View source for Small Isles

{{Short description|Island group off the west coast of Scotland}}
{{About|the Small Isles off Skye|the Small Isles off south east Jura|Small Isles, Argyll}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox protected area 
| name = Small Isles
| photo = File:Eigg-and-Rum-from-mainland.jpg
| photo_caption = A distant view of Eigg, with the hills of Rùm behind.
| location = [[Lochaber]], [[Highland (council area)|Highland]], [[Scotland]]
| nearest_city = 
| map_image = Hebridesmap_Small_Isles.png
| relief = 
| map_caption = The location of the Small Isles within the Hebrides
| coordinates = {{coord|56|58|N|6|16|W|region:GB_type:isle|display=title}}
| area_km2 = 472
| area_ref = <ref name="nsa-area"/>
| established = 1981
| visitation_num = 
| visitation_year = 
| governing_body = [[NatureScot]]
}}
[[Image:Blaeu - Atlas of Scotland 1654 - INSVLÆ QVÆDAM MINORES - The Small Isles.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3333|[[Willem Blaeu|Blaeu's]] 1654 Atlas of Scotland - The Small Isles. Rùm is at centre, surrounded by "Kannay', 'Egg' and 'Muck'.]]
[[File:Small Isles Ordnance Survey Map 1896.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3333|Ordnance Survey Map of 1896]]
The '''Small Isles''' ({{langx|gd|Na h-Eileanan Tarsainn}}<ref name=MacanT>{{cite web| url=http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/vli/language/gaelic/pdfs/placenamesP-Z.pdf| title=Placenames| author=Iain Mac an Tàilleir| publisher=Pàrlamaid na h-Alba| format=PDF| access-date=2007-07-23| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529185220/http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/vli/language/gaelic/pdfs/placenamesP-Z.pdf| archive-date=2008-05-29}}</ref>) are a small [[archipelago]] in the [[Inner Hebrides]], off the west coast of [[Scotland]]. They lie south of [[Isle of Skye|Skye]] and north of [[Isle of Mull|Mull]] and [[Ardnamurchan]]; the most westerly point of mainland [[Scotland]].

Until 1891, [[Canna, Scotland|Canna]], [[Rùm]] and [[Muck, Scotland|Muck]] belonged to the county of [[Argyll]],<ref>[https://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10190654 "Argyll"]. ''Vision of Britain''. University of Portsmouth. Retrieved 30 May 2020.</ref> while [[Eigg]] belonged to [[Inverness-shire]]. In that year, the entire archipelago was transferred to Inverness-shire. They now belong to the [[Highland (council area)|Highland]] council area.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/file/4428/small_isles_community_councilpdf|title=Small Isles Community Council - Boundary Map|publisher=The Highland Council|date=April 2011|access-date=2018-06-05}}</ref>

==Name==
"Small Isles" is the name of the coterminous [[Civil parishes in Scotland|civil parish]] and former [[Church of Scotland]] parish,<ref name="HaswellSmith">Haswell-Smith, Hamish (2004). The Scottish Islands. Edinburgh: Canongate. {{ISBN|1-84195-454-3}}. p. 134</ref> originally created in 1726 from part of [[Sleat]] parish, the balance of which lies on the much larger island of Skye. The original name of the new parish was Eigg or '''Short Isles'''. "In process of time the name was by an easy transition changed from 'Short' to 'Small' Isles."<ref>Donald McLean "Small Isles, County of Inverness", ''[[Old Statistical Account of Scotland]]'', Vol. XVII, 1796</ref> The islands are not especially small,<ref name="HaswellSmith"/> with [[Rùm]] being the [[List of islands of Scotland#Larger islands|15th largest]] in Scotland. The Gaelic name of ''{{lang|gd|Na h-Eileanan Tarsainn}}'' translates as "cross isles", referring to the islands' position between [[Morar]] and [[Uist]].<ref name=MacanT/>

==Geography==
The four main islands are: [[Canna, Scotland|Canna]], [[Rùm]], [[Eigg]] and [[Muck, Scotland|Muck]]. The largest is Rùm, with an area of {{convert|104.6|km2|mi2}}.<ref>Haswell-Smith, Hamish (2004). The Scottish Islands. Edinburgh: Canongate. {{ISBN|1-84195-454-3}}. p. 138</ref>

Smaller islands surrounding the main four include:
* [[Sanday, Inner Hebrides|Sanday]], separated from Canna by a narrow [[tidal island|tidal channel]];<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.canna.highland.sch.uk/history_of_canna.htm| title=History of Canna| access-date=2007-06-11}}</ref>
* [[Eilean Chathastail]], near Eigg and
* Eilean nan Each (Horse Island), near the north coast of Muck ({{gbmappingsmall|NM3981}})

