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Lochaline

Lochaline is a small coastal village and the main settlement on the Morvern Peninsula in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, located at the mouth of Loch Aline where it meets the Sound of Mull, serving as the primary ferry port to the Isle of Mull across a 20-minute crossing.^[1]^[2] Situated in the rugged West Highlands, the village is surrounded by moorland, ancient woodlands, hills, and coastline, with the Morvern Peninsula bounded by Loch Sunart to the north, Loch Linnhe to the northeast, and the Sound of Mull to the south; its highest point is Creach Bheinn at 2,799 feet.^[1]^[2] The area features rocky, picturesque terrain fed by streams like the Black Water and Ronach Water, and includes historical sites such as the ruins of Ardtornish Castle, a 13th-century stronghold of the Lords of the Isles, and Kinlochaline Castle, a turreted tower built in the 15th century.^[3]^[1] Historically, Morvern supported a population of around 2,500 people engaged in sheep farming and forestry before the 19th-century Highland Clearances drastically reduced it, leaving ruined clearance villages like Arienas and Aoineadh Mhor as remnants; in 1930, the last 36 residents of St Kilda were resettled in the area for forestry work.^[1] The village itself emerged as a hamlet in the late 19th century, with a public school serving 27 pupils by 1879, and it gained prominence during World War II when silica sand mining began in 1940 to supply high-purity quartz for military optics like gun sights and periscopes.^[3]^[2] Today, Lochaline has a population of approximately 200 (as of 2025), forming a lively community within Morvern's estimated 320 residents (as of 2021), with the local economy centered on tourism—drawn to its deep-water harbor for yachts, boat tours, walking trails, and wildlife viewing of seals, otters, dolphins, whales, and eagles—as well as ongoing silica sand extraction by Lochaline Quartz Sand Ltd., which reopened the mine in 2012 after a 2008 closure and expanded production with new investments as of 2025, and estate-based activities like venison production at Ardtornish.^[1]^[2]^[4]^[5]^[6]^[7] Notable cultural sites include St Columba’s Chapel and the Keil Museum, preserving the region's heritage.^[1]

Geography

Location and Setting

Lochaline serves as the principal settlement on the Morvern Peninsula within the Highland council area of Scotland, positioned at the mouth of Loch Aline where it joins the Sound of Mull.^[8]^[9] The village is situated at approximately 56°32′N 5°47′W, with an elevation ranging from 10 to 20 meters above sea level.^[10] The surrounding terrain encompasses rugged moorland, ancient woodlands, and rolling hills that rise to elevations of up to 853 meters at Creach Bheinn, forming part of the dramatic West Highland peninsulas with fjord-like coastal inlets shaped by glacial activity.^[8]^[11] Lochaline lies in close proximity to the Isle of Mull, approximately 1 mile across the Sound of Mull, connected by a frequent short ferry service to Fishnish.

Loch Aline and Surrounding Waters

Loch Aline is a sea loch extending approximately 2.5 miles inland from the Sound of Mull on the Morvern peninsula in Highland, Scotland.^[12] The loch features depths reaching up to 30 meters in certain areas, with a mud bottom providing excellent holding for anchoring, making it a reliable spot for vessels seeking shelter.^[13]^[14] Its sheltered waters are influenced by tidal currents of up to 2 knots at the entrance during spring tides, requiring careful navigation to avoid overfalls and the ferry route.^[15] Ecologically, Loch Aline supports a rich marine habitat, including mudflats, eelgrass beds (Zostera spp.), and sea pen communities with burrowing megafauna, contributing to its designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for nature conservation and geological features.^[16] The loch serves as a habitat for fish species such as Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), sea trout (Salmo trutta), and common skate (Dipturus batis), alongside otters (Lutra lutra) and seabirds including common terns (Sterna hirundo) in nearby breeding areas.^[16]^[17] Surrounding coastal zones form part of the Atlantic rainforest ecosystem, with protected ancient woodlands under the Morvern Woods Special Area of Conservation (SAC), enhancing biodiversity through native broadleaved trees and moorlands.^[16] Navigation within Loch Aline benefits from its enclosed nature, offering good protection from prevailing winds and suitable conditions for boating, including visitor pontoons at Lochaline Harbour that provide up to 32 berths with access to power and water.^[18] The loch connects directly to the broader Sound of Mull, whose open southern waters host diverse marine life such as harbour porpoises and basking sharks, driven by tidal currents that facilitate nutrient flow and species migration.^[17]^[15] The Sound's ferry operations, linking Lochaline to Fishnish on Mull, rely on these navigable channels for regular passenger and vehicle transport.^[19]

History

Prehistory and Medieval Period

Evidence of human occupation in the Morvern peninsula, encompassing Lochaline, dates back to the Mesolithic period, with archaeological finds including a chipped stone assemblage of microliths, scrapers, blades, and cores discovered at North Barr River on a raised beach terrace overlooking Loch Teacuis.^[20] These lithics, composed of materials such as flint, Rùm bloodstone, baked mudstone, and quartz, indicate seasonal coastal exploitation by hunter-gatherers, though direct radiocarbon dates for the Mesolithic phase remain elusive; associated later prehistoric activity includes mid-second millennium BC charcoal samples linked to a barbed and tanged arrowhead and possible settlement features.^[20] Neolithic and Bronze Age evidence in broader Argyll, including Morvern, further attests to early farming communities through funerary monuments and ritual sites, suggesting sustained prehistoric settlement patterns along coastal and riverside locations since approximately 5000 BC.^[21] During the 9th to 11th centuries, Morvern formed part of the Norse-influenced territories in western Scotland, integrated into the expanding Kingdom of the Isles under Viking control following raids and conquests that reached Argyll by the late 8th century.^[22] Limited Norse settlement is evident in Morvern through a single possible place-name element in -staoir, reflecting peripheral Gaelic-Norse interaction amid stronger native continuity, as seen in pre-Norse toponyms like Mor-Bhearn ('sea gap'); broader Argyll experienced military incursions, such as those by Thorstein the Red and Earl Sigurd, which encompassed large parts of the region alongside the Hebrides.^[22] This era marked the rise of Norse-Gaelic hybrid culture, with archaeological blends like the 9th-century Kiloran Bay burial on nearby Colonsay combining pagan Norse elements (boat and horse motifs) with Christian crosses, influencing the socio-political landscape that later evolved into the Lordship of the Isles.^[22] In the medieval period, Morvern emerged as a key stronghold under the Lordship of the Isles, a powerful Norse-Gaelic maritime realm established by descendants of Somerled; the peninsula's lands, including those around Lochaline, were granted to Angus Og of Islay by Robert the Bruce in 1309, solidifying Clan Donald's control.^[23] Ardtornish Castle, located on a promontory in Loch Aline, served as the principal seat of the Lords from the early 14th century, with John of Islay assuming the title of first Lord of the Isles in 1354 and using it as the administrative and symbolic center of power over the Hebrides and western mainland Scotland until his death there in 1380.^[23] The castle's strategic position facilitated naval dominance, underscoring Morvern's role in the Lordship's semi-independent governance amid tensions with the Scottish crown.^[23] A pivotal event at Ardtornish occurred in 1462, when John MacDonald II, Lord of the Isles and Earl of Ross, signed the Treaty of Westminster-Ardtornish, allying with England's Edward IV against Scottish royal forces in exchange for military support to reclaim lost territories and assert autonomy.^[24] This treaty highlighted the Lordship's precarious position, as it invited English intervention into Scottish affairs and ultimately contributed to the forfeiture of John's titles in 1476, though it temporarily bolstered Morvern's strategic importance within the realm.^[24] Complementing Ardtornish, Kinlochaline Castle was constructed in the 15th century by Clan MacInnes, hereditary bowmen to the Lord of the Isles, as a three-storey tower house on a rocky outcrop at the head of Loch Aline to oversee coastal defenses and supply storage.^[25] Built after the clan's lands in Morvern were transferred to the MacLeans of Duart in 1390 following a chief's murder, the fortress measured approximately 43 by 34 feet with 10-foot-thick walls, exemplifying the defensive architecture of the period and the MacInnes' loyal service to Clan Donald.^[25]

