Ascrib Islands

The Ascrib Islands lie scattered in Loch Snizort off the Isle of Skye’s northwest coast, within Highland council area. They sit between the Trotternish and Waternish peninsulas, forming a quiet archipelago of small, uninhabited isles. South Ascrib is the largest and holds the only house on the group. Other islands include Eilean Garave, Eilean Creagach and Eilean Iosal, along with skerries such as Sgeir a’ Chapuill and Scalp Rock. The islands form part of a Special Area of Conservation noted for common seal breeding colonies. The group’s isolation and low human presence make it valuable for wildlife. Common seals gather here in breeding season, joining Isay and Loch Dunvegan in the conservation zone. The islands’ rocky shores and tidal skerries provide safe haul-out spots for seals. Their quiet waters also support seabirds and marine plants. The single house on South Ascrib offers shelter for occasional visitors or researchers. Visitors find calm shorelines, tidal channels and views across to Skye’s peninsulas. The islands are reached by small boat from nearby harbours. Low cliffs and grassy banks rise gently from the water. Seals can be seen resting on skerries at low tide. The scene changes with the tides, offering quiet walks and birdwatching in a remote setting.