Killegray

Killegray is an island in the Sound of Harris in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.

Geography

Situated in the Sound of Harris, a channel of water between North Uist and the Isle of Harris, Killegray is approximately 1 ¹⁄₂ miles long.

The south end of the island is nearly all deep uncultivated moss. There is better cultivated land at the north.

History

Rubha Claidhe in the north is the site of a ruined chapel, Teampull na h-Annait, which may be the origin of the island's name.

Currently uninhabited, the island was occupied by a family of around three to five people from 1861 to 1931. Two people were temporarily living on the island when the 1971 census was taken.

The 19th-century Killegray House, the only house on the island was renovated as holiday accommodation in 1991.

Wildlife

The shallow waters and reefs are a rich breeding ground for velvet crabs and lobsters.

Possible development

Jacobs Babtie has investigated building a combination of bridges and causeways across the Sound of Harris. Wind turbines and tidal generators could be incorporated in the scheme from Berneray via Killegray and Ensay to Harris. The estimated cost of £75 million could rise to £145 million with the renewable energy devices.