Tahay

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Tahay
Gaelic: Taghaigh

Sound of Harris
(Inverness-shire)

Island of Taghaigh - geograph.org.uk - 1343512.jpg
Tahay, seen from North Uist
Location

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Location: 57°40’0"N, 7°5’30"W
Grid reference: NF965755
Area: 131 acres
Highest point: 215 feet
Data
Population: 0

Tahay is an island off the north coast of North Uist in the Outer Hebrides, belonging to Inverness-shire. The name originates from the Old Norse tagg-øy meaning island with a prominent hill. At 131 acres in area and with a central peak of 215 feet, 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. Its name is from the Old Norse Tagg-ey, meaning 'island with a prominent hill'.

History

In 1846, six families who had been evicted from their homes on Pabbay to make way for sheep, part of the Highland Clearances, and 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.[1]

Tahay is owned by the Crown.

References

The islands of the Sound of Harris, Inverness-shire
Harris

Berneray  • Boreray  • Keallasay More  • Ensay  • Gilsay  • Groay  • Hermetray  • Killegray  • Opsay  • Pabbay  • Sgarabhaigh  • Shillay  • Stromay  • Sursay  • Tahay  •

North Uist