Càrna facts for kids
| Gaelic name | Càrna |
|---|---|
| Meaning of name | possibly cairn island |
 The southeast of Carna looking towards Loch Teacuis and Morvern |
|
| OS grid reference | NM620590 |
| Coordinates | 56°40′N 5°53′W / 56.66°N 5.88°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Inner Hebrides |
| Area | 213 ha (0.82 sq mi) |
| Area rank | 104 |
| Highest elevation | Cruachan Chàrna, 169 m (554 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Highland |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
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Carna, also known as Càrna, is a small island located in Loch Sunart. This is a sea loch, which is like a long, narrow arm of the sea. It's found near the Ardnamurchan peninsula on the west coast of Scotland.
Contents
Exploring Carna's Landscape
Carna sits right at the entrance of Loch Teacuis, in the middle of Loch Sunart. This creates two narrow channels, called kyles. These kyles are known for being tricky to navigate for boats.
Island Features and Views
The island's ground is made of a type of rock called Moine schist. A ridge runs from north to south, splitting the island in two. From the highest point, Cruachan Chàrna, you can see amazing views. These views stretch over Oronsay, Loch Sunart, Morvern, Coll, and the Isle of Mull. The peak itself is covered in heather and rocks.
Amazing Wildlife on Carna
Carna is home to many different types of natural areas. These areas support a wide range of native animals and plants.
Animals You Might See
You might spot otters playing near the water. Look up for large birds like sea eagles and golden eagles. Harbour seals can be seen resting on the shores. Other animals include foxes, red deer, and tiny water shrews. Birdwatchers can find Arctic terns, woodpeckers, cuckoos, herons, curlews, and kestrels.
Protecting Wild Animals
Scotland is the only place in the British Isles where you can find European wildcats. These wildcats are a special type of cat. In 2013, Carna was chosen to be a safe place for them. It became a sanctuary and a breeding station. This helps protect these rare animals and grow their numbers.
Carna Conservation Initiative
In 2014, the Carna Conservation Initiative was started. The island's owners and a local business, Ardnamurchan Marine Centre, created it. Their goal is to protect Carna's wildlife and natural areas. They also want to make the island more sustainable and help the local community.
What the Initiative Does
The initiative works on several projects. They are bringing back ancient wild flower meadows. They are also planting native woodlands. Another project is setting up colonies of native dark honeybees. They also remove plants and animals that are not native and can harm the island. The initiative helps monitor the Marine Protected Area (MPA) around Carna.
Carna's Past and Present Life
Carna is thought to have more fertile land than its neighbor, Oronsay. It also has better water sources.
Signs of Early Life
There are signs that people lived and farmed here long ago. You can see old terraces where they grew crops. The northern part of the island is even called Bac a' Mhathachaidh, which means "cultivated bank" in Scottish Gaelic.
Old Settlements and Farming
About 20 hectares (50 acres) of the island was used for farming. This area was improved over hundreds of years. It was drained and fields were used for hay and crops. This farming area surrounds what was once the main village, Dailachreagain. This village once had around 20 homes. You can also find the remains of a tidal fish trap in a bay on the east side. Along the shore, there are "bait holes" where people would prepare their fishing bait.
Carna's Role in History
Carna was once part of the Kingdom of Dál Riata. Later, it belonged to the Lord of the Isles. The island was an important meeting place for clans.
Key Historical Events
In 1431, the MacDonalds gathered on Carna. They were led by Donald Balloch before the Battle of Inverlochy. They won this battle against the Scottish Crown. Later, in 1543, Donald Dubh led his last rebellion from Carna. He was the last person to claim the title of Lord of the Isles. After the Lordship ended in 1493, the island became part of the Duke of Argyll's lands. It was sold in the 1800s.
Population Changes on Carna
Like many Scottish islands, Carna's population has gone down since the 1800s. At one time, up to 18 families lived there. By 1881, only seven people remained. In 1961, there were only two people. Today, there are no permanent residents.
Carna Today
The same family has owned Carna since the 1880s. The island now has three holiday homes. Carna House and Carna Cottage are available to rent. These rentals help support the Carna Conservation Initiative.
The Old Graveyard
There is a graveyard above Carna Cottage. Headstones there date from 1707 to 2008. The last time it was used was in 2009. This is when the ashes of Margaret Hewer, a former owner, were scattered there. Her father, Dr. Earnshaw Hewer, was also buried on Carna in 1931.
Glencripesdale Estate Connection
Carna was once part of the much larger Glencripesdale Estate. This estate stretched for 32 kilometres (20 mi) along Loch Sunart. It also covered the east side of Loch Teacuis. The estate was huge, measuring 106 square kilometres (41 sq mi). Its main building was the 27-bedroom Glencripesdale Castle.
Estate Ownership History
Three brothers, Canon Horace Newton, Goodwin Newton, and William Newton III, bought the estate in the 1870s. Dr. Earnshaw Hewer, who was Canon Newton's son-in-law, bought Carna in 1922. This happened when the rest of the estate was being sold after the Canon's death. Because of this, Carna is the last part of the original estate still owned by the family.
Images for kids
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An old boat on Carna
