View source for Gigha

{{Short description|Island in Scotland}}
{{distinguish|Gighay}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox Scottish island | 
|coordinates = {{coord|55.68|-5.75|display=inline}}
|location_map=Scotland Argyll and Bute
|caption=Gigha shown within Argyll and Bute
|GridReference=NR647498
|Image=Gigha Hotel, Ardminish.jpg
|ImageCaption=Gigha Hotel
|celtic name=Giogha<ref name=MacanT2>{{Gaelic Placenames}} This author specifies "God's island".</ref>
|scots name=Gigha<ref>{{cite web | url=https://d3lmsxlb5aor5x.cloudfront.net/library/document/Map_of_Scotland_in_Scots-Guide_and_gazetteer.pdf | title=Map of Scotland in Scots - Guide and gazetteer}}</ref>
|gaelic pronunciation={{IPA|gd|ˈkʲi.ə||Giogha.ogg}}
|norse name=Guðey<ref name=HSH>Called such in ''[[Hákonar saga Hákonarsonar]]'', {{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20120714180840/http://sagnanet.is/saganet/?MIval=/NextPage&Manuscript=100128&imgpage=598 § 328, line 8]}}, "Then King Hakon sailed south long Kintyre and lay at the place that is called ''Guðey''"  and [http://sagnanet.is/saganet/?MIval=/NextPage&Manuscript=100128&imgpage=599 § 329, line 7]{{dead link|date=January 2018|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}, "Then they went out under ''Guðey'', to King Hakon"; see A. O. Anderson, ''Early Sources'', vol. ii, pp. 617, 620</ref>
|meaning of name= Old Norse, probably "God's island" or "good island"
|area=  {{convert|1395|ha|acre|abbr=on}}
|area rank=41<ref name=H2>Haswell-Smith (2004) pp. 502–03. Modified to include bridged islands.</ref>
|highest elevation= Creag Bhàn  {{convert|100|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|Population=187<ref name=RESAS>{{RESAS}}</ref>
|population rank=33=
|population density ={{convert|13.4|PD/km2|abbr=on}}<ref name=RESAS/><ref name=HSmith/>
|main settlement=[[Ardminish]]
|island group=[[Islay]]
|local authority=[[Argyll and Bute]]
|references=<ref>Infobox source is Haswell-Smith (2004) pp. 37–41 unless otherwise stated.</ref>
}}
'''Gigha''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|ɡ|iː|ə}} {{respell|GHEE|ə}}; {{langx|gd|Giogha|italic=yes}}; {{langx|sco|Gigha}}) or the '''Isle of Gigha'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://data.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/doc/50kGazetteer/126303|title=Isle of Gigha/Giogha|publisher=[[Ordnance Survey]]|access-date=7 February 2019}}</ref> (and formerly '''Gigha Island''')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://visionofbritain.org.uk/maps/?layer=europe&xMin=3045938.60064&yMin=3296969.73689&xMax=3048738.60064&yMax=3299769.73689|title=Old Maps of Britain and Europe|publisher=A Vision of Britain through Time|access-date=4 May 2019}}</ref> is an island off the west coast of [[Kintyre]] in Scotland. The island forms part of [[Argyll and Bute]] and has a population of 187 people as of 2022.<ref name=RESAS/> The climate is mild with higher than average sunshine hours and the soils are fertile. The main settlement is [[Ardminish]].

Gigha has been inhabited continuously since [[Prehistory|prehistoric times]]. It may have had an important role during the Kingdom of [[Dalriada]] and is the ancestral home of [[Clan MacNeil]]l. It fell under the control of the Norse and the [[Lords of the Isles]] before becoming incorporated into modern Scotland and saw a variety of conflicts during the [[Middle Ages|medieval period]].

The population of Gigha peaked at over 700 in the [[18th century]], but during the [[20th century]] the island had numerous owners, which caused various problems in developing the island. At the beginning of the 21st century the population had fallen to 98, however a "community buy-out" in 2002 has transformed the island, which now has a growing population and a variety of new commercial activities to complement farming and tourism.

Attractions on the island include Achamore Gardens and the abundant [[wildlife]], especially [[seabird]]s. There have been numerous [[shipwreck]]s on the surrounding rocks and [[skerry|skerries]].

== Etymology ==
<!-- Infobox template for pronunciation-->
{| class="collapsible infobox collapsed"  style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#efefef;"|Pronunciation
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|style="width: 40%;"|
! colspan="2" style="background:#efefef;"|
|-
|[[Scots Gaelic]]:|| An Dubh Sgeir
|-
|Pronunciation:||{{IPA|gd|ən̪ˠ ˈt̪us̪kʲeɾʲ||andubhsgeir.ogg}}
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#efefef;"|
|-
|[[Scots Gaelic]]:|| Buaidh no Bàs
|-
|Pronunciation:||{{IPA|gd|puəj nɔ paːs̪̪̪||buaidhnobas.ogg}}
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#efefef;"|
|-
|[[Scots Gaelic]]:|| Cnoc Haco
|-
|Pronunciation:||{{IPA|gd|kɾɔ̃xk haxkɔ||cnochaco.ogg}}
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#efefef;"|
|-
|[[Scots Gaelic]]:|| Creag Bhàn
|-
|Pronunciation:||{{IPA|gd|kʰrʲek vaːn||creagbhan.ogg}}
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#efefef;"|
|-
|[[Scots Gaelic]]:|| Creideas Dòchas is Carthannas
|-
|Pronunciation:||{{IPA|gd|ˈkʰɾʲetʲəs̪ ˈt̪ɔːxəs̪ ɪs̪ ˈkʰaɾən̪ˠəs̪̪̪||creideasdochasiscarthannas.ogg}}
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#efefef;"|
|-
|[[Scots Gaelic]]:|| gamhainn
|-
|Pronunciation:||{{IPA|gd|ˈkãvəɲ||gamhainn.ogg}}
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#efefef;"|
|-
|[[Scots Gaelic]]:|| Gamhna Gioghach
|-
|Pronunciation:||{{IPA|gd|ˈkãũnə ˈkʲi.əx||gamhnagioghach.ogg}}
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#efefef;"|
|-
|[[Scots Gaelic]]:|| geodha
|-
|Pronunciation:||{{IPA|gd|ˈkʲɔ.ə||geodha.ogg}}
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#efefef;"|
|-
|[[Scots Gaelic]]:|| Gioghach
|-
|Pronunciation:||{{IPA|gd|ˈkʲi.əx||gioghach.ogg}}
|}
The [[Hebrides]] have been occupied by the speakers of at least four languages since the [[Iron Age]], and many of the names of these islands have more than one possible meaning as a result. 
Many modern authorities hold that the name "Gigha" is probably derived either from the Norse ''Guðey'' or from ''Gud-øy'', meaning either "good island" or "God island".<ref name=MacanT2/><ref name=HSmith/><ref name= Murray>Murray (1977) pp. 115–16.</ref><ref>Czerkawaska (2006) pp. 35–36.</ref> The Norse historical text ''[[Hákonar saga Hákonarsonar]]'' explicitly calls the island ''Guðey''.<ref name=HSH/>

