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.
We were so pleased with the charter booking from the initial emails inquiring about dates available to the last minute questions and timely responses as we prepared to head to Scotland. Emma is professional, kind, and prompt in responding by email. We appreciate good customer service and yours is excellent. Since this was our second cruise with Skipper James and the Emma Jane, we knew what to expect about anchorages and visiting the islands. However, this cruise exceeded any expectations we had. We enjoyed returning to some islands we had previously visited and seeing new places. We continue to be overwhelmed by our visit to St. Kilda (thank you, Skipper James!) and seeing the many, many species and numbers of birds throughout the cruise that were not around in these numbers in September 2017. James knows much about all aspects of the Hebrides; if he doesn’t know an answer, he says that he doesn’t know. I like that. Will was knowledgeable about cetaceans, birds, plants, and extremely helpful to those of us who decided to take some of the walks that included narrow and muddy trails with steep inclines. He was available to offer a hand or arm to steady us as we hiked up and down the hills. Anchoring in protected areas overnight is an extraordinary experience—the quiet, the skies, the gentle rocking of the vessel. All ten of us on this charter live on bodies of water—bays, lakes, ocean. Anchoring in coves next to small villages or near an unpopulated island is special. The cruise was extra special. We were made to feel welcomed back and our friends from New Hampshire were thrilled with their experiences seeing the Hebrides and the wildlife, scenery, remoteness, and the comfort of the Emma Jane.
Angela & David Hiley: 8 June 2019Private Charter 10 Nights