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Rinns of Islay facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Beinn Tart A' Mhill summit
Looking across the eastern part of the Rinns from Beinn Tart A' Mhill, the highest point in the area, towards the sea and Loch Indaal
Quick facts for kids
Rinns of Islay Lighthouse
Orsay
Orsay Lighthouse - geograph.org.uk - 1101355.jpg
Orsay Lighthouse
Rinns of Islay LighthouseOrsay is located in Argyll and Bute
Rinns of Islay LighthouseOrsay
Rinns of Islay Lighthouse
Orsay
Location in Argyll and Bute
Location Orsay Isle
Islay
Inner Hebrides
Scotland
United Kingdom
Coordinates 55°40′23″N 6°30′47″W / 55.673122°N 6.513112°W / 55.673122; -6.513112
Year first constructed 1825
Automated 1998
Construction masonry tower
Tower shape cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern
Markings / pattern white tower, black lantern, ochre trim
Height 29 metres (95 ft)
Focal height 46 metres (151 ft)
Intensity 600.000 candela
Range 24 nautical miles (44 km; 28 mi)
Characteristic Fl W 5s.
Admiralty number A4256
NGA number 4232
ARLHS number SCO-184

The Rinns of Islay (in Scottish Gaelic: Na Roinn Ìleach) is a special area on the western side of the island of Islay. Islay is one of the Inner Hebrides islands in Scotland.

It's like a long arm of land, also known as a peninsula. This peninsula is connected to the main part of Islay by a narrow strip of land called an isthmus. This narrow strip is located towards the northern end of the Rinns.

Living in the Rinns

The main towns in the Rinns of Islay are Port Charlotte and Portnahaven. These towns are found along the A847 road, which runs along the eastern coast of the peninsula.

A Home for Wildlife

The Rinns of Islay is a very important place for nature. It has been named a Special Protection Area. This means it's protected because many birds live here, especially during breeding season and in winter.

Two important bird species found here are the Greenland white-fronted goose and the chough. The area is perfect for them because it has many different types of habitats. These include bogs, moorland, grassy sand dunes, coastal grasslands, marshes, and farmland.

The Orsay Lighthouse

The famous Rinns of Islay lighthouse stands on a small island called Orsay. This lighthouse helps guide ships safely past the coast. You can find more details about the lighthouse in the box at the top of this page.

Ancient Rocks of the Rinns

The Rinns of Islay is also known for its very old rocks. These rocks are part of something called the "Rhinns complex." This is a group of ancient igneous rocks that form the base of the land here. Scientists study these rocks to learn about the Earth's history.

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