Gigha
Gigha (/ˈɡiːə/ GHEE-ə; Scottish Gaelic: Giogha; Scots: Gigha) or the Isle of Gigha (and formerly Gigha Island) is an island off the west coast of Kintyre in Scotland. The island forms part of Argyll and Bute and has a population of 163 people. The climate is mild with higher than average sunshine hours and the soils are fertile. The main settlement is Ardminish.
| Scottish Gaelic name | Giogha |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | [ˈkʲi.ə] ⓘ |
| Scots name | Gigha |
| Old Norse name | Guðey |
| Meaning of name | Old Norse, probably "God's island" or "good island" |
Gigha Hotel | |
| Location | |
Gigha Gigha shown within Argyll and Bute | |
| OS grid reference | NR647498 |
| Coordinates | 55.68°N 5.75°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Islay |
| Area | 1,395 ha (3,450 acres) |
| Area rank | 41 |
| Highest elevation | Creag Bhàn 100 m (330 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Argyll and Bute |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 163 |
| Population rank | 37 |
| Population density | 11.7/km2 (30/sq mi) |
| Largest settlement | Ardminish |
| References | |
Gigha has been inhabited continuously since prehistoric times. It may have had an important role during the Kingdom of Dalriada and is the ancestral home of Clan MacNeill. It fell under the control of the Norse and the Lords of the Isles before becoming incorporated into modern Scotland and saw a variety of conflicts during the medieval period.
The population of Gigha peaked at over 700 in the eighteenth century, but during the 20th century the island had numerous owners, which caused various problems in developing the island. By the beginning of the 21st century the population had fallen to 98. However a "community buy-out" in 2002 has transformed the island, which now has a growing population and a variety of new commercial activities to complement farming and tourism.
Attractions on the island include Achamore Gardens and the abundant wildlife, especially seabirds. There have been numerous shipwrecks on the surrounding rocks and skerries.
In 2021 the U.K. television broadcaster Channel 4 produced a reality show called Murder Island on the island, featuring a fictitious murder case written by the Scottish author Ian Rankin and “investigated” by ordinary members of the public, assisted by former police officers.