Burnt Islands

The Burnt Islands lie in the Kyles of Bute on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll and Bute. Three small islets make up the group: Eilean Mòr, Eilean Fraoich and Eilean Buidhe. Each island has a Gaelic name, with Eilean Mòr being the largest and Eilean Buidhe the smallest. The narrow sound between Eilean Buidhe and the other two islands carries most of the commercial traffic through the Kyles. Four light buoys mark the channel, two on each side, guiding vessels safely past the islands. Eilean Buidhe is the only one of the three with clear signs of past settlement. Remains of a vitrified fort can still be seen on this tiny islet. By contrast, Eilean Mòr supports only a patch of stunted woodland at its northern end. To the west, Eilean Dubh guards the entrance to Loch Riddon, while Eilean Dearg lies inside the loch itself. All water traffic must pass either through the narrows or round the southern end of the group. Visitors see a quiet stretch of water bordered by low, wooded shores. The islands themselves appear low and green, with little sign of human presence except on Eilean Buidhe. The light buoys add a touch of colour to the scene, marking the safe channel for boats. Loch Riddon’s entrance lies just beyond the westernmost island, offering a glimpse of deeper water. The whole area feels remote, yet it sits close to the main route between the Clyde and the west coast.