Gairloch
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gairloch ( Geàrrloch in Gaelic ) is a small village on the shores of Loch Gairloch on the northwest coast of Scotland. A popular tourist destination in the summer months, Gairloch boasts a golf course, a small museum, several hotels, a community centre, a leisure centre with sports facilities, a local radio station, beaches and nearby mountains.
The parish and community of Gairloch extends over a much wider area, including the villages of Poolewe and Kinlochewe, and even Diabaig and Alligin on Loch Torridon.
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[edit] Geography
Gairloch itself comprises two villages separated by the main beach - which is a crescent of white sand. If approaching from the south (via Kinlochewe), Charlestown is the first of Gairloch's villages and is notable for the Old Inn (good food), Flowerdale, the harbour and a Bank of Scotland Halifax. Strath is the main village centre on the northern approach to the village where the tourist information centre, primary and secondary schools, petrol filling station and a number of shops can be found, including an RS McColl Supermarket and Post Office. Beyond Gairloch to the west a number of small settlements can be found; Big Sand, Erradale, and Melvaig. Beyond Melvaig the road narrows to a hair raising track (which is passable with a car) and ends at the Rubha Reidh lighthouse.
The beach is affected by the Gulf Steam, bringing relatively warm waters in summer. These warm waters are ideal for jellyfish which can swarm the local waters.
The Gairloch golf course is short and it involves a lot of crossing and shared fairways; it has a dramatic setting by the beach and a very welcoming club house. The eighth hole is particularly dramatic and challenging.
[edit] Land ownership
The lands around Gairloch have been mostly in the ownership of the Mackenzies of Gairloch since the 15th century, and there is a family house in the sheltered Glen of Flowerdale. The Mackenzies were clan leaders in the traditional sense and were known for their attachment to their tenants. During the 19th century, Sir Hector Mackenzie and his sons Sir Francis and Dr John Mackenzie refused to evict a single tenant during the clearances, despite the estate running at a loss. As a result, evicted Highlanders from other communities came to live in the area and has caused Gairloch to maintain a thriving community even today. The Mackenzies were also keen gardeners. The glen has a microclimate and vegetation that are home to a diverse range of natural life. Dr John Mackenzie states in his memoir 'Pigeonholes of Memory', that his father was able to grow fruiting peaches outdoors. Osgood Mackenzie created the famous Inverewe Garden in nearby Poolewe. There is a walk up the Flowerdale burn, going past the Mackenzie house, Tigh Digh, to an impressive waterfall at the head of the glen. With the aid of public grants, new and refurbished footpaths have been established which allow residents and visitors to enjoy the wooded areas.
[edit] Fishing
Boat fishing and marine wildlife trips can be arranged at the harbour, and there are many hill lochs in the area with trout fishing available. Trips are also available with a working creel boat based in Badachro on the south side of the Gairloch (the "overside").
[edit] Other Information
Internet café facilities are available at several locations in the area. There is a tourist information office, and a filling station (not open Sundays or public holidays). An online photographic tour is available.
There are also two campsites which take tents, caravans and motor homes. One situated in Strath (The Gairloch Holiday Park) and one out on the peninsula at Big Sands.
The village was featured on the BBC One TV series When Love Comes to Town in 2007.
[edit] Two Lochs Radio
Gairloch is also home to the UK's smallest local radio station, Two Lochs Radio (website), which is a community-run station serving the central part of Wester Ross.
[edit] Famous Residents
Jamiroquai frontman JK has a house in nearby Badachro. Gairloch also features globally loved celebrity Angus Campbell, made famous in 2007 by a friend and accomplice who will remain anonumous due to safety fears. Campbell is well known for his outrageous drunken escapades and frequent nudity.
