Killin

Killin ("Cill Fhinn" 'the White [or Fair] Church' in Gaelic ) is a village with about 640 inhabitants situated at the western head of Loch Tay in Stirling (formerly Perthshire), Scotland.

The west end of the village is magnificently sited around the scenic Falls of Dochart, the main street leading down towards the Loch at the confluence of the rivers Dochart and Lochay. The Falls are crossed by a narrow, multi-arched stone bridge carrying the main A827 road into Killin.

Killin railway station was on the Killin Railway. The station was officially closed on 1 November 1965.

The MacNab Clan were once dominant here, and have long been associated with Killin. Their ancient burial ground is on Inchbuie in the River Dochart, just below the Falls, and is visible from the bridge.
Kinnell House was the seat of the MacNabs. A well preserved prehistoric standing stone circle (possibly 'restored' to improve its appearance) can be seen in the grounds of the House. To the north of the village lie the ruins of the Campbells of Breadalbane stronghold of Finlarig Castle, with its associated chapel. The growing power of the Campbells eventually ousted the MacNabs, who lost Kinnell House to their rivals. In 1694 Sir John Campbell of Glenorchy, 1st Earl of Breadalbane established Killin as a Burgh of barony.

By the end of the 18th century there was a local linen industry. Flax was grown locally, spun in small mills and woven into linen by home based weavers. Today, Killin services the local rural community and the growing tourism and leisure industries. In addition to walking on Ben Lawers, fishing for trout and salmon there are various watersports available on Loch Tay. Many local vernacular buildings have been preserved or converted, allowing the village to retain much of its historic character.

The 19th century Moirlanich Longhouse in nearby Glen Lochay is a rare surviving example of the cruck frame Scottish longhouse, and is now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. The Breadalbane Folklore Centre in the Victorian former village mill displays the 'healing stones' of Saint Fillan.

External links

* [http://www.killin.info The Killin Web Site]
* [http://www.geo.ed.ac.uk/scotgaz/towns/townfirst531.html Killin on the Gazeteer for Scotland]
* [http://www.incallander.co.uk/breadalbane.htm Killin on Loch Lomond and Trossachs Guide]
* [http://www.wakefieldfhs.org.uk/genealogyjunction/Perthshire/Killin%20War%20Memorial.shtml Killin war memorial]