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-- History --
This small island has a notorious history in recent times. However,
back in the 19th century the island was home to a few hardy souls
most likely involved in farming. When the people gradually left
the island what once was a very small, and in many ways insignificant
island, was about to become one of the most controversial places
in Scotland !!
In
1941 scientists worried about the possible use of chemical and
biological warfare by the Nazis decided to do some tests on a
lonely, uninhabited spot...and they chose Gruinard Island. What
they did was to place 60 sheep on Gruinard and then expose the
island to the deadly chemical anthrax. All the sheep not surprisingly
died and their bodies were buried in a caved on the island under
tons of rock. However, one of the sheep carcases floated over
to the mainland and infected some livestock. As there was of course
a war on the affair was hushed up and the owner compensated.
Even
40 years after being polluted with anthrax large levels were still
being recorded by the Chemical Defence Establishment. Therefore
in 1986 the MOD took action by deciding to soaking the entire
surface area of Gruinard in formaldehyde and sea-water. Sheep
and rabbits were then reintroduced to the island to see if it
truly had been disinfected. In 1990 Gruinard was finally declared
free of anthrax nearly 50 years after what was now be looked upon
as a foolhardy and unnecessary experiment.
Debate
still rages to this day about whether the island really is safe
to visit again but the sheep and rabbits now seem to be thriving
once more. However, anyone planning a visit does so at their own
risk !!
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