Gigha
|
|
Gigha (pronounced gee'a, or gi-haris) a small island off the west coast of Kintyre in Scotland. The island forms part of Argyll and Bute and has a population of about 140 people.
The island runs principally in a north-south direction and is about seven miles long, and in the region of a mile and a half wide.
Gigha is known for its Ayrshire cattle and goat's cheese. Other attractions on the island are the Achamore Gardens, known for rhododendrons and azaleas, sandy beaches and the ruined thirteenth century St Catan's Chapel.
A ferry sails from the island's village, Ardminish, to Tayinloan.
In recent times the island has gone through numerous owners, which caused various problems in developing the area. This came to an end in March 2002 when the islanders managed, with help, to purchase the island and they now own it through a Trust. As a result the day when the purchase went through is celebrated as the island's independence day.
The issues of island ownership are not unique to Gigha and consequently the island has been highlighted in an edition of the BBC series, Countryfile, which is the principal television forum for countryside issues in the UK.
External Link
Island of Gigha Website (http://www.gigha.org.uk/)