From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Egilsay |
| Location |
|
|
| OS grid reference: |
HY470301 |
| Names |
| Gaelic name: |
?Eaglais (see meaning) |
| Norse name: |
Egilsey |
| Meaning of name: |
Disputed - either Norse "Egil's island" or Norse "ey" + Celtic "eaglais" - "Church island" |
| Area and Summit |
| Area: |
650 ha |
| Area rank (Scottish islands): |
67 |
| Highest elevation: |
35 m |
| Population |
| Population (2001): |
37 |
| Population rank (inhabited Scottish islands): |
58 out of 97 |
| Groupings |
| Island Group: |
Orkney Islands |
| Local Authority: |
Orkney |
  |
| References: |
[1][2][3] |
Egilsay seen from Rousay with St Magnus Church on the skyline
Egilsay is one of the Orkney Islands in Scotland, lying east of Rousay. The island is largely farmland and is known for its corncrakes.
[edit] St Magnus Church
Extremely unusual for the Northern Isles, it has been suggested that Egilsay may have a partly Gaelic name [4][2]. While at first sight, it appears to be Egil's island, "Egil" being a Norse personal name, the Gaelic eaglais (Celtic "eccles") meaning church, may be part of the root, as the island is dominated by a church of pre-Norse foundation. The island of Kili Holm just to the north, may represent cille, a monastic cell. The church itself has a highly unusual Irish style round tower, which itself is extremely rare in Scotland, and is unique in Orkney. The building is roofless and the tower has been slightly truncated, but it is otherwise complete. It is maintained by Historic Scotland as an Ancient Monument.
Egilsay was the place where Saint Magnus was killed in 1117. While the church is dedicated to him, the foundation may be far older.
[edit] Transport
Orkney Ferries sail from the island to Tingwall on the Orkney Mainland via Wyre and Rousay.
[edit] References
- ^ 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 Haswell-Smith, Hamish. (2004) The Scottish Islands. Edinburgh. Canongate.
- ^ Pedersen, Roy (January 1992) Orkneyjar ok Katanes (map, Inverness, Nevis Print)
- ^ 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
Coordinates: 59°09′N, 2°55′W
