DOCSLIB.ORG

Highlands ID Guide (Revised 2015)

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Highlands ID Guide (Revised 2015) Butte rflies of the Highlands Dealain-dè na Gàidhealtachd an identification guide Peacock (Jim Asher) Butterflies are beautiful insects and a joy to observe as well as identify. This guide will help you identify all 30 species that occur in the Highlands. It also provides a table so you can easily see what species are "on the wing" at any given time. We hope this leaflet will encourage you to help record the Highlands’ important butterfly populations. Gaelic and butterflies A’ Ghaidhlig agus dealain-dè The Gaelic word for butterfly, dealan-dè, What? Dè? literally means fire of God. Butterflies Butterfly recording comprises monitoring were once held sacred and thought to be and surveying. Monitoring is used to collect angels of God that came to bear the souls information about changes to individual of the dead to heaven. If one is seen in populations or sites over time, normally or near the house where a person is annually. Surveying is concerned with dead or dying, the omen is good, collecting distribution data and requires and the friends rejoice. visits to several sites to gain a true picture of butterfly distributions. However, if surveys If one is not seen, a substitute is made are repeated (e.g. five years later) this could by the optical illusion of rapidly twirling be regarded as monitoring! Remember to a fire-pointed stick, creating a glowing take a notebook and pencil into the field fiery line; a dealan-dè. Other Gaelic to record your sightings. Binoculars and words for butterfly are dealbhan-dè a butterfly net can also be useful. and dearbadan-dè. Where? Càite? Unfortunately there appear to be few Most butterflies prefer sheltered sunny Gaelic names for individual species of locations with plenty of nectar. Several butterfly. All of those given in this leaflet are specialists and will only be found in, are translations of their English name. or near to, their niche habitat. Other species, particularly the larger and more mobile species e.g. Red Admiral and Painted Lady, Recording butterflies can be seen almost anywhere. A’ claradh dhealan-dè How? Ciamar? Why? Carson? To record butterflies you need to provide Butterfly recording is the foundation upon the following information: species name, which the conservation of butterflies is based. how many you saw, location name, grid It allows an assessment of population trends, reference from an Ordnance Survey map, helps identify priorities and can measure date, and your contact details. Butterfly the effectiveness of conservation action. records should be sent to your local Butterflies can be quick to respond to changes butterfly recorder (see below) who verifies to their environment. They therefore make and collates them before they appear as excellent indicator species, capable of dots in distribution maps. detecting changes due to new management or the effects of climate change. Populations Want to get involved? Airson cuideachaidh? are also rarely static making their study more There are significant gaps in our knowledge interesting. You can record them in your of the current distribution and changes in garden or venture to parts of the country you Highland’s butterfly populations. Everyone would otherwise not visit. Above all, though, can contribute and we really do need your it is easy, great fun and very rewarding! butterfly s ightings. The local butterfly recorder covering Highland is: David Barbour, When? Cuin? 74 Blarmore Avenue, Inverness, IV3 8QU Choose warm, sunny days when butterflies Tel: 07896 783245 are more active. All species have specific Email: dbfis @btinternet.com flight periods when they are on the wing Alternatively you can complete and return and are rarely encountered as adults outwith the Freepost