Garvellachs

The Garvellachs

Location of the Garvellachs

The Garvellachs or Isles of the Sea form a small archipelago in the Inner Hebrides, belonging to Argyllshire. They lie west of Lunga and north-west of Scarba and have been uninhabited since World War II. The name "Garvellach" is from the Gaelic Garbh Eileaich.

The islands include Garbh Eileach, Dùn Channuill and Eileach an Naoimh.

Overview

The waters surrounding the islands are extensively used for leisure sailing. A good knowledge of the area is required, with weather conditions likely to change very quickly. Due to the array of separate tidal races produced by the underwater topography there are some treacherous stretches of water. These include the Grey Dogs between Scarba and Lunga and the Gulf of Corryvreckan, between Scarba and Jura in which is located the infamous Corryvreckan whirlpool, which is the third largest whirlpool in the world.

The area is part of the Scarba, Lunga and Garvellachs National Scenic Area, one of 40 in Scotland.

Notes

("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Garvellachs)

• Location map: 56°13’60"N, 5°46’60"W

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