-- Where is it ? --

Soay is an island just off the south coast of Skye. It is occasionally considered part of the Small Isles. The main settlement is Mol-chlach. Low lying, unlike its neighbours Skye and Rum, the highest point is Beinn Bhreac at just over 140m.

-- History --

The name derives from Old Norse so-øy meaning "Sheep Island". The main bay Camas nan Gall, meaning Bay of Foreigners, is probably named after the Norse invaders, after whom the Hebrides (Na h-Innse Gall) are also named.

In 1944, author Gavin Maxwell bought the island and established an unsuccessful factory to process shark oil from basking sharks, which he wrote about in his book Harpoon at a Venture. Unfortunately, this venture lead to a serious drop in the numbers of these animals living in the surrounding seas from which they have yet to recover.

Previously mainly Scottish Gaelic, most of the population was evacuated to Mull on 20th June 1953, since which the island has been almost uninhabited.

Currently owned by Dr Nicholas Martin the only family still resident on Soay is that of Oliver and Donita Davies. Oliver has lived on Soay for over 40 years and fishes from his boat 'The Golden Isles' landing his catch three times a week at Elgol. Donita hails from the Orkneys and before her marriage was the islands school teacher. The family who have two children own their croft and are entitled to buy from Dr Martin their share of the common grazings.

-- Books --

Most books listed will be available from any on-line book seller such as Amazon.

The Soay Of Our Forefathers - Laurence Reed A Nestling between the Strathaird peninsula and the Cullins of Skye, few islands have a more magnificent setting than Soay. This book is the definitive account of this little-known island, from the thirteenth century when it came into the possession of the chiefs of clan MacLeod, to the evacuation of 1953, when the remaining inhabitants were re-housed on Mull. This new edition also includes an epilogue, which brings Soay's history up to date with information an the resettlement and current state of the island. Lonely Isles Rating 8/10 - It's always a thrill to find a book about such a small island as Soay. In keeping with the island the book itself is fairly small at less than 100 pages but as the only real written resource available on Soay it's a must read. Book includes some excellent photographs.

Harpoon At A Venture - Gavin Maxwell The first book by Scottish naturalist Gavin Maxwell, who was also the author of "Ring of Bright Water". In this work he describes an exciting attempt to establish a shark fishery based in the Hebridean island of Soay during the period immediately after the war. The story has all the elements of a good seafarer's yarn... full of dramatic adventures, humorous anecdotes and great characters.

-- DVD's & Videos --

None available to my knowledge....please contact lonely-isles if you know of any and we'll add them to the site !!

-- Links --

Trip To Soay - Interesting page which details a trip to Soay. Includes a couple of fascinating photographs as well as some brief history of the island.

Kayaking In Soay Sound - Superb collection of images taken by kayakers on a trip around Loch Brittle and Soay Sound.

Bella Jane Boat Trips - If you fancy a trip to Soay then unless you own your own boat the best chance is to see if the people at Bella Jane can help you out.