There are also a number of [[skerry|skerries]]:
* [[Hyskeir]] or Òigh-sgeir, (not to be confused with Heisker or the [[Monach Islands]] in the [[Outer Hebrides]])
* [[Garbh Sgeir]],
* Eagamol, near Eilean nan Each
* Humla, and
* two places called Dubh Sgeir

==Demographics==
According to the [[United Kingdom census, 2011|2011 census]], the total population of the Small Isles was 153. Five of the islands are inhabited: Eigg (83), Muck (27), Rùm (22), Canna (12) and Sanday (9).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk/documents/censusresults/release1c/rel1c2sb.pdf|title=2011 Census: First Results on Population and Household Estimates for Scotland - Release 1C, Part Two, Appendix 2|publisher=National Records of Scotland|date=2013-07-23|access-date=2018-06-05}}</ref>

The inhabited islands are in contrasting forms of ownership: Canna (along with the tidally linked Sanday) is owned by a national conservation charity, the [[National Trust for Scotland]];<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/canna|title=Canna|publisher=National Trust for Scotland|access-date=2018-06-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.whoownsscotland.org.uk/property.php?p=2055|title=Property Page - Canna|publisher=Who Owns Scotland|date=2010-09-21|access-date=2018-06-05}}</ref> Eigg has been owned by a local community trust since 1997;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.isleofeigg.org/ieht/|title=About the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust|publisher=Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust|access-date=2018-06-04}}</ref> Muck remains in private ownership;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.whoownsscotland.org.uk/property.php?p=2056|title=Property Page - Muck|publisher=Who Owns Scotland|date=2002-12-31|access-date=2018-06-05}}</ref> and Rùm is largely in the hands of the state (via [[NatureScot]]), although some land in and around the only village ([[Kinloch, Rùm|Kinloch]]) is owned by a community trust.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nature.scot/enjoying-outdoors/scotlands-national-nature-reserves/rum-nnr/rum-nnr-about-reserve|title=Rum NNR|publisher=NatureScot|access-date=5 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.isleofrum.com/|title=Welcome to the Isle of Rum|publisher=Isle of Rum Community Trust|access-date=2018-06-05}}</ref>

==Transport==
A [[Caledonian MacBrayne]] ferry, {{MV|Lochnevis}}, links the Small Isles to each other and to the mainland port of [[Mallaig]]. The ferry runs a daily service, calling at different islands depending on the day of the week; there are two calls at certain islands on each day to allow for day visits to and from each island.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.calmac.co.uk/mallaig-eigg-muck-rum-canna-smallisles-summer-timetable|title=Small Isles Ferry Timetable Summer 2018|publisher=Caledonian MacBrayne|access-date=2018-06-05}}</ref> The Lochnevis has a [[landing craft]] style stern ramp allowing vehicles to be driven onto and off the vessel at a new [[slipway]] constructed in 2001,<ref>''Caledonian MacBrayne: Ferries of the Clyde, Highlands and Islands''. Ships Illustrated. Special Issue No. 11. {{ISBN|978-1-910554-17-3}}. p. 74.</ref> however visitors are not normally permitted to bring vehicles to the Small Isles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/20005/roads_and_pavements/204/road_permit_for_eigg_muck_and_knoydart|title=Small Isles Vehicle Permit Scheme|publisher=Highland Council|access-date=2018-06-05}}</ref> During the summer months the islands are also served by Arisaig Marine's passenger ferry ''MV Sheerwater'' from Arisaig, {{convert|10|mi|km|abbr=off}} south of Mallaig. Timetables are also arranged to allow time onshore on different islands depending on the day of the week.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.arisaig.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Sheerwater-Timetable-2018.pdf|title=MV Sheerwater Timetable 2018|publisher=Arisaig Marine|access-date=2018-06-05}}</ref>