recording form inside the these times. The table opposite is a guide back cover of this leaflet. to their main flight periods in Highland. Want to know more? Ag iarraidh tuilleadh fiosrachaidh? The following books are recommended. The Millennium Atlas of Butterflies in Butterflies of Britain and Ireland. Britain and Ireland. Asher et al (2001). Thomas and Lewington (2014). An illustrated Provides species accounts for all Britain and guide to the butterflies of Britain and Ireland. Ireland’s butterflies. ISBN No. 0-19-850565-5 ISBN No. 978 0 95649 026 1 (paperback) The State of Butterflies in Britain and Ireland. Butterflies of Britain and Ireland: Fox et al (2006). Provides a five year update A Field and Site Guide. Easterbrook (2010). for the above. ISBN No. 1-874357-31-5 Comprehensive species accounts and extensive Atlas of Butterflies in Highland and Moray site guide. ISBN No. 978 1 40812 770 4 Barbour et al (2008). Updated atlas covering the Butterflies of Britain and Ireland – DVD . distribution of butterflies in Highland and Moray. Birdguides (2012). Double-DVD running for ISBN No. 978-0-95522 11-2-5 over three hours covering 59 species. Quick guide to flight periods Species Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 Chequered Skipper 2 Dingy Skipper 3 Clouded Yellow 4 Large White 5 Small White 6 Green-veined White 7 Orange-tip 8 Green Hairstreak 9 Purple Hairstreak 10 Small Copper 11 Small Blue 12 Northern Brown Argus 13 Common Blue 14 Comma 15 Red Admiral 16 Painted Lady 17 Small Tortoiseshell 18 Peacock 19 Small Pearl-b'd Fritillary 20 Pearl-bordered Fritillary 21 Dark Green Fritillary 22 Marsh Fritillary 23 Speckled Wood 24 Mountain Ringlet 25 Scotch Argus 26 Grayling 27 Meadow Brown 28 Ringlet 29 Small Heath 30 Large Heath es ay Rousay Orkney Islands Finstown S Stromness Kirkwall Hoy Burwic 1 John 36 Reay A8 o'Groats Durness Thurso 9 6 9 A83 A A838 8 Bettyhill 83 Kinlochbervie A Tongue A8 7 82 9 7 8 A 5 Wick 8 A 9 A Scourie A 9 8 9 9 A Lewis 4 6 Stornoway 3 8 A A858 7 83 A A A8 89 Lochinver 38 7 L 859 o A ch 9 S A Helmsdale 2 h A in 8 Lairg Achiltibuie 37 11 Harris 9 A83 Brora Bonar Golspie Tarbert Ullapool Bridge Dornoch A 8 3 A 5 8 Aultbea 36 A Tain 8 3 9 Lo 2 A 10 ch Innvergordonvergordon Gairloch M Buckie a re Elgin A e 5 Cromarty A9 83 3 2 6 8 2 2 8 3 9 3 8 A A8 A Uig Kinlochewe A Dingwall Foorresrres Keith A Achnasheen 8 896 Nairn 7 A 9 Shieldaig 0 Aberlour 9 Beauly 0 8 4 A850 A 9 unvegan Applecross 2 A Dufftown Portree 8 IINVERNESSNVERNESS 3 1 A A 3 8 A95 9 A 4 8 A 8 A 1 6 Grrantownantown 9 3 8 Kyle of Lochalsh Drumnadrochit A93 --on-on-SSpeypey Sligachan s A s Tomintoul 8 e Carrbridge 7 A Invermoriston N 4 h 9 94 Broadford A c 3 A Aviemore 9 Skye 8 o A Shiel 7 7 L 4 88 9 A 7 1 Bridge 5 8 Fort A A Augustus Kingussie Armadale 87 Invergarry Newtonmore Canna Braemar Ballater Mallaig A86 2 Rum 8 6 A Loch Morar Spean 7 Eigg A830 Bridge Dalwhinnie t h 3 ic 9 Glenfinnan r A9 A A E Muck 86 Fort . 1 L Blair Atholl 2 William 8 4 92 Kilchoan A A 5 61 Corran 8 Pitlochry A 26 A9 F 4 8 Ballachulish Aberfeldy Coll 8 Bllairgowrieairgowrie Tobermory A A 8 7 4 Glami 4 Lochaline Port Appin 2 9 9 2 8 A 8 A Dunkeld A L. Tay DUNDEE 8 2 82 0 30mls 2 A 10 20 8 Ulva Craignure Killin A Staffa Tyndrum Dalmally A85 N 0 10 20 30 40 km5s 0 A8 9 2 Mull Oban ©Wendy Price Cartographic Services 2008 A A9 A85 PPERTHERTH Fionnphort 6 1 1 8 A9 A Callander Inveraray Kinross A9 A9 1 Dunnet Bay Bàgh Dhunaid Sandy beach with extensive dune system & adjacent plantation bordered by native trees. Located at north end of bay 5 miles east of Thurso Inbhir Theòrsa on A836 between Castletown Bail’ a’ Chaisteil & Dunnet village. Car park, visitor centre, toilets & ranger base at ND219705 but forest car park at ND220699 (both OS map 12) is closer to the butterflies. Tel: 01847 821531. Common Blue, Dark Green Fritillary, Meadow