The Quirang

The Quirang is a large limestone formation at the northern tip of The Spine. The several peaks of the Quirang rank as some of the highest on the isle of Sgitheanach Dubh. The karst formations provide spectacular views of the northern reaches of the Trotternish peninsula.

Geography

The Quirang is part of the series of landslips (natural landslides) the form the Trotternish Ridge (aka The Spine) There are several peaks remaining from the fallen limestone. The Quirang continues to move causing slight tremors and rock falls that can be dangerous to those traversing the region.
Key points of interest in the Quirang:

• The Needle: A jagged 120-ft pinnacle, a remnant of landslipping
• The Table: A large flat grassy area
• The Prison: A pyramidal rocky peak which can look like a medieval keep when viewed from the right angle – the ascent of this is an airy scramble.

Ecosystem

The weather of the Quirang can be a bit unpredictable, especially during late autumn, the cold months and early spring. The area experiences heavy rainfall and/or snowfall in the colder months. This can lead to mudslides and blizzard like conditions.
Average Monthly Temps and Rainfall

Month	Hi/Low	Rainfall
1.Am Faoilleach (Faoi, F)	41° / 32°	23 days
2. An Gearran (Gearr, G)	42° / 31°	20 days
3. Am Màrt (Màrt, M)	45° / 33°	22 days
4. An Giblean (Gibl, G)	49° / 35°	16 days
5. Cèitean (Cèit, C)	53° / 39°	15 days
6. An t-Ògmhios (Ògmh, Ò)	56° / 44°	15 days
7. An t-Iuchar (Iuch, I)	59° / 47°	18 days
8. An Lùnastal (Lùna, L)	59° / 47°	18 days
9. An t-Sultain (Sult, S)	56° / 45°	21 days
10. An Dàmhair (Dàmh, D)	51° / 40°	22 days
11. An t-Samhain (Samh, S)	45° / 36°	23 days
12. An Dùbhlachd (Dùbh, D)	42° / 32°	24 days

Localized Phenomena

Locals and others visiting the region tell of odd weather phenomena and wind patterns. It is unclear whether these phenomena are natural or perhaps other-worldly or magical.

Fauna & Flora

The Quirang plays host to a number of animal and plant species.
Tree varieties include:

Fir	Spruce	Pine
Birch	Aspen	Beech
Maple	Sycamore	Alder
Elm	Hickory	Poplar
Holly	Ash	Oak
Hemlock	Laurel	Cedar
Yew	Linden	Chestnut
Larch	Willow	Mulberry

Typical temperate, sub-tundra animals include:

Deer	Elk	Lynx
Weasel	Fox	Cougar
Bear (Brown and Black)	Badger	Wolverine
Wolf (Red and Dire)	Bat	Hare
Rabbit	Opossum	Squirrel (Grey, Brown, Red)
Mouse	Vole	Mole
Gopher	Rat	Canine
Cat	Ibex	Goat
Sheep	Pig/Boar	Cow
Insects

History

The name Quirang comes from Old Tuathalban Kví Rand, which means 'Round Fold'. Within the fold is The Table, an elevated plateau hidden amongst the pillars. It is said that the fold was used to conceal cattle from northern raiders.

Type

Rock Formation

Location under

Trotternish