Tahay Explained

Gridreference:NF965755
Coordinates:57.67°N -7.09°W
Location Map:Scotland Outer Hebrides
Caption:Tahay shown within the Outer Hebrides
Celtic Name:Taghaigh
Norse Name:Tagg-øy
Meaning Of Name:island with a prominent hill
Area Rank:196=
Population:0
Island Group:Uists & Barra
Local Authority:Na h-Eileanan Siar
References:[1] [2]

Tahay (Gaelic; Scottish Gaelic: Taghaigh) is an island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. The name originates from the Old Norse tagg-øy meaning island with a prominent hill. At in area and with a central peak of, it is the largest of the group of uninhabited islands off the north east coast of North Uist.

The island is used for sheep grazing and peat cutting.

History

In 1846, six families who had been evicted from their homes on Pabbay to make way for sheep, moved to the previously uninhabited island of Tahay. Although the island has no arable land, they hoped to make a living from fishing. However this proved too hard and they gave up the struggle in the 1850s and emigrated to Australia.[3]

Tahay is owned by the Scottish Government.

References

57.6667°N -7.0918°W

Notes and References

  1. 2001 UK Census per List of islands of Scotland
  2. http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/ Ordnance Survey
  3. Web site: Overview of Tahay. Gazetteer for Scotland. 2008-10-04.