Eilean nan ron
Eilean nan Ron lies off the north coast of Sutherland, a few miles from both Bettyhill and Tongue. Covering an area of nearly 140 hectares the island reaches it's highest point of just 76m atop Cnon an Loisgein.
Like Soay which means 'Sheep Island', Eilean Nan Ron which means 'Island Of Seals' is a name which appears more than once on maps of Scottish Islands. The other Eilean Nan Ron is just to the south of Colonsay but the one we are featuring here is of course off the Sutherland cost, many miles to the North.As recently as 1931 Eilean Nan Ron supported a population of over 30 people. The settlement of houses can clearly be seen in the above picture and were located in the 'waist' of the island. Sadly like so many of the Islands around Scotland is now populated by nothing more than ghosts and memories of a community and a life that's probably lost for ever.
For the best view I have found of Eilean Nan Ron you should head for Skerry Harbour, located about halfway between Bettyhill and Tongue. Once at the harbour climb onto the harbour wall and walk towards the hill to the left of the wall. Access to the hill is fairly easy to achieve and from here simply climb the 100 or so metres to the top from where you will get an uninterrupted view of Eilean Nan Ron. The bonus of this view is you are looking straight at the settlement.
For the best view I have found of Eilean Nan Ron you should head for Skerry Harbour, located about halfway between Bettyhill and Tongue. Once at the harbour climb onto the harbour wall and walk towards the hill to the left of the wall. Access to the hill is fairly easy to achieve and from here simply climb the 100 or so metres to the top from where you will get an uninterrupted view of Eilean Nan Ron. The bonus of this view is you are looking straight at the settlement.
Books. DVD's and Videos
Nothing out there, to my knowledge, with any great content about Eilean Nan Ron. This is not an island which seems to have merited much space in the history of our country. As ever please contact Lonely-Isles if you know of any books you think would be of interest and we'll add them to the site !!
Links
Undiscovered Scotland - This always excellent site has several pages featuring places from where you'll catch a good view of Eilean Nan Ron. This one is for Talmine from where excellent views of Eilean Nan Ron as well as the Rabbit Isles can be found. Other local areas of interest are linked to from this page.