51-472: Lochalsh is a district of mainland Scotland that is currently part of the Highland council area. The Lochalsh district covers all of the mainland either side of Loch Alsh - and of Loch Duich - between Loch Carron and Loch Hourn , ie. from Stromeferry in the north on Loch Carron down to Corran on Loch Hourn (past Arnisdale at the south end of the road from Glenelg) and as (south-)west as Kintail . It
102-622: A galley with all hands in the waters of Loch Alsh. Clan Matheson , led by the McRuari descendants of Somerled, were another power in the area, fighting for Donald of the Isles at the Battle of Harlaw in 1411 against an army commanded by Alexander Stewart, Earl of Mar . Later, as a result of a feud with Clan MacDonell of Glengarry , clan Matheson switched allegiance to the Mackenzies. John Dubh
153-620: A number of times since. The council area covers a land area of 25,653 square kilometres (9,905 sq mi) – which is 11.4% of the land area of Great Britain, 32.9% of the land area of Scotland and an area 20% larger than Wales. The Highland and Islands division of Police Scotland also includes the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland (the former area of the Northern Constabulary ) and therefore covers an area of 30,659 square kilometres (11,838 sq mi), which
204-481: A population of just 2,681 in 2017. The population is healthy, well-educated, growing very slowly and ageing. As of August 2003 the unemployment rate was 2.7%. Tourism is now central to the economy. The wholesale, hotels & restaurants sector is the largest employer with 26.8% of the workforce, followed closely by the Public Administration, Education & Health sector. There are many attractions in
255-495: A series of ice ages . Iron Age brochs , tall stone towers up to ten meters high and more than 2,000 years old, are found near Glenelg to the south. Records from Roman times describe the people of the area as Picts , a Celtic people. The Scots , a tribe of Gaels from Ireland, established the kingdom of Dál Riata in the Hebrides and western Scotland late in the 6th century, and their Gaelic language gradually replaced
306-660: Is a council area in the Scottish Highlands and is the largest local government area in the United Kingdom. It was the 7th most populous council area in Scotland at the 2011 census . It has land borders with the council areas of Aberdeenshire , Argyll and Bute , Moray and Perth and Kinross . The wider upland area of the Scottish Highlands after which the council area is named extends beyond
357-631: Is from the Gaelic caol , meaning a strait . Loch Alsh lies between hills just east of the Moine Thrust Belt , an unusual geological structure that runs from the Sleat peninsula in Skye on a northeast diagonal to Loch Eriboll on the north coast of Scotland. In this area, geologists found in 1907 that younger rocks from the west lay below the older rocks of the east, a discovery that helped lead to
408-404: Is larger than that of the state of Belgium . Though relatively populous for a Scottish council area, it is also sparsely populated. At 9 per km in 2022, the population density is less than one seventh of Scotland's as a whole, and comparable with that of Bolivia , Chad and Russia. Historically, the area was home to a much higher percentage of Scotland's population. The rural population of
459-791: Is mountainous. The areas east of Inverness, as well as the Black Isle , eastern Sutherland, and all of Caithness are, in fact, low-lying. According to the 2011 UK census, there are nearly 12,000 Scottish Gaelic speakers in the Highland area. The local authority is the Highland Council , based at the Highland Council Headquarters in Inverness (formerly the main offices of Inverness-shire County Council). The council also has numerous local offices across
510-642: The Highland Railway opened the Kyle of Lochalsh Line , connecting to the Skye ferry. During World War II, Loch Alsh was a British naval base. On 26 November 1940 the mine layer HMS Port Napier dragged her anchor during a gale and sank in the Kyle of Loch Alsh. The wreck remains and may be visited by scuba divers. In 1995 the Skye Bridge across the Kyle of Lochalsh was opened, connecting Skye to
561-535: The House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom the Highland area is represented by Members of Parliament (MPs) elected from four constituencies : Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross ; Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire ; Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey ; and Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber . The latter two straddle the borders with neighbouring council areas. Each constituency elects one MP by
