The Rev. Hugh Mackay Mackenzie, Minister
I - Topography and natural History
Topographical Appearances continued:
The coast is in general high and rocky, and round the promontory of the Whiten-head exceedingly bold and picturesque. The rocks are frequently intersected by creeks, and formed into caves and arches. The caves of Freasgail, which are described in the former Account of this parish, have been noticed in the Account of the parish of Durness, in consequence of the modern ideas regarding the boundaries of the two parishes. The islands are Eilean na Naoimh, (saint's island) - Eilean na roan, (seal island,) and the rabbit islands. Eilean na naoimh, situated close by the eastern coast of the parish, "had formerly a chapel and burial-place on it, the traces of which are still to be seen. On the south side of the island, the sea, after passing for several yards through a narrow channel, spouts up into the air, sometimes to the height of thirty feet, through a hole in the rock, which, in shape and size, is like the moon at full, and a few seconds afterwards, there is a discharge of water from the east side of the island, with a noise resembling the explosion .of cannon." Eilean na roan is of considerable size, and has the appearance of two islands, particularly at high water. Part of it is scooped out into the form of a basin, in which the soil is very fertile, and cultivated by a few small tenants. Its rocks are high and precipitous, and to the north side abound with deep narrow fissures, through which the wind rushes with great violence. As this wind, besides being sharp and piercing, is impregnated with saline matter, from its blowing across the ocean, or perhaps from carrying along with it the spray which dashes from of the rocks beneath, the natives take advantage thereof for economical purposes. In these fissures, they season their fish without using salt. On this north side also there is a spacious and elegant-looking arch, about 150 feet span, and 70 feet broad. About the middle of the island, there is a large circular hole, which has fallen in many years ago, and is supposed to communicate with the sea by a subterranean cavern. *
The Rabbit Islands, three in number, are farther within the mouth the Bay than the former, and so in some measure removed from the raging of the ocean. The rocks are not very high. The soil is sandy, though covered with verdure. The present name of these islands sufficiently indicates who are their principal inhabitants. The ancient name was Eilean na Gaeil, the island of strangers, from the Danes having been said to have landed upon it. The principal bays are those of Torrisdale and Tongue the former is open and tempestuous, affording little or no shelter for vessels; the latter is the Kyle, or arm of the sea, already noticed. Its length is about ten miles, the average breadth about a-mile and a-half; its depth is nowhere great, and, from the shifting nature of its sand banks, navigation is difficult and often perilous. There is, however, good anchorage for ships of any burden at the Rabbit Islands, where they may ride with safety in storms from most directions. A fine roadstead is also to be found in its neighbourhood at Talmine, a pretty bay that branches off the west side of the Kyle. It has a smooth beach, and a fine bottom, is much sheltered from the most tempestuous winds, - and commands a ready exit to the ocean. At present, it is one of the principal fishing stations on the coast. By the erection of quays, and by connecting the mainland with a small island lying close by on the north side, it might be made one of the most commodious harbours in the north. Almost opposite to Talmine, on the east side of the Kyle, there is the creek of Sculomy, which at present shelters a few fishing-boats, but which an inconsiderable expense might render a safe station for many more.
* This island is well worth of being visited by travelers who are desirous to see the natural curiosities of the country.
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