DOCSLIB.ORG

The Scottish Isles – Island Hopping in the Hebrides (Spitsbergen)

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

THE SCOTTISH ISLES – ISLAND HOPPING IN THE HEBRIDES (SPITSBERGEN) This is a truly varied expedition cruise with many beach landings. Go on guided walks on remote islands and explore lonely beaches at your own pace, all the while immersing yourself in the wild beauty of the surroundings. Leaving Glasgow, our first island will be Arran, known as a microcosm of Scotland and a great contrast to the next – the wild, whisky island of Islay with its many distilleries. Voyaging west, the wildlife of the Treshnish Isles will be a splendid sight - bustling with seals, before the towering sea cliffs of the St. Kilda archipelago, teeming with nesting seabirds from puffins to predatory skuas, provide an unforgettable experience. We call at Stornoway to see the tough and unique Harris Tweed being woven, have a special pub visit in the bustling tiny port of Tobermory, capital of the Isle of Mull which also has an enticing range of craft shops and seafood. We walk the shores of one of ITINERARY Scotland’s most dramatic lochs, Loch Coruisk, surrounded by lofty mountains. We can hike island peaks for views stretching Day 1 ‘Dear Green Place’ over the seas, kayak in sheltered lochs, or simply stroll Our voyage starts in Glasgow. Meaning ‘Dear Green Place’ in Gaelic, Glasgow delightful gardens. These are all ‘ours’ for exploring. boasts over 90 parks and gardens. Famous for its Victorian as well as art nouveau architecture, it is home to such institutions as the Scottish Ballet, Opera and National Theatre. This is definitely a city you’ll want to explore more before you board MS Spitsbergen. Day 2 A Microcosm of Scotland Warmed by the North Atlantic Drift, this sheltered island with its high peaks, is a haven for wildlife. Dramatic mountains, a distinctive distillery and good hiking all add to a microcosm of Scotland. Brodick town has its 16th century red-sandstone castle whilst the ruined castle of Lochranza was once a royal hunting lodge. Day 3 Land of Scottish Whisky Once the seat of the MacDonalds, Lords of the Isles, this is ‘whisky island’, world renowned for its peaty single-malt whiskies and many distilleries. As a 0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com stop-off for wintering geese and migrating birds, there is good bird spotting. In the Outer Hebrides. A bustling harbour and waterfront with museums and art the charming little town of Bowmore, there are a handful of small shops, an galleries are overlooked by the handsome Lews Castle which we invite you to interesting round church with no corners, plus superb cliff-top walks and a well explore with us. Further afield are mills and cottages where hard-wearing known golf course. Harris Tweed is woven. There are tiny folk museums, the world-famous Callanish Standing Stones, and the mysterious Carloway Broch - the best Day 4 ‘The Good Isle’ preserved fort in Scotland dating back more than 2,000 years. Late afternoon we explore the Shiant Isles. Privately owned since 1937, this tiny archipelago Tiny Gigha (pronounced Gee’a) is the ‘Good Isle’ and is owned by the set in the midst of the Minch, the area of sea between the Outer Hebrides and islanders. Dairy cows produce a distinctive cheddar-type cheese, whilst Skye, has numerous colonies of nesting seabirds. Puffins, razorbills, shags, Achamore House, set in fifty acres of woodland gardens, was once the home eider ducks and guillemots all throng the surrounding waters, perching on of Sir James Horlick who created a colourful and impressive display of volcanic ledges above basking sharks and seals. rhododendrons. Day 8 The Beauty of Loch Coruick Day 5 Pilgrims and Puffins Surrounded by the high peaks of the Skye Cullins, Loch Scavaig leads to one World famous for its religious connections, Iona was settled in 563 AD by the of the most romantic and dramatic lochs in Scotland – freshwater Loch Irish missionary, St Colomba. The much-restored Abbey still remains a place Coruisk. Painted by Turner and a popular destination for the Victorians, this is of pilgrimage and peace. Wide views from the beach, known as ‘The Bay at a powerful landscape promising great hiking and kayaking. We head to the the Back of the Ocean’ stretch west towards the Outer Hebrides. We will Isle of Eigg to spend the rest of our day on this craggy island. Settled since explore Treshnish Isles, a group of distinctive volcanic islands which are home prehistoric times, it was once the seat of the Lord of the Isles, but is now to a wealth of wildlife, from nesting puffins to colonies of kittiwakes, razorbills, owned by its inhabitants. The island has Iron Age forts, a 6th century church, guillemots and Atlantic grey seals. Fingal’s Cave, immortalised by and turbulent clan history with a massacre of 395 MacDonalds in a sea-shore Mendelssohn’s glorious ‘Hebrides