Cairns of Coll facts for kids
The Cairns of Coll are a group of rocky islands found in the shallow waters off the northern tip of Coll, an island in Scotland's Inner Hebrides. These small islands stretch out about 1.1 miles from the main shore. They are too tiny for people to live on.
Navigating boats around the Cairns of Coll can be tricky because of the fast and unpredictable ocean currents. However, these waters are full of amazing and diverse sea creatures, including many different kinds of marine mammals. In 2014, a writer named Alexander McCall Smith bought the Cairns of Coll. He plans to give the islands back to Scotland to become a special wildlife sanctuary after he passes away.
What are the Cairns of Coll?
The Cairns of Coll are made up of many small rocky islands, called sgeiran (pronounced "skerr-an"). These rocks are grouped around three slightly larger islets. The biggest group is around an islet called Eilean Mòr. This area alone has about 40 smaller rocks. Only the largest of these rocks have been given names, such as Sgeir Ghlas and Sgeir Leathan.
To the northeast, you'll find Eag na Maoile and about 15 more rocks. Northwest of Eag na Maoile, and north of Eilean Mòr, is Sùil Ghorm. This islet is important because it has a lighthouse. There are also more rocks located between Eilean Mòr and the main island of Coll.
Why are the Cairns of Coll important for boats?
The Cairns of Coll can be very dangerous for ships, especially large ones. Some rocks are so low that they are barely visible at high tide, making them a hidden danger. In the past, these specific rocks were often just called the Cairns of Coll in old maps and books.
Today, the main shipping routes for boats around Coll are much further north, away from these dangerous rocks. This helps keep ships safe from the hidden hazards of the Cairns of Coll.
The Lighthouse on Sùil Ghorm
| Tower shape | cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern |
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Because the Cairns of Coll are so risky for ships, a special light, or beacon, was built on the islet of Sùil Ghorm. This light is sometimes called the Coll Light, Cairns of Coll Light, or Sùil Ghorm Light. It helps guide ships and warn them of the rocks.
The lighthouse was first built in 1909. It was designed by David Alan Stevenson and Charles Alexander Stevenson. They were engineers from the famous Stevenson family, who designed many lighthouses for the Northern Lighthouse Board in Scotland.
The lighthouse is a white metal tower with a balcony and a lamp at the top. It is powered by solar panels, which means it uses energy from the sun. The light flashes white every 12 seconds. The Northern Lighthouse Board is in charge of keeping it working.
