Stromay facts for kids
| Gaelic name | Sròmaigh |
|---|---|
| Norse name | Straum-øy |
| Meaning of name | Old Norse for 'island in the tidal stream'. |
| OS grid reference | NF936746 |
| Coordinates | 57°39′25″N 7°08′17″W / 57.657°N 7.138°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Uists and Barra |
| Area | 66 ha (163 acres) |
| Area rank | 178 |
| Highest elevation | 16 m (52 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Na h-Eileanan Siar |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
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Stromay (which is Sròmaigh in Scottish Gaelic) is a small tidal island located off the coast of North Uist. This island is found in the Sound of Harris, which is a stretch of water in Scotland.
What is Stromay?
Stromay is known as a tidal island. This means it's an island that you can walk to from the mainland when the tide is low. When the tide comes in, the path gets covered by water, and it becomes an island again! The name "Stromay" comes from an old Norse word meaning 'island in the tidal stream', which perfectly describes it.
Where is Stromay Located?
This low-lying island sits between two wide, shallow sea lochs. These are like long, narrow inlets of the sea. Their names are Loch Mhic Phàil and Loch Aulasary. Stromay is connected to North Uist for most of the day when the tide is out.
There are also other smaller islands with the same name!
- One tiny islet called Stromay is found between Harris and Ensay.
- Another one, also called Stròmaigh, is located between North Uist and Kirkibost.
What Makes Stromay Special?
Around Stromay, you can find many sandy areas and rocks. These areas are usually covered by water. But when the tide goes out, they become visible. This makes the coastline around Stromay change a lot throughout the day. It's a great example of how tides shape the land.
