Island 150 - Eilean Ban, Inner Hebrides

Eilean Ban is located in the middle of Kyle Akin between the village of Kyleakin on Skye and the town of Kyle of Lochalsh on the mainland.   Construction of the Skye Bridge began in 1992 and was completed in 1995.  One end of the bridge is built on Eilean Ban.

Skye Bridge and Eilean Ban

Gavin Maxwell Museum Sign

 

The naturalist and author of Ring of Bright Water Gavin Maxwell bought the cottages on Eilean Ban in 1963.  He didn't move there until 1968 when his cottage at Sandaig burnt down and he lived on Eilean Ban until he died in 1969.   The island is apparently a good place to see otters but I have heard that said about many places and I have yet to see one!

The Brightwater Visitor Centre is located at Kyleakin and it is possible to get a boat trip out to the island from there.  There was no boat trip on the day I was there. However the Skye Bridge has one of its feet on Eilean Ban, so I parked in a layby on the mainland and walked back to it.  You cannot explore the island, as there is a big stone wall in the way but you can stand on the island and look over the wall.  Next time I am on Skye I hope to go on an official trip and explore the island properly.

The Keeper's Cottages are available to rent on a self-catering basis 

Skye Bridge

 

The lighthouse on Eilean Ban was designed by David and Thomas Stevenson and built in 1857.  At first it was powered by sperm whale oil but was converted to paraffin in 1898 and gas in 1960.  It was decommissioned in 1993 but is still designated as a daymark and so has to be kept in good condition.  In January 2011 ownership of the island was transferred to the Eilean Ban Trust.