Risga seen from Càrna | |
Location | |
---|---|
OS grid reference | NM6105760026 |
Coordinates | 56°40′15″N 5°54′06″W / 56.670754°N 5.9016713°W |
Physical geography | |
Island group | Inner Hebrides |
Area | 12 hectares (0.05 sq mi) [1] |
Highest elevation | 43m [2] |
Administration | |
Council area | Highland |
Country | Scotland |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Demographics | |
Population | 0 |
Risga is an uninhabited [2] island in between Càrna and Oronsay, in the centre of Loch Sunart, [3] about 800 yards (730 m) from the north shore, [4] in the council area of Highland, Scotland. Its area is 12 hectares (30 acres) [1] and its highest elevation is 43 metres (141 ft). [2] In 1950, over 50 pairs of Lesser black-backed gull were recorded. [5] The island is included in the grounds of Glenborrodale Castle [6] and is part of Sunart SSSI. [7] Ross Rock is located about 200 yards (180 m) from Risga. [8] Risga has at least 60 crotagans along the east coast, used for fishing. [9] Risga is a rocky island. [10]
The name "Risga" is Norse [11] and includes the Old Norse word for island. [12] In 1920–21 some Mesolithic materials were recovered during the excavation of a kitchen. They are now in the Hunterian Museum, University of Glasgow and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. [1] There is a shell midden, a scheduled monument that is at least 30 by 10 metres (100 by 30 ft), which is visible as a grass-covered mound. [13] [14] The shell heap is on top of a raised beach, similar to those at Oronsay. [15]