Portal:Scottish islands/Did you know

The following items are featured in the Did you know? section of the Scottish Islands Portal. To suggest an article for inclusion, use the talk page

Portal:Scottish islands/Did you know/1

... that the ruined Cill Chriosd (pictured), also known as Kilchrist or Christ's Church, was the parish church of Strathaird, Skye, until 1840?
... that the Moine Supergroup, a sequence of Neoproterozoic metasediments forming the main outcrop in the northwest Scottish Highlands, is named after 'a'Mhoine', a peat bog in northern Sutherland?
... that the battleship Bayern was the first German warship to mount 15 inch guns?
... that Viking warlord Sigurd Eysteinsson was killed by the severed head of his enemy?

Portal:Scottish islands/Did you know/2

... that the ceremonial Dunvegan Cup (pictured) was created in 1493 at the request of the wife of an Irish lord, and is today an heirloom of the chiefs of the Scottish Clan Macleod?
... that a herd of Highland cattle is known as a fold?
... that according to local tradition on Coll, the now-ruinous dun of Dùn an Achaidh was once the fortress of the son of a Norse king named Olaf?
...that when John Sands excavated a ~2,000 year old building on the remote Scottish island of St Kilda he unearthed tools that the 1877 residents recognised?

Portal:Scottish islands/Did you know/3

... that the Carsaig Arches (pictured) are a natural formation to the west of Carsaig Bay on the Isle of Mull?
... that the name of the ruinous dun Dùn Beic may derive from the Gaelic personal name Béc?
... that the German battleship SMS Friedrich der Grosse was the flagship of the Imperial Navy during the majority of World War I, including the Battle of Jutland?
...that Séon Carsuel, Scottish Protestant reformer, Bishop of the Isles and author of the first book to be printed in any Goidelic language, was over seven foot tall?

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... that the geology of the Orkney Islands off the coast of Scotland includes many Devonian era Old Red Sandstone rock formations, such as the Old Man of Hoy (pictured)?
... that in 1924 the White Lady, known locally as the "Widden Wife", was shipwrecked in the vicinity of Gossabrough in Scotland?
... that Amlaíb Conung was the first King of Dublin?
... that nesting is not used by breeding Mute Swans but they do use this thing?

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... that an Edinburgh judge and Member of Parliament had his wife, Lady Grange (burial site pictured) kidnapped and effectively imprisoned for thirteen years in various remote parts of western Scotland?
... that the German battleship SMS Grosser Kurfürst was involved in a series of accidents during her service career, including collisions and several groundings?
...that King Rögnvaldr Óláfsson was assassinated by a knight named Ívarr and his accomplices?
... that Mugeary, which is 25 miles from Glenelg in Scotland, is the namesake of a rock found millions of miles away but just a few hundred feet from Glenelg?

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... that when Norman Heathcote climbed the St Kilda sea stack Stac Lee (pictured) in 1899, he found the climbing "comparatively easy" but getting ashore had been "a most appalling undertaking"?
... that the A968 in Shetland is Britain's northernmost A road?
...that in the year 1214, the Scot Ruaidhri mac Raghnaill, Lord of Kintyre, stole the treasures of Derry from its monastery?
... that a wheelhouse in archaeology is a prehistoric structure from the Iron Age found in Scotland that was neither a wheel, nor perhaps a house?

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... that the Lewisian gneiss (pictured) forms the basement to Torridonian and Cambro-Ordovician sedimentary rocks in the Hebridean Terrane?
... that the German battleship SMS Kaiser damaged the British battleship HMS Warspite during the Battle of Jutland in 1916 which forced it to withdraw from the battle?
... that Amie MacRuari was divorced by the first Lord of the Isles despite giving him no grounds for doing so?
... that according to local tradition, the rental paid to the king for the Scottish castle and island of Fraoch Eilean was one snowball?

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...that Hinba, an island in Scotland of unknown location (possible location pictured), was the site of a small monastery associated with the church of St Columba on Iona?
... that the German dreadnought battleship SMS Kaiserin was the first battleship to pass through the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal in July 1914, days before the outbreak of World War I?
...that Bridei III's victory in the Battle of Dunnichen led to the expulsion of Northumbrians from southern Pictland?
... that ever since coming between neighbours, Funzie Girt has run almost the length of a Scottish island?

