Eilean Ruairidh Mòr facts for kids
| Gaelic name | Eilean Ruairidh Mòr |
|---|---|
| Meaning of name | Island of Big Rory/Roderick |
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| OS grid reference | NG897733 |
| Coordinates | 57°42′N 5°32′W / 57.7°N 5.53°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Loch Maree |
| Area | 38 ha |
| Area rank | (Freshwater: 10) |
| Highest elevation | 51 m |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Highland |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
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Eilean Ruairidh Mòr is a beautiful, tree-covered island located in Loch Maree, a large lake in Wester Ross, Scotland. Its name means "Island of Big Rory" or "Roderick." Long ago, people sometimes called it "Ellan-Rorymore."
This special island is owned by Forestry and Land Scotland, which also looks after the nearby Slattadale Forest. Eilean Ruairidh Mòr and other islands in Loch Maree are very important. They are some of the most untouched places in Britain. Because of this, they are protected as a National Nature Reserve. This means they are kept safe for nature and wildlife.
A Look Back in Time
Eilean Ruairidh Mòr has an interesting past. Around 1815, many pine trees were planted on the island. You can still find the remains of an old circular building there. It looks a bit like ancient forts found in Scandinavia.
Long ago, the ancestors of a powerful Scottish family, the Mackenzies of Gairloch, used this island. They kept it as a safe place. It protected them from attacks by another family, the Macleods.
