Natural History
| Sotan | |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 193 m (633 ft) |
| Prominence | 193 m (633 ft) |
| Listing | Marilyn |
| Location | |
| Location | Barra Isles, Outer Hebrides, Scotland |
| OS grid | NL553799 |
| Coordinates | 56°47′0″N 7°38′41″W / 56.783333°N 7.64472°W / 56.783333; -7.64472 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 31 |
The National Trust for Scotland purchased the island in 2000 from a local crofters' syndicate called the Barra Head Isles Sheepstock Company who had owned the island since 1955. The NTS were able to acquire it through a bequest by Miss J. M. Fawcitt “to provide an area of natural beauty in memory of her parents and the courage of her late brother, Bernard.” In 2009 the NTS removed all the sheep from the island, citing the difficulties of maintaining the flock in such a remote location.
Berneray and Mingulay form an important breeding site for around a hundred thousand pairs of seabirds, and are especially important for the Razorbill, the two islands having at least 2.0% of the UK's breeding population in 1985. Other species present include a variety of gulls, Guillemots, Puffins, Kittiwakes, Shags and (since 1899) Fulmars. The island is largely covered by maritime grassland, with some machair and heath. Primrose, Violets, Yellow Flag Iris and celandine grow abundantly and Grey Seals are regularly seen by the landing cove. The island is designated as an SSSI and (with Mingulay) is a Special Protection Area.
Read more about this topic: Barra Head
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