Overture’, is on the cave-riddled island of cave. Rising sheer above the island is the crest of the ‘Sgurr of Eigg’ offering a Staffa. The basalt columns here are a northern extension of the Giant’s great hike and stunning views across the waters of the Minch to the Outer Causeway. Discovered by the Vikings, visited by Sir Joseph Banks, and viewed Hebrides. by Queen Victoria, Sir Walter Scott and Samuel Johnson, this is one of Scotland’s most famous islands. It is best viewed from the sea where the Day 9 The Clash of Clans colour of the waters within the cave and its rising columns are at their most impressive. We will be anchored in the Sound of Mull which will enable us to explore the fascinating town of Tobermory as well as Loch Sunart. The Isle of Mull is a Day 6 Reclaimed by Nature large island of sweeping moors, tiny hamlets and castles. Recognised as the island’s capital, Tobermory is a delightful deep-water fishing port where Any visit to this distant and wild archipelago, with its breathtaking sea cliffs, is brightly painted Georgian houses ring the tiny bay. Nestled under the steep totally weather-dependent. As a UNESCO double World Heritage Site and the hillsides, the town has a good variety of cafés and restaurants, book shops, ‘jewel in the crown’ of the National Trust for Scotland, it is an unforgettable craft shops, a tiny museum and an ancient distillery. Stretching inland experience. The outlying stacs and islands, which are the remains of a opposite Tobermory and protected by the rugged point of Ardnamurchan, lies volcanic crater, provide ledges for thousands of nesting seabirds. Minke Britain’s most westerly mainland point, Loch Sunart. The deep, quiet waters of whales are frequently seen around the swirling waters of the archipelago. this long loch offer sheltered kayaking, while the loch shores provide superb Once home to Britain’s most remote island community, it was evacuated in walking, perhaps to the recently established distillery. Guarding the entrance 1930 at their own request after 5,000 years of continuous habitation. The tiny of the loch stands 13th century Mingary Castle, once the stronghold of the museum that remains is a record of how hard life was on this exposed island. MacIains. The castle has been frequently fought over, changing hands many times between the Macdonald and Campbell clans. Day 7 Capital of the Outer Hebrides Originally a Viking settlement, Stornoway is the main town of the Western Isles Day 10 The Birds and the Bees and the capital of the Isle of Lewis, which is the largest and most northerly of 0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com Home to over 200 bird species, including the rare and elusive corncrake, this is a gentle island of woods and pretty beaches, such as Kiloran Bay, and with Scalasaig being the main settlement. Colonsay House is home to exotic gardens and the surrounding woods, moors and fields have over 400 species of flora. The island offers easy walking and kayaking in the surrounding waters. Day 11 ‘Dear Green Place’ Our voyage ends back in Glasgow, home to more than 20 museums and galleries, including the magnificent Kelvingrove Art Gallery and the Riverside Museum. Many of these are housed in distinctive Victorian buildings, some designed by renowned architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. This is definitely a city you’ll want to explore more before you head home. Please Note: Hurtigruten offers unique expedition cruises to some of the most remote and pristine waters of the world. As with all expeditions; nature prevails. Weather, and ice and sea conditions, sets the final framework for all Hurtigruten’s operations. Safety and unparalleled guest experiences are at all times our top priorities. All our indicative itineraries are continuously evaluated for adaptions, whether this is due to constraints the elements unexpectedly presents – or exciting possibilities nature and wildlife offer. That is why we call it an expedition. 0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com YOUR SHIP: SPITSBERGEN YOUR SHIP: Spitsbergen VESSEL TYPE: Expedition LENGTH: 100 metres PASSENGER CAPACITY: 335 BUILT/REFURBISHED: 2009 / 2016 MS Spitsbergen is named after the crown jewel of Arctic Norway - the Svalbard archipelago and its biggest island, Spitsbergen. culture and other phenomena we encounter along the coast. In After complete reconstruction, MS Spitsbergen joined the addition, the Expedition Team will introduce you to the uniquely Hurtigruten fleet in 2016. The ship features high technical Norwegian notion of `friluftsliv´ (outdoor life), and encourage standards as well as comfortable, modern public areas and you take part in `friluftsliv´ hikes and activities during the cabins.
Recommended publications
  • 2020 Cruise Directory Directory 2020 Cruise 2020 Cruise Directory M 18 C B Y 80 −−−−−−−−−−−−−−− 17 −−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