Modern Developments

In the 19th century, the Highland Clearances led to significant depopulation in the Morvern peninsula, where Lochaline is located, as landowners evicted tenants to make way for sheep farming and other commercial uses. The population of Morvern fell dramatically from 2,137 in 1831 to much smaller communities by the end of the century, contributing to a pattern of rural decline that persisted into the 20th century.^[26] A notable repopulation effort occurred in 1930 when the last 36 residents of St Kilda, all Gaelic-speaking islanders, were evacuated from their remote archipelago home due to unsustainable living conditions and were resettled primarily in Lochaline and surrounding areas of Morvern. Nurse Williamina Barclay, who had served on St Kilda in 1928 and witnessed the hardships firsthand, played a pivotal role in advocating for and organizing the evacuation and resettlement, securing forestry jobs for the men and housing for the families.^[27]^[28] The onset of World War II spurred industrial development in Lochaline with the opening of a silica sand mine in 1940, prompted by Britain's loss of access to continental imports amid wartime shortages. The mine initially employed around 35 workers, many recruited from the nearby Ballachulish slate quarries owned by the same company, to extract high-purity sand essential for manufacturing optical glass used in periscopes, binoculars, and gun sights.^[29]^[30]^[31] In recent years, community-led initiatives have focused on sustainable development and local empowerment. The Morvern Community Development Company launched a 1.6 MW community-owned hydropower scheme at Barr in July 2021, generating approximately 4.3 million kWh annually—enough to power over 1,000 homes—and providing revenue for local projects.^[32]^[33]^[34] Building on this momentum, in 2025, the community completed a feasibility study and business plan to purchase and manage a 93-hectare woodland area as the Lochaline Community Forest from Forestry and Land Scotland. The initiative aims to promote woodland restoration, establish new crofts for affordable housing and agriculture, and generate economic benefits through sustainable timber production and recreation, with early project officer funding secured for late 2025 implementation.^[35]^[36]^[37]

Demographics and Community

Population Statistics

Lochaline, the primary village in the Morvern peninsula, had a recorded population of 137 residents according to the 2022 Scottish Census data for the local postcode area.^[38] This figure reflects the small-scale settlement typical of remote Highland communities, with a gender distribution of 62% male and 38% female, and an age profile skewed toward older adults, including 16 individuals aged 60-64 and 29 aged 65 or over.^[38] By 2025 estimates, the village population has grown to approximately 200, driven by modest influxes related to tourism and local economic opportunities.^[4] The broader Morvern area, encompassing Lochaline, supported a population of around 2,083 in 1801, which peaked slightly at 2,137 by 1831 before declining sharply to 1,226 in 1861 and 828 in 1881 due to the Highland Clearances of the 19th century, when tenants were evicted to make way for sheep farming.^[39] The 2011 Census recorded 317 residents across Morvern, with estimates indicating stabilization at approximately 320 by the mid-2020s.^[40]^[5] This post-1930s trend reflects partial recovery following the resettlement of evacuees from St Kilda, who arrived in 1930 amid the archipelago's abandonment due to unsustainable living conditions.^[41] Demographically, Lochaline features a mix of long-term local families, descendants of Gaelic-speaking St Kilda evacuees (27 of whom settled there in 1930), and recent incomers drawn by the area's natural appeal and tourism potential.^[14] The population is aging, evidenced by a local primary school enrollment drop from 64 pupils in 1970 to 8 in 2024, prompting community projects aimed at attracting young families to sustain vitality.^[36] These initiatives, such as woodland crofting and housing developments, align with broader efforts by local organizations to address depopulation pressures.

Community Organizations

The Morvern Community Council acts as the key local governance body for Lochaline and the broader Morvern area, representing community interests to the Highland Council on issues such as planning, development, and public services. Established under Scottish community council legislation, it organizes regular meetings—often held at Lochaline Village Hall—to discuss local matters and facilitate public participation, while adhering to the Nolan principles of public life, including selflessness, integrity, and accountability.^[42] Morvern Community Woodlands, founded in 2004 as a registered charity and company limited by guarantee, focuses on reconnecting residents with the local landscape through sustainable woodland management and education. The group currently owns and operates Achnaha Community Wood, an 8-hectare site near Lochaline, hosting activities that promote outdoor recreation and timber-related skills.^[43] In a major ongoing initiative, it is seeking asset transfer of 96 hectares from Forestry and Land Scotland to establish the Lochaline Community Forest by 2025, intended to support woodland crofting, community woodlots, health benefits via new path networks, and skill-building workshops in forestry and land stewardship.^[44]^[45] The Morvern Heritage Society contributes to cultural preservation by documenting and promoting Lochaline's industrial past, particularly through a heritage trail project on the historic Lochaline Sand Mine, which received £5,028 from Historic Environment Scotland in 2021-22 to uncover forgotten stories of mining life and wartime use.^[46] This effort builds on community interest in establishing interpretive sites to educate visitors and residents alike. Educational and religious groups further strengthen social ties, with the Lochaline Primary School Parent Council—comprising elected parents, teachers, and community members—playing a vital role in fundraising, representing parental views, fostering school-community links, and supporting inspections to enhance pupil welfare in this small rural setting. Church activities at Kiel Church, part of the Ardgour, Morvern, and Strontian parish of the Church of Scotland, include regular worship and community services that reinforce local traditions.^[47]^[48] Lochaline's social life remains vibrant despite its modest population of around 200 residents, centered on inclusive events like ceilidhs and dances at the Village Hall and Lochaline Social Club. Annual highlights include the Morvern Games and Gala Week, where live music and gatherings at the Social Club foster intergenerational connections and celebrate Highland culture.^[49]