Despite this, Keay and Keay (1994) and Haswell-Smith (2004) suggest the Gaelic name is derived instead from ''Gjáey'', meaning "island of the [[Geo (landscape)|geo]]" or "cleft".<ref name=HSmith/><ref name=Keay>Keay & Keay (1994) p. 423.</ref> However, Norse ''gjá'' normally shows up in Gaelic in the form of ''geodha''. Czerkawaska (2006) also notes that the isle is called "Gug" in a charter of 1309 and also appears as "Gega" on some old maps and speculates that a possible pre-Norse derivation is from the Gaelic ''[[Sheela na Gig]]'', a female fertility symbol.<ref>Czerkawaska (2006) pp. 35–37. This author accepts that the  possibility of a connection with ''Sheela na Gig'' is "a remote and contentious one!" and also suggests "island of the good harbour" rather than simply "good island".</ref> Haswell-Smith (2004) also offers the possibility of ''Gydha's isle'' after the Norse female name.<ref name=HSmith/>

A Gigha resident is a ''Gioghach'', also nicknamed a ''gamhainn'' ("stirk").<ref name=MacanT2/> Although the most widespread pronunciation of the Gaelic name ''Giogha'' is {{IPA|gd|kʲi.ə|}}, the Southern dialects preserve the [[fricative]]: {{IPA|gd|kʲiɣa|}} in [[Kintyre]]<ref>Holmer, N. ''The Gaelic of Kintyre'' Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, Dublin 1962, p.7</ref> and {{IPA|gd|kʲɯɣɑ|}} in [[Argyllshire]].<ref>Holmer, N. ''Studies on Argyllshire Gaelic'' K. Humnistiska Vetenskaps, Uppsala 1938, p.175</ref>

== Geology ==
The bedrock of Gigha is largely [[amphibolite]], a meta [[igneous rock]] which was probably, before its [[metamorphism]], one or more [[sill (geology)|sills]]. Some areas, particularly along the east coast are formed from the Erins Quartzite, a [[metasedimentary rock]] of [[Neoproterozoic]] age (late Precambrian) which falls within the Crinan Subgroup of the [[Argyll Group]], itself a part of the [[Dalradian]] sequence which forms most of the [[Grampian Mountains|southern Highlands]]. This rock sequence also include [[pelite]]s and [[semipelite]]s. The amphibolite is cut by numerous broadly southeast–northwest aligned [[dike (geology)|dykes]] of [[olivine]]-[[diabase|microgabbro]] dating from the [[Palaeogene]] period and forming a part of the ‘North Britain Palaeogene Dyke Suite’.
[[Raised beach|Raised marine deposits]] cover parts of the island, a product of higher relative sea levels during the early [[Holocene]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Onshore Geoindex |url=https://mapapps2.bgs.ac.uk/geoindex/home.html |website=British Geological Survey |publisher=British Geological Survey |access-date=4 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Sound of Gigha Sheet 20 and part of 21W Solid and Drift Edition |url=http://www.largeimages.bgs.ac.uk/iip/mapsportal.html?id=1002326 |website=BGS large map images |publisher=British Geological Survey |access-date=3 February 2020}}</ref>

== Geography ==
[[File:Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland (1899) (14785036095).jpg|thumb|Map of the island]]
[[File:Creagbhan.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Creag Bhàn, the highest hill on the island]]

Gigha lies {{convert|5|km|nmi|frac=2|abbr=off|spell=in}} off the coast of [[Kintyre]] and is {{convert|9.5|km|mi|abbr=on|frac=4}} long in a roughly north–south direction and a maximum of {{convert|2.5|km|mi|abbr=on|frac=4}} wide. The total area is {{convert|1395|ha|acre|abbr=off}} and the highest elevation of Creag Bhàn reaches only {{convert|100|m|ft|abbr=on}}. The rocky central spine is composed of [[epidiorite]] with [[basalt]] intrusions.<ref name=HSmith/><ref name=Keay/><ref name=OS>Explorer 357: Kintyre North, Knapdale South & Isle of Gigha. (2001) Southampton. [[Ordnance Survey]].</ref>

The main settlement is [[Ardminish]] which is on the south east coast and offers a small anchorage in the sheltered Ardminish Bay. Further to the north is Druimyeon Bay and beyond that West and East Tarbert Bays which (as their names imply) lie astride a small isthmus. There are various farms and associated buildings located throughout the island including Kinerarach and Tarbert in the north<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scottish-places.info/towns/townfirst3909.html|title=Kinerarach|publisher=Gazetteer for Scotland|access-date=13 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scottish-places.info/towns/townfirst5466.html|title=Tarbert|publisher=Gazetteer for Scotland|access-date=13 August 2020}}</ref> Ardailly in the west, where there are two holiday homes and a ruined watermill<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scottish-places.info/towns/townfirst3678.html|title=Ardailly|publisher=[[Gazetteer for Scotland]]|access-date=13 August 2020}}</ref> and North and South Druimachro on the east coast south of Ardmininsh.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scottish-places.info/towns/townfirst18669.html|title=North Druimachro|publisher=Gazetteer for Scotland|access-date=13 August 2020}}</ref><ref name=SDruimachro>{{cite web|url=https://www.scottish-places.info/towns/townfirst10259.html|title=South Druimachro|publisher=Gazetteer for Scotland|access-date=13 August 2020}}</ref>

