Soay, Uninhabited island in St Kilda archipelago, Scotland.
Soay is a small island in the St Kilda archipelago located west of Scotland's Outer Hebrides, characterized by steep cliffs and open grassland. Its rocky shoreline and exposed position in the North Atlantic make landing difficult for visitors.
The island's name derives from Old Norse Seyðoy, reflecting centuries-old Norse settlement in the region. It was traditionally used as grazing land for livestock since medieval times.
The Soay Sheep Research Project, established in 1985, documents population changes and genetic patterns of the ancient sheep breed inhabiting the island.
The island is generally inaccessible to regular visitors due to strong winds, rough seas, and very few landing spots. Only researchers with special permission can visit under favorable weather conditions.
A long-term research project has tracked a wild sheep population living on the island for many decades. This herd naturally grows and shrinks based on weather conditions and available resources.
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