156 OARVELOCH ISLES. GLNKIIAL DESCRIPTION. 



GARVELOCH ISLES.* 



THESE islands, disposed in a chain divided only by 

 narrow sounds, are the westernmost of the group of 

 which Seil, Luing, Scarba, and Lunga, form the most 

 conspicuous parts. I have applied the name of the prin- 

 cipal island to the whole, rejecting that of the Mare isles, 

 which Mackenzie has erroneously given them ; that name 

 belonging, as I have already remarked, to Inish Capel. 

 The name of the westernmost is Ilachanu, that of the 

 central one Garveloch, and that of the easternmost Dune- 

 chow; names for which I am obliged to have recourse 

 to Mackenzie, for want of other authority, although his 

 orthography is often disputed by his countrymen. 



They lie about five miles to the north-west of Scarba, 

 the total length of the whole chain being somewhat more 

 than three miles. Ilachanu, the westernmost, appears to 

 be about a mile in length, Garveloch considerably more, 

 while the easternmost is of comparatively insignificant 

 dimensions ; as is a nameless one which lies in the channel 

 between the two former. The absolute resemblance of 

 form and structure throughout the whole is such, and they 

 are so connected by the rocks that lie in the straits which 

 separate them, that they may be treated of as one ridge; 

 the same general characters applying to the whole. 



The general position of the ridge is N. E. by N., and it 

 rises, although irregularly, from the south-eastern side to 

 the summit ; where it is abruptly cut off by perpendicular 

 cliffs facing towards the north-west. Its greatest elevation 

 appears to be about 700 feet. From this summit is 

 obtained a most interesting view of the surrounding islands 

 and more distant shores of the mainland. Among the 

 former, the mountainous bulk of Scarba is most conspi- 



* Garvelach, from Garbh, and < loch or clach ; the rough ruck. See 

 the Map of the Slate isles. 