The climate is mild with higher than average sunshine hours and minimum temperatures, and lower than average days of ground frost for Scotland.<ref name=HSmith>Haswell-Smith (2004) pp. 37–41.</ref><ref name= Murray/> Annual rainfall is typically between {{convert|1000|and|1290|mm|in|abbr=on}}.<ref>[http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/mapped.html "1971-2000 mapped averages"] Met Office. Retrieved 16 September 2008. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927030444/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/mapped.html |date=September 27, 2007 }}</ref>

=== Surrounding islands ===
[[Cara Island]] lies just offshore to the south, the smaller Craro Island lies to the west and [[Gigalum Island]] to the south east. A sandy spit connects Gigha to Eilean Garbh in the north-west. To the north are the rocks called An Dubh Sgeir (a common name meaning "black rock") and Gamhna Giogha. The Sound of Gigha separates Gigha and its attendant isles from mainland Kintyre.<ref name=OS/>

To the west and north west respectively, are the two large islands of [[Islay]] and [[Jura, Scotland|Jura]]. South west are [[Rathlin Island]] and the north of [[Ireland]], which can be seen from Gigha on clear days.<ref>Murray (1966) p. 2.</ref> Between Jura and Gigha are the rocks of Na Cuiltean and Skervuile Lighthouse. Between Gigha and [[Port Ellen]] on Islay is the island of [[Texa]]. [[Eilean Mòr, MacCormaig Isles|Eilean Mòr]] and [[Island of Danna]] are little further up the [[Argyll]] coast to the north.

There are also many small rocks and skerries (small rock islands) in the seas around Gigha. Asked by a tourist if he knew where they all were, local resident Willie McSporran (see below) replied "No, but I know where they aren't and that's good enough for me".<ref name=Cz189>Czerkawaska (2006) p. 189.</ref>

== History ==
Gigha has been inhabited continuously since prehistoric times, and there are several [[standing stone]]s on the island. There are many other archaeological sites, including [[cairn]]s, [[dun (fortification)|dun]]s and an [[ogham]] stone near to Kilchattan, which has not been deciphered.<ref name=Keay/><ref>It is badly weathered and the etching is probably a name on a tombstone. Various attempts have been made to decipher it e.g. "Vicula Maq Comgini" (Fiacal, son of Coemgen). See Czerkawaska (2006) p. 99.</ref>

[[File:Oghamgigha.jpg|right|thumb|The [[Ogham]] stone]]

In the [[Scotland in the Early Middle Ages|Early Historic Period]] The domain of the [[Cenél nGabraín]] appears to have been centred on [[Kintyre]] and [[Knapdale]] and may have included [[Isle of Arran|Arran]], [[Jura, Scotland|Jura]] and Gigha. The title king of Kintyre is used of a number of presumed kings of the Cenél nGabrain.<ref>Thomson (1994) p. 40 ''Cenél nGabrain''</ref><ref>Grimble (1985) p. 9 Chap. 2 ''Isles of the Saints''</ref> This would have made Gigha part of [[Dalriada]].

There is some evidence to show that the island might have been the seat of power for Conall mac Comgall, King of Dalriada, in the mid to late 6th century.  The Annals of Tigernach refer to a Battle of Delgon (later Cindeglen) in 574, and this has been identified as taking place on Gigha, then referred to as ''Eilean da Ghallagan'',<ref>McLeod, John [http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/adsdata/PSAS_2002/pdf/vol_028/28_013_018.pdf "Remarks on the Supposed Site of Delgon or Cindelgen, the Seat of Connal, King of Dalriada, AD 563." ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070611142644/http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/adsdata/PSAS_2002/pdf/vol_028/28_013_018.pdf |date=11 June 2007 }} (December 1983) (pdf) Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. Retrieved 18 March 2007. The Scottish antiquarian W.F. Skene originally identified this battle site as being in west Knapdale. He later revised his opinion on evidence presented to him by the archaeologist Hugh Maclean of Tarbet.</ref><ref>Innes, C. (1832)[http://www.arts.gla.ac.uk/scottishstudies/charters/Paisley.pdf "Syllabus of Scottish Cartularies"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607131901/http://www.arts.gla.ac.uk/scottishstudies/charters/Paisley.pdf |date=2011-06-07 }} (pdf) Retrieved 28 June 2007.</ref> although  other sources believe the battle took place in Kintyre.<ref>[http://www.ucc.ie:8080/cocoon/doi/locus/D ''Onomasticon Godelicum.'' CELT/Documents of Ireland]</ref><!--SEE TALK PAGE for further discussion. NB Onomasticon Godelicum 'rarely' works as a direct link but the findings are Google cached-->

=== Norse period ===
[[File:HakonTheOldAndSkule-Flateyjarbok.jpg|thumb|right|An illustration of Hákon, King of Norway, and [[Skule Bårdsson]], from ''[[Flateyjarbók]]'']]
Nearby [[Islay]] was a centre for Norse control over the Hebrides, and Gigha was later part of the [[Lord of the Isles|Kingdom of the Isles]]. The island's name appears to be Norse in origin, although its meaning is disputed, and there are several other Norse placenames in the vicinity, such as Gigalum (i.e. "Gigha - holm") and Cnoc Haco (possibly "Haakon's hill").<ref>Czerkawaska (2006) pp. 115–16.</ref>

