-- History --
Olave
the Black, a Norwegian warlord was said to have been the earliest
recorded owner of Isay, Mingay and Clett. In the 16th century
Roderick MacLeod of Lewis decided to eliminate two entire families
so that his own grandson should inherit Raasay and the lands of
Gairloch. To execute this evil plan Roderick invited them all
to a banquet on Isay promising them that they would hear something
to their advantage. Human nature being what it is everybody turned
up and during the meal Roderick invited them out one at a time
for a private conversation. Instead of a friendly chat each guest
was in turn brutally stabbed to death !!
By
the 1800's Isay was a thriving little Island. it was home to a
fishing station and had it's own general store. A street of more
than eighteen cottages and black house ruins line the east shore
where there is also the remnants of a stone jetty. With the people
now gone the land is now only used for grazing sheep.
In
more recent times the three islands were owned by folk singer
Donovan. In a bizarre twist the latest owners, Moneyedge, an English
company have started selling off parts of Isay smallest neighbour
Clett. People are offered a square foot of Clett and so far there
hasn't been a shortage of takers. The only thing you are actually
entitled to do is visit the island and you must always leave it
as you found it. |
