Eilean Dubh (Summer Isles)

Eilean Dubh, “black island”, is a small, uninhabited island of around eight acres in the Summer Isles, the archipelago scattered across the mouth of Loch Broom north-west of Ullapool. It lies about two miles south of Tanera Beag, and it has probably never been permanently lived on.

Landscape

Eilean Dubh is a low, rocky island with heather and grass, set among the bright waters of the Summer Isles, with the mountains of Coigach, including Ben More Coigach and Stac Pollaidh, rising behind the coast. A substantial wooden chalet stands in a cove on the north-east side, built by the island’s owner, Dr Van Arman.

History

The Summer Isles take their name from the old practice of taking cattle and sheep out to graze the islands in summer, and small islands like Eilean Dubh were part of that seasonal round. The largest of the group, Tanera Mòr, had a fishing community and later became famous through the naturalist Frank Fraser Darling, who farmed there in the 1930s and 1940s and wrote Island Farm about his experiences.

More about Eilean Dubh

Many Hebridean islands are called Eilean Dubh, “black island”, usually because of their dark rock or vegetation seen from the sea. This one is part of one of the most beautiful island groups on Scotland’s north-west coast, where clear water, white shell-sand beaches and rocky islets make for superb sea kayaking and wildlife watching.

Visiting

There is no ferry to Eilean Dubh. Summer boat trips from Ullapool and Old Dornie, near Achiltibuie, cruise among the Summer Isles and often call at Tanera Mòr. The island is privately owned. You can collect Eilean Dubh as a sighting in your Island Passport.

Wildlife and area

The Summer Isles are great for wildlife. Look out for Grey Seal and Harbour Seal, Harbour Porpoise, Common Dolphin and Minke Whale, and for Black Guillemot, Shag and Great Northern Diver. Sea Eagle and Golden Eagle are seen over Coigach. Other islands nearby include Tanera Beag, Tanera Mòr and Priest Island.