Eilean Ruairidh Mòr

Infobox Scottish island


latitude=57.7
longitude=-5.53
GridReference=NG897733
celtic name=Eilean Ruairidh Mòr
norse name=
meaning of name=Island of Big Rory/Roderick
area=41 ha
area rank= 207=
highest elevation= 51 m
Population=0
population rank=
main settlement=
island group=Loch Maree
local authority=Highland
references= [2001 UK Census per List of islands of Scotland] [ [http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/ Ordnance Survey] ]

Eilean Ruairidh Mòr is a forested island in Loch Maree, Wester Ross, Scotland. Its name was formerly anglicised as "Ellan-Rorymore"Wilson, Rev. John "The Gazetteer of Scotland" (Edinburgh, 1882) Published by W. & A.K. Johnstone] .

Owned by the Forestry Commission, Eilean Ruairidh Mòr forms part of Slattadale Forest. [cite web| url=http://xweb.geos.ed.ac.uk/scotgaz/features/featurefirst1663.html| title=Overview of Ruairidh Mòr| publisher=Gazetteer for Scotland| accessdate=2007-12-15] The islands in Loch Maree are among the least disturbed in Britain and are managed as a National Nature Reserve. [cite web| url=http://www.snh.org.uk/publications/on-line/designatedareas/nnrs/LochMaree/LochMaree.asp| title=Loch Maree Islands National Nature Reserve| publisher=Scottish Natural Heritage| accessdate=2007-12-14]

History

Eilean Ruairidh Mòr was planted with pines in about 1815. There are remains of a subterranean circular structure , similar to a Scandinavian dùn or burgh. The ancestors of the Mackenzies of Gairloch held it as a place of security from the attacks of the Macleods. [cite web| url=http://www.electricscotland.com/history/gazetteer/vol2page547.htm| title=Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland| publisher=Electric Scotland| accessdate=2007-12-15]

Footnotes