Soay

Welcome to Soay, a Temperate island in the Inner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland, part of the majestic Atlantic Ocean. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of what makes Soay unique – from its geography and climate to its population, infrastructure, and beyond. Dive into the details:

• Geography and Size: Explore the island’s size and location.
• Climate and Weather: Weather patterns and temperature.
• Topography and Nature: Uncover the natural wonders of the island.
• Infrastructure and Travelling: Insights on reaching, staying, and making the most of your visit.
• News and Headlines: Latest News.

Geography and size of Soay

Size: 10.4 km²
Coastline: 17.6 km
Ocean: Atlantic Ocean
Sea: Inner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland
Continent: Europe

Soay is a Medium Island spanning 10 km² with a coastline of 18 km.

Archipel: British Isles – A group of islands off the northwest coast of mainland Europe, including Great Britain, Ireland, and over 6,000 smaller islands, known for their rich history and cultural diversity.

Tectonic Plate: Eurasia – One of the world’s largest tectonic plates, the Eurasian Plate covers a significant portion of Europe and Asia. It’s characterized by diverse geological features, including the Ural Mountains, the European Plain, and the Himalayas formed from its collision with the Indian Plate.

The geographic heart of the island is pinpointed at these coordinates:
Latitude: 57.21526483 / Longitude: -6.45761702

Climate and weather of Soay

Climate Zone: Temperate
Climate Details: Temperate Oceanic Climate
Temperature: Warm Summer

Climate Characteristics: Known for its moderate year-round temperatures with ample rainfall and no dry season. Warm summers are characteristic.

Topography and nature of Soay

Timezone: UTC±00:00
Timezone places: Europe/London
Max. Elevation: 173 m
Mean Elevation: 44 m
Vegetation: Open Woodland
Tree Coverage: 53%

The mean elevation is 44 m. The highest elevation on the island reaches approximately 173 meters above sea level. The island is characterized by Plains: Flat, low-lying lands characterized by a maximum elevation of up to 200 meters. On islands, plains are typically coastal lowlands or central flat areas.

Dominating Vegetation: Open Woodland
Characterized by sparsely distributed trees with open canopy allowing sunlight to penetrate, supporting grasses and shrubs underneath. Often found in drier or transitional environments. Soay has a tree cover of 53 %.

Vegetation: 11 vegetation zones – Exceptionally Diverse Island
Islands with more than ten vegetation zones are among the most ecologically rich and varied in the world. These islands are akin to miniature continents, boasting an incredible array of ecosystems. The sheer range of habitats, from high peaks to deep valleys, rainforests to deserts, creates a mosaic of life that is unparalleled. They are crucial for conservation and ecological studies.

Infrastructure and Travelling to Soay

Does the island have a public airport? no.
There is no public and scheduled airport on Soay. The nearest airport is Tiree Airport, located 99 km away.

Does the island have a major port? no.
There are no major ports on Soay. The closest major port is PORTREE HARBOR, approximately 28 km away.

The mean population of Soay is 1 per km². Soay is Uninhabited. The island belongs to United Kingdom.

Continuing your journey, Rhum Island is the next notable island, situated merely km away.

Island on the Edge, A life on Soay, by Anne Cholawo. (Part 1)

These scenes were filmed on Soay and in the waters around the island. Music by Opaque Nature. Island on the Edge, A life on ...

Now Playing

Island on the Edge, A life on Soay, by Anne Cholawo. (Part 1)

These scenes were filmed on Soay and in the waters around the island. ...

These scenes were filmed on Soay and in the waters around the island. Music by Opaque Nature. Island on the Edge, A life on ...

Now Playing

Soay

Now Playing

Exploring the Mystery of St. Kilda's Soay Island

Uncover the untouched wonders of Soay Island, part of the remote St. ...

Uncover the untouched wonders of Soay Island, part of the remote St. Kilda archipelago, with insights into primitive survival ...

United Kingdom is classified as Developed region: G7: Group of Seven – Major advanced economies, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The level of income is High income: OECD.

News – Latest Updates and Headlines from Soay

Stay informed with the most recent news and important headlines from Soay. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments.

Please note: The data used here has been primarily extracted from satellite readings. Deviations from exact values may occur, particularly regarding the height of elevations and population density. Land area and coastline measurements refer to average values at mean high tide.