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#1732776901532612-694: The Inner Hebrides , notably the Isle of Skye . The Highland area covers the historic counties of Caithness , Inverness-shire , Nairnshire , Ross and Cromarty and Sutherland , with the exception of the parts of Inverness-shire and Ross and Cromarty in the Outer Hebrides . The area also includes an area around Ardnamurchan from the historic county of Argyll and the Grantown-on-Spey area from Moray , which were both transferred to
663-513: The Isle of Man . The Hebrides and the Isle of Man had become Norwegian territory during centuries when both Scotland and Norway were still forming themselves as coherent nation-states, and Norwegian control had been formalised in 1098, when Edgar of Scotland signed the islands over to Magnus III of Norway . In Norwegian terms, the islands were the Sudreys , meaning Southern Isles. The treaty
714-550: The Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 , which reformed local government across Scotland, replacing the counties, burghs and landward districts with a two-tier structure of upper-tier regions and lower-tier districts. Highland was one of the regions , and it was divided into eight districts: Badenoch and Strathspey , Caithness , Inverness , Lochaber , Nairn , Ross and Cromarty , Skye and Lochalsh and Sutherland . Further local government reforms in 1996 under
765-399: The Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 saw the regions and districts created in 1975 abolished and replaced with single-tier council areas . The former Highland region became one of the new council areas, run by the Highland Council . The Highland Council has run various area committees since its creation. These were initially based on the abolished districts, but have been reviewed
816-624: The Scottish–Norwegian War en route to the Battle of Largs . Kyleakin may take its name from this event. Eilean Donan castle at Dornie was founded in the thirteenth century, and became a stronghold of Clan Mackenzie and their allies Clan MacLennan and Clan Macrae . In the early eighteenth century the Mackenzies' involvement in the Jacobite rebellions led in 1719 to the castle's destruction by government ships. Lieutenant-Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap's twentieth-century reconstruction of
867-463: The first past the post system of election. The largest settlements by population are: 47,790 10,190 7,390 6,870 5,950 5,600 5,470 5,360 3,930 3,830 Other settlements include: Treaty of Perth The Treaty of Perth , signed 2 July 1266, ended military conflict between Magnus the Lawmender of Norway and Alexander III of Scotland over possession of the Hebrides and
918-529: The Highland clans in 1429, Alexander went to war against the king. Although defeated and forced to surrender, his authority in the Hebrides and western highlands was such that he remained a leading power in the kingdom. In 1431, while Alexander was in Tantallon Castle, a prisoner of the king, Clan Donald defeated James I's royal army at Inverlochy, and the king was forced to accept Alexander as Lord of
969-422: The Highland council area does not cover the whole of the uplands and cultural region known as the Scottish Highlands . There is no official definition for the wider area, but it is often described to also include parts of the council areas of Aberdeenshire , Angus , Argyll and Bute , Moray , North Ayrshire , Perth and Kinross , Stirling or West Dunbartonshire . The Highland Region was created in 1975 under
1020-413: The Highland council area into all the neighbouring council areas plus Angus and Stirling . The Highland Region was created covering the area in 1975 as part of a two-tier local government structure of upper-tier regions and lower-tier districts. The Highland Region had eight districts. Local government was reorganised again in 1996 into single-tier council areas, with the former region becoming one of
1071-597: The Highland council area is Ben Nevis , the tallest mountain in both Scotland and the United Kingdom as a whole. Its northernmost point is the Island of Stroma , in the Pentland Firth . Its southernmost point is on the Morvern peninsula. Highland contains the northernmost and westernmost points of the island of Great Britain, respectively at Dunnet Head and Corrachadh Mòr . Despite the name, not all of Highland