Economy

Primary Industries

The primary industry in Lochaline is silica sand mining, which has been a cornerstone of the local economy since the 1940s when operations began to supply high-purity quartz sand critical for wartime needs, such as glass in bomb sights and periscopes.^[50]^[51] The mine, located in one of Europe's largest deposits of white silica sand, is the continent's only underground sand operation and remains the area's dominant employer.^[6] Today, it is managed by Lochaline Quartz Sand Ltd., a joint venture focused on extracting premium-grade material for exports to industries including glass manufacturing for solar panels, windows, and bottles, as well as ceramics.^[6] Local residents form a significant portion of the workforce, supporting community stability through steady jobs in this remote Highland setting.^[52] In late 2024, the mine announced a major expansion involving new investment to double annual production capacity, projected to boost turnover by over £2.6 million while enhancing efficiency through modernized underground extraction methods.^[53] This development builds on the site's historical pivot during World War II, when mining replaced disrupted continental imports and shifted the local economy from traditional sheep farming—prevalent in Morvern since the early 19th-century clearances for large-scale pastoral operations—to resource extraction.^[26]^[35] The sand's exceptional purity stems from ancient geological formations in the region, as detailed in studies of local quartz resources.^[6] Complementing mining, Lochaline sustains small-scale agriculture through crofting, where tenants manage modest holdings for livestock rearing and food production, often supplemented by government grants to bolster rural livelihoods.^[36] Limited local fishing occurs along the Morvern coast, primarily involving inshore activities tied to the community's traditional maritime heritage.^[54] Additionally, since 2021, the Morvern Community Development Company has operated the UK's largest fully community-owned hydropower scheme on the Barr River, a 1.6 MW installation generating approximately 4.3 million kWh annually to provide sustainable income for local priorities.^[55] Efforts to preserve mining heritage include proposals for a dedicated museum to document the industry's history, potentially featuring artifacts and exhibits from the site's 80-year operation.^[31]

Tourism Sector

Tourism plays a vital role in Lochaline's economy, primarily driven by its position as a gateway to underwater and maritime experiences in the Sound of Mull. The diving sector, led by the Lochaline Dive Centre, acts as a central hub attracting international visitors to explore historic wrecks and diverse marine life, including seals, basking sharks, and colorful reefs. This center provides comprehensive services such as guided boat dives, equipment rentals, air and nitrox fills, and on-site accommodations for up to 24 divers in en-suite bunk rooms, supporting extended stays and repeat visits.^[56]^[57] The short 20-minute car ferry service from Lochaline to Fishnish on the Isle of Mull, operated by Caledonian MacBrayne, further bolsters tourism by enabling convenient day trips to Mull's scenic landscapes and encouraging overnight accommodations in Lochaline. With capacity for 23 cars and 150 passengers (operated by MV Lochinvar as of 2025), the ferry operates frequently during peak seasons, drawing motorists and pedestrians seeking to combine Morvern's tranquility with Mull's attractions, thereby extending visitor dwell time and local spending.^[58]^[59]^[60] In 2011, EU INTERREG IVA funding facilitated a £300,000 investment in community pontoons at Lochaline harbor, enhancing safe berthing for leisure boats and directly stimulating marine tourism infrastructure. This development, completed by mid-2011, has improved access for yacht charters and small vessel tours, contributing to broader economic benefits in the remote area. Complementing this, emerging eco-tourism efforts through the Lochaline Community Forest—encompassing woodland paths, crofts, and low-impact recreation—and nearby Ardtornish Gardens promote sustainable activities like hiking and garden visits, fostering year-round appeal while preserving natural habitats.^[61]^[35]^[62] Overall, these tourism elements generate substantial economic impact in Lochaline and the Morvern peninsula, where tourism ranks as a primary income source alongside seasonal employment peaks in summer for roles in diving operations, hospitality, and guiding. With the local population around 200, visitor-driven activities sustain community viability by supporting ancillary services like equipment hires and eateries, though exact job figures remain tied to broader Highland trends where tourism accounts for up to 43% of employment in remote areas.^[36]^[63]

Infrastructure

Transportation Links

Lochaline is primarily accessed by road via the A884, a classified route that connects the village to the Corran Ferry terminal near Fort William, approximately 31 miles to the northeast.^[64]^[65] This ferry provides a short crossing of Loch Linnhe, after which drivers follow the A884 southwest through the Morvern peninsula, characterized by scenic single-track roads with passing places typical of remote Highland areas.^[66] The primary sea link is the Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) car ferry service from Lochaline to Fishnish on the Isle of Mull, offering an 18-minute crossing with frequent sailings—up to 14 departures per day Monday to Saturday during summer months, reducing in winter.^[67]^[68]^[69] The route is operated by the MV Lochinvar, a diesel-electric hybrid vessel capable of carrying vehicles and passengers, with no advance booking required for this turn-up-and-go service.^[70] Lochaline Harbour serves as a facility for private boats, providing community-managed pontoons for up to 32 vessels and additional moorings in the sheltered waters of Loch Aline.^[19] There is no rail service directly to Lochaline, with the nearest station in Fort William about 65 miles away, and the closest airport is Oban Airport (OBN), approximately 108 miles distant by road via the Corran Ferry, though Inverness Airport (INV) at over 100 miles offers more commercial flights.^[71] As of 2025, ongoing discussions by the Highland Council explore a potential fixed link, such as a bridge or tunnel across the Corran Narrows, to replace the ferry and improve connectivity, though the region remains reliant on current ferry operations.^[72]^[73]

Local Facilities

Lochaline, a small village on the Morvern peninsula in Scotland, provides essential daily services through a limited but functional set of local amenities. The Lochaline Stores serves as the primary general store and post office, offering groceries, household essentials, and postal services to residents and visitors, with free cash withdrawals available at the post office counter.^[74] Adjacent to the stores is the Lochaline Filling Station, a 24-hour automated petrol and diesel pump facility that supports local travel needs, including access to the nearby ferry terminal.^[75] Education is catered for by Lochaline Primary School, a small institution serving pupils from nursery to primary seven, located in the village center with a current enrollment of around eight students and emphasizing a supportive, community-oriented learning environment. In January 2025, a Gaelic Medium Unit was established at the school to support Gaelic language education.^[76]^[77] Healthcare access is provided via the Lochaline Branch Surgery of the Morvern Medical Practice (part of the West Highland Medical Group), offering general practitioner services, appointments, and repeat prescriptions for the local population of approximately 350, with duty GP availability from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.^[78] Hospitality options in Lochaline are modest, focusing on casual dining and accommodation suited to the rural setting. The Whitehouse Restaurant, overlooking Loch Aline harbor, specializes in sustainably sourced local cuisine, including foraged Highland ingredients, with lunch and dinner service from Wednesday to Saturday using fresh produce from Morvern and Mull.^[79] Accommodation is limited to a few bed and breakfasts and self-catering options, such as the en-suite bunk rooms at Highland Basecamp, which provide basic lodging with shared kitchen facilities for short-term stays.^[80] Recreational and support facilities contribute to community life without extensive infrastructure. The Lochaline Village Hall acts as a central hub for gatherings, hosting events like produce fairs and serving the needs of local groups for over 50 years.^[81] Kiel Church, a 19th-century structure on a historic site with medieval origins, functions as the local place of worship and includes a session house displaying 19 carved medieval grave slabs.^[82] The Lochaline Dive Centre supports underwater activities with PADI and NAS Scotland training courses, boat charters, and equipment rental, catering to both beginners and experienced divers in the Sound of Mull.^[83] The harbor office at Lochaline Harbour manages pontoon berths, moorings, and shore amenities like showers and WiFi for visiting vessels.^[19] Utilities in Lochaline rely on standard mains connections supplemented by renewable sources. Mains electricity is supplied via the national grid, while water is provided through the Lochaline Water Treatment Works, a membrane-based facility upgraded in 2018 to ensure quality supply for the village and surrounding areas.^[84] The community-owned Barr River hydropower scheme, located 11 miles inland and operational since 2021, generates 1.6 MW to supplement the grid, producing enough electricity annually to power over 1,000 homes and benefiting the Morvern community through revenue for local projects.^[55]

