Mingay facts for kids
| Meaning of name | rock |
|---|---|
 |
|
| OS grid reference | NG2230357686 |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Skye |
| Highest elevation | 32m |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Highland |
 |
|
Mingay is a tiny island, also called an islet, located in the Inner Hebrides. This is a group of islands off the west coast of Scotland. Mingay is found near the larger Skye and another island called Isay.
Mingay, along with Isay and the nearby Loch Dunvegan, is a very important place. It is called a Special Area of Conservation. This means the area is protected to help keep its natural environment safe. It is especially important for the many common seals that have their babies there.
Exploring Mingay's Land and Location
Mingay is made up of a type of rock called basaltic lava. This rock formed from ancient volcanoes. You can also find shale and quartzite rocks on the island. Shale is a soft rock, and quartzite is a very hard rock.
Mingay is in the eastern part of Loch Dunvegan. This is a sea loch, or a narrow inlet of the sea. The island is south of Ardmore Point and west of Waternish. Both of these places are on the Isle of Skye. From Mingay, you can also see the Skye mountain Beinn Bhreac to the south. To the southeast, you can spot Sgeir nam Biast.
The Story Behind Mingay's Name
The name Mingay comes from an old language called Old Norse. This language was spoken by the Vikings who explored and settled in Scotland many years ago. Many places on the nearby Isle of Skye also have names that come from Old Norse.
The island of Isay, right next to Mingay, also has a name with Old Norse roots. There is even a nearby rock called Clett. Its name comes from the Scottish Gaelic word Cleit. This word itself comes from the Old Norse word klettr, which simply means "a rock."
