorage in
4 In 1977 HM Surveying Ship Hecla (2800 tons) anchored
Loch Claidh, in the middle of the inlet, in a depth
1½ cables NNE of the anchorage described above and of 13 m, stiff clay, broken shells and stones. It is
found good holding in sand and mud, in a depth of 25 m.
reported that a considerable sea sets in during S
This anchorage is well protected from a NE swell. gales.
5 Temporary anchorage can be obtained, in summer, in the
7 Eilean Thinngarstaigh (1¼ miles NW) a green islet
bay formed between Eilean an Tighe, Garbh Eilean and
lying 1 cable from the NE shore, affords anchorage
Eilean Mhuire, sheltered from W and NW winds. The best
off its NE side in depths of 5 to 7 m, mud and
berth is in a depth of 16 m, hard sand, with Mol Mor
sand, in a space just 120 m wide.
(12.305) bearing 250°, distant 2½ cables, where the holding
ground is good. This anchorage is open to SE and SW
winds, and, during gales from the latter quarter, a heavy Small craft
swell rolls in.
6 Clearing bearing. The line of bearing 011° of Kebock Loch Bhrollum
Head (58°02′N, 6°22′W) (13.35) open W of Galta Mòr 12.336
clears 4 cables W of South Shiant Rock (57°51′N, 6°25′W) 1 Loch Bhrollum is entered between Rubh’ a’ Bhaird
(12.8). (57°55′N, 6°32′W) (12.314) and Rubha Bhrollum, 1 mile
Clearing marks: NE (12.315). Aird Dubh, 5 cables NNW of Rubha
The alignment (005°) of the NW extremity of Garbh Bhrollum, is a grassy peninsula on the E side of the loch
Eilean (12.305) with Kebock Head, 8 miles N, which attains an elevation of 15 m at its N end.
clears 6 cables E of South Shiant Rock. 2 Anchorage can be obtained in the N part of the loch,
7 Small craft usually anchor on the E side of Mol Mor above Meall Mór, 1 mile NW of Rubha Bhrollum, (12.305)
(above) in moderate W winds. in depths of 5 to 20 m, clay. Both shores are clear of rocks
but this part of the loch is only 1 cable wide and open S.
Loch Claidh
12.335 Loch Bhalamuis
1 Loch Claidh, which extends NNW into a mountainous 12.337
and isolated part of the Isle of Lewis, is entered between 1 Loch Bhalamuis (57°55′N, 6°34′W), a narrow loch
Aird a’ Bhàigh (57°55′N, 6°36′W), the termination of the which affords anchorage in shallow water near its head.

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NOTES

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Chapter 13 - North Minch

40´ 50´ 40´ 30´ 20´ 10´ 6° 50´ 40´ 30´ 20´ 10´ 5° 50´
Cape Wrath

CHAPTER
6

Butt of Lewis
30´ 13.288 30´

Kinlochbervie
13.288
2503 13.288

13.309
13.90 Lo
13.274 ch
La
x fo
rd 13.309
2502 2503
20´ 13.322 20´

13.104 13.322 Loch

a´Chàir
n Bhàin
13.322
1794

la
L E W I S

su
428

nin
Stornoway

Pe
13.90
13.50 e
Ey
13.249
2529
10´ 2529 13.238 10´
NA

2504
13.50 O F
T

ue Lochinver
lJ
1785 et ty 13.249 13.249
13.36 13.36
isort
Loch Er 13.36
2529
2504

13.28 13.186
58° 58°
2509 2500
2501

13.125
13.165
13.138

CHAPTER 13.138 Ullapool

Li 2500
ttl 13.165
12 e Lo
Lo
3146 ch c
B

h
roo

Br
13.138 m

oo
50´ Loch 50´

m
Ewe

50´ 40´ 30´ 20´ Longitude 6° West from Greenwich 40´ 30´ 20´ 10´ 5° 50´

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CHAPTER 13

NORTH MINCH

GENERAL INFORMATION
Chart 2635 Minor harbours of importance, in order of presentation
Synopsis are:
13.1 Loch Ewe (57°50′N, 5°38′W) (13.138).
1 This chapter covers that part of North Minch (58°N, 2 Ullapool (57°54′N, 5°10′W) (13.165) which is a busy
6°W) which lies between Isle of Lewis and the W coast of fishing port.
Scotland NE of a line joining Gob na Milaid (58°01′N, Lochinver (58°09′N, 5°14′W) (13.249) which is a
6°22′W) on the SE coast of Isle of Lewis, to Rubha Réidh fishing port.
(57°52′N, 5°49′W) on the W coast of Scotland, and Kinlochbervie Harbour (58°27′⋅5N, 5°03′⋅0W)
includes the coastal passages on both sides of the area and (13.288) which is a fishing port.
entry into all navigable lochs and bays.
Depths
Waterway and routes 13.5
13.2 1 Except near the coasts, North Minch is free from
1 North Minch, which is the N end of the Minch channel dangers.
(1.84), is entered from the S as follows: Shiant East Bank (57°58′N, 6°05′W), an extensive bank
From The Little Minch (57°45′N, 6°35′W) (12.1) with depths of less than 50 m, lies at the S end of North
between Rubh’ Uisenis (57°56′N, 6°28′W), situated Minch. The least depth over the bank is 20⋅4 m, centred
on the SE side of Isle of Lewis, and Rubha na about 11 miles NW of Rubha Réidh. A second shallow
h-Aiseig (15 miles SSE) the NE extremity of Isle patch, with a least depth of 21 m, lies at the S end of the
of Skye. bank, centred about 11 miles WNW of the same point.
2 From Sound of Raasay and Inner Sound between 2 Fishing Bank (58°32′N, 5°23′W), lies up to 10 miles off
Rubha na h-Aiseig (above) and Rubha Réidh the W coast of Scotland.
(18 miles ENE), situated on the mainland.
North Minch is entered from the N between Butt of Exercise areas
Lewis (58°31′N, 6°16′W), the N extremity of Isle of Lewis, 13.6
and Cape Wrath (40 miles ENE), the NW extremity of the 1 Submarines exercise frequently, both on the surface and
Scottish mainland. dived, in the area covered by this chapter, as shown on the
3 For navigational dangers see 1.2, with special charts and described in the text. A good lookout is to be
reference to the inner passage at 1.4. kept for them when passing through these waters.
Routes for deep-draught ships are given at 6.10.
Laden tankers. The IMO recommend that, weather Fishing
permitting, laden tankers over 10 000 grt use the 13.7
Deep Water Route given at 6.10. 1 A general description of fishing methods is given in The
For regulations and areas to be avoided see 1.42. Mariner’s Handbook and a summary of the methods used
4 Radio reporting procedures for a position N of the within the area covered by this volume is given at 1.14.
Outer Hebrides, prior to starting a route to the E or W of Within the North Minch known fishing takes place as given
these islands, are given in Admiralty List of Radio Signals in the following paragraphs.
Volume 6(1). 2 Large vessels trawl for white fish in the North Minch
Ocean routes which pass close N of North Minch and specifically off Cape Wrath, the Butt of Lewis, Rona
are given in Ocean Passages for the World. and Sulisker throughout the year.
The main landing ports within North Minch are
Traffic Stornoway, Ullapool, Kinlochbervie, Lochinver and
13.3 Gairloch.
1 The majority of the commercial traffic using North 13.8
Minch, other than inter-island ferries and fishing vessels 1 Trawling and nephrop trawling are carried out
(13.7), proceed along a NNE/SSW route between the N and extensively for white fish on practically all fishing grounds
S entrances of the waterway. Many of these are tankers in the North Minch. Some vessels also work at light
which pass through the area taking advantage of the lee trawling for white fish on grounds off Cape Wrath and Butt
from Isle of Lewis. of Lewis during good weather. When operating within the
2 Small craft tend to cruise along either coast or to cross area the fleet is based at Stornoway (13.50), Kinlochbervie
North Minch between Rubha Réidh (57°52′N, 5°49′W), (13.288) or Lochinver (13.249). Activity commences
situated 5 miles W of Loch Ewe, and Stornoway Harbour towards the end of January, reaches a peak during May,
(58°12′N, 6°23′W). and declines about the end of November.
13.9
Harbours 1 Herring and mackerel fishing. Concentrations of
13.4 vessels fishing for herring or mackerel may be encountered
1 Major harbour described in this chapter is Stornoway in the North Minch from June to March. Fishing also takes
Harbour (58°12′N, 6°23′W) (13.50) which is a busy fishing place for sandeels off Rona and Sulisker, and for blue
port. whiting and argentines N and NW of Lewis.

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13.10 Rescue
1 Seine net fishing is conducted on a moderate scale by 13.16
vessels on most North Minch fishing grounds but especially 1 An Emergency Co-ordination Centre is operated by
off the E coast of Isle of Lewis and off the W coast of Stornoway Coastguard as given in Admiralty List of Radio
Scotland throughout the year. Also, in good weather, off Signals Volume 5.
Cape Wrath and Butt of Lewis. The fleet is based at Loch A VHF Direction Finding Service for emergency use
Bervie and Lochinver. only is also established within the area of this chapter; for
13.11 details see 1.69.
1 Gill net fishing is carried on throughout the year off the A Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre is operated by
W coast of Scotland with a period of greatest activity from Stornoway Coastguard, for details see 1.61.
August to February.
13.12 Sea state
1 Pair trawling is carried out off the W coast of Scotland 13.17
throughout most of the year with the greatest activity from 1 Throughout the North Minch the bottom is uneven and
October to March. the sea may be very rough.
13.13
Currents
1 Purse seine fishing is occasionally carried out within
13.18
the North Minch. This may be at any time of the year but
1 A weak NNE-going current generally sets through the
the period of greatest activity is from August to March.
North Minch, as described at 1.110.
Tidal streams
Marine farms 13.19
13.14 1 General information on tidal streams is given at 1.115.
1 Marine farming equipment (1.17) has been established in 2 Tidal streams between the N end of the Island of Skye
many of the lochs and inlets bordering the North Minch. and Cape Wrath set fairly strongly along the coast and off
The approximate position of known farms is shown on the the salient points, but lose strength across the entrances to
charts and reported in the text; however, further farms may the lochs and inlets and are very weak in the lochs. The
be established without notice and may constitute a hazard times at which the streams are predicted to begin are rather
to navigation and anchoring. irregular, especially between Rubha Réidh (57°52′N,
5°49′W) and Cape Wrath. These irregularities are most
likely to be caused by the fact that the predictions are
Navigation aids based on an insufficient number of observations.
13.15 3 The streams set into and out of North Minch through
1 North Minch is covered by radio navigation aids as The Little Minch, to the S, and round Butt of Lewis and
given at 1.33. The area is also reasonably well lit as, in Cape Wrath to the N. These streams are subject to very
good visibility, the beams of major lights overlap along the large changes from hour to hour, and, at any given time,
centreline. may be very different in localities quite close together. The
2 Positions obtained from satellite navigation systems streams are weak everywhere and, clear of the land, do not
require some adjustment before being plotted on the chart, exceed a rate of 1 kn at spring tide. For details see
until new editions of charts are published using the Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: North Coast of Ireland and
European Terrestrial Reference System 1989 Datum. See West Coast of Scotland and tidal stream stations on the
1.25 and individual charts for details. charts.

NORTH MINCH — WEST SIDE

GENERAL INFORMATION
Chart 2635
Synopsis
13.20
1 This section presents the coastal passage off the E coast
of Isle of Lewis, along the W side of North Minch, from a
position SE of Gob na Milaid (58°01′N, 6°22′W) to a
position ENE of Butt of Lewis (58°31′N, 6°16′W), a
distance of about 35 miles, and includes the following lochs
and harbours (given from S to N):
2 Loch Erisort (58°07′N, 6°25′W) (13.36).
Stornoway Harbour (58°12′N, 6°23′W) (13.50).
Broad Bay (58°15′N, 6°15′W) (13.104).

Topography
Butt of Lewis Lighthouse from N (13.21)
13.21
(Original dated 2000)
1 A general description of Isle of Lewis is given at 1.87. (Photograph − Air Images)
2 North of Loch Erisort the island is comparatively low
with only 2 major hills visible from North Minch. Beinn centre of the island, is the highest of 4 distinct heads which
Mholach (290 m high) (58°15′N, 6°30′W), situated near the show from almost every direction, the W head being the

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lowest by a small margin. Muirneag (246 m high) a salient point 2¾ miles N, which lies close SW of Eilean
(58°21′N, 6°19′W), which is prominent, appears from N or Thòraidh, the coast is rugged and broken but is generally
S as a double flattish summit connected by a long slight steep-to, rising inland to between 60 and 100 m high.
hollow. From E it appears as a single summit sloping 3 At its N end the E coast of Aird Raerinish (58°08′N,
gradually on both sides. 6°22′W) is broken, cavernous, cliffy and steep-to.
3 In addition to the 2 hills given above one other hill,
named Eitshal (58°11′N, 6°35′W), carries a radio mast as
Depths
given at 1.87. 13.30
1 A general description of the depths in North Minch,
Depths including Shiant East Bank, is given at 13.5.
13.22 Hazards
1 A general description of the depths in North Minch, 13.31
including Shiant East Bank (57°58′N, 6°05′W) is given at 1 The route described above passes through an area of
13.5. intense fishing activity, as given at 13.7, which may at
Hazards times present a hazard to vessels crossing the area.
13.23 This route also passes through a submarine exercise
1 Fishing. The W side of North Minch is an area of area, as given at 13.6.
intensive fishing activity as given at 13.7. Fishing floats Rescue
and stray lines, which are often partially submerged and 13.32
difficult to see, can be encountered up to 12 miles offshore 1 A Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC) (1.61) and an
and may constitute a hazard to small craft. all-weather lifeboat (1.72) are maintained at Stornoway
Submarines exercise within the area, as given at 13.6. (58°12′N, 6°23′W).
For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 13.16.
Traffic regulations
13.24 Tidal streams
1 Regulations regarding the use of this passage and the 13.33
radio reporting procedure required before starting the 1 Tidal streams for the North Minch are given at 13.19.
passage are given at 13.2. Off Kebock Head the tidal streams set as follows:
Local weather and sea state Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
13.25 –0315 NNE-going stream begins
1 The W side of North Minch is sheltered from the
+0310 SSW-going stream begins
prevailing W winds and from the Atlantic waves by the
Isle of Lewis. 2 The spring rate in each direction is from 1 to 1½ kn,
decreasing towards the N.
Tidal streams Between Kebock Head and Eye Peninsula (10 miles
13.26 NNE) the streams set NNE and SSW; they are
1 Tidal streams in the North Minch are given at 13.19 and imperceptible in the smaller lochs.
within the text for specific areas along the W side of North
Navigational aids
Minch.
13.34
Navigation aids 1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the
13.27 Directions, radio navigation aids are available, as given at
1 Remarks on navigation aids within the North Minch are 1.33.
given at 13.15.
Directions
(continued from 12.315)
GOB NA MILAID TO RAERINISH POINT Charts 1794, 2529
13.35
General information 1 From the vicinity of 57°58′N, 6°18′W, the coastal route
Chart 1794 leads NNE for about 9 miles, passing (with positions from
Route Kebock Head (58°02′N, 6°21′W)):
13.28 2 ESE of Gob na Milaid (1¼ miles S), a point forming
1 The coastal route along the E side of Isle of Lewis from the S extremity of Kebock Head, close S of which
a position SE of Gob na Milaid (58°01′N, 6°22′W), leads is a waterfall with a large square stone on the
NNE for about 9 miles, clear of dangers between Shiant brink of the cliffs that is visible for a short
East Bank (57°58′N, 6°05′W) and the coast, to a position distance. Gob na Milaid Light (white clad metal
ESE of Raerinish Point (58°08′N, 6°22′W). framework tower) stands on the point at the base
of a cliff, thence:
Topography 3 ESE of Kebock Head, a bold headland with vertical
13.29 cliffs rising to between 100 and 120 m, which
1 General topography for the W side of North Minch is forms the S entrance point of Loch Odhairn
given at 13.21. (13.47), and:
2 From Gob na Milaid the coast trends N for about 4 WNW of Shiant East Bank (centred 57°58′N,
10 miles towards Stornoway Harbour. At its S end the coast 6°05′W) (13.5), the NW edge of which has a
is bold and steep towards Kebock Head, 1¼ miles N of charted depth of 36 m (6½ miles ESE), thence:
Gob na Milaid, (13.35). From Creag Fhraoch (58°03′N, ESE of the entrance to Loch Erisort (4½ miles N)
6°22′W) (13.109), the N entrance point of Loch Odhairn, to (13.36), thence:

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5 ESE of Raerinish Point (5¾ miles N) a broad NNE of Eilean Rosaidh (5 cables WNW), the middle
headland forming the E termination of Aird island of the group given at 13.38, which has a
Raerinish which separates Loch Erisort from Loch vertical cliff at its E end facing NE, thence:
Grimshader. Bràigh an Stac, the SE extremity of 3 SSW of Stac Thabhaidh (1 mile NNW) a rock which
the peninsula, is a vertical cliff surmounted by a is steep-to ½ cable offshore, lying ¾ cable S of
mound (44 m high) which rises 2¼ cables NW to Tabhaidh Mhór (13.42), thence:
Beinn Mhór, a knoll with a surface of bare rocks 4 NNE of Eilean Orasaidh (1 mile WNW) from the SE
and patches of heather that shows well from SE. end of which separated foul ground extends
Beinn Mhór has a survey beacon (Pillar) on its ¾ cable NE, thence:
summit. SSW of a drying rock which lies ½ cable S of
(Directions continue for Stornoway at 13.76, Tabhaidh Bheag (1½ miles NNW) (13.42), thence:
and for passage NNE at 13.100) 5 NNE of Stanngraidh — above, which is joined by a
drying reef to Rubha Stanngraidh which terminates
in a cliffy hillock from which the land within rises
Loch Erisort gradually to a double-topped hill, thence:
6 SSW of Bones Rock (1½ miles NW), clearing lines
Chart 2529
for which are given at 13.41.
General information 13.40
13.36 1 After passing Bones Rock the track towards Peacam,
1 Loch Erisort, entered between Rubha Stanngraidh which is the main anchorage, leads SW, passing (with
(58°06′⋅7N, 6°24′⋅0W) and Bràigh an Stac (1½ miles NE) positions from Sgeir Bhuidhe (58°06′⋅7N, 6°24′⋅4W)):
contains one anchorage suitable for coasters and several NW of The Brothers (1¾ cables ENE), thence:
anchorages suitable for small craft. NW of Sgeir Bhuidhe, an above-water rock, thence:
Description. Loch Erisort extends generally SW then W NW of Sgeir an t-Sil (2¾ cables WSW), situated on
for about 9 miles, 7 miles of which are navigable by the SE side of the entrance to the anchorage, and:
vessels of moderate draught. The N side of the entrance SSE of Tanneray (4½ cables WNW) (13.43).
leads to Loch Leurbost which extends 2½ mile WNW. 13.41
2 The shores of Loch Erisort are deeply indented by bays, 1 Clearing marks for Bones Rock.
inlets and lochs and there are many islets, reefs and rocks The alignment (054°) of the NW extremity of
within the area. However, the central channel has charted Tabhaidh Bheag (58°07′⋅2N, 6°23′⋅3W) (13.42)
depths of over 10 m until near the head of the loch where with Rubha na Strianaich (58°11′⋅4N, 6°12′⋅3W)
the shores close in and depths decrease. (13.100) (Chart 1794), about 7 miles NE, clears
3 Dangers. All rocks in Loch Erisort, except for Bones close SE of Bones Rock.
Rock (58°07′N, 6°24′W) (13.39), are visible at LW. 2 The alignment (312°) of the SW extremity of
Hazard. Fishing nets may be encountered in all parts of Tannaraidh (58°07′⋅3N, 6°25′⋅0W) (13.42) with the
the loch. Free Church at Crossbost, 9½ cables NW, a stone
13.37 building with slated roof standing on the coast,
1 Tidal streams in Loch Erisort set as follows: clears SW of Bones Rock.
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
–0615 In-going stream begins
+0005 Out-going stream begins
Directions for entering Loch Erisort from north-east
13.42
The streams are barely perceptible except in the 1 From the vicinity of 58°08′N, 6°21′W, the track into
narrower channels. Loch Erisort leads WSW, passing (with positions from
Tabhaidh Bheag Light (58°07′⋅2N, 6°23′⋅0W)):
Directions for entering Loch Erisort from south SSE of Stac (8 cables NE), a flat-topped islet lying
13.38 1 cable S of Bràigh an Stac (13.35), thence:
1 From the vicinity of 58°05′N, 6°21′W, the track leads N, 2 NNW of Tabhaidh Mhór (1 cable E), lying in the
towards the entrance to Loch Erisort, passing (with middle of the entrance to Loch Erisort, the N, E,
positions from Dubh Sgeir (58°06′N, 6°22′W)): and SW coasts of which are steep-to. From S the
E of Eilean Thòraidh (4 cables SW) the S of a group island shows an irregular outline, with sloping
of islands and islets which lie close offshore in the grassy hills terminating in low cliffs. A rocky
S approach to Loch Erisort, thence: shoal, with a depth of 5 m over it, was reported in
2 E of Dubh Sgeir the E islet of the above group, 1996 to lie 3 cables NE of Tabhaidh Mhór.
which is steep-to on its seaward side and is grey Thence:
in colour with a few patches of grass on its 3 NNW of a marine farm (1.17) moored up to 1½ cable
summit, thence: WNW of Tabhaidh Bheag. This islet, which is
E of Owen Shoal (3 cables N). separated from Tabhaidh Mhór by a narrow
3 Clearing line. The line of bearing 180° of Kebock Head channel, is steep-to on its N side, on which stands
(Chart 1794) (58°02′N, 6°21′W) (13.35) open E of Dubh Tabhaidh Bheag Light (concrete structure). Thence:
Sgeir, clears E of Owen Shoal. 4 SSE, distant 1 cable from Seumas Cleite (5½ cables
13.39 WNW), the SE of Barkin Isles, which is steep-to
1 When Stanngraidh (1¼ miles NW of Dubh Sgeir), which on its SE side. This islet consists of grey granite,
is a steep-to islet with a patch of grass on its summit lying which having been quarried, appears as a
close N of Rubha Stanngraidh (below), bears 286° the track castellated structure in outline. Thence:
alters to WNW, passing (with positions from Dubh Sgeir): 5 NNW of Bones Rock (5¾ cables WSW) (13.39),
2 NNE of Owen Shoal — above, thence: thence:

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SSE of Tannaraidh (1 mile WNW). The E and W off the S shore of the loch. HM Surveying Ship Cook
sides of this islet are steep-to and it shows a (1580 tons) anchored in this position in 1953.
double summit from SE, covered with heather. 2 This loch is comparatively deep and practically free
Sgeirean Dubha Tannaraidh, a group of from dangers, with shores that are moderately bold, rising
above-water and below-water rocks, lies 1 cable to steep land on both sides except near its head where it
SW of Tannaraidh. slopes gradually and is well cultivated. Although the
13.43 fairway is straight, heavy seas do not penetrate the loch in
1 When the Free Church at Crossbost (1¾ miles WNW) any wind. However, in SW gales, heavy squalls come
(13.41), bears 312°, in line with the SW extremity of down from the land on the S side.
Tannaraidh, 1 mile ESE, the track towards Peacam leads 3 Landing. There is a small pier at Gravir, situated at the
SSW, passing (with positions from Sgeir Bhuidhe head of the loch, and a jetty extends from the N shore,
(58°06′⋅7N, 6°24′⋅4W)): 5 cables from the head of the loch.
WNW of Sgeir Bhuidhe (13.40), thence: Supplies. Small quantities of provisions can be obtained
2 ESE of Tanneray (4½ cables WNW), the NE islet of at Gravir.
the group on the NW side of the entrance to Small craft can obtain anchorage with good holding in
Peacam, which is steep-to on its N and E sides. the upper part of the loch, in depths of 5 to 9 m.

Useful marks Small craft

13.44 Chart 2529
1 Two water towers in the village of Ranish (58°08′N, Anchorages
6°25′W).
13.48
Eilean Chalaibrigh Light (concrete structure)
1 Loch Mharabhig (58°05′⋅3N, 6°23′⋅5W), a snug harbour
(58°06′⋅8N, 6°26′⋅6W) standing on the S end of
which affords good shelter protected by Eilean Thòraidh
this small islet.
(13.38), clear of a marine farm (1.17) moored on the W
side of the loch.
Anchorage
13.49
13.45
1 Camas Orasaidh (58°06′⋅5N, 6°23′⋅7W), affords
1 Peacam (58°06′⋅5N, 6°25′⋅2W) affords anchorage in the
anchorage with good holding in depths of 7 to 13 m, mud,
centre of the basin in depths of 13 to 16 m, mud, as shown
near the head of the bay, as shown on the chart.
on the chart, clear of marine farms (1.17) moored along the
S and W sides of the bay.
2 Landing may be possible at a jetty charted in the SE STORNOWAY AND APPROACHES
corner of Tòb Cromore, a small basin which extends from
the SE corner of Peacam. General information
The village of Cromore stands on rising ground along Chart 2529
the SE side of Tòb Cromore. Position
13.50
Small craft 1 Stornoway Harbour, entered between Arnish Point
13.46 (58°11′⋅5N, 6°22′⋅2W) and Holm Point (5½ cables ESE),
1 Anchorages and berths suitable for small craft within the lies on the E side of Isle of Lewis, 30 miles by sea from
vicinity of Loch Erisort are given in the following Butt of Lewis, the N extremity of the island.
paragraphs.
Tòb Cromore (58°06′⋅3N, 6°25′⋅0W) which is an Function
excellent little harbour with depths of 1 to 5 m, clay, but 13.51
foul ground extends a short distance from the shores. 1 Stornoway Harbour is the most important in the
2 As required in the main channel of Loch Erisort for Hebrides, serving a large fishing industry and providing the
3 miles above Eilean Chaluim Chille (58°06′⋅3N, 6°26′⋅5W) main terminal on the Isle of Lewis for the vehicular ferry
in depths of 13 to 18 m, clear of submarine cables and a from Ullapool (13.165). Stornoway, the chief town of the
submarine power cable (1.39) which cross the loch between Outer Hebrides, with a population of 5602 in 2001, is
1¼ and 2 miles W of Eilean Chaluim Chille, the landing situated around the NE shore of the harbour.
places of which are marked by beacons. Topography
3 Loch Thorasdaidh (58°06′N, 6°26′W) in soft mud, clear 13.52
of a marine farm (1.17) moored close to the S shore. 1 Approaches. General topography for the W side of
Loch Leurbost (58°08′N, 6°26′W) where the best North Minch is given at 13.21. Along the W side of the
anchorage lies S of the Free Church in Crossbost (13.41) in approach to Stornoway Harbour, from the N entrance point
a depth of 13 m, mud, clear of marine farms (1.17), as to Loch Grimshader (58°09′N, 6°22′W) (13.87) to Rubha
shown on the chart. Hurnavay, 5 cables NNE, and thence to Arnish Peninsula,
2 miles farther N, (13.53), the coast is precipitous and
Anchorages steep-to, rising close inland to hills with a maximum
elevation of about 100 m.
Chart 1794 2 The land E of the harbour is comparatively low with an
Loch Odhairn elevation of less than 30 m. It is joined to Eye Peninsula
13.47 (13.91) by a low gravel isthmus with a width of ½ cable.
1 Loch Odhairn (58°03′N, 6°23′W), lying immediately N 13.53
of Kebock Head, affords good anchorage to coasters in the 1 Harbour. Arnish Point, the W entrance point of the
middle of the loch, in a depth of 24 m, with good holding harbour, is the NE extremity of Arnish Peninsula which is
ground in thick mud, clear of marine farms (1.17) moored 12 to 18 m high and connected by a low isthmus to Isle of

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Cnoc nan Uan

War Memorial

Arnish Point Light Holm Point

Approach to Stornoway from SE (13.50)
(Original dated 1997)
(Photograph − HMS Bulldog)

Lewis. Arnish Point Light (white round tower, 14 m in Traffic

height) (58°11′N, 6°22′W) stands on the point. The 13.56
buildings of an oil-rig fabrication base are visible across 1 In 2002, the port was used by 196 vessels with a total
the peninsula, with a number of other conspicuous features, of 295 270 dwt. These figures do not include the many
given at 13.75. fishing vessels based on Stornoway and operating in the
2 The W side of the harbour is moderately bold with a North Minch, as given at 13.7.
rocky indentation (9 cables NW of Arnish Point Light) into
which flows Greeta River or River Creed. Port Authority
13.57
Port limits 1 The Port Authority is Stornoway Pier and Harbour
13.54 Commission, Amity House, Esplanade Quay, Stornoway,
1 The seaward limit of the port extends from Rubh’ a’ Isle of Lewis HS1 2XS.
Bhàigh Uaine (58°10′⋅5N 6°22′⋅6W), to a point 2 miles E, Port officials include a General Manager and a Harbour
thence N to include the NATO Fuel Jetty, as shown on the Master.
chart.
Limiting conditions
Approach and entry
13.55 Controlling depth
1 Stornoway Harbour is approached from the SE in deep 13.58
water and entered directly from the sea through a wide 1 The least charted depth across the fairway to the berths
entrance. is 7⋅9 m (6 cables NW of Arnish Point Light) at the W end
North Beach Quay Cromwell St. Quay

No 1 Pier No 2 Pier Ro−Ro Berth No 3 Pier

Stornoway from SSE (13.50)

(Original dated 1997)
(Photograph − Angus Smith Photographic, Stornoway)

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of a bank, with depths of less than 10 m, which crosses the declaration in the form to be obtained from him containing
harbour S of Eilean na Gobhail. a correct statement of the tonnage and draught of the
vessel, its port of origin, ownership and destination, and
Deepest and longest berth particulars of its cargo.
13.59 3 The owner or master of a vessel having dangerous
1 The deepest and the longest berth is E No 3 Pier goods on board shall, at least 48 hours before bringing the
(13.83). vessel within the harbour, inform the harbour master in
writing of the nature of the goods, their classification and
Tidal levels
quantity; in the case of a voyage of less than 48 hours the
13.60
master shall provide the information by writing or
1 See information in Admiralty Tide Tables. Mean spring
otherwise as early as is practicable before entering the
range about 4⋅1 m; mean neap range about 1⋅7 m.
harbour. In this byelaw “dangerous goods” means
Density of water dangerous goods as defined in section 446 of the Merchant
13.61 Shipping Act 1894 and any goods declared by rules under
1 Density: 1⋅025 g/cm3 section 23 of the Merchant Shipping (Safety Convention)
Act 1949 to be dangerous in their nature.
Maximum size of vessel handled 4 4. No master shall navigate his vessel to a berth other
13.62 than that assigned to it in the berthing record. Nothing in
1 Berthed alongside: MV Odessa, 13 253 grt, length the foregoing provisions of this byelaw shall affect the
136 m, draught 5⋅8 m. discretion of the harbour master, subject to any directions
At anchor: MV Astor, 20 158 grt, draught 6 m. given to him by the Commission, to assign berths in such
order as he thinks fit, and to require the master of any
Arrival information vessel to remove it from any berth.
5 6. The master of a vessel shall forthwith obey the orders
Port radio of the harbour master as to the berthing, anchoring,
13.63 mooring or unmooring or removal of his vessel, and shall
1 A port radio station is operated at Stornoway, for details so long as the vessel is afloat ensure that there is a
see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6(1). sufficient crew on board to receive and execute such
orders.
Notice of ETA
6 7. Every vessel navigating within the harbour shall be
13.64
equipped with good and sufficient ropes or warps ready for
1 Notice is required 24 hours before arrival if intending to
use and capable of securing the vessel safely.
work cargo or if a Pilot is required, for details see
7 11. Without prejudice to the provisions of byelaw 28 of
Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6(1).
these byelaws, every vessel shall be navigated with such
Outer berths within the approaches care and caution, and at such speed and in such manner, as
13.65 not to endanger the lives of or cause injury to persons or
1 Anchorage is charted 2 cables offshore, in a depth of damage to property, nor to interfere with the loading or
15 m, 1½ miles S of Arnish Point Light. discharging of vessels or with moorings or other property,
2 NATO Fuel Jetty (Plan of NATO Fuel Jetty), on the and in particular shall proceed slowly when passing a
head of which stands a light (metal column, 6 m in height), vessel engaged in dredging or other underwater work or in
extends from Gob Shilldinish (58°12′N, 6°19′W), situated work at a buoy or mooring.
on the W side of Branahuie Bay. This jetty, which has a 8 28. No vessel shall, except if required to do so for the
depth of 9⋅8 m alongside, is designed to accommodate purpose of manoeuvring, exceed a speed of five knots over
vessels of 7⋅0 m maximum draught. The bay is open S and the ground within that part of the harbour north of an
is unsafe as an anchorage as the bottom consists mainly of imaginary line drawn from Arnish Point to Holm Point.
stones. Tidal streams are imperceptible in the bay. When a vessel is required to exceed a speed of five knots
for the purpose of manoeuvring, its speed shall be
Pilots restricted to the lowest speed consistent with that purpose,
13.66 and shall not in any event exceed eight knots over the
1 Pilotage is not compulsory but a Pilot is available, day ground. No vessel shall exceed a speed of three knots over
and night on request to the Harbour Master, to board the ground within the inner harbour.
vessels off Arnish Point Light. For details see Admiralty
List of Radio Signals Volume 6(1). Quarantine
13.69
Tugs 1 For general quarantine regulations see 1.50.
13.67 It is customary to display flag Q of the International
1 Tugs are not available but fishing vessels have been Code.
used to assist other vessels when required. Details of the Quarantine Anchorage are given at 13.82.
Regulations concerning entry
13.68 Harbour
1 Bye-laws made under the Stornoway Harbour Order,
1976, are in force, and a copy should be obtained on General layout of harbour
arrival. The following extract from these bye-laws gives 13.70
only those regulations which affect vessels prior to 1 The main berthing area lies at the head of a natural bay
securing. which is protected from SE by Holm Point and by Arnish
2 3. The master of a vessel entering the harbour shall, if Peninsula (13.53) which extends NE across the mouth of
required by the Harbour Master furnish to him a the bay.

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Natural conditions weather, leads NW towards the harbour entrance, passing

13.71 (with positions from Arnish Point Light (58°11′⋅5N,
1 Local magnetic anomaly. Local deflection of the 6°22′⋅2W)):
compass takes place over a small area centred 4 cables 2 SW of Sgeir na Circe Light-buoy (S cardinal)
NNW of Arnish Point Light. (58°10′⋅6N, 6°15′⋅5W) marking Chicken Rock,
13.72 which lies 2¼ cables SW of Chicken Head, the
1 Tidal streams in Stornoway Harbour, which are barely steep-to SW extremity of Eye Peninsula (13.91). A
perceptible, set as follows: beacon (S cardinal, 5 m in height) stands on the
rock, which is also covered by the red sector
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
(198°−302°) of Arnish Point Light (13.53). Thence:
–0615 In-going stream begins 3 NE of Raerinish Point (3¼ miles S) (13.35), thence:
–0005 Out-going stream begins NE of Gob a’ Chuilg (3 miles S) a cliffy head
forming the S entrance point of Loch Grimshader
13.73 (13.87). A remarkable rock, which has the
1 Seiches of 20 to 25 minutes period, and range up to appearance of a lion’s head, stands on the edge of
0⋅5 m, occur at Stornoway. These depend on meteorological the cliff on the S side of the entrance.
conditions and generally occur during unsettled weather 13.77
when a depression is passing S, or even, exceptionally, 1 Useful marks:
during fine settled weather. The effect of seiches under Beinn Mhór (58°08′N, 6°23′W) (13.35).
varying conditions is given below. Fuel Jetty Head Light (58°11′⋅7N, 6°19′⋅0W) (13.65).
2 During the rising tide there is a very rapid rise for 10
to 12 minutes; the rise then ceases or the tide may fall for
a similar period. The rapid rise and cessation of rise or Entering harbour
even fall, alternating for as long as the seiches continue. 13.78
During the falling tide the effect is reversed, there 1 From a position 1 mile SSE of Arnish Point Light, the
being 10 to 12 minutes of rapid fall, alternating with a white sector (341°−347°) of Sandwick Bay Light (metal
similar period of cessation of fall or even a rise. pole, 3 m in height), 7 cables N of Arnish Point Light,
3 Near HW and LW the tide rises for 10 to 12 minutes which stands on the W entrance point of Mol Sandwick,
and falls for a similar period alternatively. leads NNW into the harbour entrance, passing (with
13.74 positions from Arnish Point Light):
1 Climatic table for Stornoway is given at 1.165. 2 WSW of Biastan Thuilm or Beasts of Holm
(6½ cables ESE) which is steep-to and marked at
Principal marks its S end by a beacon (starboard hand, 2 m in
13.75 height). This rock is covered by the red sector
1 Landmarks which are charted as conspicuous and likely (198°−302°) of Arnish Point Light. Thence:
to be of use to the mariner are listed below (with positions 3 WSW of Holm Point (5¾ cables ESE) which is 9 m
from Arnish Point Light (58°11′N, 6°22′W)): high, rising to an elevation of 22 m, 2 cables NE,
A round-topped, conical stone cairn (8 m in height) thence:
(5¾ cables SW) which stands on a hill, 34 m high, ENE of Reef Rock (1 cable NNE), on which stands
situated close to the coast. the concrete ruins of a beacon, marked ½ cable off
Water tower (tank) (6 cables WSW). its E side by Reef Rock Light-buoy (port hand).
2 Arnish sheds (3 cables SW) painted green with a 13.79
white roof. 1 From a position 3½ cables NNE of Arnish Point Light
Monument (7 cables ESE) standing 2 cables E of the white sector (102°−109°) astern, of Stoney Field Light
Holm Point. (metal pole, 3 m in height) (5 cables ENE), standing
Three conspicuous chimneys (7 cables N), grey with ½ cable W of Stoney Field, a grey slated cottage with
black tops, situated in the power station, with extensions, leads WNW into harbour, passing (with
conspicuous fuel tanks close W. positions from Arnish Point Light):
3 Conspicuous radar aerials and a lattice mast 2 NNE of Reef Rock (1 cable NNE) (13.78), thence:
(1¼ miles NNE). SSW of Sgeir Mhór Inaclete (5 cables N), the SE
Lews Castle College (1½ miles NNW) which is a extremity of foul ground extending 2 cables from
gothic structure with 3 towers. This college, which Inaclete Point, marked at its SE extremity by a
stands on rising ground, is visible over the town beacon (starboard hand, 5 m in height), thence:
from seaward and is conspicuous in good light 3 NNE of Seid Rocks (2¾ cables NW), extending
conditions. ½ cable N from the N extremity of Arnish
4 Conspicuous monument (2 miles NNW), a square, Peninsula, on the N extremity of which stands a
stone, turreted war memorial, which stands on the red beacon (steel framework with a barrel-shaped
summit of Cnoc nan Uan and shows well against cage topmark, 7⋅5 m in height), thence:
the skyline. 4 Over or clear of a wreck, with a depth of 6⋅8 m over
it (5 cables NW), lying on the S edge of the
Directions sector, thence:
(continued from 13.35) Over or clear of a charted depth of 6⋅9 m (6 cables
NW) lying near the N edge of the sector, thence:
Approach 5 SSW of a bank, with depths of less than 5 m over it,
13.76 extending up to 1½ cables S from Eilean na
1 From the vicinity of 58°08′N, 6°16′W the line of Gobhail, known locally as Goat Island (7½ cables
bearing 315° of the conspicuous white roof of Arnish sheds NNW), which is joined to Inaclete Point by a
(13.75), which may be the first feature identified in hazy causeway. Eilean na Gobhail Light (metal column,

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3 m in height) stands on the SW side of the island. Alongside berths

The bank is covered by the green sector (more 13.83
than 109°) of Stoney Field Light and by the green 1 No 1 Pier has a berth on its W side, with a length of
sector (less than 335°) of the light on the SW 128 m and alongside depths from 5⋅6 to 7⋅7 m. There is a
corner of No 1 Pier (1 mile NW). And: Ro-Ro ramp near the root of the pier, on its W side, with
6 NNE of a wreck, with a depth of 4⋅9 m over it alongside depths of 5⋅1 m to 7⋅7 m at its seaward edge.
(6 cables NW) which lies about ¾ cable offshore. 2 No 3 Pier, on the E side of the harbour, has a berth on
Useful mark: its E side with a length of 140 m and an alongside depth of
High Martins Church Spire, 1¼ miles NNW of 6⋅0 m. A Ro-Ro berth on its W side, used by ferries, has a
Arnish Point Light. length of 135 m and a least depth alongside of 5⋅5 m.
13.80 Other berths are available at No 2 Pier and at Esplanade,
1 From a position 7 cables NW of Arnish Point Light, the North Beach and Cromwell Street Quays.
white sector (335°−352°) of the light (pole, 3m in height)
on the SW corner of No 1 Pier (1 mile NW), leads Port services
generally NNW towards the piers, passing (with positions Repairs
from the light):
13.84
WSW of the bank extending ¾ cable SW from Eilean
1 Small repairs to hull, machinery and electronics can be
na Gobhail (3 cables SE) (13.79), thence:
carried out. Divers are available.
2 WSW of a jetty (2¼ cables SE) which extends 120 m
The largest slipway in Stornoway can accept vessels up
NW from the NW extremity of Eilean na Gobhail
to 50 m LOA and 10 m beam; lifting capacity 850 tonnes.
and has a light (concrete column, 2 m in height)
A fabrication base for oil rigs (4 cables WSW of Arnish
standing on its NW extremity, thence:
Point Light) is situated at the S end of Glumaig Harbour.
WSW of Red Rocks (1½ cables E).
Other facilities
13.85
Basins and berths 1 Hospital is available for visiting seamen in case of
need.
Anchorages and moorings Oily waste reception facilities are available for limited
13.81 quantities.
1 Much of the harbour bottom is fouled by jettisoned wire Fish handling, specialist facilities.
hawsers and the holding is generally soft and indifferent. Supplies
Main anchorage lies to the N of Glumaig Harbour, with 13.86
anchor bearings as follows: 1 Fuel: Light diesel oil is available by road tanker on 24
The light on the SW corner of No 1 Pier (13.80) hours notice.
bearing 335° (on the change from white to green Fresh water is available at the berths.
sectors). Provisions of all kinds are available.
2 Stoney Field Light bearing 095°.
Another area that is less favoured because it obstructs Small craft
the fairway but is occasionally used lies midway between
Eilean na Gobhail (13.79) and the salient point 3¾ cables Loch Grimshader
SSW, with anchor bearings as follows: 13.87
The light on the SW corner of No 1 Pier (13.80) 1 The entrance to Loch Grimshader (58°09′N, 6°22′W) is
bearing 344°. situated 5 cables N of Raerinish Point (13.35). The loch is
3 Central chimney of the power station group (13.75), narrow and has a least charted depth in the fairway of
bearing 062°. 2⋅2 m (6½ cables from the head of the loch).
Care is necessary to avoid the wreck lying 5½ cables 2 Excellent anchorage can be obtained 2½ cables from the
SSE of No 1 Pier. head of the loch, as shown on the chart, in charted depths
The area above Eilean na Gobhail should be avoided, of 11 to 12 m.
except for a short stay, as the holding is indifferent and this An overhead cable, with a safe vertical clearance of
area is used for approaching and leaving the piers; see 12 m, crosses the channel connecting the head of Loch
13.68. Grimshader to Loch Beag.
13.82 Stornoway Harbour
1 Quarantine anchorage is positioned in the middle of 13.88
Glumaig Harbour, situated on the SW side of Stornoway 1 A 25 berth marina, consisting of two berthing pontoons,
Harbour, which has a depth of over 10 m but with lies at the N end of Cromwell Street Quay, at the mouth of
swinging room that is severely restricted between the coast Bayhead River. An RNLI lifeboat is berthed ¼ cable S of
and the following dangers (with positions from Arnish the marina.
Point Light): 2 Alongside berths are available on request to the Harbour
2 Sgeir na Pacaid, known locally as Packet Rocks Master.
(4½ cables WNW), lying at the NE end of a foul Poll nam Portan (58°12′⋅5N, 6°23′⋅7W), a small bay to
area and marked by a perch (green with a the W of No 1 Pier, contains moorings for small craft and
barrel-shaped cage topmark). anchorage is available.
3 A wreck, with a depth of 5 m over it (3 cables
WNW). Other names
A wreck, with a depth of 5 m over it (3¼ cables 13.89
WSW). 1 Linish, Sgeir (58°09′N, 6°22′W).
A drying rock (4½ cables W). Mol Sandwick Beag (bay) (58°12′N, 6°22′W).

