Balallan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Balallan
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 Balallan Post Office |
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 Balallan
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| Language | Scottish Gaelic English |
| OS grid reference | NB285206 |
| Civil parish |
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| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ISLE OF LEWIS |
| Postcode district | HS2 |
| Dialling code | 01851 |
| Police | Northern |
| Fire | Highlands and Islands |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Balallan (pronounced Bal-AL-an) is a small, spread-out village in Scotland. Its name comes from the Scottish Gaelic "Baile Ailein," which means "Allan's Town." You can find Balallan on the beautiful Isle of Lewis, which is part of the Outer Hebrides islands. It's located in an area called Lochs.
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Discover Balallan: Scotland's Longest Village
Balallan is quite special because it's known as the longest village on the Isle of Lewis. It stretches for about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) from one end to the other. This makes it one of the longest villages in northern Scotland too!
The village is spread out along the top of a long sea loch, which is like a narrow arm of the sea reaching inland. It sits between the areas of Arivruach and Laxay, right at the head of Loch Erisort.
How Balallan Grew
Balallan grew because people living there could both farm small plots of land and go fishing. This way of life is called "crofting." People built their homes along the loch shore.
Each family living by the loch had direct access to the water for their boats. They also had access to the open moorland behind their homes for their sheep. The high ground to the west helped protect their crofts from strong winds and bad weather.
Village Life and Landmarks
In the past, Balallan had a police house. Today, the village still has a post office, which is an important place for sending mail and other services.
The Deer Park Raiders Memorial
Just south of Balallan village, you can find a special stone monument called a cairn. This cairn is a memorial to the "Deer Park Raiders." It remembers a time when people fought for their right to use land. This cairn is one of three such memorials on the Isle of Lewis that honor these important "Land Struggle" events.
Famous Faces from Balallan
A well-known person who grew up in Balallan is Rachael Johnstone. She is a talented goalkeeper for the famous Scottish football club, Celtic.
Images for kids
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A view of Balallan village on the Isle of Lewis.
