Oronsay, Colonsay
Oronsay (Scottish Gaelic: Orasaigh), also sometimes spelt and pronounced Oransay by the local community, is a small tidal island south of Colonsay in the Scottish Inner Hebrides with an area of 543 hectares (1,340 acres).
| Scottish Gaelic name | Orasaigh |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | [ˈɔɾəs̪aj] ⓘ |
| Old Norse name | [possibly] Örfirisey |
| Meaning of name | "tidal island" or "Oran's isle" |
Oronsay Priory and Farm | |
| Location | |
Oronsay Oronsay shown within Argyll and Bute | |
| OS grid reference | NR351892 |
| Coordinates | 56.02°N 6.24°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Inner Hebrides |
| Area | 543 ha (1,340 acres) |
| Area rank | 71 |
| Highest elevation | Beinn Orasaigh, 93 m (305 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Argyll and Bute |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 8 |
| Population rank | 70= |
| Population density | 1.5/km2 (3.9/sq mi) |
| Largest settlement | Oronsay Farm |
| References | |
The island rises to a height of 93 metres (305 feet) at Beinn Orasaigh and is linked to Colonsay by a tidal causeway called An Tràigh (The Strand) consisting of sands and mud flats. In the 2001 census Oronsay was recorded as having a population of five people, who lived at the farm adjacent to Oronsay Priory. In 2011 the population had risen to eight. The island has no facilities for visitors and is now privately owned, with the RSPB farming the island for the American owner. It is dependent upon tidal access to and from Colonsay. There is a small grass air strip south of the priory that "fights a losing battle with the rabbits".