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CHICKEN HEAD TO BUTT OF LEWIS Natural conditions

13.96
1 Local magnetic anomaly. Various reports have been
General information made that the normal magnetic variation is increased by
about 15° in a position 1½ miles SE of Tiumpan Head, as
Chart 1785
shown on the chart.
Passage 13.97
13.90 1 Tidal streams for the North Minch are given at 13.19.
1 The coastal passage along the E side of the Isle of Off the E side of Eye Peninsula the tidal streams are
Lewis, from a position SE of Chicken Head (58°11′N, weak with rates of not more than ¾ kn at spring tide. They
6°15′W), leads NNE for about 7 miles then N for about are much affected by the wind and must be considered
20 miles, in deep water, to a position ENE of Butt of variable along the whole coast.
Lewis. 2 Between Tiumpan Head and Tolsta Head the tidal
streams gradually become more regular than off the E side
Topography of Eye Peninsula. Farther N, between Tolsta Head and
13.91 Meall Geal, 7½ miles N, the streams set as follows:
1 Eye Peninsula. The isthmus joining Eye Peninsula
(58°13′N, 6°12′W) to Isle of Lewis is so low that, although Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
the peninsula attains an elevation of only 86 m, it has the –0535 S-going stream begins
appearance of an island from a distance SW or NE. +0050 N-going stream begins
The coast on the SE side of Eye Peninsula, between
3 The maximum rate in both directions is 2 kn off the
Chicken Head (13.76) and Rubha na Strianaich (1½ miles
salient points at spring tides, but there is little stream in the
ENE) (13.100), is fairly steep-to, rocky, cliffy and indented
bays between the points.
by several small bays.
Tidal streams around Butt of Lewis are given at 6.171.
2 From Eilean a’ Chàise, 2¼ miles ENE of Chicken Head,
Eddy. During the E-going stream off Butt of Lewis an
to Rubha na Greine, 1¾ miles farther NE, and thence to
eddy sets N along the E coast of the Isle of Lewis from
Tiumpan Head (58°16′N, 6°08′W) the coast is much
Meall Geal (58°28′N, 6°11′W) to Butt of Lewis.
indented but there are no offshore dangers.
13.92 Principal marks
1 Isle of Lewis. General topography for the W side of 13.98
North Minch is given at 13.21. 1 Landmark:
2 Between Tolsta Head (58°21′N, 6°10′W) (13.101) and Butt of Lewis Lighthouse (58°31′N, 6°16′W) (6.172).
Rubh’ an t-Seileir, 4½ miles N, the coast forms an open Major lights:
bay, on the SW side of which is a large sand drift which is Tiumpan Head Light (white tower, 21 m in height)
distinctive in thick weather. The N part of the coast standing on Tiumpan Head (58°16′N, 6°08′W)
consists of sloping hills and vertical cliffs, with a few (13.101).
caves and detached above-water rocks. There are no Butt of Lewis Light—as above.
offshore dangers.
3 Between Cellar Head (58°26′N, 6°10′W) (13.101) and Navigational aids
Meall Geal, 2¼ miles N (13.101), the coast consists of 13.99
gravel bays separated by rocky points, with the cliffs 1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the
gradually decreasing in height. Directions, radio navigation aids are available, as given at
Between Berie (58°30′N, 6°13′W) and Butt of Lewis, 1.33.
1¾ miles NW (6.175), the coast is rugged and attains an
Directions
elevation of 43 m. There are no offshore shoals. (continued from 13.35)
13.100
Depths 1 From the vicinity of 58°08′N, 6°09′W the coastal
13.93 passage leads NNE for about 7 miles, passing (with
1 A general description of the depths in North Minch is positions from Tiumpan Head Light):
given at 13.5. ESE of Eilean a’ Chrotaich (5½ miles SSW), which is
a small bare islet lying 1¼ cables offshore, thence:
Hazards 2 ESE of Eilean Mór Bayble (4¾ miles SSW)
13.94 consisting of 2 rocks close together which are
1 The passage described at 13.90 passes through an area steep-to and lie 1½ cables E of Rubha na
of intense fishing activity, as given at 13.7, which may at Strianaich, thence:
times present a hazard to vessels crossing the area. ESE of Rubha na Banntraich (3½ miles SSW) on
This route also passes through a submarine exercise which stands a prominent aerial arrangement,
area, as given at 13.6. thence:
3 ESE of Rubha na Greine (2½ miles SSW).
Rescue 13.101
13.95 1 From a position ESE of Tiumpan Head the coastal
1 A Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC) (1.61) and an passage leads N for about 20 miles, passing (with positions
all-weather lifeboat (1.72) are maintained at Stornoway from Tiumpan Head Light):
(58°12′N, 6°23′W). Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Teams 2 E of Tiumpan Head, the NE extremity of Eye
(1.61) are based at South Lochs (58°00′N, 6°30′W) and Peninsula, which is steep-to and rises to a hill that
Port of Ness (58°30′N, 6°13′W). is visible from S and SW before the adjacent land.
For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 13.16. However it is difficult to distinguish the headland

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from E as the higher land which forms the centre 2 These streams are very weak. During the N-going stream
portion of the peninsula shows above it. Tiumpan there is a distinct line joining Tiumpan Head and Tolsta
Head Light (13.98) stands on the headland. Head, dividing the N-going stream in North Minch from
Thence: the virtual slack water in Broad Bay. During the S-going
3 E of Tolsta Head (5 miles N), a prominent headland stream a slight SSW set may be experienced between
which is steep-to and presents a vertical cliff to the Tolsta Head and Creag Fhraoch, 4 miles SW, this stream
E, thence: then sets ESE across the bay to Tiumpan Head.
E of Cellar Head (10 miles N), the S portion of 13.108
which consists of vertical cliffs whilst the N 1 Principal marks (with positions from Tong Anchorage
portion terminates in several sloping points. The Front Leading Light (58°14′⋅5N, 6°19′⋅9W)):
land in the background attains an elevation of Conspicuous monument (2½ miles WSW) (13.75).
120 m. Thence: Prominent church with a small bell tower (2½ miles
4 E of Meall Geal (12¼ miles N) which terminates at NNE), situated at the E end of Vatisker.
its N end in a rather peculiar peak which falls with 2 Prominent school building with a square water tank
a vertical cliff on its N side and slopes SE to a on the roof (2½ miles NNE) situated 2 cables W of
point. A small beacon stands 4 cables W of Meall the prominent church (above).
Geal as shown on the chart. Thence: Conspicuous water tower (2 miles S).
E of Brag Rock (12¾ miles N) lying about 3 cables
offshore, a clearing line for which is given at
13.102, thence: Directions
5 E of Dùn Eistean, 1 mile SE of Butt of Lewis 13.109
(58°31′N, 6°16′W), a rock lying close offshore 1 To pass north-west of McIver Rock. From position
which should be given a wide berth in heavy 58°17′⋅2N, 6°08′⋅7W the line of bearing 244° of a
weather as a short, confused and dangerous sea conspicuous monument (13.75) leads WSW into the NW
runs off it, thence: corner of Broad Bay, passing (with positions from Tong
E of Butt of Lewis (6.175). Anchorage Front Leading Light (58°14′⋅5N, 6°19′⋅9W)):
2 SSE of Creag Fhraoch (4½ miles NE) which is a
Clearing line cliff, thence:
13.102 SSE of Sgeir Leathann (3½ miles NE) which lies
1 The line of bearing 179° of the E extremity of Tolsta 4 cables offshore, with Lada Sgeir close S of it,
Head just open E of Cellar Head, clears to the E of Brag thence:
Rock. 3 NNW of a ridge, with a least depth of 9⋅8 m over it,
which extends 1½ cables NNW from McIver Rock
(2 miles E) (13.110), situated in the middle of
Useful marks Broad Bay.
13.103 4 When the church in Vatisker (13.108) bears 345° the
1 Useful marks in the village of Vatisker (58°16′N, track may be altered S towards the inner anchorage keeping
6°18′W) are given at 13.108. clear of a marine farm (1.17) moored 5 cables WNW of
(Directions for passage W of McIver Rocks.
Isle of Lewis are given at 6.175) 13.110
1 To pass south-east of McIver Rock. From position
58°17′⋅2N, 6°08′⋅7W the line of bearing 230° of a
prominent lattice tower (1¾ miles SSE of Tong Anchorage
Broad Bay
Front Leading Light) which is situated on the E side of the
airport and is similar to other towers W of the airport,
General information leads SW into the SE corner of Broad Bay, passing (with
13.104 positions from Tong Anchorage Front Leading Light):
1 Broad Bay or Loch a Tuath (58°15′N, 6°15′W) is 2 NE of Rubha Meadhonach (5½ miles ENE), thence:
entered between Tiumpan Head (13.101) and Tolsta Head, SE of McIver Rock (2 miles E) which is steep-to on
5 miles N, (13.101). its SE side.
13.105 13.111
1 Topography. The land on both sides of Broad Bay rises 1 Useful marks:
steeply from the shore to undulating ground from 30 to Tong Anchorage Leading Lights (grey metal masts
60 m high. This area is well inhabited with small houses 5 m (front) and 3 m (rear) in height) (58°14′⋅5N,
scattered over most of it. 6°19′⋅9W).
13.106 Light beacon (N cardinal), 6 cables S of Tong
1 Depths. Broad Bay has a smooth sandy bottom which Anchorage Front Leading Light.
shelves gradually towards the head of the bay. With the
exception of McIver Rock (58°14′⋅7N, 6°15′⋅9W) (13.110)
the bay is free of dangers to within 5 cables of the shore. Anchorages
13.107 13.112
1 Tidal streams in the middle of Broad Bay set as 1 Main anchorage positions, as shown on the chart, are
follows: as follows (with positions from McIver Rock):
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks 1 mile SSW, in a depth of 11 m.
1 mile NE, in a depth of 20 m.
–0555 In-going stream begins
2 1 mile SE, in a depth of 13 m, about 4 cables
+0005 Out-going stream begins offshore, which affords some shelter in E winds

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but is subject to a heavy sea which soon builds up its outer end at HW. A reflective panel is fitted to the outer
with NE or prolonged E winds. end of the pier.
A considerable fishing industry is based on Bayble Bay.
Small craft
13.113
1 Tong Anchorage, situated in the mouth of River Small craft
Laxdale, WSW of Sròn Ruadh, 4 cables SE of Tong
Anchorage Front Leading Light, is suitable for small craft.
Port of Ness
Breivig (58°16′N, 6°18′W) has a pier for the use of
13.115
fishing vessels. The harbour is marked by lights (grey
1 Port of Ness (58°29′⋅6N, 6°13′⋅4W) is a small open bay
metal masts, 7 m in height) on both its E and W sides.
with moderate depths over a sandy bottom. It is free from
dangers, except for a great number of fishing nets and pots
Anchorage which are moored in the bay, and is subject to a swell
Bayble Bay which can arise during moderate winds. There is a small
13.114 boat harbour, part of which dries, on the N side of the bay
1 Anchorage is available for coasters in 10 m of water where landing may be made at a jetty which is in a poor
about 2 cables SE of the head of the pier in Bayble Bay state of repair.
(58°12′N, 6°12′W). This anchorage is sheltered from all W
winds by Rubha na Strianaich, the SW entrance point of Port Sto
the bay, and Eilean Mór Bayble (2 cables E) (13.100), but 13.116
is open to the E and N. 1 Port Sto (58°30′⋅7N, 6°15′⋅2W), situated 4 cables SE of
2 Alongside berth. A concrete pier, which extends SSE Butt of Lewis, is a small indentation terminating in a sandy
from the head of the bay, has a depth of 3⋅7 m alongside bay which contains a fishing station.

EAST SIDE OF NORTH MINCH

GENERAL INFORMATION and although some mountains rise to over 450 m they are
generally smooth in outline and ill-defined.
Chart 2635 Depths
Synopsis 13.119
13.117 1 A general description of the depths in North Minch
1 This section presents the coastal passage off the W coast including Shiant East Bank (58°N, 6°W) is given at 13.5.
of Scotland, along the E side of North Minch, from a
Hazards
position WNW of Rubha Réidh (57°52′N, 5°49′W) to a
13.120
position WNW of Cape Wrath (58°37′N, 5°00′W) and
1 Fishing. The E side of North Minch is an area of
includes the following lochs and harbours (given from S
intensive fishing activity as given at 13.7.
to N):
Submarines exercise within the area, as given at 13.6.
Loch Ewe (57°50′N, 5°38′W) (13.138).
2 Loch Broom, which contains the port of Ullapool, Traffic regulations
(57°54′N, 5°10′W) (13.165). 13.121
Loch Inver, which contains the port of Lochinver, 1 Regulations regarding the use of this passage and the
(58°09′N, 5°14′W) (13.249). radio reporting procedure required before starting the
Loch a Chàirn Bhàin (58°16′N, 5°05′W) (13.322). passage are given at 13.2.
Loch Laxford (58°24′N, 5°05′W) (13.309).
Loch Inchard which contains Kinlochbervie Harbour,
Local weather and sea state
13.122
(58°27′N, 5°03′W) (13.288).
1 The E side of North Minch is completely exposed to the
W; any strong wind from N through W to S can produce
Topography big and dangerous seas which build up quickly in heavy
13.118 weather. Running for shelter N of Rubha Còigeach
1 The W coast of Scotland, between Rubha Réidh and (58°06′N, 5°26′W) (13.247) can be hazardous for smaller
Loch Inchard, 40 miles NE, is bold, rocky and deeply vessels, especially in poor visibility.
indented by large bays between impressive headlands, with Tidal streams
almost no continuous length of coastline facing seaward.
13.123
The bays contain numerous islands and generally lead to
1 Tidal streams for the North Minch generally are given at
lochs.
13.19 and within the geographic text for specific areas
2 The coast between Loch Inchard and Cape Wrath,
along the E side of North Minch.
10 miles NE, consists of cliffs with a sandy bay near the
middle. As Cape Wrath is approached the red cliffs of the Navigation aids
promontory are broken into rugged indentations, none of 13.124
which is sufficiently deep to afford shelter. 1 General remarks on the navigation aids in North Minch
3 The land within the coast, between Rubha Réidh and are given at 13.15.
Loch Inchard, comprises a succession of mountainous Navigation along the E side of North Minch is
groups, all of which are varied in outline. The land straightforward and in good visibility many distinctive
between Loch Inchard and Cape Wrath is not so elevated marks can be chosen from the chart.

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RUBHA RÈIDH TO GREENSTONE POINT Conspicuous radio mast, 1½ miles SE of Rubha

Réidh.
General information 2 A large square stone on which stands an iron pole,
3 m in height, close E of Greenstone Point
Chart 1794
(57°55′N, 5°37′W), is conspicuous.
Route Conspicuous marks within Loch Ewe are given at
13.125 13.143.
1 The coastal route along the E side of North Minch from Major light:
a position WNW of Rubha Réidh (57°52′N, 5°49′W), leads Rubha Réidh Light—as above.
NNE for about 12 miles, clear of dangers between Shiant
East Bank (57°58′N, 6°05′W) and the coast, to a position Other navigational aids
NW of Greenstone Point (57°55′N, 5°37′W). 13.135
1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the
Topography Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at
13.126 1.33.
1 General topography for the E side of North Minch is
given at 13.118. Directions
Topography in the approaches to Ullapool is given at (continued from 10.321 and 12.72)
13.166. 13.136
1 From the vicinity of 57°53′N, 5°56′W, the coastal route
Depths leads NNE for about 12 miles, passing (with positions from
13.127 Greenstone Point (57°55′N, 5°37′W)):
1 A general description of the depths in North Minch 2 WNW of Rubha Réidh (7½ miles WSW), the NW
including Shiant East Bank (57°58′N, 6°05′W) is given at point of a prominent headland which rises to the
13.5. flat outline of An Cuaidh, 2 miles SE of the point).
Hazards It is necessary to allow a wide berth to avoid the
13.128 heavy seas which may be running off the point, as
1 The route described above passes through an area of given at 13.132. And:
intense fishing activity, as given at 11.9 and 13.7, which 3 ESE of Shiant East Bank (centred 57°58′N, 6°05′W
may at times present a hazard to vessels crossing the area. (13.5) which extends along the major part of this
This route also passes through a submarine exercise route, and:
area, as given at 13.6. WNW of the entrance to Loch Ewe (3 miles SW)
(13.138), thence:
Rescue 4 WNW of Greenstone Point, the N extremity of Rubha
13.129 Mór the promontory separating Loch Ewe from
1 An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) is based at Gruinard Bay, which is low and flat and
Loch Ewe (57°50′N, 5°38′W). unsurveyed along parts of its N coast. The point
For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 13.16. rises gradually to low hills inland and shows up
well from the W. Thence:
Natural conditions 5 WNW of Priest Island (4 miles ENE) (13.189),
13.130 thence:
1 Local magnetic anomaly. In 1984 a local deflection of WNW of Glas-leac Beag (5 miles NE) (13.211).
the compass was reported off Greenstone Point.
A local magnetic anomaly off Priest Island (57°58′N, Useful mark
5°30′W) is given at 13.170. 13.137
13.131 1 The valley of Allt an t-Slagain, which stretches across
1 Tidal streams for the North Minch are given at 13.19 Rubha Mór from Slaggan Bay (57°53′N, 5°39′W)
and predictions for a position off the entrance to Loch Ewe for 2¾ miles between steep hills, is a good mark
are given at 13.142. from the NW that can be distinguished at night.
2 Off Rubha Réidh the tidal streams set as follows: (Directions continue for passage NNE at 13.247.
Directions for the approach to Ullapool are given
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks from W at 13.189 and from N at 13.199.
–0350 NE-going stream begins Directions for Loch Ewe are given at 13.144)
+0250 SW-going stream begins
Loch Ewe and approaches
The rate at spring tides is 3 kn in both directions but
they lose strength quickly SW of the point. Charts 3146, 2509
13.132 General information
1 Overfalls. Heavy and dangerous seas, which may extend 13.138
several miles off Rubha Réidh, can be produced when the 1 Loch Ewe (57°50′N, 5°38′W) affords secure anchorage
wind blows against the tidal stream. for all types of vessels and contains a NATO fuelling
13.133 terminal.
1 Currents are weak, as described at 13.18. 2 Topography. The shores of Loch Ewe are bordered by
low cliffs except in the vicinity of Aultbea (57°50′⋅5N,
Principal marks 5°35′⋅5W) to the NW of which the land is low and
13.134 cultivated, with many cottages along the coast for about
1 Landmarks: 2 miles. South of Aultbea the E shore of the loch is steep,
Rubha Réidh Lighthouse (57°52′N, 5°49′W) (white rocky and bold for 2¼ miles to Rubha Thùrnaig, the NE
tower, 25 m in height, with dwellings). entrance point of Loch Thùrnaig.

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3 River Ewe flows into the head of the loch at Poolewe

(57°46′N, 5°36′W) connecting it with the fresh-water Loch
Maree (1½ miles SSE).
Isle of Ewe, situated on the NE side of the loch, is
undulating and cultivated in its S and central parts, rising
to low hills at its N end. A large farm building stands near
the E coast of the island, 3 cables from its S end.
4 Approach and entry. Loch Ewe is approached in deep
water and entered between Rubha nan Sasan (57°52′N,
5°41′W) and Ploc an t-Slagain, 1¼ miles NE. The entrance,
with a least width of just over 1 mile, is generally steep-to
on both sides with no danger beyond 1 cable from the
coast.
5 Traffic. In 2002, Loch Ewe was used by 3 vessels with
a total of 2004 dwt. Aird Point Hotel
Aultbea from SE (13.143)
Limiting conditions (Original dated 2000)
13.139 (Photograph − Air Images)
1 Depths from 7 to 31 m are available for anchorage.
Tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide Tables.
Mean spring range about 4⋅4 m; mean neap range about
1⋅8 m. Directions for Loch Ewe
13.144
Exercise area 1 Approach from west. From the vicinity of 57°53′⋅0N,
13.140 5°48′⋅5W, the approach leads generally E towards the
1 Loch Ewe is a submarine exercise area, as given at 13.6. entrance of the loch, passing (with positions from Eilean
Furadh Mór (57°52′⋅5N, 5°42′⋅8W)):
Quarantine N of Rubha Réidh (3 miles WSW) (13.136), thence:
13.141 N of Sròn a’ Gheodha Dhuibh (1½ miles WSW), a
1 For quarantine regulations see 1.50. salient point separating Camas Mór from Black
Bay, both of which are foul, thence:
Tidal streams 2 Clear of a 14⋅3 m patch (6 cables NW) which is the
13.142 N extremity of patches extending NNW from Stac
1 Off the entrance to Loch Ewe the tidal streams set as Ruadh, thence:
follows: 5 cables N of Eilean Furadh Mór which has a green,
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks grassy summit. There is no channel for vessels to
the S of the island.
–0230 NNE-going stream begins
3 When An Squiteach (57°50′N, 5°40′W) (13.150) bears
+0500 SSW-going stream begins 169° and is open E of Rubha nan Sasan (57°52′N, 5°41′W)
The maximum spring rate in both directions is about the direct approach to the entrance is clear of the dangers
1 kn. between Eilean Furadh Mór and Rubha nan Sasan, 1 mile
2 In Loch Ewe the streams set as follows: WNW.
(Directions continue for entering Loch Ewe at 13.147)
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks 13.145
–0605 In-going stream begins 1 Approach from north From position 57°56′⋅0N,
5°40′⋅5W, the approach leads generally S towards the
–0005 Out-going stream begins
entrance of the loch, keeping E of the clearing line (169°
3 The streams are negligible except in the entrance to the on An Squiteach) given above, passing (with positions from
loch and in the narrower parts of the channels on both Gob a’Gheodha (57°53′⋅4N, 5°39′⋅2W)):
sides of Isle of Ewe, where the maximum spring rate in 2 W of Greenstone Point (2½ miles NNE) (13.136) and
both directions may attain ½ kn. In the inner part of the the coast extending SSW, which is fairly steep-to,
loch the streams may be affected by the overflow from and:
Loch Maree. Clear of a 15⋅2 m rock (1 mile NNW), thence:
W of Gob a’Gheodha, the N entrance point of
Principal marks Slaggan Bay (13.137).
13.143 13.146
1 Aultbea Free Church (57°50′⋅5N, 5°35′⋅4W), standing 1 Useful mark:
in the village of Aultbea, is conspicuous. The Valley of Allt an t-Slagain (5 cables SE) (13.137)
Aultbea Hotel (2¾ cables ESE of the church) is also 13.147
conspicuous. 1 Entering Loch Ewe. (continued from 13.144) From
Conspicuous tower (57°47′⋅7N, 5°34′⋅5W) standing position 57°53′⋅0N, 5°40′⋅5W, the track into Loch Ewe
close to the E shore of Loch Thùrnaig. leads SSE towards Fairway Light-buoy (safe water) (1 mile
2 Poolewe Hotel (57°46′⋅0N, 5°36′⋅2W), standing on the ahead), passing (with positions from Rubha nan Sasan
W side of the entrance to River Ewe, is a (57°52′N, 5°41′W)):
conspicuous white-washed building. Pool House, WSW of Ploc an t-Slagain (1¼ miles NE), a headland
another hotel (1 cable E) is a large house standing forming the NE entrance point of Loch Ewe,
on the E entrance point of the river. thence:

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2 ENE of Sgeir Maol Mhoraidh (7 cables NW), a rocky situated close SW of the inner end of the pier.
islet connected to the mainland 1 cable SW by a Thence:
drying reef, thence: E of a marine farm (6 cables ESE) (1.17) moored
ENE of Sgeir Maol Mhoraidh Shuas (2½ cables NW), about 5 cables off the SW shore of the loch.
a rocky islet connected to the shore by a drying 3 Clearing line for Resolution Rock. The line of bearing
reef and surrounded by foul ground, thence: 151° of Poolewe Hotel (2¾ miles SE) (13.143) well open
3 ENE of Rubha nan Sasan, a reddish rocky point that SW of Am Fiaclachan (1½ miles ESE), passes SW of
is steep-to and forms the SW entrance point of Resolution Rock.
Loch Ewe, and: 13.152
Either side of Fairway Light-buoy (safe water) 1 When clear of Resolution Rock the track alters to the
(5 cables ENE). SE towards the head of the loch passing SW of Warburg
Rock which lies up to 1¾ cables WNW of An Sagart
(57°47′⋅4N, 5°37′⋅2W). The SW shore of the loch is fairly
steep-to with several marine farms (1.17) moored up to
Chart 3146 3 cables from the coast.
Directions for routes within Loch Ewe Anchorage at the head of the loch is given at 13.160.
13.148 13.153
1 Routes within Loch Ewe are given as follows: 1 Entrance of Loch Ewe to NATO Jetty. From the
Entrance to head of the loch at 13.149. entrance the track through the N part of the loch is the
Entrance to NATO Jetty at 13.153. same as that for which Directions are given at 13.149.
Entrance to The Sound at 13.154. After passing Fisher Point the track continues SSE, passing:
Route through the SE entrance of The Sound at ENE of Resolution Rock (57°48′⋅2N, 5°38′⋅0W)
13.157. (13.151).
13.149 2 When the right hand edge of Gualann Mhór (57°49′⋅3N,
1 Entrance of Loch Ewe to head of the loch. From the 5°36′⋅1W) is aligned with Aultbea Hotel (1¼ miles NNE)
vicinity of Fairway Light-buoy (13.147) the track into Loch (13.143) bearing 030°, the track alters to NE, passing (with
Ewe leads about 172°, passing (with positions from Sgeir positions from the right hand edge of Gualann Mhór):
an Araig (57°50′⋅8N, 5°39′⋅3W)): SE of D Light-buoy (port hand) (2 cables S) moored
E of No 1 Light-buoy (starboard hand) (4½ cables close within the 10 m depth contour off Gualann
WNW) marking the E end of a bank, with depths Mhór, and:
of less than 10 m over it, which extends 5¼ cables 3 NW of marine farms (7 cables SE) (1.17) moored
ESE from Sròn nan Oban, thence: close off the SE shore of the loch, thence:
2 W, distant 2 cables from Sgeir an Araig which SE of E Light-buoy (port hand) (3¾ cables ENE),
consists of 2 islets connected by a drying reef. The moored 1 cable off the E side of the bank, with
N islet has 2 summits of the same elevation with a depths of less than 10 m over it, extending
cleft between them. The S and smaller islet is a 2 cables SE from the SE side of the Isle of Ewe.
low flat rock. Thence: 4 Useful mark:
3 E of Sròn Meallan a’ Ghàmhna (8 cables WSW) the Drumchork farm buildings (57°50′⋅1N, 5°34′⋅7W),
NE extremity of Mellangaun Promontory which which are prominent.
rises to two steep summits close inshore, the N of 13.154
which is marked by a pillar, thence: 1 Entrance of Loch Ewe to The Sound. From the
W of Sgeir a’ Bhuic (4 cables SE), a rocky islet vicinity of Fairway Light-buoy (57°52′N, 5°40′W) the track
connected with the Isle of Ewe by a drying reef. leads SSE towards Sgeir an Araig (57°50′⋅8N, 5°39′⋅3W)
13.150 (13.149), passing (with positions from Sgeir an Araig):
1 After passing Sgeir a’ Bhuic the track alters SSE 2 WSW of Sgeirean Móra (8½ cables NNE), consisting
towards Rubh Ard na Bà (57°47′⋅8N, 5°36′⋅6W), the NW of above-water and drying rocks which extend
extremity of the promontory named Ploc an Rubha, passing 1¼ cables offshore, thence:
(with positions from An Squiteach (57°50′N, 5°40′W)): WSW of foul ground extending ½ cable SW from
ENE of foul ground and shallow patches which Eilean Rubh’ a’ Choin (6 cables NE), a small
extend 1½ cables NE from An Squiteach, the SE promontory 8 m high.
entrance point to a bay from the middle of the 13.155
head of which extends Eilean Tioram, thence: 1 When Gob na Lice, the N end of Isle of Ewe, which
2 WSW of marine farms (8½ cables E) (1.17) moored presents a bold and steep appearance from the N, bears
close to the W coast of the Isle of Ewe, thence: 104° the track alters ESE for 5 cables, to pass 2 cables NE
ENE of foul ground and a bank which extends of Sgeir an Araig, passing (with positions from Sgeir an
2 cables E from Fisher Point (6 cables SSE). This Araig):
bank, with depths of less than 5 m, fringes the W 2 NNE of a spit, with depths of less than 10 m over it,
side of the loch between An Squiteach and which extends over ½ cable NNE from Sgeir an
Inverasdale Pier, 2 miles S. Araig, thence:
13.151 SSW of the coastal bank, with depths of less than
1 Shortly after passing Fisher Point the track alters S to 10 m over it, which extends 3½ cables S from
pass at least 2 cables W of Resolution Rock (57°48′⋅2N, Eilean Rubh’ a’ Choin (6½ cables NE).
5°38′⋅0W) comprised of sand, stones and coraline. This 13.156
track then passes, (with positions from Inverasdale Pier 1 From a position 2¾ cables W of Gob na Lice, the
(57°48′N, 5°40′W)): alignment (251½°) astern, of the cleft between the 2
2 E of Inverasdale Pier, a small concrete structure summits of Sgeir an Araig (13.149) with the N summit of
marked by the ruins of a beacon. A black hut is Mellangaun Promontory (9 cables WSW) (13.149) leads

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between Gob na Lice and the bank with depths of less than
10 m over it, extending 3 cables SSE from Rubh’ a’ Choin.
When Gob na Lice bears 180° the track alters ESE as
required into The Sound.
13.157
1 Route through the south-east entrance to The Sound.
The alignment (305°) of Gob na Lice (57°51′N, 5°38′W)
(13.155) with the summit of Sgeir Maol Mhoraidh Shuas
(2 miles NW) (13.147) leads through the deepest part of the
channel between Isle of Ewe and Aird Point (57°50′⋅3N,
5°35′⋅6W), but there are mooring buoys on this transit, the
SE extremity of which passes ½ cable NE of F Light-buoy
(port hand) moored 4¾ cables SSE of Aird Point.
NATO Jetty, Loch Ewe, from NW (13.161)
(Original dated 2000)
Anchorages
(Photograph − Air Images)
13.158
1 The Sound affords anchorage with good holding ground, Big Sand Bay (57°51′⋅3N, 5°38′⋅0W) has a partly
in depths of 7 to 25 m, on its NE side, clear of the demolished jetty extending about 1 cable from the
following (with positions from Gob na Lice (57°51′N, head of the bay and a hard situated close W of the
5°38′W): jetty.
A1 mooring buoy (3 cables ENE). 3 Three concrete dolphins (57°50′⋅5N, 5°36′⋅1W)
Foul ground (swamped mooring) (5 cables E), as standing in a depth of 6⋅1 m.
shown on the chart. Aird Point (57°50′⋅3N, 5°35′⋅6W) has a pier on its SE
Marine farms (see 1.17), as marked on the chart. side which is within Aultbea Harbour area.
2 A submarine cable (1.39) is laid across the SE end of Inverasdale Pier (57°48′N, 5°40′W) (13.151).
The Sound from Aird Point (1½ miles ESE) to Isle of Ewe,
as shown on the chart. Port services
South of Aird Point the holding ground is unreliable for 13.162
a distance of 1½ miles and a foul ground (swamped 1 Aultbea village can provide: small quantities of
moorings) lies 3 cables SSE of the point, as shown on the provisions; fresh water; helicopter landing site.
chart. Poolewe village can provide small quantities of
13.159 provisions.
1 North-east of Resolution Rock. Anchorage can be Small craft
obtained NE of Resolution Rock (57°48′⋅2N, 5°38′⋅0W) 13.163
with the summit of Gualann Mhór (57°49′⋅3N, 5°36′⋅3W) 1 Popular anchorage areas for small craft are given in the
bearing between NNE and NE distant 5 cables to 1 mile. following paragraphs.
Vessels have been known to drag anchor in this area. Acairseid Mhór (57°50′⋅6N, 5°37′⋅9W), off the NE
13.160 shore of the Isle of Ewe.
1 Head of Loch Ewe. Anchorage in a depth of 20 m is Aultbea Harbour (57°50′⋅3N, 5°35′⋅3W), which
available for small vessels near the head of the loch with includes Aird Point and the bay SE.
the N end of Am Fiaclachan (57°47′⋅3N, 5°37′⋅2W) bearing 2 Loch Thùrnaig (57°48′N, 5°36′W) affords shelter in a
090°. However, the holding ground is not very good in cove in the SW corner of the loch. Two steel pontoons are
places and marine farms (1.17) are moored up to 3 cables moored off the entrance to this cove and below-water
off the SW shore. obstructions near the pontoons are marked by orange floats.
2 Coasters can anchor in depths of 4⋅6 m mud and shells, Several marine farms (1.17) are moored on the SW side of
closer to the head of the loch, which dries out for the loch.
1½ cables, clear of the following (with positions from Am 3 At the head of the loch, off Poolewe (57°46′N,
Fiaclachan): 5°36′W).
3 Boor Rocks (6½ cables SW), a group of above-water
and below-water rocks which lie 1¾ cables off the Other names
SW shore. 13.164
An isolated rock, with a depth of 2 m over it 1 Acairseid nan Uamh (bay) (57°51′⋅3N, 5°41′⋅3W)
(5 cables S), which lies near the centre of the bay. Furadh Beag, Eilean (57°52′⋅4N, 5°42′⋅5W) (chart
4 Isolated shallow patches, with depths from 3⋅6 to 2509)
4⋅8 m, which extend up to 6½ cables WNW from
Creagan nan Cudaigean (7 cables SSE). ULLAPOOL AND APPROACHES

Alongside berths General information

13.161 Chart 1794
1 NATO Jetty (57°49′⋅7N, 5°35′⋅0W) an L-shaped fuelling 13.165
berth which extends 1 cable W from the coast (8 cables 1 Ullapool Harbour (57°54′N, 5°10′W), situated on the
SSE of Aird Point) is the principal and only major berth in NE side of Loch Broom, 2¾ miles within the entrance, is
Loch Ewe. The jetty head has a length of 60 m and 3 capacious with good anchorage. Ullapool, had a population
dolphins positioned both N and S of the jetty extend the of 1308 in 2001. It is the only major town on the NW
berth considerably. Lights are exhibited from the outer coast of Scotland, bordering the North Minch, and provides
dolphins and from the N end of the jetty head. facilities for a busy fishing port and a terminal for the
2 Other berths within Loch Ewe are as follows: vehicular ferry to Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides.

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13.171
1 Tidal streams in the vicinity of the Summer Isles set in
the channels between the islands and in Dorney Sound
(58°02′N, 5°25′W) (13.174) with spring rates of up to
½ kn. However, the direction and the times at which they
begin are irregular and uncertain.
Ullapool Point
Ullapool from SSE (13.165)
(Original dated 2000)
Principal marks
13.172
(Photograph − Air Images)
1 Landmarks:
A large stone on Greenstone Point (57°55′N, 5°37′W)
(13.136).
Topography Gruinard House (57°52′⋅3N, 5°26′⋅5W) (13.216).
13.166 An Teallach (57°48′⋅5N, 5°15′⋅0W), the highest peak
1 General topography for the E side of North Minch is in the area, which is also conspicuous.
given at 13.118.
Between Greenstone Point (57°55′N, 5°37′W) (13.136)
and Rubha Còigeach, 12½ miles NE, the NW coast of Harbour limits
Scotland forms a large bay which leads to 3 smaller inlets 13.173
as follows: 1 The Ullapool Harbour Limit is shown on chart 2500 as
2 Gruinard Bay (57°53′N, 5°30′W) (13.216) a straight line joining the following points:
Little Loch Broom (57°54′N, 5°22′W) (13.221). Cailleach Head (57°56′N, 5°24′W).
Loch Broom (57°55′N, 5°13′W) (13.177) which is The S extremity of Meall nan Caorach, 2 miles NE of
entered from the SE corner of the bay. Cailleach Head.
Some 30 islands, known as the Summer Isles, lie across The mouth of Garbh Allt, 3¾ miles ENE of Meall
the entrance to the bay, extending 5 miles SSW from Eilean nan Caorach.
Mullagrach (58°03′N, 5°28′W) to Priest Island which is the
SW of all the dangers. Approach and entry
3 Greenstone Point, the SW entrance point of the bay, is 13.174
described at 13.136. 1 From west. The only approach that is suitable for
Rubha Mór, on the N side of the entrance to the bay, is medium sized vessels is from the W, entering on the S side
a long flat promontory which extends 4 miles NNW from of the large bay described at 13.166. From a position N of
the base of Meall an Fheadain (58°02′⋅6N, 5°23′⋅4W) Greenstone Point (57°55′N, 5°37′W) this route leads as
(13.200) to Rubha Còigeach (13.247). The W coast of this follows:
promontory is rather low, rocky and indented by several ESE, passing between Greenstone Point and Priest
small bays. Island (3½ miles ENE), thence:
4 Within the large bay much of the N coast is high, made 2 ENE, passing between Priest Island and Cailleach
up of cliffs in several areas, rising to Ben Mór Coigach Head (3½ miles SE), thence:
(57°59′N, 5°13′W), a sharp mountain ridge which shows as ESE, to approach Loch Broom between Càrn Skerries
a cone from the W. (57°58′N, 5°22′W) and Càrn Dearg (1 mile S).
Directions are given at 13.189.
Hazards 3 From north. A route that is suitable for small vessels
13.167 approaches from the N side of the large bay described at
1 The approaches to Ullapool pass through an area of 13.166. From a position W of the Summer Isles (58°02′N,
fishing activity, as given at 13.7, and includes a submarine 5°28′W) this route leads as follows:
exercise area, as given at 13.6. ESE, through the Summer Isles, passing between
Eilean Mullagrach and Glas-leac Mór (8 cables
Rescue SSW), thence:
13.168 4 SE, through Dorney Sound (58°01′⋅6N, 5°24′⋅2W),
1 A Coastguard Sector Base (1.61) is maintained at the channel between the N end of Tanera Mor and
Ullapool (57°54′N, 5°10′W); an Auxiliary Coastguard the mainland 5 cables N, thence:
Rescue Team is based at Achiltibuie (58°01′N, 5°21′W). S, passing between Tanera Mor (58°01′N, 5°25′W)
For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 13.16. and Horse Island (1½ miles SE), thence:
ESE, to approach Loch Broom between Horse Island
Quarantine and Càrn Skerries, 1 mile SSW.
13.169 Directions are given at 13.199.
1 For quarantine regulations see 1.50.
Traffic
Natural conditions 13.175
13.170 1 In 2002, the port was used by 8 vessels with a total of
1 Local magnetic anomalies. Various reports have been 20 235 dwt.
made that the normal magnetic variation is increased by
about 15° in the following positions: Port Authority
The vicinity of Priest Island (57°58′N, 5°30′W), as 13.176
shown on the chart. 1 The Ullapool Harbour Trustees, Harbour Buildings,
W of the Summer Isles (58°02′N, 5°28′W), as given Ullapool. Local rules and regulations are enforced by the
in a note on the chart. Harbour Master.

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CHAPTER 13

Ullapool Point

Loch Broom from NW (13.177)

(Original dated 2000)
(Photograph − Air Images)

Limiting conditions Loch Broom

Controlling depth Topography
13.177 13.186
1 Loch Broom, which is generally free of dangers, has a 1 The land is mountainous on both sides of Loch Broom
least charted depth of 23⋅5 m in position 4 cables W of (13.177) and trees are few until near the head of the loch.
Ullapool Point (57°53′⋅7N, 5°9′⋅8W), where there is a The principal summits are as follows (with positions from
width of only 2¼ cables between the 10 m depth contours. Ullapool (57°54′N, 5°10′W)):
It is recommended that vessels with a draught greater Beinn Ghobhlach (3¾ miles W).
than 8 m should be taken into Loch Broom on the rising Beinn nam Ban (1¾ miles SSW).
tide, at half flood. Beinn Eilideach (2½ miles ESE).
2 The town of Ullapool (13.165) stands on a flat
Deepest and longest berths projecting terrace, 9 to 14 m high, close E of Ullapool
13.178 Point; the houses of the town are visible from seaward.
1 The deepest and longest berth is on the W side of Ferry
Pier (13.207) Hazards
13.187
Tidal levels 1 The port area is sometimes very congested with fishing
13.179 boats, Ro-Ro ferry and foreign fish carriers.
1 See information in Admiralty Tide Tables. Mean spring
Tidal streams
range about 4⋅5 m; mean neap range about 1⋅8 m.
13.188
Density of water 1 Tidal streams in Loch Broom set as follows:
13.180 Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
1 Density: 1⋅024 g/cm3
–0005 Out-going stream begins
Maximum size of vessel handled –0605 In-going stream begins
13.181
The streams are very weak in the loch except in the
1 A vessel with a length of 100 m has been berthed
narrows off Corry Point (57°53′N, 5°08′W) where the
alongside at Ullapool.
spring rate in both directions is ¾ kn.
Local weather
13.182
Directions for approaching Ullapool from west
1 Loch Broom is subject to squalls from the surrounding Chart 2509
mountains and the upper reaches of the loch are subject to Outer approach from west
severe down draughts in windy weather, particularly from 13.189
SE, when wind speeds frequently exceed the forecast 1 From the vicinity of 57°57′N, 5°37′W, the outer
strength. approach to Ullapool from W (13.174) leads ESE towards
Stattic Point (57°54′⋅6N, 5°25′⋅3W) (13.191), passing (with
Arrival information positions from Creag an Eilean (57°55′N, 5°34′W)):
NNE of a dangerous wreck, the position of which is
Port radio approximate, which lies about 2 cables NE of
13.183 Greenstone Point (1¾ miles W) (13.136), thence:
1 A port radio station is operated at Ullapool, for details 2 NNE of a spit, with a depth of 2⋅9 m over it
see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 6(1). (1¼ miles WNW) which extends ¾ cable offshore
Notice of ETA and is the outermost danger off the heavily
13.184 indented coast between Greenstone Point and
1 Notice is required 3 hours before arrival for all Creag an Eilean, thence:
commercial vessels. NNE of Creag an Eilean, situated close off the N
extremity of Rubha Beag, thence:
Pilots and tugs 3 SSW of Priest Island (2½ miles NE) which has a
13.185 rugged outline when viewed from SW and is
1 Pilots and tugs are not available. generally covered with heather, thence:

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NNE of the W entrance to Gruinard Bay (1½ miles Entering Loch Broom
ESE) (13.216). 13.194
13.190 1 When clear of the E end of the shallow patches on
1 Useful mark: Cadail Bank (7½ cables W of Rubha Cadail) the track
Cailleach Head Light (white clad metal framework alters SE into Loch Broom, keeping 2 cables from the SW
tower, 5 m in height) (57°56′N, 5°24′W). side, passing (with positions from Rubha Cadail Light):
NE of a shoal, with a depth of 2⋅2 m over it (8 cables
WSW), lying close NE of Eilean na Mile, a small
promontory, thence:
Chart 2500
2 NE of Rubha Camas a’ Mhaoraich (7 cables SW), the
13.191
SW entrance point to Loch Broom, thence:
1 From a position S of Priest Island the track alters ENE
SW of Rubha Cadail, the NE entrance point of Loch
towards Càrn Skerries (57°58′N, 5°22′W), passing (with
Broom, on which stands Rubha Cadail Light
positions from Cailleach Head Light):
(13.192), thence:
NNW of Gruinard Island (2¾ miles SW) (13.216),
3 SW of a bank, with a least depth of 5 m over it
and:
(8 cables SE), which extends up to 2 cables
2 SSE of Priest Island (3½ miles WNW) (13.189),
offshore for a length of about 5 cables, thence:
thence:
NE of Buckle Patch (2 miles SSE) which extends
NNW of Stattic Point (1½ miles SSW) which is low,
nearly 1 cable offshore and of a marine farm
thence:
(1.17) close SE, thence:
NNW of the entrance to Little Loch Broom (1 mile
4 SW of an extensive flat of sand, shell and stones,
SSW) (13.221), thence:
some of which dry (2¼ miles SE) which extends,
3 SSE of Na Finlaichean (2¼ miles NW), a group of
with depths of less than 10 m over it, 5 cables SW
islets and rocks in which the islets are bold and
from the mouth of Ullapool River. A Light-buoy
rocky with precipitous cliffs on their N and W
(port hand) marks the SW edge of the bank. It
sides. Càrn Iar is the N and highest of these islets.
should be noted that a white sector of Rubha
And:
Cadail Light passes over the SW part of this bank,
4 NNW of Cailleach Head, the NE entrance point of
with a charted depth of 7⋅5 m within the sector.
Little Loch Broom, which is bold, broad and
And:
smooth-sided, with cliffs fronting its seaward side.
5 NE of a bank, with depths of less than 15 m over it
The N part of this headland is rock and the S part
(2½ miles SSE) which extends up to 1½ cables
consists of earth cliffs and steep banks from 15 to
offshore, thence:
45 m high. Cailleach Head Light (13.190) stands
Over the route of the ferry which crosses the loch
on the headland. Thence:
from Ullapool to Aultnaharrie, 6 cables SW of
5 SSE of Eilean Dubh (2½ miles NNW) which is
Ullapool Point.
covered with heather and is steep-to.
13.195
1 Useful marks:
Ullapool Point Light (grey metal mast, 6 m in height)
Inner approach from west standing on Ullapool Point (2¾ miles SE), noting
13.192 that this light is obscured to the NW.
1 From a position N of Cailleach Head, a white sector A conspicuous white cottage (57°52′⋅5N, 5°08′⋅0W)
(103°−111°) of Rubha Cadail Light (white tower 9 m in situated near the coast 1½ miles SE of Ullapool
height) (57°55′⋅5N, 5°13′⋅3W) leads ESE towards Loch Point.
Broom, passing (with positions from Iol’ a’ Chàirn Deirg
(57°56′⋅5N, 5°21′⋅6W)):
SSW of Meall nan Caorach (9 cables N), the S islet Entering harbour
of Càrn Skerries (13.205), which is covered with 13.196
grass, thence: 1 When Ullapool Point is aligned (085°) with Braes
2 NNE of Iol’ a’ Chàirn Deirg, a rock, the base of Bridge, a prominent road bridge over a ravine (7¼ cables
which dries for a considerable area, situated E), the track alters E into the bay S of Ullapool, passing
1 cable N of Leac Dhonn, the N extremity of Càrn (with positions from Ullapool Point Light):
Dearg which is a rugged promontory with steep 1 cable S of Ullapool Point, thence:
rocky coasts and several summits. Iol’ a’ Chàirn N of a bank, with depths of less than 10 m over it
Deirg lies in the obscured sector of Cailleach (2½ cables S), which extends 2½ cables NE from
Light. Thence: Rubha Buidhe.
SSW of Martin Bank (3 miles ENE) (13.205), and: 13.197
3 NNE of Cadail Bank (3 miles ESE) which, with 1 Useful marks:
depths of less than 20 m over it, extends 1¾ miles Conspicuous white house with a grey roof (1 mile
W from Rubha Cadail. The least depth of 16 m is ESE) standing near the NE shore.
situated 7½ cables W of Rubha Cadail. Parts of A large white building (ice plant) standing at the
this bank, with a least depth of 23 m (1½ and head of Ferry Pier (2 cables ENE).
1¾ miles WNW of Rubha Cadail) lie within the S A light (metal pole, 3 m in height) standing at the SE
edge of the white sector given above. corner of reclaimed land (3 cables ENE).
13.193 13.198
1 Useful mark: 1 Caution. Numerous small mooring buoys lying ESE of
A radio mast which stands 1½ miles ESE of Rubha the jetty render caution necessary when berthing.
Cadail Light, as shown on chart 1794. Port details are given at 13.206.

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Directions for approaching Ullapool from north E of an isolated shoal patch, with a least charted
depth of 14⋅1 m (5½ cables W) which lies 3 cables
E of Rubha Dubh, the SE extremity of Tanera
Chart 2501 More (13.201) and:
Outer approach from north 2 W of Rubha Dùnan, a greenish point with low red
13.199 sandstone cliffs that are steep-to. The ruins of a
1 From position 58°02′⋅6N, 5°30′⋅0W the outer approach Pictish tower, still retaining a part of the wall,
to Ullapool from N, following the deepest water, leads ESE stands near the coast 5½ cables E of the point.
towards the N end of Tanera More (58°01′⋅5N, 5°24′⋅5W), Thence:
passing (with positions from the N end of Tanera More): 3 W of Horse Island (6 cables S), the N part of which,
2 SSW of Eilean Mullagrach (2 miles NW) which has a named Meall nan Gabhar, is connected to the main
flat summit at each end and is fringed on its SW part of the island by a reef which dries. The W
and W sides by drying rocks. One of these, a large coast of Horse Island is steep-to and its S end
square rock which dries 3⋅4 m, lies 1 cable consists of rocky cliffs.
offshore. Thence:
3 NNE of Glas-leac Mór (2 miles W) which is steep-to.
West Black Rock lies 1¾ cables off the E side of
the island. Thence: Chart 2500
SSW of Isle Ristol (1½ miles NW), the NE end of Inner approach from north-west
which is joined to the mainland by a drying reef, 13.205
and: 1 From a position SW of Horse Island (above) a white
4 NNE of Sgeir Dhubh (1¼ miles W), thence: sector (118°−127°) of Rubha Cadail Light (57°55′⋅5N,
NNE of Sgeir Iasgach (1 mile W), situated at the N 5°13′⋅3W) (13.192) leads SE towards Loch Broom, passing
end of foul ground which extends 2¾ cables NNE (with positions from Mary Rock (57°58′⋅8N, 5°19′⋅2W)):
from Eilean a’ Chàr, thence: 2 SW of a shoal, with a depth of 6⋅8 m over it
5 SSW of the entrance to Caolas Eilean Ristol (1 mile (8 cables WSW), which extends 1 cable SSW from
NNW) (13.233), thence: Iolla Mhór, a large flat rock which shelves
SSW of a spit, with depths of less than 20 m over it gradually S but has a deep channel between it and
(5 cables WNW) which extends 3¼ cables SSW Horse Island, 1¼ cables NW, and:
from Rubh’a’ Mhadaidh-ruaidh. A shoal, with a 3 NE of the N part of Càrn nan Sgeir (1¾ miles SW),
depth of 8⋅1 m over it, lies on the spit (5 cables an island in 2 parts which are joined by a shingle
NW) near the middle of the fairway. beach which dries 3 m; the SW coast of the island
13.200 is cliffy and several rocks extend 1 cable SW and
1 Useful mark: SE from it. This island is the N of Càrn Skerries,
Meall an Fheadain (1¼ miles NNE), a hill with a which is a group of grass-covered islets and rocks.
truncated top that is higher and steeper than any of The SW edge of the white sector (above) passes
the adjacent hills, is a good mark. within the 20 m depth contour of the bank which
13.201 extends 1½ cables N from Càrn nan Sgeir. Thence:
1 When clear of the spit and the 8⋅1 m patch (above) the 4 SW of Iolla Bheag (1½ cables SE) which lies near
track alters E into Dorney Sound (13.174), passing (with the SE extremity of a bank, with depths of less
positions from the N end of Tanera More): than 20 m over it, extending 2¾ cables WSW from
N of Sgeir a’ Chapuill (1 cable ENE) the NE Rubha Dubh Ard, a promontory which ends in a
extremity of rocks extending ENE from the N end low cliff and, from the NW, shows as a bold cliffy
of Tanera More which shows a flat summit from point 25 m high. Clearing lines for Iolla Bheag are
the N, and: given at 13.215. Thence:
2 S of a spit, with depths of less than 20 m over it 5 SW of a marine farm (1 mile ESE) (1.17) moored
(2 cables NNE), which extends 3½ cables SSW about 2½ cables from the coast. This coast is
from the mainland. Iolla a’ Mealan (3½ cables mostly high and, for the central 2 miles, consists of
NNE), an isolated rock, lies on the W side of the cliffs rising abruptly and forming the sides of Ben
spit towards the middle of Dorney Sound. Mór Coigach (3 miles E) (Chart 1794) (13.166).
13.202 Thence:
1 Clearing line. The line of bearing 297° of the S 6 SW of Martin Bank (3 miles SE) which, with depths
extremity of Eilean Mullagrach (2 miles NW) (13.199) just of less than 20 m over it, extends 1½ miles WNW
open SW of Isle Ristol, clear SSW of Iolla a’ Mealan but from the SW extremity of Isle Martin (57°56′⋅2 N,
passes over depths of less than 20 m. 5°13′⋅3W). This bank has a least depth of 14⋅1 m,
13.203 just over 1 mile WNW of the same point. And:
1 When clear of the spit containing Iolla a’ Mealan, the 7 NE of Cadail Bank (13.192), 1¼ miles WSW of the
line of bearing 297° of Eilean Mullagrach (as given above), SW extremity of Isle Martin, and:
astern, leads ESE through Dorney Sound, passing (with SW of Isle Martin which is reddish in colour and of
positions from the N end of Tanera More): sterile appearance, but at times it scarcely shows
SSW of Rubhan na Buaile (7 cables ENE), the N against the background of hills behind it. The W
entrance point of Dorney Sound, thence: and N coasts of the island are rocky.
NNE of Sròn na Moil Baine (4¾ cables SE), the NE 8 Useful mark:
extremity of Tanera More. Radio mast (1½ miles ESE of Rubha Cadail Light)
13.204 (13.193).
1 When clear of Dorney Sound the track leads S, passing (Directions continue for entering
(with positions from Rubha Dùnan (58°00′⋅4N, 5°21′⋅2W)): Loch Broom at 13.194)

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Basins and berths with a least depth of 10⋅5 m in the fairway (58°01′⋅1N,
5°25′⋅3W), leads to Dorney Sound (58°01′⋅6N, 5°24′⋅7W).
Chart 2500 with plan A and plan of Ullapool 13.211
Anchorages and moorings 1 Directions. From position 57°57′⋅3N, 5°29′⋅2W, the line
13.206 of bearing 030° on Meall an Fheadain (58°02′⋅6N,
1 Good anchorage may be obtained between Ullapool 5°23′⋅4W) (13.200) open NW of Sgeir Neo-ghluasadach
Point and the narrows off Corry Point (1½ miles SE) as (57°59′⋅5N, 5°26′⋅6W) (13.212), as shown on chart 2500,
convenient, clear of Otter Bank which is situated in the leads NNE, passing (with positions from Sgeir nam Mult
fairway 6 cables SE of Ullapool Point, and of an outfall (57°58′⋅7N, 5°27′⋅0W)):
which extends WSW from the E shore about 2 cables N of 2 ESE of Priest Island (2 miles SW) (13.189) which,
Corry Point. In 1992 HMS Minerva (2450 tonnes) anchored when viewed from N, appears smooth-topped with
2 cables off the pier in a depth of 27 m. 2 summits near its E end, thence:
2 Submarine cables (1.39) cross the loch from Ullapool WNW of Bottle Island (1 mile SSW), the SW of Na
Point SW to Aultnaharrie, as shown on the chart. Their Finlaichean (13.191), thence:
landing places are marked by beacons. 3 WNW of Sgeir Mhór (7 cables SW), thence:
See 13.187 for hazards in the anchorage area. WNW of Twelve Feet Rock (4 cables SW), and:
3 Coasters can find anchorage in a small bay on the SW ESE of Glas-leac Beag (2 miles WNW), a flat and
side of the loch, to the S of the narrows at Corry Point narrow islet that, on a fine day, has a bright green
where the loch has a width of only 2¼ cables. The N appearance derived from its covering of sea grass,
entrance point of the bay is covered with grass and may be thence:
identified by the conspicuous cottage 2 cables W (13.195). 4 WNW of Sgeir Beg (2½ cables SE), thence:
4 Coasters can also find anchorage at the head of the loch, WNW of Sgeir nam Mult which consists of a group
in depths of 22 to 27 m, approaching clear of marine farms of steep-to rocks.
(1.17) moored along the SW shore of the loch. 13.212
1 When clear of Sgeir nam Mult the track alters NNE
Alongside berths through a deep channel, passing (with positions from Sgeir
13.207 nam Mult):
1 Ferry Pier and a reclaimed area which project SSE ESE of Stac Mhic Aonghais (1 mile NNW) which has
from the waterfront NE of Ullapool Point form the main a reef extending ½ cable SW and shoals, with a
berthing area. The principal berth, on the SW side of Ferry least depth of 0⋅8 m over them, lying 2½ cables
Pier, is 90 m in length, with depths of 6 to 12 m alongside WSW and 1½ cables NW from the SW extremity
and a Ro-Ro ramp at its inshore end, used as a ferry of the islet, thence:
terminal. 2 WNW of a bank, on which there is foul ground,
2 There are several other berths including the faces of the extending 1 cable W from Sgeir Neo-ghluasadach
reclaimed area and special berths for deep-water fishing (9 cables NNE) which shows a vertical face when
vessels. seen from the N, thence:
Other berths within the loch are as follows: jetties on WNW of a 7⋅2 m patch (1¼ miles NNE) which lies
both sides of Rubha Blàr Bog, 1¾ miles SE of Corry Point, 1 cable W of the S end of Sgeir Revan.
and Braemore Pier, which is in disrepair, projecting from 13.213
the NE shore 7½ cables from the head of the loch. 1 When clear of Sgeir Revan the track alters towards the
NE, as required to cross the deep channel S of Tanera Beg
Port services (1½ miles N), towards Caolas a’ Mhill Ghairbh, the narrow
13.208 channel W of Tanera More. The route through Caolas a’
1 Repairs. Full range of marine electronic services. Divers Mhill Ghairbh, leads generally N, passing (with positions
available. from Eilean a’ Ehuic (58°01′⋅1N, 5°25′⋅5W)):
Specialist facilities for fishing vessels. 2 E of Tanera Beg (6 cables SW) which is steep-to on
Deratting can be carried out. its S and W sides, thence:
Customs office. W of Tanera More (1½ cables E) (13.201), and:
2 Supplies: E of the SE extremity of Eilean Fada Mór (4 cables
Diesel fuel is available at all berths and by road SSW), thence:
tanker. 3 E of an 8⋅1 m rock (2 cables S) which lies close to
Fresh water is laid on at the berths. the middle of the fairway, thence:
Full range of provisions and chandlery are available W of a rock (1½ cables ESE) lying close off the W
and can be supplied to vessels at anchor. coast of Tanera More, and:
E of Eilean a’ Ehuic and over the least depth in the
Small craft fairway of 10⋅5 m (½ cable E), thence:
13.209 4 W of Eilean na Saille (1½ cables NE), thence:
1 Parts of Loch Broom have holding ground suitable for E of a bank and foul ground extending 1¾ cables E
moorings and anchoring. from Sgeir nam Feusgan (1½ cables NNW).

Side channels in the approach to Ullapool

Chart 2501
Charts 1794, 2500, 2501 Horse Sound
Channels from south to north 13.214
13.210 1 Horse Sound, between Horse Island (57°59′N, 5°21′W)
1 Route. From a position S of Priest Island (57°58′N, and the mainland NE, is deep in the fairway which is free
5°30′W) a series of channels, the N of which is narrow from dangers except for Mary Rock and Iolla Bheag which

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extend 3 cables W and SW from Rubha Dubh Ard, at the 2 The principal danger in this channel is Douran Rocks
SE end of the sound. (57°53′⋅1N, 5°26′⋅5W) which lie in the entrance to Bàgh
13.215 Mhungasdail, a small sandy bay.
1 Clearing lines. The line of bearing 283° of the N
extremity of Stac Mhic Aonghais (57°59′⋅6N, 5°27′⋅7W) Anchorages
open SSW of Horse Island clears SSW of Iolla Bheag. 13.220
The alignment (331°) of Rubha Dùnan (58°00′⋅4N, 1 Temporary anchorage may be obtained in Laide Bay
5°21′⋅2W) (13.204) with Meall an Fheadain, 2½ miles NW (57°52′N, 5°32′W) in a depth of 6 m, 5 cables W of An
(13.200), clears WSW of Iolla Bheag and Mary Rock. t-Saothair, sheltered from SW to W winds, but it is not
recommended as the bottom is rocky.
Anchorage for small craft is shown on the chart near
Gruinard Bay position 57°52′⋅7N, 5°27′⋅3W), 5½ cables NW of Gruinard
House (13.216).
Chart 2509
General information Little Loch Broom
13.216 Chart 2500
1 Gruinard Bay, entered between Rubha Beag (57°55′N, General information
5°34′W) and Stattic Point, 4½ miles E, affords only 13.221
temporary anchorage within the bay, the shores of which 1 Little Loch Broom, entered between Stattic Point
are generally fringed by a reef which extends, in places, (57°54′⋅5N, 5°25′⋅3W) and Cailleach Head, 1½ miles NNE,
1¾ cables offshore. affords only limited anchorage for coasters and small craft
2 Gruinard Island, which occupies much of the E side of as the loch is deep in the fairway and the coasts are
the bay, rises to a dune, topped by a cairn, near its centre steep-to, except at the head of the loch, which dries for
and is covered with grass. about 5 cables. Marine farms (1.17) are moored along both
Tidal streams in Gruinard Bay are weak. sides of the loch, generally close inshore, as shown on the
Principal mark: chart.
Gruinard House (57°52′⋅3N, 5°26′⋅5W) which is 2 Topography. On the NE side of the loch the peninsula
conspicuous, stands on the NE side of the mouth which separates Little Loch Broom from Loch Broom is
of Gruinard River. comparatively low between Cailleach Head and Beinn
Ghobhlach (4½ miles ESE), where it rises to its highest
Directions for Gruinard Bay point.
13.217 3 On the SW side of the loch the land rises abruptly,
1 Directions for the approach from W are given at 13.189. about 1 mile S of Stattic Point, to Càrn Dearg an Droma,
From position 57°55′⋅5N, 5°31′⋅0W, the main entry from which a ridge extends along the SW side of the loch
channel into Gruinard Bay leads generally S on the W side to Sàil Mhór (57°51′N, 5°19′W), a round-topped mountain.
of the bay, passing (with positions from An Dubh Airde Scattered villages are situated on both sides of the loch.
(57°54′N, 5°33′W)): 13.222
E of Creag an Eilean (1¼ miles NNW) (13.189), 1 Tidal streams set as follows:
thence:
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
2 E of Leac an Fhaobhair (8 cables N), a salient point,
thence: –0605 In-going stream begins
E of Carrag Mór and Carrag Beag (5 cables N), a –0005 Out-going stream begins
group of rocks lying 1¼ cables offshore, thence:
The streams are very weak, except in the entrance to the
E of An Dubh Airde, a salient point, and:
loch where the spring rate in both directions is ¾ to 1 kn.
3 W of Stirk Rock (2 miles E) a detached rock lying
13.223
1½ cables NNW of Gruinard Island, the W coast
1 Local weather. Little Loch Broom is subject to heavy
of which is fringed by rocks, thence:
squalls, especially in its upper part. The most dangerous are
Clear of a marine farm (1½ miles SE) (1.17).
those which sweep through the valley lying ESE of Sail
13.218
Mhór (13.221) during SW winds, when frequent whirlwinds
1 Clearing line. The line of bearing 186° of Udrigle
are formed over the loch.
House (1 mile S) situated near the coast, just open E of An
Dubh Airde, clears close E of Carrag Mór and Carrag Directions for Little Loch Broom
Beag. 13.224
Useful mark: 1 Directions for the approach from W are given at 13.189.
A prominent stone bridge (57°51′N, 5°27′W) From position 57°55′⋅5N, 5°26′⋅0W, the main entry
spanning the mouth of Inverianvie River (Chart channel into Little Loch Broom leads generally SE, passing
2500), situated 2 cables E of Little Gruinard River. (with positions from Leac an Ime (57°54′⋅3N, 5°23′⋅8W)):
SW of Cailleach Head (1½ miles N) (13.191), thence:
Channel east of Gruinard Island 2 NE of the shoal surrounding Ardross Rock (6 cables
13.219 NW), a dangerous flat rock situated on the SW
1 The deep water channel between Gruinard Island and the side of the entrance. Cailleach Head Light is
mainland E is restricted SE of the island to a width of obscured over this rock. Thence:
½ cable between the 20 m depth contours. These narrows SW of a rock (1 m high) (5 cables N) lying close to a
are formed by Sròn a’ Mhoil, a drying spit extending SE point which rises steeply to a conical hill 23 m
from Gruinard Island, and a shallow bank extending high, thence:
5 cables offshore, formed by the gravel discharged from 3 NE of Leac an Ime, a point which consists of dark
Gruinard River. rock, and:

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SW of a bank, with depths of less than 5 m over it, Anchorages

which extends 1¾ cables from the coast W of 13.229
Corran Sgoraig (5 cables NE) which is a low point 1 The best anchorage is in the small bay on the E side of
with a boundary wall surrounding it, above a Isle Martin with the ruin of an old salmon curing house
boulder and shingle beach. bearing 255°, in a depth of 18 m, offshore of the anchorage
4 The fairway of the loch is then clear of dangers except shown on the chart, keeping clear of:
for Conger Stack (57°51′⋅6N, 5°15′⋅7W), situated in the Submarine cables laid close N of the bar joining Isle
fairway near the head of the loch, which rises steeply from Martin to the mainland.
depths greater than 50 m. A marine farm (1.17) moored off the E coast of Isle
Martin.
Anchorages 2 Small craft can anchor in the E part of the loch, as
13.225 shown on the chart, in depths of 7 to 9 m, mud, clear of:
1 Anchorage can be obtained off the village of Rireavach Sgeir Mhór, lying on a rocky spit extending 2 cables
(57°54′N, 5°20′W) from 3 to 4 cables offshore in depths of N from Aird na h-Eighe.
27 to 33 m. A marine farm (1.17) moored 1¾ cables S of Rubha
Anchorage is also charted in position 57°53′⋅4N, Meallain Bhuidhe.
5°19′⋅4W.
2 Small craft may obtain anchorage as follows: near Anchorages
position 57°52′N, 5°15′W, SW of the village of Kildonan,
as shown on the chart, and off Camusnagaul 57°51′N, Annat Bay
5°16′W, east of the last point before the head of the loch. 13.230
1 Annat Bay, which extends from Leac Dhonn (57°56′⋅4N,
Berths 5°21′⋅6W) to Rubha Camas a’ Mhaoraich, 4 miles ESE,
13.226 affords temporary anchorage in its W part up to 3 cables
1 A jetty (57°54′⋅6N, 5°22′⋅6W) extends from the coast on offshore in depths of 13 to 31 m.
the E side of Corran Sgoraig, close S of a beacon marking 2 Small craft will find the best anchorage in Féith an
the N landing place of submarine cables (1.39). Fheòir, a small bay on the W side of Annat Bay, as shown
A slipway, which extends from the S coast, 8 cables S on the chart.
of the jetty, is situated close ESE of a beacon marking the The S part of Annat Bay is steep-to and the E part is
S landing place of submarine cables, near the village of high and bold, rising steeply to Beinn Ghobhlach.
Badluachrach.
Chart 2501
Tanera More
13.231
Loch Kanaird 1 The bay on the E side of Tanera More (58°01′N,
5°24′W) provides shelter but it is encumbered by marine
General information farms (1.17) and moorings.
13.227 2 Small craft can anchor within the 2 islets lying close
1 Loch Kanaird (57°57′N, 5°12′W), between the E side of offshore on the S side of the bay in a depth of 7 m, where
Isle Martin and the mainland, is almost landlocked. The smooth water will be found during NE winds. Local
centre of the loch is deep but the E part, between Rubha knowledge is required to use this anchorage, which is
Meallain Bhuidhe (57°56′⋅7N, 5°11′⋅3W) and Aird na known locally as the Cabbage Patch, as it is reported to be
h-Eighe, 5 cables SSW, has depths of less than 10 m, full of local moorings.
forming the mouth of River Kanaird.
2 The S entrance to the loch is almost closed by foul Loch an Alltain Duibh
ground extending ¾ cable E from the SE extremity of Isle 13.232
Martin and also 2½ cables WNW from Aird na h-Eighe, on 1 Loch an Alltain Duibh (58°03′N, 5°25′W) has depths of
the mainland. These 2 foul areas are connected by a bar 3 to 11 m with good holding ground but is open NW and
with a controlling depth of 2⋅2 m over it. is not recommended as an anchorage.
3 The E shore of the loch, N of Rubha Meallain Bhuidhe,
is low and comprised of sand and shingle beaches with
intervening rocky points.
Small craft
A description of Isle Martin is given at 13.205. Anchorages and berths
13.233
Directions 1 Caolas Eilean Ristol (58°02′⋅5N, 5°25′⋅5W) lying
13.228 between Isle Ristol and the mainland, affords anchorage for
1 For Directions in the approach see 13.205. small craft near its N end, in a depth of 5 m, as shown on
From position 57°57′⋅2N, 5°15′⋅0W, the approach to the chart. This area is known as Old Dornie Harbour.
Loch Kanaird leads E in mid-channel between Isle Martin Moorings are available for visiting craft.
and the mainland N, off the middle of which is moored a A pier, on the head of which stands a light (grey pole),
marine farm (1.17). extends from the mainland on the NE side of the strait.
2 When clear of Isle Martin the track alters S into the 13.234
entrance, passing W of a 3⋅2 m rocky patch which lies 1 Eilean Fada Mór (58°01′N, 5°26′W) affords good
about 1 cable NW of Rubha Meallain Bhuidhe. anchorage in a pool between the island and Tanera Beg,
Small craft can enter from the S, using the leading line 1 cable SW, in 12 m sand, as shown on the chart. Good
shown on the chart, noting that the dark streak is not easily anchorage is also available in a bight on the S side of the
identified. island.

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13.235 Tidal streams off Rubha Còigeach, Cluas Deas (8 miles

1 Bardentarbat Bay has a pier at its N end (58°01′⋅8N, NNE) and Point of Stoer, 2 miles farther NNE, begin as
5°22′⋅4W). Small craft can obtain temporary anchorage follows:
ESE of the pier. Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
Chart 2509 –0215 N-going stream begins
13.236 +0510 S-going stream begins
1 Priest Island affords temporary anchorage in a bay
(57°57′⋅7N, 5°30′⋅0W) on the E side of the island, which is 2 The spring rate off the points is 2½ kn in both directions
subject to swell. but it is probably weak between the points.
Principal marks
Other names 13.245
13.237 1 Landmarks:
1 Charraig, Camas a’ (57°54′⋅2N, 5°33′⋅2W) (chart Caisteal Liath, the conspicuous tooth-shaped peak of
2509). Suilven (58°07′N, 5°08′W).
Reiff Bay (58°04′N, 5°27′W) (Chart 2501). Stoerhead Lighthouse (58°14′N, 5°24′W) (white
Ruthaig, Camas na (57°56′N, 5°22′W) (Chart 2500). tower, 14 m in height).
2 Point of Stoer, 1¾ miles NNE of Stoerhead Light, a
bold, conspicuous headland which is seen as a cliff
RUBHA CÒIGEACH TO POINT OF STOER from the NW and generally appears as an island.

General information
Charts 1794, 1785
Passage
13.238
1 The coastal passage along the E side of North Minch
Point of Stoer from WNW (13.245)
from a position WSW of Rubha Còigeach (58°06′N,
(Original dated 2000)
5°26′W), leads NNE for about 16 miles, clear of dangers to
(Photograph − Air Images)
a position WNW of Point of Stoer (58°16′N, 5°22′W).
Major light:
Topography Stoerhead Light—as above.
13.239
1 General topography for the E side of North Minch is
given at 13.118.
Topography in the approaches to Ullapool is given at
13.166.
Between Rubha Còigeach and Cluas Deas, 8 miles NNE,
the NW coast of Scotland forms a large bay with Enard
Bay in its S end and Loch Inver in the centre.

Depths
13.240
1 A general description of the depths in North Minch is Stoerhead Lighthouse from W (13.245)
given at 13.5. (Original dated 2000)
(Photograph − Air Images)
Hazards
13.241
1 The passage described above passes through an area of Other navigational aids
fishing activity, as given at 13.7, and includes a submarine 13.246
exercise area, as given at 13.6. 1 In addition to visual marks, which are described in the
Directions, radio navigation aids are available as given at
Rescue 1.33.
13.242
1 An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team (1.61) and an Directions
all-weather lifeboat (1.72) are maintained at Lochinver (continued from 13.137)
(58°09′N, 5°14′W). 13.247
For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 13.16. 1 From the vicinity of 58°04′N, 5°45′W, the coastal
passage continues NNE for about 16 miles, passing:
Natural conditions WNW of Rubha Còigeach (58°06′N, 5°26′W), a
13.243 rocky point (18 m high) which is the N extremity
1 Local magnetic anomaly. Various reports have been of Rubha Mór, (13.166). Parts of this coast are
made that the normal magnetic variation is increased by unsurveyed, as shown on Chart 2504. Thence:
about 15° in a position S of Stoerhead Light (58°14′N, 2 WNW of the approaches to Lochinver (13.249),
5°24′W), as shown on the charts. thence:
13.244 WNW of Cluas Deas (58°14′N, 5°24′W), at the N
1 Tidal streams for the North Minch are given at 13.19 end of which stands Stoerhead Light (13.245),
and for the vicinity of the Summer Isles at 13.171. thence:

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WNW of Point of Stoer, 2 miles NNE of Cluas Deas route, as given in the Directions at 13.258, passes S of A’
(13.245). Chleit then between Kirkaig Point and Soyea Island.
2 A secondary approach route from NW is given at
Useful mark 13.264.
13.248 13.252
1 Old Man of Stoer (1½ miles NNE of Cluas Deas) 1 Traffic. In 2002, the port was used by 2 vessels with a
which is a remarkable detached column, best seen total of 420 dwt.
from NE. 13.253
(Directions continue for passage NNE at 13.284) 1 Harbour Authority: Highland Council Harbours
Section, Harbours HQ, Lochinver, Sutherland IV27 4LE.
Lochinver and approaches Local control is vested in the Harbour Master, at the same
address as above.
Chart 2504
Limiting conditions
General information
13.254
13.249
1 Deepest and longest berth is alongside the Main
1 Loch Inver, entered between Kirkaig Point (58°08′⋅3N,
Market Quay (13.268).
5°17′⋅8W) and Rubha Rodha (1 mile NNW), provides
Mean tidal levels. See information in Admiralty Tide
access to Lochinver, situated at its head, which is a good,
Tables. Mean spring range about 4⋅2 m; mean neap range
sheltered harbour. In 2001 the population was 650. In 1992
about 1⋅8 m.
the port was extended and developed to increase its scope
Maximum size of vessel handled. The port can
and to maintain its position as a major port for white fish
accommodate vessels up to 90 m LOA, 17 m beam and
landings in Scotland, and as a base for international fishing
8⋅0 m draught. Vessels of up to 11⋅5 m draught can enter
vessels.
the port at MHWS.
Arrival information
13.255
1 Port radio. Watch is maintained on VHF during
working hours and when a vessel is expected.
Notice of ETA. Notice of 24 hours is mandatory for
vessels carrying dangerous goods. Notice of 24 hours is
requested for vessels over 50 m LOA and notice of 1 hour
for smaller vessels. See Admiralty List of Radio Signals
Volume 6(1).
Quarantine. For quarantine regulations see 1.50.
Approaches to Loch Inver from W (13.249) Harbour
(Original dated 2000) 13.256
(Photograph − Air Images) 1 The port area, situated on the S side of the head of the
loch, consists of 2 piers connected by a quay, 160 m in
13.250 length, all of which is protected on its W side by a
1 Harbour limits. The seaward limit of the harbour breakwater extending ¾ cable N from the coast.
extends from the W point on the E side of Loch Bad nam 13.257
Ban (58°08′⋅3N, 5°16′⋅3W) through the W extremity of 1 Tidal streams have no evident effect in the approaches
Sgeir Bhuidhe (¾ cable NNW) to Rubha nam Fàd or within Loch Inver. However, there may be a continuous
(58°08′⋅9N, 5°16′⋅6W). outgoing flow of fresh water in the loch.
Directions for approaching Lochinver from
south-west
13.258
1 From position 58°06′⋅8N, 5°27′⋅0W, the approach to
Lochinver from SW (13.251) leads ENE, passing (with
positions from A’ Chleit (58°08′N, 5°20′W)):
N, distant 5 cables from Rubha Còigeach (2¾ miles
WSW) (13.247), from which point drying rocks
Loch Inver from W (13.249) extend ¾ cable N and NNE, thence:
(Original dated 2000) 2 N of Enard Bay (1 mile S) (13.272), thence:
(Photograph − Air Images) S distant 5 cables from A’ Chleit, noting that a shoal,
with a least depth of 7⋅2 m over it, lies near the
13.251 SE end of foul ground and a bank extending
1 Approach and entry. Lochinver can be approached nearly 3 cables ESE from the E end of the islet,
from between SW and NW and entered through Loch which rises nearly vertically and is steep-to on its
Inver. The main entrance to Loch Inver is between Kirkaig S and N sides.
Point and Soyea Island, 5 cables NW, as the route NE of 13.259
Soyea Island is restricted to vessels with a draught of less 1 When clear of A’ Chleit the track alters NNE towards
than 5 m. In addition, the route between Soyea Island and the E end of Soyea Island, passing (with positions from A’
A’ Chleit, 9 cables SW, is encumbered by a rock, with a Chleit):
depth of 6⋅9 m over it, 4 cables N of the W end of A’ WNW of Rubha na Brèige (1½ miles ESE), the S
Chleit, which breaks in heavy weather. Therefore the main entrance point to Loch Kirkaig, thence:

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2 ESE of the bank extending 3 cables ESE from A’ Directions for approaching Lochinver from
Chleit (13.258), thence: north-west
WNW of Kirkaig Point (1½ miles ENE), which is the 13.264
NE extremity of the promontory which separates 1 From the vicinity of 58°14′N, 5°25′W, the approach to
Enard Bay from Loch Inver. Lochinver from NW (13.251) leads SSE towards Soyea
13.260 Island (58°08′⋅6N, 5°19′⋅0W) which is covered with heather
1 Useful mark: and on which stands Soyea Island Light (13.260); from N
Soyea Island Light (concrete pedestal) (58°08′⋅6N, the island is seen as 2 hillocks, the higher at its E end.
5°19′⋅7W) which stands on a summit at the W end This track passes (with positions from Soyea Island Light):
of the island (13.264). 2 WSW of the coast between Cluas Deas (58°14′N,
5°24′W) (13.247) and Loch Roe, 5½ miles SSE,
which is indented by several small bays and has
Directions for entering Loch Inver from south-west no dangers offshore, thence:
13.261 WSW of Ondine Rocks (1 mile NNE) which lie
1 From a position W of Kirkaig Point, a white sector 3 cables offshore in the middle of the entrance to
(071°−078°) of Glas Leac Light (yellow pedestal) Loch Roe (13.271).
(58°08′⋅7N, 5°16′⋅3W) leads ENE into Loch Inver, passing
(with positions from Glas Leac Light): Directions for entering Loch Inver from north-west
2 SSE of Soyea Island (1¼ miles W) (13.264), the S 13.265
coast of which is moderately steep-to but foul 1 From a position SW of Ondine Rocks, a white sector
ground and a bank, with depths of less than 10 m (103°−111°) of Glas Leac Light (58°08′⋅7N, 5°16′⋅3W)
over it, extends 1½ cables E from the E extremity, (13.261) leads ESE into Loch Inver, passing (with positions
thence: from Glas Leac Light):
SSE of a light-buoy (port hand) (1 mile W), thence: SSW of Bo Burrick (1¼ miles WNW), a drying rock
3 SSE of Bo Caolas (9½ cables W), which is marked at which lies ½ cable NNW of Rubha Rodha the S
its W end by a beacon (green metal post with a entrance point of Loch Roe, thence:
cage topmark), and: 2 NNE of Bomore Stigh (1¼ miles W), which lies
NNW of Kirkaig Rock (9 cables WSW. A light-buoy 2½ cables N of the E end of Soyea Island, thence:
(starboard hand) is moored 1 cable WNW of the Over or clear of a rocky shoal, with a least depth of
rock. Thence: 5⋅9 m over it (1¼ miles WNW), which lies in the
4 Close NNW of a 9⋅3 m patch (5½ cables WSW), middle of the white sector as shown on the chart,
which lies ¾ cable offshore, thence: and:
WNW of Bogh’ an Tairbh (4½ cables SW), which 3 NNE of Bogha Leathan (1¼ miles W), which lies up
lies ¾ cable offshore. to 1 cable NE of Soyea Island, thence:
13.262 NNE of Bo Caolas (1 mile W) (13.261), thence:
1 After passing Bogh’ an Tairbh the track alters to the E, Over or clear of a shoal patch, with a least depth of
in mid-channel, passing (with positions from Glas Leac 7⋅8 m over it (8½ cables WNW), which lies on the
Light): SW side of the white sector, as shown on the
N of a shoal, with a least depth of 4⋅4 m over it chart, thence:
(3¼ cables SSW), which lies 1½ cables offshore, 4 SSW of Priest Rocks (5 cables NW), which lie at the
thence: SW end of a reef extending 1½ cables SW from
2 S of a shallow bank which extends ¼ cable SE from the E entrance point of Camas na Frithearaich, a
Glas Leac, a green-topped islet lying in the middle small bay on the N side of the loch containing
of the fairway, 2 cables S of the N shore. Glas marine farms (1.17), as shown on the plan.
Leac Light (13.261) stands on the summit of the 13.266
islet. 1 After passing Priest Rocks the channel with deepest
water passes S of Glas Leac, as given at 13.262.
The channel N of Glas Leac has a least charted depth of
Directions for entering harbour 7⋅8 m in the fairway (1 cable NNE). However, this channel
13.263 is constricted by a shallow spit, with a depth of 3⋅8 m over
1 When clear of Glas Leac the track alters NE towards the it, extending ¾ cable SSW from a point on the N shore
head of the loch, passing (with positions from Glas Leac immediately E of Woman Rocks, and by the shallow bank,
Light): with foul ground, which extends ½ cable N from Glas
NW of marine farms (1.17) moored across the Leac.
entrance to Mugrum Bay (5 cables E), thence: Anchorage
2 NW of a bank, with depths of less than 10 m over it, 13.267
which extends ½ cable NW from Aird Ghlas 1 Anchorage can be obtained as required between Glas
(6¼ cables ENE), a salient point on the S side of Leac and the head of the loch, but the upper part of the
the head of the loch, thence: loch is shallow and confined. During W gales the
NW of the breakwater extending N from Aird Ghlas. anchorage area is exposed, the wind blowing with full
Harbour Breakwater Head Light (black column, force up the loch.
white bands) stands on the head of the breakwater.
3 Useful marks: Alongside berths
Culag Pier Light (grey column, 5 m in height) 13.268
(9 cables ENE) standing on the NW end of the 1 Finger Pier, which extends 130 m NNW from the coast
pier (13.268). midway between the breakwater and Culag Pier, 2¼ cables
Finger Pier Head Light (8 cables ENE). E, provides berths on both sides. The deepest berth, the

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Main Market Quay, can accomodate vessels of upto 90 m Loch an Eisg-Brachaidh (6 cables E).
in length and draughts of 6 m. Loch Kirkaig (1¼ miles NNE).
There is one other pier, with berths on both sides, and a
quay with a length of 200 m.
POINT OF STOER TO CAPE WRATH
Port services
13.269
General information
1 Fresh water, ice and diesel fuel are available. Chart 1785
Stores and facilities for fishing vessels are also available, Passage
including lay-over berths. Facilities exist for the disposal of 13.274
waste and should be arranged in advance. 1 The coastal passage along the E side of North Minch
from a position WNW of Point of Stoer (58°16′N, 5°22′W)
Small craft leads NNE for about 25 miles clear of dangers to a position
13.270 WNW of Cape Wrath (58°37′N, 5°00′W).
1 Alongside berths. A limited number of pontoon berths Coastal passage E of Cape Wrath is given in North
are situated between the breakwater and Finger Pier. Coast of Scotland Pilot.
Anchorages. There are several anchorage areas suitable 2 Cape Wrath is an important landfall and point of
for small craft within Loch Inver. It should, however, be departure for ocean routes as given in Ocean Passages for
noted that winds from the W can be strong, as given at the World.
13.267. Recorded anchorages are given in the following
paragraphs, with positions from Glas Leac Light: Topography
2 Head of Loch Inver. The best position lies in the upper 13.275
part of the loch (8 cables ENE), as shown on the chart, in 1 General topography for the E side of North Minch is
depths of 7 to 9 m mud. given at 13.118.
Loch an Shunish (5½ cables ESE) at the W end of From Point of Stoer to Handa Island, 8½ miles NE, the
Mugrum Bay (13.263), clear of a marine farm (1.17) coast is deeply indented by Eddrachillis Bay which leads to
moored in the entrance. Loch a’ Chairn Bhàin in its SE corner. Details of the
3 Loch Bad nam Ban (4½ cables S) affords anchorage in topography for this bay are given at 13.323.
a depth of 6 m, ½ cable SE of Eilean Bad nam Ban, as 2 From Handa Island (58°23′N, 5°11′W) to the peninsula
shown on the plan, clear of marine farms (1.17) and of Am Meall, 5¾ miles NNE, the coast forms the
moorings in the area. approaches to Loch Laxford (58°24′N, 5°05′W) and Loch
Poll nan Gobhar (6 cables SW) situated S of Bogh’ an Inchard (58°27′N, 5°03′W). Details of the topography for
Tairbh, affords anchorage clear of a marine farm (1.17) these approaches are given at 13.309 and 13.289.
moored in the bay. The coast between Am Meall (58°29′N, 5°07′W) and
13.271 Rubh’ a Bhuachaille (3½ miles NNE) is cliffy with drying
1 Loch Roe (58°10′N, 5°18′W) affords anchorage for rocks extending 1 cable offshore.
small craft as given in the following paragraphs. 3 Between Rubh’ a Bhuachaille (58°32′N, 5°05′W) and
Port an t-Seilisdeire, a cove on the NW side of the Cape Wrath, 6 miles NNE, the coast at first forms
loch, in depths of 4 to 6 m. Sandwood Bay, which is prominent at LW, then, as Cape
Pool Bay, a sheltered bay on the S side of the loch, in Wrath is approached, the coast consists of red vertical cliffs
depths of 4 to 8 m, as shown on the chart. indented by rugged coves.
Ob Coramach, near the head of the bay on the N side,
as shown on the chart. Depths
13.276
1 A general description of depths in North Minch is given
Enard Bay at 13.5.
General information Hazards
13.272
13.277
1 Enard bay, entered between Rubha Còigeach (58°06′N,
1 The passage described above passes through an area of
5°26′W) and Kirkaig Point (4¾ miles ENE) lies across the
fishing activity, as given at 13.7. Kinlochbervie Harbour
S end of the large bay described at 13.239. There are
(58°27′⋅5N, 5°03′⋅0W) (13.288) handles a fair portion of
several small bays and inlets around the shores of Enard
the catch from the North Minch.
Bay and several islands, islets and rocks which extend up
This passage also passes through a submarine exercise
to 7 cables from its E side. area, as given at 13.6.
Tidal streams are weak within the bay.
Historic wreck
Anchorages 13.278
13.273 1 An historic wreck in position 58°26′⋅2N, 5°06′⋅4W, close
1 Small craft occasionally use the small bays around SE of Sgeirean Cruaidhe, is surrounded by a restricted area
Enard Bay but they are exposed N and NW and afford of radius 300 m as shown on the chart. See 1.52.
good shelter only when the wind blows offshore, allowing
for possible changes in the wind. Recorded anchorage areas Rescue
are given in the following paragraphs, with positions from 13.279
Eilean Mór (58°06′N, 5°18′W). 1 An Auxiliary Coastguard Rescue Team Station (1.61) is
2 Camas a’ Bhothain (2 miles SW). based at Kinlochbervie (58°28′N, 5°03′W), and an
Loch Salainn (1 mile SSE), which is reported to be all-weather lifeboat (1.72) is maintained at Lochinver
clear of swell and to be the best anchorage in Enard Bay, (58°09′N, 5°14′W).
clear of marine farms (1.17) moored in the area. For emergency co-ordination and DF services see 13.16.

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Natural conditions Directions

13.280 (continued from 13.248)
1 Tidal streams off Eddrachillis Bay are given at 13.326. 13.284
Tidal streams off the coast between Eilean an Ròin Beag 1 From the vicinity of 58°18′N, 5°31′W, the coastal
(58°28′N, 5°08′W) and Cape Wrath, 10 miles NNE, set as passage continues NNE for about 25 miles, passing (with
follows: positions from Handa Island (58°23′N, 5°11′W)):
WNW of Point of Stoer (8½ miles SW) (13.245),
Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
thence:
–0120 N-going stream begins WNW of Eddrachillis Bay (6 miles SW) (13.323),
+0455 S-going stream begins thence:
2 WNW of Handa Island which is high at is N end,
2 Along the coast close inshore and S of Cape Wrath the sloping gradually to its S coast. The N and W
tidal streams are not known but it is probable that an eddy coasts of the island consist of precipitous, dark red
is formed during the S-going stream and that along this and brown sandstone cliffs from 60 to 110 m high.
coast the stream sets continuously to the N. See Admiralty During the breeding season numerous sea birds
Tidal Stream Atlas: North Coast of Ireland and West Coast resort to these cliffs, as Handa Island is a nature
of Scotland, and tidal stream information on the chart. reserve, and whiten them in horizontal lines.
13.281 Thence:
1 Local weather and sea state. Cape Wrath is totally 3 WNW of Rubha Ruadh (1¾ miles NE) which is
exposed to the N and W and is frequently subjected to rather low and of a remarkable reddish colour,
very strong winds which build up a huge and dangerous thence:
sea in a very short time. Even in calm weather a large WNW of Dubh Sgeirean (3 miles NNE) (13.289),
ocean swell is often present. thence:
Fog. When approaching Cape Wrath in thick weather it WNW of Eilean an Ròin Beag (5¼ miles NNE)
is advisable to keep outside the 50 m depth contour. (13.298), thence:
4 WNW of Dubh Sgeir (5¾ miles NNE) (13.298),
Principal marks thence:
13.282 WNW of Am Bhuachaille (9½ miles NNE) lying
1 Landmarks: close NW of Rubh’ a Bhuachaille which, when
Cape Wrath (58°37′N, 5°00′W), a conspicuous, bold viewed from SW, has the appearance of a full
and precipitous headland on which stands Cape rigged ship under sail, thence:
Wrath Lighthouse (white tower, 20 m in height, 5 WNW of Am Balg (9½ miles NNE) a rocky islet
with a wind generator beside it). Owing to its high which rises precipitously and is foul for 2 cables
elevation the lighthouse is frequently obscured. offshore. This islet is a breeding place for puffins
and guillemots. Thence:
WNW of Cape Wrath (58°37′N, 5°00′W) (13.282)
which forms the NW promontory of Scotland.

Useful marks
13.285
1 Manse (58°20′N, 5°08′W) standing at the head of
Badcall Bay, as shown on the chart.
Ben Stack (58°20′N, 04°57′W) which has a
Cape Wrath from W (13.282) prominent, sharp, conical peak.
(Original dated 2000) Ben Arkle (2¾ miles NE of Ben Stack) which has a
(Photograph − Air Images)
remarkably smooth round-topped summit that is
whitish in colour.
2 Ceann Garbh (58°25′N, 04°54′W) which shows as the
Major light:
end of a long ridge known as Foinaven.
Cape Wrath Light—as above.
Rubha na Leacaig Light (58°27′⋅4N, 5°04′⋅5W)
(13.296).
(Directions continue for passage off the N coast of
Scotland in the North Coast of Scotland Pilot)

Coastal lochs and approaches

13.286
Horn 1 The large bay formed between Point of Stoer (58°16′N,
Cape Wrath Lighthouse from NW (13.282) 5°22′W) and the point 7 cables NW of Am Meall (58°29′N,
(Original dated 2000) 5°07′W) provides access to 3 significant lochs. These lochs,
(Photograph − Air Images) with their approaches, inner lochs and harbours, are given
in the text, in order of importance, as follows:
2 Loch Inchard (58°27′N, 5°03′W), containing
Other navigational aids Kinlochbervie Harbour, at 13.288.
13.283 Loch Laxford (58°24′N, 5°05′W) at 13.309.
1 Radio navigation aids are available, as given at 1.33. Loch a’ Chàirn Bhàin (58°15′N, 5°03′W) at 13.322.

