Tanera Beag

Tanera Beag is a small, flat, uninhabited island in the Summer Isles, part of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides. It lies at the northern exit of Loch Broom, just 800 metres east of the larger Tanera Mòr. The name means ‘small harbour island’ in Scottish Gaelic, reflecting its sheltered position among many smaller skerries and islets. From its highest point, marked by a cairn, the view stretches over the Summer Isles and the mainland mountains of Suilven, Stac Pollaidh and Ben More Coigach. On clear days the Outer Hebrides and Skye appear on the horizon. The island’s geology divides it into two sharply different halves. The larger south-eastern part is built from ancient red sandstones of the Aultbea Formation, while the north-western spur exposes older Applecross Formation rocks. Glacial scratches show the ice once moved north-west towards The Minch, and raised beach terraces mark where the sea once stood higher. Several caves, including the Cathedral Cave and the Blowhole Cave, cut into the cliffs and attract kayakers. Tanera Beag has no permanent buildings or watercourses, only small lochans and damp hollows. Its shores support pink coral sand at low tide and patches of aspen among heather, fern and peat. Sheep are occasionally landed for grazing, but the island remains largely wild. It forms part of the Wester Ross Marine Protected Area, recognised for its unspoilt coastal habitats.