Haskeir facts for kids
| Gaelic name | Eilean Hasgeir |
|---|---|
| Norse name | Skilðar |
| Meaning of name | Possibly Old Norse for "shields" |
.jpg) Haskeir Island as seen from Rubha Ghriminis, North Uist |
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| OS grid reference | NF615818 |
| Coordinates | 57°48′N 7°48′W / 57.8°N 7.8°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Uist and Barra |
| Area | 15 ha (37 acres) |
| Highest elevation | 37.5 m (123 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Na h-Eileanan Siar |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
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Haskeir (which means Eilean Hasgeir in Scottish Gaelic) is a very remote and empty island in Scotland. It is part of the Outer Hebrides group of islands. No one lives on Haskeir.
The island is about 13 kilometers (8 miles) west-northwest of North Uist. Close by, about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) to the southwest, are some smaller rocky islands called skerries. These are known as Haskeir Eagach. They look like a line of five tall rock stacks. About 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Haskeir is the famous island group of St Kilda.
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Exploring Haskeir's Unique Landscape
Haskeir is a wild and rugged place. It is very hard to land on the island because there are no safe places for boats to stop. The cliffs are steep and rocky, making it tricky to climb up, even when the weather is calm.
Amazing Rock Formations
The island has some cool natural features. You can find several natural rock arches, which are like bridges made of stone. On the north side of the island, there is a very tall cliff called Castle Cliff. Around Haskeir, there are also smaller skerries to the north and south.
What Grows on Haskeir?
Because of the strong winds and salty sea spray, not many plants can grow on Haskeir. You might see a few tough plants like sea-pinks, campion, plantain, and orache. These plants are special because they can survive in such a harsh environment.
Most of the rocks on Haskeir are made of something called Lewisian gneiss. This is a very old type of rock found in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland.
Haskeir's Past: A Glimpse into History
Haskeir might have had a different name long ago. In the Old Norse language, it might have been called Skilðar or Skilðir. These words mean "shields." An old map from 1583, made by Nicholas de Nicolay, shows the name Skildar for this area.
Some people think that the name of the nearby St Kilda islands might have come from Haskeir's old Norse name. The true origin of the name St Kilda is a bit of a mystery, so this is one interesting idea!
The Haskeir Lighthouse
Even though no one lives on Haskeir, it has an important job. There is an active lighthouse on the island. It was built in 1997 and helps guide ships safely. The Northern Lighthouse Board takes care of it. You can also find the remains of a small shelter, called a bothy, on the island. Fishermen from the nearby Monach Islands might have built it a long time ago.
Images for kids
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North east of Haskeir from Griminish, North Uist
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Heisgeir Eagach from Rubha Ghriminis, North Uist
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Haskeir (on the right) and Haskeir Eagach from Griminish Point, North Uist
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