Dùn facts for kids
Dùn is a small island in St Kilda, Scotland. It is about 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) long. Its name means "fort" in Scottish Gaelic. Old maps show a fort once stood on Gob an Dùin, which is the part of the island closest to the sea. However, the fort itself is now gone.
About Dùn Island
Dùn is part of the remote St Kilda archipelago. This group of islands is located far out in the Atlantic Ocean. Dùn plays an important role in protecting the main island of Hirta.
Location and Landscape
Dùn is very close to Hirta, the largest island in St Kilda. They are almost connected at a place called Ruiaval. However, a narrow channel of water separates them. This channel is called Caolas an Dùin, which means "the straits of Dùn." This small water gap is important. It stops the wild Soay sheep from Hirta from crossing over to Dùn. Because of this, Dùn has more plants and greenery than Hirta.
Amazing Wildlife
Dùn is a very special place for birds. It is home to the largest group of fulmars in Britain. Fulmars are a type of seabird. Before 1828, St Kilda was the only place in the British Isles where fulmars nested. Since then, they have spread out. They now have colonies in many other places, like Fowlsheugh.
The Mystery of the Arch
Dùn helps protect Village Bay on Hirta. It blocks the strong winds that blow from the southwest. Long ago, Dùn was actually connected to Hirta by a natural rock arch. This arch was like a bridge made of stone.
One story suggests the arch broke when a large ship hit it. This ship was supposedly fleeing after the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. However, most experts believe a different explanation. They think the arch was simply washed away by powerful storms. These fierce storms hit the islands every winter. This natural process is a more likely reason for the arch's disappearance.
