Island 446 - Eilean an Dùnain, Berneray

Eilean an Dùnain is a small, low lying, uninhabited tidal island located about 75 metres off the south coast of Berneray.  It takes its name from the barely discernible remains of a dùn or fort, which is located on the island.  The island is only about 50 metres from north to south by 30 metres from east to west and is easily accessed across a beach of silver sand at low tide.  

Lots of plants were in flower when I visited in early June 2018: bird's foot trefoil, bedstraw, silverweed, thrift, daisies, kidney vetch, buttercups.  Judging by their droppings, the local sheep sometimes graze on the island but they weren't there on the day I visited.  There was a plastic box hidden under a pile of stones in the middle of the island with a visitors' book inside, so I signed it.  Shame it wasn't a geocache!

The coast of Berneray close to the island contains the remains of a submerged prehistoric forest in the peat layer.   It is thought to date from 4 to 5,000 years ago when sea levels rose and the climate cooled and became wetter.  However this site is eroding rapidly.

Cairn on Eilean an Dùnain

Looking north east towards Berneray

Not a geocache

The south coast of Berneray from Eilean an Dùnain

Bird's foot trefoil in flower on Eilean an Dùnain

Looking south to North Uist from Eilean an Dùnain

I think the stones on the top of the bank may be part of the dùn.

Eilean an Dùnain from Berneray with North Uist in the distance