Priest Island
Island Uninhabited Scottish island notable for seabird colonies
Part of Scotland’s Summer Isles, Priest Island is uninhabited and known for rugged shoreline and seabird colonies. Boat trips bring birdwatchers and experienced walkers; there are basic bothies rather than visitor facilities.
Priest Island is a small island in the Summer Isles group off the northwest coast of Scotland, within the Highland council area. The island is largely uninhabited and is noted for seabird colonies and coastal scenery.
Visitors who land by boat find a landscape of low rocky shores, coastal grassland and ruined stone structures from past habitation. The island supports a variety of seabirds and marine life typical of the Inner Hebrides and adjacent sea areas.
Historically the island has seen intermittent human use, reflected in small archaeological remains and ruined buildings; there is no permanent settlement today. Ownership and conservation arrangements vary with local authorities and conservation bodies that monitor breeding seabirds.
Priest Island lies off the northwest Scottish mainland among the Summer Isles and is reached by boat from mainland piers; access depends on local weather and sea conditions.
- Access note: The island is uninhabited and accessed only by private boat; landings are often weather-dependent and can be rough on exposed coasts.
How to Get to Priest Island #
Reached by private boat from the Scottish mainland or nearby islands. Sea conditions and tidal streams determine landing feasibility; local skippers are the safest option for planning a visit.
Tips for Visiting Priest Island #
- Arrive by sea with an experienced skipper - currents and submerged hazards are the main navigational concerns.
- Observe wildlife from a respectful distance; the island is important for seabird colonies and local marine life.
- Bring appropriate wet-weather gear; conditions around the Outer Hebrides and summer fog can change quickly.
Best Time to Visit Priest Island #
Summer months provide the most reliable conditions for landing and wildlife observation.
Weather & Climate near Priest Island #
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 5°C to 16°C. Abundant rainfall (1660 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (183 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 9°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (165 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (190 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (203 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (188 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
