Rathlin

Divers have uncovered a treasure trove of underwater animals new to science off the coast of Rathlin Island - but warned that Spongebob Squarepants and his family are already under threat.

Archive 2007-02-01 2007

Bernard Picton, who led the research at Rathlin, says our sponge ancestor probably existed 500 or 600 million years ago.

Archive 2007-02-01 2007

The new species found at Rathlin could contain chemicals that are potential antibiotics or anti-cancer drugs, he said.

Archive 2007-02-01 2007

We knew that Rathlin Island was an important area for sponges but the results of the project have surpassed our expectations.

Archive 2007-02-01 2007

Scientists first realised that the sponge communities of Rathlin were unusually rich during a study of Ulster's wildlife 20 years ago, but it was only during the recent six-week scuba diving survey that the four-strong team realised how special the spot is.

Archive 2007-02-01 2007

Islands blog coming soon: Aaland and Rathlin, where we were last weekend.

headlights on the M8 2008

But the Bruce family favours a cave on Rathlin Island, off the north Antrim coast, which in the 14th century was owned by his Irish mother.

Clan of the Cave ... Where? 2006

The Earl of Elgin said: We think his cave is on Rathlin Island.

Clan of the Cave ... Where? 2006

I'll bid farewell to Americay and to the rocks of Rathlin.

Lovely Ann 1999

Meanwhile, King Robert had found it impossible to maintain himself even in his own lands of Carrick, and he withdrew to the island of Rathlin, where he wintered.

An Outline of the Relations between England and Scotland (500-1707) Robert S. Rait