Cara Island facts for kids
| Gaelic name | Cara |
|---|---|
| Meaning of name | may be "Kari's island" or "dearest" |
| OS grid reference | NR639440 |
| Coordinates | 55°38′N 5°45′W / 55.63°N 5.75°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Islay |
| Area | 66 ha (1⁄4 sq mi) |
| Area rank | 178= |
| Highest elevation | 56 m (184 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Argyll and Bute |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
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Cara Island (Scottish Gaelic: Cara) is a small island which is located off the west coast of Kintyre in Scotland.
Contents
Geography and etymology
Cara is 1 kilometre (5⁄8 mi) south of Gigha. It is accessible from Gigha.
Cara has a translation in Gaelic as "dearest" or "dear one". Cara is a popular girl's name in the local area and in Scotland in general.
History
In 1881 a commercial vessel, the Henrietta from Brixham, foundered and sank off the Cara Island coast. Her captain drowned after falling overboard during the incident; his body ultimately washed ashore on the distant Pentland Skerries. The remainder of the crew reached Cara Island unharmed.
Cara is currently owned by MacDonald Lockhart of Kintyre and is reputed to be the only island still in the possession of a direct descendant of the Lords of the Isles. The only habitable building on the island is Cara House, but that is derelict
The liner Aska was sunk on 22 September 1940 on rocks northwest of the island after being struck by German bombers.
Wildlife
Cara is well known for a herd of feral goats, which still thrive on the wild landscape.
Mythology
Cara is famous as the home of the Uruisg/broonie, the familiar spirit of the Macdonald of Largie family. A rock formation known as the Broonie's Chair is found at the extreme southern tip of the island.