    2020 Cruise Directory Directory 2020 Cruise 2020 Cruise Directory M 18 C B Y 80 −−−−−−−−−−−−−−− 17 −−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

    2020 MAIN Cover Artwork.qxp_Layout 1 07/03/2019 16:16 Page 1 2020 Hebridean Princess Cruise Calendar SPRING page CONTENTS March 2nd A Taste of the Lower Clyde 4 nights 22 European River Cruises on board MS Royal Crown 6th Firth of Clyde Explorer 4 nights 24 10th Historic Houses and Castles of the Clyde 7 nights 26 The Hebridean difference 3 Private charters 17 17th Inlets and Islands of Argyll 7 nights 28 24th Highland and Island Discovery 7 nights 30 Genuinely fully-inclusive cruising 4-5 Belmond Royal Scotsman 17 31st Flavours of the Hebrides 7 nights 32 Discovering more with Scottish islands A-Z 18-21 Hebridean’s exceptional crew 6-7 April 7th Easter Explorer 7 nights 34 Cruise itineraries 22-97 Life on board 8-9 14th Springtime Surprise 7 nights 36 Cabins 98-107 21st Idyllic Outer Isles 7 nights 38 Dining and cuisine 10-11 28th Footloose through the Inner Sound 7 nights 40 Smooth start to your cruise 108-109 2020 Cruise DireCTOrY Going ashore 12-13 On board A-Z 111 May 5th Glorious Gardens of the West Coast 7 nights 42 Themed cruises 14 12th Western Isles Panorama 7 nights 44 Highlands and islands of scotland What you need to know 112 Enriching guest speakers 15 19th St Kilda and the Outer Isles 7 nights 46 Orkney, Northern ireland, isle of Man and Norway Cabin facilities 113 26th Western Isles Wildlife 7 nights 48 Knowledgeable guides 15 Deck plans 114 SuMMER Partnerships 16 June 2nd St Kilda & Scotland’s Remote Archipelagos 7 nights 50 9th Heart of the Hebrides 7 nights 52 16th Footloose to the Outer Isles 7 nights 54 HEBRIDEAN
  • Mingary in Ardnamurchan: a Review of Who Could Have Built the Castle

    Mingary in Ardnamurchan: a Review of Who Could Have Built the Castle

    Proc Soc AntiqMINGARY Scot 144 (2014),IN ARDNAMURCHAN: 265–276 A REVIEW OF WHO COULD HAVE BUILT THE CASTLE | 265 Mingary in Ardnamurchan: a review of who could have built the castle James Scott Petre* ABSTRACT This short paper was prompted by the current interest in Mingary Castle, brought about by the major works recently undertaken there. It notes that its building has been attributed to various kin-groups by different scholars, the most recent and fullest analysis making a firm case for the MacDougalls. The paper reviews what evidence there is and concludes that there can be no absolute certainty on the matter. The large-scale restoration carried out on Mingary the simple context in which we should seek the Castle in Ardnamurchan, has propelled this remote circumstances of the castle’s foundation. The west Highland castle into a prominent news item castles of the western seaboard did not suddenly (Haylett 2013: 4–5; Oban Times 6 February 2014: mushroom up as a consequence of dramatic 9). Under the auspices of the Mingary Castle developments in Scottish national history, such Preservation Trust, there is now an excellent as the shift from Norwegian to Scottish royal website and blog giving details of the work overlordship in the 13th century (MacGibbon & undertaken, with full illustrations. The website Ross 1889: 13; Douglas Simpson 1965: 9; Stell contains an ‘analytical and historical assessment’ 2006: 15). These castles were commissioned written by Tom Addyman, with regard to the by the emerging aristocracies of the area as castle’s archaeology, and by Professor Richard devices to reflect and facilitate their further Oram, in respect of its history (Addyman & Oram advancement.
  • Addyman Archaeology

