Cara Island

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Cara Island is a small island which is located off the west coast of Kintyre in Scotland, one kilometre south of Gigha. The island has not been permanently inhabited since the 1940s although one house which is used as a holiday home by the owner, a lawyer from Glasgow. Cara has a translation in Gaelic as "dearest" or "dear one". Cara is a popular girls name in the local area and in Scotland in general.

The liner Aska was sunk on September 22nd, 1940 on rocks northwest of the island after been struck by German bombers.

Cara was also known for its herd of feral goats, though very few of these remain today. Cara is famous as the home of the 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!

Cara 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.

grid reference NR635435


Islands of the Hebrides
Inner Hebrides
Ascrib Islands | Canna | Cara | Coll | Colonsay | Crowlin Islands | Easdale | Eigg | Gigha | Iona | Isay | Islay | Jura | Kerrera | Lismore | Luing | Lunga | Oronsay | Muck | Mull | Raasay | Rùm | Seil | Shuna | Skye | Soay | Staffa | Summer Isles | Tiree | Treshnish Isles
Outer Hebrides
Barra (Isles) | Benbecula | Berneray | Eriskay | Flannan Isles | Great Bernera | Harris and Lewis | North Uist | Rockall | Scalpay | South Uist | St Kilda


Coordinates: 55.62739° N 5.75839° W