Cranachan, Lochaber facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cranachan
|
|
|---|---|
 Cranachan
|
|
| OS grid reference | NN 298843 |
| Council area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Postcode district | PH31 4 |
| Police | Northern |
| Fire | Highlands and Islands |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
Cranachan (Scottish Gaelic: Creannachan) is a small farm area in Scotland. It is located about 2.5 miles north-east of Roybridge. This place is in Lochaber, part of the beautiful Highlands. Cranachan is found in the Highland Council area. It sits on the north bank where the River Roy meets the River Allt Glas Dhoire.
Contents
What is Cranachan?
Cranachan is a historic farmstead. A farmstead is a group of buildings that make up a farm. It includes the farmhouse, barns, and other structures. This area has a long history.
The MacDonald Family of Cranachan
The land at Cranachan was once home to the MacDonalds of Cranachan. This family was a branch of the larger Clan MacDonald of Keppoch. A "cadet branch" means they were a younger line of the main family.
Famous People from the Cranachan Family
Several notable people have connections to the MacDonalds of Cranachan.
- Mary McKillop was an Australian Saint. Her mother, Flora MacDonald, came from the Cranachan family.
- Ranald MacDonald was a Catholic Bishop. He was an important religious leader in the Highland District. His mother was also from the Cranachan family.
- 'Long John' MacDonald started the Ben Nevis Distillery. A distillery is a place where drinks like whisky are made. The 'Long John' brand of whisky is named after him.
The Mass Stone
Across the River Roy from Cranachan, there is a special stone. You can reach it by following a path from Cranachan. This stone has a chalice carved into one side. A chalice is a cup used in religious ceremonies.
A Place of Worship
People believe this stone was used as an altar. An altar is a table or block used for religious rituals. Open-air religious services were held here. This happened during times when practicing Catholicism was difficult. People had to worship in secret or in hidden places.