In 1849, a Viking grave was found at East Tarbert Bay, which revealed a number of artefacts, including a bronze weighing balance dated to the 10th century.<ref name=Keay/><ref>Czerkawaska (2006) p. 113.</ref>

Prior to the [[Battle of Largs]], [[Haakon IV of Norway]] is said to have visited the island.<ref name=Keay/> According to ''[[Hákonar saga Hákonarsonar]]'' ("The Saga of Haakon Haakonsson") written by [[Iceland]]er [[Sturla Þórðarson]] in the 1260s:

<blockquote>
:''King Haco sailed afterwards south to Guðey before Kintyre where he anchored. There King John met him; he came in the ship with Bishop Thorgil. King Haco desired him to follow his banner as he should do. But King John excused himself. He said he had sworn an oath to the Scottish King, and held of him more lands than of the Norwegian Monarch; he therefore entreated King Haco to dispose of all those estates which he had conferred upon him. King Haco kept him with him some time, and endeavoured to incline his mind to fidelity. Many laid imputations to his charge. King Haco indeed had before received bad accounts of him from the Hebrides; for John Langlife-son came to the King, while he was sailing west from Shetland, and told him the news that John King of the Hebrides, breaking his faith, had turned to the Scottish Monarch. King Haco, however, would not believe this till he had found it so.

:''During King Haco's stay at Guðey an Abbot of a monastery of Greyfriars waited on him, begging protection for their dwelling, and Holy Church: and this the King granted them in writing.''

:''Friar Simon had lain sick for some time. He died at Guðey. His corpse was afterwards carried up to Kintire where the Greyfriars interred him in their Church. They spread a fringed pall over his grave, and called him a Saint.''<ref>[http://www.gutenberg.org/files/18299/18299-h/18299-h.htm "The Norwegian account of Haco's expedition against Scotland, A.D. MCCLXIII."] Project Gutenberg. Retrieved 1 October 2008.</ref>
</blockquote>

=== John of Islay ===
After [[Edward Balliol]]'s coup against the Bruce regime in 1333, he attempted to court [[John of Islay, Lord of the Isles]]. In 1336, Edward confirmed the territories which the Islay lords had acquired in the days of Robert I and awarded John the lands of Kintyre, [[Knapdale]], Gigha, [[Colonsay]], [[Isle of Mull|Mull]], [[Skye]], [[Isle of Lewis|Lewis]], and [[Morvern]], previously held by magnates still loyal to the [[House of Bruce|Bruces]]. John, however, never provided Edward with real assistance. Although Balliol's deposition and the restoration of the House of Bruce meant that the grants made to John were void, his pre-1336 possessions were confirmed by King [[David II of Scotland|David II]] in 1343. Moreover, in 1346, John inherited the great [[Lord of Garmoran|Lordship of Garmoran]] through his brother-in-law Raghnall MacRuaridh. This meant that John's dominions now included all of the Hebrides except Skye, and all of the western seaboard from Morvern to [[Loch Hourn]].<ref>Oram, Richard  "The Lordship of the Isles". p. 124; Michael Brown (2004) ''The Wars of Scotland''. Edinburgh.  p. 271.</ref>

=== Clan MacNeill ===
[[File:ClanBadge.jpg|right|thumb|Crest of Clan MacNeill of Gigha]]
Gigha is the ancestral home of the Clan MacNeill, which possesses its own tartan and Clan badge, both distinctly different from those of the larger and better known [[Clan MacNeil of Barra]] (spelt with one "l" in English) who share the same Chief.<ref>[http://www.scotclans.com/clans/MacNeill_of_Colonsay/history.html "MacNeill of Colonsay"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061230032159/http://www.scotclans.com/clans/MacNeill_of_Colonsay/history.html |date=2006-12-30 }} ScotClans. Retrieved 6 April 2007.</ref>

The origin of the MacNeills of [[Taynish]], Gigha and Colonsay is obscure. They were hereditary keepers of [[Castle Sween]] under the [[Lord of the Isles|Lords of the Isles]] during the 15th and 16th centuries. The MacNeill of Gigha, was known as the "chief and principal of the clan and surname of Macneils" in 1530. However, as the power of the Campbells grew and spread into the [[Inner Hebrides]], the influence of the MacNeills of Gigha decreased. At about this time the MacNeils on the more remote island of [[Barra]], far removed from [[Clan Campbell|Campbell]] power, began to grow in prominence and for a long time since have been regarded as "Chief of the Clan and Name".<ref name="Moncreiffe--81–84">*[[Iain Moncreiffe of that Ilk|Moncreiffe of that Ilk, Iain]]. ''The Highland Clans''. London. Barrie & Rockliff. 1967.</ref>

In 1449 [[Alexander, Lord of the Isles]] granted part of the island to Torquil MacNeill of Taynish, the remainder being owned by the monks of [[Paisley, Renfrewshire|Paisley]]. In 1493 the whole island came under MacNeill control and it remained in their hands, with various brief interludes, until the 19th century. This prize was by no means without its hazards. In 1530 the notorious pirate [[Ailean nan Sop]] murdered MacNeill of Taynish and numerous island residents. A dozen years later the title deeds were lost when eleven men of Gigha were killed by raiders.<ref name=HSmith/>

=== Medieval conflict ===
In 1554 the MacNeills relinquished their Gigha holdings to the MacDonalds, but if anything the conflicts intensified. In 1567 Gigha was "ravaged" by the [[Maclean of Duart|Macleans of Duart]].<ref>Czerkawaska (2006) p. 130.</ref> By 1587, atrocities committed between warring West Highland clans had escalated to such an extent that Parliament devised what is known as the ''General Band'' in an effort to quell hostilities. Despite the Governments actions to secure the peace, about this time Lachlan Mor MacLean of Duart ravaged the MacDonald islands of Islay and Gigha, slaughtering 500—600 men. Maclean of Duart then besieged [[Angus MacDonald, 8th of Dunnyveg|Angus MacDonald of Dunivaig and the Glens]] at his [[Castle Dunivaig]] on Islay.

