INTRODUCTION

This evening, I am posting information on the village of Lochaline which lies at the head of Loch Aline. The waterway is a sea loch on the west of Scotland which connects with the Sound of Mull. This ultimately connects with the Atlantic Ocean.

INFORMATION ON LOCHALINE

The village (pop 200) serves as a ferry port for persons and vehicles crossing from Fishnish on Isle of Mull. For travellers wishing to depart Mull for the North of Scotland the Fishnish-Lochaline route can result in significant time-saving. Alternative is the busy Craignure-Oban route.

The name is derived from Gaelic, Loch ath a’ linne which means ‘the loch of the ford of the pool’. The location benefits from a sheltered, deep-water anchorage. This has been an important, natural harbour for the Morvern Peninsula from time immemorial.

Lochaline and the Morvern Peninsula have been occupied by man since prehistoric times (c. 5000 BC). Subsequently, the area came under control of the Vikings (9th-13th centuries) and then Somerled and Lord of the Isles (1266-1493). At Kiel, near Lochaline village is a collection of finely carved gravestones and free-standing crosses from the medieval period.

In more recent time (1843) the construction of Lochaline Old Pier was a public works project. This provided relief for local victims of the Potato Famine and Highland Clearances. At around this time many local people emigrated to North America and Australasia.

A limited selection of visitor accommodation and other facilities is available at the village.

MORE INFORMATION

The publication Visitors’ Guide to Scotland contains a wide range of information for the visitor. ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is also available via Kindle.