Light on Murky Past



This image of Gruinard by Rachel Husband Photography displays a remarkable contrast between the strength of light on the subject and the dark side of its history. In 1942 the island was a test-bed for anthrax in order to estimate its potential and to calculate protection from it as a biological weapon. Decontamination processes started in 1986 and in 1990 it was moved from the status of being an island in quarantine to becoming an accessible place only a kilometre from the mainland. Its 48 years of isolation were over. It has not, however, been inhabited since the 1920s and its population peaked at six residents in 1881.

Scottish Islands Explorer - has potential, tries to protect