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... that the triskelion in MacLeod heraldry (pictured) originates from a mistaken belief that the clan's founder, Leod, was a son of a king of Mann?
...that the Scottish island of Lunga is the location of the "well of the church of Saint Columba", which reputedly never runs dry?
... that illustrations from three of the Katie Morag series of children's picture books by Mairi Hedderwick have been used in a health promotion campaign to encourage breastfeeding?
... that the remains of the San Juan de Silicia, a Spanish Armada ship which sank off the coast of Scotland, were mistaken for those of a treasure ship and destroyed by countless searches for gold?

Portal:Scottish islands/Did you know/10

... that the outlying islands of Scotland include the highest sea stack in the British Isles and one of the most isolated islets (pictured) in the oceans of the world?
... that Brodir and Ospak of Man were two 11th-century Danish brothers who fought on opposite sides at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014?
... that the German dreadnought battleship SMS König Albert was the only German dreadnought active at the time to miss the Battle of Jutland, due to engine problems?
... that the existence of a sea monster in Scotland has finally been proven?

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...that the MacCrimmons (pictured), one of Scotland's most famous bagpiping families, have been thought to have roots in Cremona, Italy?
... that prehistoric structures on Whalsay include the Neolithic Benie Hoose, Pettigarths Field Cairns and the Standing Stones of Yoxie, and the Iron Age Huxter Fort?
... that the German battleship SMS König sank the Russian battleship Slava during Operation Albion in 1917?
... that the Fairy Flag is traditionally thought to have been a gift from the fairies to the chiefs of Clan Macleod?

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... that according to clan tradition, the wife of chief Iain Ciar MacLeod had two of her daughters buried alive within the dungeon of Dunvegan Castle (pictured)?
... that the domesticated animal breeds originating from Scotland include the Scottish Fold cat, the Rough Collie of "Lassie" fame, and the Grice, a somewhat aggressive pig?
... that the German SMS Kronprinz was the only König-class battleship to escape damage at the Battle of Jutland on 31 May – 1 June 1916?
... that Flora Drummond was known as "The General" for her habit of leading Women's Suffrage processions wearing an officer's cap and epaulettes whilst riding a large horse?

Portal:Scottish islands/Did you know/13

... that the Devonian Orcadian Basin once contained a lake estimated to be hundreds of kilometres across, forming distinctive sediments (pictured) in which a diverse fauna of fossil fish has been found?
...that the election of Dominican friar Laurence de Ergadia as Bishop of Argyll in Scotland was voided by Pope Urban IV in 1274 on a technicality?
... that the Tobermory whisky distillery is located in the village made famous by the children's television show Balamory?
... that according to tradition, the horn Malcolm MacLeod supposedly broke off from a raging bull, sometime during the 14th century, now exists as a drinking horn and heirloom of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod?

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... that a loch on Rubha an Dùnain (pictured) has the remains of a 12th century stone quay and a "Viking canal" unlike any other site in Scotland?
... that the German battleship SMS Prinzregent Luitpold was the only ship of her class designed to mount a diesel engine, though it was never fitted?
... that according to a mediaeval Icelandic saga, Jarl Gilli dreamt of the violent death of Irish king, Brian Boru?
... that in 1894, after the Pall Mall Gazette mocked what became the Viking Society for Northern Research, a member wrote, "The fiercest warriors, even savages, drink tea and coffee nowadays"?

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... that Scandinavian influence in Scotland, still evident today (Up Helly Aa festival pictured), was probably at its height during the time of Thorfinn the Mighty?
... that John Gregorson Campbell was at the same time a church minister and a folklorist?
...that Balfour, Orkney was built in 1782 to house tenants evicted to make way for the house now called Balfour Castle, then partly demolished later to improve the castle's view?
...that the last chief of Clan MacQuarrie sold off his clan lands in Scotland and joined the British Army, at age 68, and fought in the American Revolutionary War?

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... that despite being located in the Orkney Islands, the sand lining of the Scar boat burial (plaque from site pictured) matches no known Scottish sand?
... that Gofraid Donn was blinded and castrated by a follower of his uncle, and later jointly ruled the Kingdom of Man and the Isles with his uncle?
... that Prirazlomnaya oil platform on the Prirazlomnoye field is equipped with the topsides of the former Hutton oilfield's platform Hutton TLP, which was the first Tension Leg Platform ever built?
... that Breachacha crannog was originally an artificial island located in the middle of a Scottish loch, but today it stands in the middle of an arable field?

