Inch Kenneth facts for kids
| Gaelic name | Innis Choinnich |
|---|---|
| Meaning of name | Island of Kenneth, follower of St Columba |
 View from Ulva: Inch Kenneth is the longer island behind Geasgill Mor and Beag |
|
| OS grid reference | NM435355 |
| Coordinates | 56°26′30″N 6°09′47″W / 56.44171°N 6.16317°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Inner Hebrides |
| Area | 55 ha (0.21 sq mi) |
| Area rank | 189= |
| Highest elevation | 49 m (161 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Argyll and Bute |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
 |
|
Inch Kenneth (which means Innis Choinnich in Scottish Gaelic) is a small, green island located off the west coast of the Isle of Mull in Scotland. It sits at the entrance of Loch na Keal, just south of another island called Ulva. Inch Kenneth is part of the Loch na Keal National Scenic Area, which is one of 40 special natural areas in Scotland.
This island is part of the Kilfinichen and Kilvickeon parish, located in Argyll.
Contents
History of Inch Kenneth Island
The island gets its name from St Kenneth. He was a follower of Saint Columba, a very important figure in early Scottish Christianity. People believe that St Kenneth started a monastery (a place where monks live and pray) on the island a long time ago.
People and Owners of Inch Kenneth
Over the years, Inch Kenneth has been visited and owned by several interesting people.
Early Visitors
In 1773, two famous visitors, Samuel Johnson and James Boswell, came to the island during their trip around the Hebrides. They were welcomed by Sir Allan MacLean, who was the leader of the Maclean clan. Both Johnson and Boswell later wrote about their visit to Inch Kenneth.
Owners in the 20th Century
In the 1930s, the island was owned by Sir Harold Boulton, 2nd Baronet. He was known for writing the words to the famous Scottish song, Skye Boat Song. He made the house on the island much bigger, turning it into the large mansion you can see today.
The most well-known owners of Inch Kenneth in the 20th century were the Mitford family. This family was quite famous in Britain. One of the sisters, Unity Mitford, spent her last years on the island. After their father, Lord Redesdale, passed away, the island was inherited by his surviving Mitford sisters. This happened because, under Scottish law, the island went to them, not to their mother, as their father had left it to a son who had already passed away.
When their mother died in 1963, Nancy Mitford, another sister, gave her share of the island to her sister Jessica. Jessica then bought the shares from her other sisters, Diana Mitford, Deborah Mitford, and Pamela Mitford. Jessica, who had different political views, jokingly suggested that the island could become a base for Soviet submarines.
Jessica sold the island in the late 1960s to Andrew Barlow. His family still owns Inch Kenneth today.
Filming Location
Inch Kenneth was also used as a filming location for the 1993 movie Walk Me Home. The film was produced by the author Timothy Neat.
Current Population
The National Records of Scotland classifies Inch Kenneth as an inhabited island. However, it had no regular residents during the 2001 or 2011 censuses. This means that while people might visit or stay there sometimes, no one lives there permanently.
Images for kids
-
The house on Inch Kenneth
See also
In Spanish: Inch Kenneth para niños
