Eilean Dearg

This little island lies close to the eastern shore of Loch Riddon, or Loch Ruel as it is sometimes called. The "Burnt Islands" lie further out , in the Kyles of Bute itself. This island was the site of a castle (though it doesn't look large enough) which was destroyed during Argyll's rising of 1685 (what is known in England as Monmouth's rebellion) . There is a record for the island in the RCAHMS Canmore database , following on a dig in the 1960s.

The picture was taken from the viewpoint on the Tighnabruaich road and I am a bit surprised I have never blipped from there before. The views towards the Ayrshire coast are spectacular, as are those across the loch to my house and the hills beyond. More will follow at some stage, I am sure !