Shieldaig village and island

The village of Shieldaig (Norse for ‘Herring Bay’) was established in 1800 with the aim of attracting families to take up fishing for a living and in the process, to build up a stock of trained seamen who could be called upon by the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic wars.

An 1865 article from the Glasgow Herald, however, recounts a different origin for the village - ‘The island in Shieldaig Bay is said to have once furnished a retreat to a famous English pirate and part of his crew. They had been discomfited at Rea Head (Rudha Reidh) by a cutter and fled thither for safety. Having abandoned their piratical habits, they betook themselves to fishing and are said to have been the founders of the village.’

A telescope on the village front looks out to Shieldaig Island. Shieldaig island is around thirteen hectares and 134 feet high and was taken into the care of the National Trust for Scotland in 1970. The island is covered in Caledonian Pine trees and is home to sea eagles who can often be seen soaring above or perching quietly. Prior to the reintroduction of the sea eagles, the island was home to many herons who now seem to have moved and settled further round the coastline.

More information on visiting the area can be found here.