One of our most favourite stopovers, the Shiant Islands, are a small group of islands in the Outer Hebrides, 4 miles or so off the coast of Lewis and 12 miles from the northern tip of Skye, which lies almost due south of them. They are a specially protected area and without doubt, one of the marvels of the Hebrides. Find out availability on our Skye, Small Isles and Shiants Cruise> The Shiants are also a popular destination for our Private Charters.
The Shiant Islands are one of the great bird places of the world, with so many birds that counting them is nearly impossible. According to the best estimates of modern ornithologists, there are between 15,000 and 18,000 guillemots, 8,000 to 11,000 razorbills, between 4,000 and 6,000 fulmars, 2,000 kittiwakes, roughly 1'500 shags, a few hundred gulls of various kinds (whose numbers are rising), 26 great skuas, also on the increase, and 240,000 puffins, about 1 in 8 of the British total and 2 per cent of all the puffins in the world. In July 2009 Europe’s oldest puffin, aged 34, was discovered on the Shiant Islands, beating the previous record holder, an Icelandic bird, by 1 year. An ancient 32-year-old puffin was also found which had, unbelievably, originally been ringed on the same island in 1977.On our cruises we have also seen white-tailed eagles here.
We anchor overnight in the ‘Horse Shoe harbour’ which provides excellent shelter. Watching the birds flying in on late summer evenings is an unforgettable sight. We cruise around the sea cliffs, to view the birdlife and to soak in a great sense of wilderness.
The main islands are Garbh Eilean (rough island) and Eilean an Taighe (house island), which are joined by a narrow isthmus, and Eilean Mhuire (island of the Virgin Mary) to the east. Eilean an Taighe was called Eilean na Cille (island of the church) prior to the 19th century. The seacliffs on the North side of Garbh Eilean are similar to St.Kilda and the Islands are often described as a “mini St.Kilda”.
The Shiant Isles are now uninhabited but an ongoing archaeological research project has uncovered ceramic remains dating from the late bronze age through to the mid 20th century, including Pictish and Viking artefacts. The Islands were given to Adam Nicolson on his 21st birthday and his book “Sea Room” tells the story of these islands and his emotional attachment to them which is well worth reading.
It was always expected to be a good holiday as we knew the Hebridean coastline was stunning; we had visited before. We knew we were going to be well looked after on a Hebrides Cruise, be on a beautiful vessel, be very well fed, and spend time wonderfully learning more about the amazing wildlife, history and ecology of the area; we had read the reviews before and since booking 18 months ago, and Emma had covered everything expertly to prepare us for the trip. We also knew we were going to like our cabin mates; as a private charter we were travelling with friends. But our trip was so much more than the sum of those things thanks to the team with us and their obvious love of working together and doing what they do. From the moment we stepped on board and our relaxed welcome briefing by our captain James, the entire team of James, Jake, Will, Charlie and Jas were just that - with us - joining in and being completely at ease with everyone, whilst subtly making sure the trip ran like clockwork, taking hospitality to a level which is seldom experienced and does not happen by accident! It was sunny, and so was the disposition of Charlie our extremely talented and creative chef, as we woke to her chuckling with Jas while preparing amazing breakfasts. This continued right through to the most gorgeous dinners and the briefing at the end of the day by James, Jake and Will when on occasion the raucous enjoyment was only matched by the jaw dropping cacophony of the guillemots and razor bills at Harp Rock. The only thing that was dark and stormy was the cocktail thanks to the multi talented Jas, always attentive to everyone’s individual preferences in between offering up new origami napkin styles and creative table decorations. And there was next to no wind, but we were blown away by Will’s wildlife photography and knowledge of both wildlife and history of the area.
Lesley Goodfellow: 5 May 2025Private Charter 6 Nights