Lunga, Treshnish Isles

Infobox Scottish island |


latitude=56.49
longitude=-6.42
GridReference=NM278419
celtic name=Lungaigh
norse name=langr-øy
meaning of name="(long)ship island", from Norse
area=81 ha
area rank= 159
highest elevation=Cruachan 103 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] ] [cite web| url=http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/vli/language/gaelic/pdfs/placenamesK-O.pdf| title=Placenames| author=Iain Mac an Tailleir| publisher=Pàrlamaid na h-Alba| accessdate=2007-07-28] cite web| url=http://www.linguae-celticae.org/dateien/Gaidhlig_Local_Studies_Vol_16_Ile_Diura_Colbhasa_Ed_II.pdf| title=Regions of Scotland and Gaelic Names| accessdate=2007-08-01]

The Isle of Lunga is the largest of the Treshnish Isles in Scotland.

History

Of volcanic origin, Lunga has been described as 'a green jewel in a peacock sea'. Populated until the 19th century Lunga still bears the remains of black houses. To the northeast of the island lie the remains of the ruined village, which was abandoned in 1857.cite web| url=http://www.geo.ed.ac.uk/scotgaz/features/featurefirst1544.html| title=Overview of Lunga| publisher=Gazetteer for Scotland| accessdate=2007-07-28]

Wildlife

Lunga is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its abundant plant life. Many rare and endangered plants are native to the island. Plants include primroses, birdsfoot trefoil, orchids, sea campion, sea pinks, yellow flags, tormentil and the oyster plant. Grey seals inhabit the waters surrounding the island, while birdlife includes storm-petrels, kittiwakes and Manx Shearwaters. Guillemot, puffin and razorbills breed on Lunga and on the Harp Rock, a sea stack separated by a narrow gut. Barnacle geese appear each winter.

Footnotes