Sula Sgeir
Island Remote North Atlantic skerry with large seabird colonies
Sula Sgeir is a remote North Atlantic skerry with dense seabird colonies; naturalists note large gannet and puffin populations and the traditional seasonal guga (gannet‑chick) harvest by men from Ness, which requires permission to observe.
Sula Sgeir is a remote, uninhabited rocky island in the North Atlantic belonging to Scotland. It is notable for its dense seabird colonies, particularly large numbers of northern gannets, and for extreme, exposed coastal terrain.
The island has been used seasonally for centuries for traditional activities and is designated for conservation as a protected seabird habitat. Access is weather dependent and largely restricted to scientific visits or licensed traditional parties.
Sula Sgeir lies well offshore from the Outer Hebrides, roughly 60-70 km north-northwest of the Isle of Lewis. Its location is remote and exposed to North Atlantic conditions.
- Seabird colonies: Home to large breeding seabird colonies, especially northern gannets, and protected as a wildlife site under UK conservation designations.
- Traditional guga hunt: Subject to a licensed traditional guga hunt carried out by men from Ness on Lewis each year under strict regulation.
How to Get to Sula Sgeir #
Sula Sgeir is extremely remote; access is usually by sea from the Isle of Lewis or Harris, arranged through licensed local boat operators. Landings are subject to weather and wildlife protection rules; visitors should book well in advance and expect cancellations.
Tips for Visiting Sula Sgeir #
- Sula Sgeir is remote and access is tightly controlled due to wildlife protections-arrange any visit through licensed operators familiar with local conservation rules.
- Bring binoculars and a long lens-the island's gannets and seabird colonies are the real spectacle and landings are often minutes-long from the boat.
- Prepare for rough seas and limited shelter; trips are weather dependent and can be cancelled even at short notice.
Best Time to Visit Sula Sgeir #
Visits are seasonal and heavily weather-dependent; summer is the usual window but landing permits are restricted to protect wildlife.
Weather & Climate near Sula Sgeir #
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 4°C to 14°C. Abundant rainfall (1404 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (146 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 12°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (161 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (166 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
.JPG?width=600)