[[File:Blaeu - Atlas of Scotland 1654 - CANTYRA - Kintyre.jpg|thumb|right|Blaeu's 1654 Atlas. North is to the right and Gigha at centre above [[Kintyre]].]]

The siege was only lifted when MacDonald of Dunivaig agreed with MacLean of Duart to surrender half of his lands on Islay. However, despite his agreement with the MacLeans, MacDonald of Dunivaig then invaded the MacLean islands of Mull, [[Tiree]], [[Coll]] and [[Luing]]. Angus MacDonald of Dunivaig was aided in the action by Donald Gorm Mor MacDonald of Sleat and the [[Clanranald|MacDonalds of Clanranald]], [[Clan MacDonald of Ardnamurchan|MacIains of Ardnamurchan]], [[Clan MacLeod of Lewis|MacLeods of Lewis]], [[Clan MacNeill|MacNeills of Gigha]], [[Clan MacAlister|MacAlisters of Loup]] and the [[Clan Macfie|Macfies]] of Colonsay. Supporting MacLean of Duart were the [[Clan Macleod|MacLeods of Harris and Dunvegan]], [[Clan MacNeil of Barra|MacNeils of Barra]], [[Clan Mackinnon|MacKinnons of Strathrodle]] and the [[Clan MacQuarrie|MacQuarries of Ulva]].<ref>Roberts (1999) pp. 91—92.</ref>

In 1590, Angus of Islay sold out to John Campbell of Cawdor, a junior cousin of the Earl of Argyll. In a move that may well have been pre-arranged Campbell then immediately resold back to Neil MacNeill of Taynish.<ref>Czerkawaska (2006) p. 131.</ref><ref>Grimble (1985) p. 45 Chap. 5 ''Campbell Takeover''</ref> The church at Kilchattan that dates from this period has some "intricately carved medieval grave slabs".<ref name=Keay/>

=== 17th century ===
[[File:Gighachurch.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Gigha and Cara [[parish church]]]]

Visiting in the late [[17th century]], [[Martin Martin]] wrote:
<blockquote>This isle is for the most part arable, but rocky in other parts; the mould is brown and clayey, inclining to red; it is good for pasturage and cultivation. The corn growing here is oats and barley. The cattle bred here are cows, horses, and sheep. There is a church in this island called Kilchattan, it has an altar in the east end, and upon it a font of stone which is very large, and hath a small hole in the middle which goes quite through it. There are several tombstones in and about this church; the family of the Macneils, the principal possessors of this isle, are buried under the tombstones on the east side the church, where there is a plot of ground set apart for them. Most of all the tombs have a two-handed sword engraven on them, and there is one that has the representation of a man upon it... This isle affords no wood of any kind, but a few bushes of juniper on the little hills.<ref>Martin (1703) "The Isle Gigha".</ref>
</blockquote>

[[William III of England|William II of Scotland]] visited the island in 1689, the MacNeill remaining loyal to the crown both then and in the [[Jacobite Rebellion (1745)|Jacobite rebellion of 1745]].<ref name=HSmith/>

=== Modern period ===
[[File:Eilean Garbh, Isle of Gigha.jpg|thumb|right|The twin beaches at Eilean Garbh]]

In the 18th century the population of Gigha peaked at over 600, but it had declined to just under 400 by the close of the 19th century. After half a millennium of association, the MacNeills sold the island for £49,000 to James Williams Scarlett, a nephew of [[James Scarlett, 1st Baron Abinger]] in 1865. His son, Lieutenant-Colonel William James Scarlett, built the mansion house of [[Achamore House|Achamore]] and Gigha remained in the family's hands until 1919.<ref>Czerkawaska (2006) pp. 179-80</ref><ref>Haswell-Smith (2004) p. 39 states that Gigha was bought by "Captain William Scarlet of Thryberg in [[Yorkshire]]" who also built Achamore House.</ref>

During the 20th century the island had various other owners. Major John Allen bought the island from the Scarletts and sold it to Richard Hamer  in 1937, before passing ownership during [[World War II]] to his brother-in-law, [[Somerset de Chair]],<ref>[http://everything2.com/title/Somerset+de+Chair "Somerset de Chair"].  everything2.com. Retrieved 14 May 2011.</ref> who in turn sold to [[Sir James Horlick, 4th Baronet|Sir James Horlick]] in 1944.<ref>Czerkawaska (2006) p. 181</ref>  Horlick is recalled as a generous owner who encouraged dairy farming and created the gardens of Achamore. David Landale then purchased it from the Horlick estate in 1973 and retained it until 1989. Meanwhile he had created a fish farm at South Druimachro, which now specialises in halibut and has a growing international reputation.<ref>Ross, David (20 Sep 2008) [http://www.heraldscotland.com/out-to-make-a-splash-in-the-market-1.889993 "Out to make a splash in the market"]. Glasgow. ''The Herald''. Retrieved 14 May 2011.</ref><ref name=SDruimachro/>  Over the years little further development took place, and some owners are recalled less fondly.<ref name= HSmith/><ref>Czerkawaska (2006) pp. 213-214.</ref>  The island briefly passed into the hands of Malcolm Potier, a property developer,<ref>Farquharson, Kenny (8 Oct 2006) [http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article663306.ece "The laird who fell from grace"]{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}. London. ''The Times''. Retrieved 14 May 2011.</ref> and subsequently to Derek Holt and his family prior to the sale to the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust.<ref>Womersley, Tara (30 Oct 2001) [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1360914/Now-Gighas-owner-must-decide-on-bids.html "Now Gigha's owner must decide on bids"]. London. ''The Telegraph''. Retrieved 14 May 2011.</ref>  By the 1960s population had fallen to 163; and by the beginning of the 21st century the population was reduced to only 98 and the housing stock was in poor condition.<ref name=Ross>{{cite news| author=Ross, J| date=2006-10-13| url=http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/scotlandspopulation/Island-of-opportunity-welcomes-a.2818002.jp| title=Island of opportunity welcomes a population explosion| location=Edinburgh| work=[[The Scotsman]]| access-date=2007-07-11}}</ref><ref>Czerkawaska (2006) pp. 214-215.</ref>

[[File:Gigha ferry coming in to Tayinloan.jpg|thumb|[[MV Loch Ranza|MV ''Loch Ranza'']] coming into port at [[Tayinloan]] with Gigha and the mountains of [[Islay]] in the background.]]