Brown, Small Blue (dunes only) & Speckled Wood. 2 Glencanisp Gleann Conaisg near Lochinver Loch an Inbhir Single-track road leading through deciduous woodland & wetland onto open moorland. Park in Lochinver behind Tourist Information Centre at NC094225 & walk south turning left after 300 yards along road towards Glencanisp Lodge. There’s also a small car park along track at NC106219 (both OS map 15). Common Blue, Dark Green & Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Large Heath, Speckled Wood & Argent & Sable moth. 3 Tornapress Treabhar nam Preas and Rassal Ashwood Coill’ uinnsinn Rasail National Nature Reserve Native woodland at Rassal and moorland and burnside at Tornapress where the Allt Mor crosses the main road. Both are located 6-7 miles north of Lochcarron Loch Carrunn on A896 at NG837421 & NG842433 (OS map 24) Roadside parking, interpretive panel and woodland walk. Tel: 01445 760254. Visit: www.snh.gov.uk and www.nnr-scotland.org.uk Common Blue, Dark Green Fritillary, Scotch Argus & Speckled Wood. 4 Kinloch Forest Coille Ceannloch Skye An t-Eilean Sgiathanach Kinloch Forest has a mixture of native ash/oakwood remnants within a conifer matrix & with fantastic views across the Sound of Sleat An Linne Shlèiteach. Turn south off A850 (Kyleakin Caol Acainn to Portree Portrìgh road) at Skulamus Sculamus along the A851. After four miles, Kinloch is signposted. Follow the signs along the forest road to the FCS car park at NG704160 (OS map 32).Tel: 01320 366322.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 1 the HIGHLAND COUNCIL the Proposal Is to Establish a Catchment Area for Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Loch Abar, and a Gaelic Medium
    THE HIGHLAND COUNCIL The proposal is to establish a catchment area for Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Loch Abar, and a Gaelic Medium catchment area for Lochaber High School EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS STATEMENT THIS IS A PROPOSAL PAPER PREPARED IN TERMS OF THE EDUCATION AUTHORITY’S AGREED PROCEDURE TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SCHOOLS (CONSULTATION) (SCOTLAND) ACT 2010 INTRODUCTION The Highland Council is proposing, subject to the outcome of the statutory consultation process: • To establish a catchment area for Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Loch Abar. The new Gàidhlig Medium (GM) catchment will overlay the current catchments of Banavie Primary School, Caol Primary School, Inverlochy Primary School, Lundavra Primary School, Roy Bridge Primary School, Spean Bridge Primary School, and St. Bride’s Primary School • To formalise the current arrangements relating to Gàidhlig Medium Education (GME) in related secondary schools, under which the catchment area for Lochaber High School will apply to both Gàidhlig Medium and English Medium education, and under which pupils from the St. Bride’s PS catchment (part of the Kinlochleven Associated School Group) have the right to attend Lochaber High School to access GME, provided they have previously attended Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Loch Abar. • Existing primary school catchments for the provision of English Medium education will be unaffected. • The proposed changes, if approved, will be implemented at the conclusion of the statutory consultation process. If implemented as drafted, the proposed catchment for Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Loch Abar will include all of the primary school catchments within the Lochaber ASG, except for that of Invergarry Primary School. The distances and travel times to Fort William from locations within the Invergarry catchment make it unlikely that GM provision would be attractive to parents of primary school age children, and dedicated transport from the Invergarry catchment could result in excessive cost being incurred.
