Built in 1833 by Robert Stevenson and automated in 1965

Lismore is a long, narrow island lying in Loch Linnhe at the western end of the Great Glen. It is one of Scotland’s more accessible islands, being just a 7 mile car ferry journey from Oban or a 5- minute passenger ferry hop from Port Appin. From Lismore, visitors enjoy 360 degree panoramic views of the hills of Morvern, Glen Coe, Ben Cruachan, Ben Nevis and Mull. The island itself is fairly low-lying, fertile plains – in fact the name itself is thought to mean ‘the great garden’ or ‘the great enclosure’.

Lismore has a small but thriving and welcoming population of around 180 people, with two concentrations at Achnacroish and Port Ramsay., with the rest of the population scattered across the island. There is a store and a post office, but other than that, the island is more suited to those who enjoy the peace and quiet of nature and spectacular scenery over a shopping trip.

Lismore’s low population allows wildlife to thrive, and the island is known for its peregrine falcons, seals, otters and seabirds including razorbills. The island’s three lochs, as well as its islets and skerries, are designated as a Special Areas of Conservation.

The island has a rich history and was at one point a major centre of Celtic Christianity, home to a monastery founded by Saint Moulag, a rival of St Columba. The two were said to have staged a race to Lismore to lay claim to it, which St Moulag won by cutting off his finger and throwing it ashore on Lismore. His legacy remains today in the still-standing St Moulag’s Cathedral (which, despite its name, is not technically a cathedral), a simple yet attractive whitewashed church. Before Christianity, the island was a sacred centre for the Picts.

Further glimpses into the ancient inhabitants of Lismore can be seen in an iron age broch named Tirefour Castle; Coeffin Castle, named after a Danish prince; evidence of Norse settlements and more. The Lismore Gaelic Heritage Centre, including a reconstructed croft house, was built to capture and share the rich heritage that characterises this island.

There are several low-level walks on the island, many taking in archaeological sites and all with spectacular panoramic views and the surrounding islands and coastline.

The surrounding seas are popular with divers, coming for scallop diving, big wall diving and exploring several wrecks that lie on the seabed.

Lismore is a place of peace and tranquillity, rich cultural heritage and abundant wildlife. Here you can to ‘get away from it all’ with just a short hop on the ferry, and enjoy unforgettable scenery and a peaceful way of life.