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Landing Harbour limits

13.287 13.290
1 Between Am Meall (58°29′N, 5°07′W) and Cape Wrath, 1 The seaward limit of Kinlochbervie Harbour extends
9½ miles NNE, the only place where landing can be 3¾ cables N from the NW extremity of Rubh a’ Mhill
effected is in Bay of Keisgaig, 3 miles S of Cape Wrath, Bhàin (58°27′⋅1N, 5°04′⋅6W) to the W extremity of an
where it is possible only during the summer. island close W of Rubha na Leacaig, then NNE for
5¾ cables to the NW corner of Loch Clash, as shown on
the chart.
Kinlochbervie Harbour and approaches
Approach and entry
13.291
Chart 2503
1 Kinlochbervie Harbour is entered through Loch Inchard
General information which can be approached from any direction between SW
13.288 and N. The entrance to Loch Inchard is difficult to identify
1 Kinlochbervie Harbour (58°27′⋅5N, 5°03′⋅0W), a busy from seaward.
fishing port, is situated in Loch Bervie on the N side of
Loch Inchard. The small town of Kinlochberviewhich had a Traffic
population of 480 in 2001, is situated round the shores of 13.292
Loch Bervie. 1 In 1999 the port was used by 5 vessels with a total dwt
of 7 800 tonnes.
Topography Harbour Authority
13.289 13.293
1 South-west of Loch Inchard. The coast between the N 1 The Harbour Authority is the Highland Council,
entrance point of Loch Dùghaill (58°25′⋅4N, 5°06′⋅6W) and Department of Roads and Transport, Council Buildings,
Eilean Dubh, 2 miles NNE, the S entrance point of Loch Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX. Local control is
Inchard, is steep and rocky, rising abruptly to a succession vested in the Harbour Master, Harbour Office,
of hills 90 to 120 m high. Fronting the SW part of this Kinlochbervie by Lairg.
coast are 2 large groups of islets and rocks as follows:
2 Sgeirean Cruaidhe which lies 2½ cables offshore and Limiting conditions
extends NNE from Eilean na Saille. 13.294
Dubh Sgeirean which lies up to a mile offshore and 1 Controlling depth. Loch Bervie, dredged to 3⋅8 m
contains islets which are larger and higher than (1987), has a least depth of 2⋅7 m in the entrance.
those of Sgeirean Cruaidhe. Whale Islet (13.296) is Controlling width of the entrance channel is 20 m between
the only named islet in this group. the LW lines on each side.
3 Loch Inchard which is entered between Glas Leac Mean tidal levels: See information in Admiralty Tide
(58°27′N, 5°05′W) and Rubha na Leacaig, 3¼ cables NE, Tables. Mean spring range about 4⋅2 m; mean neap range
is a narrow loch that is generally free from dangers, both about 1⋅7 m.
shores being bold and steep-to, with deep water extending Tidal streams are imperceptible in Loch Inchard.
to within 9 cables of its head. Maximum size of vessel handled: 72⋅9m LOA, 11⋅03m
4 North-west of Loch Inchard. The coast between the beam, 4⋅5 m draught.
NE corner of Loch Clash (58°27′⋅9N, 5°03′⋅3W) and a
point 1¼ miles WNW rises abruptly to hills of 90 to 120 m Arrival information
high. 13.295
5 Between the above point and Am Meall (58°29′N, 1 Port radio. Intermittent watch is maintained on VHF.
5°07′W) the slope of the land is more gradual than that to For details see Admiralty Maritime Communications List of
the SE and the coast forms 2 sandy bays separated by Radio Signals.
Eilean na h-Aiteig which is connected to the mainland by Notice of ETA. Notice of 24 hours is mandatory for
drying reefs and has vertical cliffs on its SE side. The sand vessels carrying dangerous goods. See Admiralty Maritime
beaches at the head of both bays show up well and some Communications.
conspicuous sand dunes lie at the head of the E bay. Quarantine. For quarantine regulations see 1.50.
Directions for the approach to Loch Inchard from
south-west
13.296
1 From position 58°26′N, 5°10′W, the approach to Loch
Inchard from SW leads NE for about 1½ miles, passing
(with positions from Rubha na Leacaig Light (58°27′⋅4N,
5°04′⋅5W)):
NW of Whale Islet (2½ miles SW) which is dark in
colour and the SW and highest of Dubh Sgeirean
(13.289), thence:
2 3 cables NW of the NW islet of Dubh Sgeirean
(58°26′⋅4N, 5°08′⋅2W), thence:
Loch Rubha na Rubha nan Eun
Clash Leacaig NW of Sgeir an Daimh (1¾ miles WSW) (13.297).
Loch Inchard from NW (13.289) From position 58°27′⋅2N, 5°07′⋅3W the track alters ENE
(Original dated 2000)
towards Rubha na Leacaig, the N entrance point of Loch
Inchard. This point is bold and reddish in colour, rising to
(Photograph − Air Images)
a hummock within the point then abruptly to hills a little

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farther inland. Rubha na Leacaig Light (concrete pedestal) bank and forms the NW entrance point of Loch
stands on the SW side of the point. This track passes: Clash.
3 2 cables NNW of Glas Leac (3½ cables SW of Rubha 13.299
na Leacaig) which consists of 2 bare, rocky islets 1 Clearing line. The alignment (108½°) of the S
connected and surrounded by a drying reef. extremity of Rubha na Leacaig with the E extremity of
(Directions continue for entering Creag Mhòr (1½ miles ESE) (13.303) clears SSW of Bodha
Loch Inchard at 13.300) Ròin.
13.297
1 Side channel. A deep navigable channel separating
Dubh Sgeirean (58°26′N, 5°08′W) (13.289) from Sgeirean Directions for entering Loch Inchard
Cruaidhe, 4 cables SE (13.289), may be used in good (continued from 13.296 and 13.299)
visibility to avoid the swell farther offshore. 13.300
2 The alignment (027°) of Sgeir an Daimh (58°26′⋅6N, 1 From a position 2½ cables W of Rubha na Leacaig
5°07′⋅2W), situated in the middle of the fairway at the NE Light the alignment (098°) of the SW extremity of Rubha
end of the channel, with the E end of a sandy beach, nan Eun, 8 cables ESE, with the N extremity of Rubha na
2¼ miles NNE (13.289), leads through the fairway of the Cloiche Lomaidh, 1 mile farther E, leads into Loch Inchard,
channel passing 1 cable NW of Sgeir Geinn, which lies passing (with positions from Rubha na Leacaig Light):
1½ cables W of Eilean na Sumaid at the SW end of the 2 N of Glas Leac (3½ cables SW) (13.296), thence:
channel. Close S of Rubha na Leacaig (13.296), thence:
3 It is reported that the preferred channel then passes E of N of a light-buoy (N cardinal) marking Bodha Ceann
Sgeir an Daimh. na Sàile (3½ cables ESE), which lies 1 cable off
the S shore and constitutes the only offshore
danger in Loch Inchard. Seaweed on this rock has
been seen in the trough of the waves in heavy
Directions for the approach to Loch Inchard from weather and the sea is reported to break over it in
north a swell.
3 After passing a prominent point on the S shore (5 cables
13.298
SE) Bodha Ceann na Sàile will also have been passed and
1 From position 58°29′⋅3N, 5°09′⋅3W, the approach to
the track can be altered ESE to lead in mid-channel, as
Loch Inchard from N leads S for about 1¼ miles, passing
required.
(with positions from Rubha na Leacaig Light (58°27′⋅4N,
13.301
5°04′⋅5W)):
1 Useful mark:
W of Seana Sgeir (2½ miles NW) which are 2 islets
Creag Mhòr Light (1¼ miles ESE) (13.303).
lying 2 cables offshore, the W of which is the
larger and higher, thence:
2 W of Dubh Sgeir (2½ miles NW), a group a rocky Directions for entering Kinlochbervie Harbour
islets and rocks lying about 6 cables offshore. The 13.302
sea generally breaks on a shoal, with a depth of 1 Initial position 1½ cables SSE of the entrance.
2 m over it, which lies 1¼ cables NE of the N The fixed white sector (326¾°–327¼°) of Kinlochbervie
islet of the group. Thence: Direction Light (yellow framework tower) (58°27′⋅5N,
W, distant 5 cables from Eilean an Ròin Beag 5°03′⋅0W) leads through the fairway of the entrance
(2¼ miles WNW), thence: channel which is marked by light-beacons No 1 and No 2
3 W of Bodha Ròin (2¼ miles WNW) a drying rock (port hand) on the SW side and No 3 (starboard hand) on
which lies 1¼ cables S of Eilean an Ròin Beag. the NE side.
When clear of Bodha Ròin the track alters ESE towards
the entrance to Loch Inchard, passing (with positions from
Rubha na Leacaig Light):
SSW of Bodha Ròin, for which a clearing line is
given at 13.299, thence:
4 SSW, distant 5 cables from the SW extremity of
Eilean an Ròin Mòr (2 miles WNW). When seen
from N and S this island shows 3 principal
hummocks, the E of which is the highest and the
W is almost separated from the main part at HW.
Thence:
5 SSW of Bodha Cailleach (1½ miles WNW) lying at
the seaward end of a spit which extends 7 cables
SW from Eilean na h-Aiteig (13.289), thence:
SSW of Bodha Tragate (9 cables NW), a group of Kinlochbenvie from SE
(Original dated 2000)
drying rocks which, with Cleit Tragate, lie on a
spit extending 4½ cables SW from the coast, (Photograph − Air Images)
thence:
6 SSW of foul ground extending ¾ cable SW from Na
Cluasnadh (7 cables NNW), thence:
Over or clear of shallow patches, with a least charted Directions for leaving Kinlochbervie Harbour
depth of 13⋅5 m (5½ cables W), thence: 13.303
SSW of Eilean a’ Chonnaidh (4 cables NNW) which 1 The white sector (146½°–147½°) of the Creag Mhòr
is connected to the mainland NNE by a shallow Light (58°27′⋅0N, 5°02′⋅4W) which stands on the coast at

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Creag Mhòr, leads clear of all dangers when leaving on the shores of the bays within the loch. River Laxford
Kinlochbervie Harbour. discharges over a shallow flat, which extends 4½ cables
from the head of the loch, on which lie several islets and
rocks.
Berths 3 In clear weather Loch Laxford can be located relative to
13.304 the 3 prominent mountains described at 13.285.
1 A jetty extends from the SW side of the loch at the SE
end of a quay which extends along the SW side of the loch
to its head. Approach and entry
Depth alongside all berths is 3⋅8 m. 13.310
1 Loch Laxford can be approached from any direction
between SW and N, including the Sound of Handa
Port services (13.312), and entered between Rubha Ruadh (58°24′⋅7N,
13.305 5°08′⋅8W) and Ardmore Point (1 mile ENE).
1 Specialist facilities for fishing vessels are available, Care is necessary to avoid mistaking Loch Dùghaill,
including repairs. 1¼ miles ENE of Rubha Ruadh, for Loch Laxford.
Supplies: water and diesel are available at the quay;
small quantities of provisions are available.
Directions for the approach to Loch Laxford from
south-west
Small craft 13.311
13.306 1 From the vicinity of 58°23′N, 5°14′W, the approach to
1 Berth. A pontoon is available in the NE corner of Loch Loch Laxford from SW leads NE for about 3½ miles,
Bervie. passing (with positions from Rubha Ruadh):
Anchorages. Good anchorage is not generally available NW of Bogha Mór (3 miles SW) (13.330), thence:
in Loch Inchard due to the deep water and lack of NW of detached drying rocks which lie within
swinging room. The best position is in the centre of the 1 cable of the W coast of Handa Island (2¼ miles
loch 8 cables from its head, as shown on the chart, clear of SW) (13.284), thence:
a marine farm (1.17) moored in the anchorage area. Other 2 NW of dark and rugged rocks rising abruptly to hills,
positions are given below (with positions from Rubha nan which form the coast from Sgeirean Glasa
Eun, the SW entrance point of Loch Bervie). (1¼ miles SSW) to Rubha Ruadh, thence:
2 Camus Blair (3½ cables SW), as shown on the plan. 2½ cables NW of Rubha Ruadh (13.284).
Loch Sheigra (1 mile E), as shown on the chart, clear (Directions continue for entering
of a marine farm (1.17) moored in the entrance. Loch Laxford at 13.317)
Achriesgill Bay (1¾ miles ESE), which affords good
anchorage in depths of 18 to 26 m, as shown on the chart, Sound of Handa
clear of a marine farm (1.17) moored on the N side of the 13.312
bay. 1 Sound of Handa (58°22′N, 5°10′W) which separates
Handa Island from the mainland, has a least navigable
width of ¾ cable and a least charted depth of 11⋅2 m in the
Loch Clash.
fairway. Local knowledge is required as good leading
13.307
marks are not available.
1 Loch Clash (58°28′N, 5°04′W) which contains a
13.313
concrete pier, with a depth of 2⋅7 m alongside, in the SE
1 Tidal streams in Sound of Handa set as follows:
corner of the loch, is used by small tankers, and by fishing
vessels in the summer in preference to Loch Inchard as it Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
is easier of access. –0415 N-going stream begins
Small craft can obtain temporary anchorage in summer
in the S part of the loch. +0210 S-going stream begins
2 The spring rate in each direction in the narrow part of
the sound is from 2 to 3 kn. There are heavy overfalls on
Other names Bodha Morair which lies in the middle of the sound. These
13.308 streams begin 2 hours or more earlier than the
1 Ceann na Sàile, Loch (58°27′N, 5°05′W) corresponding streams W of Handa Island and off the coast
Titling Rock (58°26′⋅5N, 5°06′⋅1W) generally. They are probably affected by eddies which form
N of the island during the second half of the N-going
coastal stream and S of it during the second half of the
Loch Laxford and approaches S-going coastal stream.
13.314
1 Directions for passage N through Sound of Handa.
General information From position 58°21′⋅8N, 5°11′⋅1W, the fairway leads NE
13.309 keeping to the mainland side of the channel, passing (with
1 Loch Laxford (58°24′N, 5°05′W), which contains several positions from Roinn Dubh (58°23′N, 5°10′W)):
islets within its highly indented shores, affords good SE of Glas Leac (9 cables SW), the summit of which
anchorage to coasters. is covered with grass and the NW coast is cliffy,
2 Topography. The shores of the loch are generally thence:
steep-to and bold, rising to hills of bare reddish rock with 2 SE of Bodha Morair (3½ cables SSE) which lies in
some heather in the hollows; there are also a few cottages mid-channel and greatly reduces the width of the

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fairway. This group of rocks is reported to break, 1 mile to Eilean Ard, the largest of the group,
even when covered, and heavy overfalls occur in thence:
the vicinity, as shown on the chart. SSW of Ardmore Point which is bold and of a light
3 After passing Bodha Morair the line of bearing 207°, tawny colour, thence:
astern, of the summit of Eilean a’ Bhuic (1¾ miles SSW) 4 SSW of Eilean an Eireannaich (1¼ miles ESE), the N
(13.330) open NW of Creag a’ Mhàil (1¼ miles SSW) end of which is connected to the mainland by a
leads through the fairway of the NE part of the sound for drying reef, and:
about 4 cables. NNE of Eilean a’ Mhadaidh (1¼ miles SE) which is
4 When clear, the track alters NW to pass through the highest at its E end.
channel NE of Handa Island, passing: 13.318
Between Bodha Iasg (2 cables NE) which lies in the 1 Clearing line. A line of bearing, not more than 120°, of
middle of the channel, and Sgeir Bellaire the SW extremity of Eilean an Eireannaich open SW of
(3¼ cables NE), thence: Ardmore Point clears SW of Bodha Druim.
5 SW of foul ground which extends 1 cable SW from
the W extremity of Eilean an Aigeich (4 cables Loch Laxford
NNE) which is both the largest and highest island 13.319
in the N channel of Handa Sound, thence: 1 Anchorage is available in depths of 10 to 18 m in the
NE of Dorus Mór (3 cables NNW) on the NE coast centre of the loch, 1½ miles SE of Ardmore Point as
of Handa Island. shown on the chart, clear of a marine farm (1.17) moored
13.315 close NW of Eilean Dubh nam Boc. This anchorage is
1 Small craft anchorages within the sound are given good but during NW gales a slight swell enters the loch.
below (with positions from Roinn Dubh). 13.320
Port an Eilein (4 cables SSW), as shown on the chart. 1 Small craft anchorages. There are several excellent
Tràigh an Teampuill (2¼ cables SSW), as shown on anchorages for small craft in Loch Laxford and in the bays
the chart. extending from the loch as given below (with positions
Temporary anchorage is available in fine weather in the from Ardmore Point).
entrance to Port of Tarbet (6 cables NE) in depths of 18 to Near the head of the loch (2 and 2¼ miles SE), as
26 m, mud. shown on the chart, clear of marine farms (1.17) moored
around the area.
2 Loch a’ Chadh-fi (2 miles E), a branch on the N side
Directions for the approach to Loch Laxford from of the loch, which contains an Adventure Training Centre
north and affords landlocked anchorage clear of marine farms
13.316 (1.17) and many moorings.
1 From position 58°27′⋅0N, 5°09′⋅3W, the approach to Bàgh na h-Airde Bige (1¾ miles ESE) affords
Loch Laxford from N leads S, passing (with positions from anchorage with good holding, as shown on the chart.
Whale Islet (58°26′⋅1N, 5°08′⋅5W)): Fanagmore Bay (9 cables S) affords secure anchorage
W, distant 3 to 4 cables from Whale Islet (13.296). in depths of 11 to 13 m, as shown on the chart, clear of
After passing Whale Islet the track alters SSE towards marine farms (1.17) and moorings.
Rubha Ruadh (1½ miles S) (13.284), passing: 3 Bàgh na Fionndalach Móire (1½ miles SE) affords
2 Not less than 2 cables WSW of Whale Back anchorage in depths of 18 to 22 m mud, as shown on the
(1½ cables SSW), a small drying rock on which chart, clear of marine farms (1.17) and small craft
the sea always breaks except at HW in calm moorings.
conditions, thence: Weaver’s Bay (2¼ miles SE) affords anchorage in
WSW of Sgeir Geinn (5 cables SE) (13.297) lying depths of 5 to 9 m mud, as shown on the chart.
2½ cables W of Eilean na Saille, which is a
Other name
double-topped island.
13.321
3 When the SW extremity of Eilean an Eireannaich
1 Maraich, Bodha (58°25′⋅2N, 5°07′⋅3W)
(2½ miles SE) (13.317) bears 120°, as given at 13.318, the
track alters ESE towards the loch.
Loch A’ Chàirn Bhàin and approaches
Charts 2502, 2503
Directions for entering Loch Laxford General information
(continued from 13.311 and 13.316) 13.322
13.317 1 Loch A’ Chàirn Bhàin (58°16′N, 5°05W), extends ESE
1 From position 58°25′⋅1N, 5°08′⋅3W, the track leads ESE, from the SE corner of Eddrachillis Bay. Loch Glencoul
through the fairway of the loch, passing (with positions (13.337) and Loch Glendhu (58°15′N, 5°00′W) (13.337)
from Ardmore Point (58°24′⋅8N, 5°06′⋅7W)): then continue ESE and E respectively, both stemming from
NNE of Sgeir Ruadh (7½ cables W) a bare islet on the same entrance, as shown on the plan on chart 2502.
the SW side of the entrance, thence: There is a wharf in Loch Glencoul.
2 SSW of Bodha Druim (5 cables WNW), a rocky
shoal on which the sea may break in a swell, on Topography of Eddrachillis Bay
the NE side of the entrance; a clearing line is 13.323
given at 13.318. Thence: 1 Eddrachillis Bay, which extends from Point of Stoer
SSW of rocks and foul ground extending ¾ cable SW (58°16′N, 5°22′W) (13.245) to Handa Island (8½ miles NE)
from Glas Leac (2 cables NW), and: contains many islets and inlets in which the scenery is both
3 NNE of Eilean an t-Sithein (4 cables WSW) which is wild and beautiful.
the NW of a chain of islets and rocks which 2 The south side of Eddrachillis Bay is indented with
extend along the SW side of the loch for about bays and lochs with numerous grassy islets and rocks lying

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up to 5 cables from the grass-covered slopes of the coast N of Point of Stoer (58°16′N, 5°22′W) (13.245),
between Oldany Island (58°16′N, 5°15′W) (13.327) and the thence:
entrance to Loch Nedd (3 miles ESE). Continuing E, 2 N of a drying reef and shallow bank which extends
between Rubha na Maoile (the E entrance point of Loch 1½ cables N from Rubh’ an Dunain, 1½ miles ESE
Nedd) and Rubha nam Fias (1¾ miles ENE) the coast is of Point of Stoer, which is a rocky point, thence:
much indented and covered with heather. N of a drying reef and bank, with depths of less than
3 The east side of Eddrachillis Bay, from the entrance to 20 m over it, which extends 1½ cables NW from
Loch A’ Chàirn Bhàin (58°16′⋅4N, 5°06′⋅7W) to Badcall the N extremity of Oldany Island (2½ miles WSW)
Bay, 3 miles NNW, is much indented with a coast which is covered with grass, thence:
comprised mainly of heather-covered slopes containing a 3 N of Eilean nan Uan (2¼ miles WSW) which is
few stunted trees and bushes. This part of the bay is joined at its S end to Oldany Island by foul
encumbered with offshore islands comprised mainly of the ground.
Badcall Islands, which lie in a chain that extends 2 miles 13.328
NE from Meall Mór (58°17′⋅4N, 5°12′⋅5W). These islands 1 From position 58°16′⋅4N, 5°13′⋅0W the track continues
are divided into 2 groups as given below (with positions E, passing:
from Meall Mór). S of Meall Mór (8 cables WNW), a grass-covered
4 SW group consisting of Meall Mór (13.328) and Meall island which is the W of those fronting the E side
Beag (13.328). of Eddrachillis Bay and the SW of the Badcall
5 NE group, separated from the SW group by a channel Islands (13.323), thence:
7 cables wide, consists of many islands of which 4 of the 2 S of Meall Beag (5 cables WNW), a grass-covered
larger appear as follows: Eilean na Rainich (1¼ miles NE) island lying 1½ cables ESE of Meall Mór, thence:
which is covered with heather; Ceannamhór (1½ miles NE) S of a bank, on which there is a drying reef, which
which has patches of grass and heather on it; Eilean na extends ¾ cable S from Sgeir a’ Chlaidheimh, a
Bearachd (1¾ miles NE) which is covered with heather; barren islet with patches of moss, and:
and Eilean Garbh (2 miles NE) which is virtually 2 islands 3 N of shallow patches, with a least charted depth of
joined together at the N end. 8⋅5 m (1 mile S), which extend up to 7½ cables N
6 The coast between the N end of Badcall Islands from Sgeir Liath, a barren islet with patches of
(58°19′N, 5°10′W) and Meall Dearg, 1 mile N, presents a moss, and:
barren front with patches of heather on the higher slopes. S of a rocky shoal, with a depth of 9⋅8 m over it
From Meall Dearg to Rubha Shìos,1 mile NNW, the coast (3 cables SE), thence:
consists of a series of rocky points and bays, with grassy 4 S of Lachen Shoal (7½ cables SE) and surrounding
slopes on the tops of the cliffs. shallow patches over which the sea breaks heavily
in gales, and:
Approach and entry
N of Rubha na Maoile (1½ miles SSE) the W
13.324
entrance point of Camas nam Bad, a bay
1 Loch A’ Chàirn Bhàin (58°16′N, 5°05′W) is approached
obstructed by a rock and foul ground, thence:
through Eddrachillis Bay from any direction between N and
5 S of the shoals extending ¾ cable S from Ravens
W, passing between the Badcall Islands and the mainland
Rock (just over 1 mile ESE), thence:
S, then into and through the loch. Loch Glencoul and Loch
S of foul ground, on which lie 2 islets and a rock,
Glendhu are then entered through the narrows of Caolas
extending 1 cable SE from Calbha Beag (1¼ miles
Cumhann (13.335) at the SE end of Loch A’ Chàirn Bhàin.
ESE) an island covered with grassy slopes, thence:
Limiting conditions 6 S of a shoal, with a least depth of 4⋅6 m over it
13.325 (1½ miles ESE) which lies in the S entrance to the
1 Restrictions in the approach to Loch Glencoul and Loch narrow channel between Calbha Beag and Calbha
Glendhu exist in Caolas Cumhann (58°15′⋅4N, 5°01′⋅4W) Mór, thence:
(13.335), with limiting conditions as given below. S of drying reefs which extend 1¼ cables S from
Least charted depth of 13⋅7 m at the E end of the Calbha Mór (1¾ miles ESE) an island, covered
channel, where it joins the lochs. with grassy slopes, which is separated from the
Kylesku Bridge (13.336), with a navigable width of mainland by a very narrow channel, thence:
80 m and a vertical clearance of 24 m, crosses the channel 7 N of a dangerous rock and foul ground, on which
near its centre. there are several below-water rocks some of which
dry, extending up to 1 cable N from the N side of
Tidal streams
Eilean Rairidh (2 miles SE). This island is
13.326
separated from the mainland SE by a narrow
1 Tidal streams across the entrance of Eddrachillis Bay are
passage which dries, thence:
probably weak. These streams are imperceptible in the
8 N of a dangerous rock (2¼ miles ESE) which lies
outer part of the bay and along the coast and between the
½ cable offshore midway between Eilean Rairidh
islands and rocks E of Point of Stoer and S of Handa
and Rubha nam Fias, and:
Island. They become gradually appreciable closer inshore
Clear of shallow patches, with a least charted depth
and in the narrow channels between the islands.
of 11 m (2¼ miles ESE), which lie in the entrance
Directions for outer approach from west to Loch A’ Chàirn Bhàin.
13.327 13.329
1 From position 58°16′⋅6N, 5°25′⋅0W, the outer approach 1 Clearing lines: The alignment (308°) of the NE
to Loch Glencoul and Loch Glendhu leads E in deep water extremity of Sgeir a’ Chlaidheimh with the NE extremity
for about 10 miles, passing (with positions from Sgeir a’ of Meall Beag (4½ cables NW) clears close SW of the
Chlaidheimh (58°17′N, 5°11′W)): 10⋅1 m patch lying 1 cable SSW of Lachen Shoal (13.328).

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2 The line of bearing 265° of Point of Stoer, just open N bushes which, in summer, is much greener than the
of the N extremity of Oldany Island, clears very close S of adjacent land.
the shoal extending ¾ cable SE from Ravens Rock 13.334
(13.328), as shown on the chart. 1 Useful marks:
(Directions continue for entering Causeway, carrying the road from Garbh Eilean
Loch A’ Chàirn Bhàin at 13.333) (2½ miles ESE) to the mainland, which is reported
to be conspicuous
House, which has plantations around it, standing
Directions for outer approach from north 1½ cables NE of the N end of the causeway.
13.330
1 From the vicinity of 58°23′N, 5°14′W, W of Handa Entering Loch Glencoul and Loch Glendhu
Island (13.284), the outer approach to Loch Glencoul and 13.335
Loch Glendhu from N leads S in deep water for about 1 Channel. Caolas Cumhann (58°15′⋅4N, 5°01′⋅4W), the
6½ miles, passing (with positions from Eilean a’ Bhuic narrows leading from Loch A’ Chàirn Bhàin into Loch
(58°21′N, 5°11′W)): Glencoul and Loch Glendhu, has moderate depths with a
2 W of Bogha Mór (1½ miles NW), lying close SW of least width of ½ cable between Garbh Eilean and the
Handa Island, a group of drying rocks which are mainland SE.
steep-to on their seaward side and marked by 2 Limiting conditions are given at 13.325.
breakers except in conditions of very high tides Tidal streams in Caolas Cumhann set as follows:
and smooth water, thence:
3 W of foul ground extending 1¼ cables SW from Interval from HW Ullapool Remarks
Eilean a’ Bhuic which is separated from the –0555 In-going stream begins
mainland ESE by a narrow channel that is foul, +0030 Out-going stream begins
thence:
W of rocks, including Dubh Sgeirean (4 cables SSE), 3 The spring rate in each direction is 2½ kn in
which extend 3½ cables SW from the NW mid-channel which creates dangerous eddies on both sides
entrance point of Camas an Tairidh, thence: of the channel when the streams are setting strongly. See
4 W of an isolated rocky shoal, with a least depth of also tidal stream information on the chart.
2⋅7 m over it (2½ miles SSW), which lies 13.336
2¾ cables W of Meall Earca, a barren islet which 1 Directions. The fairway of the channel leads generally
is the SW of a group of islets and rocks extending NE, passing (with positions from the SE end of Kylesku
N to Glas Leac, the largest islet in the group Bridge):
which is covered with heather, thence: 2 SE of a spit, with a depth of 3⋅7 m over it (2½ cables
5 W of a spit, with a drying rock near its outer end, WSW), which extends ½ cable S from the S end
which extends 1 cable W from Eilean Bhreitheimh of Garbh Eilean, thence:
(2¾ miles S), covered with grass except on its W NW of foul ground which extends a short distance
side which is bare, thence: from the SE shore of Caolas Cumhann for
W of Meall Mór (58°17′⋅4N, 5°12′⋅5W) (13.328). 1½ cables within its SW entrance, keeping close to
13.331 the NW side of the channel which is generally
1 Clearing lines. The alignment (121°) of the SW steep-to, thence:
extremity of Pairc a’ Chladaich (7½ cables E) with the 3 Under Kylesku Bridge which is marked by lights
Stafford Arms Hotel (2½ cables SE of the point) clears SW (edge of bridge deck) on both sides at each end;
of Bogha Mór, as shown on the chart. see 13.325 for limiting conditions, thence:
2 The line of bearing 138° of the W extremity of Ox S of a rock, with a depth of 1⋅2 m over it (charted as
Rock (58°18′N, 5°10′W), which is bare, open SW of Eilean dangerous rock) (3 cables ENE) lying at the S end
a’ Bhreitheimh clears SW of the 2⋅7 m rocky shoal (above). of foul ground.
Useful mark: 4 Useful marks:
Manse (58°20′N, 5°08′W) (13.285). Beacons (1½ cables E and 2¼ cables NE) which mark
13.332 the landing places of submarine cables.
1 From a position SSW of Meall Mór the approach to
Loch A’ Chàirn Bhàin alters towards the E to follow the Loch Glencoul and Loch Glendhu
Directions given at 13.328. 13.337
1 Topography. Loch Glencoul, the S arm, has moderate
depths. Its NE shore is bold but several drying rocks and
Chart 2502 marine farms (1.17) lie off its SW shore.
Directions for Loch A’ Chàirn Bhàin Aird da Loch (58°15′N, 04°59′W) is the W extremity of
(continued from 13.329) the high land which separates Loch Glencoul from Loch
13.333 Glendhu.
1 From a position between Rubha nam Fias (58°16′⋅2N, 2 Loch Glendhu, the N arm, is free from dangers except
5°06′⋅5W) and Duartmore Point (3 cables N) which has a for marine farms (1.17) moored close off the N shore, but
conifer plantation standing on the hillside E of the point, squalls in S and SW gales are very heavy.
the track leads SE then E in mid-channel through Loch A’ Tidal streams are negligible in both Loch Glencoul and
Chàirn Bhàin, which is deep and free from dangers in the Loch Glendhu.
fairway, passing (with positions from Rubha nam Fias): 13.338
2 Clear of marine farms (1.17) moored off both sides of 1 Anchorage. Loch Glendhu affords anchorage throughout
the loch, and: its length in depths of 11 to 20 m mud.
N of Eilean a’ Ghamhna (1¾ miles SE), a Kylesku harbour limits. The seaward limit of the
conspicuous island covered with grass and a few harbour extends from the N point on the E side of Camas

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na Cusgaig, in position 58°15′⋅4N, 5°00′⋅7W, NW for moored around the bay and of small craft moorings
2 cables then SSW for ½ cable to a position about ½ cable towards the head of the bay. This anchorage may be
NW of the ferry slipway, enclosing all of Camas na approached through the narrow channel between Calbha
Cusgaig. Beag and Calbha Mór which has a least depth of 11 m in
2 Berth. Kylesku Fishery Jetty, in Camas na Cusgaig the fairway.
(58°15′⋅4N, 5°01′⋅0W), is a wharf with a length of 28 m. A 2 Badcall Bay (58°19′N, 5°09′W) affords anchorage in the
light (grey mast, 5 m in height) stands on the E end of the middle of the bay, as shown on the chart, in a depth of
wharf. 14 m mud and sand, clear of marine farms (1.17) moored
Small craft anchorages are available as given below. in the bay and around its SE side and clear of small craft
In the entrance to Camas na Cusgaig, as shown on the moorings on the NE side of the bay. A small stone pier,
chart, with good holding in a depth of 13 m, clear of a with a depth of 0⋅6 m alongside, extends from the E shore
large buoy. at the head of the bay. Approach to Badcall Bay can be
3 In position 3½ cables NE of the E end of Garbh Eilean, made through any one of 3 named channels, as follows
as shown on the chart, in a depth of 15 m. This area is (with positions from Sgeir an Tairbh (58°18′⋅5N,
known as North Ferry Bay. 5°09′⋅2W)):
Loch Beag, at the head of Loch Glencoul, affords 3 South Channel (½ cable W) which, with a least width of
anchorage in depths of 6 to 10 m near its head. ¾ cable, is the safest channel to use, avoiding the
possibility of mistaken identity.
Small craft anchorages Leopach Channel (8 cables NNW) which leads N of
13.339 Eilean Riabhach, has a rock, with a depth of 2⋅1 m over it,
1 There are several anchorages for small craft on both the in its NW entrance.
S and E sides of Eddrachillis Bay, the best being in Main Channel (7 cables WNW) which leads S of Eilean
Badcall Bay (13.341). Garbh.
13.340 13.342
1 Eddrachillis Bay south side. Culkein Drumbeg 1 Loch A’ Chàirn Bhàin. Kerrachar Bay (58°16′N,
(58°15′⋅2N, 5°13′⋅6W) affords sheltered anchorage but it is 5°06′W) affords anchorage clear of a marine farm (1.17).
difficult to identify and risky to enter in N winds of force Poll a’ Ghamhna (58°15′N, 5°03′W) affords anchorage
4 or more. with good holding ground in a depth of 13 m, clear of a
2 Loch Dhrombaig (58°15′⋅0N, 5°12′⋅5W) affords marine farm (1.17) moored 2 cables W of the anchorage.
anchorage in the middle of the loch, as shown on the chart,
in a depth of 13 m. This loch is approached from the N, Small craft berths
clear of Bogout Rock which lies 3½ cables ENE of the 13.343
entrance. Small quantities of provisions can be obtained at 1 Bay of Culkein (58°14′⋅7N, 5°20′⋅0W) has a small jetty
Drumbeg. which dries alongside.
3 Loch Nedd (58°15′N, 5°10′W) affords sheltered Scourie Bay (58°21′⋅5N, 5°10′⋅0W) has a pier on the N
anchorage 5 cables within the entrance, in a depth of 12 m, side of the head of the bay but is not recommended as an
or farther in, as shown on the chart. Marine farms (1.17) anchorage. Small quantities of provisions can be obtained
and many moorings are to be found in the inner part of the at Scourie, which has the largest community in Eddrachillis
loch. Bay.
4 Loch Ardbhair (58°15′N, 5°07′W) affords sheltered
anchorage in the SW corner of the outer loch in depths of Other names
4 to 6 m. Marine farms (1.17) and floats occupy much of 13.344
the loch. 1 Mór, Bogha (58°15′N, 5°17′W)
13.341 Chrona, Eilean (58°15′N, 5°18′W)
1 Eddrachillis Bay east side. Bàgh Chalbha (58°17′⋅5N, Clansman Shoal (58°18′N, 5°10′W)
5°08′⋅0W) affords sheltered anchorage with good holding Clashnessie Bay (58°14′N, 5°18′W)
on sand and weed, clear of marine farms (1.17) which are Dubh Sgeir (58°18′⋅2N, 5°11′⋅0W)

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APPENDIX I
TERRITORIAL SEA ACT 1987
Be it enacted by the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and
Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the Authority of the same, as follows:
1.–(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act —
(a) the breadth of the territorial sea adjacent to the United Kingdom for all purposes be 12 nautical miles; and
(b) the baselines from which the breadth of that territorial sea is to be measured shall for all purposes be those established by Her
Majesty by Order in Council.
(2) Her Majesty may, for the purpose of implementing any international agreement or otherwise, by Order in Council provide that any
part of the territorial sea adjacent to the United Kingdom shall extend to such line other than that provided for by subsection (1) above as may
be specified in the Order.
(3) In any legal proceedings a certificate issued by or under the authority of the Secretary of State stating the location of any baseline
established under subsection (1) above shall be conclusive of what is stated in the certificate.
(4) As from the coming into force of this section the Territorial Waters Order in Council 1964 and the Territorial Waters (Amendment)
Order in Council 1979 shall have effect for all purposes as if they were Orders in Council made by virtue of subsection (1) (b) above: and
subsection (5) below shall apply to those Orders as it applies to any other instrument.
(5) Subject to the provisions of this Act, any enactment or instrument which (whether past or made before or after the coming into force of
this section) contains a reference (however worded) to the territorial sea adjacent to, or to any part of, the United Kingdom shall be construed
in accordance with this section and with any provision made, or having effect as if made, under this section.
(6) Without prejudice to the operation of subsection (5) above in relation to a reference to the baselines from which the breadth of the
territorial sea adjacent to the United Kingdom is measured, nothing in that subsection shall require any reference in any enactment or
instrument to a specified distance to be construed as a reference to a distance equal to the breadth of that territorial sea.
(7) In this section “nautical miles” means international nautical miles of 1,852 m.
2.–(1) Except in so far as Her Majesty may by Order of Council otherwise provide, nothing in section 1 above shall affect the operation of
any enactment contained in a local Act passed before the date on which that section comes into force.
(2) Nothing in section 1 above, or in any Order in Council under that section or subsection (1) above, shall affect the operation of so much
of any enactment passed or instrument made before the date on which that section comes into force as for the time being settles the limits
within which any harbour authority or port health authority has jurisdiction or is able to exercise any power.
(3) Where any area which is not part of the territorial sea adjacent to the United Kingdom becomes part of that sea by virtue of section 1
above or an Order in Council under that section, subsection (2) of section 1 of the Continental Shelf Act 1964 (vesting and exercise of rights
with respect to coal) shall continue, on and after the date on which section 1 above of that Order comes into force, to have effect with respect to
coal in that area as if the area were not part of the territorial sea.
(4) Nothing in section 1 above, or in any Order in Council under that section, shall affect−
(a) any regulations made under section 6 of the Petroleum (Production) Act 1934 before the date on which that section or Order comes
into force; or
(b) any licences granted under the said Act of 1934 before that date or granted on or after that date in pursuance of regulations made
under that section before that date.
(5) In this section−
“coal” has the same meaning as in the Coal Industry Nationalisation Act 1946;
“harbour authority” means a harbour authority within the meaning of the Harbours Act 1964 or the Harbours Act (Northern Ireland) 1970;
and
“port health authority” means a port health authority for the purposes of the Public health (Control of Disease) Act 1984.
3.–(1) The enactments mentioned in Schedule 1 to this Act shall have effect with the amendments there specified (being minor amendments
and amendments consequential on the provisions of this Act).
(2) Her Majesty may by Order in Council−
(a) make, in relation to any enactment passed or instrument made before the date on which section 1 above comes into force, any
amendment corresponding to any of those made by Schedule 1 to this Act;
(b) amend subsection (1) of section 36 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (marine nature reserves) so as to include such other
parts of the territorial sea adjacent to Great Britain as may be specified in the Order in the waters and parts of the sea which, by virtue
of paragraph 6 of Schedule 1 to this Act, may be designated under that section;
(c) amend paragraph 1 of Article 20 of the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 (marine nature
reserves) so as to include such other parts of the territorial sea adjacent to Northern Ireland as may be specified in the Order in the
waters and parts of the sea which, by virtue of paragraph 9 of Schedule 1 to this Act, may be designated under that Article.
(3) Her Majesty may by Order in Council make such modifications of the effect of any Order in Council under section 1 (7) of the
Continental Shelf Act 1964 (designated areas) as appear to Her to be necessary or expedient in consequence of any provision made by or
under this Act.
(4) The enactments mentioned in Schedule 2 to this Act are hereby repealed to the extent specified in the third column of that Schedule.
4.–(1) This Act may be cited as the Territorial Sea Act 1987.
(2) This Act shall come into force on such day as Her Majesty may by Order in Council appoint, and different days may be appointed for
different provisions and for different purposes.
(3) This Act extends to Northern Ireland.
(4) Her Majesty may by Order in Council direct that any of the provisions of this Act shall extend, with such exceptions, adaptations and
modifications (if any) as may be specified in the Order, to any of the Channel Islands or to the Isle of Man.

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APPENDIX II
TERRITORIAL WATERS ORDER IN COUNCIL, 1964

AT THE COURT AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE

The 25th day of September, 1964

Present,

THE QUEEN’S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY IN COUNCIL

Her Majesty, by virtue and in exercise of all the powers enabling Her in that behalf, is pleased, by and with the advice of her Privy Council, to
order, and it is hereby ordered, as follows:

1. This Order may be cited as the Territorial Waters Order in Council 1964 and shall come into operation on 30th September 1964.

2.–(1) Except as otherwise provided in Articles 3 and 4 of this Order, the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea adjacent to the
United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man is measured shall be low−water line along the coast, including the coast of all
islands comprised in those territories.
(2) For the purposes of this Article a low−tide elevation which lies wholly or partly within the breadth of sea which would be territorial
sea if all low−tide elevations were disregarded for the purpose of the measurement of the breadth thereof and if Article 3 of this Order were
omitted shall be treated as an island.

3.–(1) The baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured between Cape Wrath and the Mull of Kintyre shall consist of the
series of straight lines drawn so as to join successively, in the order in which they are set out, the points identified by the co−ordinates of
latitude and longitude in the first column of the Schedule to this Order, each being a point situate on low−water line and on or adjacent to the
feature, if any, named in the second column of that Schedule opposite to the co−ordinates of latitude and longitude of the point in the first
column.
(2) The provisions of paragraph (1) of this Article shall be without prejudice to the operation of Article 2 of this Order in relation to any
island or low−tide elevation which for the purpose of that Article is treated as if it were an island, being an island or low−tide elevation which
lies to the seaward of the baseline specified in paragraph (1) of this Article.

4. In the case of the sea adjacent to a bay, the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured shall, subject to the provisions
of Article 3 of this Order:
(a) if the bay has only one mouth and the distance between the low−water lines of the natural entrance points of the bay does not exceed
24 miles, be a straight line joining the said low−water lines;
(b) if, because of the presence of islands, the bay has more than one mouth and the distances between the low−water lines of the natural
entrance points of each mouth added together do not exceed 24 miles, be a series of straight lines across each of the mouths drawn so
as to join the said low−water lines;
(c) if neither paragraph (a) nor (b) of this Article applies, be a straight line 24 miles in length drawn from low−water line to low−water
line within the bay in such a manner as to enclose the maximum area of water that is possible with a line of that length.

5.–(1) In this Order:

the expression “bay” means an indentation of the coast such that its area is not less that of the semi−circle whose diameter is a line drawn
across the mouth of the indentation, and for the purposes of this definition the area of an indentation shall be taken to be the area bounded by
low−water line around the shore of the indentation and the straight line joining the low−water lines of its natural entrance points, and where,
because of the presence of islands, an indentation has more than one mouth the length of the diameter of the semi−circle referred to shall be
the sum of the lengths of the straight lines drawn across each of the mouths, and in calculating the area of an indentation the area of any islands
lying within it shall be treated as part of the area of the indentation;
the expression “island” means a naturally formed area of land surrounded by water which is above water at mean high−water spring tides;
and
the expression “low−tide elevation” means a naturally formed area of drying land surrounded by water which is below water at mean
high−water spring tides.
(2) For the purpose of this Order, permanent harbour works which form an integral part of a harbour system shall be treated as forming
part of the coast.
(3) The Interpretation Act 1889 (a) shall apply to the interpretation of this Order as it applies to the interpretation of an Act of Parliament.

6. This Order shall be published in the London Gazette, the Edinburgh Gazette and the Belfast Gazette.
W.G. AGNEW

(a) 52 and 53 Vict.c.63.

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EXPLANATORY NOTE
(This Note is not part of the Order, but it is intended to indicate its general purport).

This Order establishes the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea adjacent to the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and
the Isle of Man is measured. This, generally, is low−water line round the coast, including the coast of all islands, but between Cape Wrath and
the Mull of Kintyre a series of straight lines joining specified points lying generally on the seaward side of the islands lying off the coast are
used, and where there are well defined bays elsewhere lines not exceeding 24 miles in length drawn across the bays are used.

Territorial Sea (Amendment) Order 1998

For the schedule to the Territorial Waters Order in Council 1964 (a) there shall be substituted the schedule set out below:

SCHEDULE

POINTS BETWEEN CAPE WRATH AND LAGGAN JOINED BY

GEODESICS TO FORM BASELINES

Latitude North Longitude West Name of Feature

° ′ ″ ° ′ ″
1. 58 37 40 5 00 13 Cape Wrath
2. 58 31 12 6 15 41 Lith−Sgeir
3. 58 30 44 6 16 55 Gealltuig
4. 58 29 09 6 20 17 Dell Rock
5. 58 18 28 6 47 45 Tiumpan Head
6. 58 17 36 6 52 43 Màs Sgeir
7. 58 17 09 6 55 20 Old Hill
8. 58 14 30 7 02 06 Gallan Head
9. 58 14 01 7 02 57 Islet SW of Gallan Head
10. 58 10 39 7 06 54 Eilean Molach
11. 57 59 08 7 17 42 Gasker
12. 57 41 19 7 43 13 Haskeir Eagach
13. 57 32 22 7 43 58 Huskeiran
14. 57 14 33 7 27 44 Rubha Ardvule
15. 57 00 50 7 31 42 Greuab Head
16. 56 58 07 7 33 24 Doirlinn Head
17. 56 56 57 7 34 17 Aird a’ Chaolais
18. 56 56 05 7 34 55 Biruaslum
19. 56 49 21 7 39 32 Guarsay Mor
20. 56 48 00 7 39 57 Sron an Dùin
21. 56 47 07 7 39 36 Skate Point
22. 56 19 17 7 07 02 Skerryvore
23. 56 07 58 6 38 00 Dubh Artach
24. 55 41 36 6 32 02 Frenchman’s Rocks
25. 55 40 24 6 30 59 Orsay Island
26. 55 35 24 6 20 18 Mull of Oa
27. 55 17 57 5 47 54 Mull of Kintyre
28. 54 58 29 5 11 07 Laggan

The positions of points 1 to 28 are defined by co−ordinates of latitude and longitude on Ordnance Survey of Great Britain (1936) Datum
(OSGB 36).
The Territorial Waters (Amendment) Order in Council 1996 (b) is hereby revoked.
N. H. Nicholls
Clerk of the Privy Council

EXPLANATORY NOTE
(This note is not part of the Order)
The Order amends the Schedule to the Territorial Waters Order in Council 1964 by adding a new baseline between Mull of Kintyre and
Laggan, as well as making minor changes to points 5, 9 and 22, which result from the publication of a new, larger scale chart of the area.
(a) 1965 III, p.6452A; revised Scedules were substituted by the Territorial Waters (Amendment) Order in Council 1979 and the Territorial
Sea (Amendment) Order 1996.
(b) SI 1996/1628

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APPENDIX III
CLYDEPORT LIMITED BYE−LAWS AND REGULATIONS

In 1992 Clydeport Limited was formed following the purchase of the former Clyde Port Authority. This is now the sole statutory authority
for the area given below.

