Shuna Island facts for kids
| Gaelic name | Siùna |
|---|---|
| Meaning of name | Probably "sea island" from Norse |
| OS grid reference | NM916490 |
| Coordinates | 56°35′24″N 5°23′42″W / 56.59°N 5.395°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Loch Linnhe |
| Area | 155 ha (383 acres) |
| Area rank | 121 |
| Highest elevation | Tom an t-Seallaidh 71 m (233 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Argyll and Bute |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
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Shuna Island, or just Shuna, is a small island located in Loch Linnhe. This loch is a sea loch, which means it is an arm of the sea that reaches inland. Shuna is found off the coast of a place called Appin in Scotland.
The island is about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) long and 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) wide. Its total area is around 155 hectares (383 acres). A special feature of Shuna is a flat-topped hill at its southern end. The name "Shuna" likely comes from an old language called Norse, meaning "sea island." A narrow stretch of water called the Sound of Shuna separates the island from Appin.
Contents
Shuna's History
Shuna Island has a long and interesting past. Records from the late 1500s show that the island belonged to John Stewart, who was the Laird (or lord) of Appin.
Castle Shuna: An Old Fortress
John Stewart might have built a small castle on the island called Castle Shuna. This castle was a "tower-house," which is a type of strong, tall building used for defense. Today, Castle Shuna is in ruins, but you can still see its remains at the southern end of the island.
Shuna Farmhouse: A New Home
In the 1700s, a new building became the main home on the island. This was Shuna Farmhouse, which took the place of Castle Shuna as the main residence. The farmhouse is a traditional building that dates back to the 1740s. It is considered a "Category B listed" building, which means it is important historically or architecturally.
Nearby Castle Stalker
Close to Castle Shuna, at the top of Loch Laich, is another island fortress called Castle Stalker. This castle also belonged to the Stewarts of Appin family a long time ago.
Shuna's Natural Beauty
Shuna Island is part of a very special area in Scotland. It is included in the Lynn of Lorn National Scenic Area. Scotland has 40 of these National Scenic Areas, which are places recognized for their outstanding natural beauty. This means Shuna is in a truly beautiful part of the country.
The Island Today
Shuna Island is currently uninhabited, meaning no one lives there permanently. In 2012, the island was put up for sale. It was listed by a company called Savills for £1.85 million.