Attractions

Historical Sites

Lochalines historical sites feature several man-made landmarks that reflect the region's medieval and clan heritage, primarily clustered along the Morvern peninsula. These structures, ranging from fortified residences to folklore-linked stones, provide insights into the area's strategic importance during the Lordship of the Isles and subsequent clan occupations. Ardtornish Castle, located on the Ardtornish Estate overlooking Loch Aline, consists of 13th-century ruins constructed as a fortified hall house using dressed basalt blocks, measuring approximately 23 meters by 14 meters with walls up to 2 meters thick.^[85] Built likely in the late 1200s by the Lords of the Isles, it served as a principal residence for Clan Donald chiefs, including John of Islay until his death in 1380, and was granted to Angus Og of Islay by Robert the Bruce in 1309.^[85] The site gained prominence as the location for the Treaty of Westminster-Ardtornish, signed on February 13, 1462, between John MacDonald II, Lord of the Isles, and King Edward IV of England, which sought to divide Scottish territories with English support.^[85] After forfeiture of the Lordship in 1493, the castle passed to the MacLeans of Duart and was abandoned by the late 17th century, with parts of its materials reused in local buildings; minor 19th- and 20th-century restorations include repointing in 1873 and a false window added around 1900.^[85] Today, the ruins are accessible via walking paths on the Ardtornish Estate, offering views of the surrounding Sound of Mull.^[86] Kinlochaline Castle, a 15th-century four-story tower house situated at the head of Loch Aline, was constructed in the 1400s from rare sandstone with walls 10 feet thick, serving as a strategic hold overlooking the loch. Traditionally associated with Clan MacInnes (also known as MacMaster), who acted as keepers of the castle, it may have functioned as a supply outpost; the clan occupied it until events in 1358 weakened their position, after which lands were granted to Lachlan MacLean of Duart in 1390. The structure was burned during the 1644 Montrose campaigns and abandoned around 1690, but underwent significant restoration in 1890, preserving its original form. Known locally as "Caisteal an Ime" or the Butter Castle, it derives its nickname from a legend involving a Clan MacInnes woman named Dubh-Chal, who reportedly paid the builders in butter equivalent to the tower's volume; she is said to be buried at nearby Kiel Church. Clach na Criche, an ancient wishing stone near Rahoy in Morvern, is a natural rock formation altered by human use into a boundary marker with a central "wishing hole," tied to longstanding local folklore.^[87] Formed geologically 60 million years ago as a dyke intrusion, it served historically as a parish boundary and ritual site where individuals would fill their mouths with water from a nearby spring, pass through the hole three times without touching the sides or swallowing, and have wishes granted.^[88] This tradition underscores the stone's role in ancient customs, though the spring has since dried up, leaving the site as a preserved folklore landmark accessible by a short walk from a Forestry and Land Scotland car park.^[87] Recent community efforts in Lochaline include the development of a silica sand mine heritage trail, launched in June 2024, which highlights over 80 years of mining history since operations began in 1940 to supply high-purity silica during World War II.^[29] The trail, created along former railway lines and village paths by local miners and residents, aims to educate visitors on the mine's economic impact and preserve its legacy, with ongoing discussions for a potential museum or heritage centre to further document the site's industrial past.^[29]

Natural and Recreational Sites

The Ardtornish Gardens, part of the expansive Ardtornish Estate on the shores of Loch Aline, encompass approximately 25 acres of formal and informal plantings featuring a diverse collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, and exotic shrubs, including over 200 species of rhododendrons.^[89]^[90] These 19th-century woodland gardens, designed to harmonize with the surrounding natural landscape, include a Victorian kitchen garden, a river, an amphitheater, a pond, and a pool, offering visitors panoramic views across Loch Aline and the Sound of Mull.^[91] The gardens are open year-round to the public, providing a serene setting for exploration amid native and introduced plant species, with peak color displays in spring and summer.^[62] North of Lochaline, the Rahoy Hills Nature Reserve spans about 1,760 hectares (over 4,300 acres) of rugged hills, ancient forests, moorlands, and coastal stretches on the Morvern Peninsula, managed jointly by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Ardtornish Estate since the 1970s.^[92]^[93] Recognized as one of Scotland's most biodiverse reserves, it supports rich wildlife populations, including red deer, golden eagles, otters, and diverse plant life such as Atlantic oakwoods and heather moorlands, making it ideal for low-impact nature observation and photography.^[92] Access points like the Black Water track allow visitors to wander through this remote wilderness, with opportunities for spotting seabirds along the coastline and hill-dwelling raptors.^[94] Aoineadh Mòr, located within Forestry and Land Scotland's woodlands near Lochaline, is an ancient native woodland site characterized by oak and birch trees forming part of Scotland's temperate rainforest ecosystems, with moss-covered canopies and fern undergrowth.^[95] A 3.4-kilometer circular trail leads through this mixed woodland, past open pastures, and to the remnants of a deserted Highland Clearance township, offering a peaceful immersion in the area's natural and cultural heritage without venturing into historical specifics.^[96] The site's biodiversity includes lichens, liverworts, and woodland birds, providing a representative example of the region's ancient Atlantic oakwoods accessible for gentle walks.^[97] Lochaline's walking trails emphasize its natural terrain, with coastal paths like the Kinlochaline Low Road following the shores of Loch Aline through deciduous woodland and offering sea views and beach access.^[98] Inland hill routes ascend to peaks around 500 meters in the Rahoy Hills, such as those near Loch Arienas, traversing moorland and forest for panoramic vistas of the Morvern Peninsula.^[99] These paths integrate into the Lochaber Geopark network, promoting sustainable outdoor recreation amid dramatic landscapes, though they focus on scenic enjoyment rather than geological study.^[100]

