Articles
Rathlin Island
07/07/08
Rathlin Island Sunset
Rathlin Island sits 6 off the North Antrim coast and just 16 miles from the Mull of Kintyre. Archaeological evidence points to continuous inhabitation since 6000 BC. The population peaked at 1200 before the potato famine caused mass emigration and today the population stands at just 80. Life is hard for the islanders but they are justly proud of the beautiful, wild island on which they live. In more recent years the RSPB have come to have a wider impact on the island; first through the work to protect the seabird colonies at the West Lighthouse and more recently with projects to reintroduce and protect choughs and corncrakes. The presence of the RSPB on Rathlin Island is a positive thing for the islanders in their daily struggle to survive and thrive on the island. The West Lighthouse seabird colonies brings many visitors (drawn by the opportunity to see fulmers, kittywakes, razor bills and the comical puffins) to the island every year and enterprising islanders are providing services for these visitors.
Staffed by reserve wardens who are also part of the island community the West Lighthouse also relies on the good will and hard work of volunteers who give of their own time to help visitors to the reserve.
Copyright © 2007-08 Simon Watterson. All Rights Reserved.