Ulva facts for kids

Ulva or the Isle of Ulva (called Ulbha in Gaelic) is a small island located in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. Today, only about 16 people call Ulva home. However, at the start of the 19th century, around 600 people lived there. A famous person named Lachlan Macquarie, often called the "Father of Australia", was born on this island.

There are many wild flowers on the Isle of Ulva

What is the Isle of Ulva Like?

Ulva is a beautiful island with many different types of scenery. You can find dramatic cliffs, peaceful forests, and lovely beaches. The island is part of the Inner Hebrides, a group of islands off the west coast of Scotland.

How Many People Live on Ulva?

The population of Ulva is very small today, with only about 16 residents. This is a big change from the early 1800s, when many more people lived there. Over time, many residents left the island, especially during a period known as the Highland Clearances.

Who Was Lachlan Macquarie?

Lachlan Macquarie, often called the "Father of Australia," was born on Ulva.

Lachlan Macquarie was born on Ulva in 1761. He became a very important figure in the history of Australia. He served as the Governor of New South Wales from 1810 to 1821. During his time as governor, he made many changes that helped shape Australia into the country it is today. Because of his work, he is often remembered as the "Father of Australia."

History of Ulva

The Isle of Ulva has a long and interesting history. People have lived on the island since prehistoric times, meaning thousands of years ago!

Early Settlements on Ulva

Ulva has been inhabited since prehistoric times.

Evidence shows that people lived on Ulva even before written history began. Places like Ormaig were once busy settlements. Ormaig was the main village on the island for a long time. However, in the mid-1800s, many people were forced to leave their homes during the Highland Clearances. This led to many settlements, like Ormaig and Cragaig, becoming empty.

Famous Visitors to Ulva

Samuel Johnson visited Ulva in 1773.

James Boswell traveled with Samuel Johnson to Ulva.

In 1773, two famous writers, Samuel Johnson and James Boswell, visited Ulva. They wrote about their travels through Scotland, including their time on the island. Their writings give us a glimpse into what life was like on Ulva in the 18th century.

James Hogg, "The Ettrick Shepherd," was a Scottish poet.

Another Scottish writer, James Hogg, also known as "The Ettrick Shepherd," had connections to Ulva. These visits from well-known figures show that even though Ulva was a small island, it was part of the wider world.

Buildings and Infrastructure on Ulva

The small church at Ardalum was designed by Thomas Telford.

The island has some interesting buildings. For example, the small church at Ardalum was designed by a famous engineer named Thomas Telford. He was known for building roads, bridges, and canals.

Ulva also has its own way of getting fresh water. There is a dam on a stream called A' Chrannag. This dam helps provide much of the island's drinking water.

Images for kids

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  Tràigh Bhàn, looking South east toward Ben More on Mull.

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  A view from Ormaig to the south east: the nearer islets are Geasgill Mòr & Geasgill Beag, while the longer island behind them is Inch Kenneth.

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  Basalt cliffs, near Dùn Bhioramuill on south coast.

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  Ormaig was once the principal settlement on the island. It had been inhabited since prehistoric times, until it was cleared by Francis William Clark in the mid-19th century.

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  The bothy at Cragaig. Like so many other places, Cragaig was once a thriving settlement.

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  The dam on A' Chrannag, which provides the island with much of its drinking water.

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  The Isle of Ulva has a dramatic range of scenery from spectacular cliffs to sylvan glades such as this.

See also

In Spanish: Ulva para niños