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Uamh Ghamhainn [placename]

Kirtomy, Bettyhill, Sutherland.

Cave(s)? Uamh Ghamhain marked on OS map, west of Pollsain (abandoned farm), east of Eilean Pollsain - about 1 km west of Geodh' Ghamhainn.

A large cave at the end of a deep rocky geo near Pollsain. [OS Namebook]

Uamh Ghamhainn is a prominent coastal feature located in Sutherland, Scotland. [description dubious] It is a headland that juts out into the North Atlantic Ocean, forming a distinctive point along the rugged coastline. Uamh Ghamhainn is known for its dramatic cliffs, which rise steeply from the sea, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The headland is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain, with jagged cliffs that tower above the crashing waves below. These cliffs are composed of various types of rock, including sandstone and limestone, which have been shaped and eroded over millions of years by the relentless force of the ocean. Uamh Ghamhainn is a haven for wildlife, providing a habitat for a variety of seabirds and marine life. The cliffs serve as nesting grounds for species such as puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, which can be observed soaring overhead or perched on the rocky ledges. Seals and dolphins are also frequently spotted in the waters surrounding the headland. Visitors to Uamh Ghamhainn can explore the area by following a network of walking trails that wind along the cliff tops, offering stunning panoramic views of the coastline and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. The headland provides an excellent vantage point for observing the ever-changing moods of the sea, as well as the chance to witness spectacular sunsets in the evening.

[UK Place Database]

Aerial photographs suggest there is a major fissure through the promontory west of Uamh Ghamhainn. [Google Earth]

Alternative Names: Uaimh Ghamhna, Stirks Cave

Notes: Uamh is the Gaelic word for cave, but in some instances it has been used to describe inlets. The OS 25k map shows this name in blue lettering, suggesting that it may simply be an inlet/geo. [iain Greig]

Historical descriptions seem to suggest there is a cave here but not as prominent as UK Place Database might imply. [John Crae]

Cave of the Stirks suggests cattle. Stirk is a noun that means a young bull or cow, especially one in its second year. Unlikely when dealing with an active sea cave, but might be used also in relation to young seals? [John Crae]

Hydrographic Feeds: Pentland Firth

Hydrographic Resurgences: Pentland Firth