    Addyman Archaeology

    Mingary Castle Ardnamurchan, Argyll Analytical and Historical Assessment for Tertia and Donald Houston December 2012 Detail from a survey of c1734 by John Cowley (NRS) Addyman Archaeology Building Historians & Archaeologists a division of Simpson & Brown Architects St Ninians Manse Quayside Street Edinburgh Eh6 6EJ Telephone 0131 554 6412 Facsimile 0131 553 4576 [email protected] www.simpsonandbrown.co.uk Mingary Castle, Ardnamurchan, Argyll Mingary Castle Ardnamurchan, Argyll Analytical and historical assessment By Tom Addyman and Richard Oram Contents 1. Introduction i. General ii. Methodology 2. Mingary Castle, the MacIans and the Lordship of Ardnamurchan Richard Oram i. Introduction ii. The Historiography of Mingary Castle iii. The Lordship of Ardnamurchan to c.1350 iv. The MacIans v. MacIan Inheritance and the Rise of Campbell Power 1519-1612 vi. Civil War to the Jacobite Era vii. Conclusion 3. Cartographic, early visual sources and visitors’ accounts 4. Earlier analyses of Mingary Castle i. Introduction ii. MacGibbon and Ross iii. W Douglas Simpson (1938-54) iv. RCAHMS (1970-80) v. More recent assessment 5. Description and structural analysis i. Introduction - methodology ii. Geology, building materials and character of construction th iii. The early castle (mid-late 13 century) a. General b. The early curtain c. Entrance arrangements d. Site of hall range e. Other features of the interior f. Possible well or cistern g. The early wall heads and parapet walk th iv. Later medieval – 16 century a. Introduction b. Hall range c. Garderobe tower d. Wall head remodelling to N e. Modifications to the wall head defences to the west, south and SE f.
  • Scotland's Road of Romance by Augustus Muir

    Scotland's Road of Romance by Augustus Muir

    SCOTLAND‟S ROAD OF ROMANCE TRAVELS IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF PRINCE CHARLIE by AUGUSTUS MUIR WITH 8 ILLUSTRATIONS AND A MAP METHUEN & CO. LTD. LONDON 36 Essex Street W,C, Contents Figure 1 - Doune Castle and the River Tieth ................................................................................ 3 Chapter I. The Beach at Borrodale ................................................................................................. 4 Figure 2 - Borrodale in Arisaig .................................................................................................... 8 Chapter II. Into Moidart ............................................................................................................... 15 Chapter III. The Cave by the Lochside ......................................................................................... 31 Chapter IV. The Road to Dalilea .................................................................................................. 40 Chapter V. By the Shore of Loch Shiel ........................................................................................ 53 Chapter VI. On The Isle of Shona ................................................................................................ 61 Figure 3 - Loch Moidart and Castle Tirrim ................................................................................. 63 Chapter VII. Glenfinnan .............................................................................................................. 68 Figure 4 - Glenfinnan ..............................................................................................................
  • The Kist Vol 97 2019

