Monach Islands
(Heisker Islands, Theisgeir, Na h-Eileanan Monach)

The Monach Isles are a group of five larger islands and several associated islets, lying 6 miles (10 km) west of North Uist in the Western Isles. They are alternatively known as the Heisker islands and the group extends over some 4½ miles (7 km) west-to-east. It comprises the islands are Shillay, on which stands a lighthouse, a central group of Ceann Iar, Shivinish and Ceann Ear, which are connected by sandbanks at low tide, and the tiny Stockay, closest to North Uist.

Once supporting more than 100 people, the island group is now uninhabited. In 1810, the islands has to be abandoned due to over-grazing. Later people returned, but the islands were abandoned once again in 1948. The Monach Islands support the largest grey seal colony in the UK and the second-biggest in the world. They are separated from North Uist by the Sounds of Monach.

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