Dry Island facts for kids
| OS grid reference | NG781740 |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 57°42′04″N 5°43′30″W / 57.701°N 5.725°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Wester Ross |
| Area | 4 acres (1.6 ha) |
| Highest elevation | 10 metres (33 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
 |
|
Dry Island is a small, inhabited island in Loch Gairloch in Wester Ross, Scotland. Its name comes from the Gaelic words "Eilean Tioram", which means "Dry Island." It's a unique place with a rich history and a special connection to the mainland.
Contents
Where is Dry Island?
Dry Island is located near the small harbour of Badachro. A larger island, Eilean Horrisdale, helps protect it within Loch Gairloch.
How to get to Dry Island
A special floating footbridge connects Dry Island to the mainland. This bridge was built in the 1990s, making it easy to visit. Close by is another tiny island called Sgeir Ghlas. You can walk to Sgeir Ghlas when the tide is low, or reach it by boat.
Is anyone living on Dry Island?
Yes! In 2011, the National Records of Scotland officially listed Dry Island as one of Scotland's inhabited islands. This means people live there regularly.
Who owns Dry Island?
The island is currently owned by Ian McWhinney. His family, the Mackenzies, have lived, fished, and farmed in this area since the 1400s. Today, Dry Island is home to the McWhinney family. It's also the base for their fishing business. You can even find guest houses there for visitors. The family also offers a "shellfish safari" on their fishing boat!
What is Dry Island's History?
Dry Island has a long history, especially with fishing.
Fishing in the past
In the late 1800s, Dry Island was one of two main fish-curing stations in Badachro. Fish like herring and cod were dried here. Then, they were sent all over Europe and even to the Caribbean!
Fishing today
Today, a few boats still fish for langoustines (a type of lobster) and crabs. These are then sent to other parts of Scotland, England, and Europe.
Historic buildings
The old fishing station on Dry Island, including the family house and the jetty (a small pier), were built around 1840. These buildings are now protected as historic sites by Historic Environment Scotland.
What is Islonia?
Dry Island is also famous for being the home of a "micronation" called Islonia.
How Islonia started
Before the 2010 election, the owner of Dry Island was not happy with the government decisions made in London. He wanted more local control. So, he declared Dry Island independent, creating the micronation of Islonia!
Islonia in the media
Since then, Islonia has been featured on many radio and TV shows. It even appeared in a documentary called "Micronations" on Discovery Channel.
