Shuna, Slate Islands
| Shuna | |
 The ruined castle | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
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| |
| Location: | 56°12’50"N, 5°36’9"W |
| Grid reference: | NM760080 |
| Area: | 1,114 acres |
| Highest point: | Druim na Dubh Ghlaic, 295 feet |
| Data | |
| Population: | 3 |
Shuna is one of the Slate Islands lying east of Luing on the west coast of Lorn. The islands are a small group amongst the Inner Hebrides and belong to Argyllshire, sitting very close to the mainland shore.
History
Shuna Castle was built as recently as 1911. It fell into disrepair in the 1980s when the cost of maintenance become too great.[1]
Unlike the other Slate Islands, Shuna has little slate, and has historically been farmed, although it is now overgrown with woodland. There are several cairns in the south and west of the small island.
During the nineteenth century the population numbered up to 69, but by the 2001 census, Shuna was one of four Hebridean islands with a population of one. The island has been privately owned by the Gully family since 1946. It is now occupied by a farmer and his family, who let four houses as holiday cottages and had a usually resident population of 3 in 2011.[1]
Wildlife
The island has healthy populations of red, roe and fallow deer; along with otters, common and grey seals, porpoises and dolphins out on the water.[1]
Outside links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Shuna Wildlife & History". Internet Archive. Original access: islandofshuna.co.uk on 28 July 2007. Archived at 14 August 2007. Retrieved 24 July 2012.
| The Slate Islands |
|---|
|
Belnahua • Easdale • Fladda • Luing • Lunga • Seil • Shuna • Torsa |