Monach Isles

Visit the uninhabited outlying islands of the Monach Isles (Heisker) which is a National Nature Reserve and lies off the west coast of North Uist.

This low lying group of islands with undisturbed machair, with a rare carpet of wildflowers and a large breeding grey seal population, are linked at low tide. 

About 10,000 grey seals come ashore here each autumn to have their pups and mate, making the Monach Isles one of the largest such colonies in the world.

There are also a large number of nesting seabirds and a rich flora. Grey herons nest in some of the abandoned buildings as there are no trees on the islands.

The Monach Isles have long played an important role in Hebrides sailing tradition. In the 13th century a chapel with links to Iona was established at Cladh na Beide on Ceann Ear and the monks maintained a beacon fire on the nearby island of Shillay, one of the smaller islands in the group.

A red brick lighthouse was built in 1864 by the Stevensons and a newer light was installed in 1997. 

With their amazing isolation and exposure to the elements, it is no surprise that the Monachs take a leading role in Hebridean lore. The islands were reputedly home to an exiled Lady Grange, who had been kidnapped by her Jacobite sympathizing husband, for two years before she was taken on to Hirta (St Kilda) and finally to Skye where she died after a failed rescue attempt.

Several companies provide day trips to the Monach Isles from Uist.