Crowlin Islands facts for kids
The Crowlin Islands (called Na h-Eileanan Cròlainneach in Scottish Gaelic) are a small group of islands in Scotland. They are found in the Inner Hebrides, which is a chain of islands off the west coast. These islands are located between the famous Isle of Skye and the Applecross area on the Scottish mainland. Today, no one lives on the Crowlin Islands.
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What are the Crowlin Islands?
The Crowlin Islands are made up of three main islands. Each island has a Scottish Gaelic name that describes its size:
- Eilean Mòr: This name means "big island."
- Eilean Meadhonach: This name means "middle island."
- Eilean Beag: This name means "little island."
A Look at Their History
People have lived on the Crowlin Islands a very long time ago. Scientists found proof of human life in caves on Eilean Mòr. This evidence shows people were there about 8,000 years ago during the Mesolithic period, also known as the Middle Stone Age.
Life on Eilean Mòr
More recently, from around 1810 to 1920, Eilean Mòr was home to several families. These families had been asked to leave their homes in Applecross on the mainland. They did not want to move far away from Scotland.
So, they made a deal with the local landowner, the Mackenzie laird. He allowed them to settle on the islands. The families worked hard to make a living. They fished in the sea and raised sheep. They also gathered kelp, which is a type of seaweed, and did some farming.
What Remains Today
The families left the islands around 1920. When they moved, they took the valuable roof beams from their homes. This was smart because there have been no trees on these islands for a very long time. All wood had to be brought in from elsewhere, which was very expensive.
You can still see the old drystone buildings, called shielings, that they left behind. These buildings were made from stones without using mortar. Even though the islands are empty now, some people living in Applecross today are descendants of those island families.
See also
In Spanish: Islas Crowlin para niños
