Breadalbane, Scotland facts for kids
Breadalbane (pronounced "bra-DAWL-ban") is a beautiful, mountainous area in the southern part of the Scottish Highlands. Its name comes from a Scottish Gaelic phrase, Bràghaid Albann, which means "upper Alba" or "upland of Alba." Alba is the old name for Scotland.
This region includes the area around Loch Tay. Its borders are roughly defined by the West Highland Way in the west and Loch Earn in the south. You can also find the Breadalbane Hydro-Electric Scheme here, which uses water power to make electricity.
If you like bagpipe music, you might know the "Atholl and Breadalbane Gathering." It's a very popular tune for the Great Highland Bagpipes!
History of Breadalbane
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Breadalbane was once known as one of Scotland's traditional "provinces." It was surrounded by other areas like Atholl and Argyll. The title of Earl of Breadalbane and Holland was created for this region. Later, this title was even upgraded to Marquess of Breadalbane.
The Clan Campbell played a big part in making Breadalbane a special area. Before 1449, this land was part of Atholl. But then, Colin Campbell of Glenorchy, who was the second son of the Clan Campbell leader, received the land. King James II of Scotland gave it to him as a thank you. Colin Campbell had helped the king by capturing the people who had assassinated King James I of Scotland.
The Campbells helped make the area quite independent from Atholl. In 1681, they were rewarded for their loyalty to the royal family. Breadalbane officially became an independent Earldom, given to Colin Campbell's heir. The Campbells helped the king keep control over this important central part of Scotland.
Because Breadalbane was a rural and isolated place, it was overseen by a sheriff from Perth, Scotland. Later, in the mid-1800s, Scotland's local government changed. Old provinces were replaced by new "Counties" or "shires." Because of this, Breadalbane became part of the new county called Perthshire. Over time, Breadalbane became less distinct from Atholl.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
A large part of Breadalbane is located within the beautiful Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. This park is a great place for outdoor adventures. Ben More is the highest mountain you can find in this national park.
The "Breadalbane" area within the National Park is actually bigger than the historical province of Breadalbane. It's divided into four community areas. These include Balquhidder, Killin, St Fillans, and Strathfillan. Even though Balquhidder wasn't historically part of Breadalbane, the Campbell family owned land there.
Places Named After Breadalbane
The name "Breadalbane" has traveled far beyond Scotland! Many places around the world have been named after this Scottish region:
- Broadalbin, New York in the United States was named after Breadalbane.
- There are also Breadalbane Streets in both Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
- You can find a village called Breadalbane in the province of Prince Edward Island in Canada.
- In Australia, there's a small village named Breadalbane, New South Wales in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales.
