Eilean nan Ròn facts for kids
| Gaelic name | Eilean nan Ròn |
|---|---|
| Meaning of name | island of the seals |
| OS grid reference | NC637656 |
| Coordinates | 58°33′N 4°20′W / 58.55°N 4.34°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Highland / Islands of Sutherland |
| Area | 138 hectares (9⁄16 sq mi) |
| Area rank | 129= |
| Highest elevation | Cnoc an Loisgein, 76 m (249 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Highland Council |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
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Eilean nan Ròn means "island of the seals" in Scottish Gaelic. It's a small, uninhabited island located near Skerray in the north of Sutherland, Scotland. This island is a very important place for seals, especially for baby seals. Every year, about 350 seal pups are born here!
Island History: Who Lived Here?
People used to live on Eilean nan Ròn for many years. In 1881, there were 73 people living on the island. By 1931, the population had dropped to 30. The island has been completely empty of people since 1938. The last nine people to leave were all from the Mackay family. Their names were Christina Bella, Hector Sinclair, Jessie Ann, Willie John, Hugh Campbell, Donald, Ina, Chrissie Dolina, and Christina Mackay.
If you visit the area, you can still see the old ruins of their homes. These ruins are located in the middle part of the island. They are found between two pebble beaches called Mol na Coinnle and Mol Mòr.
Island Features: What Does It Look Like?
Eilean nan Ròn is not part of the well-known Hebrides islands, which are off Scotland's west coast. This island is mostly made of sandstone rock. It has very steep cliffs along its north and east sides. There's even a cool natural arch called Leathad Ballach. This arch is like a giant stone bridge, about 150 feet (46 meters) high and 70 feet (21 meters) wide!
The two highest points on the island are Cnoc an Loisgein, which is 76 meters (249 feet) high, and Cnoc na Caillich, which is 75 meters (246 feet) high. A writer named Rev. Wilson described the island in 1882. He said it "looks like two islands" and has "very fertile soil."
There are also several smaller islands and islets around Eilean nan Ròn. One of these is Eilean Iosal, which is a tidal island. This means you can sometimes walk to it at low tide. Further out is Meall Thailm. To the southwest, you'll find An Innis, a small island. The Rabbit Islands are also nearby, located in Tongue Bay.
Island Wildlife: Who Lives Here Now?
As its name suggests, Eilean nan Ròn is a favorite spot for grey seals. These amazing animals come to the island in large numbers every autumn. They come here to have their babies, called pups. Around 350 seal pups are born on the island each year!
Besides the seals, the island is also home to many different kinds of seabirds. You might also spot some sheep. These sheep were left on the island when the last human residents moved away.