    The Kist Vol 97 2019

    ISSN 0307-529 The Magazine of The Natural History and Antiquarian Society of Mid-Argyll Issue No. Ninety Seven, Spring 2019 Contents Editorial ............................................................................... 2 Cover Note: Nettles ............................................................ 3 A Beads’ Tale Roddy Regan ................................................ 5 Beautiful Demoiselle Pat Batty ........................................... 9 A Field in Mid Argyll Dave & Pat Batty ............................. 11 The Seeds of the Red Roots of Dunoon: Part II The Editor ....................................................................... …20 Trump News The Editor ................................................. …38 Kilmartin Museum Events: Spring/Summer 2019 ........ …39 NHASMA Summer 2019 Programme ............................ …41 NHASMA Office Bearers President Dave Batty Vice President Douglas Barker Membership/Events/Publicity Moira Young Minutes Secretary David Jardine Hon. Treasurer Cat Chisholm Committee Jim Malcolm, Peter Hogbin, Ed Tyler Editorial Spring has again come around and one of the first plants popping up in profusion are nettles and we have a small note on some of the uses of this valuable plant. Pat Batty has written an article on a stunning dragonfly, the rather aptly named Beautiful Demoiselle, which we will have the pleasure of seeing again in the not too distant future. As promised in the last issue, we have a short article looking at various archaeological objects recovered from Argyll, whether through excavation or chance find. In this issue we look at some particularly rare items that are sometimes found in Argyll and date to the Iron Age period, these being glass toggle beads. Modern analytical techniques now allow archaeologists to examine objects in ways that were just not available until quite recently and can add colour to the story of individual items. However, they cannot give us a complete picture of the past and we still have to rely on our imaginations, however informed, to fill any gaps in that story.
  • Tarbert Castle

    Tarbert Castle

    TARBERT CASTLE EXCAVATION PROJECT DESIGN March 2018 Roderick Regan Tarbert Castle: Our Castle of Kings A Community Archaeological Excavation. Many questions remain as to the origin of Tarbert castle, its development and its layout, while the function of many of its component features remain unclear. Also unclear is whether the remains of medieval royal burgh extend along the ridge to the south of the castle. A programme of community archaeological excavation would answer some of these questions, leading to a better interpretation, presentation and future protection of the castle, while promoting the castle as an important place through generated publicity and the excitement of local involvement. Several areas within the castle itself readily suggest areas of potential investigation, particularly the building ranges lining the inner bailey and the presumed entrance into the outer bailey. Beyond the castle to the south are evidence of ditches and terracing while anomalies detected during a previous geophysical survey suggest further fruitful areas of investigation, which might help establish the presence of the putative medieval burgh. A programme of archaeology involving the community of Tarbert would not only shed light on this important medieval monument but would help to ensure it remained a ‘very centrical place’ in the future. Kilmartin Museum Argyll, PA31 8RQ Tel: 01546 510 278 Email: http://www.kilmartin.org © 2018 Kilmartin Museum Company Ltd SC 022744. Kilmartin House Trading Co. Ltd. SC 166302 (Scotland) ii Contents 1. Introduction 1 2. Tarbert Castle 5 2.1 Location and Topography 5 2.2 Historical Background 5 3 Archaeological and Background 5 3.1 Laser Survey 6 3.2 Geophysical Survey 6 3.3 Ground and Photographic Survey 6 3.4 Excavation 7 3.5 Watching Brief 7 3.6 Recorded Artefacts 7 4.
  • The Case Against Scottish Salmon

    The Case Against Scottish Salmon

    Scottish Salmon Watch, 6 January 2020 The Case Against Scottish Salmon - Newly published inspection reports make mockery of 'healthy' marketing claims - Gruesome photos of welfare abuse, pathogens, bacteria & infectious diseases - Anaemia, Pasteurella skyensis, Cardiomyopathy Syndrome & Gill Disease plague sites - Lice loads of 50 reported at Scottish Sea Farms in Loch Kishorn - Mowi's disease-ridden salmon farm in Loch Ainort revealed as origin of A86 roadspill - Use of the antibiotic Oxytetracycline by Mowi in Loch Sunart - Early harvesting to mask mortalities, diseases & welfare problems - Call for unannounced & more rigorous inspections of farms - 'Case Information' now published on a monthly basis by Scottish Government 'Case Information' (including photos) slipped out online just before Xmas by the Scottish Government's Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI) gives a shocking insight into the state of salmon farming in Scotland. Scottish salmon - 99.9% on sale in supermarkets is farmed not wild - is marketed as 'healthy', 'responsibly sourced' and 'welfare friendly' yet regularly published data clearly shows Scottish salmon are sourced from factory feedlots plagued by infectious diseases, viruses, pathogens, bacteria and welfare problems. Campaigners are now calling on: - Consumers to boycott Scottish salmon as a New Year's resolution - The Scottish Government to conduct more rigorous and unannounced inspections of farms - Supermarkets to stop sourcing from disease-ridden farms - RSPCA Assured to stop certifying farmed salmon as 'welfare-friendly' - Farmers to stop using 'cleaner fish' due to unacceptable mortalities and welfare problems The FHI report published on 19 December 2019 reveals that the roadspill in September 2019 on the A86 originated from Mowi's virus-laden salmon farm in Loch Ainort on the Isle of Skye which had just been moved in late August 2019 from Mowi's lice-ridden Isle of Rum farm.
  • Lochaber Eel Survey

