The island of Pabay (57
16N 05 51.5W and NGR 675270) is located 2.5 miles from the village of Broadford
on the South side of the Isle of Skye. It is 360 acres in size, diamond shaped
and predominately flat, the highest point being 28m above sea level with cliffs
on the North and East shores.
Pabay is known worldwide
for its unique geology consisting of fossils, Pabba shale and other features.
Due to the inaccessibility of the island it has escaped the impact of modern
farming methods. A fully modernized home with its own electricity supply (both
diesel and wind power) is located on the South side of the island together with
numerous farm buildings. Access to the island can only be made by boat or
helicopter.
The name Pabay is
derived from an old Norse word (the Norwegians ruled this part of Scotland for
many years around 1000AD) meaning "priest's isle" and there are the
remains of a 13th century chapel. In the past the island was completely wooded
and the tree planting scheme now underway will return Pabay to its original
sylvan state.
The Island of Pabay has
been issuing its own stamps since the mid-twentieth century. This is the first
coin issued by the Island of Pabay; this issue has been officially authorized
by the current owners of the island.