Rabbit Islands, Scotland
The Rabbit Islands (58°32′N 4°24′W / 58.53°N 04.40°W NC602631) are a group of three uninhabited small islands off the north coast of Sutherland, Scotland in Tongue Bay. In Scottish Gaelic, and occasionally in English, they are known as Eileanan nan Gall, which is sometimes anglicised as "Eilean-na-Gaeil" [1] or "Eilean nan Gaill".[1]
Geography and geology
The islands' modern name derives from their sandy soil, which favours
The northernmost of the group is called Sgeir an Òir, and there is a natural arch at its north end called "Claigeann na Sgeir" (Bell of the Skerry).
They are near
History
The islands' older name "Eileanan nan Gall", means "islands of the strangers", or "Norsemen".[1]
Supposedly, a ship carrying gold to Charles Edward Stuart was wrecked on the island.[2] The northernmost of the group is called Sgeir an Òir (skerry of the gold), which is perhaps a reference to this.
The islands are popular with scuba divers, and have in the past been used for grazing.
See also
References
- ^ a b Groome, Francis H. (1892–96). Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland, "Rabbit Islands" (2 ed.). London: William McKenzie. p. 221.
- ^ (1984) AA Illustrated Guide to Britain's Coast. Drive Publications/Automobile Association
