|
Lunga is one of the Slate Islands in the Firth of Lorn in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. The "Grey Dog" tidal race, which runs in the sea channel to the south, reaches 8 knots in full flood. The name 'Lunga' is derived from the Old Norse for 'isle of the longships', but almost all other place names are Gaelic in origin. The population was never substantial and today the main activity is an adventure centre on the northern headland of ''Rubha Fiola''. The surrounding seas are fished for prawns and scallops and there is a salmon farm off the south eastern shores. The National Scenic Area of which the island is part, hosts a growing number of outdoor leisure pursuits. ==Geography== Lunga is west of the island of Luing and just north of Scarba. The nearest town is Oban some to the north. The channel to the south, ''Bealach a' Choin Ghlais'' (pass of the grey dog), is only wide and is scoured by the notorious 'Grey Dog' tidal race which reaches 8 knots when in full flood.〔 According to an 1845 description:
This strait is sometimes called the 'Little Corryvreckan' after its greater cousin between Scarba and Jura just a few miles to the south. There are numerous islets in the surrounding waters. To the north is the isle of Belnahua and to the north west are ''Eilean Dubh Mor'' and the Garvellachs. Due west there is only Dubh Artach lighthouse between Lunga and the open Atlantic Ocean. At high tide the northern tip of Lunga becomes several separate islets with ''Rubha Fiola'' (headland of the tidal island) to the north, then ''Fiola Meadhonach'' (middle tidal island), ''Eilean Ioasal'' (humble island) and ''Fiola an Droma'' (drum-shaped tidal island) closest to Lunga proper. All around are smaller skerries and islets, including ''Eilean a' Bhealaich'' (island of the pass), Guirasdeal to the south west and Fladda to the north.〔〔 This complexity of land and sea coupled with the strong tides makes these the most treacherous channels on Scotland's west coast.〔Murray, W.H. (1977) ''The Companion Guide to the West Highlands of Scotland.'' London. Collins.〕 The highest point is ''Bidean na h-Iolaire'' (peak of the eagle) and the main bay is ''Camas a Mhor-Fhir'' (bay of the giant) to the south which provides an escape route from the Grey Dog.〔Most English sources such as Murray (1977) tend to call the tidal current the Grey Dog (singular), although Haswell Smith (2004) and various websites refer to the 'Grey Dogs' (plural). The latter is consistent with the original Gaelic, although not the associated legend. It is possible that the English use of the singular is intended to refer to the tidal race, and the plural to the many standing waves it creates.〕 The only other anchorage for passing yachts is at ''Poll nan Corran'' (the sickle shaped pool), on the east coast, which has a pebble beach.〔 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「Lunga (Slate Islands)」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
|