Balvicar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Balvicar
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 Balvicar
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| Population | 112 |
| Language | English Scottish Gaelic |
| OS grid reference | NM7617 |
| • Edinburgh | 96.54 mi (155.37 km) ESE |
| • London | 399.58 mi (643.06 km) SE |
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | OBAN |
| Postcode district | PA34 |
| Dialling code | 01852 |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament | |
Balvicar (which is Baile a' Bhiocair in Scottish Gaelic) is a small village in Scotland. It is located on the island of Seil, about 7 miles (11 km) southwest of the town of Oban. Balvicar is one of three villages on Seil, along with Ellenabeich and Clachan-Seil.
For many years, Balvicar was known as a place where people mined slate. This mining began way back in the 1500s! The slate mines stopped working completely between the 1940s and 1960s. Today, Balvicar is a quiet village with a strong connection to the sea.
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What Can You Find in Balvicar?
Balvicar might be small, but it has some important places for its community.
Local Shops and Services
The village has a handy shop where you can buy everyday items. This shop also works as the local post office, which is very helpful for residents.
Sports and Recreation
If you enjoy golf, you'll be happy to know that the Isle of Seil Golf Club is right here in Balvicar. It's a great spot for locals and visitors to play a round.
Balvicar's Fishing and Sea Industries
The sea plays a big part in Balvicar's life.
- There is a fish factory that processes langoustines. These are a type of seafood, similar to small lobsters.
- The langoustines caught here are sent to other countries for people to enjoy.
- Many fishing boats operate from Balvicar Bay, catching seafood using special traps called creels.
- The village also has a boatyard. This is a place where boats can be repaired and looked after.
- The boatyard helps both fishing boats and pleasure boats. It also offers a place to store yachts and small commercial boats during the winter.
Language in Balvicar
While most people in Balvicar speak English, a small number of people also speak Scottish Gaelic. About 2.68% of the population uses this traditional Scottish language.
