Insh Island
Insh Island, known in Gaelic as An Innis, is a small, uninhabited island off Seil in the Firth of Lorn, Scotland. It’s part of the Slate Islands, about 1.5 km (1 mile) northeast of Ellenabeich, and is separated from Seil by the Sound of Insh. The island covers around 33 hectares (82 acres) and rises to 69 metres (226 ft).
The island has had different names over time. It was once called Sheep Island, and on some 19th‑century maps it appeared as Eilean nan Caorach, which was later thought to be an error. The correct name is Inis-Capul, and today it is known as Insh Island. The Gaelic name An Innis simply means “The Island,” so “Insh Island” effectively means “The Island Island.”
A notable event happened nearby when the wooden ship Norval, about 49.3 metres (162 ft) long, ran aground near the southern tip in fog on 20 September 1870; its wreckage could still be seen in 1995. The waters around Insh Island are home to wildlife such as the Northern sea fan (Swiftia pallida).
In 2004 it was reported that the island was owned by a Londoner who occasionally stayed in a cave at the northwest overlooking Seil. The owner at the time was David Brearley, who died in 2016 and left the island to the National Trust for Scotland. In 2020 the Trust sold Insh Island for £353,000 to West Coast Heritage Limited, drawing criticism from some politicians who felt the island should stay untouched. The new owners said their plans were to harvest seaweed and make the island more accessible with rough paths and a safe boat dock, but those plans have not been pursued. They also noted that landing on the island is very difficult and they do not encourage members of the public to attempt it.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 16:00 (CET).