Carna or Càrna is an island in Loch Sunart, an arm of the sea, close to the Ardnamurchan peninsula, on the west coast of Scotland. Geography Carna lies wedged across the mouth of Loch Teacuis in the middle of Loch Sunart, forming two narrow kyles which provide some of the trickiest rock-dodging for yachtsmen anywhere on the west coast. Moine schist bedrock of quartz-feldspar constitution, with mixed schists and mica schists in a west coastal strip. A north–south ridge divides the island in two. From the heather covered rocky peak of Cruachan Chàrna, there are extensive views over Oronsay, Loch Sunart, Morvern, Coll and Isle of Mull. Wildlife Carna contains a wide variety of habitats that support a large range of native wildlife species including otters, sea and golden eagles, orchids, harbour seals, Arctic terns, foxes, red deer, water shrews, woodpeckers, cuckoos, herons, curlews and kestrels. The island's habitats include wild flower meadows, native Atlantic Oakwood and Scots Pine woodlands, hill grazing, heather moorland and wetland habitats which is a diverse selection for a small island and helps support a wide biodiversity. Scotland hosts the only populations of European wildcat (sub-species Felis sylvestris grampia) in the British Isles, with numbers estimated at between 400 and 2,000 animals. In 2013 it was announced that the island of Càrna is to provide a sanctuary and breeding station in order to protect the threatened species. In 2014 Carna Conservation Initiative was formed by the owners with local business Ardnamurchan Marine Centre to enhance and protect the islands wildlife and habitats, improve the islands economic and environmental sustainability and benefit the local community and economy. The initiative includes a range of conservation projects including restoring ancient wild flower meadows, recreating native woodlands, establishing colonies of native dark honeybees, removing invasive non-native species and taking part in the monitoring of Loch Sunart Marine Protected Area (MPA) which surrounds the island. Economy and history Carna is thought to be more fertile than its neighbour, Oronsay, and due to its much greater aspect has better water sources. There are signs of terracing by early man and the northern part of the island is named Bac a' Mhathachaidh (Scottish Gaelic: "cultivated bank"). The island has a clear "in-bye" area of around , which has been improved over hundreds of years for farming by drainage into an ancient 'Head dyke' and the cultivation of fields for haymaking and growing