Neist

Neist Point, often referred to simply as Neist, is a promontory on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Located on the western edge of the Duirinish peninsula, it overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and is one of Skye’s most photographed coastal landscapes. The headland features rugged cliffs, dark basalt rock, and expansive sea views toward the Outer Hebrides.

The area is best known for Neist Point Lighthouse, a beacon established in 1909 by the Stevenson family, a prominent dynasty of Scottish lighthouse engineers. The lighthouse consists of a white cylindrical tower adjacent to a keeper’s house and has remained an active aid to navigation. Like many Scottish lighthouses, it was automated in the late 20th century, and it continues to guide mariners despite the absence of resident keepers.

Geographically, Neist Point sits near the village of Glendale on Skye’s northwestern coast. The coastline is characterized by steep sea cliffs and sea stacks that rise from deep waters, creating dramatic scenery that shifts with the weather and light. The headland supports seabird life, including species such as guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and other migratory birds during the breeding season.

Access and public visitation are facilitated by a car park and a coastal path leading to the lighthouse. The route can be steep and exposed, and conditions can change rapidly, so visitors are advised to wear sturdy footwear and stay aware of weather and sea spray. Neist Point remains a popular destination for walkers, photographers, and those seeking panoramic views of Scotland’s western seaboard.