Lochcarron

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Lochcarron
Gaelic: Loch Carrann
Ross-shire
Lochcarron Foreshore - geograph.org.uk - 938474.jpg
Lochcarron Foreshore
Location
Grid reference: NG857387
Location: 57°24’-0"N, 5°30’0"W
Data
Population: 923
Post town: Lochcarron
Postcode: IV54
Dialling code: 01520
Local Government
Council: Highland
Parliamentary
constituency:
Ross, Skye and Lochaber

Lochcarron is a village and parish on the west coast of Ross-shire. It has a population of 923.[1]

Local information

The name Lochcarron is also applied to the collection of small settlements strung out along Loch Carron. The village stretches for almost two miles, meandering along the shore of the loch. In the 19th Century the village was named Janetown, then Jeantown.[2] The local newspaper, An Carrannach, is published on a monthly basis.

The surrounding area

Lochcarron is a central location for hillwalking and touring the West Coast Highlands, including the Torridon, Plockton and Skye regions. Not too far from the village lies the famous road Bealach na Bà (Gaelic for Pass of the cattle), which links the town of Applecross to the rest of the mainland. It is a road popular with tourists, drivers, and motorcyclists alike for its stunning scenery and hairpin bends.

Employment

Currently the area's biggest employment sectors include tourism, crofting, and fish farming. Other employers include transportation via sea and road, and quarry work. Service industries include engineering, motor garages, health services and education.

Sport and recreation

Sailing is a popular activity amongst the local and visiting population, and as such, a local Royal Yachting Association-accredited, and Volvo Championship Club hosts free sailing sessions every Wednesday evening (between April and October), and racing sessions every Sunday afternoon. The Club's Website

Lochcarron is home to the local shinty team Lochcarron Camanachd. The team currently play their home games at Battery Park in the west end of the village. The playing field is used during the week for training, and knockabout sessions.

Golf is another popular sport within the village. The golf course itself is a 9-hole course. The club is over 150 years old, and contains a clubhouse which offers catering facilities and golf clubs available to hire.

Nearby Attadale hosts an annual Highland Games every third Saturday of July.

References