Cara Island
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| Cara Island | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
  Cara Island
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| Cara Island shown within Scotland. | |
| OS grid reference: | NR639440 |
| Names | |
| Gaelic name: | |
| Meaning of name: | may be "Kari's island" or "dearest" |
| Area and Summit | |
| Area: | 66 ha |
| Area rank (Scottish islands): | 174= |
| Highest elevation: | 56 m |
| Population | |
| Population (2001): | 0
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| Groupings | |
| Island Group: | Islay |
| Local Authority: | Argyll and Bute |
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| References: | [1][2][3][4] |
Cara Island is a small island which is located off the west coast of Kintyre in Scotland.
Contents |
[edit] Geography and geology
Cara is one kilometre south of Gigha. It is accessible from Gigha, if you can find a local who will take you over.
The best view from the mainland is from the beach opposite Beachmenach Farm, about half way between Tayinloan and Muasdale.
[edit] History
Cara has a translation in Gaelic as "dearest" or "dear one". Cara is a popular girl's name in the local area and in Scotland in general.
The island has not been inhabited since the 1940s
The liner Aska was sunk on September 22nd, 1940 on rocks northwest of the island after being struck by German bombers.
[edit] Wildlife
Cara was known for a herd of feral goats, though very few of these remain.
Cara is famous as the home of the Uruisg/broonie, the familiar spirit of the Macdonald of Largie family. A rock formation known as the Broonie's Chair is found at the extreme southern tip of the island. It is said that the Broonie will come and get you if you sit in his chair!
[edit] References
- ^ 2001 UK Census per List of islands of Scotland
- ^ Haswell-Smith, Hamish (2004). The Scottish Islands. Edinburgh: Canongate. ISBN 1841954543.
- ^ Ordnance Survey. Get-a-map [map].
- ^ Anderson, Joseph (Ed.) (1893) Orkneyinga Saga. Translated by Jón A. Hjaltalin & Gilbert Goudie. Edinburgh. James Thin and Mercat Press (1990 reprint). ISBN 0-901824-25-9
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