Cara Island
| Cara Island | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
 Cara Island
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| Cara Island shown within Argyll and Bute | |
| OS grid reference | NR639440 |
| Names | |
| Gaelic name |  Cara (help·info) |
| Meaning of name | may be "Kari's island" or "dearest" |
| Area and summit | |
| Area | 66 hectares (0.25 sq mi) |
| Area rank | 178= |
| Highest elevation | 56 metres (184 ft) |
| Population | |
| Population | 0 |
| Groupings | |
| Island group | Islay |
| Local Authority | Argyll and Bute |
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| References | [1][2][3][4] |
| If shown, area and population ranks are for all Scottish islands and all inhabited Scottish islands respectively. Population data is from 2001 census. | |
Cara Island (Scottish Gaelic: Cara, pronounced [kʰaɾə]) is a small island which is located off the west coast of Kintyre in Scotland.
Contents |
[edit] Geography and etymology
Cara is 1 kilometre (0.6 mi) south of Gigha. It is accessible from Gigha, if you can find a local boatman 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.
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.
[edit] History
Cara is owned by the Clan MacDonald of Largie and is reputedly the only island still in the possession of direct descendants of the Lords of the Isles.[5]
The only habitable building on the island is Cara House.[5]
The liner Aska was sunk on 22 September 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.
[edit] Mythology
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 may grant a secret wish made when 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). http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/getamap/.
- ^ 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
- ^ a b "The Island of Cara". Kintyre on Record. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
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Coordinates: 55°38′N 5°45′W / 55.633°N 5.75°W
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