Fiaraidh facts for kids
| Meaning of name | 'grass' or 'pasture' island |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | NF702104 |
| Coordinates | 57°04′N 7°26′W / 57.07°N 7.44°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Uist and Barra |
| Area | 41 hectares (0.16 sq mi) |
| Area rank | 217= |
| Highest elevation | 30 metres (98 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Outer Hebrides |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
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Fiaraidh is a small, uninhabited island located in the Sound of Barra. This sound is a stretch of water in the Outer Hebrides, a group of islands off the west coast of Scotland. Fiaraidh is one of ten islands found in this area.
The island is a special place for nature. It is part of a protected area known as a Site of Community Importance. This means it's important for keeping nature safe and healthy.
Discovering Fiaraidh
Fiaraidh is a small island, about 41 hectares in size. To give you an idea, that's roughly the size of 100 football fields! The highest point on the island is only 30 metres tall, which is about the height of a 10-story building. This means the island is mostly flat.
Nature and Wildlife
Fiaraidh is an important stop for many birds, especially barnacle geese. These geese use the island as a "staging post." This means they stop there to rest and refuel during their long journeys.
The island also has two small ponds, which are called lochans in Scotland. These provide fresh water for the wildlife.
Island Geology
The rocks that make up Fiaraidh are very old. They are a type of rock called gneiss, which formed billions of years ago. This ancient rock tells us a lot about the Earth's history.
Interesting Facts
Around Fiaraidh, there is a large reef that appears when the tide is low. Long ago, people used to say that a fairy woman lived on this reef.
Another nearby island, called Lingay, also has some interesting old stories and folklore connected to it.
