Monach Islands

The Monach Islands, also Heisker ( Scottish Gaelic: Eilean Heisgeir / i ) are an archipelago, which belongs to the Outer Hebrides in Scotland.

Geography

The Monach Islands lie some eight kilometers west of the island of North Uist in the Atlantic. The islands are mostly flat and sandy. The erosion by wind and water is strong.

Ceann Ear, with an area of 2.3 km ², the largest island of the group. The highest point is 15 meters high. Ceann Iar is smaller at 1.5 km ², the highest point is 19 meters above sea level. At low tide you can get from one to the other island and the island Shivinish. Another island of the group is Shillay ( Siolaigh ). There are two lighthouses.

History

The Monach Islands to have been to achieve at low water of Uist made until the 16th century. Then a storm surge destroyed this land bridge. 1810 population left the island group because the livestock was no longer profitable due to overgrazing. Later, the islands were settled by the end of the Highland Clearances again, only to be abandoned again in 1948. Since then, the islands are uninhabited. 1942 lost the older lighthouse on Shillay its function in 1997 next to the new lighthouse was built.

With a boat used on the Monach Islands before 1948 you can visit the island group. The old schoolhouse was set up for overnight stays.

Flora and Fauna

The Monach Islands are a nature reserve. There no trees grow, the flora is, however, particularly in the interior of the islands, rich. On the islands you will find the largest gray seal colony in Europe. Every year, around 10,000 animals to mate and raise their young there.

Uninhabited islands
Geography (Outer Hebrides )
Archipelago (Scotland )
Archipelago ( Europe)
Archipelago (Atlantic Ocean )
Nature reserve in Europe
Nature Reserve in Scotland

Baseflow Berneray, North Uist St Kilda, Scotland

578930