Area rank 178= Area 66 ha | OS grid reference NR639440 Highest elevation 56 m Council area Argyll and Bute | |
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Meaning of name may be "Kari's island" or "dearest" Island groups British Isles, Inner Hebrides Similar Calve Island, Claig Castle, Isle of Ewe, Eilean Shona, Davaar Island | ||
Cara Island (Scottish Gaelic: Cara, [kʰaɾə]) is a small island which is located off the west coast of Kintyre in Scotland.
Contents
- Map of Cara Island United Kingdom
- Geography and etymologyEdit
- HistoryEdit
- WildlifeEdit
- MythologyEdit
- References
Map of Cara Island, United Kingdom
Geography and etymologyEdit
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 halfway 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.
HistoryEdit
In 1881 a commercial vessel, the Henrietta from Brixham, foundered and sank off the Cara Island coast. Her captain drowned after falling overboard during the incident; his body ultimately washed ashore on the distant Pentland Skerries. The remainder of the crew reached Cara Island unharmed.
Cara is currently owned by MacDonald Lockhart of Kintyre and is reputed to be the only island still in the possession of a direct descendant of the Lords of the Isles. The only habitable building on the island is Cara House, but that is derelict
The liner Aska was sunk on 22 September 1940 on rocks northwest of the island after being struck by German bombers.
WildlifeEdit
Cara is well known for a herd of feral goats, which still thrive on the wild landscape.
MythologyEdit
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 you a secret wish when you sit in his chair.