Gairloch
GairlochWelcome to Gairloch. We are still developing these pages so pop in often to see the updates.
Gairloch lies amid spectacular scenery at the head of Gairloch (Gearrloch) which means the short loch. Whilst it has been visited by several famous people over the last 200 years it was Queen Victoria's visit and subsequent entries in her famous Journal which made Gairloch a prime location for visitors and tourists.
Gairloch is an old Norse settlement which was frequently visited by Vikings who could shelter in the loch from storms. Although there are no remains of their settlements their place names still survive such as Isle Horrisdale or Thorsdale named for the Norse god of thunder, Thor.
Clan MacLeod took possession of Gairloch in 1623 and ruled from An Dun, a fortified Iron Age Dun which was sited on the southern end of Gairloch beach.
Over the next 200 or so years there were many struggles between the MacLeods and the rival clan Mackenzie. In 1494 King James IV granted the lands of Gairloch to Hector Roy Mackenzie (Eachainn Ruadh MacCoinnich) who took the title of First Chief. The clan seat was at Flowerdale. Much of the area is still owned by Mackenzies and the family seat remains at Flowerdale House.
Updated 7.2.99
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