Flodday (Sound of Barra) facts for kids
| Gaelic name | Flodaigh |
|---|---|
| Norse name | floti |
| Meaning of name | 'raft' or 'float' island |
| OS grid reference | NF751022 |
| Coordinates | 57°00′N 7°21′W / 57.00°N 7.35°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Uists and Barra |
| Area | 40 ha (99 acres) |
| Area rank | 220= |
| Highest elevation | 41 m (135 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Na h-Eileanan Siar |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
 |
|
Flodday or Flodaigh (its name in Scottish Gaelic) is a small, uninhabited island. It lies to the northeast of Barra, another island in Scotland. Flodday is one of ten islands found in the Sound of Barra. This area is very important for nature and wildlife. It is known as a Site of Community Importance for conservation. The name "Flodday" comes from an old language called Old Norse. It means "flat island," which describes its shape.
Exploring Flodday: Island Geography
Flodday is made up of a type of rock called gneiss. This rock helps create very fertile soil on the island. To the north of Flodday, there is a long underwater rock formation called a reef. This reef ends in a small piece of land called Snagaras. Snagaras is a "drying islet," which means it appears above the water at low tide but is covered by the sea at high tide.
A Look Back: Flodday's Past
Even though Flodday is empty today, people once lived there. A single family made their home on the island for many years. However, in 1851, they were forced to leave. This event was part of a sad period in Scottish history called the Highland clearances. During this time, many families were moved off their land. This was often done to make space for sheep farming.
