URPoint Details
The Monach Islands, also known as Heisker (Scottish Gaelic: Eilean Heisgeir) Heisgeir, are an island group west of North Uist in the Outer Hebrides. The islands are not to be confused with Hyskeir in the Inner Hebrides, or Haskeir which is also off North Uist and visible from the group.
Shillay (Siolaigh) is the location of Monach Lighthouse, built by David and Thomas Stevenson in 1864. The lighthouse was closed in 1942, but following the sinking of the Braer oil tanker in 1993, a new much smaller lighthouse was built in 1997. This had a range of 10 miles; when a range of 18 miles was deemed necessary, the new lighthouse was shut down in 2008 and the old lighthouse recommissioned with a new optic. Like all British lighthouses it is now unmanned and fully automated.
- Type:
- Landmark