Gunna facts for kids
| Gaelic name | Gunnaigh |
|---|---|
| Norse name | Gunni-øy |
| Meaning of name | "Gunni's island" |
| OS grid reference | NM100513 |
| Coordinates | 56°34′N 6°43′W / 56.56°N 6.72°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Mull |
| Area | 69 ha (0.27 sq mi) |
| Area rank | 176 |
| Highest elevation | 35 m (115 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Argyll and Bute |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
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Gunna (in Gaelic: Gunnaigh) is a small island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. It is located between the larger islands of Coll and Tiree. Gunna is a quiet place, with no people living there permanently.
Where is Gunna?
Gunna is found in the Inner Hebrides, a group of islands off the west coast of Scotland. It lies closer to Coll than to Tiree. The island is about 69 hectares (or 0.27 square miles) in size. Its highest point is only 35 meters (about 115 feet) above sea level. At its widest, Gunna is less than 500 meters across.
The island has many smaller islands and rocks around it. These include Eilean Frachlan to the north and Eilean nan Gamhna to the south. Soy Gunna is to the northeast. Eilean Bhoramull is also nearby, closer to Coll. Many rocks are found in the Gunna Sound, which is the water between Gunna and Tiree.
The ground of Gunna is made of a type of rock called paragneiss schist. This is a kind of rock that has been changed by heat and pressure. The island also has light, sandy soil.
What's in a Name?
The name "Gunna" comes from an old Norse name, "Gunni". So, Gunni-øy means "Gunni's island". It's not clear which "Gunni" the island was named after. Some people think the name might also come from a Gaelic phrase. This phrase, Eilean nan Gamhna, means "island of the young cattle".
Gunna might have once been home to a hermit or a monk. A hermit is someone who lives alone for religious reasons. Near an old well on the island, there is a place called Port na Cille. This name means "Port of the Monk's Cell". There is also a large cave, Uamh Mòr, on the north coast. This cave could have been where a hermit lived.
Gunna is even mentioned in an old song! The song says, "Farewell beyond Gunna to Mull of the great mountains."
Animals and Nature
Gunna is a great place for many types of birds. You can find a wide range of sea birds here. Geese and shelducks also live on the island. Grey seals use Gunna as a place to have their babies.
The island is also used for grazing animals. Farmers from the nearby island of Coll bring their animals to eat the grass on Gunna.
Gunna in Stories
Gunna appears in a book called The New Road by Neil Munro. One of the characters, Sandy Duncanson, comes from Gunna. A chapter in the book is even titled "The Man from Gunna." The story suggests that coming from Gunna shows his mixed nature. This is because Tiree was known as a loyal island, while Coll was seen as wild.
