North Rona Lighthouse is situated on a remote island that lies 71 kilometres (44 mi) northeast of the Butt of Lewis and 16 km (10 miles) east of Sula Sgeir. The island of Rona is often referred to as North Rona in order to distinguish it from South Rona, which lies north of Raasay, off Skye. More isolated than St Kilda, Rona is the remotest island in the British Isles to have ever been permanently inhabited.
Sir James Matheson, who bought Lewis in 1844, once offered the island to the Government for use as a penal settlement, though the offer was refused. It is now owned by Scottish Natural Heritage, and managed as a nature reserve for its important grey seal and seabird colonies.
History
8th Century: Rona is said to have been the residence of Saint Ronan in the eighth century. The island still boasts the Celtic ruins of St Ronan’s Chapel.
1680: The island was inhabited for several hundred years, until the entire population died in 1680, after rats reached the island and a ship raided their food stocks.
1695: Though the island was resettled, it was again depopulated by 1695 in a boating tragedy, after which it remained home to a shepherd his and family until 1844, when it was deserted once more.
1984: North Rona Lighthouse was established.