Bunnahabhain facts for kids
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Bunnahabhain (say "BOO-nuh-HAV-in") is a small village located on the northeast coast of Islay. Islay is an island in Scotland, part of the Inner Hebrides group. The name "Bunnahabhain" comes from a Scottish word meaning 'foot of the river'. It is also the name of a famous whisky distillery found in the village.
Contents
History of Bunnahabhain
How the Village Started
The village of Bunnahabhain was built in 1881. It was created to provide homes for the people working at the local distillery. Even today, the distillery is the main employer for most people living in the village.
Nearby Old Villages
The area around Bunnahabhain has a lot of history. There is a ruined village nearby called Margadale. This place used to be a very busy market on Islay. People from all over the island would come here to buy and sell cattle.
Amazing Wildlife in Bunnahabhain
Animals You Might See
The area around Bunnahabhain is full of amazing wildlife. You can often spot many animals here. Large numbers of red deer and roe deer live in the wild. You might also see wild goats roaming freely.
Water Animals and Birds
Near the coast, you can find otters playing in the water. Both common and grey seals can be seen resting on the rocks. Many different seabirds also live here. Look out for cormorants diving for fish and oystercatchers with their bright orange beaks.
Beautiful Butterflies
If you visit in warmer months, you will see many Lepidoptera, which are butterflies and moths. Two common types are the colorful peacock butterfly and the speckled wood butterfly.
Shipwrecks Near Bunnahabhain
The Wyre Majestic
Just south of the village, you can see the remains of a large fishing boat. This boat was called the "Wyre Majestic." It was a 338-ton trawler. On October 18, 1974, it hit rocks near Rubha a’Mhail and got stuck.
A Ship Stuck Forever
Another ship, the "Wyre Defence," tried to help. But the "Wyre Majestic" was too damaged to be saved. It has been sitting on the rocks ever since. About 50 other ships have also been wrecked in the dangerous waters of the Sound of Islay.
