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Lochaber

Statue at Rubha Raonuill

A statue of the Madonna on Rubha Raonuill, the point at the mouth of Loch Nevis, seen by everyone who sails into Inverie.

Welcome

As the boat from Mallaig turns into Loch Nevis on its way to Inverie, a small white figure comes into view on the green headland at the mouth of the loch.

It is a statue of the Madonna, standing on Rubha Raonuill, Ranald's Point, above a little bay and beach.

She seems to offer a blessing to everyone entering the loch, and the setting suits her: Loch Nevis is often said to take its name from the Gaelic for heaven. She is widely known as Plastic Mary.

Most people see the statue from the water, from the ferry or a sea kayak passing close to the point. Either way, she is one of the first and last sights of a trip to Knoydart.

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The Daily for 31 October, from Scotland with love. A ring of standing stones set among mist and autumn birch
Not farAmy's Place Tea RoomA purple tea room at Torrin, on the road to Elgol, baking its own cakes with Blà Bheinn across the loch.17 milesSee itAmy's Place Tea Room
Before you go

Open at all times.

Best seen from the boat between Mallaig and Inverie.

Where
Rubha Raonuill, mouth of Loch Nevis.
What
A statue of the Madonna.
Known as
Plastic Mary.

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Where it is

On the point at the mouth of Loch Nevis, west of Inverie; seen from the Mallaig boat.

Close byKnoydart.
  1. Weathered wooden post on a seaweed-strewn beach beneath a forested mountainLong Beach, KnoydartA beach looking out to Rum.Under a mile 1 min by road
  2. Black sign reading "The Old Forge" among trees, rooftop visible behindThe Old Forge, KnoydartThe community pub.Under a mile 1 min by road
  3. Timber lodge with slate roof and decking overlooking wooded hillsThe Lookout, KnoydartA restaurant above Loch Nevis in Inverie, run with the Gathering, serving food and drink all day with a terrace over the water.Under a mile 1 min by road
  4. Gift shop interior with wooden shelves, antlers and a pegboard display wallKnoydart ShopThe community shop in Inverie, run by the Knoydart Foundation, with food and drink, local crafts and Knoydart wool, and a post office.Under a mile 1 min by road
  5. Two silhouetted diners watch a tall ship sail past mountains beyond the windowKnoydart Pottery and Tea RoomA tea room and pottery by the pier at Inverie, on the water's edge of Loch Nevis, with breakfasts, scones and cakes.Under a mile 1 min by road
  6. Minch Adventures, MallaigMinch Adventures, Mallaig2 miles 7 min by road
Directions
Railway tracks curve past a "Welcome to Helensburgh" sign and hillside housesAttractionsMallaig2.0 miles
Minch Adventures boat approaching steep rocky cliffs along a narrow sea lochAttractionsPrivate Loch Coruisk, Isle of Skye adventure2.0 miles
The white Fisherman and Child statue on a round grassy platform at the end of Mallaig's harbour wall, an anchor beside it and the harbour behind.AttractionsThe Fisherman and Child Statue2.1 miles
Backpackers Lodge building with The Tea Garden Cafe sign, "Seats insideRestaurantsThe Tea Garden, Mallaig2.1 miles
Empty café dining room with pale wooden tables, white chairs and hanging pendant lightsRestaurantsThe Cabin Restaurant and Takeaway2.1 miles
The Mallaig Heritage Centre, a low building under a pitched slate roof beside the railway platform, a brick path and planters in front.AttractionsMallaig Heritage Centre2.1 miles
Picnic tables outside the West Highland Hotel overlooking Mallaig's church and coastlineRestaurantsThe Chlachain Inn2.1 miles
Yellow boat moored in a tidal river winding through a sandy beachAttractionsSilver Sands of Morar6.1 miles
Loch Etive framed by steep mountains under a glowing evening skyAttractionsLoch Morar8.9 miles

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Stay nearby

Places to stay near the statue, and when each is next free.

A keeper's cottage and lighthouse stand together on a rocky headland overlooking the sea at Eilean Sionnach.Eilean Sionnach Lighthouse Cottage
  • Sleeps 8
  • In Isleornsay
  • 8 miles from the statue at Rubha Raonuill
Check datesKinloch Lodge, Isle of SkyeKinloch Lodge
  • To stay
  • In Sleat
  • 10 miles from the statue at Rubha Raonuill
Check datesStonechat Bothy, a timber-clad cabin with a grey corrugated roof, at the end of a grassy double track among birch, pine and rushes.Stonechat Bothy
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Drumfearn
  • 11 miles from the statue at Rubha Raonuill
Free 1–4 MarBothan Beileag, Isle of SkyeBothan Beileag
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Heasta
  • 13 miles from the statue at Rubha Raonuill
Free 31 Oct – 2 NovPlaces to stayEvery stay in LochaberAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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