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Rhuvaal Lighthouse (Islay) [Overview]

Rubha a' Mhail, Islay, Argyllshire.

Although its exact extents are not clearly defined, the name Rubha a' Mhail applies to the whole headland (possibly covering a triangle of land NE of a line between Bunnahabhain and Mala Bholsa). There are a number of small caves and natural arches amongst the rocky outcrops along the shore between the jetty to the east of the Rhuvaal Lighthouse and next major gully to the northwest. However, applying a more restricted approach, the caves in the immediate vicinity of the Rhuvaal Lighthouse can be limited to around 15 caves along the northeast facing shore between the lighthouse landing stage and Uamh nan Iasgairean. It is relatively easy to reach most parts of this shore although some scrambling and climbing over and up and down jagged rocks may be required.

The name 'Rhuvaal' seems to have been settled on as the modern spelling but there are several other variations including Ruvaal, Rubh' a' Mhail, Rudh' a' Mhail and Rubha a' Mhail.

The shore and raised beach cliff are formed from ridges of Jura Quartzite sitting at an acute angle (about 20 degrees off vertical leaning futher as you progress westward) with narrow gullies eroded perpendicular to the shore. Immediately north of the lighthouse, the foreshore is cut by a volcanic dyke, parts of which have eroded and parts which stand above a sward of grass forming a natural wall. Almost all the small caves are south of this dyke but almost in line with the lighthouse a quartzite stack remains to the north and Rhuvaal Lighthouse Cave (1) is in a NW-SSE notch cut through it. On the tidal foreshore another more eroded dyke cuts through 5the quartzite.

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A very rough path or access track (a rutted quad bike trail) runs from Bunnahabhain to the Rhuvaal Lighthouse or small boats could possibly land at the jetty on the shore (permission from owner required). There is a short stretch of roadway (roughly metalled access track) from the lighthouse to the jetty.

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The need for a lighthouse was first identified by Robert Stevenson in 1835. The 36 m (100 ft) high lighthouse was designed by his sons, David and Thomas Stevenson, and built 1857-1859. It covers the south end of Oronsay (south of Colonsay) and the northeast entrance to the Sound of Islay. The high tower was also required to allow the light to be seen from beyond the navigation hazard of the Neva Rocks. The light first operated on 1st January 1859. It was converted to full automation in 1983. The keepers' cottages are now privately owned.

Alternative Names: Rubha a' Mhaill

Notes: The coordinates given are for Rhuvaal Lighthouse. There is no cave in this exact location.

As yet unable to locate the Neva Rocks (information required from sailors please). Possibly relates somehow to Balach Rocks NNE of Nave Island (or Eilean Nèimh).

Hydrographic Feeds: None

Hydrographic Resurgences: None