Oigh-sgeir

We enjoyed a good tailwind for our trip back across the Minch and the company of some friendly dolphins. We took the opportunity to stop off at Hyskeir (Oigh Sgier) Lighthouse, established in 1904, which is situated on rocks approximately 5 miles south west of Canna and 8 miles west of the island of Rhum.

The families of the Hyskeir Lightkeepers lived in Oban and the keepers were taken out from there by helicopter for their month of duty.

Although the keepers were taken to and from the rock by helicopter, heavy items such as oil and equipment have to be landed by the lighthouse vessel PHAROS. During the winter of 1980, bad weather had prevented the lighthouse vessel FINGAL from delivering ten barrels of oil on a number of occasions between September and January. When the supplies were finally landed, only 2 days' supply of oil had been left at the station.

The light was one of the last to become automated in March 1997.