Shuna Island Explained

Location Map:Scotland Argyll and Bute
Caption:Shuna shown within Argyll and Bute
Coordinates:56.59°N -5.395°W
Gridreference:NM916490
Official Name:Shuna Island
Celtic Name:Siùna[1]
Meaning Of Name:Probably "sea island" from Norse
Area:1550NaN0
Area Rank:121
Highest Elevation:Tom an t-Seallaidh 710NaN0
Population:0
Island Group:Loch Linnhe
Local Authority:Argyll and Bute
References:[2]

Shuna Island[3] or simply Shuna is an island in Loch Linnhe, offshore from Appin, in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. The island is approximately 2km (01miles) long and 1frac=8NaNfrac=8 wide, and extends to some 1550NaN0 in total. The island is characterised by a table topped hill at its southern end.[4] The name Shuna is probably derived from the Norse, for "sea island".[1] The island is separated from Appin by the Sound of Shuna.

Shuna is recorded in a late 16th-century document as belonging to John Stewart, the Laird of Appin.[2] He may have built Castle Shuna, a small tower-house, which is now in ruins and lies at the south end.[5] In the 18th century, Shuna Farmhouse replaced Castle Shuna as the residence on the island: it is a Category B listed traditional farmhouse dating from the 1740s. Opposite Castle Shuna, at the head of Loch Laich, is the island fortress of Castle Stalker, also historically a possession of the Stewarts of Appin.

The island forms part of the Lynn of Lorn National Scenic Area, one of 40 in Scotland.[6]

In 2012 the island was placed on sale via agents Savills for £1.85 million.[7]

Further reading

56.5872°N -5.3953°W

Notes and References

  1. Mac an Tàilleir p. 105
  2. Haswell-Smith (2004) pp. 117-18
  3. Web site: Shuna Island. Ordnance Survey. 15 February 2020.
  4. Web site: Overview of Shuna. Gazetteer for Scotland. 2007-12-12.
  5. Web site: Castle Shuna. Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland. 2007-12-12.
  6. http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/protected-areas/national-designations/nsa/ "National Scenic Areas"
  7. Welsh, Susan (5 June 2012) "Buy a piece of paradise". Glasgow. The Herald.