Introduction
Not to be confused with Lochinvar.
Village in ScotlandLochinverScottish Gaelic: Loch an InbhirVillageLochinverLocation within the Sutherland areaPopulation651 (2011)OS grid referenceNC094225Council areaHighlandLieutenancy areaSutherlandCountryScotlandSovereign stateUnited KingdomPost townLairgPostcode districtIV27Dialling code01571PoliceScotlandFireScottishAmbulanceScottish
UK ParliamentCaithness, Sutherland and Easter RossScottish ParliamentCaithness, Sutherland and Ross constituency in the Highlands and Islands electoral region
List of places
UK
Scotland
58°08′45″N 5°16′46″W / 58.14590073°N 5.27956005°W / 58.14590073; -5.27956005
Lochinver (Loch an Inbhir in Gaelic) is a village at the head of the sea loch Loch Inver, on the coast in the Assynt district of Sutherland, Highland, Scotland. A few miles north-east is Loch Assynt which is the source of the River Inver which flows into Loch Inver at the village. There are 200 or so lochans in the area, popular with anglers. Lochinver is dominated by the "sugar loaf" shape of Caisteal Liath, the summit peak of nearby Suilven.
Geography
[edit]
Lochinver
Lochinver, as a fishing port, is frequented by European fishermen primarily from Spain and France. The port underwent a major renewal project in the 1990s when the harbour area was rebuilt and a new and improved loading area was created. This new development involved blasting an area of several hectares out of the surrounding rock.
In 2020, Lochinver was the fourth largest whitefish (demersal) port, with over £14 million of fish and shellfish passing through the port (of which £1.6 million was landed by Scottish vessels).
The village, part of Assynt, attracts local tourism, with nature areas being developed in conjunction with small-scale forestry activities. Birdlife in Lochinver includes the curlew, oystercatcher and hooded crow.
Nearby villages include Inverkirkaig, accessed by the road leading up the River Culag, and on the coastal road north: Achmelvich, Clachtoll, Clashmore, Stoer, Clashnessie, Drumbeg and Culkein Drumbeg.
The White Shore[edit]
The White Shore
The White Shore is named after its gneiss and quartzite pebbles. It is a one mile walk from one of two access points: one from the peir, the other at the head of Loch Culag locally known as the School Loch. The stone beach is surrounded by the Culag Woods which is managed by the Culag Community Woodland Trust (CCWT).
The Culag Woods[edit]
Map of the Culag Woods
Overlooking Lochinver, a 40-hectare (99 acres) woodland is a blend of forested and coastal views backed by Suilven peak. In 1847, George Cranwell, the second duke and twentieth earl of Sutherland, established the paths and planted the trees that became known as the Culag woods. Since 1995, the Culag Community Woodland Trust has overseen the wood under a fifty-year lease from Assynt Estates and Highland Council, and owns the Little Assynt Estate which it acquired in 2000. In 2003, the Trust purchased an office for administration and outreach to locals, visitors, and partner organisations.
