Eileanan Iasgaich facts for kids
| Gaelic name | Eileanan Iasgaich Mòr |
|---|---|
| Meaning of name | fishing island |
| OS grid reference | NF789184 |
| Coordinates | 57°08′N 7°19′W / 57.14°N 7.31°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Uists & Barra |
| Area | 50 ha |
| Area rank | 199= |
| Highest elevation | 20 m |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Na h-Eileanan Siar |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
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| References | > |
Na h-Eileanan Iasgaich are a group of small, empty islands in Loch Boisdale. This loch is a sea inlet located in the southeast part of South Uist island. South Uist is one of the many islands in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.
These islands are special because they change size! When the tide is high, they are separate islands. But when the tide goes out, they connect to each other. They don't connect to the bigger island of South Uist, though. The whole group of islands covers about 50 hectares. That's like 120 football fields! Their highest point is over 20 meters tall, which is about as high as a six-story building.
What are the Fishing Islands?
The name Na h-Eileanan Iasgaich means "fishing islands" in Scottish Gaelic. This name makes a lot of sense! When the tide is low, the islands become much bigger. This creates natural traps where fish can get caught. It also makes great homes for tasty sea creatures like crabs and lobsters.
Island Features
The islands have very thin soil. Below the soil, their main rock is called Lewisian gneiss. This is a very old type of rock found in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland. It's like the solid base of the islands.
There are five main islands in this group:
- Eileanan Iasgaich Mòr — This means "Great fishing island."
- Eileanan Iasgaich Meadhonach — This means "Middling fishing island."
- Eileanan Iasgaich Beag — This means "Little fishing island."
- Eilean nam Feannag
- Eilean Bàgh Mhic Rois
These islands are a great example of how nature changes with the tides. They show us how important the sea is to the land and its creatures.
