Camas Uig facts for kids
Camas Uig (which means Uig Bay) is a beautiful bay on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis. This island is part of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. It's a special place because the famous Lewis Chessmen were found hidden in the sand dunes behind its beach.
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What is Camas Uig?
Camas Uig is a lovely bay with clear waters. It has several small islands within it. These include Fraoch Eilean, Leac Holm, Sgeir a' Chàis, Sgeir Liath, Sgeir Sheilibhig, Tom, and Tolm. The bay is part of the parish of Uig. It is also part of a protected area called the South Lewis, Harris and North Uist National Scenic Area. This area is known for its amazing natural beauty.
The Amazing Lewis Chessmen
One of the most exciting things about Camas Uig is its link to history. In 1831, a very important discovery was made here. A collection of 12th-century chess pieces, known as the Lewis Chessmen, were found. They were hidden in a small stone structure in the sand dunes. This spot is near a place called Ardroil.
What are the Lewis Chessmen?
The Lewis Chessmen are ancient chess pieces. They are carved from walrus ivory and whale teeth. Experts believe they were made in Norway around the 1100s. There are 93 pieces in total, including kings, queens, bishops, knights, rooks, and pawns. They are famous for their detailed and often funny expressions. Today, most of them are displayed in the British Museum in London. A few are in the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.
Remembering the Discovery
To celebrate this amazing find, two large wooden chess pieces stand outside a museum at Ardroil. These modern sculptures were carved by Stephen Hayward. They remind everyone of the incredible treasure found right there on the machair (a type of grassy plain) near the beach.
