Calbha Beag

Calbha Beag is a small, uninhabited island in Eddrachillis Bay, off the coast of Sutherland in the Highland region of Scotland. It lies immediately west of its larger neighbour, Calbha Mor, in a sheltered stretch of water. The island covers roughly 31 hectares according to Ordnance Survey maps, though one source lists it as 45 hectares when low-tide areas are included. Its low, grassy profile rises gently from the shoreline to modest heights. The surrounding bay is known for calm waters and scattered skerries. Eddrachillis Bay itself curves between headlands that frame views of the Minch. The island’s quiet presence makes it a place for solitude and reflection. Its small size and lack of permanent structures allow wildlife to move freely across the open ground. Seabirds nest among the tussocks, and seals often haul out on the low rocks at low tide. The contrast between the island and the larger, inhabited Calbha Mor highlights the diversity of the bay’s landscape. Visitors can walk the short shoreline or climb the low rise for a wider view of the bay and distant hills. The island’s remoteness and simplicity offer a rare chance to experience an unspoilt coastal environment. There are no paths or buildings, just open grassland and rocky edges meeting the sea. The light changes quickly across the water, shifting from pale grey to deeper blue as clouds move. At night, the sky above Calbha Beag remains largely free of artificial glow. The island stands as a quiet reminder of the wild edges of the Highlands, where land and sea meet without interruption.