Càrna
Loch Teacuis and Morvern | |
---|---|
Location | |
OS grid reference | NM620590 |
Coordinates | 56°40′N 5°53′W / 56.66°N 5.88°W |
Physical geography | |
Island group | Inner Hebrides |
Area | 213 ha (13⁄16 sq mi) |
Area rank | 104 [1] |
Highest elevation | Cruachan Chàrna, 169 m (554 ft) |
Administration | |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Country | Scotland |
Council area | Highland |
Demographics | |
Population | 0[2] |
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References | [3][4] |
Carna[5] or Càrna is an island in Loch Sunart, an arm of the sea, close to the Ardnamurchan peninsula, on the west coast of Scotland.
Geography
Carna lies wedged across the mouth of Loch Teacuis in the middle of Loch Sunart, forming two narrow kyles which provide some of the trickiest rock-dodging for yachtsmen anywhere on the west coast.[6] Moine schist bedrock of quartz-feldspar constitution, with mixed schists and mica schists in a west coastal strip.[3] A north–south ridge divides the island in two. From the heather covered rocky peak of Cruachan Chàrna, there are extensive views over Oronsay, Loch Sunart, Morvern, Coll and Isle of Mull.[7]
Wildlife
Carna contains a wide variety of habitats that support a large range of native wildlife species including
Scotland hosts the only populations of European wildcat (sub-species Felis sylvestris grampia) in the British Isles, with numbers estimated at between 400 and 2,000 animals.[8] In 2013 it was announced that the island of Càrna is to provide a sanctuary and breeding station in order to protect the threatened species.[9]
In 2014 Carna Conservation Initiative was formed by the owners with local business Ardnamurchan Marine Centre to enhance and protect the islands wildlife and habitats, improve the islands economic and environmental sustainability and benefit the local community and economy. The initiative includes a range of conservation projects including restoring ancient wild flower meadows, recreating native woodlands, establishing colonies of native dark honeybees, removing invasive non-native species and taking part in the monitoring of Loch Sunart Marine Protected Area (MPA) which surrounds the island.
Economy and history
Carna is thought to be more fertile than its neighbour, Oronsay, and due to its much greater aspect has better water sources. There are signs of
Originally forming part of the Kingdom of
In common with many Scottish islands the population has declined since the 19th century. At one point up to 18 families lived there but by 1881 the population was seven. In 1891 it was recorded as ten but this had dropped to only two in 1961. No permanent population was recorded in 1981, 2001 or 2011.[2][3] The island has been privately owned by the same family since the 1880s and has three holiday homes with currently no permanent inhabitants.[3][7] Carna House, rebuilt as a holiday home in 1920s and largely untouched since then, and Carna Cottage are available to rent on a self-catered basis through Carna Conservation Initiative.[7]
A graveyard still remains above and behind Carna Cottage, which has headstones marked from 1707 to 2008. The last use occurred there in 2009 when the ashes of Margaret Hewer, a former owner in the family, were scattered there. Her father Dr Earnshaw Hewer was also buried on Carna in 1931.[10]
Glencripesdale Estate
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/17/Carna.jpg/220px-Carna.jpg)
Carna once formed part of the neighbouring
It was purchased in the 1870s by the three Newton brothers (
See also
Footnotes
- 2011 census.
- ^ a b National Records of Scotland (15 August 2013). "Appendix 2: Population and households on Scotland's Inhabited Islands" (PDF). Statistical Bulletin: 2011 Census: First Results on Population and Household Estimates for Scotland Release 1C (Part Two) (PDF) (Report). SG/2013/126. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
- ^ a b c d e Haswell-Smith, Hamish. (2004) The Scottish Islands. Edinburgh. Canongate.
- ISBN 9780319229774.
- ^ "Carna". Ordnance Survey. Retrieved 8 November 2019.
- ISBN 0-85288-692-6.
- ^ a b c d "Island website". Retrieved 1 August 2008.
- ^ "Scotland's Cat; 400 and counting ..." Scottish Wildcat Association. Archived from the original on 17 September 2012. Retrieved 1 January 2007.
- ^ "Remote island plan to help save Scottish wildcats from extinction". (23 September 2013) Glasgow. The Herald. Retrieved 25 September 2013.
- ^ a b "Hewer, Edward Septimus Earnshaw (1875 - 1931)". Plarr's Lives of the Fellows Online. Retrieved 25 September 2013.
External links
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