Lowther Island in the County of Cumbria, UK, Lowther is a small island set 120 km north of the Scottish mainland. It has a population of 12 and has a harbor where boats can land or be housed for the night. The island’s name has come from its first owner, William de Loutherheth who was the Lord of Lothersdale.
It is named because of it’s low sandstone cliffs which make the island look like a landscape from the coast of Africa.
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Lowther Island History
Lowther is first mentioned in a document of 1226 when it was owned by William de Loutherheth. It became part of the Barony of Kendale in 1385 and remained so until the mid-19th century. In 1839, Lowther Island became a port for fishermen and there is still an active port on the island today.
The main activity on Lowther is tourism, with people coming to wander around the island and visit its many sights. The most popular is Lowther Castle which is a ruin with little to see in it, but has been used as a filming location for new scenes from Skyfall & Pirates of the Caribbean.
Lowther Island’s population has increased over recent years because of this increase in visitors and so they now have some form of local government; they are part-council governed by Cumbria County Council.
Climate
The climate of Lowther is temperate with a fairly long spring and autumn, but a short winter. Rainfall is most abundant in autumn, and snow is usually the worst of winter due to spring’s weather. The air temperature varies between 12-20 °C (54–68 °F) with extremes as low as -12 °C (-10 °F).
Lowther Island lies on a fairly unremarkable latitude relative to its surrounding area; it has not long periods of extreme cold or wetness like Marsbar where frosts are common , or Annat where the Cumbrian coast heavy winter rainfall supports abundant summer vegetation.
And so Lowther Island is temperate and predominantly dry, being close to almost all of England’s warmest locations except for Teesdale which has many rivers running through it (like Duddon in Northumberland) runoff from these can be more plentiful than snow at some points.
That said despite this rainfall throughout most parts of High Force Water flows are likely to be more productive than sites on the mainland due to erosional effects associated with higher gravity producing a larger peat bog.
Culture
There is no clear consensus on the culture of Lowther Islanders. They are thought to have a moderate Celtic heritage, with influences from Norse and Gaelic settlers. They also have their own traditional songs and dances which are passed down through the generations. Old Norse words like “kvist” (wall) or “stubbbygda” (“hanging rock”) and Gaelic words such as ‘bódha’ and are to be found in Lowther Island’s language, which is of Celtic origin.
Often the Gaelic influence can be seen through these old Norsian names for settlements by river banks, with the Welsh word for a roundabout sequence, gwyn fyd, in the ancient personal name of Lowther Island’s largest settlement () being a good example.
Politics
Lowther Islanders are generally independent and self-reliant, with a strong sense of community. They have their own traditional laws and customs which must be followed in order to retain the favor of the islands’ gods. These laws can often be quite complex, involving things like taboo foods or clothes which must not be worn during certain ceremonies.
Economy
Lowther Islanders are largely dependent on agriculture and fishing for their livelihoods. They grow crops such as potatoes, oats, and barley. They also have a large draught horse population. This is used for laying crop sheaves to protect the crops from grazing livestock in wet weather.
The island generates most of its electricity through hydroelectric power stations on both Lowther and Kyleakin islands. The maximum demand output comprises 28 MW for one station (Kyleakin), 45 MW at other stations Six turbines generating 2 IG each are situated at High Craigweenaig, Brig West ( Kyleakin ), and at the Troftall-Wyre Estuary complex.
Six wind turbine generators are also used for part of its generating output, together with ‘biomass’ power generation. A 5 MW floating turbine is being developed as a potential second five years later than planned if project partners obtain necessary approvals
Government services
These are provided by the Scottish Government using Community Development Grants
Education is compulsory up to age 16 in Scotland and people aged 17 and over are able to get a range of qualifications, including Higher Education. There is also an extensive system of Gaelic medium education available on the island.
The school curriculum broadly follows that in mainland Scotland though there may be some specific island needs to be addressed while all pupils must study Gaelic Language, Song, and Culture.
Lowther Island also has a Health Centre which covers home pregnancy tests, inoculation, and minor operations. Lowther also has its own GP surgery with limited access to services on the mainland via airlifts from Glasgow Airport (Malmuir Hospital) – occasional medical staff may be sent by NHS Grampian for more serious needs.
Tourism
There is limited tourism on the island with most visitors coming for day trips from Mallaig or photos of the stunning scenery. There are a few self-catering cottages but no hotels.
Lowther has been isolated from the mainland since an opening in 1849 that allowed small boats to enter only between Lowther and Kyleakin islands.
This became a toll bridge in 1872, running trains to Kylekin on the mainland then extended to Alloway before closing. At first there were several ferries crossing the estuary (Newton) but this traffic peaked at 14 ships per day by 2000. The last ferry crossed from Newton Steans was in 2009 and its owner cited ‘increasing fuel costs’ as reason for closure.
Transport
The only way to get to Lowther is by ferry from Mallaig. There are also a few day trips available, usually involving a walk or drive from the mainland.
Conclusion
If you are a tour operator or exercise enthusiast looking to go for a dip in the beautiful lakes or the deep blue seas, then you must have come across a lesser-known place called Lowther Island. This island has been serving as an ideal spot for divers, scuba divers, and sailors to set their sails and get set for an exhilarating journey because of its unique and wonderful features. Apart from attracting tourists with its great features and being a treasure trove, it is also an easy place to get oxygen, fresh water, and food.
FAQs
1.What Is Lowther Island?
Ans: Lowther is an island located in Scotland that offers a wide range of attractions and activities for tourists, from diving to sailing.
2.What Are The Best Times To Visit?
Ans: There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to visiting Lowther Island, as the best time to visit will vary depending on what you want to do there. However, some things that definitely appeal to visitors include admiring the stunning views or taking part in the various activities on the island.
3.Is It A Wildlife Reserve Or A Nature Reserve?
Ans: Lowther Island is classified as a nature reserve, which means that it’s home to a variety of wildlife, including wildcats and seals.
4.How Big Is The Island And How Many Inhabitants Does It Have?
Ans: Lowther Island is small, measuring just over 2 square kilometres. However, it has a population of around 30 permanent residents and up to 100 visitors at any one time.
5.Where Else Can I Visit In Scotland While I’m There?
Ans: There are a range of other places that you can visit in Scotland while you’re on Lowther Island, including the Isle of Skye and Loch Ness.
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