Muck, Scotland
| Gaelic name |  Eilean nam Muc |
|---|---|
| Meaning of name | "sea pig", from Gaelic muc, "pig", a short form of muc-mhara, "whale". |
 Port Mòr, from the harbour |
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| Location | |
 Muck
Muck shown within Lochaber
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| OS grid reference | NM408794 |
| Coordinates | 56°50′N 6°15′W / 56.83°N 6.25°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Small Isles |
| Area | 559 ha (2.2 sq mi) |
| Area rank | 70 |
| Highest elevation | Beinn Airein 137 m (449 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Highland |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 27 |
| Population rank | 61 |
| Population density | 4.8people/km2 |
| Largest settlement | Port Mòr |
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| References | |
Muck (Scottish Gaelic: Eilean nam Muc, pronounced [ˈelan nə ˈmuʰk]) is the smallest of four main islands in the Small Isles, part of the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. It measures roughly 2.5 miles (4.0 km) east to west and has a population of around 27, mostly living near the harbour at Port Mòr. The other settlement on the island is the farm at Gallanach. The island's only road, about 2.5 kilometres (1.6 mi) long, connects the two.
A causeway and slipway were built at Port Mòr in 2005. This allows vehicles to be driven on and off the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry, MV Lochnevis, which links Muck and the neighbouring Small Isles of Canna, Rùm and Eigg, with the mainland port of Mallaig (2½ hours away). However, visitors are not normally permitted to bring vehicles to the Small Isles. During the summer months the islands are also served by Arisaig Marine's ferry MV Sheerwater from Arisaig, 10 miles (16 km) south of Mallaig.
The island's main hill is Beinn Airein (137 metres (449 ft)). Muck is also known for its seal population, and for the porpoises in the surrounding waters. The name may derive from the Gaelic word for porpoise. An earlier owner, who disliked the name, attempted to persuade Samuel Johnson and James Boswell that the authentic name was "Isle of Monk".
The island's population was 27 as recorded by the 2011 census four fewer that the 31 usual residents in 2001. During the same period Scottish island populations as a whole grew by 4% to 103,702. The island has no church, shop or post office, and, uniquely among Scottish islands with a population of this size, it has no post box. There is a hotel, Gallanach Lodge, and a range of other holiday accommodation. It is featured in the on-line newspaper West Word.
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