Limits of Clydeport Limited. The jurisdiction of Clydeport Limited extends from the W side of Albert Bridge in the city of Glasgow to
the seaward limits which are defined by a line drawn E from Corrygills Point (55°34′N, 5°06′W) across Firth of Clyde and a line drawn W
from the entrance to Loch Ranza (55°43′N, 5°18′W). See chart 2131.

Limits of River and Firth of Clyde. The River and Firth of Clyde is defined as all the navigable waters included within a line drawn E and
W through the S point of Little Cumbrae Island from the coast of Ayrshire to the coast of the Peninsula of Kintyre, and a line drawn NNE from
Newark Castle (55°56′N, 4°41′W) to Cardross Burn.

Bye−laws and regulations. The following are summaries of the more important laws and regulations in force:
Anchoring. No person shall anchor or moor a vessel in the deep water channel, nor in any part of the River and Firth of Clyde so as to
obstruct or interfere with free navigation.
Dredging and diving operations. Vessels engaged in dredging, diving or other operations connected with buoys, beacons, wrecks and
harbour works, will show a red flag or shape. Other vessels approaching vessels or places on the shore showing the signal mentioned
previously must reduce speed to under 5 knots when not less than 1 cable from them and until they have been passed at a distance of at least
¼ cable.
“Dead Slow” notice boards. Speeds of vessels approaching these notices are to be reduced to under 5 knots when not less than 1 cable from
the notices and is not to be increased until the vessel has passed at least ¼ cable from them.
Refuse and oil. No refuse or ashes of any kind are to be thrown overboard from a vessel or from the quays or foreshores, nor is any oil to be
poured or thrown into the deep water channel or River Clyde and Firth of Clyde.
Vessels aground or obstructing navigation. The Master of a vessel aground or obstructing navigation through sinking or being not under
command must immediately inform Clydeport Limited and take steps to show the following signals.
At night. Two red lights disposed vertically not less than 2 m apart and not less than 4·6 m above the hull placed in such a position as to
show in all directions and to be visible at a distance of at least 1 mile; a white light at each end of the vessel placed where they can best be seen
on the hull to indicate the extent of the obstruction.
By day. Two black balls, each 0·6 m in diameter in the same position as the two red lights mentioned previously, and a black ball at each
end of the vessel in place of the white lights mentioned previously.

If the vessel is so damaged or submerged as to be unable to show these lights or shapes, the Master must take steps to see that the vessel is
marked by boats or buoys to comply with the regulations for marking obstructions, or to request Clydeport Limited to provide such marks.

When a power vessel takes the ground, or becomes an obstruction, she shall in addition to showing the lights and shapes previously
mentioned, sound 4 short blasts in rapid succession on the siren or whistle and shall continue to repeat such signal at short intervals when
other vessels are approaching or during fog or thick weather. In the case of a vessel without power, a manual fog signal or bell should be used
for these sound signals.
Marking of wrecks and obstructions. Wrecks are marked in the same way as other dangers in accordance with the IALA MARITIME
BUOYAGE SYSTEM for region A.
Look−out. Every vessel shall, during the daytime, have one person, and from sunset to sunrise and in fog, two persons, properly qualified,
stationed at the bow as a lookout.
Vessels not under command. When a power vessel is turning, is not under command, or for any reason cannot manoeuvre to give way to an
approaching vessel, she shall sound 4 or more blasts in rapid succession on the whistle or by strokes of the bell.
Overtaking in River Clyde. Vessels wishing to overtake should make a prolonged blast on the whistle to indicate to the other vessel that she
wishes to overtake. The vessel about to be overtaken should reply with one short blast on the whistle, then keep as close to the starboard side
of the channel as safety permits and reduce speed until the overtaking vessel is past and clear. The overtaking vessel must not attempt to pass
until the vessel about to be overtaken has made the above signal, nor attempt to pass at a narrow or difficult part of the channel. A vessel being
overtaken after dark must show a stern light until the other vessel has passed.

A vessel overtaking a tow must slow her engines while passing, and until past and clear.
Vessels crossing the river. Power vessels crossing the river shall keep out of the way of vessels navigating along the axis of the river.

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APPENDIX IV
THE CLYDE DOCKYARD PORTS OF GARELOCH AND LOCH LONG

Orders in Council, issued in 1967 and amended in 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1983, supplemented by Byelaws in 1971, 1973, 1986 and 1992,
enacted certain rules and regulations to be observed within the limits of the Clyde Dockyard Ports of Gareloch and Loch Long.
The limits of these Dockyard Ports, together with the limits of a restricted channel, restricted and protected areas, and a prohibited area
within them, are shown on the charts of the area concerned.
Following is a summary of the rules and regulations enacted by the above Orders in Council and Byelaws which are in force (2001).
Regulations
Private moorings
1. No person shall lay moorings for private vessels, hulks, rafts, pontoons, bathing stages or any floating structures in Rhu Narrows
Restricted Channel or in the Faslane or Coulport Protected or Restricted Areas except with the licence in writing of the Queen’s Harbour
Master. All such moorings shall be laid in a position designated by the Queen’s Harbour Master with the consent of Clydeport Operations
Limited, and shall be removed forthwith on the order of the Queen’s Harbour Master
Clearing anchors and moorings
2. If at any time the anchor of any merchant or other private vessel hooks any crown moorings, or any electric cable, or moorings of buoys
or any pipe, the master of such vessel shall forthwith give notice thereof to the Queen’s Harbour Master, and shall, if safe and practicable,
await his instructions or those of Clydeport Operations Limited before proceeding to clear the same.
Fishing
3. Any person fishing in the Dockyard Ports shall comply with any directions which may be given to him by the Queen’s Harbour Master.
No fishing from boats or fishing by persons swimming under the water shall be carried on within 150 m from the walls, slipways,
roadways or boundaries of Her Majesties’s naval establishments, or from any naval moorings, floating docks, or dolphins, save with the
licence in writing of the Queen’s Harbour Master and in accordance with any conditions attached thereto.
Save with the permission in writing of the Queen’s Harbour Master and in accordance with any conditions attached thereto, no trawling or
fishing by nets, whether drift or set nets, or the laying of lobster and/or crab pots, shall be carried on
(a) in Rhu Narrows Restricted Channel or in the Faslane or Coulport Protected or Restricted Areas; or
(b) within the degaussing ranges, so far as they fall within the limits of the Dockyard Port, their positions being shown on current
Admiralty Charts; or
(c) in any part of the Dockyard Port where it would obstruct any vessel exhibiting the International Code Flag “Second Substitute” at
the yardarm or any submarine when making degaussing range runs over the ranges in (b) above.
Swimming and diving
4. No person shall swim or dive within 150 m of the walls, slipways, roadways or boundaries of any of Her Majesty’s naval
establishments, or from any naval moorings, floating docks, dolphins or ships of Her Majesty, save with the licence in writing of the Queen’s
Harbour Master and in accordance with any conditions attached thereto.
Shipkeepers
5. If in an emergency it is necessary for any merchant or other private vessel, barge, hulk, raft, pontoon or other floating structure
temporarily to lie anchored or secured to moorings in a Protected or Restricted Area, or in or near a main channel anywhere within the
Dockyard Port, the master or owner thereof shall not leave such vessel or structure without a shipkeeper on board.
Use of whistles
6. A whistle shall not be used within the limits of the Dockyard Port except:
(a) as a signal of distress; or
(b) to prevent collisions; or
(c) in fog, mist falling snow, heavy rainstorms or any other condition similarly affecting visibility; or
(d) in accordance with the Rules contained in this Order and for the control of tugs; or
(e) to test the whistle.
Use of guns
7. No gun on board any merchant or other private vessel lying in or passing through the Dockyard Port shall be kept loaded, nor shall any
gun be discharged from any such vessel over the waters of the said Port except:
(a) as a signal of distress; or
(b) as a signal in connection with the conduct of sailing races.
Anchoring and mooring
8. No merchant or other private vessel shall anchor or fish:
(a) on the line of any electric cable or pipe laid down in the Dockyard Port when such line is indicated by posts or other discernible
marks on shore; or
(b) within any area shown on the Admiralty Charts as an area in which anchorage is prohibited and in respect of which a warning has
been conveyed to mariners by notice issued by the Ministry of Defence.
9. No merchant or other private vessel, or barge, hulk, raft, pontoon or other floating structure shall:
(a) make fast to, or lie at, any of the buoys or beacons placed by the Queen’s Harbour Master to mark channels or shoals in the
Dockyard Port; or
(b) be moored or fastened to any of Her Majesty’s naval moorings, buoys, breakwaters, boom defences, dolphins, jetties, piles or
vessels in the Dockyard Port, save with the licence in writing of the Queen’s Harbour Master and in accordance with any conditions
attached thereto; or

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(c) be moored or anchored within 150 m of any of Her Majesty’s naval moorings, jetties, floating docks, dolphins, vessels, hulks,
installations or armament depots, save with the licence in writing of the Queen’s Harbour Master and in accordance with any
conditions attached thereto; or
(d) be moored, anchored or placed in the Dockyard Port so as to give a foul berth to any vessels already at anchor or at moorings, or to
obstruct passage within or entrance into any part of the Dockyard Port.
Navigational marks
10. No person shall trespass on, damage or without authority interfere with any light, beacon, sea−mark, tide−board, or buoy of any
description in the Dockyard Port.
11. No person shall display any mark, light or beacon which, being visible from the waters of the Dockyard Port, is in the opinion of the
Queens’s Harbour Master or of Clydeport Limited liable to be confused with a navigational aid.
Rules
General
1. The Queen’s Harbour Master may, as necessary, require the owner or agent of any vessel of and above 80 tons net registered to notify
him of the times of prospective arrivals and departures of such vessels within the Dockyard Port over a specific period, including any
unforseen changes of those times.
2. This rule shall apply when it is necessary to carry out the movement of a Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine or a nuclear−powered Fleet
Submarine to or from a naval establishment within the Dockyard Port.
The owner, agent or master of any vessel shall comply with any special directions of the Queen’s Harbour Master as to any variation of the
time of arriving or sailing or as to the navigation of the vessel within the Dockyard Port.
Temporary restrictions during movements of Her Majesty’s ships
3. When it is necessary for a Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine, a nuclear−powered Fleet Submarine, or other large naval vessel to
proceed to or from a Dockyard Port, or be turned, moved, berthed or docked within the area of a Dockyard Port, the Queen’s Harbour Master
may, for the safety of navigation, hoist the following signals. During the period these signals are displayed, no vessel shall enter the waters of
the Restricted Area concerned, and any vessel within the said area whether under way or at anchor, shall leave the area forthwith. The
Restricted Areas and fixed positions at which signals are displayed are indicated on the charts.
(1) Faslane Restricted Area
Three green lights vertically disposed, supplemented by day by International Code Pendant superior to Pendant Nine, displayed at:
(a) Faslane — on the Floating Dock or otherwise in a conspicuous position; and
(b) by tugs or patrol craft in the vicinity of Faslane Restricted Area.
(2) Coulport Restricted Area
Three green lights vertically disposed, supplemented by day by International Code Pendant superior to Pendant Nine, displayed at:
(a) Coulport Jetty; and
(b) by tugs or patrol craft at the northern and southern limits of the Coulport Restricted area.
Rhu Narrows Restricted Channel
4. The restricted channel and the fixed positions at which signals are displayed are indicated on the charts. The signals which bring the
Byelaws into operation are a red light above two green lights vertically disposed, supplemented by day by a red rectangular flag with a white
diagonal bar, displayed at:
(a) Faslane, in a conspicuous position;
(b) Rhu Hard;
(c) the DG Range Building adjacent to Green Isle;
(d) the Navy Buildings, Greenock; and
(e) by tugs and patrol craft in the Rhu Narrows, attending the vessel for which the Restricted Channel is closed.
5. Prohibited activities
During the period these signals are displayed no person shall:
(a) enter, pass through or over or remain in or over the Restricted Channel without authority or permission;
(b) cause or permit any vessel or thing to enter into or upon or to pass through or over or to be or remain in or upon or over the Restricted
Channel without authority or permission.
(c) remain in the Restricted Channel after having been requested to leave;
(d) make any false statement, either orally or in writing, or employ any other form of misrepresentation, in order to obtain entry to any
part of the Restricted Channel;
(e) intentionally obstruct any person acting in the proper exercise or execution of his duty within the Restricted Channel;
(f) board, climb upon or remain on board any vessel or thing within the Restricted Channel without authority or permission;
(g) interfere with, or interfere with the movement or passage of, any vessel or thing in the Restricted Channel.
Temporary restriction off Glen Mallan Jetty
6. The Queen’s Harbour Master may direct that International Code Pendant Nine be exhibited by day or three green lights disposed
vertically by night in a conspicuous position at Glen Mallan, as shown on the chart, to indicate that an ammunition ship is to be berthed or
otherwise moved to or from the jetty. Whilst the said signal is displayed all vessels shall, whilst observing the prohibited area given below,
give a wide berth to the ship being berthed or moved.
Prohibited Area
7. Every vessel, whilst under way in Loch Long, shall at all times keep clear of the area in the vicinity of the jetty at Glen Mallan, as
indicated on the chart.
Protected Areas
8. Protected Areas at Faslane and at Coulport are indicated on the charts.

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9. Offences
In respect of the Protected Areas no person shall:
(a) enter or leave or attempt to enter or leave either of the Protected Areas by land except by way of an authorised entrance or exit.
(b) enter, pass through or over or remain in or over either of the Protected Areas without authority or permission.
(c) cause or permit any vessel, vehicle, animal, aircraft or thing to enter into or upon or to pass through or over or to be or remain in or
upon or over either of the Protected Areas without authority or permission.
(d) remain in either of the Protected Areas after having been requested to leave.
(e) make any false statement, either orally or in writing, or employ any other form of misrepresentation, in order to obtain entry to any
part of either of the Protected Areas or to any building or premises within the Protected Areas.
(f) intentionally obstruct any person acting in the proper exercise or execution of his duty within either of the Protected Areas.
(g) fail to comply with any notice prohibiting or restricting access to any part of either of the Protected Areas or to any part (or part of
any) building or premises, jetty, berth, pontoon, floating dock, or other installation or structure (including any floating structure)
within either of the Protected Areas.
(h) board, climb upon or remain on board any service vessel within either of the Protected Areas without authority or permission.
(i) interfere with, or interfere with the movement or passage of any service vessel in either of the Protected Areas.
(j) distribute or display any handbill, leaflet, sign, advertisement, circular, poster, bill or notice within the Protected Areas, or affix the
same to either side of the perimeter fence without authority or permission.
Speed of vessels navigating the Dockyard Port
10. Within the limits of the Rhu Narrows Restricted Channel, the Protected Areas and the Restricted Areas mentioned above, the speed of
any vessel shall not exceed 7 knots through the water, or if, to ensure safety of navigation, it is necessary to exceed 7 knots, shall be no greater
than the speed necessary for this purpose.
No vessel navigating the waters of a Dockyard Port, other than the channel and areas mentioned above, shall exceed 12 knots through the
water.
Vessels turning round
11. When a power driven vessel under way (including a tug while towing) is about to turn around by day or by night, she shall signify her
intentions by four short blasts on the whistle in rapid succession, followed after a short interval, if turning with her head to starboard, by one
short blast, and if with her head to port by two short blasts, and whilst turning shall repeat such signal to any approaching vessel. These signals
are only to be used by vessels in sight of one another.
Narrow channels
12. For the purposes of interpreting Rule 9 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (1972) (Narrow Channels),
the whole of the Dockyard Port shall be deemed to be a “narrow channel”.
Lights, shapes and signals for dredgers
13. A dredger when at work or in position for working shall carry the following lights and signals, viz:−
Lights between sunset and sunrise:
(a) Forward — In the forward part of the dredger at a height of not less than 6·1 metres and not more than 12·2 metres above the hull, a
white light in a lantern so constructed as to show a clear, uniform and unbroken light visible all round the horizon at a distance of at
least one mile.
(b) Amidships — Three white lights of the said description placed in a triangular form at least 2·4 metres apart, at right angles to the
keel with the apex uppermost, the base of triangle to be at least 3·0 metres higher than the forward light and to be also higher than and
clear of the framework, funnels, or other erections upon the dredger. If a dredger is so moored or working as to make it necessary to
prohibit the passage of vessels on one or both sides, a red light (visible as aforesaid) shall be substituted for the white light at the base
of the triangle on the side, or sides, on which passage is prohibited.
(c) Aft — One white light of the said description at or near the stern of the dredger and at such a height that it shall not be less than
4·6 metres lower than the forward light.
Signals between sunrise and sunset:
Amidships — Three black balls of not less than 0·6 metres in diameter placed in a triangular form at least 2·4 metres apart, at right
angles to the keel with the apex uppermost, the base of triangle to be higher than and clear of the framework, funnels, or any other
erection upon the dredger. If so moored or working as to make it necessary to prohibit passage on one or both sides, a red flag or flags
at least 1·5 metres in the hoist is to be substituted for the lower ball at the base of the triangle on the side or sides on which passage is
prohibited.
Signal in fog:
In fog, mist, falling snow, or heavy rain storms or any other condition similarly restricting visibility, a dredger at work or in a position
for working shall at intervals of not more than 1 minute sound a gong rapidly for about 5 seconds.
Wrecks and submerged obstructions
14. Should a vessel sink, be stranded or become a wreck in any part of the Dockyard Port so that an obstruction is caused, or is likely to be
caused, the master or owner of such vessel shall immediately notify the Queen’s Harbour Master.

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INDEX

A = The; see proper name Airde Bige, Bàgh na h- . . . . . . . . . . 13.320 Arbhair, Meall an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.65
Abbot’s Isles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.429 Airde, Camas na h- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.189 Arbhair, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.225
Abhainn Doire Dhubhaig . . . . . . . . . 9.101 Airde, Caolas na h- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.276 Ard = Height, Promontory;
Abhainn Lusa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.225 Airde, Eilean na h- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.195 see proper name
Abhuinn Loch nam Moill . . . . . . . . . 8.248 Airde Glaise, Rubha na h- . . . . . . . 10.345 Ard an Duine, Rubh’ . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.135
Acairseid = Anchorage; see proper name Airde, Maol na h- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.85 Ard, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.317
Acairseid, Eilean na h- . . . . . . . . . . . 10.70 Airde, Rubha na h-: Ard Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.147
Acairseid, Meall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.194 Loch Kishorn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.245 Ard na Bà, Rubh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.150
Acairseid, Meall na h- . . . . . . . . . . 10.289 Airde, Rubha na h-: Loch Linnhe . . 8.512 Ard, Rubha an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.309
Acairseid Mhór: Eriskay . . . . . . . . . 11.118 Airde, Rubha na h-: Ard Slisneach, Rubha’ . . . . . . . . . . . 10.73
Leading Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.100 Loch Torridon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.341 Ard, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.93
Acairseid Mhór: Loch Ewe . . . . . . . 13.163 Airde, Rubha na h-: Sound of Jura . 7.199 Ardalanish Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.59
Acairseid Mhór: Sound of Raasay . 10.309 Airde, Sàilean na h- . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.199 Ardalanish, Rubh’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.55
Acairseid Mhòr: Gometra . . . . . . . . . 9.116 Airde Uinnsinn, Rubha na h- . . . . . . 8.466 Ardalum, Torr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.115
Acairseid Mhòr: Mull . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.263 Airds Bay: Loch Etive . . . . . . . . . . . 8.441 Ardaneaskan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.248
Acairseid nan Uamh . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.164 Airds Bay: Lynn of Lorn . . . . . . . . . 8.404 Ardantrive Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.186
Achabeg Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.241 Airds Point: Loch Creran . . . . . . . . . 8.452 Ardban . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.205
Achadh a’ Chuirn, Bogha Mór . . . . 10.225 Airds Point: Loch Etive . . . . . . . . . . 8.429 Ardbeg Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.333
Achadh a’ Chuirn, Rubh’ . . . . . . . . 10.225 Aire, Beinn na h- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.123 Ardbhair, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.340
Achadun Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.372 Airein, Beinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.124 Ardchattan Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.429
Achaidh Bhig, Allt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.74 Àirigh Bheirg, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.77 Ardchattan Shoal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.429
Acharonich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.101 Airigh-drishaig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.245 Ardchrishnish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.87
Achiltibuie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.168 Airighe, Camas na h- . . . . . . . . . . . 10.336 Ardelve Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.183
Achnacloich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.429 Airor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.91 Ardencaple Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.137
Achnacreemore Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.434 Airor Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.73 Ardencaple Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.401
Achnacroish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.396 Ais-sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.177 Ardentinny Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.362
Achriesgill Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.306 Aiseig, An Camas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.532 Arderanish, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.277
Agnew Monument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.40 Aiseig, Rubha na h- . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.57 Ardfern Yacht Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.223
Aigeach, An t- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.134 Aisig Mhóir, Rubha an . . . . . . . . . . . 8.325 Ardgaddan, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.130
Aigeann Charraig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.311 Aisig, Ru an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.177 Ardgartan Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.366
Aigeich, Eilean an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.314 Aisig, Rubha an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.325 Ardgowan Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.275
Aigleann, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.86 Aiteig, Eilean na h- . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.289 Ardgowan Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.275
Aile More Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.182 Akin, Kyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.136 Ardheslaig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.345
Ailean, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.222 Lighthouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.144 Ardhuish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.274
Ailltenish, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.315 Alasdair, Sgùrr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.186 Ardinamir Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.292
Ailltenish, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.315 Alaster’s Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.359 Ardintoul Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.179
Ailort, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.151 Aline, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.269 Ardintoul Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.137
Ailsa Craig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.55 Aline, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.272 Ardivachar Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.69
Ainort, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.303 Allt = Stream; see proper name Ardivachar Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.69
Ainshval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.126 Alltachd, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.87 Ardlamont Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.163
Aird = Height; see proper name Alsh, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.136 Ardlamont Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.209
Aird a Mhill Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.172 E part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.174 Ardlussa Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.231
Aird a Mhill, Ru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.147 Alt-an-Avaig Jetty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.155 Ardmaddy Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.296
Aird an Droighinn, Rubh’ . . . . . . . . . 8.431 Altain Duibh, Loch an . . . . . . . . . . 13.232 Ardmaleish Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.334
Aird an Stùrra, Rubh’ . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.306 Am = The; see proper name Ardmarnock Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.168
Aird, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.264 Amhainn Inbhir Ghuiserein . . . . . . . 10.73 Ardmeanach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.95
Aird a’ Mhadaidh, Rubha . . . . . . . . 10.175 An = The; see proper name Ardminish Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.42
Aird Beithe, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.328 An t-Ob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.169 Ardminish Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.39
Aird da Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.337 An-tinalin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.215 Ardmore Bay: Kerrera . . . . . . . . . . . 8.141
Aird Daraich, Rubh’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.490 Anchorages, ports and harbours . . . . . 1.95 Ardmore Bay: Loch Dunvegan . . . . . 12.43
Aird-dhubh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.233 Ann, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.194 Ardmore Bay: Mull . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.311
Aird Druimnich, Rubha: Annan, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.146 Ardmore Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.22
Ardnamurchan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.139 Annat Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.230 Ardmore Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.481
Aird Druimnich, Rubha: Annat Narrows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.500 Ardmore, Hill of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.481
Loch Sunart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.325 Annraidh, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.85 Ardmore Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.86
Aird Earnaich, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.328 Antelope Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.290 Ardmore Point: Islay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.86
Aird Fhada, Rubh’ an . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.306 Anticyclones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.129 Ardmore Point: Loch Dunvegan . . . . 12.39
Aird Ghainimh, Rubh’ . . . . . . . . . . . 8.393 Anton Dohrn Seamount . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.4 Ardmore Point: Loch Laxford . . . . 13.317
Aird Luing, Rubh’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.245 Aoghainn, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.181 Ardmore Point: Mull . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.306
Aird Mhór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.113 Aoidhe, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.125 Ardmucknish Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.399
Aird nam Madadh, Bàgh . . . . . . . . 12.191 Aoil, Creag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.306 Ardnacross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.244
Aird nan Eisirein, Rubha . . . . . . . . . 9.104 Aoil, Rubh’ an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.288 Ardnacross Point, ; see Sean
Aird nan Gobhar, Eilean . . . . . . . . . 10.274 Aoinidh, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.177 Chaisteil, Rubh’ ant- . . . . . . . . . . . 8.244
Aird nan Leum, Rubh’ . . . . . . . . . . . 8.425 Aoinidh, Ob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.181 Ardnadam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.379
Aird Point: Loch Ewe . . . . . . . . . . . 13.157 Aon Chaorach, Eilean na h- . . . . . . . . 9.75 Ardnahein, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.382
Aird Point: Loch Snizort Beag . . . . 12.106 Aon Chaorach, Sgeir na h- . . . . . . . . 6.205 Ardnamurchan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.129
Aird Riabhach, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . 12.283 Aornan, Eileanan na h- . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.31 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.136
Aird Seisg, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.242 Appin House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.394 Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.138
Aird Shlignich, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.325 Appin Narrows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.373 Ardnarff Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.260
Aird Stioclett, Gob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.144 Appin, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.397 Ardnave Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.37
Aird, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.106 Appin Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.387 Ardnellan Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.432
Aird, Torr an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.114 Applecross Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.234 Ardnish Peninsula: Island of Skye . 10.225
Airde, An Dubh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.217 Araig, Sgeir an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.149

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Home Contents Index
INDEX

Ardnish Peninsula: Auchenlochan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.218 Banachdich, Sgùrr na . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.186

Sound of Arisaig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.148 Auchgoyle Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.197 Bane, Camas; see Sidhean, Camas . . 11.34
Ardnish, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.225 Aulasary, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.202 Bane, Poll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.87
Ardnoe Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.203 Auliston Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.250 Bannatyne, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.344
Ardpatrick Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.48 Aultbea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.143 Banntraich, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . 13.100
Ardrishaig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.148 Aultnaharrie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.194 Barcaldine Pier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.458
Breakwater Head Light . . . . . . . . . 4.154 Avernish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.177 Bardentarbat Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.235
Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.148 Avernish Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.177 Bargehouse Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.202
Ardross Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.224 Avon Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.239 Barkin Isles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.42
Ardrossan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.222 Awe, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.431 Barley Ridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.24
Arrival information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.232 Ayr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.139 Barmore Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.128
Basins and berths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.246 Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.139 Barons Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.361
Clyde Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.251 Ayr Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.161 Barr = Summit; see proper name
Limiting conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.225 Barr-nam-boc Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.121
Ardscalpsie Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.107 Bàrr nan Gobag, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . 7.112
Ardskenish Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.32 Bà, Eilean na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.217 Bàrr, Rubha nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.203
Ardtoe Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.129 Bac Beag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.29 Barra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.46
Ardtornish Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.285 Bac Mòr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.29 W side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.47
Ardtornish Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.239 Bach Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.121 Barra Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.55
Ardtornish House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.275 Back Bow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.151 Barra Head Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.52
Ardtornish Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.239 Back of Keppoch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.129 Barra, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.89
Ardtreck Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.248 Bad = Clump of trees; see proper name Controlling depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.92
Arduaine Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.299 Bad a’ Chrotha, Caolas . . . . . . . . . . 10.334 Tidal streams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.97
Ardvasar Promontory . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.70 Bad, Camas nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.328 Barraglom, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.221
Ardveenish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.114 Bad nam Ban, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . 13.270 Barraglom, Sgeirean . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.211
Ardvule, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.69 Bad nam Ban, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.270 Barrisdale Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.108
Ardyne Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.333 Badachro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.334 Barrnacarry Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.139
Arinagour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.48 Badcall Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.341 Barvas, Aird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.175
Arisaig Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.168 Badcall Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.323 Battle Island; see Chomhraig,
Arisaig Promontory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.129 Badh Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.40 Eilean a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.125
Arisaig, Rubh’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.141 Badluachrach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.226 Bay, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.38
Arisaig, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.148 Bagh, Sgeir nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.163 Bayble Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.114
Arkle, Ben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.285 Bàgh = Bay; see proper name Bayble, Eilean Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.100
Arle Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.244 Baile Mòr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.82 Bayhead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.288
Arle Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.244 Bail’ a Chlaidh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.106 Bayhead River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.88
Armadale Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.78 Balach Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.34 Bays Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.240
Armadale Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.78 Balephetrish Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.183 Beacravik, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.299
Armadale Pier Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.72 Balephuil Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.38 Beag = Little; see proper name
Armin, Stac an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.27 Baleshare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.73 Beag, Ard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.35
Arnamul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.55 Balg, Am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.284 Beag, Bàgh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.84
Arnisdale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.116 Balg, Sgeir nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.276 Beag, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.93
Arnisdale River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.96 Ballachulish Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.469 Beag, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.154
Arnish, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.307 Ballachulish Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.484 Beag, Camas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.83
Arnish Peninsula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.53 Ballachulish Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.489 Beag, Caolas: Loch Gairloch . . . . . 10.333
Arnish Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.53 Ballantrae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.51 Beag, Caolas: Loch Stockinish . . . . 12.300
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.53 Balliekine Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.75 Beag, Eilean: Loch Snizort Beag . . 12.104
Arnol, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.175 Ballygown Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.114 Beag, Eilean: East Loch Roag . . . . . 6.208
Aros Balmacara Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.171 Beag, Eilean: Gulf of Corryvreckan . 7.257
Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.243 Balmeanach Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.272 Beag, Eilean: Inner Sound . . . . . . . 10.205
River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.243 Balnagowan, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.466 Beag, Eilean: Islay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.31
Waterfall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.248 Balnakailly Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.220 Beag, Eilean: Loch Etive . . . . . . . . . 8.424
White House of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.242 Balvicar Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.295 Beag, Loch: Loch Torridon . . . . . . . 10.351
Aros Bay: Islay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.125 Ban, Beinn nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.186 Beag, Loch: Loch Glencoul . . . . . . 13.338
Aros Bay: Loch Snizort . . . . . . . . . . 12.97 Ban, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.127 Beag, Loch: Loch Grimshader . . . . . 13.87
Aros Bay: Tobermory . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.268 Ban, Caolas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.33 Beag, Loch: Loch Harport . . . . . . . . 9.252
Arran, Isle of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.26 Ban, Eilean nam: Loch Leven . . . . . 8.494 Beag, Loch: Loch Hourn . . . . . . . . 10.119
Arranman’s Barrels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.24 Ban, Eilean nam: Sound of Iona . . . . 9.75 Beag, Loch: Sound of Arisaig . . . . . 9.155
Arrochar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.366 Ban, Eilean: Loch na Làthaich . . . . . . 9.92 Beag, Loch: Sound of Jura . . . . . . . . 7.271
Arsa, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.299 Ban, Loch nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.240 Beag, Meall: Eddrachillis Bay . . . . 13.328
Arspaig, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.213 Ban, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.132 Beag, Rubha: Gruinard Bay . . . . . . 13.189
Ascaig, Strath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.238 Ban, Rubha: West Kyle . . . . . . . . . . . 4.213 Beag, Rubha: Loch Fyne . . . . . . . . . 4.130
Ascog Patches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.273 Bàn, Camas: Portree . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.290 Beag, Sgeir: Loch Carron . . . . . . . . 10.246
Ascog Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.273 Bàn, Bàgh: Sound of Mingulay . . . . 11.88 Beaga, Sgeirean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.312
Ascrib Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.74 Bàn, Bágh: Loch Shuna . . . . . . . . . . 7.301 Bealach = Pass; see proper name
Asgog Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.163 Bàn, Camas: Loch Hourn . . . . . . . . 10.116 Beannachd Chreag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.141
Askaig, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.117 Bàn, Camas: Loch Sunart . . . . . . . . . 8.343 Bearachd, Eilean na . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.323
Askival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.126 Bàn, Corran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.103 Bearasay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.187
Asknish Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.300 Bàn, Dun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.244 Bearraich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.85
Aslak, Ben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.62 Bàn, Eilean nam: Lynn of Morvern . 8.359 Beasts of Holm; see Biastan Thuilm 13.78
Astly Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.149 Bàn, Eilean: Kyle Akin . . . . . . . . . . 10.152 Beathach, Eilean nam . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.138
Atha, Camas na h’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.214 Bàn Eileanan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.294 Beatson Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.105
Athad, Dùn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.71 Bàn, Rubha: Loch Gairloch . . . . . . 10.321 Beatsons Shoal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.114
Athair, Biod an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.35 Bàn, Rubha: Loch Harport . . . . . . . . 9.251 Beaufort Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.152
Attadale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.263 Bàn, Rubha: Loch Nevis . . . . . . . . . . 10.36 Beaufort’s Dyke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.34
Auchalick Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.168 Bàn, Rubha: Loch Scavaig . . . . . . . . 9.229 Bee, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.139

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INDEX

Beef Barrel, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.77 Bhealaich Ghaoithe, Rubha . . . . . . . . 7.109 Big Wheel Reef, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.92
Beg, Loch: Loch Duich . . . . . . . . . 10.182 Bhealaich, Loch a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.186 Bile, Sgeir na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.55
Beg, Loch: Loch Scridain . . . . . . . . . . 9.93 Bhealaidh, Eilean a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.519 Binch Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.102
Beg, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.211 Bhealt, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.203 Bindalein Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.205
Beinn = Mountain; see proper name Bhearnaig, Rubh’ à . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.125 Biod = Peak; see proper name
Beinne, Eilean na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.248 Bheigeir, Beinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.12 Bioda Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.31
Beinne, Mullach na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.188 Bheith, Sròn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.186 Biodaig, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.222
Béiste, Loch na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.167 Bhilidh, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.129 Birch Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.250
Beithe, Eilean na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.263 Bhiorain, Bàgh a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.168 Bird Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.55
Beithe, Eilean na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.125 Bhocaig, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.260 Birds Nest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.335
Beitheiche, Eilean na . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.239 Bhocaig, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.260 Biruaslum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.55
Bellaire, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.314 Bhocaig, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.273 Blà Bheinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.187
Belle Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.180 Bhodaich, Rubha a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.216 Black Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.144
Bellows, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.149 Bhogha-sgeir, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.141 Black Eye Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.154
Bells Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.485 Bhoisa, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.35 Black Farland Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.213
Belnahua . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.250 Bhoraraic, Dùn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.116 Black Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.43
Beloe Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.151 Bhothain, Camas a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.273 Black Islands: Inner Sound . . . . . . . 10.244
Ben = Mountain; see proper name Bhràige, Loch a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.295 Black Mill Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.276
Ben Erival, Fall of . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.111 Bhratag, A’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.424 Black Rock: Heisker Islands . . . . . . . . 6.73
Benbecula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.86 Bhreac, Beinn: Island of Skye . . . . . 12.36 Black Rock: Loch Creran . . . . . . . . . 8.456
E side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.123 Bhreac, Beinn: Islay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.34 Black Rock: Loch Crinan . . . . . . . . . 7.214
W side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.60 Bhreac, Beinn: North Uist . . . . . . . . . 6.90 Black Rock: Loch Dunvegan . . . . . . 12.49
Bendoran Boatyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.92 Bhreac, Beinn: Soay . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.233 Black Rock: Loch Linnhe . . . . . . . . . 8.512
Benmore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.121 Bhreidein, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.101 Black Rock: Sound of Islay . . . . . . . 7.112
Bennan Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.93 Bhreitheimh, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.330 Black Rocks: Sound of Arisaig . . . . 9.141
Bennane Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.58 Bhrid-eòin Mhóir, Sgorr a’ . . . . . . . 10.255 Black Rocks: Sound of Jura . . . . . . . 7.265
Beregonium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.403 Bhridag, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.324 Black Rocks: West Loch Tarbert,
Berie: Butt of Lewis . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.92 Bhride, Eilean: Islay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.86 Kintyre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.54
Berie: East Loch Roag . . . . . . . . . . . 6.175 Bhride, Eilean: Jura . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.152 Black Tide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.97
Bernera Barracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.76 Bhrideanach, A’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.180 Black’s Memorial Lighthouse . . . . . . 8.124
Bernera Bay: Lynn of Morvern . . . . 8.221 Bhrollum, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.336 Blair, Camus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.306
Bernera Bay: Sound of Sleat . . . . . . 10.94 Bhrollum, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.315 Blairmore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.373
Bernera Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.221 Bhuachaille, Am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.284 Blàr nan Each, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.68
Bernera Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.217 Bhuailt, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.150 Blàth-shuileach, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.40
Bernera Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.359 Bhuailte, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.330 Blianish, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.208
Berneray: Outer Hebrides, S part . . . 11.46 Bhudragain, Sgeirean . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.87 Blindman Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.25
Berneray: Sound of Harris . . . . . . . 12.202 Bhuic, Eilean a’: Eddrachillis Bay . 13.330 Blindman’s Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.217
Causeway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.241 Bhuic, Eilean a’: Loch Fyne . . . . . . . 4.126 Bloody Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.310
Berneray Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.240 Bhuic, Sgeir a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.149 Bo = Below water rock; see proper name
Berneray, Sound of: North Uist . . . . 6.115 Bhuidhe, Ben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.24 Bo Caolas: Loch Inver . . . . . . . . . . 13.261
Berneray, Sound of: Outer Hebrides, Bhuidhe, Clach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.40 Bo Mòr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.77
S part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.57 Bhuidhe, Leac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.23 Bo, Sgeir nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.128
Bernisdale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.107 Bhuidhe, Sgeir, Boat Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.216
Bervie, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.288 Light: Lynn of Lorn . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.383 Boat Pool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.87
Beul an Toim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.60 Bhuidhe, Sgeir: Caolas Mór . . . . . . 10.217 Boc, Am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.149
Beul na h-Uamhaidh, Sgeir . . . . . . . 8.128 Bhuidhe, Sgeir: East Loch Tarbert, Bod an Stoil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.196
Bhad Ghlais, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.193 Hebrides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.279 Bodach a’ Chailbhe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.247
Bhagh, Sgùrr a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.40 Bhuidhe, Sgeir: East Loch Tarbert, Bogany Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.333
Bhaid Bheithe, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . . . . . 8.471 Kintyre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.143 Bogha = Below water rock; see proper name
Bhaig, Stac a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.328 Bhuidhe, Sgeir: Loch Carron . . . . . 10.246 Bogha Mòr: Loch Eatharna . . . . . . . . 9.49
Bhàigh, Aird a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.335 Bhuidhe, Sgeir: Loch Erisort . . . . . . 13.40 Bogha Mòr: Loch Scridain . . . . . . . . . 9.85
Bhàigh, Eilean Mòr a’ . . . . . . . . . . 12.321 Bhuidhe, Sgeir: Loch Inver . . . . . . 13.250 Bogha Mòr: Loch Tuath . . . . . . . . . . 9.113
Bhàigh Uaine, Rubha a’ . . . . . . . . . . 13.54 Bhuidhe, Sgeir: Bogha: Salen Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.289
Bhaile, Aird a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.187 Loch na Keal, Eorsa . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.101 Boghachan Bàite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.87
Bhaile Fo Thuath, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . 12.231 Bhuidhe, Sgeir: Loch Sunart . . . . . . . 8.343 Boghachan Mòra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.31
Bhaillein, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.89 Bhuidhe, Sgeir: Lynn of Lorn . . . . . 8.387 Boghannan Cuil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.156
Bhàillidh, Beinn a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.143 Bhuidhe, Sgeir: Plockton Harbour . 10.258 Bogout Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.340
Bhaird, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.314 Bhuidhe, Sgeir: Sound of Luing . . . . 7.249 Bohaund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.204
Bhalamuis Bhig, Rubha . . . . . . . . . 12.314 Bhuidhe, Sgeir: Boinshly Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.29
Bhalamuis, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.337 Loch na Keal entrance . . . . . . . . . . . 9.99 Boisdale Hills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.121
Bhan, Creag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.23 Bhuilg, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.244 Boisdale, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.131
Bhan, Leac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.202 Bhuirg, Dun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.88 Boisdale Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.91
Bharcasaig, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.255 Bi-bogha Beag, Am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.37 Bolorkle Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.276
Bhàrr Ruaidh, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . . . . . . 7.53 Bi-bogha Mór, Am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.37 Bomasanhui . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.222
Bharra, Gob a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.128 Bial a’ Chaolais . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.60 Bomore Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.127
Bhata, Port a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.294 Biast, Sgeir nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.40 Bomore Stigh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.265
Bhàta, Eilean a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.248 Biastan Thuilm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.78 Bona Ron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.141
Bhatan, Ard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.403 Bidein na h-Iolaire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.15 Bonawe Narrows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.431
Bhàthaich, Port a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.159 Bideinan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.204 Bonawe Pier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.436
Bheag, Aird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.160 Big Reef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.226 Bones Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.39
Bheag Bragair, Aird . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.175 Big Rock: Loch Gilp . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.155 Bonnavoulin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.293
Bheag, Sgeir: Island of Skye . . . . . . 9.197 Big Rock: Sound of Harris . . . . . . . 12.217 Bonnet Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.109
Bheag, Sgeir: Lynn of Lorn . . . . . . . 8.387 Big Sand Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.161 Bono Rock Light−buoy . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.80
Bheag, Sròn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.306 Big Shoal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.183 Boor Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.160
Bhealaich, Eilean a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.260 Big Stirk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.250 Boreray: North Uist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.100

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Boreray: Saint Kilda Group . . . . . . . . 6.27 Buidhe, Eilean: Loch Fyne (N) . . . . 4.128 Caisteal Liath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.245
Borgh, Camus nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.146 Buidhe, Eilean: Loch Fyne (S) . . . . . 4.125 Caisteal na Gruagaich . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.360
Bornesketaig, Ru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.70 Buidhe, Eilean: Loch Shuna . . . . . . . 7.303 Caisteal nan Con . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.234
Borrodale Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.157 Buidhe Ghil, Sgeirean . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.73 Caiteshal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.317
Borrodale Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.155 Buidhe, Rubha: Loch Shell . . . . . . . 12.331 Cala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.183
Borve Bay; see Borgh, Camus nam . 6.146 Buidhe, Rubha: Loch Alsh . . . . . . . 10.147 Cala Inlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.185
Borve Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.56 Buidhe, Rubha: Loch Broom . . . . . 13.196 Caladh Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.221
Bosta, Camas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.182 Buidhe, Rubha: Loch Gilp . . . . . . . . 4.154 Caladh Peninsula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.221
Bottle Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.211 Buidhe, Rubha: Loch Hourn . . . . . . 10.101 Calbha Beag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.328
Bowling Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.482 Buidhe, Rubha: Sound of Luing . . . . 7.249 Calbha Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.328
Bowmore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.77 Buidhe, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.188 Caledonian Canal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.525
Bracadale, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.245 Buidhe, Sgeirean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.71 Calgary Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.54
Bracadale Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.248 Buie, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.62 Caliach Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.31
Brag Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.101 Buige Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.257 Call, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.38
Bràigh an Stac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.35 Bull Hole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.83 Callanish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.222
Bràigh Mór: Scalpay . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.268 Bulla na h-Acairseid Fhalaich . . . . 12.283 Callert cottage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.492
Bràigh Mór, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.275 Bun = River mouth; see proper name Callert House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.492
Bràigh Mór: 58°03′N, 7°06′W . . . . . 6.155 Bun Abhainn-eader, Loch . . . . . . . . . 6.154 Calvaig, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.49
Bràithrean, Rubha nam . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.43 Bun an Locha, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.180 Calvay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.142
Branahuie Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.65 Bun Chiochnish, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . 8.512 Calvay Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.152
Brandystone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.146 Bunessan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.92 Calve Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.247
Branra Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.387 Bunnahabhainn Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.112 Calve, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.247
Brataig, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.189 Buoyage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.26 Cam-ard Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.184
Bratanish Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.222 Burnt Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.201 Cam nan Gall, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . 12.132
Brathairean, Rubha nam . . . . . . . . . 10.276 Burrick, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.265 Camalaig Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.49
Breac, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.289 Burrival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.123 Camas = Bay, Channel; see proper name
Breachacha, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.29 Bute, Isle of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.257 Camas Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.112
Breasclete Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.212 Bute Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.94 Camas nam Feuchaig, Rubha . . . . . 12.141
Breasclete New Pier . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.213 BUTEC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.197 Camasnacroise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.466
Breezes, land and sea . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.140 Buth, Aird nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.157 Càmastac, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.35
Brèige, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.259 Bùthan, Rubh’ nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.92 Campay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.205
Breivig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.113 Butt of Lewis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.175 Campay, Kyles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.214
Brenish, Aird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.127 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.172 Campbell Rock: Ardrossan . . . . . . . . 3.244
Brenish Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.105 Buttock Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.213 Campbell Rock: Loch Melfort . . . . . 7.306
Brest Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.59 Campbeltown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.30
Bretasker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.223 Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.46
Breun Chamas, Am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.515 Caan, Dùn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.194 Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.30
Brice-nis, Bogha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.207 Cabar, Eilean nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.155 Cams Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.384
Brideagan Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.181 Cabbage Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.228 Camus = Bay, Channel; see proper name
Brideun, Am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.209 Cabbage Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.231 Camusnagaul: Loch Linnhe . . . . . . . 8.501
Bridge across the Atlantic . . . . . . . . . 7.293 Cables, submarine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.39 Camusnagaul: Little Loch Broom . 13.225
Bridges, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.273 Cadail Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.192 Camusterrach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.206
Bridog, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.317 Cadail, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.194 Canna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.127
Brigurd Spit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.312 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.192 Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.215
Brittle, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.243 Cailinn, Rubha Camas na . . . . . . . . 10.106 Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.210
Broad Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.104 Cailleach, Bodha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.298 Caol = Strait, Narrows; see proper name
Broad Rock: Loch Sunart . . . . . . . . . 8.325 Cailleach Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.191 Caol, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.515
Broad Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.152 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.190 Caol, Ard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.317
Broadford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.219 Cailleach Uragaig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.55 Caol Ard, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.306
Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.219 Caillich, Ard na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.100 Caol Ila Distillery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.112
Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.227 Caillich, Beinn na: Caolas = Straight, Narrows;
River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.225 (57°14′N, 5°58′W) . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.219 see proper name
Brochel Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.201 Caillich, Beinn na: Caolas an Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.163
Brodick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.133 (57°14′⋅6N, 5°41′⋅7W) . . . . . . . . . 10.215 Caolas, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.83
Brogg, Ruadh na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.180 Caillich Knoll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.147 Caolas, Bo: Outer Hebrides . . . . . . . 6.163
Bron Carrick Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.126 Caillich, Rubha na: Kyle Rhea . . . . 10.134 Caolas Mór: Loch Skiport . . . . . . . 12.143
Bròna Cleit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.38 Caillich, Rubha na: Sound of Jura . . 7.152 Caolas Mór: Loch Hourn . . . . . . . . . 10.97
Broom, Little Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.221 Caillich, Sgeir na: Kyle Rhea . . . . . 10.134 Caolas Mòr: Oronsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.38
Broom, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.177 Caillich, Sgeir na: Loch Melfort . . . 7.306 Caolas na Cloiche, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . 9.76
Brosdale Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.110 Caillich, Sgeir na: Sound of Iona . . . . 9.77 Caolisport, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.170
Brothers, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.40 Caillich, Sgeir: Loch Creran . . . . . . . 8.454 Caorach, Eilean nan: Loch Linnhe . . 8.387
Brù, Am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.106 Caillich, Sròn na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.326 Caorach, Eilean nan: Port Ellen . . . . . 7.92
Bruachaig, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.187 Cainnteach, Sgòr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.40 Caorach, Meall nan: Loch Broom . 13.192
Bruaich Ruaidhe, Camas . . . . . . . . . . 8.438 Cairidh, Loch na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.303 Caorach, Meall nan: Benbecula . . . 12.132
Bruernish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.114 Cairidh, Poll na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.143 Caorach, Rubha nan . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.134
Bruernish Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.99 Cairn na Burgh Beg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.68 Caorach, Sgeir na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.38
Bruichladdich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.77 Cairn na Burgh More . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.29 Caorach, Sgeir na h- . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.208
Bryony Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.5 Cairn Pat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.33 Caorach, Sgeir nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.328
Buachaill Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.127 Cairn Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.78 Cara
Buachaille, Am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.105 Cairndhu Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.403 Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.35
Buaile, Rubhan na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.203 Cairndow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.198 Mull of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.39
Buck Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.126 Cairnryan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.61 Carach, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.111
Buckle Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.194 Ferry Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.74 Caragarry Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.165
Buidhe Bhorlum, Sgeirean . . . . . . . 10.276 Cairns of Coll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.31 Caramach, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.73
Buidhe, Eilean: East Kyle . . . . . . . . . 4.216 Caisteal an Fhithich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.86 Carbost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.252

