Bac Mòr

Infobox Scottish island |


GridReference=NM243387
celtic name=Bac Mòr
norse name=
meaning of name=large bank or obstacle
area= ha
area rank=
highest elevation=Dutchman's Cap 86 m
Population=0
population rank=
main settlement=
island group=Treshnish Isles
local authority=Argyll and Bute
references= [2001 UK Census per List of islands of Scotland] cite book| author=Haswell-Smith, Hamish| date=2004| title=The Scottish Islands| location=Edinburgh| publisher=Canongate| isbn=1-84195-454-3] [ [http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/ Ordnance Survey] ]

Bac Mòr is a Scottish island, one of the Treshnish Isles, sometimes referred to as The Dutchman's Hat or Cap in English due to its shape.

Origin of name

The Gaelic name has a couple of possible interpretations. "Mòr" simply means large (as opposed to Bac Beag, its smaller sister), but "Bac" can mean a "bank", or also an "obstacle" or "hindrance". The island's profile, possibly the most distinctive amongst the Scottish Islands, is as much like a Mexican "sombrero" as a Dutchman's hat.

Geology

Bac Mòr is of ancient volcanic origin, and the peak in the middle is a former cone. The low lying plain surrounding it is formed from a glassy lava field.

Despite having no safe landing places, there are the remains of summer shielings on the island.

Wildlife

The Treshnish Isles are uninhabited and are owned by a charity, The Hebridean Trust. They are designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area due to their importance for breeding seabirds.

There are also a number of wildflowers here.

Footnotes