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Sound of Islay

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Sound of islay docking at ramea


The Sound of Islay (Scottish Gaelic: Caol Ìle) is a narrow strait between the islands of Islay and Jura off the west coast of Scotland. It is approximately 30 kilometres (19 mi) in extent from north to south and lies between Rubh' a' Mhàil on Islay and Rubh' Aird na Sgitheich on Jura to the north and Macarthur's Head and Rubha na Tràille to the south. The islands in the Sound are Am Fraoch Eilean, Brosdale Island and Glas Eilean, all of which are off the south east coast of Jura. These islands, Jura south of Loch Tarbert and the eastern part of the Sound are one of 40 National Scenic Areas in Scotland.

Contents

Sound of Islay Sea kayaking with seakayakphotocom Sea kayaking in the Sound of Islay

High fidelity model of the sound of islay


History

Sound of Islay A cloudy view over Bunnahabhain and the Sound of Islay from Sgarbh

Am Fraoch Eilean (meaning "heather isle") contains the ruins of the medieval stronghold Claig Castle. It was built by Somerled in 1154 to defend the Sound and later used as a prison. Unusually for the Argyll islands the design, which is a Norman square tower with 3 metres (9.8 ft) thick walls, is similar in style to mainland castles of the period. The Sound has been suggested as the location of the 1156 Battle of Epiphany.

Sound of Islay Sound of Islay docking at Ramea YouTube

In 1549 Dean Monro wrote: "At the mouth of Kyle Ila, betwixt it and Duray, lyes ane ile, callit in Erische Leid Ellan Charne, in English the iyle of Earne". This may refer to Eilean a' Chùirn at NR472489.

Ferry

Sound of Islay 10MW Tide Farm For IslayScotland39s Renewable Energy Guide

Argyll and Bute Council operate a vehicle and passenger ferry service across the Sound from Feolin slipway on the west coast of Jura to Port Askaig on Islay, and Caledonian Macbrayne operate a vehicle and passenger ferry between Port Askaig and Kennacraig, on the mainland in West Loch Tarbert.

Renewable energy

Sound of Islay Sound of Islay Marine Chart 24810 Nautical Charts App

In March 2011 the largest tidal array in the world was approved by the Scottish Government for the Sound of Islay, with 10 planned tidal turbines predicted to generate enough power for over 5,000 homes. The site offers both high currents and shelter from storms.

Sound of Islay Glen Logan walk to the Sound of Islay Two weeks on Islay in June

References

Sound of Islay Wikipedia