Why Sula Sgeir
Sula Sgeir is a small, uninhabited Scottish islet situated in the North Atlantic. Recognized as one of the most remote locations in the British Isles, it lies roughly 18 kilometers west of Rona and about 70 kilometers north of the Isle of Lewis. The islet has a narrow, elongated shape oriented from north-northeast to south-southwest, measuring approximately 900 meters in length and typically 100 meters in width, with a central headland extending an additional 100 meters along its eastern side.
Geologically, the islet represents the exposed summit of an underwater mountain formed from hard gneiss rock. Natural erosion causes the stone to fracture into long, flat pieces, while ocean water has carved out an interconnected system of sea caves and tunnels across the southern section. Despite severe North Atlantic storms that routinely send large waves washing completely over the island, Sula Sgeir supports a varied range of plant life.
Human history on the islet includes legends of Saint Brianhuil, sister of Saint Ronan, who reportedly lived on the island as a religious recluse. Notable man-made structures on the land include Taigh Beannaichte, or Blessed House, which is a ruined stone bothy situated on the eastern headland of Sgeir an Teampaill. At the southern end on Sròn na Lice stands a small automated lighthouse, which frequently suffers damage from powerful storm surges. Historically part of the Barvas estate on Lewis, the islet was excluded during a community purchase in 2016.
Sula Sgeir is best known for its significant seabird populations, including roughly 5,000 breeding pairs of gannets, a feature reflected in its Old Norse name meaning gannet skerry. The island also provides habitat for northern fulmars, puffins, common guillemots, and black-legged kittiwakes, and it temporarily hosted a black-browed albatross between 2005 and 2007. Due to its wildlife importance, the islet is designated as an Important Bird Area, a Special Protection Area, and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The island holds a unique place in the seafaring traditions of the Ness district on Lewis, whose residents historically traveled to Sula Sgeir to harvest young gannets, known as guga, for food and feathers. Documented as early as 1549, this tradition involved seasonal expeditions where workers resided in stone bothies. In modern times, the harvest operated under special government licensing from NatureScot, though it faced criticism from animal welfare organizations and had its license application refused in August 2026 due to gannet population concerns. The island and its history have also inspired various literary works and television documentaries.
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