    Lochaber Eel Survey

    Lochaber Eel Survey Final report 2010 Lochaber Fisheries Trust Ltd. Biologists: Diane Baum, Lucy Smith Torlundy Training Centre, Torlundy Fort William PH33 6SW 01397 703728 Funded through grants from Scottish Natural Heritage and Marine Scotland Summary This study is the first systematic survey of eel populations in Lochaber. Electrofishing was used to collect data on eel distribution and density across Lochaber between 2008 and 2010, and this was compared to incidental eel records from historical surveys (1996-2004). We found no evidence for a contraction in the distribution of eels across Lochaber. Eels were recorded in all the catchments surveyed with the exception of Morar. Eels are known to be present in Loch Morar and may simply prefer the loch habitat to tributary burns covered by this survey. Young eels were present on most catchments and estimates of eel age suggest recruitment of young eels has occurred on all but one of the catchments surveyed within the last 4 years. The oldest eel caught was estimated to be at least 28 years old, and could be over 40 years old if growth rates are low on our rivers. Eel densities tended to be higher on rivers entering the west coast (Moidart, Shiel, Inverie) than those draining into upper Loch Linnhe. This could reflect the relative ease of migration of elver to the west coast as opposed to the head of a long sea loch. We found no relationship between eel density or mean eel size and survey site characteristics, altitude and distance form the sea. Overall we found no evidence for a decline in eel distribution or abundance in Lochaber, but potential threats to the region’s eel population are discussed.
  • Community Building and Affordable Housing, Lochaline Morvern Community Development Company

    Community Building and Affordable Housing, Lochaline Morvern Community Development Company

    ! Community Building and Affordable Housing, Lochaline Morvern Community Development Company Briefing Document, Options Appraisal and Design Report July 2015 Acknowledgements JRA would to thank the Morvern Community Development Company for their assistance and hospitality in developing the Feasibility and Design Report. Thanks also to all consultees who helped with much valued advice and guidance on the feasibility of the various options which have been considered. !2 Table of Contents Page Appendices 1. Introduction 5 A. Consultations 2. Background 6 B. Community and Affordable Housing Needs Survey 2.1 Lochaline and Morvern 2.2 Morvern Community Development Company C. Housing Development Options Assessment 2.3 Project History 2.4 Project Brief D. Envirocheck Report 3. Site Analysis for all Three Sites 16 E. Woodland Survey 3.1 Proposed Sites 3.2 Connections to Lochaline F. Site Valuations 3.3 Site Issues and Analysis G. Existing Planning Permissions 4. The Proposed Sites 24 H. SSE Networks Budget Estimates 4.1 Site 1- Land to the South and West of Dailrainich 4.2 Site 2- Rowanbank Steading 4.3 Site 3- Former Scout Hall and Willie’s Garden J. Scottish Water Budget Estimates 5. Planning and Development Summary 36 K. Cost Review 5.1 Planning History L. Project Interim Progress Report 5.2 Highlands and Islands Local Plan 5.3 Pre-application Consultation 5.4 Highland-wide Local Development Plan 5.5 Further Guidance 5.6 Developer Contributions 5.7 Highways Requirements 6. Outline Design 42 6.1 Site 1- Land to the South and West of Dailrainich 6.2 Site 2- Rowanbank Steading 6.3 Site 3- Former Scout Hall and Willie’s Garden 7.
  • Appropriate Assessment of the Policies and Proposals Has Been Undertaken, Under the Provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 1992**

    Appropriate Assessment of the Policies and Proposals Has Been Undertaken, Under the Provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 1992**

