| Cara Island | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
|
Cara Island
|
|
| Cara Island shown within Argyll and Bute | |
| OS grid reference | NR639440 |
| Names | |
| 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 |
| 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 |
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.
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]
Since 1974 the island has been leased by the Teggin family, who have renovated Cara House, the only habitable building on the island.[5]
The liner Aska was sunk on 22 September 1940 on rocks northwest of the island after being struck by German bombers.
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 may grant a secret wish made when you sit in his chair.
|
||||||||||