Sgeotasaigh

Sgeotasaigh, or Scotasay, is a small island of around 123 acres in East Loch Tarbert, about a kilometre off the east coast of Harris in the Outer Hebrides. It gives some shelter to the ferry port of Tarbert, and travellers arriving on the ferry from Uig on Skye pass close by. There are two houses on the island, a wind turbine and a freshwater tank, but no one has lived here permanently for many years.

Landscape

Sgeotasaigh is a rocky island of Lewisian gneiss, among the oldest rocks in Europe, with heather, rough grass and small lochans. It sits in the islands and skerries of East Loch Tarbert, with the mountains of North Harris rising to the north and Scalpay to the east. The views over the loch to Tarbert and the hills are among the finest on Harris.

History

Sgeotasaigh had between 15 and 20 inhabitants in the early 20th century, crofting and fishing, but there are no records of permanent residents since then. Like many of the small islands of Harris, it lost its people as families moved to larger communities in search of work and an easier life.

More about Sgeotasaigh

Tarbert, the main village of Harris, is home to the Isle of Harris Distillery, known for its gin made with sugar kelp, and is the ferry port for Skye. Nearby Scalpay, joined to Harris by a bridge, has a lively community and the historic Eilean Glas lighthouse.

Visiting

There is no ferry to Sgeotasaigh. It can be seen from Tarbert, from the road to Scalpay and from the ferry between Uig and Tarbert. You can collect Sgeotasaigh as a landing or a sighting in your Island Passport.

Wildlife and area

Look out for Golden Eagle, Sea Eagle, Eurasian Otter and Harbour Seal, and for Black Guillemot, Red-throated Diver and Gannet. Other islands nearby include Scalpay, Stockinish, Seaforth Island, Soay Mòr, Soay Beag and Taransay.