    West Highland & Islands Local Plan: Habitats Regulations Appraisal Finalised Version Habitats Regulations Appraisal (including Appropriate Assessment) of the West Highland & Islands Local Plan Finalised Version (September 2010) 1 West Highland & Islands Local Plan: Habitats Regulations Appraisal Finalised Version Foreword This document has been prepared under the requirements of the EU Habitats Directive and has applied the requirements set out by Scottish Government Policy. It is the Highland Council’s responsibility to consider whether the policies and proposals within the West Highland & Islands Local Plan are likely to have any significant effect on Special Protection Areas (including proposed SPAs), Special Areas of Conservation (including proposed SACs) and Ramsar sites, having regard to the qualifying interests and conservation objectives of those sites. Where a likely significant effect has been identified, appropriate assessment has been undertaken in order to try to ascertain whether the policies and proposals will adversely affect the integrity of the sites protected by the EU Directive and Scottish Government Policy (“the sites”). Mitigation measures have been provided where necessary in order to avoid adversely affecting the integrity of the sites. This has involved making changes to the Plan where necessary. The Council now believes that the Plan’s policies and proposals will not adversely affect the integrity of the sites. We have successfully concluded with certainty that that is the case. During the preparation of this document and the consideration of relevant representations on the Local Plan the Highland Council had discussions with and input from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) in particular which helped identify and address any potential shortcomings.
  • A Study of Argyll Tacksmen's Houses in Morvern

    A Study of Argyll Tacksmen's Houses in Morvern

    Proc Soc Antiq Scot, 133 (2003), 359–374 Tradition and change in the age of Improvement: a study of Argyll tacksmen’s houses in Morvern Daniel Maudlin* ABSTRACT This paper is an historical and architectural case-study of the remaining Argyll tacksmen’s houses in Morvern, built during the first phase of agricultural Improvement between 1754 and 1819. It is argued that this group of buildings represents the last phase of clan warfare in the region, built by tacksmen acting as colonizing agents of Campbell control and polity over relatively recently acquired MacLean territory. From Lochaline following the Sound of Mull totally alien to the environment, culture and westward to the headland at Drimnin and building traditions of the West Highlands. The returning eastward along Loch Sunart the Morvern Argyll tacksmen’s houses provide a fertile foreshore of Morvern is punctuated by point from which to examine the origins of this a series of similar farmhouses dating from the quintessentially Scottish building type and its mid- to late 18th century. Neatly slated and specific relationship to Morvern, a relationship harled, regular and symmetrical, the houses that perhaps also represents a continuation of built by the Dukes of Argyll’s Morvern traditional Campbell political activity in the tacksmen form an architectural group that West Highlands disguised by and absorbed embodies the spirit of late 18th-century into the process of ‘Improvement’.1 ‘Improvement’ in Scotland, modern buildings Amongst the large Highland landowners, that stood at the vanguard of the agricultural the Dukes of Argyll had a reputation for reforms that were sweeping the Highlands leading the way in economic and agricultural from the south.
  • Morvern Land Management Plan Summary

    Morvern Land Management Plan Summary

    Morvern Land Management Plan Summary Morvern forest extends across 5,946 ha at the NW end of the Morvern peninsular and comprises three blocks: Barr, Lochaline North and Lochaline South. The forest was established pre 1940, as a largely commercial timber- producing forest but has been extensively restructured over a number of years and now has a wide range of age classes. Planted species are dominated by Sitka spruce but restructuring has expanded the area of diverse conifers and the proportion of native broadleaves has increased through natural regeneration, particularly in Barr forest, where native woodland expansion will consolidate and link areas of Semi Natural Woodland (SNW) and restored PAWS. There are various renewable energy developments across the forest. Although the main focus is commercial timber production, the forest provides for informal recreation and supports a number of heritage sites, notably the cleared township at Inniemore (Loch Doire nan Mart) which is a scheduled monument and the wishing stone at Clach na Criche (the remains of an igneous dyke used as a boundary marker, wishing stone and resting place during funeral processions). Various protected species are found in the area, including otter, Pine marten, Black grouse, Golden eagle and Sea eagle and a variety of habitats, including wetland / bog habitat, stands of gorse with successional broadleaved woodland and traditional hay meadows at the mouth of the Savary River. The longer term vision is to continue to optimize sustainable timber production while restructuring the forest and increasing resilience through greater species diversity, redesign of upper margins to fit the large scale, open landscape and managing appropriate areas of Continuous Cover Forestry.