Insh Island

Insh Island lies in the Firth of Lorn off Argyll and Bute, a mile northeast of Ellenabeich on Seil. It is one of the Slate Islands, rising to 69 metres and covering 36 hectares. The island was once called Sheep Island, and its Gaelic name An Innis means simply ‘the island’. A cave at the north end once housed David Brearley from 1973 until 2003. The wreck of the Norval, a 49.3-metre wooden ship, still lies near the southern tip after running aground in 1870. The island’s waters shelter the Northern sea fan, a rare soft coral. In 2004 it was said to belong to a Londoner who occasionally used the cave. After Brearley’s death in 2016 the National Trust for Scotland inherited it, then sold it in 2020 to West Coast Heritage Limited. The new owners once planned to harvest seaweed and build rough paths, but these plans were shelved. Visitors find a steep, rocky island with no permanent inhabitants. The Sound of Insh separates it from Seil, and the cave overlooks the water. The Norval wreck remains visible in calm weather. Landing is difficult, and the owners advise against attempts. The island stays largely untouched, keeping its wild character intact.