Sheep Island

Sheep Island lies off the southern tip of the Kintyre peninsula in Argyll and Bute. It is a small, uninhabited island about three kilometres south of Kintyre. Roughly 600 metres long, the island rises steeply on its west coast to a height of 41 metres. A cave cuts into the west side and a natural arch opens on the northwest. A reef of drying rocks surrounds the island, making landings difficult. The island is best known as the Clyde’s main puffin breeding ground. Puffins return here from nearby Ailsa Craig, where they were once wiped out. Guillemots and razorbills also nest on Sheep Island. Sheep have traditionally been grazed here, giving the island its name. Visitors see steep cliffs and rugged shores. The west coast’s cave and northwest arch add striking features. Strong tidal races run past the island, including one called Tum ba nach. The surrounding Sound of Sanda offers views of the wider group of small islands.