The Island of Lismore

One of my favourite destinations is this low-lying island which lies at the entrance to Loch Linnhe. Its name comes from the Gaelic "Lios-Mór" meaning "Great Garden" and, blessed with fertile soil, it has an abundance of wild flowers and bird life.

Just 12 miles long and 1½ miles at its widest point, Lismore offers many interesting walks or cycle rides with spectacular views of sea and mountain — a veritable photographer's delight.

Numerous ancient historical remnants are visible on the island including Bronze Age cairns and Iron Age duns. Tirfuir Broch is one of the best preserved galleried Pictish brochs in the country.

Castle Coeffin is a ruined 13th century hall-house and courtyard and I have been told that it was initially built by the MacDougalls of Lorn, but later passed to the Campbells. Legend has it that the name came from Caifen, a Viking prince whose sister was said to haunt the castle until her remains were returned to Norway to be buried by her lover's side. Also in ruins is Achadun Castle which dates back to the 13th century and held by the Bishops of Argyll until the 16th century.

I do hope you enjoy the photographs.




Old Austin car near Port Ramsay



Loch Baile Ghobhainn



Looking towards he ruins of Tirfuir — a Pictish Broch



Closer view of the broch



Looking north over the island to Beinn a Bheithir



Looking east to Ben Cruachan from Dun Chruban



Looking north to the Morvern Mountains



Looking north-east towards Port Ramsay and beyond



Pasture land south of Port Ramsay



The island's rugged west coast



Looking over Loch Linnhe to the Island of Mull



Rainbow near Bachuil Farm



Cliffs on the west coast



Looking east towards Glen Creran on the mainland



The remains of Achinduin Castle



Sheep at Achinduin farm



Sheep on the path to Achinduin Castle



Achuran Farm, Beinn a Bheithir in the distance



Beach at Port Ramsay



Grazing near Castle Coeffin



Rubha Fiart — the south end of the island



The Lismore Lighthouse on Eilean Musdile



Looking south to the islands of Seil, Luing and Scarba


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