Kerrera
| Gaelic name |  Cearara |
|---|---|
| Norse name | Kjarbarey |
| Meaning of name | Norse for 'Kjarbar's island' or possibly 'copse island' |
 Gylen Castle |
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| Location | |
 Kerrera
Kerrera shown within Argyll and Bute
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| OS grid reference | NM813281 |
| Coordinates | 56°24′N 5°32′W / 56.4°N 5.53°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Mull |
| Area | 1,214 hectares (4.7 sq mi) |
| Area rank | 44 |
| Highest elevation | Carn Breugach 189 metres (620 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Argyll and Bute |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 34 |
| Population rank | 57 |
| Pop. density | 2.8 people/km2 |
| Largest settlement | Bailiemore |
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| References | |
Kerrera (Scottish Gaelic: Cearara or Cearrara) is an island in the Scottish Inner Hebrides, close to the town of Oban. In 2016 it had a population of 45 divided into two communities in the North and South of the island. The island is linked to the mainland by passenger ferry from the Gallanach Road (about 3 km SW of Oban) from where tracks lead to the scattered settlements in the centre and south of the island. The northern tip of the island, centred round a boat yard, is served by two smaller ferries which berth at a bay near Ardentrive Farm, and is linked by a rough track to the rest of the island. The island is around 7 km (4 miles) long and around 2 km wide, and is separated from the mainland by the Sound of Kerrera, about 500 metres wide.
The island is known for the ruined Gylen Castle, a small tower house built in 1582. It was also the place where Alexander II of Scotland died in 1249. The highest point on Kerrera is Carn Breugach at 189 m (620 ft). Most of the island is owned by the McDougalls of Dunollie, who are descended from the Scottish prince Somerled. The four-acre (1.6 ha) tidal island at the north-east tip of Kerrera, Rubh a' Chruidh, was sold for £426,000 in 2010 to Lanarkshire businessman David Hamilton. who built an American beach style three bedroom house and a helipad on the island. The artist J. M. W. Turner visited Kerrera in 1831 and made 25 sketches of the castle which are in the Tate Gallery, London.
The main industries on the island are farming (sheep and Highland cattle) and tourism and there is an exotic bird sanctuary. There is a tea room/café at the south end near Gylen Castle but (in 2016) no metalled roads, no store and no pub. The castle itself was restored in 2006 and is open to the public.
Outline map of Kerrera.
Sunset over Kerrera, viewed from Oban.
Disused church on Kerrera
Coordinates: 56°24′N 5°32′W / 56.400°N 5.533°W
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Wikipedia