Vatersay
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Vatersay (Scottish Gaelic: Bhatarsaigh) is the southernmost inhabited island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, with a population of 94 according to the 2001 census. It is also the westernmost permanently inhabited place in Great Britain. It is linked to Barra by a causeway completed in 1991. At low tide, the island is also linked to the islet of Uinessan. Vatersay is also the name of the only village on the island.
Wildlife on the island includes otters, seals and herons. Bonnie Prince Charlie's flower (Calystegia soldanella), reputedly originating from French seeds dropped by Bonnie Prince Charlie is, in Scotland, found only on Vatersay and Eriskay. The island also has remains of an Iron Age fort.
[edit] Shipwreck
One of the saddest events to befall the island happened more than 150 years ago. The Annie James, an immigrant ship bound from Liverpool to New York, struck rocks off West Beach on the night of Tuesday 28th September, 1853. Almost immediately the ship began to founder and break up. Inspite of the stormy conditions, islanders tried to rescue the passengers and crew, but none survived. The remains of 350 men, women and children were buried in the dunes behind the beach. A small cairn and monument marks the site.
[edit] External links
- More information about Vatersay
- Panorama of the West Bay on Vatersay (Annie James burial cairn and monument) (QuickTime required)
- grid reference NL635955
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