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#17327769015321122-574: The Highland region as part of the 1975 reforms. Unlike the other council areas of Scotland, the name Highland is often not used as a proper noun . The council's website only sometimes refers to the area as being Highland , and other times as being the Highland Council Area or the Highlands . Road signs on the boundary of the council area say "Welcome to the Highlands" rather than "Welcome to Highland". Although named after it,
1173-428: The Highlands (both within and outwith the council area) declined in the late 19th century even as Scotland's grew substantially. For example, the population of Skye declined from 23,082 in 1841 to 15,705 in 1891 and a low point of 7,183 in 1971, before growing in more recent decades. The city of Inverness is by far the largest settlement, with its urban area having a population of 59,910 in 2012. The highest point in
1224-483: The Isles and Master of Ross. Alexander gave his son Celestine Celestine of Lochalsh Lochalsh, Lochcarron, and Lochbroom in Wester Ross. He gave his son Uisdean (Hugh of Sleat) Sleat on Skye. The medieval clan MacDonald of Lochalsh was thus founded by Celestine (or Gilleasbaig) MacDonald of the Isles in the 15th century. He married Fynvola, a daughter of Lauchlan Bronach Maclean of Duart . On his death in 1473 he
1275-612: The Macdonells of Glengarry. The Chief of Glengarry had inherited part of Lochalsh, Lochcarron, and Lochbroom, while the father of Colin Cam Mackenzie of Kintail , a favourite of king James VI , had acquired the other part by purchase. Colin Cam MacKenzie took MacDonell prisoner and murdered his three uncles. The Privy Council investigated the matter and caused Strome Castle, which Macdonell yielded to Mackenzie as one of
1326-555: The area for tourists, including hiking trails of varying levels of difficulty through magnificent scenery, boat trips, sea fishing, scuba diving and visits to the ruined Pictish brochs and later castles that remain from the region's turbulent past. The local food is generally simple but very high in quality. The main population centres are Plockton & Achmore (749) and Kyle of Lochalsh (635). Highland (council area) Highland ( Scottish Gaelic : Gàidhealtachd , pronounced [ˈkɛːəl̪ˠt̪əxk] ; Scots : Hieland )
1377-649: The area. For elections to the Scottish Parliament the Highland area is within the Highlands and Islands electoral area , which elects eight first past the post constituency Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) and seven additional member MSPs. Three of the region's constituencies, each electing one MSP, are within the Highland area: Caithness, Sutherland and Ross , Inverness and Nairn and Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch . In
1428-684: The castle of Eilean Donan. The bulk of his army moved south to Glen Shiel, a few miles south of the head of Loch Duich. On 10 May, three ships of the Royal Navy arrived off the castle which they captured and destroyed. On 10 June 1719 at the Battle of Glen Shiel the Jacobites were defeated by an army of English and Scottish soldiers dispatched from Inverness. Yet another rising, in 1745-6 , led by Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) had more success, but collapsed when his Scottish soldiers refused to proceed from Derby to London. Prince Charlie
1479-677: The conditions of his release, to be placed under the custody of the Earl of Argyll. MacKenzie of Kintail was briefly detained at Edinburgh, but shortly after pardoned by the king. His son Kenneth Mackenzie (c.1569–1611) successfully continued the bloody feud with the Macdonells of Glengarry and secured the entire island of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. Kenneth's son Colin Mackenzie (1596/7-1633) became 1st Earl of Seaforth, with vast estates and wealth. Broader changes were to profoundly affect
1530-431: The creation of new breeds of sheep which could be reared in the mountainous country, allowed higher rents to meet the costs of an aristocratic lifestyle. As a result, many families living on a subsistence level were displaced, emigrating in large numbers to Canada and elsewhere. Unrest was suppressed by troops where needed. The highland clearances continued steadily from 1762 onwards. Chiefs who once had been responsible for
1581-677: The earlier Pictish language. (Many of the local people speak Gaelic to this day). In the 7th and 8th centuries the area suffered raids and invasions by Vikings . From the 9th century until the Treaty of Perth in 1266 CE control of the Hebrides alternated between the kingdoms of Norway, Alba to the east and the Kingdom of the Isles ruled by figures such as Ketil Flatnose , Maccus mac Arailt , Godred Crovan and Somerled . The fleet of Haakon IV of Norway anchored in Loch Alsh in 1263 during
