Coigach facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coigach
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 The township of Achduart, with Cairn Conmheall in the background. |
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 Coigach
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| Population | 228 |
| OS grid reference | NC025085 |
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ULLAPOOL |
| Postcode district | IV26 |
| Dialling code | 01854 |
| Police | Northern |
| Fire | Highlands and Islands |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Coigach (Scottish Gaelic: A' Chòigeach) is a beautiful peninsula in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland. It's located north of Ullapool. This area is home to a traditional community of a few hundred houses. These homes are nestled between mountains and the sea. From Coigach, you can look out over the Summer Isles and the ocean.
The main village in Coigach is Achiltibuie. Like its neighbour, Assynt, Coigach has mountains that rise steeply. These mountains are surrounded by quiet, lochan-filled moorland. The coast is rocky with many islands, bays, and headlands. The highest mountain is Ben Mor Coigach at 743 metres. Another famous peak is Stac Pollaidh, known for its unique shape.
Coigach and Assynt are so beautiful that they are part of a special area. It's called the Assynt-Coigach National Scenic Area. This is one of 40 such protected places in Scotland. The name Coigach comes from the Gaelic word for "five" or "fifths". It refers to the five main settlements: Achduart, Achnacarinan, Acheninver, Achnahaird, and Achiltibuie.
How Coigach is Governed
Coigach is part of the Highland council area in Scotland. This means it's managed by the Highland Council. For things like land records, it's still linked to Ross and Cromarty.
Community Efforts
In 2010, the local community started a special company. It's called the Coigach Community Development Company. This group works to improve life for everyone in Coigach. They focus on important issues for the area.
Their goals include making sure there are affordable homes. They also work to improve health services for residents. Another aim is to help the local economy grow. They want to make Coigach a better place to live and visit.
To help fund their projects, the community company has a wind turbine. This turbine generates electricity. The money earned from the wind turbine supports the community's plans.
Protecting Nature in Coigach
Coigach is part of an exciting project called the Coigach and Assynt Living Landscape Project. This project is a partnership. It brings together landowners, local people, and charities. The main partner is the Scottish Wildlife Trust.
The project aims to help nature and the economy. It focuses on restoring the local environment. This means bringing back healthy woodlands. It also helps plants and animals to thrive. The project wants to make the Scottish uplands rich in wildlife again.
A Bit of History
Coigach has a strong history of its people standing up for themselves. During the Highland Clearances, some landlords tried to force people off their land. This happened in Coigach in 1852-1853.
However, the women of Coigach bravely resisted. They faced policemen and officers. They took away their official papers and burned them. They even threw the officers' batons into the sea! The men of Coigach were ready to support the women.
The officers had to leave without completing their task. They couldn't serve any summons or evict anyone. This happened again a few weeks later, with the same result. The people of Coigach held strong for over two years. In the end, the landlords gave up. Coigach was a rare victory for the community. They successfully stayed on their land.