==Nature and conservation==
The Small Isles are all important for their wildlife,<ref name=nsa-review>{{cite web|url=https://www.nature.scot/sites/default/files/2017-07/Publication%202010%20-%20SNH%20Commissioned%20Report%20374%20-%20The%20Special%20Qualities%20of%20the%20National%20Scenic%20Areas.pdf|title=The special qualities of the National Scenic Areas|publisher=Scottish Natural Heritage|date=2010|access-date=2018-05-15|page=225}}</ref> with Rùm being designated as both a [[National nature reserve (Scotland)|national nature reserve]] and a [[Special Area of Conservation]] (SAC).<ref name="nnr"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sitelink.nature.scot/site/8371|title=Rum SAC|publisher=NatureScot|access-date=5 October 2020}}</ref> Rùm is home to one of the world's largest colonies of [[Manx shearwater]],<ref name=nnr>{{cite web|url=https://www.nature.scot/enjoying-outdoors/scotlands-national-nature-reserves/rum-national-nature-reserve|title=Rum National Nature Reserve|publisher=NatureScot|access-date=5 October 2020}}</ref> and was the location for the first stage of the reintroduction of [[white-tailed sea-eagle]]s into Scotland, with 82 birds being released between 1975 and 1985.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.snh.org.uk/publications/on-line/NaturallyScottish/seaeagles/page3.asp|title=Return of a Native: reintroduction|publisher=Scottish Natural Heritage|access-date=2018-06-07}}</ref> Rùm, and Canna and Sanday (jointly), are designated as [[Special Protection Area]]s (SPA) due their birdlife, with all three islands hosting important breeding populations of [[Uria aalge|guillemots]] and [[kittiwake]]s.<ref name=c&s-spa>{{cite web|url=https://sitelink.nature.scot/site/8480|title=Canna and Sanday SPA|publisher=NatureScot|access-date=5 October 2020}}</ref><ref name=rum-spa>{{cite web|url=https://sitelink.nature.scot/site/8574|title=Rum SPA|publisher=NatureScot|access-date=5 October 2020}}</ref> The Canna and Sanday SPA is also designated due to its importance to breeding [[Atlantic puffin]]s and [[Gulosus aristotelis|shags]],<ref name="c&s-spa"/> whilst the Rùm SPA designation notes the presence of [[golden eagle]]s, Manx shearwaters, and [[red-throated diver]]s.<ref name="rum-spa"/>

Around {{convert|800|km2|sqmi|sigfig=1}} of the waters around Rùm, Canna and the low-lying rocky islet of Oigh-sgeir have been designated as the Small Isles [[Marine Protected Areas in Scotland|Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area]] (NCMPA). Of particular note is that this area holds the UK's only known colony of [[Atrina fragilis|fan mussel]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/protected-areas-and-species/protected-areas/marine-protected-areas/nature-conservation-mpas/small-isles-ncmpa-designation|title=Small Isles NCMPA|publisher=NatureScot|access-date=5 October 2020}}</ref> The seas surrounding all of the Small Isles have also been designated as a SAC due to their importance for [[harbour porpoise]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sitelink.nature.scot/site/10508|title=Inner Hebrides and the Minches SAC|publisher=NatureScot|access-date=5 October 2020}}</ref>

The islands and surrounding sea area together form the Small Isles [[National scenic area (Scotland)|national scenic area]], one of the forty such areas in Scotland, which are defined so as to identify areas of exceptional scenery and to ensure its protection from inappropriate development.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/protected-areas-and-species/protected-areas/national-designations/national-scenic-areas/|title=National Scenic Areas|publisher=NatureScot|access-date=5 October 2020}}</ref> The designated area covers {{convert|47,235|ha|acre}} in total, of which {{convert|16,271|ha|acre|abbr=on}} is on land and the remaining {{convert|30,964|ha|acre|abbr=on}} is marine (i.e. below [[Mean low water spring|low tide level]]).<ref name=nsa-area>{{cite web|url=http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Environment/Countryside/Heritage/Areas/maps|title=National Scenic Areas - Maps|publisher=Scottish Natural Heritage|date=2010-12-20|access-date=2018-06-05}}</ref>

==Footnotes==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.visitsmallisles.com/ Visit Small Isles]
*[http://www.scottish-places.info/parishes/pardetails381.html Gazetteer for Scotland: Parish of Small Isles]
*[http://www.scottish-places.info/parishes/parhistory381.html Gazetteer for Scotland: Parish of Small Isles (History)]
{{Wikivoyage}}
{{Commons category|Small Isles, Lochaber|Small Isles}}
{{cite EB1911|wstitle=Small Isles|volume=25|pages=246–247}}

{{NSAs in Scotland}}
{{Small Isles}}
{{Hebrides}}
{{Islands of Scotland}}
{{Marine Protected Areas in Scotland}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Small Isles, Lochaber| ]]
[[Category:National scenic areas of Scotland]]
[[Category:Volcanoes of Scotland]]
[[Category:Paleogene volcanism]]
[[Category:Extinct volcanoes of Europe]]
[[Category:Archipelagoes of Scotland]]
[[Category:Nature Conservation Marine Protected Areas of Scotland]]
[[Category:Parishes in Inverness-shire]]