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1632-461: The lands of Lochalsh, Lochcarron , Lochbroom and Locheil . Donald died circa 1518 and by 1581 much of the lands of Lochalsh were controlled by Donald MacAngus of Glengarry through his grandmother Margaret, a sister and co-heiress of Donald. In the early 17th century Lochalsh was the scene of a violent feud between Clan Mackenzie and Clanranald of Glengarry during which the MacDonalds lost
1683-419: The late 6th century Loch Alsh became part of the Gaelic island kingdom of Dál Riata . Between the 8th and 13th centuries the area was disputed between the kingdoms of Norway and Alba and often ruled by independent lords. Although nominally subject to the Kingdom of Scotland after 1266 AD, the history of the region until the failed rebellion of Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745 is one of obscure struggles between
1734-428: The local clans and against the central government. To prevent further feuds and rebellions, in 1746 the government enacted laws designed to break the bond between the clan leaders and their people. An indirect result was gradual conversion of the land from crofting to more profitable and less labour-intensive sheep farming. These Highland Clearances and the subsequent Highland Potato Famine of 1846–52 forced many of
1785-500: The mainland and causing the ferry to close. The use of tolls to recover the cost of building the bridge was the subject of much controversy. In 2022 the Skye and Lochalsh attacks occurred, which were a group of shootings and a stabbing on 10 August. The attacks resulted in one person being killed and three injured, two of which were injured in Dornie . In modern times, Skye and Lochalsh
1836-485: The modern theory of mountain building . The Lewisian gneisses around Loch Alsh were formed in the Precambrian period, about 2800 million years ago, while the volcanic rocks, gabbro and granite that make up most of Skye, and that in some places lie under the older gneisses, are just 55 million years old. The ancient metamorphic rocks around Loch Alsh have been heavily eroded over the years, most recently by
1887-536: The new council areas. The Highland Council is based in Inverness , the area's largest settlement. The area is generally sparsely populated, with much of the inland area being mountainous with numerous lochs . The area includes Ben Nevis , the highest mountain in the British Isles . Most of the area's towns lie close to the eastern coasts. Off the west coast of the mainland the council area includes some of
1938-435: The people to emigrate. Today, the area is thinly populated with an economy based mainly on tourism. " Loch " meaning a body of water is a well-known Scots word that is a borrowing from Gaelic . Aillse , the Gaelic name of the loch and district, is probably of Celtic origin but its meaning is not clear. It may be from allas , sweat, and a reference to foam or scum on the waters. Mac an Tàilleir offers "loch of spume". "Kyle"
1989-547: The principle of the absolute power of monarchs, and the Succession to the Crown Act 1707 ensured that no Catholic could hold the crown. In 1714, the elector of Hanover succeeded Queen Anne to become George I of Great Britain . A Jacobite rising broke out in 1715 in an attempt to place Queen Anne's half-brother James on the throne. The Pretender's supporters led by Lord Mar instigated rebellion in Scotland. The rising
2040-564: The result was inconclusive. Håkon had planned to renew military action the following summer, but he died in Orkney during the winter. His successor, King Magnus the Lawmender, sued for peace and the Treaty was agreed after negotiations in Perth during 1265 and 1266. In the treaty, Scotland confirmed Norwegian sovereignty over Shetland and Orkney and Norway recognised Scottish sovereignty over
2091-596: The ruins produced the present buildings. Eilean Donan retained a large degree of independence for centuries. Often the MacDonald Lord of the Isles acted as a sovereign in alliance with the Scottish king rather than a subject. Thus Alexander, Earl of Ross and Lord of the Isles allied himself with King James I of Scotland against the Albany Stewarts in 1424, but when the king turned against Alexander and
