Risga
Uninhabited Scottish island
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
Risga seen from Càrna | |
| Location | |
|---|---|
  Risga Risga shown within Highland | |
| OS grid reference | NM6105760026 |
| Coordinates | 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 |
 | |
History
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]
