Ensay (Outer Hebrides) facts for kids
| Gaelic name | Easaigh |
|---|---|
| Meaning of name | Old Norse: Ewe Island |
| OS grid reference | NF977862 |
| Coordinates | 57°46′N 7°05′W / 57.76°N 7.08°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Outer Hebrides |
| Area | 186 ha (3⁄4 sq mi) |
| Area rank | 113 |
| Highest elevation | 49 m (161 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Na h-Eileanan Siar |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
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Ensay (pronounced 'EN-say') is a small, privately owned island in Scotland. It's part of the Outer Hebrides, a group of islands off the west coast of Scotland. Even though no one lives there permanently today, it has a rich history!
You can find Ensay in the Sound of Harris, which is a stretch of water between two larger islands: Harris and Berneray. The name 'Ensay' comes from an old Norse language word meaning 'Ewe Island.' An 'ewe' is a female sheep, so it means 'Sheep Island'!
Life on Ensay
Even though Ensay has had no permanent residents since the 1930s, it's not completely empty! The island is still used for grazing sheep during the summer months.
There is a small church on the island called Christ Church. It is carefully looked after, and church services are held there twice a year. The Scottish government officially lists Ensay as an "inhabited island," even though no one lived there during the 2001 or 2011 population counts.
A Look at History
People have lived on Ensay for a very long time! There are signs that people lived here during the Stone Age. You can even see a large standing stone on the island, which is a tall stone placed upright by ancient people.
Ensay House, also known as Taigh Easaigh, was built during the Edwardian period. This was the home of the Stewart family, who used to own the island.
Ensay in Australia
Did you know there's a town named Ensay in Australia? A Scottish settler named Archibald Macleod named the town of Ensay in Victoria, Australia, after this very island!
Gallery
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Standing Stone
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Taigh Easaigh