    [Show full text]
  • An Gleann's Robh Mi Og
    An Gleann's robh mi og When I was a child my great grandmother Christina MacLachlan lived alone in a tiny cottage in Tobermory which consisted of just two rooms, a bedroom and a living room which also served as the kitchen. There was a stone sink with single cold water tap that was used for all purposes and a tiny ‘Baby Belling’ electric stove for cooking and heating water. It was all in stark contrast to my parents’ home on the edge of London. What I didn’t realize was that with electricity and mains water this represented luxury compared with the life she had known at Glendrian where she had raised her six children who would be the last of the many MacLachlan generations to have lived at the tiny township. Chrissie, the youngest of her children wrote a description of Glendryen in a school exercise book / diary when she was in Senior 1, Class IV, at the Achosnich Public School, Ardnamurchan in 1924. It contains perfect handwriting, arithmetic, and drawings, etc. In a piece entitled ‘ An Gleann's robh mi og .’ which means something like ‘Historic Glendryen’ she stated: "The generation of MacLachlans now in Glendryen is the 10th or 11th generation of that clan to have lived there" and went on to give the numbers of Stock, i.e. cows, horses, calves, etc. at both Glendrian and Plocaig. It is difficult to put a precise time to the period of occupation by our family in that men folk often married later rather than earlier in life.
    [Show full text]
  • £795,000 (Freehold) Sound of Arisaig, Inverness Shire, PH38 4NG
    Offers Over Glenuig Inn £795,000 (Freehold) Sound Of Arisaig, Inverness Shire, PH38 4NG Multi award winning Superb public areas Operating on a year-round Picturesque trading Includes spacious Highland Inn set in a and stunning business basis, trading profitably Outstanding external location offering 6 and separate 1- stunning coastal location on benefiting from providing a “home and income” al-fresco trading generously sized and well- bedroom owners’ the Sound of Arisaig and on numerous accolades for lifestyle opportunity, the areas plus ample appointed en-suite letting apartment plus the north/south route from its green credentials business has undoubted private parking for bedrooms plus a modern excellent 3-bedroom Mull to Skye, not far from and a VisitScotland 3- potential for new owners to guests 9-bed bunkhouse staff flat the Road to the Isles Star rating expand trade further INTRODUCTION Glenuig Inn is a charming property with many unique features and situated in a stunning trading location in an area of outstanding natural beauty. This alluring part of the West Highlands of Scotland has a unique character and is steeped in history. It is thought that the Inn, being recorded as being built pre-1745, was the site of an old drover’s Inn. The original subjects are of stone construction and the present owners have developed the property so that it has retained much of its original character whilst expressing the quality and comfort demanded by modern day guests and visitors. Glenuig Inn’s waterside location overlooking the Sound of Arisaig with Loch Nan Uamh to the north and views of the Small Isles of Rum, Eigg and Muck and Skye on the horizon, makes it popular with the many visitors to the region and the business is a ‘destination location’ for Lochaber residents, tourists from further afield and those working in the area.
    [Show full text]
  • Troutquest Guide to Trout Fishing on the Nc500
    Version 1.2 anti-clockwise Roger Dowsett, TroutQuest www.troutquest.com Introduction If you are planning a North Coast 500 road trip and want to combine some fly fishing with sightseeing, you are in for a treat. The NC500 route passes over dozens of salmon rivers, and through some of the best wild brown trout fishing country in Europe. In general, the best trout fishing in the region will be found on lochs, as the feeding is generally richer there than in our rivers. Trout fishing on rivers is also less easy to find as most rivers are fished primarily for Atlantic salmon. Scope This guide is intended as an introduction to some of the main trout fishing areas that you may drive through or near, while touring on the NC500 route. For each of these areas, you will find links to further information, but please note, this is not a definitive list of all the trout fishing spots on the NC500. There is even more trout fishing available on the route than described here, particularly in the north and north-west, so if you see somewhere else ‘fishy’ on your trip, please enquire locally. Trout Fishing Areas on the North Coast 500 Route Page | 2 All Content ©TroutQuest 2017 Version 1.2 AC Licences, Permits & Methods The legal season for wild brown trout fishing in the UK runs from 15th March to 6th October, but most trout lochs and rivers in the Northern Highlands do not open until April, and in some cases the beginning of May. There is no close season for stocked rainbow trout fisheries which may be open earlier or later in the year.
