Handa Island is a bird sanctuary owned by Dr. Jean Balfour and managed for its wildlife by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. It is situated a mile or two from the mainland opposite Scourie Bay, about an hour and a half's drive from Taigh a' Bhraoin.  This tiny island was once inhabited by twelve families who appointed their own parliament and queen - the oldest widow in the community.  The islanders lived on potatoes, fish & seabirds. It was also an important burial ground where the bones of dead mainlanders could be laid to rest safe from the wolves that marauded Scotland in those days. In 1846 the tradition died when the potato famine forced the islanders to leave for the mainland.

  Razorbills and Puffins make the cliffs on Handa noisy

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The Island is now a seabird sanctuary with vast populations of Puffins, Fulmars, Shags, Terns, Gulls, Kittiwakes, Auks and the rare Great and Arctic Skuas.  Most of the sea birds nest on the 150 metre high cliffs which rise vertically out of the sea and the visitor will be able to see a wide variety of species. However, the island is best visited in early July before some of the rarer birds make their annual migration.

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Access to Handa is via small boat from Tarbet and any potential visitors should check the availability of transport before departing from Ullapool.  It is a trip not to be missed and all visitors should be prepared for a 6-hour walk around the island, various weather conditions and often muddy/wet ground conditions.  Good boots and waterproof clothing are advised together with binoculars and camera.  On a good day, the trip around Handa Island must rate as one of the most impressive trips in the Highlands and will appeal to both active and non-active birdwatchers alike. Just don't get too close to the Great Skuas. How will you know if you're too close? They'll dive bomb you and drop stones on you. 

The trip to the island takes about 20 minutes and all visitors are given about 6 hours to walk around the island before the boat returns to pick them up.  This provides ample time to enjoy the stark scenery and see how many of the different birds on the island one can spot.  A picnic is advised as the walk and sea air tend to build up a healthy appetite.

This web site was developed by  A & M McKenzie (taighabhraoin@btopenworld.com)

This page was last updated on 28 August 2002