Garvellachs Facts for Kids

The Garvellachs (in Scottish Gaelic: Garbh Eileaich), also known as the Isles of the Sea, are a small group of islands. They are part of an archipelago (a group of islands) called the Inner Hebrides in Scotland. These islands are located west of Lunga and northwest of Scarba. They belong to the Argyll and Bute area. The Garvellachs have been uninhabited, meaning no one has lived there, since World War II.

The main islands in this group are Garbh Eileach, Dùn Chonnuill, and Eileach an Naoimh.

Exploring the Garvellachs' Waters
- Dangerous Waterways
  - The Grey Dogs
  - The Corryvreckan Whirlpool
Protecting the Garvellachs' Beauty
- What is a National Scenic Area?
- Plant Life of the Islands
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See also

Exploring the Garvellachs' Waters

The waters around the Garvellachs are very popular for sailing. However, sailors need to know the area well. The weather can change very quickly, making conditions tricky.

Dangerous Waterways

The underwater shape of the seabed creates many strong currents called tidal races. These can make some parts of the water quite dangerous. Two famous examples are the Grey Dogs and the Gulf of Corryvreckan.

The Grey Dogs

The Grey Dogs is a narrow stretch of water between the islands of Scarba and Lunga. It is known for its fast-moving currents.

The Corryvreckan Whirlpool

The Gulf of Corryvreckan is located between Scarba and Jura. Here, you can find the famous Corryvreckan whirlpool. This whirlpool is the third largest in the entire world!

Protecting the Garvellachs' Beauty

The Garvellachs are part of a special protected area. This area is called the Scarba, Lunga and the Garvellachs National Scenic Area.

What is a National Scenic Area?

Scotland has 40 such areas. They are chosen because they have incredibly beautiful scenery. Being a National Scenic Area helps protect the land. It limits certain types of building or development. This keeps the natural beauty safe for everyone to enjoy.

Plant Life of the Islands

A Scottish plant collector named Clara Winsome Muirhead studied the plants on these islands. In 1962, she published a book called The Flora of Easdale and the Garvellachs. This book describes all the different plant species she found there.