From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bac Mòr is a Scottish island, one of the Treshnish Isles, sometimes referred to as The Dutchman's Hat or Cap in English due to its shape.
The distinctive "Dutchman's cap" of Bac Mòr.
[edit] Origin of name
The Gaelic name has a couple of possible interpretations. Mòr simply means large (as opposed to Bac Beag, its smaller sister), but Bac can mean a "bank", or also an "obstacle" or "hindrance". The island's profile, possibly the most distinctive amongst the Scottish Islands, is as much like a Mexican sombrero as a Dutchman's hat.
[edit] Geology
.jpg/300px-Bac_Beag_and_Bac_Mor_(farcloser).jpg)
Bac Beag and Bac Mòr from a distance, showing the profile of the island
Bac Mòr is of ancient volcanic origin, and the peak in the middle is a former cone. The low lying plain surrounding it is formed from a glassy lava field.
Despite having no safe landing places, there are the remains of summer shielings on the island.
[edit] Wildlife
The Treshnish Isles are uninhabited and are owned by a charity, The Hebridean Trust. They are designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area due to their importance for breeding seabirds.
There are also a number of wildflowers here.
[edit] Footnotes
- ^ 2001 UK Census per List of islands of Scotland
- ^ Haswell-Smith, Hamish (2004). The Scottish Islands. Edinburgh: Canongate. ISBN 1-84195-454-3.
- ^ Ordnance Survey
Coordinates: 56°27′37″N 6°28′31″W / 56.46028, -6.47528
This Argyll and Bute location article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.