Geology

Geological Formation

The geology of Lochaline, situated on the Morvern peninsula within the Lochaber Geopark, reflects a complex history of tectonic activity and sedimentation spanning over a billion years. The region's basement rocks belong to the Precambrian Moine Supergroup, consisting primarily of metasedimentary psammites (metamorphosed sandstones) and mica schists (metamorphosed shales), which were deposited as sediments around 1,000 million years ago during the Neoproterozoic era. These rocks underwent intense deformation and metamorphism during the Grenville orogeny approximately 1,000–900 million years ago and further alteration during the Caledonian orogeny around 500 million years ago, forming the structural foundation of the northwest Scottish Highlands.^[101]^[102] Overlying these ancient basement rocks are Mesozoic sedimentary sequences that record episodes of marine deposition during the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea. Triassic sandstones, dating to about 250–200 million years ago, appear as red beds along coastal and roadside exposures, formed in fluvial and desert environments. These are succeeded by Jurassic mudstones of the Pabay Shale Formation, deposited in shallow tropical seas around 200 million years ago, which contain abundant fossils such as the bivalve Gryphaea (commonly known as "devil's toenail" oysters), evidencing a warm, marine ecosystem. Further up the stratigraphic column, Upper Cretaceous white sandstones of the Lochaline White Sandstone Formation, formed approximately 100–85 million years ago (Cenomanian to Santonian stages) in shallow coastal settings, dominate the local landscape near Lochaline and form the basis of significant silica deposits.^[103]^[104]^[105] Tertiary volcanic activity, associated with the opening of the North Atlantic around 60 million years ago, profoundly shaped the peninsula's topography through outpourings from the Mull igneous centre as part of the British Tertiary Igneous Province. Thick basalt lava flows, up to several hundred meters, blanket much of eastern Morvern, creating characteristic stepped "trap" landscapes with rugged cliffs and plateaus. These lavas, interspersed with minor intrusions like granites, overlay the Mesozoic strata and contribute to the dramatic coastal scenery around Lochaline.^[103]^[106] The rugged peninsula topography is further influenced by major fault lines, notably the extension of the Great Glen Fault, a sinistral strike-slip structure that traces southward through Loch Linnhe into Morvern, promoting differential uplift and exposure of stratigraphic layers in coastal sections. This tectonic framework, combined with subsequent glacial erosion, has carved the indented sea lochs and elevated terrains characteristic of the area, while preserving fossil-rich outcrops accessible along the shoreline.^[107]

Silica Sand Resources

The Lochaline silica sand deposit consists of exceptionally pure white quartz sand derived from the Cretaceous-age Lochaline White Sandstone Formation, dating to approximately 100–85 million years ago (Upper Cretaceous, Cenomanian to Santonian). This formation yields sand with a silica content of 99.8%, characterized by very low iron oxide levels (Fe₂O₃ typically less than 0.0085%), making it one of the purest such deposits in Europe suitable for high-end applications. The deposit features a seam varying in thickness from 3 to 12 meters, with the workable high-purity band often around 5-8 meters thick.^[108]^[30]^[102]^[51] Geologically, the sand originated from silica-rich sediments deposited in shallow tropical seas during the Upper Cretaceous period, where quartz grains accumulated with minimal impurities due to the depositional environment's purity and subsequent diagenetic processes that enhanced quartz recrystallization. These ancient marine sands were later preserved under layers of basalt from volcanic activity on the nearby Isle of Mull around 60 million years ago, protecting the deposit from further erosion and contamination. The resulting geological purity stems from the lack of iron-bearing minerals and other impurities common in surface sands, with the white color and high SiO₂ content arising from this isolated, low-alumina formation.^[52]^[103]^[109] The underground mine accessing this deposit spans over 30 kilometers of passages developed using room-and-pillar techniques, covering an area of approximately 1.5 square kilometers on a largely single level, entered via an adit from the shoreline. Annual extraction averaged around 100,000 tonnes until the early 2020s, increasing to approximately 140,000 tonnes by 2021; as of 2025, production is being doubled to around 280,000 tonnes annually following a December 2024 investment of up to £230,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (part of a £855,000 upgrade including new magnetic separators to enhance sand quality), with reserves estimated at over 40 million tonnes supporting long-term operations. Environmentally, the subterranean extraction method results in minimal surface disturbance, preserving the coastal landscape, and the site integrates into Lochaber Geopark educational routes that highlight its geological significance.^[30]^[51]^[53]^[7]^[52]

