Scalpay, Outer Hebrides facts for kids
| Gaelic name | Sgalpaigh (na Hearadh) |
|---|---|
| Norse name | Skalprøy |
| Meaning of name | scallop island or ship Island |
| OS grid reference | NG214965 |
| Coordinates | 57°51′54″N 06°40′39″W / 57.86500°N 6.67750°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Lewis and Harris |
| Area | 653 ha (2+1⁄2 sq mi) |
| Area rank | 66 |
| Highest elevation | Beinn Scorabhaig 104 m (341 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Comhairle nan Eilean Siar |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 291 |
| Population density | 44.5/km2 (115/sq mi) |
| Largest settlement | Am Baile (The Village) |
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Scalpay (pronounced "SKAL-pay") is a small island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. It is also known as Sgalpaigh na Hearadh in Gaelic. This helps to tell it apart from another island called Scalpay near Skye. Scalpay is very close to the larger island of Harris.
Contents
What's in a Name?
The name Scalpay comes from an old Norse word. Some people think it means "ship island." This is because it might have been a good place for ships to stop. Others believe the name means "scallop island." This would be because of the many scallops found in the waters nearby.
Island Features and Landscape
Scalpay is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) long. Its highest point is a hill called Beinn Scorabhaig, which is 104 meters (341 feet) tall. The island covers an area of about 653 hectares (1,613 acres).
The main village on Scalpay is in the north. It is called An Acairseid a Tuath, which means North Harbour. This village is close to the bridge that connects Scalpay to Harris.
Rocks and Land
The rocks on Scalpay are very old. Most of the island is made of a type of rock called gneiss. This rock is part of the Lewisian Complex, which is one of the oldest rock formations in the world. There are also some other types of rocks, like amphibolite.
Scalpay has many small lakes, called lochans. The biggest one is Loch an Duin, which means "Loch of the Fort." It has a tiny island with the remains of an old fort.
Eilean Glas Lighthouse
On the eastern side of Scalpay, there is a small area called Eilean Glas. This is where the first lighthouse in the Outer Hebrides was built. Lighthouses help guide ships safely.
The Bridge to Harris
Scalpay is very close to Harris, only about 300 meters (980 feet) away. For a long time, people used a ferry to travel between the islands. But in 1997, a bridge was built. This bridge made it much easier for people to go back and forth.
A Look at Scalpay's History
Scalpay has an interesting past. In 1746, a famous historical figure named Charles Edward Stuart (also known as Bonnie Prince Charlie) came to Scalpay. He was hiding after his army lost a big battle.
The island has been home to many talented Gaelic singers. It also had people called psalm precentors. These are people who lead the singing of psalms in church.
Changes Over Time
Years ago, Scalpay had more than 10 shops. But over time, as fewer people lived and worked on the island, these shops closed. The last shop shut down in 2007.
There was also a salmon factory on Scalpay. It provided many jobs from 2001 to 2005. Later, in 2009, the factory reopened. It now cleans nets for the local fish farming industry. In 2012, the community bought and opened a new shop and cafe called Buth Scalpaigh.
Community Ownership
In 2011, the owner of Scalpay, Fred Taylor, decided to give the land to the local people. The islanders voted to accept this gift. Now, the community works with the North Harris Community Trust to manage the island. This means the people who live there help make decisions about Scalpay's future.
People of Scalpay
In 2001, 322 people lived on Scalpay. Most of them worked in fish farming or prawn fishing. By 2011, the population had gone down a little to 291 people.
Most people on Scalpay are Protestants. The island has two Presbyterian churches. These are the Free Church of Scotland and the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing).
