Wednesday 24 March 2010

The Islands Part 2

Ceardach Island Ceardach -The smithy.               
Situated a little to the east of Bucinch and north of Inchcruin, this tiny islet is little more than a rock covered thinly with soil and with fairly deep water all around it. Nevertheless there is an easy landing place for small boats in a natural harbour leading directly on to the gentle sloping area of flat exposed rock, which is a delightful place to lie and take the sun on a summers day.
Known locally as the Tinkers Island, because the Gaelic word ceard means both the trade of smith and tinker, experts have found indications that here might have been the site of an Iron Age bloomery or furnace for smelting iron ore. Presumably it was a secure place to work, free from surprise attacks by enemies or wild animals, and supplies of fuel and ore could be transported fairly easily by water. Another more recent name is Gerbil Island, because here in the 1960s two gerbils were liberated.It is amazing how many different varieties of trees and other plants grow on this small rocky place, doubtless originating from seeds brought by birds, by wind and water and occasionally by unsuspecting humans. There is a mature if stunted oak tree, willow, holly, briar and bramble and many other shrubs and smaller plants. During prolonged periods of drought, the thin layer of soil becomes apparent, for trees and plants begin to look distressed, and sometimes the island adopts an autumnal aspect in the height of summer.Like Bucinch, Ceardach belongs to the National Trust for Scotland.
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