Eilean Hoan

Eilean Hoan is an island of around 69 acres at the northern, seaward end of Loch Eriboll, on the north coast of Sutherland. It rises to 25 metres, and its name, from Gaelic and Old Norse, means “haven island”. Last lived on in the early 19th century, it is now a nature reserve.

Landscape

Eilean Hoan is a low, green island with rocky shores, sitting where Loch Eriboll opens into the Atlantic, with the mountains of Sutherland behind and the open sea to the north. Around it are many small islets and rocks, with names such as A’ Ghoil-sgeir, An Cruachan, An Dubh-sgeir, Eilean Clùimhrig and Pocan Smoo. Further south, deeper into the loch, lies Eilean Choraidh.

History

The Ordnance Survey marks the remains of a ruined croft on Eilean Hoan, all that is left of the people who lived here until the early 19th century. Loch Eriboll has a long history of settlement, with brochs, souterrains and old townships along its shores, and in more recent times its deep water made it a naval anchorage; German U-boats surrendered here at the end of the Second World War.

The island’s position at the mouth of the loch, between the open sea and the sheltered water, also makes it a good place for seals and seabirds.

More about Eilean Hoan

Eilean Hoan is managed as a nature reserve, and its grassland is particularly important as a wintering site for barnacle geese, which fly here from Greenland. The island’s position at the mouth of the loch, between the open sea and the sheltered water, also makes it a good place for seals and seabirds.

Visiting

There is no ferry to Eilean Hoan, and as a nature reserve it is best enjoyed from a distance. It can be seen from the north coast road near the mouth of Loch Eriboll, part of the North Coast 500, and from the beaches around Durness. You can collect Eilean Hoan as a landing or a sighting in your Island Passport.

Wildlife and area

In winter, look out for barnacle geese grazing on Eilean Hoan. All year round, Loch Eriboll is good for Grey Seal, Eurasian Otter and Great Northern Diver, and in summer for Arctic Tern, Black Guillemot and Puffin offshore. Other islands nearby include Eilean Choraidh, Eilean nan Ròn and Neave Island.