References

[1]
Lochaline - Morvern | Peninsula In The Scottish Highlands
Ruined houses are accompanied by signs of industry in the area, most commonly charcoal making. The peninsula once supported a population of 2,500 – it is now a ...
[2]
Lochaline - Travel in Time
Jun 25, 2025 · Lochaline is the main village of Morvern, known for its sand mines, which started in 1940, and is a gateway to the Isle of Mull.Missing: geography population
[3]
Historical perspective for Lochaline - Gazetteer for Scotland
A historical perspective, drawn from the Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland: A Survey of Scottish Topography, Statistical, Biographical and Historical, edited by ...Missing: population | Show results with:population
[4]
Morvern - West Highland Peninsulas
It is a mainly mountainous area, with its highest point being the summit of the Corbett Creach Bheinn (2,799 ft). It offers landscape of not only mountains but ...Missing: elevation | Show results with:elevation
[5]
Details of Morvern - Gazetteer for Scotland
Latitude: 56.6196°N, Longitude: 5.8027°W. National Grid Reference: NM 668 540. A range of modern and historical maps are accessible through ...
[6]
Lochaline Map - Village - Highland Council, Scotland, UK - Mapcarta
Lochaline ; Longitude. -5.7769° or 5° 46′ 37″ west ; Population. 260 ; Elevation. 52 feet (16 metres) ; United Nations Location Code. GB LOL ; Open location code.
[7]
Ardtornish and the Morvern Peninsula - Nature's Calendar - BBC
Morvern's varied habitats include ancient woodlands, rolling hills, rivers and sea lochs as well as 20 miles of coastline. The Morvern Peninsula is ...Missing: elevation | Show results with:elevation
[8]
Loch Aline: Historical perspective for Aline, Loch
Historical Account of Loch Aline (Highland) from Francis H. Groome's Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland. ... Loch Aline ... miles long. Its lower part is comparatively ...
[9]
Lochaline pier - Finstrokes
Jun 29, 2007 · Tides: Tide tables This is a slack water only dive. Depth: Vertical to 90m and a boulder slope onwards. Site entry/exit: At the wall to the ...Missing: length hydrography
[10]
Lochaline – A Welcome Staging Post - Sail Scotland
Jul 13, 2021 · Further up the loch, the mud bottom provides excellent holding for those who prefer to use their own ground tackle. Colin Taylor. Moonshadow ...
[11]
Loch Aline & The Sound of Mull - from Visit My Harbour
This is a lovely little loch on the mainland side of the Sound of Mull. It is, by no means, the only anchorage available in the Sound but with a NW wind in the ...
[12]
[PDF] Sound of Mull Marine Spatial Plan Part 2 - Argyll and Bute Council
There are six Sub-areas identified in the SoMMSP: North, South, Loch Aline, Inninmore, Tobermory and Craignure. (see Map 3.1 ). For each Sub-area the following ...
[13]
Isle of Mull Wildlife Species and Habitats Guide
The entire coastline of Mull is inhabited by otters and signs of their territorial markings (spraints) can be found on prominent features all around the shore.Missing: length anchoring ecology navigation pontoons
[14]
PONTOONS - LOCHALINE HARBOUR
Short stay facilities with up to 32 berths · 24 hour access to the harbour building · Power and water available on the pontoon and included in the rate · Emergency ...
[15]
LOCHALINE HARBOUR
Cala Loch Àlainn visitor pontoons opened in July 2011 and provide up to 30 visitor berths, now that the north side of the pontoon has been extended. The ...Pontoons · Lochaline · Contact · SaunaMissing: water | Show results with:water
[16]
Mesolithic and later activity at North Barr River, Morvern
At North Barr River, Morvern, inspection of forestry planting mounds on a raised beach terrace identified a chipped stone assemblage associated with upcast ...
[17]
10.10 Archaeology
As part of doctoral research into medieval settlement in Argyll two sites were excavated which turned out to date from the late-medieval and modern period ...
[18]
[PDF] An historical study of the Gael and Norse in Western Scotland from c ...
This thesis is an interdisciplinary study with two major objectives, namely to investigate both the cultural and historical developments which took place.
[19]
Ardtornish Castle, Morvern - Argyll Coast
Angus's son, John, became the first Lord of the Isles in 1354, and he chose Ardtornish as his principal seat. The castle was the centre of power for Clan Donald ...
[20]
John MacDonald II, Lord of the Isles - Undiscovered Scotland
The outcome, in February 1462, was the Treaty of Westminster-Ardtornish, under which John agreed to pay homage to Edward in return for English help in gaining ...
[21]
[PDF] Kinlochaline Castle Design Statement - Clan MacInnes
The original construction of the castle probably dates from the 15th century and it comprised a roughly square three storey tower house.
[22]
[PDF] Archaeological / Historical Sites Worthy of Preservation in Morvern
An extensive field system is situated above the cliffs of. Aoineadh Achadh Rainich at the NE end of Loch Aline. The field system is depicted on an. 1815 map of ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[23]
ST KILDA, THE EVACUATION - West Highland Museum
Aug 29, 2020 · The driving force behind the evacuation was nurse Williamina Barclay, who had been stationed on St Kilda in 1928. Nurse Barclay reported her ...
[24]
Stories from St Kilda - National Records of Scotland (NRS)
May 13, 2025 · A further eight nurses were stationed on the island between 1915 and 1930 when Nurse Williamina Barclay was evacuated along with the other St ...
[25]
Trail around wartime tunnels in Highlands to be launched
Jun 1, 2024 · The mine opened in 1940 after Britain lost access to continental supplies of silica sand, which was used to make periscopes, binoculars and ...
[26]
Lochaline Silica Sand Mine - Subterranea Britannica
Apr 1, 2016 · Although the sand has been known about since the nineteenth century, the mine only opened in 1940. This was because of a combination of factors ...
[27]
https://www.westhighlandmuseum.org.uk/2020/08/29/st-kilda-the-evacuation/
[28]
BARR Hydro - Morvern Community Development Company
Lochaline Hub · Lochaline Village Hall · Drimnin Village Hall · Morvern E ... Hydro Scheme on 16th July 2021. We now generate electricity and sell it to ...Missing: hydropower | Show results with:hydropower
[29]
Morvern Community Development Company | HIE
The 1.6Mw scheme is expected to generate approximately 4,269,000 kWh each year – enough to power over 1,000 homes. It was completed in July 2021 on a site deep ...
[30]
West coast village launches 'UK's largest community-owned ...
Nov 26, 2021 · The hydropower scheme is 100 per cent owned by the community and is expected to generate sufficient power for more than 1,000 homes.
[31]
[PDF] Lochaline Community Forest - Feasibility Study
May 25, 2025 · ○ Increase the use of Scotland's forest and woodland resources to enable more people to improve ... Lochaline (population 200) and ...
[32]
[PDF] Lochaline Community Forest - Business Plan
Jun 25, 2025 · In 2021, Live Life Morvern Action Plan was completed after extensive consultation and the creation of community owned crofts fulfilled many of ...Missing: hydropower | Show results with:hydropower
[33]
[PDF] Lochaline Community Forest - letters of support
May 27, 2025 · Morvern Community Woodlands are proposing to purchase 93ha of forestry land from Forestry and Land. Scotland. As well as crofting and local ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[34]
Area Information for Lochaline, Morvern, Oban, Scotland, PA80 5LQ
View information about Lochaline, Morvern, Oban, Scotland, PA805LQ postcode, including population, age, housing, relationships, broadband, religion and ...
[35]
Lochaline - Pat Trotter
Jan 7, 2025 · One can best understand the remoteness of this area with a stop in Lochaline, population 200, the main village in the Morvern area of Highland, ...