== Community buy-out ==
The challenges created by private landlords came to an end in March 2002 when the islanders managed, with help from grants and loans from the [[National Lottery (United Kingdom)|National Lottery]] and [[Highlands and Islands Enterprise]], to purchase the island for £4 million. They now own it through a [[development trust]] called  the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.gigha.org.uk/| title=Isle of Gigha website| access-date=2008-01-06}}</ref> As a result, 15 March, the day when the purchase went through, is celebrated as the island's "independence day".<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/1873930.stm| title=Island officially changes hands| work=BBC News Online| date=15 March 2002| access-date=2008-01-06}}</ref> £1 million of the financial support was in the form of a short term loan. The money to pay this loan back was largely raised by selling Achamore House (but not the gardens) to Don Dennis, a businessman from California. Dennis now operates a [[Bach flower remedies|flower essences]] importing business and a boat tours company from the house, which is also rented out as a [[bed and breakfast]] business.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/19/realestate/greathomes/19gh-scotland.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1190257400-YHqE4xhVGGclCiD+y8fraw| title=Besting Mick Jagger| author=Linda Gannell| date=19 September 2007| publisher=The New York Times Great Homes| access-date=2008-01-06}}</ref> 

An additional £200,000 was raised by the islanders through various fundraising ventures, allowing the loan to be paid back to the Scottish Land Fund on 15 March 2004.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.gigha.org.uk/today/buyout/buyout.php| title=How Gigha was bought by the community| publisher=Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust| access-date=2008-01-06| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070917084720/http://www.gigha.org.uk/today/buyout/buyout.php| archive-date=2007-09-17| url-status=dead}}</ref> Since the community buyout, several other private businesses have sprung up on Gigha, providing a boost to the local economy. The island's population and economy have begun to recover as a result of these activities.<ref>[http://www.gigha.org.uk/history/index.php "The History of Gigha"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921143621/http://www.gigha.org.uk/history/index.php |date=2008-09-21 }} Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust. Retrieved 13 September 2008.</ref>

==Population==
{| class="wikitable"
|+Overview of population trends
| valign="top"|
{|class="wikitable"
!Year
!Population
|-
| 1755
| 514
|-
| 1792
| 614
|-
| 1801
| 556
|-
| 1821
| 573
|-
| 1841
| 550
|-
| 1881
| 378
|-
| 1891
| 398
|
|-
| 1911
| 326
|}
|
{|class="wikitable"
!Year
!Population
|-
| 1931
| 240
|-
| 1951
| 190
|-
| 1961
| 163
|-
| 1981
| 153
|-
| 1991
| 143
|-
| 2001
| 110
|-
| 2011
| 163<ref name=NRS>{{NRS1C}}</ref>
|-
|2022
|187<ref name=RESAS/>
|}
|}

Note: The figures for 1755–1841 include Cara.<ref name=HSmith/>

== Economy ==
[[File:Gigha Hotel, Ardminish.jpg|thumb|right|The Gigha Hotel, [[Ardminish]] and attendant [[Cabbage tree (New Zealand)|New Zealand cabbage tree]] (often misidentified as palms)]]
Gigha's economy is largely dependent on [[livestock]] farming, tourism and some limited fishing. There have been some moves to diversify the economy since the community buy-out. There is also a [[fish farm]] on the island.<ref name=Keay/>

{{convert|365|ha|acre}} of [[arable land]] are farmed and relative to its size it is the most fertile and productive island in [[Scotland]].<ref>Murray (1973) p. 34.</ref> [[Ayrshire cattle]] are kept on the island.

In October 2006 it was announced<ref name=Ross/> that the population had reached 150, an increase of more than 50 per cent since the 2002 buy-out. [[Willie McSporran]], former chairman of the Heritage Trust, was quoted as saying: "The trust turned 300 years of population decline on its head by encouraging new development and the growth of the local economy. A sign of the surge of people wanting to relocate to Gigha is that we are struggling to meet the demand for housing despite building 18 new homes." The issues of island ownership are not unique to Gigha and consequently the island has been highlighted in an edition of the [[BBC]] series, ''[[Countryfile]]''.

In 2010 the historian [[James Hunter (historian)|James Hunter]] stated that the transfer of ownership had brought about "a spectacular reversal of Gigha's slide towards complete population collapse" and suggested that the [[Conservative – Liberal Democrat Coalition Agreement|UK Government]] should  learn lessons from Gigha and other community buy-outs to inform their "[[Big Society]]" plans.<ref>"Ross, David (20 August 2010) "Cameron should visit Gigha to see the Big Society in action, says historian". Glasgow: ''The Herald''.</ref> Between 2001 and the [[United Kingdom Census 2011|2011 census]]<ref name=NRS/> the island's population grew by over 45%.<ref name=NRS/>  During the same period [[List of Scottish islands|Scottish island]] populations as a whole grew by 4% to 103,702.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-23711202 "Scotland's 2011 census: Island living on the rise"]. BBC News. Retrieved 18 August 2013.</ref>

