South Ascrib facts for kids
| OS grid reference | NG305645 |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 57°34′48″N 6°30′40″W / 57.58°N 6.511°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Skye |
| Area | c. 30 ha |
| Highest elevation | 41 m |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Highland |
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|
South Ascrib is a small island in Scotland. It's located in a sea area called Loch Snizort, which is near the northern part of the Isle of Skye. It sits between two areas of Skye called Waternish and Trotternish.
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About South Ascrib Island
South Ascrib changes shape depending on the ocean tides. When the tide is low, the island is about 30 hectares (which is about 74 acres) in size. Its highest point is 41 meters (about 135 feet) above the sea.
When the tide is high, the island splits into several smaller pieces of land. These smaller islands are cut off from each other by the water. The total area of these pieces combined is about 25 hectares (around 62 acres). One of these northern pieces is called Eilean Garave.
There are other small islands nearby that are part of the same group as South Ascrib. These include Eilean Creagach, Eilean Iosal, Sgeir à Chapuill, and Sgeir à Chuin. A small rock island called Scalp Rock is just to the west of South Ascrib.
A Glimpse into History
In 1703, a writer named Martin Martin wrote about the Ascrib islands. He mentioned that the island of Ascrib was divided by the sea and was good for grazing animals. He also noted that there were many fish in the waters around it. Martin also described two smaller islands nearby, which were only good for grazing.
There are also signs that an underground monk's cell, a small room where a monk might have lived, was on the island in the 1700s.
Home to Amazing Wildlife
South Ascrib is a very important place for nature. It has been named a Special Area of Conservation because many common seals live and have their babies there. About 600 common seals call South Ascrib home. This is a large number, making up about 35% of all the common seals that breed around the Isle of Skye. It's also about 1% of the entire common seal population in the European Union!
Besides seals, another interesting bird, the puffin, also breeds on the Ascrib islands. Puffins dig burrows, which are like underground tunnels, to lay their eggs and raise their young.
Who Owned the Island?
In 1985, a person named Baron Palumbo bought the Ascrib islands. At first, he said he wanted to build a house underground on South Ascrib. However, he ended up building a house that looked more traditional. The islands were put up for sale again in 1996.
