Eilean Sùbhainn

Eilean Sùbhainn is the largest of the islands in Loch Maree, in Wester Ross, covering around 290 acres. It is the second largest freshwater island in Scotland after Inchmurrin in Loch Lomond, and it has a rare distinction: it has lochans of its own, so there are islands in lochs on an island in a loch.

Landscape

Eilean Sùbhainn lies about a mile north-east of Talladale, in the middle of Loch Maree. It is partly wooded with Scots pine, birch and other native trees, rises to 36 metres, and has several small lochans in its interior. Around it, Loch Maree stretches for around 20 kilometres between the quartzite peak of Slioch and the ancient pinewoods of Beinn Eighe, one of the most dramatic landscapes in the Highlands.

History

The islands of Loch Maree have long been valued for their peace and isolation. Nearby Isle Maree, only about 700 metres away, is linked with St Maelrubha, who founded a monastery at Applecross in the 7th century. It has an ancient burial ground and a famous “wishing tree” into which visitors hammered coins for luck; Queen Victoria visited in 1877. Eilean Sùbhainn itself is uninhabited and has been left largely to nature.

The Loch Maree islands are among the least disturbed in Britain and are managed as a nature reserve.

More about Eilean Sùbhainn

The Loch Maree islands are among the least disturbed in Britain and are managed as a nature reserve. Their native woodland has been protected from heavy grazing, making them a valuable example of the kind of forest that once covered much of the Highlands. The loch is also important for rare breeding birds, which need to be left in peace.

Visiting

There is no ferry to Eilean Sùbhainn. It can be seen from the A832 along the southern shore of Loch Maree, from Talladale and from the viewpoints at Slattadale. Please respect the nature reserve and avoid landing in the nesting season. You can collect Eilean Sùbhainn as a landing or a sighting in your Island Passport.

Wildlife and area

Loch Maree is one of Scotland’s most important lochs for black-throated divers, and you may also see Red-throated Diver, Osprey, Golden Eagle and Sea Eagle. The surrounding woods are home to Pine Marten, Red Deer and wildcats. Other islands nearby include Isle Maree, Garbh Eilean and Eilean Ruairidh Mòr.