    [Show full text]
  • E-News Winter 2019/2020
    Winter e-newsletter December 2019 Photos Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Contributions to our newsletters Dates for your Diary & Winter Workparties....2 Borage - Painted Lady foodplant…11-12 are always welcome. Scottish Entomological Gathering 2020 .......3-4 Lunar Yellow Underwing…………….13 Please use the contact details Obituary - David Barbour…………..………….5 Chequered Skipper Survey 2020…..14 below to get in touch! The Bog Squad…………………………………6 If you do not wish to receive our Helping Hands for Butterflies………………….7 newsletter in the future, simply Munching Caterpillars in Scotland………..…..8 reply to this message with the Books for Sale………………………...………..9 word ’unsubscribe’ in the title - thank you. RIC Project Officer - Job Vacancy……………9 Coul Links Update……………………………..10 VC Moth Recorder required for Caithness….10 Contact Details: Butterfly Conservation Scotland t: 01786 447753 Balallan House e: [email protected] Allan Park w: www.butterfly-conservation.org/scotland Stirling FK8 2QG Dates for your Diary Scottish Recorders’ Gathering - Saturday, 14th March 2020 For everyone interested in recording butterflies and moths, our Scottish Recorders’ Gathering will be held at the Battleby Conference Centre, by Perth on Saturday, 14th March 2020. It is an opportunity to meet up with others, hear all the latest butterfly and moth news and gear up for the season to come! All welcome - more details will follow in the New Year! Highland Branch AGM - Saturday, 18th April 2020 Our Highlands & Island Branch will be holding their AGM on Saturday, 18th April in a new venue, Green Drive Hall, 36 Green Drive, Inverness, IV2 4EU. More details will follow on the website in due course.
    [Show full text]
  • Liturgical Services in the Parish
    RC Diocese Argyll & Isles – Arisaig & Morar Missions: Parish Services __________________________________________ Charity Reg. No. SC002876. BIRTHDAY: Lisa MacDonald 01.02 ............................................................ Ad multos annos! st th ® Weekday Services (1 February – 6 February) Catholic Rough Bounds Video Streamed Mass on Parish Facebook. Public Masses: You need to book your attendance on Sunday in advance! Weekday: you have to leave your contact details at the door Parish newsletter Monday ..................................................................................................................................... Morar, 10am www.catholicroughbounds.org Requiem Mass of Christina MacPherson RIP FACEBOOK.COM/CATHOLICROUGHBOUNDS Tuesday The Presentation of the Lord ....................................................................................... Arisaig, 10am Requiem Mass of Theresa MacKenzie RIP Parish of St. Mary’s, Arisaig & St. Donnan’s, Isle of Eigg Wednesday ............................................................................................................................... Morar, 10am Eilidh MacDonald – Birthday Mass Parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour & St Cumin’s, Morar Thursday St Thomas Aquinas .................................................................................................... Arisaig, 10am St. Patrick’s, Mallaig & St. Columba’s, Isle of Canna Isabel MacDonald RIP Friday .......................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Journal 45 Autumn 2008
    JOHN MUIR TRUST October 2008 No 45 Biodiversity: helping nature heal itself Saving energy: saving wild land Scotland’s missing lynx ADVERT 2 John Muir Trust Journal 45, October 2008 JOHN MUIR TRUST October 2008 No 45 Contents Nigel’s notes Foreword from the Chief Executive of the John Muir Trust, 3 The return of the natives: Nigel Hawkins Members air their views devotees – all those people who on re-introductions care passionately about wild land and believe in what the Trust is 5 Stained glass trying to do. commemorates John Muir During those 25 years there has been a constant process Bringing back trees to of change as people become 6 involved at different stages of our the Scottish Borders development and then move on, having made their mark in all 8 Biodiversity: sorts of different ways. Helping nature heal itself The John Muir Trust has We are going through another constantly seen change as period of change at the John Muir 11 Scotland’s missing lynx it develops and grows as Trust as two of us who have been the country’s leading wild very involved in the Trust and in land organisation. taking it forward, step down. In 12 Leave No Trace: the process, opportunities are created for new people to become Cleaning up the wilds Change is brought about by involved and to bring in their own what is happening in society, energy, freshness, experience, Inspiration Point the economy and in the political 13 skills and passion for our cause. world, with the Trust responding We can be very confident – based to all of these.
