South Ascrib
Encyclopedia
South Ascrib is an island in Loch Snizort
between the Waternish
and Trotternish
peninsulas on the northern coasts of the island of Skye
in Scotland.
South Ascrib is about 30 hectares (74.1 acre) in extent at low tide and the maximum height is 41 metres (134.5 ft) above sea level. At high tide the island becomes several smaller portions cut off from one another, the northern section of which is Eilean Garave. At such times South Ascrib is about 25 hectares (61.8 acre) in size. The skerry
of Scalp Rock lies just west of South Ascrib. Other islands in the group are Eilean Creagach, Eilean Iosal, Sgeir à Chapuill and Sgeir à Chuin.
In 1703 Martin Martin
wrote: "About 5 leagues to the south-west from Tulm lies the island Ascrib, which is divided into several parts by the sea; it is about two miles in compass, and affords very good pasturage; all kinds of fish abound in the neighbouring sea. On the south-west side of the isle Ascrib, at the distance of two leagues, lie the two small isles of Timan, directly in the mouth of Loch Arnizort; they are only fit for pasturage." There are indications of an underground monk's cell on the island dating from the 18th century.
South Ascrib is part of a Special Area of Conservation
owing to the significant breeding colonies of the common seal, with 35% of Skye's breeding population resident in the area. These 600 seals make up 1% of the EU population. Puffin
also breed in burrows on the Ascribs.
In 1985 the Ascribs were purchased by Baron Palumbo
who announced an intention to build an underground house on South asrcib. However, in the end a structure of traditional designw as constructed. The islands were offered for sale again in 1996.
Loch Snizort
Loch Snizort is a sea loch in the northwest of the Isle of Skye between the Waternish and Trotternish peninsulas. It is fed by the River Snizort, originating in the hills east of Bracadale. The mouth of Loch Snizort gives access to the lower Minch and contains the Ascrib Islands.Sea fishing in...
between the Waternish
Waternish
Waternish or Bhatairnis/Vaternish is a peninsula approximately long on the island of Skye, Scotland, situated between Loch Dunvegan and Loch Snizort in the northwest of the island, and traditionally inhabited and owned by Clan MacLeod whose clan seat is at the nearby Dunvegan Castle. The current...
and Trotternish
Trotternish
Trotternish or Tròndairnis is the northernmost peninsula of the Isle of Skye, in Scotland.One of its more well-known features is the Trotternish landslip, a massive landslide that runs almost the full length of the peninsula, some...
peninsulas on the northern coasts of the island of Skye
Skye
Skye or the Isle of Skye is the largest and most northerly island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The island's peninsulas radiate out from a mountainous centre dominated by the Cuillin hills...
in Scotland.
South Ascrib is about 30 hectares (74.1 acre) in extent at low tide and the maximum height is 41 metres (134.5 ft) above sea level. At high tide the island becomes several smaller portions cut off from one another, the northern section of which is Eilean Garave. At such times South Ascrib is about 25 hectares (61.8 acre) in size. The skerry
Skerry
A skerry is a small rocky island, usually defined to be too small for habitation. It may simply be a rocky reef. A skerry can also be called a low sea stack....
of Scalp Rock lies just west of South Ascrib. Other islands in the group are Eilean Creagach, Eilean Iosal, Sgeir à Chapuill and Sgeir à Chuin.
In 1703 Martin Martin
Martin Martin
Martin Martin was a Scottish writer best known for his work A Description of the Western Isles of Scotland . This book is particularly noted for its information on the St Kilda archipelago...
wrote: "About 5 leagues to the south-west from Tulm lies the island Ascrib, which is divided into several parts by the sea; it is about two miles in compass, and affords very good pasturage; all kinds of fish abound in the neighbouring sea. On the south-west side of the isle Ascrib, at the distance of two leagues, lie the two small isles of Timan, directly in the mouth of Loch Arnizort; they are only fit for pasturage." There are indications of an underground monk's cell on the island dating from the 18th century.
South Ascrib is part of a Special Area of Conservation
Special Area of Conservation
A Special Area of Conservation is defined in the European Union's Habitats Directive , also known as the Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora...
owing to the significant breeding colonies of the common seal, with 35% of Skye's breeding population resident in the area. These 600 seals make up 1% of the EU population. Puffin
Atlantic Puffin
The Atlantic Puffin is a seabird species in the auk family. It is a pelagic bird that feeds primarily by diving for fish, but also eats other sea creatures, such as squid and crustaceans. Its most obvious characteristic during the breeding season is its brightly coloured bill...
also breed in burrows on the Ascribs.
In 1985 the Ascribs were purchased by Baron Palumbo
Peter Palumbo, Baron Palumbo
Peter Garth Palumbo, Baron Palumbo is a property developer, art collector and architecture connoisseur.-Biography:Palumbo is the son of Rudolph Palumbo and his wife Elsie. He went to Scaitcliffe, Surrey and then Eton College and Worcester College, Oxford, whence he received an M.A. in law...
who announced an intention to build an underground house on South asrcib. However, in the end a structure of traditional designw as constructed. The islands were offered for sale again in 1996.