Neave Island facts for kids
| Gaelic name | Eilean naomha or Eilean na Coomb |
|---|---|
| Meaning of name | holy |
| OS grid reference | NC663643 |
| Coordinates | 58°32′N 4°17′W / 58.54°N 4.29°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Highland / Islands of Sutherland |
| Area | 30 hectares (0.12 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 70 metres (230 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Highland |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
 |
|
Neave Island, also called Coomb(e) Island, is a small island located off the northern coast of mainland Scotland. It's known for its rugged landscape and a lovely sandy beach. Even though no one lives there today, it holds clues about its past.
Contents
Exploring Neave Island
Neave Island is a fascinating place to learn about Scotland's geography and history. It's a great example of the many small, uninhabited islands found around the Scottish coast.
Where is Neave Island?
Neave Island is found in an area called Sutherland, which is in the northern part of Highland Scotland. It sits just east of another island called Eilean nan Ròn. A narrow stretch of water, known as Caol Beag, separates Neave Island from the Scottish mainland. The island is also less than a mile away from a small village called Skerray.
What's Neave Island Like?
This island is quite small, covering about 30 hectares (that's roughly the size of 74 football fields!). It's also quite rugged, meaning it has a rough and rocky surface. The highest point on the island is about 70 meters (230 feet) above sea level. Despite its ruggedness, Neave Island is famous for a beautiful sandy beach located on its far eastern side.
A Glimpse into the Past
One of the most interesting things about Neave Island is the remains of an ancient church. This old church was identified as St. Columba's Church on a map from 1874. Finding such old structures on a small, uninhabited island gives us a peek into the history of the area and the people who might have visited or lived near the island many years ago.