[36]
Morvern, Argyll - GENUKI
Oct 6, 2024 · Its utmost length, from E to W, is 20 miles; its utmost breadth is 15 miles; and its area is 141 ¾ square miles or 90,737 acres. It comprises ...
[37]
[PDF] Community Vision and Action Plan
sea lochs of Loch Aline and Loch Teacuis. Loch Teacuis is also notable for ... “Atlantic Rainforest protected as a hidden gem”. Artists Impression. Green ...
[38]
Morvern Peninsula - Drimnin Estate
Morvern's 160 thousand acres is surrounded by the sea for almost all of its boundary, except along Glen Tarbert and has a population of approx 320.
[39]
Departing the Island on 'The Edge of the World' | The Royal Scottish ...
Aug 11, 2020 · Ninety years ago, on August 29, 1930, the last 36 residents of St Kilda were evacuated from the archipelago.
[40]
Morvern Community Council
In Morvern the community council aims to uphold the Nolan principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and ...
[41]
Morvern Community Woodlands – helping to connect the people of ...
Morvern Community Woodlands was set up in 2004 to help the people of Morvern connect to their land and encourage the enjoyment and use of woodland and timber ...
[42]
Woodland Crofts & Lochaline Community Forest Consultation
To create a community forest on land currently managed by Forestry and Land Scotland, which the local community would purchase and own.Missing: 93ha | Show results with:93ha
[43]
HES awards £140000 to community heritage projects
Jun 2, 2022 · In Argyll and Bute, a heritage trail will be created by the Morvern Heritage Society to tell the forgotten story of the Lochaline Sand Mine.
[44]
Parent Council | Lochaline Primary School - WordPress.com
Support the school and pupils during school inspections. PC Constitution. Roles of the Parent Council: Chair – S. Wood. Vice Chair – L. Beckett. Treasurer – K.Missing: committee | Show results with:committee
[45]
Ardgour, Morvern And Strontian / Clèir Eilean Ì
Kiel Church, Morvern. Sunday Worship 12noon on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the Month. Postcode: PA80 5XS. Address: Kiel Lochaline, Morvern ... Committees · Minute ...
[46]
Olympian skills on show at Morvern Games and Gala Week
Jul 24, 2024 · During Games Day, the Black Rock Ceilidh Band entertained the crowds in the beer tent, and then Lochaline Social Club hosted the Games Dance ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[47]
Lochaber Archive Series: Records from Lochaline Silica Sand Mine
May 6, 2024 · The sand from the Lochaline mine was invaluable in the war effort, being used in the glass in bomb aiming sites and submarine periscopes. The ...
[48]
A Unique Resource | Agg-Net
Nov 3, 2003 · Since 1940 the Lochaline Silica Sand Mine has been worked continuously, first by Tennant, Sons & Co. Ltd, then by Tilcon and now Tarmac. ...
[49]
Lochaline, Europe's only underground sand mine, to boost output
Dec 20, 2024 · Its value was first spotted in the 1800s, but the remote location made mining uneconomical at that time.Missing: history | Show results with:history<|separator|>
[50]
Lochaline Quartz Sand Mine Visit - Lochaber Geopark
At Lochaber Geopark going to see Europe's only underground sand mine. The silica-rich sand formed in tropical seas and was subsequently capped, and therefore ...Missing: museum heritage
[51]
West coast sand mine steps up production | HIE
Dec 19, 2024 · Published: 19/12/2024. Lochaline Quartz Sand Limited is set to double its production and increase annual turnover by more than £2.6m.
[52]
[PDF] Loch Sunart - Highland Council
Loch Sunart is Highland's longest sea loch (31 kms) and was one of the first in Scotland to be developed for aquaculture. Its sinuous form nestles between the ...
[53]
West coast community launches hydropower scheme | HIE
Nov 26, 2021 · The 1.6Mw hydropower scheme is 100 per cent owned by the community and is expected to generate almost 4.3m kWh each year – enough to power over ...
[54]
https://www.highland.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/11532/loch_sunart_framework_plan_-_september_2004.pdf
[55]
Lochaline dive site - PADI
Is the Lochaline in the United Kingdom for you? Get all the info - depth, images, map, recommended equipment & much more.Missing: community | Show results with:community
[56]
Ferry to and from Mull | Visit Mull with CalMac - CalMac
The journey takes 45 minutes. Vehicle reservations are recommended. You can also get to Mull from Morvern (Lochaline) and Ardnamurchan (Kilchoan).
[57]
Lochaline Ferry Feature Page on Undiscovered Scotland
Lochaline lies 30 miles south-west of the Corran Ferry. The last 18 miles from Strontian south to Lochaline are along single track roads. With lots of straight ...<|separator|>
[58]
EU Funding enables tourism at Lochaline | The Highland Council
Jul 19, 2011 · Thanks to EU INTERREG IVA funding, berthing at one of Scotland's most remote and sheltered sea lochs will be plain sailing from Wednesday (July ...
[59]
Ardtornish - Scotlands Gardens Scheme
Ardtornish Estate spreads out around Loch Aline, a huge, wooded, U-shaped bay, a natural haven. Wonderful gardens of interesting mature conifers.Missing: tourism | Show results with:tourism
[60]
Tourism | Highlands and Islands Enterprise | HIE
Jun 4, 2024 · With an average pre-covid visitor spend of £1.5bn in the region, 3,200 registered tourism businesses locally, and with tourism jobs ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[61]
A884 - Roader's Digest: The SABRE Wiki
May 28, 2025 · The A884 is one of the very few classified roads in Britain which crosses a ferry, indeed one of only two which crosses from the mainland to an island.Missing: Lochalines | Show results with:Lochalines
[62]
Corran Ferry to Lochaline - 3 ways to travel via bus, car, and taxi
The distance between Corran Ferry and Lochaline is 36 miles. The road distance is 30.9 miles. ... How do I travel from Corran Ferry to Lochaline without a car?
[63]
Travelling Lochaline - Fishnish | Before you travel FAQs - CalMac
Approximately 5 miles along this road, just after the Mull Rugby Club on your left, you will see a sign for Lochaline Car Ferry. Turn right here to reach the ...
[64]
Lochaline - Fishnish | Caledonian MacBrayne
Route information · Key information · Guidance · Port and vessel facilities · Download timetables · Winter 2025/26.
[65]
How the Lochaline Ferry can add Mull to your Highland holiday
Lochaline sits just 40 miles south of Fort William. So, if you're planning a Highland holiday, use the Lochaline Ferry to add Mull to your itinerary!
[66]
Exactly How to Get the Ferry to Mull (2025) - Scotland Less Explored
Jun 18, 2024 · Lochaline to Fishnish Ferry ... The ferry from Lochaline to Mull is the shortest ferry to the Isle of Mull, but it is not the most convenient.
[67]
Annual overhaul plans 2025/26 | Service Changes - CalMac
Aug 26, 2025 · Small Vessels ; Lochaline-Fishnish. MV Lochinvar. 20 October 2025 – 13 March 2026 ; Lochaline-Fishnish · MV Loch Fyne. 14 March 2026 – 26 March ...
[68]
How to get to Lochaline from 5 nearby airports - Rome2Rio
The nearest airport to Lochaline is Oban (OBN) Airport which is 15.2 miles away. Other nearby airports include Tiree (TRE) (42 miles), Islay (ILY) (62 miles), ...
[69]
[PDF] Corran Ferry Update | Highland Council
Aug 11, 2025 · 10.2 This was discussed at the Corran Ferry Steering Group on 20 February 2025, with local Members at their Ward Business Meeting on 14 ...
[70]
Multi-million-pound fixed link at Corran Narrows is confirmed as a ...
Somewhere between £42million and £108million would be the price tag for the construction of either a bridge or tunnel across the Corran Narrows to replace ...
[71]
Groceries, Cash & Fuel - West Highland Peninsulas