    [Show full text]
  • (Moine) Calc-Silicate Rocks Represent Metamorphosed Tuffs? a Geochemical Re-Appraisal Richard A
    Do Neoproterozoic (Moine) calc-silicate rocks represent metamorphosed tuffs? A geochemical re-appraisal Richard A. Batchelor School of Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland KY16 9AL Running heads: LH: RICHARD A. BATCHELOR RH: DO NEOPROTEROZOIC (MOINE) CALC-SILICATE ROCKS REPRESENT METAMORPHOSED TUFFS? Suggest: CALC-SILICATE ROCKS 1 ABSTRACT: Following the identification of grey quartz–albite–chlorite–calcite–muscovite rocks in Meso- to Neo-proterozoic sequences in Scotland as metamorphosed tuffs of intermediate composition, it has been shown that this lithology will generate calc-silicate rocks at higher metamorphic grades. Both rock types occur as thin beds with sharp contacts with their host, occur as multiple beds in isolated suites, and share chemical compositions suggestive of volcanic sources with tholeiitic andesite affinities. The failure to recognise calc- silicate rocks as tuffs might explain the apparent scarcity of volcanogenic material through c. 220 million years of early Earth history in Scotland. KEYWORDS: Calc-silicates, tuffs, intermediate magmatism, Moine 2 1 Calc-silicate rocks, which are metamorphic rocks composed mostly of plagioclase feldspar, amphibole, 2 garnet, quartz and occasionally epidote, are sporadically distributed throughout the Neoproterozoic 3 Moine Supergroup of Scotland. The Moine Supergroup comprises a thick sequence of sedimentary 4 rocks, deposited in fluviatile (Bonsor & Prave 2008) and shallow marine environments between c. 950 5 Ma and 870 Ma (Mendum et al. 2009), intruded by some minor igneous intrusions, all of which were 6 subjected to regional metamorphism and deformation events (Strachan et al. 2010). The sediments 7 were derived from the denudation of the c.1000 Ma Grenville Orogen and deposited off the eastern 8 margin of Laurentia into a foreland basin.
    [Show full text]
  • Amanita Nivalis
    Lost and Found Fungi Datasheet Amanita nivalis WHAT TO LOOK FOR? A white to greyish to pale grey/yellow-brown mushroom, cap 4 to 8 cm diameter, growing in association with the creeping Salix herbacea (“dwarf willow” or “least willow”), on mountain peaks and plateaus at altitudes of ~700+ m. Distinctive field characters include the presence of a volva (sac) at the base; a cylindrical stalk lacking a ring (although sometimes an ephemeral ring can be present); white to cream gills; striations on the cap margin to 1/3 of the radius; and sometimes remnants of a white veil still attached on the top of the cap. WHEN TO LOOK? Amanita nivalis, images © D.A. Evans In GB from August to late September, very rarely in July or October. WHERE TO LOOK? Mountain summits, and upland and montane heaths, where Salix herbacea is present (see here for the NBN distribution map of S. herbacea). A moderate number of sites are known, mostly in Scotland, but also seven sites in England in the Lake District, and four sites in Snowdonia, Wales. Many Scottish sites have not been revisited in recent years, and nearby suitable habitats may not have been investigated. Further suitable habitats could be present in mountain regions throughout Scotland; the Lake District, Pennines and Yorkshire Dales in England; and Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons in Wales. Amanita nivalis, with Salix herbacea visible in the foreground. Image © E.M. Holden Salix herbacea – known distribution Amanita nivalis – known distribution Map Map dataMap data © National Biodiversity Network 2015 Network Biodiversity National © © 2015 GeoBasis - DE/BKG DE/BKG ( © 2009 ), ), Google Pre-1965 1965-2015 Pre-1965 1965-2014 During LAFF project Amanita nivalis Associations General description Almost always found with Salix herbacea.
