isles isles scottish pronounced alternatively seven hunters small island group outer scotland approximately kilometres west seventh century irish preacher abbot islands devoid permanent residents isles lighthouse location enduring mystery occurred december lighthouse keepers vanished trace geography islands split groups main cluster rocks lie northeast include principal islands big isle approximately hectares acres extent south lie eastward isle main western isle natural rock arch sad sunk rock total land area amounts approximately hectares acres highest point metres sea level geology consists dark prehistoric times area covered ice sheets spread scotland atlantic_ocean retreat ice circa years sea levels metres lower present likely existing islands larger land mass separated outer miles open water steadily rising sea levels reduced land remaining sea level present extent possible landing places visiting east west hazardous given regular heavy swells history implies hosts ruined stone shelter home lighthouse ruined chapel dedicated lighthouse keepers referred dog small size ruined described collectively entirely clear chapel honours likely seventh century abbot county alternatively half brother eighth century gave nearby island certain son abbot called died loaned isolated isles archipelago known seven hunters middle ages called seven holy isles lists number unusual customs associated regular removing hat making turn reaching plateau possible saint lived unlikely permanent residents islands fell decline result ninth century viking invasions construction lighthouse occupation shortly dawn twentieth century built near highest point keepers disappeared trace causing public attention speculation lighthouse longer occupied automated wildlife isles provide nesting population including atlantic northern european storm common black legged late middle ages regularly raided nests eggs birds feathers population rabbits brought islands lighthouse keepers sheep fertile islands pilot species commonly observed vicinity islands december fiction isles particular feature prominently location murder central plot coffin road novel peter feature epic novel silver
Flannan Isles