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... that Skaill House (pictured), the most complete 17th-century mansion in Orkney, is built on a Pictish burial ground and overlooks the neolithic site of Skara Brae?
... that the German battleship SMS Markgraf is a popular diving site in Scapa Flow, where it was scuttled in 1919?
... that Ímar founded a dynasty which provided multiple kings of Dublin, Northumbria and the Isles?
...that in 1759, François Thurot's ship set out to create a diversion from an invasion of Britain only to learn, after months of storms and starvation, that the invasion fleet had been defeated before it even left France?

Portal:Scottish islands/Did you know/18

... that HMS Vidal, the ship sent to annexe Rockall (flag hoisting pictured), was named after Alexander Vidal, the first man to properly survey the islet?
... that according to a medieval source, Ingemund was supposed to have been declared king in the Hebrides, but his raping and pillaging enraged the locals, and he was slain on Lewis in 1097?
... that the St Kilda field mouse lives 100 miles (160 km) off the coast of Scotland, and is twice the size of mainland mice?
... that the Orcadian Sea Mither confines the nuckelavee?

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... that in 2006, a descendant of the 17th century Hebridean chieftain who once fortified himself in Stac Dhòmhnaill Chaim (pictured), scaled the stack and found a piece of possibly Neolithic pottery?
... that the Inner Hebridean crannóg of Dùn Anlaimh may be the remains of a fortified island dating back to the late Middle Ages?
... that Lagmann mac Gofraid, a late 11th century King of Mann and the Isles, has been labelled as the only known Scot who took part in the First Crusade?
... that the boobrie in Scottish folklore is said to prey on animals being transported on ships, preferably calves, but will also eat lambs and sheep?

Portal:Scottish islands/Did you know/20

... that on Stac an Armin, the highest stack in Scotland, the last great auk (portrayal pictured) in the British Isles was clubbed to death in 1840 because it was thought to be a witch?
... that "The Summons" includes 13 questions asked in the voice of Jesus?
... that a 19th century antiquary considered that a saga character named Ljótólfr was the eponymous ancestor of the Clan MacLeod?
... that the stoor worm, a sea monster of Orcadian mythology, could destroy humans with its putrid breath?

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... that the discoverer of Scotland's ancient Stanydale Temple (pictured) thought it was patterned after temples in Malta?
... that after William Dubh MacLeod was killed in 1480 at the Battle of Bloody Bay, he was the last MacLeod chief to be buried on the isle of Iona?
... that the naturally rocky knoll Dùn Foulag, on the isle of Coll within the Scottish Hebrides, was once mistakenly thought to have been the ruined remains of a fortress?
... that according to a 13th century saga, Þórketill Þórmóðsson, and two of his sons, were slain in a loch near the Isle of Skye, but another son survived by leaping onto a cask that floated by?

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... that the Scottish island of Stroma was inhabited for thousands of years but was abandoned in 1962, with the last islanders leaving their houses (pictured) to fall into ruin?
... that the English pirate Peter Love set up a base of operation in the Outer Hebrides, but was betrayed by an associate outlaw and executed by the Scottish Government in 1610?
... that Whalsay Parish Church is dedicated to the Holy Rood?
... that clan tradition states that Iain Borb MacLeod was wounded in the head at the Battle of Harlaw in 1411 and that the wound's reoccurring bleeding caused his death 31 years later?

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... that Symbister House (pictured) in Symbister, on the island of Whalsay in Shetland Islands, is reputed to be haunted by a sailor who was murdered by the gardener during a game of cards?
...that the Hebrides Overture, also known as Fingal's Cave and composed by Mendelssohn, was inspired by the famous cave off the coast of Scotland?
... that Old Norse poems attributed to Torf-Einarr describe his defeat of Hálfdan Longlegs?
...that several of the Orkney islands' highest points are named "Ward Hill" due to the many old warning beacons in the area?

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... that the U class submarine HMS Vandal (pictured) had the shortest career of any Royal Navy submarine, being lost with all hands just four days after its commission?
... that the 13th and 14th century Hebridean chieftains Tormod and Torquil were once believed to have been brothers, and sons of Leod; but now Torquil is considered as a grandson of Tormod?
... that Pierowall has an Iron Age dry-stone Atlantic roundhouse?
... that Gunnhild, "Mother-of-Kings", the wife and queen of Erik Bloodaxe of Norway, was rumored to be a witch?

