:: March 2010 ::

Located in the Outer Hebrides, Lingay Island’s unique character and spirit bring a sense of peace and tranquility which touches the soul.

Wilderness delights the spirit of youth.

PHOTO GALLERY

These photos give a glimpse of the beauty of the island...

Lingay Island, Sound of Harris

Lingay Island in the Sound of Harris, Western Isles (Outer Hebrides) is one of a number of stunning, small, isolated gems that are rarely found today. Located between the Isle of Harris and North Uist, the island is approximately 3 miles from habitation at Leverburgh, Harris. The abundant wildlife is able to thrive because of its remoteness, unique location and topography. There are breeding colony's of Grey and Common Seals, breeding Otters and the second largest Cormorant Colony in the Western Isles. Being a haven for wildlife means that it means that it must be protected and treasured by present and future generations.

Looking towards islands in the Sound of Harris

and distant hills on the Isle of Harris

NEIGHBOURING ISLANDS...

A Brief History of the Island

One of the earliest references to Lingay can be found in the book A Description of the Western Isles of Scotland (Circa 1695) by Martin Martin. Lingay is described as being verie profitable for feiding and fostering of gudes, (very profitable for feeding and fostering of produce).

It is known that there was an original sheiling (bothy) and livestock enclosures built on the island and the sheiling was used by Margaret MacKenzie (nee Macleod) at the turn of the nineteenth/twentieth century. She used to stay on the island during the summer months while cutting kelp and grazing cattle.

The island was bought in 1998 from the MacKenzie family and since that time it has been allowed to revert to its natural state as a reserve for nature by the discontinuance of sheep grazing, natural regeneration and planting of trees.

The small sheiling has been re-built incorporating stone from the original sheiling and this has provided an important sense of place, continuity and an intimate connection to the past. It has been named Airidh Maireid Air A Charaig (Margarets Sheiling on the Rock).

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Located within a National Scenic Area (NSA), Lingay has three neighbouring islands, Gilsay to the North, Groay to the West and Scaravay to the South.
On a clear day, there are stunning uninterrupted easterly views to the Isle of Skye.

NEWS...

Lingay & Groay islands threatened by fish farm