Vacsay

Vacsay, in Gaelic Bhacsaigh, from the Old Norse bakkiey, “peat bank island”, is an uninhabited island of around 101 acres in West Loch Roag, off the west coast of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. It rises to 34 metres and has an extremely complicated coastline, joined at low tide to several small islets around it. It lies between Vuia Mòr and Pabaigh Mòr, off Great Bernera.

Landscape

Vacsay is made of Lewisian gneiss, among the oldest rocks in Europe, with rocky knolls, small bays and heather. At low tide, it is linked to surrounding islets such as Trathasam and Liacam. Around it, West Loch Roag is a beautiful seascape of islands, sheltered channels and white sandy beaches, with the hills of Uig rising to the south-west.

History

Like many of the islands around it, Vacsay lost its people in the Highland Clearances, which took place here in 1827, when families were moved off to make way for sheep. Its Norse name, “peat bank island”, suggests that it was once a valuable source of peat, the main fuel of the Hebrides for centuries. Today it is privately owned and uninhabited.

The famous standing stones of Calanais stand on the shore of East Loch Roag, a short drive away.

More about Vacsay

West Loch Roag is one of the most beautiful areas of Lewis, with the beaches of Uig and Valtos, and Great Bernera, joined to Lewis by a bridge, with its reconstructed Iron Age house at Bostadh. The famous standing stones of Calanais stand on the shore of East Loch Roag, a short drive away.

Visiting

There is no ferry to Vacsay. It can be seen from the coast around Valtos and Great Bernera, and from boat trips in West Loch Roag. You can collect Vacsay as a sighting in your Island Passport.

Wildlife and area

Look out for Sea Eagle, Golden Eagle, Eurasian Otter and Grey Seal, and for Gannet, Black Guillemot and Great Northern Diver. Other islands nearby include Pabaigh Mòr, Fuaigh Mòr, Fuaigh Beag, Flodaigh, Great Bernera and Flodaigh.