The Wildlife Map of the Hebrides

42. Sandray, Mingulay, Pabbay and Berneray

These Southern most islands of the Hebridean chain have sheer cliffs of gneiss rock, with spectacular sea stacks off Mingulay, which also has long tunnels and arches. The meeting of two sea currents at Barra head, at the South end of Berneray, gives a rich food supply for fish, which are preyed on by the breeding fulmars, puffins, kittiwakes, razorbills and guillemots. Mingulay, which also has impressive seabird colonies, was settled early and was inhabited until 1908, when most of its residents went to Vatersay: the ruins of the village and school can still be seen at the head of the bay. Mingulay and Berneray have their own sub species of field mouse. Gray and common seal are often seen hauled out on the islands in the North. Boat trips are available from Castlebay in the summer.