flannan isles
The Flannan Isles archipelago, which lies 20 miles off the west coast of Lewis, is actually seven islands split into three groups. The larger islands are known in Gaelic as Eilean Mor, Eilean Tighe, Soraidh, Sgeir Toman, Sgeir Righinn, Eilean a' Ghobha and Roaiream.
These islands have only ever been home to rabbits, sheep and the keepers who used to tend the lighthouse. However, even though no real community has lived on this outpost it's still a group of islands which hold a fascination for many and were therefore deemed worthy of inclusion on Lonely-Isles.
The lighthouse was built by David Stevenson in 1899 and is located on Eilean Mor which is the largest of the seven islands in the group. Also to be found on Eilean Mor are the ruins of St Flannan's Chapel and Bothain Chlann 'ic Phail (McPhail's Bothies) which were used by visiting shepherds. Grazing on the Flannan's is of a very high quality and even to this day crofters from Bernera graze sheep there.
The islands are of course famous for the disappearance of the lighthouse keepers in December 1900. This much pondered on and discussed mystery makes sure that the very mention of the islands name is one to start the story telling (full details of the Flannan Isles mystery can be found via the links below).
Nowadays the lighthouse like all others is automatic and other than the seasonal visits from the crofters of Bernera the islands are left in peace.
The lighthouse was built by David Stevenson in 1899 and is located on Eilean Mor which is the largest of the seven islands in the group. Also to be found on Eilean Mor are the ruins of St Flannan's Chapel and Bothain Chlann 'ic Phail (McPhail's Bothies) which were used by visiting shepherds. Grazing on the Flannan's is of a very high quality and even to this day crofters from Bernera graze sheep there.
The islands are of course famous for the disappearance of the lighthouse keepers in December 1900. This much pondered on and discussed mystery makes sure that the very mention of the islands name is one to start the story telling (full details of the Flannan Isles mystery can be found via the links below).
Nowadays the lighthouse like all others is automatic and other than the seasonal visits from the crofters of Bernera the islands are left in peace.
Books. DVD's and Videos
Nothing out there, to my knowledge, with any great content about the Flannan Isles. 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
Flannan Lighthouse - This page from the excellent Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) website has some technical details as well as a photos and a brief history of the Lighthouse on Eilean Mor.
Flannan Isles In Verse - Full length version of Wilfred William Gibsons Flannan Isle poem.
Sea Trek - If you fancy a trip to the Flannan's then Sea Trek are happy to oblige...weather permitting!
Electric Scotland - A superb description of the Flannan's from the Electric Scotland on-line archive.
Flannan Isles In Verse - Full length version of Wilfred William Gibsons Flannan Isle poem.
Sea Trek - If you fancy a trip to the Flannan's then Sea Trek are happy to oblige...weather permitting!
Electric Scotland - A superb description of the Flannan's from the Electric Scotland on-line archive.