=== Wind turbines ===
{{See also|Wind power in Scotland}}
The Heritage Trust set up Gigha Renewable Energy Ltd. to buy and operate  three [[Vestas]] V27 [[wind turbine]]s, known locally as ''The Dancing Ladies'' or ''Creideas, Dòchas is Carthannas'' (Gaelic for ''[[Theological virtues|Faith, Hope and Charity]]'').<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.hi-energy.org.uk/Lets-Talk-Renewables/letstalkrenewables-spring2007.pdf| title=Let's Talk Renewables| publisher=HIE| access-date=2008-01-06 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080407011013/http://www.hi-energy.org.uk/Lets-Talk-Renewables/letstalkrenewables-spring2007.pdf <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2008-04-07}}</ref> They were commissioned on 21 January 2005 and are capable of generating up to 675&nbsp;kW of power. Revenue is produced by selling the electricity to the grid via an intermediary called Green Energy UK. Gigha residents control the whole project and profits are reinvested in the community.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.greenenergy.uk.com/sitecontent/viewpressrelease.aspx?id=94| title=Green Energy press release| publisher=greenenergy.uk.com| date=26 January 2005| access-date=2007-02-01| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061221184211/http://www.greenenergy.uk.com/sitecontent/viewpressrelease.aspx?id=94| archive-date=21 December 2006}}</ref> In 2016 two batteries were added to the system.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://renewablesnow.com/news/redts-energy-storage-machines-ready-for-isle-of-gigha-project-538866/|title=redT's energy storage machines ready for Isle of Gigha project|work=Renewablesnow.com|access-date=2018-08-02|language=en}}</ref>

=== Transport ===
[[File:Ardminish Bay, Gigha.jpg|thumb|right|Ardminish Bay, from the Gigha ferry]]
There is an unmanned grass landing strip running east–west near the southern end of the island, requiring prior permission for landing.  It is one of the closest airstrips to [[Glasgow International Airport]], typically a 20- to 30-minute flight away for small aircraft.

A [[Caledonian MacBrayne]] ferry service links the island's only village, Ardminish, to [[Tayinloan]] on the Kintyre peninsula of the Scottish mainland. This in turn links to the [[A83 road]].

=== Infrastructure ===
There is a [[primary school]] on the island, however [[secondary school]] pupils must go to the mainland for education. Ardminish has the pier, [[post office]] and shop.<ref name=Keay/> The island's postcode is PA41.

=== Attractions ===
Attractions on the island include the {{convert|20.2|ha|acre}} Achamore Gardens, begun in 1945 by Sir James Horlick and known for its [[rhododendron]]s and [[azalea]]s, the many sandy [[beach]]es and the thirteenth century St Catan's Chapel ruins. There is also a nine-hole golf course.<ref name=Murray/><ref>[http://www.gigha.org.uk/today/index.php "Gigha Today"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913174642/http://www.gigha.org.uk/today/index.php |date=2008-09-13 }} Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust. Retrieved 9 September 2008. Gigha Boats and Activity Centre is another new enterprise brought to the island following the buy out, allowing tourists and islanders alike to get a fresh perspective on the island and to discover seals, dolphins and other wildlife that surrounds it. See {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20080828055113/http://www.gigha.net/gighaboats "Gigha Boats Activity Centre"]}} Gigha.net. Retrieved 8 July 2009.</ref>

== Wildlife ==
[[File:View to Gigalum Island.jpg|thumb|[[Gigalum Island]] seen from Gigha]]
Because it is set on the eastern shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Gigha attracts a wide variety of sea birds such as [[guillemot]] and [[eider]], which breed on Eilean Garbh. Inland, ducks such as [[mallard]], [[common teal|teal]], [[Eurasian wigeon|wigeon]] and [[common pochard|pochard]] can be found along with [[grey heron|heron]], [[common snipe|snipe]], [[common pheasant|pheasant]] and [[red grouse]]. The [[hooded crow]] and [[jackdaw]] are present in considerable numbers, but geese are only occasional visitors. Mammals are under-represented; there are no [[red deer]], [[stoat]], [[least weasel|weasel]], [[red fox]]  or [[European hare|hare]]. In the mid-20th century Gigha had eight boats engaged in fishing for [[Atlantic cod|cod]] and [[European lobster|lobster]], but commercial activity ceased some time ago.<ref>Murray (1966) pp. 65–66.</ref>

== Shipwrecks ==
[[File:Kartli.jpg|thumb|right|The wreck of the ''Kartli'']]
Gigha's coasts have seen numerous wrecks. In August 1886 the ''Staffa'' ran aground on Cath Sgier west of Craro. The ship remained on the reef in calm overnight conditions and all crew and 21 passengers were rescued the following morning. On 8 April 1894 the steamship ''Udea'' was lost on the same rocks with a cargo of coal and iron. Owned by [[David MacBrayne]], she was ''en route'' from [[Glasgow]] to [[Isle of Lewis|Lewis]] at the time. On 16 September 1940 the British steam liner ''Aska'' was bombed by a German aircraft south of Gigha whilst carrying French troops from [[Gambia]]. Twelve crewmen died in the attack and 75 survivors were successfully picked up by trawlers. On fire, the ''Aska'' drifted onto Cara and was wrecked there. Four years later the ''Mon Cousu'' was deliberately sunk in the Sound of Gigha and used for bombing practice. In 1991 the Russian [[factory ship]] ''Kartli'' was hit by two freak waves off Islay and ran aground at Port Ban after the crew were evacuated. Forty seven crew members were air-lifted to safety but four men were killed in the accident.<ref>Baird (1995) pp. 98–102.</ref>

== Culture & media==
Gigha had a vigorous tradition of harping, represented mainly by the family called Mac an Bhreatnaigh (Galbraith), who were active in Gigha and Kintyre, and it is thought that their descendants were in Gigha until at least 1685.<ref name="Thomson 1994. p. 117 Harpers">Thomson (1994). p. 117 ''Harpers''</ref>

In 2021 [[Channel 4]] produced a [[Reality television|reality show]] called Murder Island on the island, featuring a fictitious murder case written by the Scottish author [[Ian Rankin]] and “investigated” by ordinary members of the public, assisted by former police officers.<ref>[https://www.screen.scot/film-in-scotland/made-in-scotland/tv/murder-island "Murder Island"]. Screen Scotland. Retrieved 29 July 2025.</ref>

=== Gaelic ===
In the 1990s it was reported that many of the island's residents spoke Gaelic,<ref name=Keay/> although the numbers have declined significantly in recent years.