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Home Contents Index
INDEX

Cardingmill Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.175 Catacol Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.90 Charmaig, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.182

Carloway, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.215 Càth Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.35 Chárna, Caol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.332
Carloway Pier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.215 Causamul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.97 Charnain, Beinn a’: Hellisay . . . . . . . 11.90
Carminish Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.204 Causamul Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.77 Charnain, Beinn a’: Pabbay . . . . . . . 6.100
Carminish Peninsula . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.217 Causamul, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.59 Charnain, Beinn a’: Ronay . . . . . . . 12.134
Carn a’ Ghaill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.127 Ceall, Loch nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.168 Charnain, Eilean a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.219
Carn Breugach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.108 Ceann = Head, Headland; see proper name Chàrnain, Rubha, South Harris . . . . 12.225
Carn Dearg: Skye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.222 Ceann Dibig, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.296 Chàrnain, Rubha, Barra . . . . . . . . . . 11.114
Carn, Meall nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.86 Ceann, Eilean nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.247 Charnuis, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.488
Carn Mór: Loch Moidart . . . . . . . . . 9.145 Ceann Hulavig, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.223 Charra, Clach a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.49
Carn Mòr: Loch a’Chumhainn . . . . . 8.312 Ceann na Sàile, Bodha . . . . . . . . . . 13.300 Charrach, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.144
Carn, Mullach na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.194 Ceann na Sàile, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . 13.308 Charraig, Camas a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.237
Càrn Dearg an Droma . . . . . . . . . . . 13.221 Ceann Reamhar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.131 Charsalich, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.429
Càrn Dearg: Loch Broom . . . . . . . . 13.192 Ceann Traigh, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.143 Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.24
Càrn nan Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.205 Ceanna Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.466 Chaslaic, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.70
Càrn, Rubha nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.429 Ceannaich, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.35 Chathastail, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.141
Càrn Skerries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.205 Ceannamhór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.323 Chearc, A’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.196
Carna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.325 Cearc, Rubha nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.59 Chicken Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.76
Carnach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.268 Cearcdal Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.151 Chicken Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.76
Càrnach Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.40 Ceard, Bogha nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.114 Chil Mhalieu, Camas . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.476
Carnan, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.144 Ceardaich, Eilean na: Chinn Mhòir, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . . . . . 10.271
Carnan Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.27 Carminish Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.217 Chinn, Sgeir a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.246
Càrnan Eoin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.56 Ceardaich, Eilean na: Killegray . . . 12.237 Chlaideimh Mór, Sgeir a’ . . . . . . . . . . 9.97
Carnban Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.405 Ceàrdaich, Sgeir na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.310 Chlaidheimh, Sgeir a’ . . . . . . . . . . . 13.328
Caroy, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.254 Cellar Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.101 Chlamail, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.101
Carra−crom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.90 Chadh-fi, Loch a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.320 Chlann Néil, Bàgh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.192
Carra, Sròn na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.320 Chaiginn, Rubha a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.361 Chléirich, Sgeir a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.288
Carrach, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.163 Chailleach, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.93 Chleit, A’: Enard Bay . . . . . . . . . . . 13.258
Carrach, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.234 Chaipaval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.204 Chléit, A’: Sound of Gigha . . . . . . . . . 7.36
Carrach Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.154 Chàirminis, Bàgh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.204 Chluar, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.303
Carrach, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.138 Chairn Mhoir, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . . . . . 9.158 Chluar, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.258
Carradale Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.80 Chàirn Bhàin, Loch A’ . . . . . . . . . . 13.322 Chnaip, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.299
Carradale Harbour; see Crannaich, Chàirn Bhàin, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.40 Chnapach, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.275
Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.87 Chàirn Bhig, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . . . . . . 8.429 Choic, Eilean a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.143
Carradale House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.74 Chàirn Léith, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . . . . . . 12.70 Choigreach, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.165
Carradale Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.73 Chais, Sgeir a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.301 Choilta, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.75
Carrag Beag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.217 Chàise, Eilean a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.91 Choin Ghlais, Bealach a’ . . . . . . . . . 7.258
Carrag Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.217 Chàise, Meall a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.235 Choin, Rubh’ a’ Eilean . . . . . . . . . . 13.154
Carragh an t-Sruith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.112 Chaisteil, Sgeir a’: Kyle Akin . . . . 10.149 Choin, Sgeir a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.151
Carraig an Daimh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.151 Chaisteil, Sgeir a’: Treshnish Isles . . . 9.29 Choinneich, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.488
Carraig an Roin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.405 Chait, Eilean a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.248 Choinnich, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.108
Carraig Chorrach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.90 Chalaibrigh, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.44 Choir, Sgeir a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.343
Carraig Craig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.75 Chalbha, Bàgh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.341 Choire, Loch a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.478
Carraig Fhada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.83 Challibost, Meall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.273 Chois, Allt a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.243
Carraig-géire, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . 9.75 Challtuin, Port a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.341 Chòis, Meall a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.204
Carraig Mhaol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.362 Chalmain, Eilean a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.77 Chomharraidh, Clach a’ . . . . . . . . . . . 9.42
Carraig Mhicheil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.166 Chaluim Chille, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . 13.46 Chomhnard, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.139
Carraig Mhór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.257 Chamais Bhain, Rubha a’ . . . . . . . . . 8.361 Chòmhraidh, Eilean a’ . . . . . . . . . . . 8.491
Carraig Mòr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.112 Chamais, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.151 Chomhraig, Eilean a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.125
Carraig na Maraig: Kerrera Sound . . 8.171 Chamas, An Dubh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.282 Chonnaidh, Eilean a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.298
Carraig na Maraig: Loch Goil . . . . . 3.383 Channanich, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.49 Chonnaidh, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.271
Carraig nan Ròn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.364 Channel Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.115 Chonnuill, Dùn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.79
Carraigean, An: Loch Scridain . . . . . . 9.87 Channel Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.78 Chorachan, Ru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.89
Carraigean, An: Loch Tuath . . . . . . . 9.114 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.78 Chorrach, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.250
Carraigtaidh Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.112 Chaoil, Eilean a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.346 Chorrain, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.109
Carrick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.382 Chaoil, Port a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.218 Chracaich, Loch a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.350
Carrinnis, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.215 Chaoil, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.69 Chràiginis, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.29
Carron, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.236 Chaolais, Eilean a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.152 Chreagach, Beinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.95
Carry Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.210 Chaolais Leac a Bhainne . . . . . . . . . . 9.71 Chreagag, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.299
Carry Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.210 Chaolais, Rubha Chreamha, Bad a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.238
Carsaig Arches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.43 (56°51′⋅5N, 5°47′⋅1W) . . . . . . . . . . 9.152 Christie Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.104
Carsaig Bay: Island of Mull . . . . . . . . 8.61 Chaolais, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.99 Chrois-aoinidh, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . . . . . . 8.84
Carsaig Bay: Sound of Jura . . . . . . . 7.226 Chaolais, Sgeir a’: East Loch Roag . 6.217 Chroisein, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.166
Carsaig Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.199 Chaorach, Beinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.287 Chrom, Sròn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.331
Carskey Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.104 Chaorachain, Sgùrr a’ . . . . . . . . . . . 10.238 Chrona, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.344
Carskey Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.104 Chaorainn, Stac a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.286 Chrònaig, Camas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.355
Cart, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.483 Chapuill, Sgeir a’: Dorney Sound . 13.201 Chrotaich, Eilean a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.100
Castle Bay: Outer Hebrides . . . . . . . 11.70 Chapuill, Sgeir a’: Loch Snizort . . . . 12.88 Chrubain, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.26
Castle Craigs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.244 Chàr, Eilean a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.199 Chruidh, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.186
Castle, Eilean; see Chathastail, Charles Harbour, Chuaig, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.208
Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.141 see Acairseid Nighean . . . . . . . . . 12.191 Chuaig, Ob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.234
Castle Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.403 Charlotte Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.135 Chuaig, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.208
Castle, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.248 Charlotte, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.76 Chuain, Sgeir a’: Loch Bracadale . . 9.254
Cat Islands; see Chait Eilean a’ . . . 10.248 Charlotte Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.77 Chuain, Sgeir a’: Loch Dunvegan . . 12.39
Cat Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.109 Charmaig, Bàgh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.143 Chuain, Sgeir a’: Loch Snizort . . . . . 12.88

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INDEX

Chubaidth, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.32 Climate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.125 Constitution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.75

Chuhoil, Bogha hun a . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.75 Climate and weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.124 Cook Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.217
Chuil, Port a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.89 Climatic tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.156 Cope Passage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.198
Chùil, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.245 Clinigin Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.99 Coppay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.100
Chùil-tairbh, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.208 Clisham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.87 Coppay Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.100
Chuilbh, Meall a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.55 Cloch Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.277 Coramach, Ob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.271
Chuilg, Gob a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.76 Cloiche, Eilean na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.384 Corder Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.222
Chuilinn, Eilean a’: Loch Hourn . . 10.105 Cloiche Lomaidh, Rubha na . . . . . . 13.300 Cornaig Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.84
Chuinnlein, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.93 Cloiche Muilinn, Rubha na . . . . . . . . 7.156 Corodale, Ben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.121
Chuirn, Eilean a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.86 Cloiche, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.271 Corpach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.523
Chuirr, Clach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.40 Cloicheig, Eilean na . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.219 Corpach Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.79
Chulaih, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.75 Cloich’ Uaine, Rubha na . . . . . . . . 10.276 Corpach Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.518
Chùli, A’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.79 Closure of ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.46 Corr Beag, Dun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.273
Chulinish, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.114 Cloud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.144 Corr Eilean: Sound of Jura . . . . . . . . 7.180
Chumhaing, Allt a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.245 Clovullin Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.508 Corr-Eileanan: South Uist . . . . . . . . 12.158
Chumhainn, Loch a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.312 Clovullin Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.508 Corr Mór, Dun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.273
Chumhainn Mhoir, Rubh’ a . . . . . . . . 8.94 Cluasnadh, Na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.298 Corr Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.179
Chunn Néill, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.40 Clyde Dockyard Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.11 Còrr, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.39
Churaich, Bogh’ a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.202 Clyde and Forth Canal . . . . . . . . . . . 3.497 Còrr Eileanan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.108
Churchton Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.305 Clyde, Firth of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.1 Corran = Low cape; see proper name
Ciasmul Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.80 Lower part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.107 Corran, An: Pabbay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.109
Ciche, Sgòr na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.472 Pilotage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.13 Corran Ledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.167
Cillchriosd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.312 Recommended Channels . . . . . . . . . 3.15 Corran Narrows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.499
Cille, Bagh na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.222 Upper part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.253 North-east Light-beacon . . . . . . . . . 8.509
Cille, Bo na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.136 Clyde Marina; see Ardrossan . . . . . . 3.251 Corran Point: Loch Linnhe . . . . . . . . 8.509
Cille, Eilean na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.157 Clyde, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.476 Corran Point: West Loch Tarbert . . . . 7.53
Cille, Loch na: Loch Melfort . . . . . . 7.310 Clydeport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.11 Corran, Poll nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.275
Cille, Loch na: Sound of Jura . . . . . 7.168 Clydeport Greenock Ocean Corran Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.229
Cille-Pheadair, Cross of . . . . . . . . . . . 6.90 Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.453 Corriegills Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.116
Cille, Port na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.39 Clynder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.389 Corry Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.206
Cille, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.151 Cnap = Hillock; see proper name Corrynachenchy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.287
Cille, Tràigh na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.113 Cnap, An: Salen Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.330 Corryvreckan, Gulf of . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.252
Clach = Stone; see proper name Cnap, An: West Kyle . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.210 Corsewall Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.58
Clach Dearga, Rubha nan . . . . . . . . . 9.143 Cnap Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.365 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.55
Clach Mór, Bo na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.55 Cnoc = Hill; see proper name Coruisk, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.229
Clach, Rubha nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.197 Cnoc Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.88 Coul Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.31
Clach Tholl, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.387 Cnoc, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.85 Coulport Jetty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.368
Clacha Sine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.204 Cnocan Sgairbh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.141 Cour, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.77
Clachan: Upper Loch Fyne . . . . . . . . 4.199 Coastguard Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.61 Cow Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.276
Clachan, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.31 Cobbler, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.349 Crab Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.85
Clachan-Seil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.295 Cock of Arran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.107 Crachan Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.102
Clachan Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.293 Cockle Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.481 Cradh, Dun Uamh nan . . . . . . . . . . . 8.384
Clachnaharry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.525 Coigach, Ben Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.166 Crag, Bo ha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.138
Cladhacamus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.108 Còigeach, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.247 Cragaig Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.107
Claggain Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.122 Coileach, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.196 Crago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.215
Claidh, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.335 Coillegillie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.218 Crago, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.260
Claidhean, Sgeir nan . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.246 Coillemore Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.82 Craig Cottages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.433
Claigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.48 Coinean, Eilean nan: Loch Crinan . . 7.203 Craigavaig, Poll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.151
Claise Móire, Ard na . . . . . . . . . . . 10.208 Coinean, Eilean nan: Sound of Jura . 7.199 Craig Laggan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.43
Clan Ewan Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.141 Coinein, Eilean nan: Craigaol Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.308
Clann Alasdair, Bagh . . . . . . . . . . . 12.132 The Small Isles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.152 Craige, Linne na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.439
Clansman Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.103 Coire, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.31 Craigeam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.205
Clansman Shoal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.344 Coiresa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.242 Craigendoran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.388
Claonaig Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.81 Coitem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.225 Craighouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.160
Clarke Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.109 Colasgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.222 Craignish
Clarrach, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.49 Colbost Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.254 Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.271
Clash, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.307 Cold fronts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.135 Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.218
Clashfarland Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.310 Colintraive Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.215 Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.209
Clashnessie Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.344 Coll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.4 Craignure Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.215
Classified areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.48 Collam, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.263 Craigs Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.431
Clauchlands Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.129 Colliechaol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.187 Cramer Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.225
Claus Deas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.247 Colonsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.13 Crammag Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.43
Cleats, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.57 Coltair, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.307 Crann, Rubha nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.199
Cleavag, Tràigh na . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.204 Comet Rock: Skye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.70 Crannaich, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.87
Cleit = Rock, Cliff; see proper name Comet Rock: Sound of Raasay . . . 10.276 Crannaig, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.141
Cleiteadh Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.26 Compass adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.105 Craobh, Eilean nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.524
Cléiteadh, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.289 Compass Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.191 Craobh Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.303
Clerich, Bo na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.77 Con, Caolas nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.484 Craobh Haven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.303
Clett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.39 Con, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.244 Craobhag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.279
Clett a’ Mhadaidh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.216 Conachair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.27 Crarae Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.197
Cletta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.68 Conaglen House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.514 Crarae Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.184
Clettan a Fer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.72 Concrete Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.208 Craro Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.61
Cliabh, Sgeir nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.210 Conger Stack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.224 Creachann, Sgeir nan . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.198
Cliatasay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.194 Connel Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.417 Creachasdal Beag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.36
Clibhe, Camas na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.189 Connel Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.412 Creachasdal Mòr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.36

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INDEX

Creadha, Poll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.233 Cuil-cheanna Spit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.508 Declared Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.47

Crèadha, Eilean na . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.244 Cùil, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.245 Deep Water Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.10
Creag = cliff; see proper name Cuilc, Port nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.189 Degaussing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.106
Creag an Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.189 Cuilce, Loch na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.239 Degnish Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.288
Creag Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.384 Cùile, Aird na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.170 Deireas Phòil, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.79
Creag Mhòr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.303 Cuilean, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.141 Dell, Aird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.175
Creag Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.122 Cuilean Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.359 Dell Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.175
Creagach Chrosgach . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.301 Cuillin Hills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.186 Density . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.121
Creagach, Eilean: Loch Shuna . . . . . 7.299 Cùiltean, Na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.151 Dent Shoal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.216
Creagach, Eilean: Loch Snizort . . . . 12.86 Cùl an Rubha, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.151 Deobedal, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.29
Creagan, Caolas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.459 Cùl Campay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.204 Deora, Port an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.215
Creagan Dubh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.181 Cùl Campay, Kyles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.205 Depressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.131
Creagan Gorra Cleite . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.157 Cùl Craigeam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.205 Deratting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.107
Creagan na Sgalain . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.265 Culag Pier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.268 Dheanish, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.262
Creagan nan Caorach . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.491 Culanach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.250 Dhearg Cùl Chraigeam, Sgeir . . . . . . 6.205
Creagan nan Cudaigean . . . . . . . . . 13.160 Culbhaie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.298 Dhearg, Sgeir: East Loch Roag . . . . 6.205
Creagdaroch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.238 Culkein, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.343 Dhearg, Sgeir: Inner Sound . . . . . . 10.205
Creagorry Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.156 Culkein Drumbeg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.340 Dhearg, Sgeir: Mallaig . . . . . . . . . . . 10.36
Creags, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.384 Culwatty Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.388 Dheirg, Rubha an Àird . . . . . . . . . . . 8.250
Creed, River see Greeta River . . . . . 13.53 Culzean Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.125 Dhiseig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.101
Creggans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.187 Cumbrae Elbow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.272 Dhoirbh, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.55
Creiche, Eilean na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.517 Cumbrae Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.314 Dhomhnuill, Cnoc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.235
Creige Móire, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . 11.129 Cumhann, Caolas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.335 Dhonn, Leac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.192
Creran, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.443 Cumhann Mòr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.84 Dhonn, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.125
Criche, Clach na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.242 Cunndal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.224 Dhonncha, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.179
Crinan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.211 Curachan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.53 Dhrombaig, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.340
Crinan Canal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.159 Curachan, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.77 Dhubh, Beinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.131
Crinan Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.216 Currachd Liath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.471 Dhubh, Sgeir: Island of Skye . . . . . . 9.195
Crinan, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.211 Currachie, Bo na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.276 Dhubh, Sgeir: Loch Craignish . . . . . 7.219
Crionaig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.305 Currents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.110 Dhubh, Sgeir: Loch Leven . . . . . . . . 8.490
Cro, Port na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.288 Cusgaig, Camas na . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.338 Dhubh, Sgeir: Loch Snizort Beag . 12.106
Crocan, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.197 Cusha, Sgeir na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.248 Dhubh, Sgeir: Loch Torridon . . . . . 10.344
Croe Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.366 Dhubh, Sgeir: Narrows of Raasay . 10.274
Crogary Mòr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.90 Dhubh, Sgeir: Sound of Gigha . . . . . . 7.40
Crogary na Hoe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.135 Dà Chuain, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.141 Dhubh, Sgeir: Summer Isles . . . . . . 13.199
Croggan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.134 Dà Chuain, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.129 Dhurinish, Eilean Dubh . . . . . . . . . . 10.244
Croic Harbour; see Cnoc Harbour . . . 6.88 Dail Righ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.162 Diabaig, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.344
Croig House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.312 Daimh, Rubha an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.340 Diar Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.268
Croinn, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.359 Daimh, Sgeir an: Loch Inchard . . . 13.297 Didil, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.66
Croise, Camas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.92 Daimh, Sgeir an: Loch Seaforth . . . 12.283 Difficulty, Cape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.204
Croise, Camas na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.466 Dal, Loch na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.86 Dioghlum, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.68
Croisg, Port na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.335 Dalach, Bagh na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.442 Diomhain, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.152
Cromore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.45 Dalchenna Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.187 Dippin Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.125
Crossapol Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.57 Dalintober Monument . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.50 Diraclett, Eileanan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.279
Crossbost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.41 Dallens Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.394 Direction-finding Service . . . . . . . . . . 1.69
Croulin Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.103 Damhag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.305 Direy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.152
Crowlin Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.231 Damsel Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.31 Distress and rescue
Crowlin Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.195 Danna, Island of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.179 General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.58
Crowlin Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.205 Danna na Cloiche . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.181 United Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.60
Crowlin, Linne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.191 Danna Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.179 Diúbaig, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.109
Cruach nam Miseag . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.383 Daraich, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.222 Dobhrain, Rubh’ an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.103
Cruach Scarba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.14 Daraich, Camas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.84 Docking facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.104
Cruach Torr an Lochain . . . . . . . . . . . 9.99 Daraich, Rubha an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.95 Doctor’s Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.160
Cruachan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.107 Darraich, Meall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.364 Dog Rock; see Carraig nan Ròn . . . 3.364
Cruaidhe, Sgeirean . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.289 Darroch Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.431 Dog’s Castle; see Caisteal nan Con . 8.234
Crubon Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.73 Darwin Mounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.7 Doighich, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.239
Cruda Ard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.106 Davaar, Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.25 Doin, Camas; see Mhuineil, Poll a’ 10.117
Cruibe, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.142 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.21 Doire na Boceinein, Rubha . . . . . . . 10.215
Cruinn, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.197 Deacon Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.129 Doire na Drise, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.159
Cruitir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.205 Dearg Alt Waterfall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.283 Doire na h-Earba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.149
Cruitiridh, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.151 Dearg, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.70 Doire na h-Earba, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . 10.149
Crutagain, Dùn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.285 Dearg, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.48 Doirlinn, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.437
Cu a Buachaill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.127 Dearg, Meall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.323 Doirlinn Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.55
Cuaiche, Dùn na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.188 Dearg, Rubha: Corpach . . . . . . . . . . . 8.516 Doirlinn, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.54
Cuaidh, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.136 Dearg, Rubha: Inverscaddle Bay . . . 8.530 Dòirlinn a’ Chailbhe . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.267
Cuan Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.309 Dearg, Rubha: Loch Linnhe . . . . . . . 8.513 Domhain, Poll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.232
Cuan Mòr Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.94 Dearg, Rubha: Sound of Mull . . . . . 8.239 Domhain, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.86
Cuan Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.289 Dearg Sgeir: Gigha Island . . . . . . . . . 7.35 Domhnaich, Maol an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.99
Cuan Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.279 Dearg Sgeir: Lynn of Lorn . . . . . . . . 8.452 Don, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.50
Cudaigean, Rubha nan . . . . . . . . . . 12.105 Dearg Sgeir: Sound of Jura . . . . . . . 7.242 Don, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.142
Cuidsgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.278 Dearg Sgeir: Sound of Mull . . . . . . . 8.239 Donald Murchison’s Monument . . . 10.147
Cuil an t-Saimh, Camus . . . . . . . . . . . 9.67 Dearg Sgeir: Torran Rocks . . . . . . . . . 9.77 Donn Mòr, Cnoc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.75
Cuil a’ Mheannain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.134 Deas, Caolas a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.327 Donnan, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.183
Cuil Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.479 Deas, Rubha fo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.141 Dora Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.345
Cuil-cheanna, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.508 Deasker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.75 Dorney Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.174

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INDEX

Dornie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.183 Hebrides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.279 Dùnain, Poll an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.496

Dorus Mór: Sound of Handa . . . . . 13.314 Dubh, Rubha: Colonsay . . . . . . . . . . . 8.77 Dùnain, Rubh’ an: Loch Brittle . . . . 9.196
Dorus Mór: Sound of Jura . . . . . . . . 7.207 Dubh, Rubha: Loch Fyne . . . . . . . . . 4.128 Dunan, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.225
Douglas Pier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.381 Dubh, Rubha: Mull . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.43 Dunan Ruadh: Sound of Barra . . . . 11.106
Douglas Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.248 Dubh, Rubha: Scalasaig . . . . . . . . . . . 8.78 Dunan Rùadh: Sound of Sleat . . . . . 10.75
Douran Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.219 Dubh, Rubha: Soay . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.234 Dùnan Ruadh, Bàgh . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.87
Down Craig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.310 Dubh, Rubha: Sound of Sleat . . . . . . 10.70 Dùnan, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.204
Driseach, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.218 Dubh, Rubha: Tanera More . . . . . . 13.204 Dunaverty Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.97
Drollaman, Camas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.159 Dubh, Rubha: Tiree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.37 Dunaverty Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.24
Droma Buidhe, Loch na . . . . . . . . . . 8.337 Dubh, Rubha: West Kyle . . . . . . . . . 4.212 Duncan Shoal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.113
Droma, Sròn an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.266 Dubh, Rubha:Loch Snizort Beag . . 12.103 Duncraig Beacon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.248
Drover Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.105 Dubh-sgeir, An: Gigha Island . . . . . . 7.151 Duncraig Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.248
Drover Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.105 Dubh-sgeir, An: Loch Eynort . . . . . . 9.197 Duncuan Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.154
Druim an Achanarnich . . . . . . . . . . . 7.287 Dubh-sgeir a’ Deas, An . . . . . . . . . 12.150 Dunderave Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.189
Druim an Dhubhair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.236 Dubh-sgeir Mhór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.129 Dunfiunary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.427
Druim an Loch, Sgeirean . . . . . . . . . . 8.95 Dubh Sgeir: Loch Torridon . . . . . . . 10.344 Dunglass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.487
Druim, Bodha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.317 Dubh Sgeir, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.250 Dunmore Narrows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.54
Druim Fada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.96 Dubh-Sgeir, An: Island of Skye . . . . 11.31 Dunollie Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.166
Druim na Dubh Ghlaic . . . . . . . . . . . 7.281 Dubh Sgeir, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.248 Dunollie Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.166
Druim na Sròine-cruime . . . . . . . . . . 8.310 Dubh Sgeir Light, Kerrera Sound . . 8.170 Dunoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.282
Druimindarroch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.157 Dubh Sgeir: Badcall Islands . . . . . . 13.344 Dunoon Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.277
Druimyeon Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.46 Dubh, Sgeir: Caolas Pabay . . . . . . . 10.225 Dunoon Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.277
Druimyeon Reef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.40 Dubh, Sgeir: Castle Bay . . . . . . . . . . 11.77 Dunskeig Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.51
Drum Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.165 Dubh Sgeir: East Loch Roag . . . . . . 6.205 Dunstaffnage Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.395
Drumadoon Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.73 Dubh Sgeir: Eigg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.202 Dunstaffnage Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.401
Drumadoon Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.73 Dubh Sgeir: Eilean an Ròin Mòr . . 13.298 Dunstaffnage Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.395
Drumbeg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.340 Dubh Sgeir: Gigha Island . . . . . . . . . . 7.35 Duntrune Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.212
Drumchork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.153 Dubh Sgeir: Insh Island . . . . . . . . . . 8.121 Duntulm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.113
Du, Bo: Inner Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.217 Dubh Sgeir: Kerrera . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.121 Duntulm Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.113
Du, Bo: Taransay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.135 Dubh Sgeir: Loch Ceann Traigh . . . 9.146 Dunure Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.137
Duart Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.223 Dubh Sgeir: Loch Erisort . . . . . . . . . 13.38 Dunvegan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.36
Duart Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.210 Dubh, Sgeir: Loch nan Uamh . . . . . . 9.156 Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.48
Duart Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.210 Dubh Sgeir: Loch Tamanavay . . . . . 6.160 Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.35
Duartmore Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.333 Dubh Sgeir: Lynn of Morvern . . . . . 8.359 Peninsula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.35
Dubh-aird, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.238 Dubh Sgeir: MacCormaig Islands . . 7.151 Dunvegan, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.36
Dubh-aird, Camas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.246 Dubh Sgeir: Muck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.166 Dunyveg Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.99
Dubh, Aird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.336 Dubh Sgeir: Sound of Harris . . . . . 12.218 Dutchman’s Cap; see Bac Mòr . . . . . . 9.29
Dubh Ard, Bàgh an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.227 Dubh Sgeir: Sound of Iona . . . . . . . . . 9.78 Du’ Sgeir a’ Tuath . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.150
Dubh Ard, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.205 Dubh Sgeir: Sound of Jura . . . . . . . . 7.151
Dubh Artach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.51 Dubh Sgeir: Sound of Luing . . . . . . 7.249 Each, Eilean nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.202
Dubh a’ Bhaigh, Eilean . . . . . . . . . 12.324 Dubh Sgeir: Tiree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.29 Eachainn, Aird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.490
Dubh, Bàgh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.150 Dubh Sgeirean: Eddrachillis Bay . . 13.330 Eagamol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.179
Dubh Beag, Eilean: Firth of Lorn . . . 8.79 Dubh Sgeirean: Loch Inchard . . . . . 13.289 Eaglaise, Eilean na h- . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.288
Dubh Beag, Eilean: Loch Dunvegan 12.49 Dubha, Eileanan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.137 Eagle Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.244
Dubh, Beinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.242 Dubha, Sgeirean: Canna . . . . . . . . . . 9.216 Eairne Eilean na h- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.201
Dubh Bheag, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.191 Dubha, Sgeirean: Kerrera Sound . . . 8.170 Ealaidh, Poll na h- . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.109
Dubh, Bogha: Pabay Mór . . . . . . . . . 6.190 Dubha, Sgeirean: Loch Shell . . . . . 12.328 Ealasaid, Rubha Àird . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.242
Dubh Chamais, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . 10.282 Dubhail, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.114 Eanchainne, Sgurr na h- . . . . . . . . . . 8.498
Dubh Chamas, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.242 Dubhan, Bogha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.393 Ear, Ceann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.72
Dubh, Clach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.275 Dùghall, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.344 Earadale Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.33
Dubh, Eilean: Loch Dunvegan . . . . . 12.54 Duich, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.182 Earba, Rubha na h-: Loch Linnhe . 8.466
Dubh, Eilean: Loch Boisdale . . . . . 11.146 Duilisg, Creag an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.238 Earba, Rubha na h’: Ganavan Bay . . 8.384
Dubh, Eilean: Colonsay . . . . . . . . . . . 8.55 Duin, Eilean an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.303 Earca, Meall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.330
Dubh, Eilean: East Loch Tarbert, Dùin Bhàin, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.33 Earr Mhànais . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.258
Hebrides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.276 Dùin Bhàin, Rubh’ an . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.247 Easaval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.91
Dubh, Eilean: Loch Broom . . . . . . . 13.191 Dùin, Eilean: Firth of Lorn . . . . . . . . 8.129 Easdale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.128
Dubh, Eilean: Loch Craignish . . . . . 7.219 Dùin, Gob an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.31 Easdale Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.269
Dubh, Eilean: Loch Eishort . . . . . . . 9.224 Dùin, Rubh’ an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.75 Easdale Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.136
Dubh, Eilean: Lynn of Lorn Dùin, Sgeir an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.99 Easgainne, Rubha na h- . . . . . . . . . . 9.222
(56°29′N, 5°30′W) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.384 Dùin, Sròn an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.55 East Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.8
Dubh, Eilean: Lynn of Lorn Duine, Eilean an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.248 East Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.282
(56°31′N, 5°27′W) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.384 Duirinnis, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.431 East India Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.481
Dubh, Eilean: Sound of Iona . . . . . . . 9.79 Duisker: Bràigh Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.156 East Kyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.201
Dubh, Eilean: Sound of Jura . . . . . . 7.199 Duisker: Soay Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.135 East Loch Roag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.181
Dubh, Eilean: West Kyle . . . . . . . . . 4.221 Duisker: West Loch Tarbert . . . . . . . 6.154 Anchorage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.212
Dubh-fhèith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.80 Dumbarton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.482 Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.204
Dubh Iaimhrig, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.234 Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.482 East Loch Tarbert: Kintyre . . . . . . . . 4.131
Dubh Mhic Lartai, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . 7.219 Dun = Castle; see proper name East Loch Tarbert:
Dubh Mhór, Sgeir: West Loch Roag 6.192 Dun Ban Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.90 Outer Hebrides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.266
Dubh Mór, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.79 Dùn-aarin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.215 East Rock: Heisker Islands . . . . . . . . . 6.73
Dubh na h-Otha, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . 7.71 Dùn I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.59 East Suisnish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.272
Dubh nam Boc, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . 13.319 Dùn: Saint Kilda Group . . . . . . . . . . . 6.31 East Tarbert Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.44
Dubh, Rubh: Uig Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.92 Dunagoil Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.113 Eatharna, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.48
Dubh, Rubh: Soay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.196 Dunain, Rubh’ an: Eatharna, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.48
Dubh, Rubha East Loch Tarbert, Eddrachillis Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.327 Eatharna, Meall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.31

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Home Contents Index
INDEX

Eaval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.123 Eskernish, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.202 Fenish, Aird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.127

Ebbing Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.275 Eternal Island; see Eilean Siorruidh . . 6.87 Feochan, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.140
Eddrachillis Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.323 Etive, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.407 Feolin Ferry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.103
Edinbain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.102 Ettrick Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.204 Ferries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.12
Eglinton Tidal Basin: Ardrossan . . . . 3.246 Eugenie Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.8 Ferry Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.174
Eich Donna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.299 Eughlam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.205 Feundain, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.121
Eididh, Sgeir an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.144 Eun, Rubha nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.300 Feusgan, Sgeir nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.213
Eigg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.125 Eun, Sgeir nan: Inner Sound . . . . . 10.281 Fhada, Aird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.39
Island Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.141 Eun, Sgeir nan: Loch Hourn . . . . . . 10.101 Fhada, Sgeir: Port Ellen . . . . . . . . . . . 7.93
Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.199 Eun, Sgeir nan: Talisker Bay . . . . . . 9.197 Fhada, Sgeir: Sleat Peninsula . . . . . . 9.222
Eighe, aird na h- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.227 Ewe, Isle of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.138 Fhada, Sgeir: Tiree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.29
Eigneig, Camas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.372 Ewe, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.138 Fhaobhair, Leac an . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.217
Eil, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.520 Examination Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.49 Fhaochag, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.70
Eilanreach River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.75 Exercise areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.18 Fhasaidh, Rubha an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.207
Eileach an Naoimh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.79 Eye Peninsula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.91 Fheadain, Meall an . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.200
Eilean = Island; see proper name Eynort, Loch: Skye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.244 Fheidh, Eilean an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.134
Eilean a’ Ehuic, Eilean a’ . . . . . . . . 13.213 Eynort, Loch: South Uist . . . . . . . . 11.151 Fhéidh, Sgeir an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.129
Eilean, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.99 Eynort, Upper Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.151 Fhèidh, Eilean an: Loch Sunart . . . . 8.333
Eilean, Camas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.351 Eyre, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.108 Fhèidh, Sgeir an: Islay . . . . . . . . . . . 7.109
Eilean, Creag an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.52 Eyre Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.271 Fheòir, Eilean an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.87
Eilean Mhàrtain, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . 8.98 Fheurain, Rubh’ an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.170
Eilean nam Ban, Camas . . . . . . . . . . 8.496 Fheurain, Sgeir an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.170
Eileanan = Islands; see proper name Fàd, Rubha nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.250 Fhionnairidh, Camas . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.238
Eileans, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.313 Fada, Aird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.87 Fhithich, Creag an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.466
Eilein, Ceann an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.196 Fada, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.171 Fhraoch, Creag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.109
Eilein, Port an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.315 Fada Mór, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.213 Fhraoich, Eilean an: Caol Rona . . . 10.281
Eilid, Sgeir nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.156 Faihore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.182 Fhraoich, Eilean an:
Eilideach, Beinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.186 Fail, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.190 Strome Narrows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.253
Einis, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.222 Faing, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.17 Fhraoich Mia, Eilean an . . . . . . . . . 12.158
Eir, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.179 Faire Mòr, Cnoc na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.78 Fhraoich, Sgeir: Loch Shell . . . . . . 12.331
Eireannach, Rubha nan . . . . . . . . . . 11.145 Fairlie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.289 Fhreastaig, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.121
Eireannaich, Eilean an . . . . . . . . . . . 13.317 Fairlie Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.310 Fiaclachan, Am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.151
Eireannaich, Rubh’ an . . . . . . . . . . . 10.219 Fairlie Quay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.323 Fiadhairt Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.49
Eirghe, Camas na h- . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.496 Fairlie Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.323 Fianuis, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.208
Eirin, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.277 Fairlie Sands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.289 Fiaray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.90
Eirionnaich, Sgeir an . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.183 Fairy Isles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.188 Fiaray, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.117
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.181 Falconet Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.71 Fiart, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.210
Eisg-Brachaidh, Loch an . . . . . . . . . 13.273 Falkirk Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.497 Fias, Rubha nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.328
Eishken, Tob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.330 Falls of Lora . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.420 Figheadair, Sgeir nam . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.286
Eishort, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.217 Famachd, Bo na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.50 Finart Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.362
Eistean, Dùn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.101 Fanagmore Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.320 Fingal’s Cave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.59
Eitich, Sgeir an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.384 Fank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.40 Finlaichean, Na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.191
Eitshal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.87 Fanny Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.216 Finlayston Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.482
Electronic position fixing systems . . . 1.32 Faochag, Bo na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.276 Finnart Ocean Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . 3.369
Elgol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.239 Faochag, Port nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.38 Finnarts Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.77
Elizabeth Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.139 Faoileag, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.429 Finnieston Quay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.492
Ella, Port na; see Ealaidh, Faoilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.228 Finsbay Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.258
Poll na h- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.109 Faoileann, Bàgh nam . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.156 Finsbay, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.298
Ellary House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.172 Faoileann, Rubha nam: Fiola Meadhonach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.247
Ellen, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.88 Loch Creran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.454 Fiola, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.248
Ellice Shoal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.106 Faoileann, Rubha nam: Fion-àird, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.384
Elliot Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.283 Sound of Insh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.128 Fionn-aird, Bogha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.138
Empress of Britain Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.5 Faoileann, Sgeir nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.289 Fionn Ard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.384
Enard bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.272 Faoileann, Stac nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.207 Fionndalach Móire, Bàgh na . . . . . 13.320
Enil na Sulair, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.55 Faoilinn, Rubha na: Loch Buie . . . . . 8.43 Fionnphort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.73
Ensay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.213 Faoilinn, Rubha na: Loch Spelve . . . 8.121 Firing practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.18
Eoghainn, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.496 Far Bowen Craigs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.309 Firth of Clyde Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.19
Eòghainn, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.55 Far-Eilean, Am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.110 Firth of Clyde Dry dock: Greenock . 3.456
Eòin, Rubha nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.381 Farland Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.312 Fisher Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.150
Eoine, Sgeir an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.128 Farland Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.312 Fishery limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.78
Eoligarry House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.111 Farquhar’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.145 Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.14
Eoligarry Mór, Ben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.47 Fascadale Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.129 Fishing Bank: North Minch . . . . . . . . 13.5
Eoligary Boat Harbour . . . . . . . . . . 11.119 Faskadale, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.139 Fishing Bank: Sound of Mull . . . . . . 8.306
Eorsa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.101 Faslane Base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.408 Fishing Bank: Inner Sound . . . . . . . 10.205
Eport, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.160 Faslane Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.407 Fishnish Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.287
Erghallan, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.54 Fauna, Outer Hebrides . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.92 Fishnish Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.239
Erins Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.77 Feannag, Eilean nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.196 Fiskavaig Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.256
Erisgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.98 Feannag, Rubha nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.215 Fisteodh, Camas na . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.221
Eriska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.454 Fear, Rubha nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.43 Fiunary Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.239
Eriska Shoal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.384 Fear Vallay, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.191 Five Fathom Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.67
Eriskay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.91 Fearn, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.343 Fladda, Caol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.308
Eriskay, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.119 Fearna, Camas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.334 Fladda-chùain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.57
Erisort, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.36 Fearna, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.208 Fladda: Sound of Luing . . . . . . . . . . 7.249
Erraid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.74 Fearnach Bay: Loch Melfort . . . . . . . 7.309 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.248
Erskine Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.464 Féith an Fheòir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.230 Fladda: Treshnish Isles . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.29

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INDEX

Fladday, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.265 Gair, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.196 Garra Islands, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.245
Fladday Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.307 Gairbh Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.49 Garrisdale Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.180
Fladday: Isle of Lewis . . . . . . . . . . . 6.156 Gairbh-sgeir, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.182 Garroch Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.272
Flagro Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.150 Gairgrada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.100 Garry Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.63
Flannan Isles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.35 Gairletter Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.362 Gars-Bheinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.186
Flat Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.40 Gairloch Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.331 Garvel Basin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.454
Fliuchach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.105 Gairloch, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.322 Garvel Dry dock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.456
Float Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.142 Galeac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.100 Garvel Embankment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.455
Flod Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.163 Gales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.142 Garvellachs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.64
Flodabay, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.264 Gall, Camas nan: Loch Linnhe . . . . . 8.533 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.81
Floday, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.198 Gall, Camas nan: Skye . . . . . . . . . . . 9.240 Gasay: Loch Carnan . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.144
Floday, Kyles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.182 Gall, Rubha nan: Loch Eport . . . . . 12.164 Gasay: Loch Boisdale . . . . . . . . . . . 11.144
Floday: West Loch Roag, inner part 6.198 Gall, Rubha nan: Loch Tuath . . . . . . 9.114 Gasay Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.145
Floday: West Loch Roag, outer part 6.182 Gall, Rubha nan: Sound of Mull . . . 8.247 Gashernish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.152
Flodday Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.194 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.234 Gasker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.127
Flodday: Loch Maddy . . . . . . . . . . . 12.182 Galla, Sgeir na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.187 Gasker Beg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.139
Flodday: Sound of Barra . . . . . . . . . . 11.99 Gallan Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.127 Gauscavaig, Òb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.226
Flodday: Sound of Sandray . . . . . . . . 6.47 Gallan, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.127 Geadaig, Camas na . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.271
Floddaybeg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.134 Gallanach Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.213 Geadha, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.77
Floddaymore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.134 Gallie Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.101 Geal, Meall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.101
Flodigarry, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.277 Gallow Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.398 Geall, Camas nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.321
Flora, Hebrides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.91 Galloway, Mull of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.40 Gealtaire Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.36
Flowerdale Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.339 Galmisdale Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.160 Gealtuig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.175
Fodragay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.157 Galta Beag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.334 Gearradh Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.468
Fog and visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.148 Galta Mòr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.305 Gearradh, Rubha a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.466
Foinaven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.285 Galtun, Sgeir an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.73 Gearran Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.57
Forbes Shoal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.78 Gamhna, Creag nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.132 Geary, Ben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.24
Fork Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.154 Gamhna, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.299 Geasgill Beag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.100
Forsa, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.241 Gamhna, Eilean nan: Kerrera . . . . . . 8.125 Geasgill Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.99
Fort William . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.526 Gamhna, Eilean nan: Lynn of Lorn . 8.392 Geasgill Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.99
Fowls Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.229 Gamhna Gigha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.40 Geile Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.191
Frank Lockwood’s Island . . . . . . . . . . 8.57 Gamhnach Mhòr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.61 Geinn, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.297
Fraoch Eilean, Am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.110 Gamhnachain, Na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.208 Geirum Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.60
Fraoch Eilean: Fladday Harbour . . . 10.307 Gamhnaichean, Na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.196 Geodha Daraich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.197
Fraoch Eilean: Loch Fyne . . . . . . . . . 4.181 Ganavan Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.406 George Bligh Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.4
Fraoch Eilean: Loch Gairloch . . . . . 10.328 Gander, The; see Gànradh, An . . . . . . 7.92 Gesto Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.246
Fraoch Eilean: Loch Hourn . . . . . . 10.109 Gànradh, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.92 Ghaill, Eilean a: Lynn of Lorn . . . . . 8.460
Fraoch Eilean: Loch Shuna . . . . . . . . 7.299 Gantock Light-beacon . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.277 Ghaill, Eilean a’: Sound of Arisaig . 9.141
Fraoich, Eilean: East Kyle . . . . . . . . 4.216 Gantocks, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.277 Ghaill, Sgeir a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.52
Fraoich, Eilean: Sound of Jura . . . . . 7.225 Garadh, Creag nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.238 Ghair, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.80
Frasiers Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.54 Garadh na Sròine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.85 Ghair, Sgeir a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.343
Frenchman’s Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.31 Garave, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.86 Ghallagain, Eilean dà . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.56
Freshnel Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.12 Garb-àird, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.401 Ghallain, Dùn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.327
Freumh, Port nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.293 Garb-ard, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.213 Ghallanaich, Bay a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.204
Friar Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.100 Garbh Airde, Rubha: Loch Feochan 8.129 Ghamhna, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.180
Frithearaich, Camas na . . . . . . . . . . 13.265 Garbh Airde, Rubha: Seil . . . . . . . . . 8.128 Ghamhna, Eilean a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.333
Frog Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.216 Garbh Ard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.401 Ghamhna, Poll a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.342
Fronts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.133 Garbh, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.248 Ghaoideamal, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.35
Fuam, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.240 Garbh, Ceann: Ghaoideil, Camas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.159
Fuday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.90 Loch na Droma Buidhe . . . . . . . . . 8.337 Gharb-eilean, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.159
Fuiay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.111 Garbh, Ceann: Loch Inchard . . . . . 13.285 Gharb-làin, Eilean a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.109
Fuiay Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.116 Garbh Eileach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.79 Gharbh, Clach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.179
Fularton Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.128 Garbh Eilean: 56°27′N, 6°14′W . . . . 9.100 Gharbh, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.29
Funaich Bheag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.248 Garbh, Eilean: Badcall Islands . . . . 13.323 Ghead a’ Leighe, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . 9.149
Funaich Mhór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.248 Garbh Eilean: Caol Rona . . . . . . . . 10.208 Ghearrain, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.95
Furadh Beag, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.164 Garbh Eilean: Caolas Cumhann . . . 13.336 Gheocrab, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.299
Furadh Mór, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.144 Garbh, Eilean: Gigha Island . . . . . . . 7.151 Gheodha Bhuidhe, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . . 9.229
Furnace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.192 Garbh Eilean: Loch Sunart . . . . . . . . 8.317 Gheodha Dhuibh, Sròn a’ . . . . . . . . 13.144
Quarry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.186 Garbh Eilean: Shiant Islands . . . . . 12.305 Gheodha, Gob a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.145
Wharf Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.184 Garbh, Eilean: Sound of Raasay . . 10.276 Gheòidh, Eilean a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.276
Fyne, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.93 Garbh Rèisa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.204 Ghille-bheid, Eileanan a’ . . . . . . . . 12.276
Lower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.115 Garbh, Rubha: Lynn of Lorn . . . . . . 8.401 Ghlaisen, Rubha Ard . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.208
Upper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.170 Garbh, Rubha: Loch Creran, Ghlaisich, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.244
S shore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.457 Ghlas, Aird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.263
Gabhar, Eilean nan: Garbh Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.163 Ghlas-leac, A’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.246
Loch Craignish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.219 Garbh, Sròn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.169 Ghlas, Sgeir: East Loch Tarbert,
Gabhar, Eilean nan: Garbh-àird, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.401 Hebrides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.278
The Small Isles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.152 Garbhaird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.141 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.273
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.151 Garbhan Còsach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.134 Ghlas, Sgeir: Loch Torridon,
Gabhar, Meall nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.204 Garbhanach, Sgeir nan . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.36 Loch Chracaich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.350
Gabhar, Sròn nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.326 Gareloch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.387 Ghlas, Sgeir: Loch Torridon,
Gaeilavore Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.57 Garelochhead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.389 Red Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.343
Gael, Sgeir nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.125 Garmony Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.234 Ghlas, Sgeir: Sound of Arisaig . . . . . 9.151
Gainimh, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.393 Garnock, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.196 Ghlas, Sgeir: Sound of Mull . . . . . . . 8.239
Gainmhich, Poll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.182 Garnock Wharf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.218 Ghlinn-mhóir, Cleit a’ . . . . . . . . . . . 11.129

