Island of Soay from Camasunary Bay

Soay lies to the west of Loch Scavaig on the south-west coast of Skye, from which it is separated by Soay Sound. Unlike its neighbours Skye and Rùm, Soay is low-lying, reaching 141 metres (463 ft) at Beinn Bhreac. The main settlement, Mol-chlach, is normally reached by boat from Elgol (Skye).

The name derives from Old Norse Sauða-ey meaning Sheep Island. Camas nan Gall (G: Bay of Foreigners) is probably named after the Norse invaders, after whom the Hebrides (Na h-Innse Gall) are also named.

Previously mainly Scottish Gaelic-speaking, most of the population was evacuated, at their request, to Mull on 20 June 1953 due to the poor ferry schedule in the winter when it was frequently cancelled due to bad weather, since when the island has been sparsely populated. In 2001 the population was 7. By 2003 this had dwindled to 2 and the usually resident population in 2011 were three people.

In the haze beyond Soay can be seen a glimpse of the island of Rum.

Taken on the Kilmarie to Camasunray track. A short linier walk of 2.5 m/8 km each way. The route rises to about 625 ft/190 mtrs before descending to sea level in Camasunray Bay.



See link below for Camasunary Bay pictures:

Camasunary Bay and Loch Scavaig ( 2 x PiPs)