    [Show full text]
  • FORT WILLIAM to MALLAIG Experience the Breathtaking Beauty of the Scottish Western Highlands Aboard the World-Famous Jacobite Steam Train and Its Vintage Carriages
    West Coast Railways Presents FAMOUS STEAM TRAIN 2021 Season FORT WILLIAM TO MALLAIG Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Scottish Western Highlands aboard the World-famous Jacobite Steam Train and its vintage carriages. “The World’s Greatest Railway Journey” THE JOURNEY Fort William to Mallaig Described as the greatest railway journey in the world, this 84 mile round trip takes you past a list of impressive extremes. Starting at the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, it visits Britain’s most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig; passes close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar, finally arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis! The Train stops en route to Mallaig at the village of Glenfinnan. Beyond Glenfinnan are the beautiful villages of Lochailort, Arisaig, Morar and Mallaig. You may alight at Arisaig by request to the guard. From here, on a clear summer’s day, you can see the “Small Isles” of Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna and the southern tip of Skye. The train continues on from here passing Morar and the silvery beaches used in the films “Highlander” and “Local Hero”. Come and join us and find out why! THE ROAD TO THE ISLES Following Harry Potter.... West Coast Railways, operators of ‘The Jacobite,’ provided the steam engine and carriages for the ‘Hogwarts Express’ as seen in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ and others in this wonderful series of films. Some of the carriages of ‘The Jacobite’ are similar to those used in the ‘Harry Potter’ films.
    [Show full text]
  • Brightwater Lodge – Dark Skies
    Our Dark Skies Come and See Over A Thousand Stars Being on the edge of Europe means that the UK has some of the largest areas of dark sky in the continent and being the edge of the UK means that we have one of the best areas of dark sky in the country and certainly one of the darkest in Europe. In fact, our night sky can get so inky dark that over 7,000 stars and planets can be visible with the naked eye. All you have to do is go outside on a clear night, give your eyes time to adjust to the dark and then look up. You can even see our own galaxy, The Milky Way, stretching across the sky. This is a privilege that so few people in our county have, so why not come here and let us share it with you. How Dark is Dark? So how dark is a dark sky? Well, we have measured the darkness of the sky at various locations here using a device called a Sky Quality Meter (SQM) and have got readings of between 21 and 22.5. To give you an idea of what this means, you would get a reading of around 8 in the middle of a major city such as Glasgow or Edinburgh and a reading of 24 would be measured in a photographer's dark room. So, on some nights, we are very near to total darkness, meaning that this is a great place to enjoy a spot of stargazing. Where to Go to Enjoy the Night Sky While you are here you can simply walk out to the front of the lodge or across the road to the Loch shore to find a spot to view the night sky as it is dark enough here to see the Milky Way and there are good sightlines to the sky in all directions.
    [Show full text]
  • Invergarry Hotel
    FOR SALE HOTEL + LEISURE • Characterful Highland Hotel in a • 14 bedrooms, bar/brasserie, dining Invergarry Hotel prominent roadside tourist location room, staff rooms, 2x three-bed Invergarry, Inverness-shire, PH35 4HJ • Superbly positioned at the meeting of detached houses, 8 acres the “Great Glen Road” and “Road to the • Valuable planning consent for 12 bed Isles” annexe and additional accommodation Offers around £1,850,000 • Established profitable business – t/o Feuhold over £800,000 (net) Scotland’s Leading Property Consultancy Firm Find out more at www.g-s.co.uk Situation The Property The adage of location is often overused but nothing could be truer than when referencing the Invergarry Hotel. The original Inn at Invergarry was developed in the 1880’s by With its superb Central Highlands location, the Invergarry Hotel is eye-catchingly sited close to the junction of two MacDonnel, the Laird of Invergarry, to improve the amenities at principal Highland road routes – the main A82 Fort William to Inverness “Great Glen Road” and the main A87 “Road the small Inn at the bridge – a former drover’s halt and staging to the Isles”. These two major roads, used by the hordes of tourists visiting the Highlands, are also essential for post. The appealing traditional façade of the property has the necessary infrastructure commercial routes. The prominent roadside position of the Invergarry Hotel is ideally changed little over the years but the now Invergarry Hotel has located to capture business from the myriad of road travellers; as well as being an excellent base to explore the been transformed to a high standard 4-star Inn where quality Highlands, whether “Nessie hunting” at nearby Loch Ness, or visiting the many areas of aesthetic beauty all within of service and facilities is offered in very comfortable and easy driving distance of Invergarry.
    [Show full text]