Gairloch

infobox UK place
country = Scotland
official_name= Gairloch
gaelic_name= Geàrrloch
population =
os_grid_reference= NG850690
latitude=57.7
longitude=-5.6666667
map_type=Scotland
unitary_scotland= Highland
lieutenancy_scotland= Ross and Cromarty
constituency_westminster= Ross, Skye and Lochaber
constituency_scottish_parliament= Ross, Skye and Inverness West
post_town= GAIRLOCH
postcode_district = IV21
postcode_area= IV
dial_code= 01445

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. The nearest train station is located at Achnasheen. The nearest airport is in Inverness.

Geography

Gairloch is a loosely defined area of sttlement along the shores of Loch Gairloch, but primarily comprises three main clusters of shops, houses and amenities: the Harbour area (including Charleston on the south side of the harbour), Achtercairn and Strath. If approaching from the south (via Kinlochewe), Charleston and the harbour are met first. Achtercairn is centred around the road junction with the coastal road that leads west to Strath and on towards Melvaig. The main A832 road heads steeply up Achtercairn Brae leading out of the village to the north and on to Poolewe.

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.

Beyond Gairloch to the west a number of small settlements can be found; Big Sand, North 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.

Land ownership

The lands around Gairloch have been mostly in the ownership of the Mackenzies of Gairloch since the 15th century, when they were acquired by Hector Roy Mackenzie (died 1528), 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.

Fishing

Gairloch and nearby Badachro have a strong history of creel shellfish fishing as well as small scale trawl fishing. The number of active boats is in decline, however, and Gairloch has seen both of its shellfish processing businesses fall by the wayside over the last 10 years. There are still a few dedicated fishermen who work regularly for their living, but many have moved on.

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").

Local information

Shops and Post Offices are to be found in Strath and in Pier Road at the harbour. Public services such as police station, leisure centre, schools, library and health centre, as well as a small supermarket and a garden centre, are in the central Achtercairn area. There is a tourist information office, and a filling station (not open Sundays or public holidays). Internet café facilities are available at several locations in the area.

Two campsites take tents, caravans and motor homes - one in Strath ( [http://www.gairlochcaravanpark.com Gairloch Holiday Park] ) and one to the west on Little Sand Farm ( [http://www.sandscaravanandcamping.co.uk Sands Caravan & Camping] ). A youth hostel, situated approximately half-way from Strath to Sand, has superb views across the bay towards Skye.

The Gairloch golf course is short and 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.

An online [http://www.gairloch.co.uk/guide/tour/ photographic tour] is available.

The village was featured on the BBC One TV series "When Love Comes to Town" in 2007.

Two lochs radio

Gairloch is home to the UK's smallest local radio station, Two Lochs Radio [http://www.2lr.co.uk/ (website)] , which is a community-run station serving the central part of Wester Ross.

Famous residents

Jamiroquai frontman Jay Kay has a house in nearby Red Point. When he's up on holiday he frequents both the Badachro Inn and the Glendale House.

Gallery