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Ghlinne, Loch a’: Saint Kilda Group . 6.33 Glasgow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.460 Gousman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.226
Ghobha, Eilean a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.38 Arrival Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.469 Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.80
Ghobhlach Beacon, Sgeir: Basins and berths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.486 Govig Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.151
Broadford Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.220 Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.481 Graham’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.378
Ghobhlach, Beinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.186 Limiting conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.464 Graidach, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.8
Ghobhlach, Sgeir: Inner Sound . . . 10.225 Port services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.493 Gralisgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.39
Ghobhlach, Sgeir: Sound of Sleat . . 10.86 Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.485 Grass Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.121
Ghreasamuill, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.37 Gleann a’ Mhaoil, Bàgh . . . . . . . . . . 7.272 Gravir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.47
Ghrobain, Cnoc Mór a’ . . . . . . . . . . . 12.47 Gleann nam Muc, Bàgh . . . . . . . . . . 7.273 Grèabhal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.204
Ghuilean, Beinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.31 Gleann Righ Beag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.93 Greanamul, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.132
Ghuirmein, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.222 Gleann Righ, Eileanan . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.85 Greanamul Deas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.132
Giall, Bàgh Uamh nan . . . . . . . . . . . 8.106 Gleann Righ Mòr, Bàgh . . . . . . . . . . . 8.91 Greanamul: Benbecula . . . . . . . . . . 12.132
Gibb’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.378 Glebe Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.260 Greanamul: Sound of Barra . . . . . . 11.111
Gigalum Glenacardoch Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.33 Greanamul: Sound of Pabbay . . . . . . 11.68
Caolas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.45 Glenbatrick Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.89 Greanem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.226
Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.39 Glenborrodale Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.322 Great Bernera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.179
Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.39 Glencoe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.496 Great Britain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.75
Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.40 Glencoul, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.337 Great Cumbrae Island . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.272
Gigha Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.23 Glendale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.55 Great Glen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.82
Gigha, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.36 Glendebadel Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.103 Great Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.455
Gighay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.90 Glendhu, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.337 Great Race, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.70
Gille nan Ordaig, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . 8.87 Glenelg Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.93 Greave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.66
Gillean, Eilean nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.327 Glenelg Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.93 Green Islands; see Glasa, Eileanan . 8.239
Gillean, Sgeir nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.466 Glengalmadale River . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.466 Green Islet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.388
Gilp, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.148 Glengarrisdale Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.103 Greenock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.437
Gilsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.215 Glengarry’s Rock, Arrival information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.446
Girvan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.84 see Mhic Ic Alasdair, Sgeir . . . . . . 8.512 Basins and berths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.452
Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.87 Glengorm Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.302 Limiting conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.441
Girvan Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.88 Glenmallan Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.366 Port services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.456
Giubhais, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.50 Glenmallan Jetty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.370 Greenock Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.481
Giubhais, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.57 Glenmore Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.336 Greenstone Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.136
Glac Bheag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.158 Glenmore River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.76 Greeta River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.53
Glac Mhor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.158 Glenmorven Cottage . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.234 Greian Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.55
Glais-eilean Meadhonach, An . . . . . 12.182 Glenrosa Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.133 Gréinam: West Loch Roag . . . . . . . . 6.190
Glas Bheinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.137 Glensanda Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.361 Grèinam: East Loch Roag . . . . . . . . . 6.210
Glas-eilean, An: Loch nan Uamh . . . 9.155 Glensanda Small Boat Harbour . . . . 8.369 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.209
Glas-eilean, An: Sound of Arisaig . . 9.149 Glentrosdale Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.106 Greine, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.100
Glas-eilean, An: Sound of Sleat . . . . 9.141 Glenuig Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.158 Greine Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.156
Glas-eilean Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.129 Gloraig Dhubh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.276 Greineim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.127
Glas Eilean: Loch Sween . . . . . . . . . 7.180 Gloraig Iosal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.275 Greinem: East Loch Tarbert,
Glas Eilean: Upper Loch Fyne . . . . . 4.178 Gloraigs, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.274 Hebrides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.273
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.130 Gloruig Sgoillte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.134 Greshornish, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.98
Glas Eilean Mór: Loch Maddy . . . . 12.181 Glumaig Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.84 Greshornish Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.99
Glas Eilean: Camas Uig . . . . . . . . . 6.164 Goat Fell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.26 Grey Dogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.258
Glas Eilean: Loch Alsh . . . . . . . . . . 10.174 Goat Island; see Gobhail, Eilean na . 13.79 Grey Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.48
Glas Eilean: Loch Gairloch . . . . . . 10.326 Goat Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.156 Grey Horse Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.242
Glas, Eilean: Loch Linnhe . . . . . . . . 8.389 Gob = Point; see proper name Grey Island Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.150
Glas, Eilean: Loch Nevis . . . . . . . . . 10.48 Gob na Milaid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.35 Grey Island; see Ghlas, Sgeir . . . . . . 9.151
Glas, Eilean: Loch Scavaig . . . . . . . . 9.239 Goban Innis a Ghobhainn . . . . . . . . 10.322 Grey Islands; see Glas Eileanan:
Glas Eilean: Lynn of Lorn . . . . . . . . 8.387 Gobha, Sgeir a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.274 Sound of Mull . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.236
Glas, Eilean: Scalpay . . . . . . . . . . . 12.255 Gobhail, Eilean na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.79 Griadach, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.273
Glas Eilean: Sound of Islay . . . . . . . 7.112 Gobhar, Eilean nan: Griana-sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.276
Glas Eilean: Sound of Mull . . . . . . . 8.306 Sound of Arisaig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.152 Grianain, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.123
Glas Eilean: Sound of Raasay . . . . 10.276 Gobhar, Eilean nan: Tiree . . . . . . . . . . 9.29 Grianal, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.49
Glas Eilean: West Loch Roag . . . . . . 6.196 Gobhar Mór, Eilean nan . . . . . . . . . 10.244 Griffin Dock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.157
Glas Eileanan: Sound of Mull . . . . . 8.236 Gobhar, Poll nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.270 Griminish Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.116
Glas-Eileanan: South Uist . . . . . . . . 12.150 Gobhar, Sgeir nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.238 Griminish Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.97
Glas-leac Beag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.211 Gobhar, Sgùrr nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.186 Grimman, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.139
Glas-leac Mòr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.199 Gobhlach, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.157 Grimsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.193
Glas Leac: Badcall Islands . . . . . . . 13.330 Gobhlach, Sgeirean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.141 Grimshader, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.87
Glas Leac: Handa Island . . . . . . . . . 13.314 Gòdag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.202 Groadnish, Aird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.138
Glas Leac: Loch Inchard . . . . . . . . . 13.296 Goil, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.381 Groatay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.243
Glas Leac: Loch Inver . . . . . . . . . . 13.262 Golach, Sgeir: Loch Carron . . . . . . 10.246 Groay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.215
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.261 Gometra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.68 Groay Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.203
Glas Leac: Loch Laxford . . . . . . . . 13.317 Gometra Harbour, Grobadh na h-Uinneag . . . . . . . . . . . 6.158
Glas-lice, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.490 see Bail a Chlaidh . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.106 Groban na Sgeire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.47
Glas, Rubha: Castle Bay . . . . . . . . . . 11.78 Gorm, Meall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.243 Grogan Dubh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.359
Glas, Rubha: Loch Resort . . . . . . . . . 6.158 Gorm, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.242 Grosebay, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.301
Glas-sgeir: West Loch Tarbert, Gormol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.305 Gruinard Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.216
Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.152 Gortantaoid Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.34 Gruinard Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.216
Glas Sgeir: Loch Seaforth . . . . . . . . 12.317 Gortein Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.181 Gruinart, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.12
Glas, Sgeirean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.325 Gortinish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.86 Gualann Mhór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.153
Glasa, Eileanan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.239 Gott Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.41 Guarsay Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.55
Glasa, Sgeirean: Loch Nevis . . . . . . . 10.51 Gourock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.434 Guillamon Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.221
Glaschoille, Eilean na . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.54 Gousam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.196 Guirasdeal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.79

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Home Contents Index
INDEX

Gulf Stream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.110 Henderson, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.326 Iasgair, An t- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.70

Gull Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.312 Hermetray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.135 Ice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.124
Gulnare Rock: Inner Sound . . . . . . 10.215 Hermetray Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.202 Idrigill Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.197
Gulnare Rock: Loch Gilp . . . . . . . . . 4.152 Hiant, Ben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.324 Idrigill, Ru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.88
Gulnare Rock: Sound of Arisaig . . . 9.149 High Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.130 Ighe, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.141
Gumersam Bheag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.216 High Stone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.248 Ighe, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.141
Gumersam Mhór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.216 Highland Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.50 Imachar Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.75
Gunfacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.21 Highlands of Scotland . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.82 Ime, Leac an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.224
Gunna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.33 Hinds Shoal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.320 Imersay, Aird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.85
Gunna Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.33 Hirivagh, Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.114 Inaclete Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.79
History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.79 Inaclete, Sgeir Mhór . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.79
Hag, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.256 Hoe, Gob na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.31 Inch Kenneth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.99
Hal, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.321 Hoe, Leac na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.135 Inchard, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.289
Half Tide Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.45 Hoe Rape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.31 Inchmarnock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.107
Hallagro, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.132 Hoe, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.31 Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.109
Halo Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.231 Hoe: Gob na: Loch Dunvegan . . . . . 12.47 Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.94
Haltosh Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.110 Hogh, Ben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.4 Indaal, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.72
Hamara River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.55 Hogh, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.182 Industry and trade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.93
Hamarsay: East Loch Tarbert . . . . . 12.273 Hoglan Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.117 Inisgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.79
Hamersay: Loch Maddy . . . . . . . . . 12.186 Hole, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.423 Inn Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.387
Hamilton Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.129 Holesgeir Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.69 Innellan Beacon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.273
Handa Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.284 Holm Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.276 Innellan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.285
Handa, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.312 Holm Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.78 Inner Hebrides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.88
Harainish, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.143 Holoman Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.275 Inner Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.191
Harbour of refuge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.178 Holy Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.122 Inner Temple Rocks:
Harbours, anchorages and ports . . . . . 1.95 Holy Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.375 Sound of Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.222
Harlosh Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.255 Honish, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.85 Inninmore Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.283
Harlosh Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.255 Hornish Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.71 Inoe, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.260
Harport, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.246 Hornish, Ru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.105 Insh Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.121
Harpy Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.149 Horrisdale, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.328 Insh, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.126
Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.87 Horsanish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.141 Inshaig, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.219
Harris, East Bays of . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.250 Horse Island; see Each, Eilean nan . 9.202 Inshore Traffic Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.11
Harris, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.195 Horse Island: Summer Isles . . . . . . 13.204 International boundary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.3
Harsgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.190 Horse Isle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.244 International relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.81
Harsgeir Beag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.127 Horse Isle Shelves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.244 Inver, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.249
Harsgeir Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.127 Horse Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.220 Inverainvie River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.218
Hartamul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.100 Horse Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.214 Inveraray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.170
Hartavagh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.152 Horseshoe Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.188 Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.193
Hasgeir Fiaray, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.106 Hoshmish, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.37 Inverasdale Pier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.151
Hasgeir Fiaray, Outer . . . . . . . . . . . 11.106 Hough, Beinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.26 Inverie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.54
Haskeir Eagach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.97 Hough Skerries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.29 Inverie Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.54
Haskeir Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.97 Hourn Beag, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.95 Inverkip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.283
Hasselwood Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.11 Hourn, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.95 Power Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.269
Hatton Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.4 Howorth Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.144 Inverkip Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.286
Hatton — Rockall Basin . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.4 Humidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.153 Inverliever Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.442
Haun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.119 Humla Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.180 Inversanda Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.466
Haunaray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.194 Hunish, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.70 Inverscaddle bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.530
Hawes Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.172 Hunterston Invershiel, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.182
Hawk Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.248 Construction Yard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.319 Iola Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.201
Heads of Ayr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.125 Jetty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.315 Iolaire, Beinn na h- . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.265
Healabhal Bheag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.186 Ore and Coal Terminal . . . . . . . . . . 3.288 Iolla a’ Mealan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.201
Healabhal Mhór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.24 Hunterston Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.18 Iolla Bheag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.205
Hearnish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.72 Hunterston Sands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.289 Iolla Mhor: Loch Seaforth . . . . . . . 12.321
Heasgahn, Ru na; see Easgainne, Hunter’s Quay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.378 Iolla Mhór: Summer Isles . . . . . . . . 13.205
Rubha na h- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.222 Hunter’s Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.204 Iolla Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.225
Heast, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.227 Hurnavay, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.52 Iolla, Sgeir n’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.165
Heather Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.175 Husabost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.54 Iol’ a’ Chàirn Deirg . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.192
Heaval, Ben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.46 Hushinish Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.147 Iomallach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.85
Heb Beacon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.213 Hushinish Glorigs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.141 Iona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.59
Hebrides Terrace Seamount . . . . . . . . . 2.4 Hushinish Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.141 Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.73
Hebrides, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.83 Huskeiran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.72 Iona Spit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.67
Inner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.88 Hutcheson Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.286 Ionain Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.90
Outer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.84 Hutchesons Monument . . . . . . . . . . . 8.165 Iorsa Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.73
Hecla . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.121 Hynish Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.29 Iosal, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.86
Hecla Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.55 Hynish, Ben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.27 Irishman Rock: Sound of Barra . . . 11.116
Heishival Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.47 Hyskeir Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.26 Iron Rock Ledges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.26
Heisker, Inner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.65 Ironotter Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.432
Heisker Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.60 Iar, Ceann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.72 Irvine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.196
Heisker, Outer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.65 Iarmain, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.85 Irvine Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.197
Helensburgh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.388 Iasg, Bodha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.314 Irvine Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.196
Pier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.411 Iasgach, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.199 Isay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.135
Helen’s Reef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.11 Iasgaich, Eileanan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.152 Isay Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.36
Hellisay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.90 Iasgaich, Meall an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.152 Islachattan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.55
Hellisay, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.116 Iasgaich, Rubha Àird an . . . . . . . . . 8.308 Islay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.12
Hen Shoal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.175 Iasgaich, Sgeir na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.225 Coastal passage W side . . . . . . . . . . 8.16

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Home Contents Index
INDEX

Route NW side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.33 Kilchiaran Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.40 Kyle of Lochalsh Harbour . . . . . . . 10.161
Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.101 Kilchoan Bay: Loch Melfort . . . . . . . 7.307 Kyleakin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.153
Isleornsay Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.85 Kilchoan Bay: Sound of Mull . . . . . 8.313 Kyleakin Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.169
Iubhard, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.328 Kilchousland Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.52 Kylerhea River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.122
Kilcreggan Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.373 Kyles Keava . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.211
Kilcreggan Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.23 Kyles Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.213
Jackal Rock: Sound of Raasay . . . . 10.272
Kildalloig Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.27 Kyles of Bute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.201
James Watt Dock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.454
Kildavanan Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.209 Kylesku Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.336
Jamieson Knoll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.125
Kildonald Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.84 Kylesku harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.338
Jamieson’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.77
Kildonald Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.73 Kylie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.229
Jane Macrae Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.100
Kildonan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.225
Jane’s Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.213
Kildonan Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.125 Lach Caolas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.171
Java Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.215
Kilfinan Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.128 Lachan, Ru na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.208
Jeantown; see Lochcarron . . . . . . . . 10.262
Kilfinichen, Aird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.87 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.210
Jemima Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.180
Kilfinichen Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.93 Lachan, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.109
John’s North Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.79
Kilkerran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.52 Lachen Shoal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.328
John’s Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.69
Killantringan Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.40 Lada Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.109
Jumping Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.108
Killegray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.226 Ladhar Bheinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.96
Jura . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.13
Killinallan Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.37 Lady Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.83
Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.132
Killundine River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.244 Lady Isle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.188
Kilmaluag Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.311 Lady Margaret’s Tower . . . . . . . . . . . 8.382
Kallin Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.193 Kilmarie Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.225 Lady’s Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.124
Kames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.218 Kilmaronag Narrows . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.413 Lag Choan, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.432
Kames Bay: Loch Fyne . . . . . . . . . . 4.191 Kilmaronag Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.429 Lag na Laire, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.260
Kames Bay: Loch Melfort . . . . . . . . 7.311 Kilmaronag Shoal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.429 Laga Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.332
Kames Bay: Rothesay Sound . . . . . . 3.344 Kilmelford Yacht Haven . . . . . . . . . . 7.310 Lagavulin Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.100
Kames, Rubha Mòr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.202 Kilmory Bay: Sound of Jura . . . . . . 7.166 Lagg Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.192
Kanaird, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.227 Kilmun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.379 Laggan Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.72
Kanaird, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.227 Kilnaughton Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.88 Laggan Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.72
Kate Beacons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.105 Kiloran Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.42 Laich, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.391
Keal, Bogha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.306 Kilundine House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.246 Laide Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.220
Keal, Loch na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.94 Kilundine River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.246 Laimishader, Aird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.205
Kealasay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.205 King George V Dock . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.489 Laimishader, Ben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.205
Kearstay, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.220 Kinglass, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.433 Laip, Loch a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.194
Kearstay Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.156 Kingscross Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.128 Lamhachaidh, Caolas an . . . . . . . . . 10.134
Kearstay, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.162 Kingston Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.478 Lamlash Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.127
Keava . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.210 King’s Caves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.73 Lamont Shelf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.123
Kebock Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.35 Kinloch, Aird of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.88 Lampay Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.47
Keil House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.513 Kinloch Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.209 Lang-aoinidh, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.101
Keil Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.104 Kinlochaline Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.277 Langamull, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.309
Keills Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.224 Kinlochbervie Harbour . . . . . . . . . . 13.288 Langaraid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.137
Keills Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.179 Kinlochleven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.495 Langaskeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.75
Keiravagh Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.194 Kinsale Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.40 Langay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.248
Keiravagh, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.194 Kintyre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.82 Laogh, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.102
Keisaig, Bay of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.287 Kintyre, Mull of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.33 Laogh, Sgeir nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.134
Kelburn Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.310 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.31 Laoigh, Meall an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.102
Kellan Mill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.111 Kinuachdrach, Aird of . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.201 Lappock Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.216
Kelpy Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.100 Kinuachdrach Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . 7.232 Larach Tigh Mhic Dhomhnuill . . . . 10.177
Kelvin, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.485 Kip Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.286 Largs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.290
Kempock Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.432 Kirkabo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.29 Pier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.317
Kenmore Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.187 Kirkaig, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.273 Yacht Haven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.322
Kenmore: Loch Seaforth . . . . . . . . . 12.322 Kirkaig Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.259 Largs Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.289
Kennacraig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.54 Kirkaig Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.261 Largybeg Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.138
Kennacraig Ferry Terminal . . . . . . . . . 7.58 Kirkcolm Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.63 Lathaich, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.173
Kentallen Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.480 Kirkibost Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.75 Làthaich, Loch na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.89
Kentallen Pier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.471 Kirkibost Pier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.219 Laudale Narrows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.317
Kentra Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.143 Kishinish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.105 Laxdale, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.113
Keown Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.136 Kishinish, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.105 Laxford, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.309
Keppel Pier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.316 Kishorn Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.245 Laxford, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.309
Kerrachar Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.342 Kishorn, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.236 Lazaretto Point,
Kerrera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.108 Knap, Bow of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.151 see White Farlane Point . . . . . . . . . 3.378
Kerrera Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.147 Knap Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.394 Lea, Bo: Loch Eport . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.163
Kerry, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.338 Knap, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.151 Lea, Bo: North Uist . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.100
Kerrytonlia Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.287 Knap Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.363 Lea, Dun; see Liath, Dùn . . . . . . . . . 12.70
Kiachnish, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.512 Knap, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.390 Leac = Flat stone; see proper name
Kiessimul Castle, Knock Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.73 Leac Caolas, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.109
see Ciasmul Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.80 Knock Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.279 Leac, Eilean nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.180
Kilbeg Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.70 Knock, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.279 Leac na Gainimh, Eilean . . . . . . . . 10.271
Kilbrannan Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.61 Knockangle Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.74 Leac nam Faoileann . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.196
Kilbride Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.163 Knockdolian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.55 Leac, Rubha na’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.205
Kilbride Islet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.184 Knows, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.152 Leac, Sgeir nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.99
Kilchamaig Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.54 Kora Ben, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.138 Leacach, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.135
Kilchattan Bay: Firth of Clyde . . . . . 3.287 Kyle = Narrow passage; see proper name Leacaig, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.296
Kilchattan Bay: Shuna Sound . . . . . . 7.291 Kyle Akin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.136 Leacan, Rubha nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.71
Kilcheran, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.386 Kyle House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.150 Leacanashie Beacon . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.252

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INDEX

Leachan, Bo: Sound of Harris . . . . 12.220 Liath, Sgeir: Taransay . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.134 Lonbain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.208
Leachan, Bo: Sound of Raasay . . . 10.276 Liath, Sgeir: West Loch Tarbert, Long, Loch: Loch Alsh . . . . . . . . . . 10.183
Leachd, Rubha nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.488 Kintyre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.55 Long, Loch: Firth of Clyde . . . . . . . 3.347
Leadaig, Port nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.359 Liathanaich, Eileanan na . . . . . . . . . . . 9.85 Long, Port na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.89
Leade Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.217 Lic, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.247 Long, Port nan: Loch Harport . . . . . 9.251
Leam na Làraich, Rubh’ . . . . . . . . . . 9.179 Lice, Gob na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.155 Long Rock: Campbeltown . . . . . . . . . 4.52
Leanachais, Rubh’ an . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.152 Lice, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.125 Long Rock: Sound of Raasay . . . . . 10.275
Leathach Caolais, Bodha . . . . . . . . . 12.221 Lifeboat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.72 Longa Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.321
Leathaig, Beinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.83 Institution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.71 Longay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.204
Leathan, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.156 Stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.73 Longrow Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.50
Leathan, Bogha: Loch Inver . . . . . . 13.265 Lighe, Camas an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.146 Loran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.32
Leathan, Cnocan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.49 Limekiln Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.404 Lord Lovat’s Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.43
Leathan, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.102 Limits of book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.1 Lord Macdonald’s Table . . . . . . . . . . 12.57
Leathan, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.276 Limpet Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.208 Lorgill Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.31
Leathan, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.106 Lingara Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.263 Lorn, Firth of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.107
Leathann, Sgeir: Broad Bay . . . . . . 13.109 Lingarabay Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.258 Approach from SSW . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.63
Leathann, Sgeir: Lower Loch Fyne . 4.128 Lingay Strand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.112 Approach from SW . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.41
Ledaig Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.426 Lingay: North Uist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.112 Routes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.107
Ledaig Spit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.424 Lingay: Sound of Barra . . . . . . . . . . 11.91 Losaid, Rubh’ an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.213
Lee, Acairseid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.167 Lingay: Sound of Harris . . . . . . . . . 12.215 Lossit Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.23
Lee, Stac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.27 Lingay: Sound of Pabbay . . . . . . . . . . 6.47 Lovaig Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.44
Leehinish, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.68 Linish Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.198 Lowlandman’s Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.169
Lèim, Rubh’ an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.169 Linish, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.89 Lùb a’ Sgiathain, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.62
Leinish Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.54 Linne = Pool; see proper name Lùb Score . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.110
Leinish Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.49 Linngeam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.196 Lubas Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.113
Leip, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.248 Linnhe, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.344 Ludag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.119
Leir Mhaodail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.84 Central part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.461 Ludden, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.106
Leire, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.140 Northern part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.497 Luing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.235
Leisure craft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.13 Lionaidh, Rubh’ an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.209 Luing, Port na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.87
Leitreach, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.287 Liongam Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.156 Luing, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.233
Lemreway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.332 Lismore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.350 Luinga Bheag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.141
Lemreway, Tob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.332 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.118 Luinga Mhòr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.141
Leòdamais, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.332 Lith Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.175 Luinge, Allt na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.40
Leoib, Bun an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.93 Little Bay, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.208 Luinge, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.257
Leopach Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.341 Little Bernera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.179 Luirsay, Caolas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.159
Leosavay, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.152 Little Bernera, Kyles of . . . . . . . . . . 6.216 Luirsay Dubh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.132
Lephinmore Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.181 Little Brigurd Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.312 Luirsay Glas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.132
Leth Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.199 Little Colonsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.98 Lunderston Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.275
Leth Thorcaill, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.239 Little Corryvreckan Gulf . . . . . . . . . . 7.258 Lunga House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.299
Letterfearn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.182 Little Cumbrae Island . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.272 Lunga: Sound of Luing . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.15
Leum Bhig, Sgeir an . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.273 Little Horseshoe Shoal . . . . . . . . . . . 8.171 Lunga: Treshnish Isles . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.29
Leum, Leac nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.57 Little Kettle Pool; see Caolas Mór . 12.143 Lunna, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.185
Leum Mhóir, Sgeir an . . . . . . . . . . . 12.273 Little Minch, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.1 Lurabuss Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.92
Leum, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.328 E side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.17 Luraich, Eilean na h- . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.496
Leurbost, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.36 Coastal route . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.23, 12.56 Lurcain, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.276
Leven, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.481 W side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.114 Lusa, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.225
Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.489 Coastal route . . . . 12.122, 12.249, 12.304 Luskentyre Banks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.138
Narrows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.484 Little Rocks: Inner Sound . . . . . . . . 10.208 Luskentyre, Ben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.131
Leven, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.482 Little Rocks: Outer Hebrides . . . . . . 6.156 Luskentyre, Traigh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.149
Levenish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.31 Little Stirk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.247 Lussa Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.230
Leverburgh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.233 Little Whiting Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.279 Lusta, Camas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.40
Leverburgh Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.224 Livingston’s Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.77 Lyndale Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.101
Lewis, Isle of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.87 Loain, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.183 Lyndale Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.74
E side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.21 Lobster Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.85 Lynn of Lorn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.373
NW side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.166 Lobster Stone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.387
SE side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.305 Loch = Lake; see proper name Maaey Glas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.132
W side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.119 Loch Long Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.21 Maaey Riabhach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.132
Liacam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.191 Loch Oscair, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.359 Maaruig Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.325
Liath, Camas nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.321 Loch Portain, Caolas . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.181 Maaruig, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.325
Liath, Dùn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.70 Lochain, Camas an . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.152 Maaruig Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.325
Liath, Eilean: Kyle Rhea . . . . . . . . . 10.134 Lochaline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.269 Mac Quarrie’s Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.99
Liath Eilean: Loch Fyne . . . . . . . . . . 4.177 Lochalsh, Kyle of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.161 Macaskin, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.219
Liath, Eilean: Sound of Gigha . . . . . . 7.39 Lochboisdale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.131 Macbraynes Pier: Tobermory . . . . . . 8.265
Liath Eilein: Loch Caolisport . . . . . . 7.171 Lochcarron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.262 MacCormaig Isles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.151
Liath Eilein: Sound of Jura . . . . . . . 7.168 Lochead House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.172 Machir Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.17
Liath, Rubha: Islay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.109 Lochgilphead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.148 Machrie Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.88
Liath, Rubha: Loch Tarbert . . . . . . . . . 8.87 Lochgoilhead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.382 Machrihanish Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.33
Liath-sgeir Mhòr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.203 Lochinver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.249 Mackenzie’s Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.12
Liath, Sgeir: Castle Bay . . . . . . . . . . 11.77 Lochmaddy Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.169 Maclean’s Nose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.324
Liath, Sgeir: Eddrachillis Bay . . . . . 13.328 Lochy Flats; see Breun Chamas, Am 8.515 Maclean’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.61
Liath Sgeir: Loch na Mile . . . . . . . . 7.156 Lochy, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.515 Macleod’s Maidens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.197
Liath Sgeir: Loch Shuna . . . . . . . . . . 7.299 Logan, Mull of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.43 Macosh Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.24
Liath Sgeir: Lunga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.80 Loisgte, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.131 Macpaill Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.128
Liath Sgeir: Lynn of Morvern . . . . . 8.211 Lomond, Ben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.498 Macparlin Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.324
Liath, Sgeir: Port Ellen . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.93 Lomond, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.498 MacQueens Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.286

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INDEX

Macringan’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.52 Mary, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.250 Mhàin, Sgeirean a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.183

Madadh, Acairseid nam . . . . . . . . . 12.192 Mary Rock: Horse Sound . . . . . . . . 13.214 Mhairtein, Cnoch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.246
Madadh Beag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.135 Mary Rock: Sound of Harris . . . . . 12.243 Mhairtein, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.105
Madadh Gruamach . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.134 Mas Diabaig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.345 Mhal, Eilean a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.154
Madadh, Leac nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.134 Màs Sgeir: East Loch Roag . . . . . . . 6.205 Mhanaich, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.143
Madadh Maol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.141 Màs Sgeir: West Loch Roag . . . . . . . 6.190 Mhànais, Aird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.258
Madadh Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.134 Masamuile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.85 Mhaoil, Sgeirean a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.274
Maddy, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.169 Math-ghamhna, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.186 Mhaoil, Sgeirean a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.245
Magnetic anomalies, local Maurice Clark Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.455 Mhaol Bhuidhe, A’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.144
Arnish Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.71 Maxwell Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.139 Mhaol, Creag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.238
Canna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.191 McArthur’s Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.107 Mhaola Cinn, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.128
Greenstone Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.130 McCormack Bay, Mhaoraich, Rubha Camas a’ . . . . . 13.194
Loch Buie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.47, see Bàgh Charmaig . . . . . . . . . . . 12.143 Mharabhig, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.48
Loch Roag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.183 McDougall’s Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.129 Mhàrtain, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.98
Loch Spelve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.112 McFayden’s Reef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.92 Mheadais, Stac a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.197
Muck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.200 McGillivray Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.103 Mhein, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.53
Neist Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.29 McInnis Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.186 Mhein, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.53
Passage of Tiree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.23 McInroy’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.277 Mhèinn, Eilean da . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.214
Point of Stoer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.243 McIsaac Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.243 Mhialairigh, Beinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.96
Priest Island and Summer Isles . . 13.170 McIver Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.110 Mhic Aonghais, Stac . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.212
Rockall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.9 McIver Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.108 Mhic Chiarain, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.248
Saint Kilda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.29 McKenzie Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.141 Mhic Chonnuill, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . 10.335
Sea of the Hebrides . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.20 McKillop Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.100 Mhic Chrion, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.219
Sound of Mull . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.230 McLarty Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.130 Mhic Coinnich, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.31
Tiumpan Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.96 McLean Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.515 Mhic Coma, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.224
Weaver’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.127 McMillan’s Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.274 Mhic Cuinn, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.77
Maid of Lorne Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.290 McQuarrie’s Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.49 Mhic Fhionnlaidh, Sgeirean . . . . . . . . 9.29
Maiden Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.166 McShannuich, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.24 Mhic Gille-mhìcheil, Rubha . . . . . . 12.134
Maidenhead Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.136 McVean Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.103 Mhic Gill’-Iosa, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . 9.202
Maidenhead Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.136 Meadhonach, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.139 Mhic Ic Alasdair, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . 8.512
Maidens Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.136 Meadhonach, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.204 Mhic Lèoid, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.115
Maids of Bute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.214 Meadhonach, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.110 Mhic Mharcuis, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . 8.107
Maighdein, Bogha na . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.191 Meadowside Quay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.491 Mhic Mhurchaidh, Stac . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.67
Main Channel: Eddrachillis Bay . . . 13.341 Meal a’ Veg; see Ceannaich, An . . . 12.35 Mhic Phadruig, Caolas . . . . . . . . . . . 8.484
Mâisgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.68 Meal Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.108 Mhic Phadruig, Clach . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.488
Malcolm Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.33 Mealasta Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.127 Mhic Phàil, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.202
Malcolm’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.43 Mealdarroch Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.126 Mhic Shealtair, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . 12.164
Maldaig, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.103 Mealisval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.119 Mhicheil, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.114
Mallaig Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.16 Meall = Rounded hill; see proper name Mhill Bhàin, Rubh a’ . . . . . . . . . . . 13.290
Berths and services . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.37 Meall, Am: Vatersay Bay . . . . . . . . . 11.85 Mhill Ghairbh, Caolas a’ . . . . . . . . 13.213
Limiting conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.22 Meall na Hoe, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . 11.141 Mhill, Rubha a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.112
Mallaigmore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.56 Meall na Hoe, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.111 Mhill, Sgeir a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.129
Mallaig Steamer Pier Light . . . . . . . . 10.36 Meallain Bhuidhe, Rubha . . . . . . . . 13.227 Mhinidhe Beag, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . 4.128
Mallory Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.222 Meallan, Am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.238 Mhoil, Sròn a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.219
Mambeg Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.405 Meallan a’ Ghàmhna, Sròn . . . . . . . 13.149 Mholach, Beinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.21
Mangersta Sands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.127 Meallan Odhar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.141 Mhonadail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.146
Manish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.140 Meanbh-chuileag, Camas nam . . . . . 7.192 Mhor, Beinn: South Uist . . . . . . . . . 11.121
Manish Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.276 Meanish, Ru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.110 Mhór = Great; see proper name
Manish Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.276 Meann, Eilean nam: Islay . . . . . . . . . . 8.31 Mhór, Aird: Barra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.113
Maodal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.204 Meann, Eilean nam: Loch Etive . . . . 8.431 Mhór, Aird: East Loch Roag . . . . . . 6.208
Maoil Mhòra, Na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.77 Meann, Eilean nam: Loch Scridain . . 9.91 Mhór, Aird: Loch Resort . . . . . . . . . 6.159
Maoile, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.328 Meann, Eilean nam: Mhór, Beinn: Loch Grimshader . . . . 13.35
Maoile, Sgeir na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.201 Lynn of Morvern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.371 Mhór, Beinn: North Uist . . . . . . . . . . . 6.90
Maol = Bare top; see proper name Meann, Rubha nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.87 Mhór, Beinn: West Loch Roag . . . . . 6.190
Maol, Caisteal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.151 Measured distances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.108 Mhór Bragair, Aird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.175
Maol, Am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.202 Meavaig, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.153 Mhór, Creag: Vatersay Bay . . . . . . . . 11.85
Maol, Eilean: Loch Nevis . . . . . . . . . 10.59 Medical aid procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.66 Mhór, Sgeir: Berneray . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.55
Maol, Eilean: Sound of Sleat . . . . . . 10.70 Meirleach, Rubha nam . . . . . . . . . . . 9.180 Mhór, Sgeir: Inner Sound . . . . . . . . 10.205
Maol Mhoraidh, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . 13.147 Melfort, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.305 Mhór, Sgeir: Loch a’Chumhainn . . . 8.309
Maol Mhoraidh Shuas, Sgeir . . . . . 13.147 Melfort Pier and Harbour . . . . . . . . . 7.309 Mhór, Sgeir: Loch Scridain . . . . . . . . 9.87
Maol Mòra, Rubha nam . . . . . . . . . . . 9.77 Mellangaun Promontory . . . . . . . . . 13.149 Mhór, Sgeir: Portree . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.287
Maol na Mine, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.68 Melvick, Ru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.129 Mhór, Sgeir: Sleat Peninsula . . . . . . . 9.222
Maol, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.40 Merchant, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.35 Mhór, Sgeir: Summer Isles . . . . . . . 13.211
Maol, Sgeir nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.70 Merkland Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.133 Mhór, Traigh: East Loch Roag . . . . . 6.205
Marag, Sgeir nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.79 Mermaid Shoal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.58 Mhòr, Bàgh Uamh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.106
Maragay Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.132 Methe Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.54 Mhòr-Fhir, Camas a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.104
Maraich, Bodha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.321 Mhadaidh, Eilean à . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.55 Mhòr, Sgeir: Soay Sound . . . . . . . . . 9.236
Maraig, Dùn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.109 Mhadaidh, Eilean a’: Mhòrain, Aird a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.111
Maree, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.138 Loch Caolisport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.171 Mhòrain, Caolas a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.111
Marine farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.17 Mhadaidh, Eilean a’: Mhorbhuile, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.85
Maritime topography . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.109 Loch Laxford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.317 Mhòthair, Rubha a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.356
Marraidh, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.183 Mhàil, Creag a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.314 Mhuineil, Eilean a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.106
Martin Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.205 Mhàil, Rubha a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.35 Mhuineil, Poll a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.117
Martin, Isle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.205 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.74 Mhuire, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.305
Marv Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.314 Mhàim-ard, Sgeir a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.207 Mhuirich, Linne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.183

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Home Contents Index
INDEX

Mhungasdail, Bàgh . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.219 Mór, Bogha: Eddrachillis Bay . . . . 13.330 Mullach = Summit; see proper name
Mianish, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.8 Mór, Camas: Loch Ewe . . . . . . . . . 13.144 Mullach Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.100
Miavaig Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.199 Mór, Caol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.264 Mullagrach, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.199
Miavaig, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.200 Mór, Caolas: Inner Sound . . . . . . . . 10.216 Mult, Sgeir nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.211
Mid Sound Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.278 Mór, Cnoc: Heisker Islands . . . . . . . . 6.72 Munde, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.490
Middle Bank: Kilbrannan Sound . . . . 4.73 Mór, Eilean: Inner Sound . . . . . . . . 10.204 Murchadh Breac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.208
Middle Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.136 Mór, Eilean: Sound of Sleat . . . . . . . 10.75 Murrach, Port nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.159
Middle Dureberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.97 Mór, Eilean: Ardmucknish Bay . . . . 8.401 Musdile, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.210
Middle Shoal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.198 Mór, Eilean: East Loch Roag . . . . . . 6.208
Mile, Eilean na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.194 Mór, Eilean: East Loch Tarbert, Na = The; see proper name
Mile, Loch na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.152 Hebrides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.279 Na-Grunnan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.221
Mile-sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.216 Mór, Eilean: Enard Bay . . . . . . . . . 13.273 Nan = The; see proper name
Miles Shoal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.205 Mór, Eilean: Flannan Isles . . . . . . . . . 6.36 Naomh, Eilean nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.233
Mill Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.190 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.20 Nares Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.326
Mill Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.30 Mór, Eilean: Gulf of Corryvreckan . 7.257 Narrows, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.170
Millbeg Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.54 Mór, Eilean: Loch Snizort . . . . . . . . 12.99 Nathais, Camas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.384
Milleur Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.77 Mór, Eilean: Loch Sunart . . . . . . . . . 8.325 National limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.77
Millmore Beacon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.54 Mór, Eilean: Loch Torridon . . . . . . 10.344 NATO Fuel Jetty: Stornoway . . . . . . 13.65
Millport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.313 Mór, Eilean: Sandray . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.55 NATO Jetty: Loch Ewe . . . . . . . . . . 13.161
Pier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.318 Mór, Eilean: Sound of Jura . . . . . . . . 7.151 Nave Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.31
Millport Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.324 Mór, Meall: Eddrachillis Bay . . . . . 13.328 Navigation routeing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.9
Millstone Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.104 Mór, Meall: Hellisay . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.99 Navigational aids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.26
Milton Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.47 Mór, Meall: Loch Brollum . . . . . . . 12.305 Navigational dangers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.2
Minard Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.197 Mór, Meall: Loch Eynort . . . . . . . . 11.151 Neachel, Mullach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.90
Minard Narrows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.170 Mór, Port: Gigha Island . . . . . . . . . . . 7.47 Nedd, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.340
Minch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.84 Mór, Rubha: Lower Loch Fyne . . . . 4.125 Neist Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.31
Mine warfare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.20 Mór, Rubha: 58°05′N, 5°25′W . . . . 13.166 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.26
Mingary Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.314 Mór, Rubha: Loch Eil . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.522 Neo-ghluasadach, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . 13.212
Mingary Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.302 Mór, Rubha: Loch Ewe . . . . . . . . . . 13.136 Ness, Port of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.115
Mingary, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.309 Mór, Rubha: Loch Hourn . . . . . . . . 10.101 Nevis, Ben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.498
Mingary Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.314 Mór, Rubha: Loch Linnhe . . . . . . . . 8.466 Nevis, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.44
Mingay Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.40 Mór, Rubha: North Uist . . . . . . . . . . . 6.75 New Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.515
Mingulay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.46 Mór, Rubha: Sound of Mull . . . . . . . 8.243 New Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.247
W side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.47 Mòr, Bo: Sound of Sleat . . . . . . . . . . 9.141 Newton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.240
Mingulay Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.86 Mòr, Eilean: Loch Fyne . . . . . . . . . . 4.151 Newton Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.82
Mingulay, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.62 Mòr, Port: Colonsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.60 Newtown Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.193
Mishnish Pier, Mòr, Port: Islay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.124 Nighean, Acairseid . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.191
see Macbraynes Pier: Tobermory . 8.265 Mòr, Port: Kerrera Sound . . . . . . . . . 8.166 Nighinn Mhic Chattain, Sgeir . . . . . . . 9.87
Moch-thra, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.361 Mòr, Ruadh: Islay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.85 Ninefoot Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.169
Moidart, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.143 Mòr, Rubha: Loch Carron . . . . . . . . 10.238 Niogaig, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.335
Moil Baine, Sròn na . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.203 Mòr, Rubha: Loch Indaal . . . . . . . . . . 7.73 Nisabost, Aird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.137
Moil, The; see Eatharna, Meall . . . . . 9.31 Mòr, Sgeir: Lynn of Lorn . . . . . . . . . 8.387 Nisabost, Traigh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.149
Moila Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.77 Mòr, Sgeirean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.68 Nisam Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.55
Moine, Rubha na: Loch Crinan . . . . 7.214 Mora, Sgeirean: Rum . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.180 North Asknish Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.308
Moine, Rubha na: Loch Nevis . . . . . 10.52 Móra, Sgeirean: Loch Ewe . . . . . . . 13.154 North Atlantic Current . . . . . . . . . . . 1.110
Mòine, Aird na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.208 Moraig, Creag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.145 North Ballachulish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.469
Mòine, Rubha na: Loch na Keal . . . 9.101 Morair, Bodha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.314 North Bay: Barra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.115
Mòine, Rubha na: Loch Riddon . . . . 4.201 Moralachd, Port na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.370 North Bay: Loch Fyne . . . . . . . . . . . 4.167
Mol a Chaolais . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.284 More, Ben: Mull . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.89 North Ferry Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.338
Mol a’ Tuath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.137 More, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.54 North Ford,
Mol Chadha Gearraidh . . . . . . . . . . 12.305 More Mangersta, Ard . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.127 see Oitir Mhór: North Ford . . . . . . . 6.60
Mol Donn, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.127 Morrison’s Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.132 North Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.291
Mol Mor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.305 Morroch Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.43 North Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.123
Mol Sandwick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.78 Morvern Hills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.350 North Minch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.1
Mol Sandwick Beag . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.89 Morvern, Lynn of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.349 East side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.117
Molach, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.134 S part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.198 Coastal passage . . 13.125, 13.238, 13.274
Molach, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.127 Morvern Peninsula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.250 West side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.20
Monach Islands; see Heisker Islands . 6.60 Mount Merrick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.82 Coastal passage . . . . . . . . . . 13.28, 13.90
Monach, Ru na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.193 Mount Pleasant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.175 North Rock: Loch Fyne . . . . . . . . . . 4.183
Monach, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.59 Muc, Eilean nam: Loch Caolisport . 7.171 North Rock: Sound of Jura . . . . . . . . 7.199
Money Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.43 Muc, Eilean nam: Sound of Iona . . . . 9.79 North Rona; see Rona . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.40
Montgomerie Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.165 Muck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.124 North Sand Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.204
Moonen Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.34 Mugrum Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.263 North Shian Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.454
Moor Hill; see Shléibhe, Beinn . . . 12.228 Muileann Eitag Bàgh . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.173 North Spit of Kerrera Light . . . . . . . 8.166
Moore Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.208 Muilne, Bogha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.193 North Strome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.259
Mor = Great; see proper name Muilt, Sròn a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.326 North Uist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.85
Mor, Bo: Loch Dunvegan . . . . . . . . . 12.49 Muireart, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.102 E side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.123
Mor, Eilean: East Kyle . . . . . . . . . . . 4.216 Muirneag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.21 W side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.60
Mor, Eilean: Loch Dunvegan . . . . . . 12.54 Muldoanich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.55 Nostie Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.177
Mor, Sgurr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.137 Mull = Promontory; see proper name Nostie Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.177
Mór, Ard: Loch Dunvegan . . . . . . . . 12.35 Mull, Island of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.89 Nuadh, Bogha: (56°22′N, 5°38′W) . . 8.121
Mór, Bo: North Harris . . . . . . . . . . . 6.139 Mull, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.224 Nuadh, Bogha: (56°16′N, 5°41′W) . . . 8.80
Mór, Bo: Tiree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.29 Approach from S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.107 Nuadh, Loch na; see Uamh,
Mór, Bogha: Coll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.182 Approach from SE . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.199 Loch nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.155
Mór, Bogha: Clashnessie Bay . . . . . 13.344 NW approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.295 Nuadh, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.40

