Avielochan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Avielochan
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 Avielochan
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| OS grid reference | NH905165 |
| Council area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Police | Northern |
| Fire | Highlands and Islands |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament | |
Avielochan (pronounced Ah-vee-LOH-khan, and called Aghaidh an Lochain in Scottish Gaelic) is a small village, also known as a hamlet. It's found in the beautiful Highland area of Scotland. You can find it north of Aviemore, right by the A9 main road. This area is famous for an ancient stone pile called a cairn.
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What is Avielochan Like?
Where is Avielochan Located?
Avielochan is in a place called Strathspey. This area is in the middle of northern Scotland. It's also part of the amazing Cairngorms National Park. The village is located between Kinveachy to the north and Granish to the south.
What Does "Avielochan" Mean?
The name Avielochan comes from a nearby body of water. This water is called Avie Lochan. It means "the small lake of Avie." Long ago, it was known as Loch-na-mhoon. This small lake is about 90 yards long and 50 yards wide.
Did Avielochan Have a Floating Island?
Yes, it did! Before big floods in 1829, there was a floating island on the loch. This island was about 30 yards across. Imagine an island that could move around!
What Wildlife Can You See?
Avielochan is a great place for nature lovers. Many animals and birds live here.
- Birds: During spring and summer, you might see ospreys. Other birds like goldeneye, coot, and Slavonian grebe also visit.
- Animals: The area is home to red squirrels, red deer, and roe deer. You might also spot black grouse and capercaillie.
What Buildings Are in Avielochan?
Can You Stay at Avielochan Farm?
Avielochan Farm offers self-catering cottages. These are available for tourists during the warmer months. It's a great way to experience the countryside. The farm itself is quite large. It covers about 270 hectares. This includes fields for crops, grazing areas, and woodlands.
What is Clach Mhor?
One special building in the village is called Clach Mhor. In Scottish Gaelic, this name means 'big stone'. It's located right on the edge of the village.
What is the Ancient Chamber Tomb?
What is a Chamber Tomb?
Avielochan is well-known for its very old chamber tomb stones. These are prehistoric structures. A chamber tomb is a type of burial monument. It usually has a stone chamber covered by a mound of earth or stones.
What is Special About the Cairn?
The site has a cairn, which is a pile of stones. This cairn is very round. It only has a small flat part where the entrance is. Inside, a piece of a lignite amulet was found. Lignite is a type of soft coal. The cairn is about 40 feet wide.
Where Does the Cairn Look Out To?
People say the cairn is "aligned" with Glen Einich. This means it points towards that glen. From the cairn, you can also see amazing views of the Cairngorm Mountains.
