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The Flannan Isles ((スコットランド・ゲール語:Na h-Eileanan Flannach), ) or alternatively, the Seven Hunters are a small island group in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, approximately west of the Isle of Lewis. They may take their name from Saint Flannan, the seventh-century Irish preacher and abbot. The islands have been devoid of permanent residents since the automation of Flannan Isles Lighthouse in 1971.〔Nicholson (1995) pp. 168–79.〕 They are the location of an enduring mystery that occurred in December 1900, when all three lighthouse keepers vanished without trace. ==Geography== The islands are split into three groups: the main cluster of rocks that lie to the northeast include the two principal islands of ''Eilean Mòr'' (Big Isle), which is approximately in extent,〔 and ''Eilean Taighe'' (House Isle); to the south lie ''Soray'' (Eastward Isle) and ''Sgeir Tomain''; while the main western outcrops are ''Eilean a' Gobha'' (Isle of the Blacksmith), ''Roaireim'' (which has a natural rock arch), and ''Bròna Cleit'' (Sad Sunk Rock). The total land area amounts to approximately and the highest point is above sea level on Eilean Mòr.〔 The geology consists of a dark breccia of gabbros and dolerites intruding Archaean gneiss.〔 In prehistoric times, the area was covered by ice sheets that spread from Scotland out into the Atlantic Ocean. After the last retreat of the ice circa 20,000 years BP, sea levels were as much as lower than at present and it is likely that the existing islands were part of a much larger land mass, although still separated from the Outer Hebrides by many miles of open water. Steadily rising sea levels thereafter would have reduced the land remaining above sea level to its present extent.〔Murray (1973) pp. 68–69.〕 There are two possible landing places for yachts visiting Eilean Mòr to the east and west, although this may be hazardous given the regular heavy swells.〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Flannan Isles」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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