RSPB Reserves on Islay
The RSPB runs reserves at Loch Gruinart and at The Oa where you will encounter an extraordinary range of key Hebridean birds and other wildlife.
Loch Gruinart
Comes from the Old Norse, meaning "shallow fjord" is a sea loch on the northern coast of isle of Islay in Scotland. Land at the head of the loch, Gruinart Flats, is a designated nature reserve as it is an important winter roosting site for barnacle geese.
The visitor centre at the bottom of Loch Gruinart will help you explore one of the top wildlife sites in Scotland.
The Oa is a rocky peninsula and RSPB nature reserve lying on the southwest of the island of Islay.
The Oa
The Oa is a breathtaking reserve of dramatic sea cliffs, open moorland, freshwater lochs, coastal grassland and heath. It's home to many important breeding and wintering birds.
Golden eagles grace the skies around The Oa throughout the year, making the reserve one of the best locations for visitors to Islay to glimpse this majestic soaring raptor.
RSPB Reserves
“RSPB Loch Gruinart a fantastic place to go and see on Islay, with so many birds and things to see I could have spent all week there”
RSPB Loch Gruinart from Scottish Photography Centre on Vimeo.
The American Monument
This stone memorial tower around 20m tall occupies an isolated location, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on the Mull of Oa. The memorial commemorates some 550 American soldiers lost in two separate maritime disasters off the coast of Islay in 1918.
Guided Walks
These take place at The Oa every Tuesday throughout April - October
Meet 10am at the RSPB Oa Reserve Car Park
Small charges for guided walks and education events
Trails
Trail Guide
Opening Times
RSPB Loch Gruinart visitor centre is open daily from 10am - 5pm except Christmas and New Year.
Visitor centre | Car park | Toilets | Viewing point | Nature trails
Address
RSPB Loch Gruinart
Bridgend
Isle of Islay
PA44 7PP
e: loch.gruinart@rspb.org.uk
t: 01496 850505
The Oa Nature Reserve
Can be reached from a car park situated on unnamed road, on the way to the American Monument
Isle of Islay, PA42 7AU.
e: the.oa@rspb.org.uk
t: 01496 300118