Introduction

This evening, my theme is Scottish Glens. ‘Glen’ is a Scots/Gaelic word for ‘valley’. Because of the mountainous terrain Scotland is very well populated with glens and valleys. I am going to focus on seven glens with which I am familiar and feature on my tours and travels.

Information on Scottish Glens: Section 1

Firstly, here is Glen Nevis near to Fort William. Close by is Ben Nevis which is Scotland’s and Britain’s) tallest mountain. I usually include a trip down this glen when possible on tours of the Highlands. Apart from the rugged scenery, there is usually a free-ranging herd of Highland Cattle to observe.

Here is Fairy Glen on the Isle of Skye which features conical hills. I believe these formations date back to the last ice age and may have been formed by wind action.

Rouken Glen, south of Glasgow. A popular country park with a stream or burn running through it. Very popular with Glaswegians and good for photo opps during the changing seasons.

Glen Almond, Perthshire. Here is the location of a Highland Clearance Village dating from around the 18th century. During the late 1700s and early 1800s many of Scotland’s landowners ruthlessly cleared tenants from their land in order to switch to more profitable sheep farming. Because the former villages were built of stone many still exist in a ruined state around the country.

This township located in Glen Almond near Crieff in Highland Perthshire is contemporary with otherwise identical communities subject to the Clearances. However, there is no documentary evidence to conclusively confirm that the residents at Craignavar Township were forcibly ‘cleared’. It is possible the economic model operating here failed and the occupants left of their own volition, around 1820.

Information on Scottish Glens: Section 2

Glen Quaich in Perthshire, central Scotland. So named because of the scenery’s resemblance to a round bowl, drinking vessel called a quaich. Driving through this scenery, along a one track road, is a stunning experience and if the weather is right offers super photo opportunities including Loch Tay.

 Kilmartin Glen on the west of Scotland, not far from Oban. Here is concentrated a vast collection of prehistoric stone circles, standing stones, burial cairns and rock art. One of my favourite spots. To get a full appreciation for the history, at least one full day in the area is recommended. 

This is Glencoe, one of the most popular visitor sites in Scotland. There is the rugged and romantic scenery which is good at all times of the year plus the connection with infamous 1692 massacre.Here a community of MacDonalds were slaughtered by an army contingent made up of Campbells. The fallout from this event still gives rise to tensions between MacDonalds and Campbells.

More Information for the visitor to Scotland

The publication, Visitors’ Guide to Scotland includes sections on landscapes, history, cities, architecture and much more. This book is heavily illustrated and contains a wealth of information on Scotland. The ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. Also available via Kindle.