The Treshnish Isles are a remote chain of uninhabited volcanic islands and skerries situated 3 km west of the Island of Mull. The Treshnish Isles SAC area encompasses Lunga, Fladda and the Cairn na Burgh Islands and has been designated for the internationally important colony of grey seals Halichoerus grypus and the surrounding rocky reef habitat. Numerous skerries, islets and reefs occur in the channel between Lunga and Fladda and the coastline is characterised by low cliffs and steep rocky shores.

Around 1100 grey seal pups are produced at the site each year, which is equivalent to a total population of approximately 3400 animals, representing around 3% of the UK and 2.8% of the EU populations of the species. The Treshnish Isles contribute to the series of sites around the coast that have been selected to maintain the geographic range and status of grey seal breeding colonies in the UK.

The islands also form a natural sanctuary for seabirds and have been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for bird colonies of national importance including puffin, razorbill, guillemot, kittiwake, fulmar and shag, and also a Special Protection Area (SPA) for internationally important populations of Storm Petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus) and the Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis). The SSSI designation also includes maritime grassland and maritime heath.

This site is not being actively managed at present but management may be considered in the future.

Click here to view other Scottish grey seal marine SACs.