Gasker

Summary

Gasker is a small uninhabited islet in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, 8 kilometres (4+12 nautical miles) southwest of Scarp, off the west coast of Harris.

Gasker
Scottish Gaelic nameGàisgeir
Location
Gasker is located in Outer Hebrides
Gasker
Gasker
Gasker shown within the Outer Hebrides
OS grid referenceNA970151
Coordinates57°59′00″N 7°17′13″W / 57.98343°N 7.28699°W / 57.98343; -7.28699
Physical geography
Island groupHarris and Lewis
Area20 ha (18 sq mi)
Highest elevation32 m (105 ft)
Administration
Sovereign stateUnited Kingdom
CountryScotland
Council areaWestern Isles
Demographics
Population0
Lymphad
References[1][2]

The low-lying island has never been inhabited. In spite of its small size, it has several small pools of fresh water. It is principally noted for its large well-established seal colony. Residents of Scarp once visited Gasker regularly to kill seals for food.

There are two feasible landing spots for small craft: Geo Iar on the north side of Gasker, and Geodha Ear on the south side. A small unmanned lighthouse was built by the Northern Lighthouse Board in 1997.

1.2 kilometres (58 nmi) east-southeast lies the smaller islet of Gàisgeir Beag, and some surrounding rocks.

See also edit

Footnotes edit

  1. ^ Haswell-Smith (2015) p 297
  2. ^ Ordnance Survey. OS Maps Online (Map). 1:25,000. Leisure.

Bibliography edit

  • Haswell-Smith, Hamish (2015). The Scottish Islands: The Bestselling Guide to Every Scottish Island. Edinburgh: Canongate Books Ltd. ISBN 9781782116783.
  • Mac an Tàilleir, Iain (2003) Ainmean-àite/Placenames. (pdf) Pàrlamaid na h-Alba. Retrieved 26 August 2012.


58°9′8″N 7°2′8″W / 58.15222°N 7.03556°W / 58.15222; -7.03556