Scotland, Sutherland, Suilven at sunset from Achmelvich beach near Lochinver
Suilven (Scottish Gaelic: Sula Bheinn) is one of the most distinctive mountains in Scotland. Lying in a remote area in the west of Sutherland, it rises almost vertically from a wilderness landscape of moorland, bogs and lochans known as Inverpolly National Nature Reserve. Suilven forms a steep-sided ridge some 2 km in length. The highest point, known as Caisteal Liath (the Grey Castle in Scottish Gaelic), lies at the northwest end of this ridge. There are two other summits: Meall Meadhonach (Middle Round Hill) at the central point of the ridge is 723 m high, whilst Meall Beag (Little Round Hill) lies at the southeastern end. Geologically, Suilven is formed of Torridonian sandstone, sitting on a landscape of Lewisian Gneiss. As the softer surrounding rocks eroded, a process whose duration can be counted in hundreds of millions of years, Suilven was left as an Inselberg, an "island-mountain", hence its prominence. From the coast to the west Suilven looks like a large grey pillar, hence the name which it was given by sea-borne Vikings. From the inland side the mountain has more of the appearance of a steeply-sided pyramid. In 2005 Glencanisp estate, of which Suilven forms part and the neighbouring Drumrunie estate, were bought by the local community with the help of the John Muir Trust. The Assynt Foundation aims to create local employment and safeguard the natural and cultural heritage for the benefit of the community and future generations, and for the enjoyment of the wider public.
Size: 5603px × 3045px
Location: Scotland, Sutherland, Suilven
Photo credit: © Ross Gilmore / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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