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2142-580: The traditional life of the clans. In 1560, inspired by John Knox , the Scottish Parliament abolished the jurisdiction of the pope in Scotland, condemned all doctrine and practice contrary to the reformed faith, and forbade the celebration of Mass. Many in the west and the islands resisted these changes, and continued to adhere to the Roman Catholic faith. In 1603 the crowns of England and Scotland were united when James VI became king James I of England. The English Revolution of 1640–1660 destroyed forever
2193-500: The welfare of their people became rich while the land was depopulated, a process that accelerated with the Highland Potato Famine of 1846–52 CE. After the clearances, the greatly reduced population was employed in sheep raising, fishing, kelp gathering and weaving. The romantic but bloody days of clan warfare were a thing of the past. Although one of the poorest parts of Britain, conditions gradually improved. In 1897
2244-589: Was a dismal failure and collapsed by the end of the year. In 1719, Philip V of Spain lent support to a fresh attempt to restore the Stuart dynasty. He lent ships, troops and guns to George Keith, 10th Earl Marischal , landing him on the Isle of Lewis to raise troops. On 13 April 1719, Keith's men disembarked near Lochalsh, although the Highlanders did not join in the expected numbers. Keith could not proceed to Inverness as planned, and established his headquarters in
2295-487: Was agreed three years after the Battle of Largs in 1263. Michael Lynch has compared the treaty's importance with that of the Treaty of York of 1237. The Treaty of York defined a border between Scotland and England that is almost identical to the modern border. Largs is often claimed as a great Scottish victory, but the Norwegians claimed their forces, led by King Håkon IV , were not fully committed to battle and
2346-477: Was defeated in battle by Clan Munro and Clan MacKenzie at Drumchatt. He escaped to the Isles but was caught on Oransay and put to death. Although only a child at the time of his father Alexander's death, Donald Galda eventually inherited these lands having been exiled in the Lowlands by James IV for some time after the failed insurrection led by John of Islay , the last Lord of the Isles . These chiefs held
2397-607: Was forced to flee, taking refuge on Skye for some time before escaping to the continent. There were no further challenges to the Hanoverian kings. The Jacobite risings resulted in laws that prohibited possession of swords and the wearing of tartans or kilts , ended the feudal bond of military service and removed the virtually sovereign power the chiefs had over their clan. The clan leaders became no more than wealthy landowners. Increasing demand in Britain for cattle and sheep, and
2448-586: Was killed in 1539 while defending Eilean Donan castle against MacDonald of Sleat . After this, the power of the clan declined although they retained property in Lochalsh and in Sutherland. Sir James Matheson of Sutherland was founder of the trading house of Jardine Matheson Holdings in the Far East. A Matheson still holds the title of Baronet of Lochalsh. In 1580 a feud started between the Mackenzies and
2499-569: Was one of the former local government districts of the two-tier Highland Region . The main offices of the Skye and Lochalsh district council were in Portree , on Skye. The districts was created in 1975, under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 , and abolished in 1996, under the Local Government etc (Scotland) Act 1994 . Lochalsh is now within the Highland Council's Ross, Skye and Lochaber corporate management area . The area had
2550-409: Was sometimes more narrowly defined as just being the hilly peninsula that lies between Loch Carron and Loch Alsh. The main settlement is Kyle of Lochalsh , located at the entrance to Loch Alsh, opposite the village of Kyleakin on the adjacent island of Skye . A ferry used to connect the two settlements but was replaced by the Skye Bridge in 1995. The earliest known inhabitants were Picts , but in
2601-546: Was succeeded by his own son, Alexander. In 1491 Alexander MacDonald of Lochalsh joined Clan Cameron in a raid into Ross where they fought with Clan MacKenzie of Kintail, advanced east to Badenoch where they were joined by the Clan Mackintosh , and then to Inverness where they took Inverness Castle. In 1495, threatened by King James's army, most of the Highland chiefs submitted. However, soon after Sir Alexander MacDonald again rebelled and invaded Ross-shire, where he
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