North Tolsta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids North Tolsta
|
|
|---|---|
 Traigh Mhor Tolastadh |
|
 North Tolsta
|
|
| Language | Scottish Gaelic English |
| OS grid reference | NB536475 |
| Civil parish | |
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ISLE OF LEWIS |
| Postcode district | HS2 |
| Dialling code | 01851 |
| Police | Northern |
| Fire | Highlands and Islands |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
|
| Scottish Parliament |
|
North Tolsta (called Tolastadh bho Thuath in Scottish Gaelic) is a small village in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. It's located on the eastern side of the Isle of Lewis. This village is part of the Stornoway area.
One of the most famous spots in Tolsta is its long, sandy beach called Traigh Mhor. At one end of this beautiful beach, you can find five caves. These caves can only be explored when the tide is low. Locals call them "The Caves of Life." Just to the north of North Tolsta is another village named Bail' Ùr Tholastaidh, which means New Tolsta. The village of North Tolsta has two churches and a community shop, which also serves as the post office. It's known as "Buth Tholastaidh."
Contents
Exploring Tolsta's Past
How World War I Affected Tolsta
During World War I, a very large number of men from Tolsta joined the armed forces. More than half of all the men in the village went to fight. Out of 127 men who served, 50 sadly lost their lives. This had a huge impact on the community. Many families were affected, with 19 widows and 54 children losing their fathers. Over 150 other people in the village also depended on these men.
Tolsta's Community Wind Turbine
In 2005, a special group called Tolsta Community Development Limited was formed. This group is a community interest company, meaning it works for the benefit of the local people. They operate a wind turbine in an area called Glen Tolsta. The money earned from this wind turbine is used to help the Tolsta community. This shows how the village works together to support itself.
The Local Primary School
The primary school in North Tolsta served the children of the village for many years. However, it closed its doors in the summer of 2019.
Ancient Sites and History
Caisteal a’ Mhorair: A Medieval Castle
At the end of Gleann Tholastaidh, there's a place called Caisteal a’ Mhorair. This name means "The Castle of the Big Man" or "Nobleman." It's one of the very few places on the Isle of Lewis that might have been a medieval castle. The site was first written about in 1874. Experts last studied it in the early 2000s to learn more about its history.
The Crannog at Osavat
In a loch (a Scottish lake) called Osavat, which has now been drained, there is a Crannog. A crannog is an ancient artificial island, often built in lakes or rivers, that people used to live on for protection.
Amazing Local Wildlife
North Tolsta is a great place to spot different kinds of animals, especially birds and sea creatures.
Birds of the Sky and Sea
You might see large and powerful golden eagles flying high above. Other birds that live here include the skua, a strong seabird, and the kittiwake, a type of gull. You can also spot the common herring gull near the coast.
Marine Life in the Waters
Out in the sea near Tolsta, you can often see seals swimming and playing. Dolphins and porpoises are also common visitors. Sometimes, if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of large whales passing by offshore.
