Sgarabhaigh facts for kids
Sgarabhaigh (pronounced Skar-a-vay) is a tiny, quiet island located in the Sound of Harris in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. It's a special place because no one lives there permanently.
This small island is about 40 acres in size, which is like 30 football fields! It's a safe home for many wild animals. You can find lots of seabirds, playful otters, and big grey seals living here.
Sgarabhaigh is one of a group of islands sometimes called the "Pabach Islands". This name comes from a long time ago, in the 1800s. Back then, people on the nearby island of Pabbay used to run out of peat. Peat is like a natural fuel, similar to coal, that people used to burn for heat. So, the islanders would go to Sgarabhaigh and its sister islands, Grodhaigh, Bhatam, Lingeigh, and Gilsaigh, to collect more peat.
Protecting Sgarabhaigh: A Special Project
Today, Sgarabhaigh is at the center of an exciting project. This project is all about making sure the island stays healthy and natural. It also aims to help the communities in the wider islands grow and thrive.
The project wants to create a lasting connection between people and Scotland. It's open to everyone, but it has a special goal. It hopes to connect with the families of islanders who had to leave their homes a long time ago. This happened during a period in history called the Highland Clearances. Many people were forced to move from their homes in the 1700s and 1800s.
An Island Adventure: A Unique Stay
In July 2009, a man named Geoff Spice had a very unusual idea. He decided to live alone on Sgarabhaigh for a whole month! He wanted to challenge himself and try to change a personal habit.
His adventure on the uninhabited island caught the attention of many news outlets. It helped to bring some media attention to this small, beautiful island.
