Kyleakin and Eilean Ban

This photograph, taken from the deck of a yacht, looks north-west through Kyleakin, or Haco's Strait, past the lighthouse on Eilean Ban to the hills of Skye. The lighthouse, with its 70ft tower, was built in 1857 from brick and rubble. The two keepers and their families were housed in the two cottages on the island, the children being ferried to school at Kyleakin, just visible on the left of the photograph. The lighthouse became automatic in 1960.<br /> <br /> The island and cottages were bought in 1963 by Gavin Maxwell, author and naturalist, with plans to turn it into a wild-life park, but his early death a few years later prevented these from reaching fruition. The island now acts as a support for the Skye Bridge, but is owned by a Trust, including the Born Free Foundation, which seeks to conserve the island's environment <br /> <br /> <br /> This image can be purchased.<br /> For further information about purchasing and prices please email<br /> <a href= "mailto: skyeandlochalsh.archives@highlifehighland.com" >Skye and Lochalsh Archives</a>