- Scourie
infobox UK place
country = Scotland
official_name= Scourie
gaelic_name= Sgobharaidh
population =
os_grid_reference= NC157447
latitude=58.15
longitude=-5.15
unitary_scotland= Highland
lieutenancy_scotland=Sutherland
constituency_westminster= Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
constituency_scottish_parliament= Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross constituency in the Highlands and Islands electoral region
post_town= LAIRG
postcode_district = IV27
postcode_area= IV
dial_code= 01971Scourie (Scottish Gaelic "Sgobharaidh", historically spelled "Scoury") is a village on the north-west coast of
Scotland , about halfway betweenUllapool andDurness . It is in the traditional county ofSutherland , now part of the Highland region, and the population of the village is just over two hundred. It is known as the birthplace ofHugh Mackay , a British general in the 17th century. The name originates from the Gaelic for Shed Sheiling [ [http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/vli/language/gaelic/pdfs/placenamesP-Z.pdf Scottish Parliament Place Names Reference] ] - a stone-built place of shelter used during the summer months.The nearby island of Handa is a
nature reserve and the site of a large seabird colony, includingpuffin s,skua s, guillemots andrazorbill s. The palm trees in the grounds of Scourie House next to the harbour are claimed to be the most northerly specimens in the world not grown in artificial conditions. However, this is a popular misconception. The "palms" in the grounds are actuallyCordyline australis , a native New Zealand tree which is found in lowland and montane areas. In the UK it is commonly referred to as "Torbay Palm" or "Cornwall Palm". [cite web | url=http://www.englishriviera.co.uk/site/attractions/gardens-and-parks | title="Cabbage tree" in England]The village has accommodation for tourists in several small hotels, including the "Scourie Hotel", and
Bed and Breakfast s and acampsite . However, all are closed from October to March apart from "Scourie Guest House" which is open all year. Off season, the nearest decent shopping/eating is inUllapool .Fishing is a popular attraction due to the large number of freshwater
loch s in the remote area.Scourie plays host to the home matches of shinty team,
Kinlochbervie Camanachd Club External links
*
* [http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/scourie/scourie/ Undiscovered Scotland] -information and many useful pictures
* [http://robinwilson.net/scouriecu/scouriecu.html Panorama of Scourie Bay] (QuickTime required)References
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