Sheep Island, Argyll facts for kids
 A natural arch on Sheep Island |
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| OS grid reference | NR7328305574 |
|---|---|
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Argyll and Bute |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
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Sheep Island is a small island located off the southern tip of the Kintyre peninsula in Scotland. No people live on Sheep Island.
It is part of a small group of islands. This group also includes Sanda Island and Glunimore Island. They are about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) south of Kintyre.
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Geography of Sheep Island
Sheep Island stretches about 600 meters (656 yards) from north to south. The west coast of the island is very steep. It rises to a height of 41 meters (135 feet).
There is a cave on the west side of the island. You can also find a natural arch at the northwest end. A natural arch is a rock formation shaped like an arch.
The island is surrounded by many rocks that appear at low tide. These rocks make it hard to land a boat on the island.
Water Around the Island
The waters around Sheep Island have strong tidal races. A tidal race is a fast-moving current of water. One of these strong currents is called Tum ba nach. It flows north from Sheep Island towards the Sound of Sanda.
Wildlife on Sheep Island
Even though its name suggests sheep, the island is more famous for its birds. Sheep used to graze here, but now it's a very important place for seabirds.
Puffins and Other Birds
Sheep Island is a main breeding ground for puffins in the Clyde area. A breeding ground is a place where animals go to have their babies.
Puffins from Sheep Island are helping to bring puffins back to Ailsa Craig. Puffins had disappeared from Ailsa Craig in the past.
Other birds also nest on Sheep Island. These include guillemots and razorbills. They build their nests on the island's cliffs.
