OS1/2/5/1

List of names as written Various modes of spelling Authorities for spelling Situation Description remarks
GIGHA & CARA Gigha & Cara
Gigha & Cara
Gigha & Cara
Gigha & Cara
Gigha & Cara
Gigha & Cara
Gigha
Old Statistical Account
New Statistical Account
Fullarton's Gazetteer
Origines Parochiales
Johnstone's Coy. [County] Map
Blackie's Atlas
Sherriff's Returns
222; 223; 234; 235; 240 "This parish, consisting o f two islands , Gigha & Cara & the small islet Gigalum forms a part of the southern district of Argyllshire called Kintyre, from which it is divided by a Channel 3 1/2 miles broad (Sound of Gigha) It lies along the west coast of that district, extending nearly from N.E. [North East] to S.W. [South West] The island of Gigha is about 7 miles in length & 2 1/2 in breadth. South of Gigha, at the distance of 1 1/2 miles, lies the island of Cara which is near 1 mile long, & 1/2 mile broad. Both islands are low, having few hills, & those hardly as high as the arable land on the opposite coast of Kintyre. The name of this parish is said to be derived from two Gaelic words, Eilean, island, and Dia, God. Written in the Gaelic Eilean Dhia, signifying God's Island, It is however more likely that the name Gigha is derived from the Gaelic word Geodha, "a creek", since the island abounds in creeks and bays favourable for keeping boats in.
Cara is supposed to signify a monastery. The coast on the west side is bold & rocky. The Average rise of the tide is about 4 feet. It seldom rises above 6 feet.
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