Lochaline: Lochaline Stores and post office, free cash withdrawls at the PO. RBS Fort William Mobile Branch: visits Glenuig, Acharacle, Strontian, Lochaline and ...Missing: Scotland primary school medical clinic
[72]
Lochaline Filling Station - Morvern Community Development Company
The new petrol and diesel filling station together with additional parking spaces for community use. Improvements have also been made to the bank below ...
[73]
Schools - Lochaline Primary | The Highland Council
Lochaline Primary ... Address ... Lochaline ... Address2 ... Morvern ... address3 ... by Oban ... Postcode ... PA80 5XT ... Phone ... 01967 421765 ... School email address.
[74]
West Highland Medical Group (Lochaline)
Address: Lochaline Branch Surgery Rowanbank Lochaline PA80 5XT. Opening times: Failed to get opening times. Please try again later.Missing: clinic | Show results with:clinic
[75]
The Whitehouse Restaurant: Home
The Whitehouse Restaurant, nestled on the picturesque Sound of Mull with a stunning view of Lochaline harbour, offers a unique casual fine dining experience ...Menu · Contact · Reservation Form · About Us
[76]
Hostel | Highland Basecamp | Lochaline
Self catering accommodation in Lochaline. Our hostel has 12 private en-suite bunk rooms along with a spacious kitchen & lounge area. AIR & NITROX.
[77]
Lochaline Village Hall - Morvern Community Development Company
Welcome to our section of the Morvern Community website. For more than 50 years this Village Hall has been at the centre of village life in Morvern.Missing: Lochalines | Show results with:Lochalines
[78]
Kiel / Morvern church, Lochaline. - Scotlands Churches Trust
Ruins of a medieval church are on the site of the original and much earlier building which, according to legend, was erected at the command of St Columba.Missing: committee | Show results with:committee
[79]
https://thewhitehouserestaurant.co.uk/
[80]
Lochaline Water Quality Upgrade Project (2018) |
Oct 1, 2018 · The Lochaline Water Quality Upgrade Project required the design and delivery of a whole new water treatment works at Lochaline in the remote Morven Peninsula.Missing: Lochalines electricity
[81]
CDM07A11 - Clan Donald
In 1873 the owners of Ardtornish Estate on which the castle stands had various sections of the building re-pointed. In 1890, nearby Kinlochaline Castle had been ...
[82]
Ardtornish Castle | Wild About Lochaber
Ardtornish Castle, Lochaline, Morvern, served as a residence and strong hold for Lords of the Isles, chiefs of the Clan Donald in 14th and 15th centuries.
[83]
Kinlochaline Castle or The Butter Castle "Caisteal an Ime"
The area at one time had long been occupied by Clan MacInnes. Clan MacInnes was keeper of the castle, which may have been used as a hold for supplies. Clan ...Missing: construction 15th century
[84]
Clach na Crìche - Forestry and Land Scotland
According to local folklore, all you had to do was fill your mouth with water from a nearby spring, then hold it in your mouth as you passed through the ...Missing: Rahoy | Show results with:Rahoy
[85]
Clach na Criche - Wild About Ardnamurchan
This Wishing Stone is steeped in local folklore and in ancient times if you filled your mouth with water from the local spring and passed through the stone ...
[86]
Visitors Welcome - Ardtornish House Gardens
Jul 8, 2025 · Ardtornish House Gardens, a 19th-century Victorian mansion, is open year-round, dog-friendly (on lead), with views, native and exotic plants, ...
[87]
Ardtornish Gardens - Gardenvisit.com
Ardtornish Gardens is a 19th-century woodland garden with views of Loch Aline, featuring rhododendrons, azaleas, and other plants, designed to complement the ...
[88]
Ardtornish Estate - Glorious Gardens of Argyll and Bute
Ardtornish has a 25-acre garden with formal and informal plantings, rhododendrons, azaleas, a Victorian kitchen garden, and a riot of color in spring/summer.
[89]
Rahoy Hills | Scottish Wildlife Trust
Part of the Morvern peninsula, this reserve lies 5 miles north of Lochaline, off the A884. Get directions. Getting onto the reserve. Access is from the Black ...
[90]
Rahoy Hills Nature Reserve - Ardtornish Estate
Jul 7, 2024 · Rahoy Hills Nature Reserve extends onto Ardtornish and is run by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, which claims it as their most biodiverse reserve in Scotland.
[91]
Rahoy Hills - Black Water | Wild About Lochaber
An easy walk along a good track into the hills and wilderness behind the Scottish Wildlife Trust Rahoy Hills Reserve along the banks of the Black Water River.
[92]
Aoineadh Mòr - Forestry and Land Scotland
A charming trail through native oak and birch woodland to reach the ruined Clearance village of Aoineadh Mòr, once home to Mary Cameron and her family.
[93]
Aoineadh Mor | Wild About Lochaber
Aoineadh Mor is a deserted township with a circular walk through mixed pine plantations, pasture, and woodland. The walk is 3.4km (2.1 miles) long.Missing: ancient | Show results with:ancient
[94]
Aoineadh Mòr (Inniemore) - Forestry and Land Scotland
Aoineadh Mòr township survives as a testimony to the people evicted from their homes at a time often referred to as the Highland Clearances.Missing: ancient | Show results with:ancient
[95]
Kinlochaline Low Road - Wild About Lochaber
The former Kinlochaline Castle is also nearby, but now in private hands at the head of Loch Aline. ... 7.4km (4.6 miles). Type. there and back. OS Map ...
[96]
Top 6 Hikes and Walks around Loch Aline - Komoot
Rating 4.0 (25) The best walks and hikes around Loch Aline · 1. Leacraithnaich Bothy loop from Lochaline · 2. Ardtornish House – Fossil Beach loop from Lochaline · 3. Aoineadh Mòr ...Missing: Geopark | Show results with:Geopark
[97]
[PDF] Wild Lochaber Trails - Slighean Lochabair Fhiadhaich
A circular walk through the woods takes you to the long-deserted Inniemore township, with superb views over the Rahoy Hills as you ascend. Scan the mountain ...
[98]
Summary of the Moine geology of the Northern Highlands of Scotland
Dec 22, 2017 · The Moine Supergroup is a sequence of Precambrian metasedimentary rocks that outcrops in the Northern Highlands of ScotlandGeological background · Tectonostratigraphy of the... · Early (c.870 Ma) igneous...Missing: Morvern | Show results with:Morvern
[99]
[PDF] Lochaber 2nd trip Fri 5 May – Mon 8 May 2017
May 5, 2017 · Day 3 allowed us to view the three dominant rock types of. Morvern: the underlying Moine schist, the Strontian granite and the extensive Mull ...
[100]
Lochaline - Sand, Rocks and Fossils - Wild About Ardnamurchan
Take the road to Lochaline on the Morvern peninsula to explore ancient metamorphic rocks, Triassic sandstones, basalt lavas and pure white silica sands.
[101]
BGS Lexicon of Named Rock Units - Result Details
Lochaline White Sandstone Formation. Lithological Description: Very pure white to pale yellow-brown well-sorted medium-grained quartz sandstone.
[102]
Jurassic Oysters – Gryphaea - Scottish Geology Trust
Jurassic Oysters – Gryphaea. Fossilised oyster shells, known as Gryphaea or 'devil's toenails', are common at many locations along the West coast of Scotland.
[103]
Lochaber Geology
A unique geopark. Lochaber is unique among geoparks in having a record that involves both ancient plate collisions and, later, rifting apart of plates. In the ...
[104]
[PDF] The long and moving story of the Great Glen Fault
Towards the south, the fault passes along Loch Linnhe and has been traced in Morvern and southeastern Mull.
[105]
[PDF] Silica Sand Mineral Planning Factsheet
The highest purity silica sand in Britain occurs in the Cretaceous-age Lochaline White Sandstone. Formation in the Morvern peninsula and on the Isle of Mull on ...
[106]
Geopark Rock Route 10 - Lochaline Sand Mine - Wild About Lochaber
The sandstones were formed in shallow seas and represents a pure form of silica dioxide (SiO2) (silica). It has been extracted by the Lochaline Sand Mine since ...Missing: origin desert dunes