South Rona - Geography and Geology

Geography and Geology

Rona is an extension northward of the ridge of Raasay. Its geology is Lewisian gneiss and the glaciated landscape is underlain by some of the oldest rocks in western Europe.

Writing in the early 18th century Martin Martin recorded that "this little isle is the most unequal rocky piece of ground to be seen anywhere: there is but very few acres fit for digging, the whole is covered with long heath, erica-baccifera, mertillus, and some mixture of grass; it is reckoned very fruitful in pasturage: most of the rocks consist of the hectic stone, and a considerable part of them is of a red colour."

On the west side of the island is a secure and picturesque natural anchorage, Acairsaid Mhór, protected by Eilean Garbh. The writer Malcolm Slesser described it as "a delightful little fjord, and superb harbour for small boats. Pink felspar cliffs drop steeply into the water, and small lush woodland lends a touch of luxury."

Other islets surrounding Rona include Cow Rock, Eilean Seamraig, Garbh Eilean, Sgeirean Buidhe Borlum, and Sgeir Shuas. Eilean Tigh lies about 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) away across the straits of Caol Rona at the centre of which is tiny Eilean an Fhraoich. The east coast is largely unindented and in addition to Acairseid Mhór the main bays are An Dubh Chamas (black bay), Acairseid Thioram (dry harbour) and Loch a' Bhràige on the west coast. There are several smaller bays in the north west including Port an Fhearainn, (port of the men), Òb nam Feusgan (bay of the mussel), Port na Bà Brice (port of the speckled cow) and Òb an Deallaire (bay of the loiterer). The highest point on the island is Meall Acairseid, which reaches 125 metres (410 ft). Sgàth a' Bhannaich and Beinn na h-Iolaire (hill of the eagle) are further north and are over 100 metres (330 ft) high.