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... that Domhnall mac Raghnaill (descendant pictured) was the founder of the MacDonald clan?
... that nearly 10,000 quartz artifacts were found at a Neolithic site known as the Scord of Brouster?
... that the Boreray is the most critically endangered breed of sheep in the United Kingdom, according to the Rare Breeds Survival Trust?
... that the Raven banner, a standard used by various Viking leaders including Sigurd the Stout and Harald III of Norway, was a totem believed to have the power to grant victory to its holder?

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... that after two thousand years or more of continuous habitation the Scottish island of Mingulay (old school house pictured) was abandoned by its residents in 1912?
... that in the Orkneyinga saga, after Olvir Rosta failed to gain a portion of the Earldom of Orkney, his grandmother was burned to death?
... that Skerryvore, off the west coast of Scotland, considered by some to be the world's most graceful lighthouse, was built by an uncle of Robert Louis Stevenson?
... that in 1739, the chiefs of Clan Macdonald of Sleat and Clan Macleod were involved in a scheme to kidnap their own clansfolk, transport them to the American Colonies, and sell them into slavery?

Portal:Scottish islands/Did you know/27

... that prehistoric Orkney has provided so many ancient ruins (example pictured) that one of the islands in the archipelago has been described as "the Egypt of the North"?
... that according to a mediaeval chronicle, saga, and later clan tradition, Páll, son of Bálki blinded and castrated the son of a Manx king—a son who would in time become king himself?
... that Damian Lewis and Andrea Riseborough shot a film near Pennyghael on the Isle of Mull?
... that Alasdair Crotach MacLeod is said to have prayed for six hours prior to ordering the massacre of almost the entire population of the Hebridean island of Eigg?

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... that 52 ships of the German High Seas Fleet were successfully scuttled in Scapa Flow (example pictured) in 1919, but many were later salvaged?
... that Lord Minginish is the first Gaelic-speaking Chairman of the Scottish Land Court?
... that the Ness of Brodgar archaeological site in Orkney includes the remains of a large building described as a Neolithic "cathedral"?
... that the island of Orosay overlooks Traigh Mhòr, reputedly the only beach in the world used as a runway for scheduled aircraft flights?

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... that Lady Isle (beacon pictured), a small Scottish island in the Firth of Clyde, is Britain's first seabird reserve?
... that according to legend, the MacLeods were on the verge of being defeated at the Battle of Glendale by the MacDonalds, but their magical Fairy Flag was then unfurled, inspiring them to a hard-fought victory?
... that a noted 20th century antiquary considered the four most interesting ruinous fortifications on Coll to be Dùn an Achaidh, Dùn Anlaimh, Dùn Dubh, and Dùn Morbhaidh?
... that Scottish poet Sorley MacLean once called upon the Red Army to invade his homeland?

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... that the Lang Ayre (pictured), the longest beach in Shetland, has red sand?
... that unlike his father, Ragnall mac Somairle of the twelfth-century Kingdom of the Isles endorsed new religious reforms?
... that in 1674, the Dutch East India ship Wapen van Rotterdam was captured in Ronas Voe, Shetland, by three English men-of-war?
... that George Leslie Hunter's early work was destroyed in the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake?

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... that in 1905, Scottish photographer Robert M. Adam (pictured) was among the last to photograph Mingulay island before it was abandoned?
... that Shetland sheep have 30 different recognised coat patterns?
... that in a single week in 1992, a four-man team including Mick Fowler and Andy Nisbet climbed all the main stacks of the Drongs?
... that Shetlander Johnnie Notions, a physician with no formal medical background, developed a smallpox inoculation that successfully immunised thousands of people before Jenner's vaccine was available?

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... that the ships MV Coelleira (pictured), MFV Elinor Viking, SS Ben Doran, and SV Illeri were all wrecked on the Ve Skerries in Shetland?
... that despite her membership in two of Scotland's largest land-owning families, philanthropist Lady Victoria Campbell dedicated her life to helping those who lived on the islands of Argyll?
... that mass graves in the Orkney and Shetland islands might contain bodies from a tsunami 5,500 years ago?
... that the child queen Margaret, Maid of Norway, died before reaching Scotland, so her place in the list of Scottish monarchs is in dispute?

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