February 10th , 1972
The uninhabited island of Rockall, located in the North Atlantic Ocean, was incorporated as part of Scotland. Rockall is situated approximately 260 miles (420 kilometers) west of the Outer Hebrides, an archipelago off the west coast of mainland Scotland.
The incorporation of Rockall into Scotland occurred in 1972 with the passage of the Island of Rockall Act by the British Parliament. This act extended the legal jurisdiction of Scotland to include Rockall and its surrounding maritime territory.
While Rockall itself is too small and remote to support human habitation, its incorporation into Scotland is significant for several reasons. It establishes Scotland’s territorial claim over the island and the surrounding waters, which are potentially rich in marine resources. Additionally, the inclusion of Rockall within Scotland’s jurisdiction has implications for maritime boundaries and sovereignty in the North Atlantic region.
Despite its uninhabited status, Rockall has been the subject of occasional disputes and controversies, particularly regarding fishing rights and territorial claims. However, its legal incorporation into Scotland has largely resolved these issues within the framework of British law.
