Tahay

Infobox Scottish island


GridReference=NF965755
latitude= 57.67
longitude=-7.09
celtic name=Taghaigh
norse name=Tagg-øy
meaning of name= island with a prominent hill
area=53 ha (131 acres)
area rank=188=
highest elevation=65m (215 ft)
Population=0
population rank=
main settlement=
island group=Uists & Barra
local authority=Na h-Eileanan Siar
references= [2001 UK Census per List of islands of Scotland] Haswell-Smith] [ [http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/ Ordnance Survey] ]

Tahay (Scottish Gaelic: "Taghaigh") is an island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. The name originates from the Old Norse "tagg-øy" meaning island with a prominent hill. At 53 ha in area and with a central peak of 65 metres, it is the largest of the group of uninhabited islands off the north east coast of North Uist.

The island is used for sheep grazing and peat cutting.

History

In 1846, six families who had been evicted from their homes on Pabbay to make way for sheep, moved to the previously uninhabited island of Tahay. Although the island has no arable land, they hoped to make a living from fishing. However this proved too hard and they gave up the struggle in the 1850s and emigrated to Australia. [cite web| url=http://www.geo.ed.ac.uk/scotgaz/features/featurefirst10907.html| title=Overview of Tahay| publisher=Gazetteer for Scotland| accessdate=2008-10-04]

Tahay is owned by the Scottish Government.

References