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Lismore - The Fertile IslandLismore Map
Lismore is located north of Oban at the cross section of the Firth of Lorn to the south, the Sound of Mull to the west and stretching for several miles north into Loch Linnhe, exactly on the Great Glen Fault that is diving Scotland in two parts. East of Lismore is the Lynn of Lorn. The island is around 10 miles long and one mile wide. The main settlements are Kilcheran and Baligrundle in the south, Achancroish in the middle and Clachan and Port Ramsay in the north.
The highest hill on Lismore is Barr Mor with 127 metres offering stunning views to the Ben Nevis in the north east, Port Appin and Loch Etive to the east, Oban, Kerrera and the Firth of Lorn to the south, Duart Castle and Mull to the south-west and the mountains of Morvern to the west. The name Lismore comes from the Gaelic lios-mor which means great garden, and refers to the fertile island with it's abundant wild flowers, shrubs and trees although there is only little natural woodland. The island has been inhabited since early times given the number of duns, forts and cairns. In 1974 a polished stone axe-head was found and was dated by the Edinburgh Museum to 3500 BC, it's presently on exhibition at the Lismore Historical Society Heritage Centre. The remains of a small monastery, founded by Saint Moulag and dating back to 13th-14th Centuries, have been partly incorporated into the current parish church.
Walking, and cycling, on this delighful island offers good opportunities to spot wildlife. Although Red Deer are not present on the island otters can be seen quite frequent in the coastal areas, same as common and grey seals. The island has an impressive list of birds, around 130 species, and include birds of prey such as owls, hen- and marsh harriers and buzzards. The impressive and long coastline are good habitats for gulls, shags, guillemots, terns and other sea birds and waders. There are several bed and breakfasts and self catering accommodations on the island for tourists, mainly in the centre and northern part of the island.
The island is served by two ferries, one vehicle ferry from Oban, operated by Caledonian MacBrayne, and a passenger only ferry operated by the Argyll and Bute council from Port Appin to Port Ramsay, a ten minute crossing. The Calmac vehicle ferry docks at Achnacrosh which is the centre of the east coast, where there is a general store.
Images of Lismore Copyright: Cottages port ramsay Tom Richardson, Lismore Lighthouse Rob Farrow, Lismore landscape Eileen Henderson and the aerial image steven branley and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence
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The almost 150 people on Lismore live on one of the most fertile islands of Scotland, considering the presence of Dalradian Limestone almost all over the island, and most of this fertile land is owned by the Duke of Argyll who has his residence in Inveraray Castle. Probably due to it's fertility the island once supported a much larger population. In 1798 the island was inhabited by 900 people, half a century later around 1400 and then population numbers gradually declined to its current level.
Lismore Community & Local Websites. Tourist Information:
