Fladda-chùain

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For other places with the same name, see Fladda disambiguation.
Fladda-chùain looking across the sea to Skye
Fladda-chùain looking across the sea to Skye
Fladda-chùain looking north, the Shiant Isles can be seen in the distance
Fladda-chùain looking north, the Shiant Isles can be seen in the distance

Fladda-chùain (grid reference NG365815), is an island north of the Trotternish peninsula, Skye.

[edit] Name

The island derives from Old Norse Flatey, meaning a "flat island", and Cuan, a Scottish Gaelic word meaning "ocean" (or bay in Irish and Old Gaelic). The latter probably refers to the Minch, which is known as "An Cuan Sgìth" or "Cuan na Hearadh", meaning the "Ocean of Skye" or "Ocean of Harris" in Gaelic. The suffix is also added to distinguish it from the many other islands with similar names.

[edit] History

Fladda-chùain is the subject of some legends.

There are the ruins of a chapel here, said to have been founded in the days of Saint Columba by one "O' Gorgon".[1] It is said also that MacDonald of the Isles hid his deeds here during the '45.[1]

The last known inhabitant was known as "Am Muileach Mòr", which means either "the Big Mullman", or the "man of the headland".[1]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c Haswell-Smith, Hamish. (2004) The Scottish Islands. Edinburgh. Canongate.
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