Gigha has historically been a very strong Gaelic speaking area. In both the 1901 and 1921 censuses, the island was reported to be over 75% Gaelic speaking. By 1971, the proportion had dropped to the 25–49.9% range.<ref name=MacT>Mac an Tàilleir, Iain (2004) {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20101207211745/http://www.linguae-celticae.org/dateien/Gaelic_1901-2001.ppt  ''1901-2001 Gaelic in the Census'']}} (PowerPoint ) Linguae Celticae. Retrieved 1 June 2008.</ref> In the 2001 census, the percentage of Gaelic speakers had dropped to 14%.<ref name=MacT/>

In the 1930s, Gigha Gaelic was studied extensively by N.M. Holmer, who noted features such as its weak ''[[svarabhakti]]''.<ref>Holmer, N.M. (1938) ''Studies on Argyllshire Gaelic''. Uppsala & Leipzig. (Mainly discusses Gigha and Islay, as well as Skye.)</ref>

In 2008, Henri Macaulay of Gigha Gallery received funding from the Gaelic development body, [[Bord na Gàidhlig]], to run a series of Gaelic-learning weekends on the island as a combined cultural-revival and tourism-development initiative. Conversation and music formed the backbone of the weekends. They ran through the winter months.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.gigha.org.uk/home/news/index.php?newsid=217| title=Gaelic Classes are back!| publisher=Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust| access-date=2008-01-23| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721044841/http://www.gigha.org.uk/home/news/index.php?newsid=217| archive-date=2011-07-21| url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Notable residents ==
* [[Seamus McSporran]] who managed to do 14 jobs during the 31 years of his working life - at the same time.<ref>Czerkawaska (2006) p. 3.</ref> He has also featured in a 2006 [[English as a foreign or second language]] study book<ref>Soars (2006) p. 24-25.</ref> and in the widely used English textbooks for adults ''New Headway Elementary'' and ''New Headway Elementary 3rd Edition''
* [[Willie McSporran]], MBE the first chairman of the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust. He is the brother of Seamus.<ref name=Cz189/>
* [[Giolla Críost Brúilingeach]], mid 15th century harper.<ref name="Thomson 1994. p. 117 Harpers"/>
* Vie Tulloch, noted [[sculptor]] and the island's oldest resident until her death in 2011.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/factual/opencountry_20050604.shtml "Open Country"]  June 2005.BBC Radio 4.  Retrieved 21 June 2009.</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Scottish islands}}
* [[List of islands of Scotland]]

== References ==

=== Notes ===
{{reflist|2}}

=== Sources ===
* {{Cite book |last=Anderson |first=Alan Orr |author-link= Alan Orr Anderson |title=Early Sources of Scottish History A.D. 500 to 1286 |volume= ii |year=1922  |publisher= Oliver and Boyd |location= Edinburgh }}
* Baird, Bob (1995) ''Shipwrecks of the West of Scotland''. Glasgow. Nekton Books. {{ISBN|1-897995-02-4}}
* Czerkawaska, Catherine (2006)  ''God's Islanders: A History of the People of Gigha''. Edinburgh. Birlinn. {{ISBN|1-84158-297-2}}
* Grimble, Ian (1985) ''Scottish Islands'' British Broadcasting Corporation (London) {{ISBN|0-563-20361-7}}
* {{Haswell-Smith}}
* Keay, J. & Keay, J. (1994) ''[[Collins Encyclopaedia of Scotland]]''. London. HarperCollins. {{ISBN|0-00-255082-2}}
* [[Martin Martin|Martin, Martin]] (1703) "[https://web.archive.org/web/20070313003106/http://www.appins.org/martin.htm A Voyage to St. Kilda]" in ''A Description of The Western Islands of Scotland'', Appin Regiment/Appin Historical Society. Retrieved 16 September 2008.
* Murray, W.H. (1966) ''The Hebrides''. London. Heinemann.
* [[W.H. Murray|Murray, W.H.]] (1973) ''The Islands of Western Scotland.'' London. Eyre Methuen.
* Murray, W.H. (1977) ''The Companion Guide to the West Highlands of Scotland.'' London. Collins.
* Roberts, John L. (1999) ''Feuds, Forays and Rebellions: History of the Highland Clans, 1475-1625''. Edinburgh University Press. {{ISBN|0-7486-6244-8}}
* Soars, Liz and John (2006) ''New Headway Elementary'' 3rd Edition. Oxford. [[Oxford University Press]]. {{ISBN|978-0-19-471509-6}}
* Thomson, Derick (ed.) (1994) ''The Companion to Gaelic Scotland.'' Glasgow. Gairm.  {{ISBN|1-871901-31-6}}
{{clear}}

== External links ==
{{commons category|Isle of Gigha}}
* [http://www.gigha.org.uk/ Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust]
* [http://blog.islayinfo.com/article.php/islay-neighbour-isle-of-gigha Islay's Neighbour - The Isle of Gigha] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713063145/http://blog.islayinfo.com/article.php/islay-neighbour-isle-of-gigha |date=13 July 2011 }}
{{Wikivoyage}}
{{Isle of Gigha}}
{{Argyll Islands}}
{{Hebrides}}
{{Islands of Scotland}}
{{Sustainable development in Scotland}}
{{Portal bar|Scotland}}
{{coord|55|41|N|5|45|W|region:GB_type:isle|display=title}}
{{Good article}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gigha, Isle of}}
[[Category:Isle of Gigha| ]]
[[Category:Islands of the Inner Hebrides]]
[[Category:Islands of Argyll and Bute]]
[[Category:Clan MacNeil]]
[[Category:Community buyouts in Scotland]]
[[Category:Wind farms in Scotland]]
[[Category:Parishes in Argyll]]