Lunga, Treshnish Isles


The island of Lunga is the largest of the Treshnish Isles in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, which form part of the Loch Na Keal National Scenic Area.

History

Of volcanic origin, Lunga has been described as 'a green jewel in a peacock sea'. Populated until the 19th century, Lunga still bears the remains of blackhouses. To the northeast of the island lie the remains of the ruined village, which was abandoned in 1857.

Wildlife

As one of the Treshnish Isles, Lunga carries the designation of an Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Protection Area and a Special Area of Conservation. These designations reflect the importance of the islands for breeding colonies of sea birds and its marine life. Many rare and endangered plants are native to the island. Plants include primrose, birdsfoot trefoil, orchids, sea campion, sea thrift, sea pinks, yellow flags, tormentil and oyster plant. Grey seals inhabit the waters surrounding the island, while birdlife including storm-petrels, kittiwakes and Manx shearwaters, guillemot, puffin, European shag and razorbills breed on Lunga and on the Harp Rock, a sea stack separated by a narrow gut. Barnacle geese appear each winter.
In summer, tourist boats visit Lunga from Tiree,Tobermory, Iona and Ardnamurchan. The main attraction is the many thousands of breeding puffins which allow visitors to approach to within a few feet of them.

Footnotes