Falls of Shin facts for kids
The Falls of Shin is a beautiful waterfall located on the River Shin in northern Scotland. You can find it close to the villages of Bonar Bridge and Lairg. This natural spot is famous for its stunning views and the amazing salmon that leap up the falls.
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A Place to Visit
For many years, the Falls of Shin has been a popular place for visitors. It used to have a busy visitor centre. This centre was part of Balnagown Estates, a company owned by a well-known businessman. The old centre had a restaurant and other shops for people to enjoy.
The Fire and a New Beginning
Sadly, the original visitor centre was destroyed by a fire in May 2013. But the community and Balnagown Estates didn't give up! They worked together with the Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust to create something new and even better.
In May 2017, a brand new visitor centre officially opened. This was a big event, and people called it "Celebra-Shin"! Today, the cafe inside the centre is run by a company called Mac & Wild. They have other restaurants in London, and the Falls of Shin is their third location.
What You Can Do There
The Falls of Shin is more than just a waterfall. It's a great place for a family day out!
- Salmon Viewing Platform: This is one of the main attractions. You can watch salmon as they try to jump up the waterfall. It's an incredible sight, especially during the right season!
- Mini Golf Course: Test your putting skills on the fun mini-golf course.
- Woodland Walks: Explore the beautiful surrounding nature on easy walking paths.
- Children's Playpark: Kids can have a blast in the large outdoor play area.
Salmon and the Waterfall
The Falls of Shin is very important for salmon. These amazing fish swim upstream from the sea to lay their eggs. Sometimes, changes were made to the waterfall to help the salmon swim past it more easily. This helps them complete their long journey.
