North Rona & Sula Sgeir: Flannan Isles and Northern Lighthouses
Expedition departure point for this regular cruise for this year will be Ullapool. Crossing the Minch to Stornoway, this is a great time of year to encounter some of the larger whales such as Fin and Sei along with commoner species. Heading north we make for North Rona, then west to Sula Sgeir before turning South towards the Flannans.
There’s plenty to see in the way of stunning scenery and wildlife. Whales, Dolphins and Seabirds at this time of year fill the Minch waters with vibrant life. Seabirds bustle back and forth on food runs for their young; the warmer waters increasing the plankton and with it come fish and where the fish go the Cetaceans follow. Wildlife lovers are provided ample opportunity to witness incredible species.
There is plenty to see on route, in the way of stunning scenery and wildlife. At this time of year the Minch’s waters are filled with vibrancy of life. Seabirds bustle back and forth on food runs for their young. Meanwhile the warmer waters increase the Plankton, with the Plankton come fish and where the fish go the Cetaceans follow. Wildlife lovers are provided ample opportunity to witness a plethora of amazing species.
Our focus will be North Rona, Sula Sgeir and the Flannan islands. These locations are incredibly remote, as well as being wildlife havens of nesting Gannets, Puffins, Fulmars, Kittiwakes, Razorbills and Storm Petrels to name a few.
North Rona Lighthouse
Located on the small and remote island of North Rona, 44 miles north of the Isle of Lewis in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. It marks one of the most isolated points of the British Isles.
Constructed in 1857 by the renowned David and Thomas Stevenson.
Structure: The lighthouse itself is a stone tower, standing at approximately 19 meters (62 feet) tall, with a white exterior. Its light is a critical guide for mariners navigating these challenging waters.
Light: Originally operated with oil lamps, the lighthouse is now automated and now runs on modern lighting technology. On the Charts you will find its light flashes white every 10 seconds, and is visible up to 18 nautical miles away.
Eilean Mòr Lighthouse
Also known as the ‘Flannan Isles Lighthouse,’ located on the largest of the Flannan Isles just 17 Nautical miles west of the Isle of Lewis. Famous not only for its vital role in maritime navigation, but also infamous for the mysterious disappearance of its keepers in 1900.
Built: Constructed between 1895 and 1899, designed by David Alan Stevenson, another of the famous Stevenson family lighthouse engineers.
Structure: Standing 23 meters (75 feet) and is made of brick. Its white light flashes with a period of 30 seconds, can be seen from 20 nautical miles away. Its light was initially powered by oil lamps before being converted to electricity, eventually becoming automated in 1971.
Mystery of the Lighthouse Keepers (1900):
The infamous incident involving the mysterious disappearance of its three lighthouse keepers—Thomas Marshall, James Ducat and Donald McArthur occurred in December 1900. On 26 December 1900, a relief ship found the island eerily deserted. Although the lighthouse was in order, the three keepers had vanished, leaving no clues to what happened to them. Theories include… A large wave or freak accident swept all three men into the sea or a possible accident while securing equipment during a storm.
