Eilean Tigh

Eilean Tigh is a small tidal island in the Sound of Raasay, lying between Rona and Raasay in the Scottish Highlands. The name means ‘house island’ in Gaelic, and scattered ruins at its southern end show it was once settled. Roughly 54 hectares in size, the island has a rugged coastline of cliffs and rocks. At low tide a rocky ledge links it to Raasay’s northern tip, while Rona lies about one kilometre away across the straits. Tiny Eilean an Fhraoich sits in the middle of the channel, and Garbh Eilean and Eilean Seamraig lie off Rona’s shore. The island offers few signs of modern life but rewards those who reach it. Good anchorages lie nearby off Eilean Fladday and Rona, though the nearest road ends at Arnish on Raasay. From there a two-hour walk over rough ground is needed to reach Eilean Tigh. The northwestern tip is marked by Rubha na Cloich’ Uaine, the point of the green stone. Visitors find only the remains of old buildings and the raw beauty of the surrounding sea. The straits between the islands are busy with small craft, and the waterway is dotted with islets. Eilean Fladday lies two kilometres south, while Skye is about six kilometres west across the Sound. The scene is one of wild coasts, shifting tides and quiet places where few people come.