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Nun Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.260 Orosay: Sound of Barra . . . . . . . . . . 11.91 Phuirt, Sgeir a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.215
Orsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.29 Physical features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.82
Oa, Mull of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.68 Orval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.126 Pillar Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.481
Oa, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.63 Osde, Bàgh; see Kilbride Bay . . . . . 4.163 Pillar Rock Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.125
Oans Point: Loch Dunvegan . . . . . . . 12.40 Oskaig Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.275 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.123
Oans Point: Loch Snizort . . . . . . . . . 12.86 Otter Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.206 Pilotage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.28
Oar Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.217 Otter Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.195 Pin Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.275
Ob = Bay; see proper name Otter Ferry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.178 Pipelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.37
Oban . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.143 Otter Gander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.92 Placaid Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.37
Approaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.147 Otter Rock: Islay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.85 Pladda Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.384
Basins and berths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.177 Otter Spit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.177 Pladda: Isle of Arran . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.103
Entry from N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.166 Light-beacon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.129 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.99
Entry from S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.170 Otterard Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.52 Pladda: The Small Isles . . . . . . . . . . 7.152
Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.161 Ottercharach Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.27 Pleac, Rubha nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.185
Limiting conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.150 Otternish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.241 Ploc an Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.150
Oban Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.161 Oust Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.58 Ploc an t-Slagain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.147
Oban Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.279 Outer Hebrides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.84 Plock of Kyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.136
Oban, Sròn nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.149 Outer Hebrides, W side . . . . . . . . . . . 6.41 Plockton Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.258
Obbe, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.204 Coastal route Plockton Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.258
Obe Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.127 . . . . . . . . . . . 6.46, 6.58, 6.89, 6.118, 6.165 Plocrapool Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.295
Oberon Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.141 Deep Water Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.10 Plodan, Am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.92
Oca Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.175 Through route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.9 Pluck Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.73
Ocean Rock; see Chuain, Sgeir a’ . . 9.254 Outer Stromay Channel . . . . . . . . . . 12.222 Pluck Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.73
Ockle Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.139 Outer Temple Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.222 Pochallar Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.107
Odhairn, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.47 Owen Shoal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.38 Poible, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.84
Odhar Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.105 Ox Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.331 Point Jetty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.398
Oigh Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.30 Polaiginnean Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.112
Oighe, Dùn na h- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.24 Pabay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.194 Polanfheinn Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.112
Oighrig, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.156 Pabay Beag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.190 Polar depressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.132
Oir, Beinn an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.13 Pabay Beag, Kyles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.202 Poll = Pool; see proper name
Oir, Sgeir an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.75 Pabay, Caolas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.219 Poll nan Corran, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . 7.245
Oitir, An: Eilean Aoghainn . . . . . . . . 4.185 Pabay, Kyles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.201 Pollution, areas to be avoided . . . . . . 1.42
Oitir, An: Inveraray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.187 Pabay Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.190 Pollution of the sea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.40
Oitir Mhór, Inner: Sound of Barra . 11.110 Pabbay: North Uist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.100 Pool Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.271
Oitir Mhór, Outer: Sound of Barra 11.109 Pabbay: Outer Hebrides . . . . . . . . . . 11.65 Poolewe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.138
Oitir Mhòr Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.135 W side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.47 Pooltiel, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.55
Oitir Mhór: North Ford . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.60 Pabbay, Sound of: North Uist . . . . . . 6.107 Population . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.75
Oitir Mhór: North Uist . . . . . . . . . . . 6.115 Pabbay, Sound of: Outer Hebrides . . 11.66 Port Dornaige . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.363
Old Dornie Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.233 Pacaid, Sgeir na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.82 Port Glasgow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.493
Old Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.175 Packet Rocks; see Pacaid, Sgeir na . 13.82 Port Logan Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.46
Old Kilpatrick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.483 Paddy Rock; see Eirionnaich, Port Mór: Loch Scridain . . . . . . . . . . . 9.93
Old Lighthouse: Heisker Islands . . . . 6.67 Sgeir an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.183 Port Mór: Muck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.166
Old Lighthouse: Paddy’s Rock; see Mhein, Sgeir . . . . . 7.53 Port na Caranean, Rubha . . . . . . . . . 9.195
Little Cumbrae Island . . . . . . . . . . . 3.269 Paible: Sound of Monach . . . . . . . . . . 6.76 Port nam Murrach, Eilean . . . . . . . . . 9.142
Old Man’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.109 Paible: Taransay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.131 Port services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.104
Old Quay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.57 Pairc a’ Chladaich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.331 Portachoillan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.52
Old Rocks: Scarp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.141 Pap of Glencoe; see Ciche, Sgòr . . . 8.472 Portachur Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.272
Old Rocks: Taransay . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.136 Paps of Jura . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.13 Portachur Spit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.272
Old Tidal Basin: Ardrossan . . . . . . . 3.246 Partan, Poll nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.164 Portain, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.191
Old Woman’s Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.105 Paterson Rock Portan, Poll nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.88
Oldany Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.327 (57°52′⋅8N, 6°46′⋅5W) . . . . . . . . . 12.303 Portavadie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.164
Ollach, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.250 Paterson’s Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.102 Portavadie Lagoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.169
Ollach, Upper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.265 Patterson Rock: Rum . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.196 Portchullin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.252
Omega . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.32 Patterson Rock: Sound of Harris . . 12.248 Portencross Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.312
Ona, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.265 Peacam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.45 Portkil Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.399
Ondine Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.264 Peileirean, Na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.34 Portnacloich Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.236
Onich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.469 Pellys Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.29 Portnaguran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.95
Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.18 Pender Rock: East Loch Roag . . . . . 6.205 Portnahaven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.39
Orasaidh, Camas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.49 Pender Rock: Loch Seaforth . . . . . . 12.335 Portpatrick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.45
Orasaidh, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.39 Penfold Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.273 Portree Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.283
Ordaig, Rubha na h- . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.129 Pennygown Chapel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.241 Ports, harbours and anchorages . . . . . 1.95
Ormsa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.83 Perch Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.401 Post Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.35
Ornish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.139 Perch Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.305 Preasach, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.126
Ornish Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.141 Perch, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.383 Precipitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.145
Ornsay, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.29 Peter’s Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.157 Preshal Beg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.187
Ornsay: Sound of Sleat . . . . . . . . . . . 10.73 Phàdruig, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.121 Preshal More . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.187
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.67 Phail, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.127 Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.126
Oronsay, Beinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.18 Phail, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.186 Prestwick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.160
Oronsay Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.325 Phiobaire, Eilean a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.106 Priest Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.189
Oronsay: Approach to Firth of Lorn . 8.13 Phlacaig, Rubh’ Ard . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.432 Priest Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.152
Oronsay: Loch Bracadale . . . . . . . . . 9.248 Phlathuig, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.331 Priest Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.265
Oronsay: Loch Sunart . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.325 Phòil, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.70 Principal ports, harbours and
Orosay Uiskavagh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.194 Phuill, Loch a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.4 anchorages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.94
Orosay: Barra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.111 Phuill, Creag a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.187 Proaig Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.123
Orosay: Castle Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.78 Phuirt Allaidh, Rubh’ a’ . . . . . . . . . . . 7.35 Puilladobhrain Anchorage . . . . . . . . . 8.138

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Quarantine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.50 Reef, The: Tiree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.4 River Morar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.169

Quidam, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.221 Refuge, harbour of River; see proper name
Quidnish, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.258 Loch Roag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.178 Roag, Little Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.197
Quinish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.108 Loch Kishorn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.237 Roag, Loch: (58°11′⋅6N, 6°45′⋅5W) . 6.222
Quinish Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.309 Regulations Roag, Loch: (58°12′N, 6°52′W) . . . . 6.196
Quinish Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.100 Areas to be avoided . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.42 Roag, Loch: Isle of Lewis . . . . . . . . 6.178
Closure of ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.46 Roan Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.29
Raah, Ben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.131 Declared and classified areas . . . . . . 1.47 Roareim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.38
Raah, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.138 Hazardous cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.44 Robbers Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.126
Raah, Corran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.138 International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.37 Rock, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.145
Raasay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.194 Quarantine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.50 Rockall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.11
Raasay, Narrows of . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.264 Rabies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.51 Rockall Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.5
Raasay, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.264 Traffic separation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.41 Rockall Plateau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.4
Rabies, regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.51 United Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.42 Rodagrich, Beinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.136
Racoon Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.177 Wrecks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.52 Rodagrich, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.136
Rad, Sgeir na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.93 Reidh, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.67 Rodel, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.297
Radio facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.32 Réidh, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.136 Rodel Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.248
Radio navigational aids . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.33 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.134 Roderick Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.100
Radio navigational warnings . . . . . . . . 1.35 Rèidh Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.67 Rodha, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.265
Raerinish, Aird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.35 Rèidh Eilean, Bo an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.67 Roe, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.271
Raerinish Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.35 Reiff Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.237 Rogheadh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.35
Rafter’s Reef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.157 Reill, Tràigh na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.106 Roin, Sgeir an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.225
Rain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.146 Rèisa an t-Sruith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.201 Ròin Beag, Eilean an . . . . . . . . . . . 13.298
Raineach, Sròn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.49 Rèisa Mhic Phaidean . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.265 Ròin, Bodha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.298
Rainich, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.114 Renfrew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.484 Ròin Mòr, Eilean an . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.298
Rainich, Eilean na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.323 Renish Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.216 Ròin, Sgeirean an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.42
Rainich, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.116 Renish Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.215 Roineabhal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.204
Rainy Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.273 Repair yards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.104 Roinn Diomhain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.383
Rairidh, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.328 Reraig, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.246 Roinn Dubh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.314
Raiskeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.72 Research Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.134 Roinne, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.209
Ramasaig Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.38 Resolution Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.151 Rois-Bheinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.151
Ramfhear, Bogha nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.77 Resort, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.158 Roll, Cnoc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.67
Ràmh Clach nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.277 Revan, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.212 Rollanish, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.191
Ramsay, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.371 Rhea, Kyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.120 Romesdal, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.106
Ramsay, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.371 Rhinns of Islay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.63 Ron, Sgeir nan: Loch Aline . . . . . . . 8.276
Ranald’s Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.127 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.29 Ron, Sgeir nan: Loch Seaforth . . . . 12.317
Ranish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.44 Rhinns Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.71 Ròn, Ard nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.128
Rannock River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.272 Rhins of Galloway; see Rhins, The . . 3.33 Ròn, Eilean nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.32
Ranza, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.82 Rhins, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.33 Ròn, Rubha nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.295
Raoill, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.75 Rhu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.388 Ròn, Sgeir nan: Ballachulish Bay . . 8.471
Raonuill, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.145 Hard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.412 Ròn, Sgeir nan: Loch Etive . . . . . . . 8.429
Raonuill, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.50 Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.417 Ròn, Sgeir nan: Loch Sween . . . . . . 7.183
Rarnish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.194 Rhu Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.417 Ròn, Sgeir nan: Port Ellen . . . . . . . . . 7.93
Ràrsaidh, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.105 Rhu Mhurachy Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.39 Rona, Caol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.279
Ràrsaidh, Sgeirean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.105 Rhu Narrows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.404 Rona Lighthouse: Inner Sound . . . . 10.201
Ratagan Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.182 Rhu Point: Gareloch . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.404 Rona: Inner Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.194
Rathaid, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.175 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.402 Rona: Outer Hebrides . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.40
Ravenrock Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.362 Rhu Point: West Loch Tarbert . . . . . . 7.55 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.20
Ravens Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.328 Rhu Spit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.404 Ronachan Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.48
Reamhar, Aird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.85 Rhum; see Rum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.126 Ronay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.134
Reamhar, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.239 Rhum, Sound of; see Rum, Roneval: South Uist . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.121
Reamhar, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.286 Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.205 Rorie’s Ashes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.100
Red Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.351 Rhunahaorine Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.40 Rosaidh, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.39
Red Boy, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.55 Riabhach, Aird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.283 Rosemary Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.4
Red Cow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.149 Riabhach, Rubha: Loch Creran . . . . 8.454 Rosinish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.55
Red Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.468 Riabhach, Rubha: Loch Etive . . . . . . 8.426 Rosneath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.389
Red Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.320 Ribheann, Ceann nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.93 Jetty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.416
Red Rock, Inner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.35 Riddon, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.201 Rosneath Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.388
Red Rock, Outer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.35 Ridire, Rubha an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.236 Rosneath Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.400
Red Rock: Benbecula . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.73 Riffag Mhór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.165 Rosneath Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.400
Red Rock: East Loch Tarbert . . . . . . 4.141 Rigg Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.276 Ross Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.73
Red Rock: Loch Maddy . . . . . . . . . 12.191 Righ, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.219 Ross of Mull . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.43
Red Rock: Sound of Harris . . . . . . 12.221 Righ Mòr, Torr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.73 Ross Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.325
Red Rock: Verran Islet . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.69 Righ, Rubh’ an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.262 Rossaidh, Sgonn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.273
Red Rocks; see Dhearg, Sgeir: Righe nam Ban . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.243 Rossay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.273
Mallaig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.36 Righinn, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.257 Rothesay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.335
Red Rocks: Barra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.114 Righinn, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.37 Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.335
Red Rocks: East Loch Roag . . . . . . . 6.205 Ringdove Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.29 Rothesay Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.335
Red Rocks: Sound of Barra . . . . . . 11.100 Riobha, Ceann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.35 Rothesay Dock: Glasgow . . . . . . . . . 3.488
Red Rocks: Sound of Mull . . . . . . . . 8.324 Rireavach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.225 Rothesay Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.325
Red Rocks: Stornoway . . . . . . . . . . . 13.80 Risga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.324 Rough Island; see Garbh, Eilean . . 10.276
Redegich, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.125 Ristol, Caolas Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.233 Rough Island: Sound of Arisaig,
Reef Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.78 Ristol, Isle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.199 see Gharb-eilean, An . . . . . . . . . . . 9.159
Reef, The: Berneray . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.229 Ritchie Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.134 Round Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.141
Reef, The: Pabbay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.231 River Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.477 Rowmore Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.407

488
Home Contents Index
INDEX

Roy, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.86 Saint Mungo’s; see Munde, Eilean . . 8.490 Scarisdale Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.103
Ru = Point of land; see proper name Saint Nicholas Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.161 Scarisdale Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.103
Rua, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.184 Saint Ninian’s Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.112 Scarp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.127
Ruadh, Bo: Ardnamurchan . . . . . . . . 9.144 Saint Ninian’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.110 Scarp, Caolas an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.148
Ruadh, Bo: Loch Seaforth . . . . . . . 12.321 Salainn, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.273 Scarrel Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.210
Ruadh, Bo: Skerryvore . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.29 Salainn, Rubha an t- . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.110 Scart Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.99
Ruadh, Bogha: East Loch Tarbert, Salen Bay: Loch Sunart . . . . . . . . . . 8.330 Scavaig, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.229
Hebrides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.276 Salen Bay: Sound of Mull . . . . . . . . 8.288 Science Centre Footbridge . . . . . . . . 3.485
Ruadh, Bogha: Loch Shell . . . . . . . 12.328 Saligo Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.17 Scobull Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.87
Ruadh, Bogha: Muck . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.166 Salinity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.120 Scodaig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.213
Ruadh, Bogha: Treshnish Isles . . . . . . 9.68 Sallachan Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.468 Scolpaig Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.117
Ruadh-eilean, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.232 Salmore Bay; see Bruaich Ruaidhe, Scolpaig, Beinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.97
Ruadh Mòr Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.199 Camas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.438 Scoravick, Beinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.250
Ruadh na h Acairseid, Sgeir . . . . . . . . 7.77 Saltavik Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.119 Scorr Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.287
Ruadh, Rubha: Island of Skye . . . . . 11.31 Saltcoats Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.252 Scorr Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.287
Ruadh, Rubha: Loch Hourn . . . . . . 10.105 Saltpan Patches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.161 Scotasay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.267
Ruadh, Rubha: Loch Laxford . . . . . 13.284 Saltpan Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.75 Scotland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.75
Ruadh, Rubha: Loch Linnhe . . . . . . . 8.468 Saltpan Spit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.161 Scotnish, Caol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.187
Ruadh, Sailean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.440 Samalaman Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.149 Scott Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.90
Ruadh, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.171 Samalan Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.99 Scoul Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.288
Ruadh Sgeir Ledges . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.199 Sanda Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.102 Scourie Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.343
Ruadh, Sgeir: Loch Laxford . . . . . . 13.317 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.99 Screeda Reef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.82
Ruadh, Sgeir: Sound of Iona . . . . . . . 9.77 Sanda Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.29 Scresort, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.209
Ruadh, Sgeir: Sound of Jura . . . . . . . 7.199 Sanda Shoal: Loch Linnhe . . . . . . . . 8.466 Scridain, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.84
Ruadh, Stac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.144 Sanda Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.16 Scrien, Ben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.91
Ruag, Bo: Benbecula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.73 Sandaig Bay: Loch Hourn . . . . . . . 10.114 Scriodan, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.107
Ruag, Bo: Loch Nevis . . . . . . . . . . . 10.50 Sandaig Bay: Loch Nevis . . . . . . . . . 10.55 Scrot Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.72
Ruairidh, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.222 Sandaig Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.75 Scurrival, Ben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.90
Rubh Aoineadh Mhéinis . . . . . . . . . . 8.121 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.73 Scurrival, Dun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.105
Rubha = Promontory, Cape; Sandavig Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.147 Scurrival Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.55
see proper name Sanday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.127 Sea and Swell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.116
Rubha an Ridire, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . 8.236 Sanday Island Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.196 Sea conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.117
Rubha, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.42 Sandbank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.379 Sea of the Hebrides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.84
Rubha, Bogh’ an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.87 Sandray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.55 W part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.1
Rubha na Liathaig, Camas . . . . . . . . 8.405 Sandray, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.69 E side, passage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.14
Rubhachan Eoghainn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.86 Sandwick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.152 W side, passage . . . . . . . . . 11.45, 11.120
Rubhana Beithe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.382 Sandwick Bay Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.78 Sea water characteristics . . . . . . . . . . 1.120
Rubh’ an Eun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.272 Sandwood Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.275 Sea waves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.117
Rubh’ a Mhile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.298 Sandy Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.222 Seachd Seisrichean, Eilean nan . . . . 8.307
Rubh’ an t-Sàilein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.77 Sanna Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.167 Seaforth Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.316
Rubh’ an Tòrra Mhoir . . . . . . . . . . . 10.304 Sanna, Meall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.167 Seaforth, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.316
Ruel, Loch; see Riddon, Loch . . . . . 4.201 Sanna Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.138 Seagull Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.195
Rueval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.136 Sannox Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.107 Seal Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.105
Ruibhe, Aird Ma- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.232 Sannox River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.107 Sealbhaig, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.305
Ruigh Choinnich, Beinn . . . . . . . . . 11.130 Sannox Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.107 Seamraig, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.281
Ruigh Liath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.183 Saothair, An t- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.220 Sean Chaisteil, Rubh’ ant- . . . . . . . . 8.244
Rum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.126 Sasan, Rubha nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.147 Seana-chaisteil, Rubh’ ant . . . . . . . . . 6.109
Rum, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.205 Sasunnaich, Bogha an t- . . . . . . . . . 10.224 Seana-Chaisteil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.109
Rùnair, Aird an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.78 Sasunnaich, Port an t- . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.227 Seana Chreag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.328
Ruthaig, Camas na . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.237 Sasunnaich, Rubha an t- . . . . . . . . . . 8.285 Seana Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.298
Ryan, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.61 Savary Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.239 Seanach, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.170
Savary, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.239 Seann Charraige, Rubha na . . . . . . . . 9.42
Sabhail, Eilean an t- . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.337 Scadabay, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.302 Searraich, Bogha an t’ . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.75
Saddell Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.85 Scalasaig Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.96 Seed Reef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.69
Saddell Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.71 Scalasaig Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.78 Seid Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.79
Safety Scheme, Yacht and Boat . . . . . 1.68 Scallasdale Bay; see Scallastle Bay . 8.284 Seil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.235
Sagairt, Creag an t- . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.104 Scallastle Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.284 Seil Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.293
Sagart, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.152 Scallastle Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.236 Seileir, Rubh’ an t- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.92
Sagart, Bogha ant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.79 Scalp Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.86 Seilg, Beinn na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.306
Saghay Beg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.221 Scalpaidh Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.156 Seilisdeire, Camas an t- . . . . . . . . . . 8.442
Saghay Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.219 Scalpay, Caolas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.302 Seilisdeire, Port an t- . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.271
Saghay More . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.219 Scalpay, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.268 Seumas Cleite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.42
Saidhean, Sgeir nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.80 Scalpay: East Loch Tarbert . . . . . . . 12.250 Sgaileach, Sgòrr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.195
Sàil Mhór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.221 Scalpay: Inner Sound . . . . . . . . . . . 10.194 Sgaite, Eilean na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.273
Sailean = Salt water bay; see proper name Scalpsie Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.107 Sgalag, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.152
Sailean, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.359 Scalpsie Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.113 Sgarabhaig, Ru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.177
Sailean Mhòr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.174 Scape, Sgeir a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.77 Sgarbh, Creag nan: Loch Sunart . . . 8.325
Sàilean Mòr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.228 Scar, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.63 Sgarbh, Creag nan: Sound of Jura . . 7.151
Saille, Eilean na: Loch Laxford . . . 13.316 Scaraclett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.132 Sgarbh, Dubh Sgeir nan . . . . . . . . . . 9.179
Saille, Eilean na: Summer Isles . . . 13.213 Scaravay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.215 Sgarbh, Rubha nan:
Sailthean, Rubha nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.132 Scarba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.14 Kilbrannan Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.73
Saint Catherine’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.200 Scarinish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.41 Sgarbh, Rubha nan:
Saint Columba’s Chapel . . . . . . . . . . 8.247 Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.20 Sound of Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.222
Saint Kilda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.27 Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.46 Sgarbh, Sgeir nan: East Loch Roag . 6.218
Saint Kilda Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.26 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.27 Sgarbh, Sgeir nan: Loch Carron . . . 10.246

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Sgarbh, Stac nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.112 Shìos, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.323 Slumbay Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.261
Sgarbhstac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.34 Ship, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.102 Slumbay Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.261
Sgat Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.124 Shira, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.189 Small craft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.13
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.122 Shivinish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.72 Small Isles, The: Sound of Jura . . . . 7.152
Sgeir = Rock; see proper name Shléibhe, Beinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.228 Small Isles, The: Sea of Hebrides . . 9.123
Sgeir, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.141 Sholaidh, Bo na; see Channel Rock . 11.78 Smearinish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.225
Sgeire Leithe, Caolas na . . . . . . . . . . 6.201 Shona, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.143 Smerby Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.52
Sgeirean, Ceann nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.93 Shore Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.40 Smuaisibhig, Tob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.335
Sgeirean Dubh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.79 Shuas, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.276 Smyth Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.50
Sgeirean Fiaclach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.85 Shuna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.281 Snidh, Sgeir an t- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.54
Sgeirean Glasa: Sound of Handa . . 13.311 Cottage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.285 Snidhe, Eilean an t- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.149
Sgeirean Tarsuinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.204 House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.297 Snizort Beag, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.103
Sgeirigin, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.136 Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.297 Snizort, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.74
Sgeirislum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.116 Midfarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.285 Snow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.147
Sgianailt, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.208 Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.288 Soa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.29
Sgitheich, Rubh’ Aird na . . . . . . . . . 7.115 Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.278 Soa Island: Sound of Iona . . . . . . . . . 9.66
Sgòir Mhòir, Rubh’ an . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.41 Shuna Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.375 Soa Island: Tiree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.29
Sgon = Lump; see proper name Shuna, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.394 Soa Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.29
Sgorach, Eilean: Sound of Sleat . . . . 10.70 Shunish, Loch an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.270 Soay: Island of Skye . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.233
Sgòrach, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.195 Sian, Sgeir nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.128 Soay Beag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.135
Sgoraig, Corran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.224 Siar, Bàgh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.55 Soay Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.241
Sgoraig, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.384 Sidhean, Camas nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.34 Soay Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.135
Sgorr = Rocky peak; see proper name Sidhean Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.152 Soay Sound: Skye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.233
Sgorr an t-Snidhe, Rubha . . . . . . . . . 9.180 Sight Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.226 Soay Sound: West Loch Tarbert . . . . 6.143
Sgreabach, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.310 Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.55 Soay: Saint Kilda Group . . . . . . . . . . . 6.27
Sgriobh Bhan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.12 Sil, Sgeir an t- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.40 Soilleir, Cnocan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.157
Sgritheall, Beinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.96 Sinntean Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.224 Soithich, Rubh’ an t- . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.227
Sguirr, Loch a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.308 Sionaso . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.191 Solon Beag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.55
Sgurr = Rocky peak; see proper name Sionnach, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.73 Soray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.37
Sgùrr, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.125 Siorruidh, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.87 Soriby Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.115
Sgùrra, Eilean an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.156 Sithein, Eilean an t- . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.317 Sorne Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.309
Shackleton Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.55 Skaari, Caolas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.210 Sound; see proper name
Shalach, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.217 Skart Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.165 Sound, The: Loch Ewe . . . . . . . . . . 13.158
Shalachain, Camas: Sound of Mull . 8.239 Skate Point: Berneray . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.55 South Ascrib . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.86
Shallachain, Camas: Loch Linnhe . . 8.477 Skate Point: Great Cumbrae Island . 3.278 South Ballachulish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.469
Shallachain, Sgeirean . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.477 Skate Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.86 South Bank: Lamlash . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.128
Shamadalain, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.73 Skeig, Dun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.51 South Bank: Tiree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.20
Shamhnan Insir, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . 9.196 Skeineadh, Sgeir na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.106 South Basin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.184
Shawbost, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.225 Skelmorlie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.284 South Bay: Loch Fyne . . . . . . . . . . . 4.167
Shealtragram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.186 Skelmorlie Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.273 South Bay: Eigg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.203
Sheanawally Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.312 Skelmorlie Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.20 South Bay: Firth of Clyde . . . . . . . . 3.252
Shearwater Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.107 Skerrinagal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.33 South Bay: Sanda Island,
Shee, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.208 Skerrivore: Kintyre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.33 see Fliuchach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.105
Sheep Island; see Caorach, Skerryvore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.12 South Channel: Eddrachillis Bay . . 13.341
Eilean nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.92 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.10 South Channel: Loch Moidart . . . . . 9.147
Sheep Island: Sanda Sound . . . . . . . . . 4.24 Skervuile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.151 South Ford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.123
Sheep Rock; see Caorach, Sgeir na . 12.38 Skiary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.118 South Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.294
Sheigra, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.306 Skipisdale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.61 E side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.250
Sheilavaig, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.158 Skipness Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.83 South Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.123
Sheilavig Skerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.164 Skipness Calibration Range Light . . 4.105 South Rock: Lamlash . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.128
Sheilleach, Ard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.295 Skipness Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.78 South Rock: Sound of Jura . . . . . . . . 7.203
Shell, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.327 Skipport, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.139 South Sand Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.204
Shelter Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.60 Skudiburgh, Dùn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.88 South Shian Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.454
Shepherd’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.363 Skudiburgh, Stack of . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.88 South Shiant Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.8
Shian Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.102 Skye Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.138 South Strome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.259
Shian Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.77 Skye, Island of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.90 South Uist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.85
Shiant East Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.5 Slabhruidh, Bo’ na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.134 E side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.123
Shiant Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.305 Slagain, Alt an t- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.137 W side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.60
Shiant, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.305 Slaggan Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.137 Southannan Sands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.289
Shiaram Bheag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.201 Slamain, Meall an t- . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.508 Southend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.24
Shiaram Mor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.201 Slapin, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.218 Southend Coast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.16
Shieldaig, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.337 Slatrach Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.110 Southern Uplands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.82
Shieldaig Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.349 Sleaghach, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.350 Soyea Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.264
Shieldaig, Loch: Loch Gairloch . . . 10.331 Sleat Peninsula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.62 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.260
Shieldaig, Loch: Sleat, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.195 Speed trials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.56
Loch Torridon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.340 Sleat, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.60 Spelve, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.132
Shieldhall Riverside Quay . . . . . . . . . 3.490 Slettnish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.156 Spit, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.63
Shillay Beag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.142 Sliday Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.73 Split Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.90
Shillay, Little . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.105 Sligachan, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.272 Sponish Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.191
Shillay Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.142 Sligachan, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.304 Sponish House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.180
Shillay, Sound of: Heisker Islands . . . 6.87 Sligeanach, Sàilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.384 Spuir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.100
Shillay, Sound of: Sound of Harris . 6.104 Sliginach, Bo an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.81 Spuir Reef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.100
Shillay: Heisker Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.72 Sligneach Beag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.324 Spuir, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.107
Shillay: Sound of Harris . . . . . . . . . . 6.100 Sligneach Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.324 Squalls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.141
Shilldinish, Gob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.65 Sloc Roe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.97 Squally Boe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.283

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Squiteach, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.150 Striven, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.325 Taransay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.131

Sranndabhal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.204 NATO Fuel Jetty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.346 Taransay Glorigs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.134
Sratha, Eilean an t- . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.252 Strollamus, Creag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.219 Taransay, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.130
Strathaidh, Bagh an t- . . . . . . . . . . . 10.257 Stromay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.219 Tarbert Bank: Loch Fyne . . . . . . . . . 4.126
Sreine, Beinn na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.95 Stromay, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.197 Tarbert Bank: Sound of Islay . . . . . . . 8.77
Srianach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.315 Strome Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.252 Tarbert Bay: Canna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.216
Sròine, Rubha na: Sound of Mull . . 8.211 Strome Narrows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.236 Tarbert Bay: Sound of Jura . . . . . . . . 7.229
Srón Uamha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.93 Stron a’ Mhill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.290 Tarbert, Ben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.123
Sròn = Point; see proper name Strone Point: Loch Fyne . . . . . . . . . . 4.189 Tarbert, Loch: Jura . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.84
Sròn an Tairbh, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.149 Strone Point: Loch Long . . . . . . . . . . 3.361 Tarbert Rocks: Gigha Island . . . . . . . . 7.44
Sruith, Meall an t- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.150 Strone Point: Loch Striven . . . . . . . . 3.334 Tarbert: Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.266
Sruth, Bogha cas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.50 Strontian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.342 Tarbert: Kintyre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.131
Sruthan Beag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.151 Stroul Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.419 Tarbet Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.58
Stac = Steep rock; see proper name Struan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.248 Tarbet, Port of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.315
Stac, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.151 Struith, Sgeir an t- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.224 Tarcall, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.135
Stac, Cleit a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.187 Stuart Memorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.489 Tarmachain, Meall nan . . . . . . . . . . . 9.129
Stac, Eilean nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.252 Stuigh, Dùn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.216 Tarner Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.258
Stac: Loch Erisort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.42 Stúlaval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.121 Tàrr Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.85
Stack, Ben: Loch Laxford . . . . . . . . 13.285 Stuley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.129 Tarskavaig Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.226
Stack, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.97 Stumbles Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.218 Tarskavaig Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.222
Staffa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.59 Suam an t-Sruth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.234 Tartar Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.73
Staffin Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.300 Subfacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.21 Taynish Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.183
Staffin Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.277 Submarine cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.39 Tayvallich Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.186
Stafnish, Ru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.25 Submarine operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.19 Teacuis, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.339
Stainan, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.219 Submarine pipelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.37 Tealasavay, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.159
Stalcaire, Eilean an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.391 Suem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.216 Teallach, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.172
Stanngraidh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.39 Suibhein, Rubh’ an t- . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.113 Teampuill, Rubh’ an . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.221
Stanton Banks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.12 Suidhe, Cnoc an t- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.91 Teampuill, Tràigh an . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.315
Stanton Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.220 Suidhe nan Eun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.234 Teine, Cnoc an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.239
Staosnaig, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.98 Sùil Ghorm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.31 Teinish, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.198
Stattic Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.191 Suilven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.245 Temperature, air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.150
Steidh, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.180 Suireamach, Meall nan . . . . . . . . . . 10.265 Temperature, sea surface . . . . . . . . . . 1.122
Stein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.45 Suisnish Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.272 Temple Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.108
Steisay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.150 Suisnish, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.222 Temple Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.106
Steisevat, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.213 Sula Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.39 Temple Rock, Inner . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.108
Stevenson’s Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.12 Sulisker Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.25 Temple Sands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.205
Stillaig, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.125 Sumaid, Eilean na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.297 Territorial waters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.77
Stinking Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.278 Summer Isles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.166 Texa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.85
Stirk Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.217 Sùnam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.219 Thabhaidh, Stac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.39
Stirk Shoal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.205 Sunart, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.315 Theine, Beinn a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.24
Stiughay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.303 Sunk Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.55 Thimascro, Camas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.315
Sto, Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.116 Sween, Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.178 Thinngarstaigh, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . 12.335
Stobcross Quay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.492 Sween, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.174 Thioram, Acairseid . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.310
Stockay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.73 Swell conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.118 Thòb, Dubh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.219
Stockay Reef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.75 Swell waves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.118 Thollaidh, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.238
Stockinish Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.300 Thon Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.57
Stockinish, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.300 Thòraidh, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.38
Stoer Head Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.245 Tabhaidh Bheag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.42 Thorasdaidh, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.46
Stoer, Old Man of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.248 Tabhaidh Mhór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.42 Thorcuil, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.156
Stoer, Point of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.245 Table of Lorn; see Dunan An . . . . . . 8.225 Thràghaidh, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.92
Stonefield Bay; see Craige, Linne na 8.439 Tagerlich, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.218 Thraid, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.205
Stoney Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.79 Tahay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.202 Thrasda, Beinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.35
Storms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.143 Taigh Iamain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.151 Three-Foot Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.97
Stornoway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.51 Tail of the Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.481 Through route, W of Outer Hebrides . . 6.9
Stornoway Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.50 Tairbh, Bogh’ an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.261 Thuilm, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.207
Arrival Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.63 Tairbh, Sgeir an: Eddrachillis Bay . 13.341 Thurinish, Ard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.70
Berths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.81 Tairbh, Sgeir an: Loch Kishorn . . . 10.245 Thùrnaig, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.163
Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.76 Tairbh, Sròn an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.149 Thùrnaig, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.138
Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.70 Tairidh, Camas an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.330 Tianavaig Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.306
Limiting conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.58 Talisker Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.197 Tianavaig, Ben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.265
Port services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.84 Talisker Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.197 Tidal streams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.115
Stornoway, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.165 Tamanavay, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.160 Tigh, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.282
Storr, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.265 Tandoo Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.43 Tigh-mhail, Poll an . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.297
Stranraer Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.74 Tanera Beg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.213 Tigh-nan-darroch Jetty . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.200
Strath = River, Valley; see proper name Tanera More . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.201 Tigh-Stòir, Bàgh an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.302
Strath Ascaig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.238 Tangaval, Ben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.46 Tigharry, Rubha Dubh . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.97
Strath Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.326 Tanna, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.102 Tighchoie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.30
Strathaird Point; see Easgainne, Tannais-sgeir, Eilean an . . . . . . . . . . . 8.31 Tighe, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.36
Rubha na h- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.222 Tannaraidh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.42 Tighe, Eilean an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.305
Strathaird Promontory . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.187 Tannaraidh, Sgeirean Dubha . . . . . . . 13.42 Tighnabruaich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.218
Stravanan Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.113 Tanneray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.43 Tin Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.215
Strèimnish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.222 Taobh Deas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.204 Tinker’s Hole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.83
Stri, Sgùrr na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.186 Taod, Sgeir nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.79 Tiobairt, Port an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.270
Strianaich, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.100 Taran Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.157 Tionail, Leac Bad an . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.326
String Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.149 Taranaish, Aird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.208 Tioram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.147

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Home Contents Index
INDEX

Tioram, Eilean: Loch Alsh . . . . . . . 10.177 Treisnis, Rubha Ard . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.149 Uists, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.85
Tioram, Eilean: Loch Ewe . . . . . . . 13.150 Trench Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.54 Ulfhart Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.237
Tioram, Eilean: Loch Hourn . . . . . . 10.106 Trench Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.54 Ulibhe, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.103
Tioram, Eilean: Loch Torridon . . . . 10.351 Treshnish Isles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.19 Ullapool Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.165
Tiree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.4 Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.70 Approach and entry . . . . . . . . . . . 13.174
Tiree, Passage of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.18 Treshnish Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.29 Arrival information . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.183
Tirefour Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.386 Trialabreck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.157 Basins and berths . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.206
Titling Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.308 Trian, Sgeir na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.343 Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.189
Tiumpan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.175 Trilleachain, Rubh’ an . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.288 Limiting conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.177
Tiumpan Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.101 Trodday, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.70 Port Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.176
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.98 Trollamarig, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.321 Ullapool Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.195
Toa Galson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.175 Troon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.169 Ullapool River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.194
Toa Rona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.40 Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.169 Ullin Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.101
Tòb Cromore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.45 Yacht Haven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.195 Ullinish Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.246
Tobermory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.252 Troon Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.189 Ulluva . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.250
Toddun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.305 Trostain, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.97 Ulva . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.95
Toe Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.100 Trosy-bheul, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.35 Ulva, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.109
Toe Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.35 Tru, Sgeir an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.39 Una, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.243
Tòib, Beinn an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.204 Tsaoir, Bogha n’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.74 Under-keel Allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.25
Toll a’ Choilich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.141 Tuaidh, Bogha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.55 Underwater repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.104
Tolmach, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.174 Tuairnir, Cnoc an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.178 Undraynian Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.329
Tolsta Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.101 Tuath, Beinn a: Union Canal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.497
Tom, An: Benbecula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.60 Ushenish Promontory . . . . . . . . . . 12.132 United Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.75
Tom, Sgeir nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.359 Tuath, Beinn a’: Wiay . . . . . . . . . . . 12.132 Upper Loch Seaforth . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.316
Toman, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.37 Tuath, Bogha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.29 Urgha, Ard Caol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.278
Tomont End . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.310 Tuath, Caolas a’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.331 Urgha, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.279
Tong Anchorage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.113 Tuath, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.112 Urrachann, Port nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.106
Leading Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.111 Tuath, Loch a; see Broad Bay . . . . 13.104 Urvaig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.37
Tornal, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.295 Tudan, An . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.79 Usbig, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.137
Torosay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.223 Tuill, Stac an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.197 Ushenish Lighthouse . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.127
Torr = Hill; see proper name Tuinn, Sgeir an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.387 Ushenish Promontory . . . . . . . . . . . 12.132
Tòrr Mhoir, Rubh’ an . . . . . . . . . . . 10.201 Tulm Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.113 Usinish Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.129
Tòrr Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.272 Tum ba nach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.20
Torrain, Ard an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.307 Turnberry Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.55
Vacasay Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.208
Torrain, Na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.54 Twelve Feet Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.211
Vacasay, Kyles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.208
Torran a’ Chonnaidh . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.317 Twelve Foot Spit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.312
Vaccasay, Basin of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.242
Torran Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.54 Twin Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.55
Vacsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.190
Torran, Sgeirean nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.466
Vallaquie Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.183
Torranish, Aird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.196
Vallastrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.193
Torridon, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.340 Uabairtich, Dùn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.165
Vallay: North Uist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.116
Torridon, River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.341 Uag, Ob na; see Uamha Ob na h- . 10.235
Valtos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.201
Torridon, Upper Loch . . . . . . . . . . . 10.341 Uamh = Cave; see proper name
Valtos Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.276
Torrisdale Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.86 Uamh, Loch nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.155
Vanish, Aird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.131
Torrisdale Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.74 Uamh, Rubha na h- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.99
Vatersay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.47
Torsa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.288 Uamha, Bàgh na h- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.207
Vatersay Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.85
Torsa Beag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.288 Uamha, Eilean na h- . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.107
Vatersay Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.55
Toscaig, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.230 Uamha, Loch na h- . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.303
Vatten, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.255
Totag, Rubha nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.135 Uamha, Ob na h- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.235
Veenish, Ard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.114
Totaig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.182 Uamha, Rubha na h-: Loch Carron 10.244
Veilish Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.113
Toward Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.333 Uamha, Rubha na h-: Loch Scridain . 9.84
Verran Islet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.69
Toward Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.273 Uamhaidh, Eilean na h- . . . . . . . . . . 7.171
Vich Chuan, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.55
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.269 Uan, Cnoc nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.75
Vich il a Vhetur, Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.77
Tra na h-Uil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.107 Uan, Eilean nan: Eddrachillis Bay . 13.327
Vichalea, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.85
Traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.8 Uan, Eilean nan: Firth of Lorn . . . . . 8.135
Victoria Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.481
Traffic Separation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.10 Uan, Sgeir nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.359
Victorious Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.512
Tragate, Bodha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.298 Uan, Sgurr nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.248
Viewfield Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.287
Tragate, Cleit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.298 Udairn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.283
Village Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.30
Traigh = Tidal beach; see proper name Ugly Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.191
Volinish, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.222
Traigh Mhor: Loch na Làthaich . . . . . 9.91 Uibhein, Sgeir nan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.65
Volovaig, Ben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.277
Tràigh, Sgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.115 Uidhe, Loch na h- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.150
Voreven, Rubha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.113
Traighe, Eilean: Loch Etive . . . . . . . 8.439 Uig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.73
Vorlich, Ben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.498
Traighe, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.209 Uig = Bay; see proper name
Vosgeir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.75
Traighe, Sgeir na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.49 Uig Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.73
Vriskaig Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.287
Tràighe, Eilean: Loch Caolisport Uig, Camas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.164
Vuia Beag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.198
(55°53′⋅3N, 5°37′⋅6W) . . . . . . . . . . 7.171 Uiginish Bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.49
Vuia, Kyles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.195
(55°54′⋅1N, 5°38′⋅8W) . . . . . . . . . . 7.171 Uiginish Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.49
Vuia Mór . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.191
Tràighe, Eilean: Sound of Jura . . . . . 7.226 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.47
Vuia, Sound of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.193
Tràighe, Eilean: West Loch Tarbert, Uinessan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.78
Kintyre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.51 Uisaed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.33
Tràighe-maoriach, Rubha na . . . . . . . . 9.90 Uisenis, Rubh’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.315 Warburg Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.152
Tràille, Rubha na . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.109 Uisge, Rubha an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.31 Warden Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.275
Traillisker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.106 Uisge, Rubha dà . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.375 Warm fronts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.135
Tralcach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.75 Uisgebrigh, Gob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.74 Washington Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.107
Treadhrach, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.35 Uiskevagh, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.194 Washington Reef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.107
Treaslane, Loch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.108 Uisneachan, Eilean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.442 Water Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.211

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INDEX

Waternish Peninsula . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.24 Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.187 Whitestone Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.73

Waternish Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.35 West Loch Tarbert: Harris . . . . . . . . . 6.129 Whiting Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.107
Waterstein Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.32 West Loch Tarbert: Kintyre . . . . . . . . 7.48 Whiting Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.138
Weather reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.124 West Otter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.179 Wiay: Benbecula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.132
Weaver Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.320 West Reef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.54 Wiay: Loch Bracadale . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.197
Weaver’s Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.89 West Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.54 Wig, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.83
Weaver’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.135 West Tarbert Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.164 Wilson Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.135
Wee Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.40 Western approaches to Scotland . . . . . . 2.1 Winds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.136
Wemyss Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.280 Western Isles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.83 Coastal areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.139
Pier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.284 Whale Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.316 Open ocean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.138
Wemyss Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.280 Whale Islet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.296 Windy Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.257
West Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.31 Whale Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.23 Wishing Stone; see Criche, Clach na 8.242
West Bay: Dunoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.282 White Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.132 Wizard Pool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.143
West Bay: Gourock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.436 White Farlane Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.378 Woman Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.266
West Crinan rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.244 White Point: Firth of Clyde . . . . . . . 3.287 Wood Farm Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.220
West Dureberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.72 White Sand Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.138 Wrath, Cape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.282
West Kyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.201 Whitefarland Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.75 Wrecks, protection of . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.52
West Loch Pier: West Loch Tarbert, Whitefarland Bay: Kilbrannan Sound 4.89
Kintyre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.60 Whitefarland Bay: Sound of Islay . . 7.112 Yellow Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.52
West Loch Roag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.181 Whitefarland Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.89 Yorkhill Quay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.479
Anchorage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.196 Whiteforeland Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.432 Yule Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.236

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PUBLICATIONS OF THE
UNITED KINGDOM HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICE

A complete list of Sailing Directions, Charts and other works published by the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, together with
a list of Agents for their sale, is contained in the “Catalogue of Admiralty Charts and Publications”, published annually. The list of
Admiralty Distributors is also promulgated in Admiralty Notice to Mariners No 2 of each year, or it can be obtained from:

The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office,

Admiralty Way,
Taunton, Somerset
TA1 2DN

Produced in the United Kingdom

for UKHO by Pindar plc
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