Sound of Arisaig facts for kids
The Sound of Arisaig is a beautiful sea inlet located in Lochaber, Scotland. It acts like a natural border, separating the Arisaig peninsula in the north from the Moidart peninsula in the south.
At its eastern end, the Sound of Arisaig splits into two smaller sea lochs, which are like arms of the sea reaching inland. These are Loch nan Uamh to the north and Loch Ailort to the south. A piece of land called Ardnish divides them.
There are also several small islands within the sound. The biggest ones are Eilean nan Gobhar and Samalaman Island, both found close to the village of Glenuig on the southern shore.
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Travel Routes in the Sound of Arisaig
The area around the Sound of Arisaig is home to important travel routes. The A830 road, often called the "Road to the Isles," runs along the eastern part of Loch Ailort. It then crosses Ardnish and continues west along the northern shore of Loch nan Uamh and the main sound.
The West Highland Line, a famous railway, follows the exact same path as the A830 road. Another road, the A861 road, travels along the south shore of Loch Ailort and the sound, reaching as far west as Glenuig.
A Place of History: Prince's Cairn
The Sound of Arisaig holds a special place in Scottish history. Overlooking Loch nan Uamh, you can find the Prince's Cairn. This cairn (a pile of stones) marks the exact spot where Bonnie Prince Charlie left Scotland for the last time.
This happened on September 20, 1746, after his attempt to reclaim the throne in the Jacobite rising of 1745 was unsuccessful. The cairn reminds people of this important moment in Scottish history.
Protecting Nature: Special Area of Conservation
The Sound of Arisaig is very important for its natural environment. It has been named a marine Special Area of Conservation. This means the area is protected to help keep its unique marine life and habitats safe and healthy for the future.
Inspired by the Sound: Literary Connection
The beautiful landscapes of Arisaig, Ardnish, and the Sound of Arisaig have inspired writers. These places were the setting for the "Ian and Sovra" series of children's novels by Elinor Lyon. She confirmed this in a letter, showing how much the area meant to her stories.
