Lady’s Rock

Lady’s Rock is a small skerry of about an acre off the south-western tip of Lismore, in the busy waters where Loch Linnhe meets the Sound of Mull. It is covered at high tide and carries a navigation beacon, and Eilean Musdile, with Lismore Lighthouse, lies a short way to the north-east. It looks like nothing more than a hazard to shipping, but it is the setting for one of the most dramatic tales in Highland history.

Landscape

At low tide Lady’s Rock shows as a low, weed-covered reef; at high tide it disappears beneath the sea, leaving only its beacon. Caledonian MacBrayne ferries between Oban and Mull pass close by, and from their decks you can see Duart Castle on Mull, which plays a key part in the rock’s story.

History

In 1527, Lachlan Maclean of Duart decided to get rid of his wife, Lady Catherine Campbell, sister of the powerful Earl of Argyll. One night at low tide he rowed her out to the rock and left her there to drown. The next morning, looking out from Duart Castle and seeing the rock empty, he sent a message of condolence to the Earl at Inveraray, saying he would bring his wife’s body home for burial.

Revenge came later: he was murdered in his bed in Edinburgh by Sir John Campbell of Calder, another of Lady Catherine’s brothers.

More about Lady's Rock

Maclean duly arrived at Inveraray with his men and a coffin, and was shown into the dining hall, only to find Lady Catherine sitting at the head of the table. She had been rescued in the night by a passing boat. Nothing was said about the matter during the meal, and Maclean was allowed to leave. Revenge came later: he was murdered in his bed in Edinburgh by Sir John Campbell of Calder, another of Lady Catherine’s brothers. The story has inspired plays and poems ever since.

Visiting

Lady’s Rock can’t be visited, as it disappears at high tide and the waters around it are fast-flowing. The best view is from the Oban to Craignure ferry, looking out for the beacon off the tip of Lismore. Spotting it counts as a sighting in your Island Passport.

Wildlife and area

The rocks and reefs around Lismore are a favourite haul-out for Harbour Seal and Grey Seal, and you may see Harbour Porpoise and Sea Eagle from the ferry. Other islands nearby include Eilean Musdile, Bernera Island, Creag Island and Kerrera.