Why Is Ailsa Craig Called Paddy's Milestone?

It is located about 16 kilometers (10 miles) off the coast of southwestern Scotland, near the mouth of the Firth of Clyde. It is sometimes referred to as “Paddy's Milestone” due to its location halfway between Glasgow and Belfast. The name Ailsa Craig roughly translates as “fairy rock” in Gaelic.

How did Ailsa Craig get its name?

The name Ailsa Craig is thought to derive from Gaelic words meaning “Fairy Rock.” About 0.75 mile (1.2 km) long and 0.5 mile (0.8 km) wide, Ailsa Craig rises steeply to an elevation of 1,114 feet (340 metres) and is accessible only on the eastern side.

Who owns Ailsa Craig?

Ailsa Craig is currently owned by the Scottish peer Archibald Angus Charles Kennedy, the 8th Marquess of Ailsa. The dome-shaped land mass in the Firth of Clyde rises to 1100 ft above sea-level. Geologists believe the island is a "plug" left behind from an extinct volcano.

Elena Rostova

Elena Rostova

Lead Health, Wellness & Medical Journalist

Elena Rostova holds a Master's degree in Public Health Journalism. She covers groundbreaking medical research, holistic wellness trends, mental health awareness, and nutritional science.