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Eilean nan Ròn is an island, which lies to the north of Sutherland in Scotland. It is not technically one of the Hebrides as it is too far away from them. Perhaps unsurprisingly, since the island’s name means “island of the seals” in Scottish Gaelic, Eilean nan Ròn is popular with seals for breeding, and they come here in their hundreds each year.

Populated for many years, Eilean nan Ròn became uninhabited in 1931, around the same time as Tanera Mòr and St Kilda lost their residents. In 1881 seventy three people lived here. The ruins of the settlement can be seen in the centre of the island, just up from Mol na Coinnle (Pebble Beach of the Candles).

The island’s geology is mainly sandstone. Its highest points are Cnoc an Loisgein (76 metres/244 feet) and Cnoc na Caillich (75 metres). In the north east, there is a natural arch at Leathad Ballach.

Surrounding islets

There are several islets and islands off Eilean nan Ròn. These include Eilean Iosal (low island), which is tidal, and beyond it Meall Thailm (or "Meall Holm"). To the south west is the dully named, "An Innis", which merely means "the small island".

References

Haswell-Smith, Hamish The Scottish Islands

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