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The coastal village formed on the northwestern shores of the county in the Scottish Highlands. Iron Age duns and Bronze Age forts indicate the Picts maintained the first settlements here. Later, the Vikings invaded and called the territory home. The Norsemen ruled the land until their defeat in a battle occurring in 1263. Once the Norse left or blended into the local culture, the MacKenzies and MacDonalds warred for dominance.
James IV eventually awarded the lands to the MacKenzies, who maintain ownership of properties today. The MacKenzies constructed a large manor estate, found the climate, and land appealing for gardening.
Besides having farms and other land holdings, the MacKenzie estate subsequently survived selling produce from fruit orchards and vegetable gardens. Besides fishing, the village economy counted on the herring fishing industry.
Many locals had illicit whiskey stills. As inland farms and landowners experienced crop failure and famine, landowners resorted to livestock production. These harsh economic times caused many families to search for lives elsewhere. Many travelled to the seacoast and began a life of fishing. These newcomers increased Giarloch’s population. Harbour construction and the introduction of train service brought new residents and holiday guests. The community developed additional private and public housing to meet the demands.
Activities and Attractions
The Gairloch Heritage Museum depicts the timeline of human occupation in the community from the time of prehistoric civilizations. See how people survived Stone Age life using primitive tools and utensils. Learn about the mysteries surrounding Pictish stone carvings. Examine the array of farm tools throughout the centuries when cultures often relied on skills rather than technology. Visit a historic farmhouse, schoolroom and village shop. Learn about the traditional cleilidh, a village celebration often held at the end of a hard day’s farming or fishing. Inspect the vessels used by fishermen in medieval times, often hand crafted before the luxury of shipbuilding factories. Learn the importance of the first lighthouses and how they ensured the safety of seagoing sailors.
Venture down to the Gairloch harbour and join a cruise boat heading out to view local marine life. Dolphins, porpoises, sharks and whales commonly inhabit the local waters offering an amazing opportunity for a rare glance of these animals interacting in their natural environment. Board a local fishing boat and head out to catch crabs, lobsters, octopus and other local seafood. Passengers experience how local anglers obtain the catch of the day, which local restaurants purchase and prepare. Watch the crew go through the paces and the equipment used for nabbing the shellfish. Guests also have first dibs of the fresh catch of the day.
The shores of Gairloch compare favourably to some tropical destinations. Rocky cliffs surround soft, sandy beaches that line crystal clear blue waters. Bask in the warm glow of the sun or partake in boating or sailing adventures.
Guests have the chance to explore authentic Victorian gardens planted by the MacKenzie family when going to the Inverwe Gardens. Besides common fruit trees and vegetable gardens, MacKenzie obtained flowering plants from around the world. He constructed the 50-acre (20 hectare) by shipping in special soils and building glasshouses. The collection of exotic plants includes Eucalyptus from Tasmania, Olearia from New Zealand and Rhododendrons from the Himalayas. MacKenzie went so far as Africa and Chili for other colourful plants. The location additionally features 2,000 acres (809 hectares) of conservation land containing paths and trails leading to interpretation sites in wetland and wooded areas. Paths also trail to the coast for optimal marine life viewing.
Explore the hills and valleys surrounding the local area. See herds of historic red deer and Highland cattle. Play it safe and walk along well-established paths or indulge a sense of adventure and scale the faces of local summits.
The nearby Torridon Estate features a visitor’s centre and deer museum explaining the history of the herds and the role the animal played in different cultures. In addition to spectacular scenery, the facility houses some of the animals in pens for up close viewing and encounters.
Places to Stay and Dining
Wooded hills provide the perfect backdrop for inns located along the sandy shores of the sheltered bay. Guests step outside and enjoy mountain climbing around the coast or fishing and swimming in the transparent waters of the bay.
Besides the freshest seafood possible, the Bachro Inn Restaurant serves a selection of other snacks and meals. Enjoy baked potatoes topped with haggis or chilli and cheese. Feast on a plate full of locally made sausages, mashed potatoes and onion gravy.
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