Soay, Inner Hebrides facts for kids
| Norse name | *Sauða-ey |
|---|---|
| Meaning of name | Sheep Island |
| OS grid reference | NG443145 |
| Coordinates | 57°09′N 6°14′W / 57.15°N 6.23°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Skye |
| Area | 1,036 ha (4 sq mi) |
| Area rank | 49 |
| Highest elevation | Beinn Bhreac, 141 m (463 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Highland |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 3 |
| Population density | 0.1/km2 (0.26/sq mi) |
| Largest settlement | Mol-chlach |
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Soay is a small island located right off the coast of Skye in Scotland. It is part of a group of islands called the Inner Hebrides. The name Soay comes from an old language called Old Norse. It means Sheep Island.
Soay's Location and Shape
Soay island is found west of Loch Scavaig. This is on the southwest coast of Skye. Soay Sound separates it from Skye. Unlike its taller neighbors, Skye and Rùm, Soay is quite low. Its highest point is Beinn Bhreac, which is only 141 meters (463 feet) high.
The island has a unique shape, like a "dumb-bell." This means it is almost split in two by two water inlets. These inlets form Soay Harbour in the north and a main bay called Camas nan Gall in the south. The main village, Mol-chlach, is located by Camas nan Gall. People usually reach the island by boat from a place called Elgol. Soay is also part of the Cuillin Hills National Scenic Area. This is a special protected area known for its beautiful views.
A Look at Soay's History
The name Camas nan Gall means "Bay of Foreigners" in Scottish Gaelic. It was likely named after the Norse people who visited the area long ago. The Hebrides islands themselves are also sometimes called "Na h-Innse Gall," meaning "Islands of the Foreigners."
Island Population Changes
In 1851, Soay's population reached its highest point with 158 people. Many people moved there after being forced to leave their homes on Skye during the Highland Clearances. These were times when many families were moved from their land in the Scottish Highlands.
In 1946, an author named Gavin Maxwell bought the island. He started a factory to get oil from basking sharks. These are very large, slow-moving sharks. However, his business did not last long, only three years. Maxwell wrote about his experiences on Soay in his book, Harpoon at a Venture. After his business failed, he sold the island to his business partner's wife, Jeanne Geddes.
Soay was also home to the world's first telephone exchange powered by the sun. This was a big step in technology for a small island.
In 1953, most of the people living on Soay moved to the Isle of Mull. They asked to move because the ferry service to Soay was often canceled in winter due to bad weather. Since then, only a few people have lived on the island. In 2001, there were 7 people. By 2011, only 3 people lived there.
