Raasay
Raasay (/ˈrɑːseɪ/; Scottish Gaelic: Ratharsair) or the Isle of Raasay is an island between the Isle of Skye and the mainland of Scotland. It is separated from Skye by the Sound of Raasay and from Applecross by the Inner Sound. It is famous for being the birthplace of Gaelic poet Sorley MacLean, an important figure in the Scottish Renaissance.
| Scottish Gaelic name | Ratharsair |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | [ˈrˠa.arˠs̪əɾʲ] ⓘ |
| Old Norse name | Raa-s-oy or Ross-oy, Rásey or Hrossey |
| Meaning of name | Old Norse for "roe deer island" or possibly "horse island" |
| Location | |
Raasay Raasay shown within the Skye area | |
| OS grid reference | NG579395 |
| Coordinates | 57°24′N 6°02′W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Skye |
| Area | 6,231 ha (24 sq mi) |
| Area rank | 19 |
| Highest elevation | Dùn Caan 444 m (1,457 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Highland |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 161 |
| Population rank | 38 |
| Population density | 2.5/km2 (6.5/sq mi) |
| Largest settlement | Inverarish |
| References | |
Traditionally the home of Clan MacSween, the island was ruled by the MacLeods from the 15th to the 19th century. Subsequently, a series of private landlords held title to the island, which is now largely in public ownership. Raasay House, which was visited by James Boswell and Samuel Johnson in 1773, is now a hotel, restaurant, bar and outdoor activity centre. Raasay means "Isle of the Roe Deer" and is home to an endemic subspecies of bank vole. The current Chief of the Island is Roderick John Macleod of Raasay.