Shieldaig

Shieldaig is a very picturesque village located on the shores of Upper Loch Torridon. The name Shieldaig derives from the Norse SILDVIK which means "Herring Bay". The area has been inhabited for many years mostly consisted of crofters and cattle farmers. For instance, a Bronze Age burial mound was found in the Village during some house building. This was excavated in 1972 but has now been built over although a small area of wall can still be seen. The present village was established about two hundred years ago

In the early 1800's Napoleon's fleet started to harry and annoy King George III's fleet in the Minch (the area of sea just outside Loch Torridon). There were very few good sailors available so it was decided to build coastal villages which would encourage men to become fishermen and, therefore, sailors.

There were three west coast villages built at that time, Shieldaig, Plockton and Ullapool. Napoleon was defeated soon afterwards and so the men were never employed in the Navy. However, the fishing fleet flourished and prawn fishing is still a main employment for the Shieldaig villagers.

Natural Shieldaig

In order to ensure that our wonderful natural resources are preserved and cared for, many people in and around Shieldaig are involved in conservation or regeneration projects. We will update progress on the main projects regularly.

1. Regenerating the Natural Pine Forests

The Shieldaig woods, which are located on either side of Glen Shieldaig, are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s) The birchwood is considered to be one of the best Oceanic birchwoods in the district. The Caledonian Pine woodlands, which spread along and up Ben Shieldaig are the most westerly remnant of native Caledonian pine in Britain. Scottish Natural Heritage have said that “these two contrasting woods comprise an area which contains almost the complete range of woodland types and plant communities characteristic of western pine-birchwood".

The Kinloch Estate, along with several others in the area, is attempting to regenerate the native woodland. The aim on the Kinloch Estate is to recreate the Caledonian Pine forest which, in this area, is restricted to the westerly slopes of Ben Shieldaig.

Where mature trees with their seed sources still remain, there should be a natural regeneration process particularly now that sheep and deer have been excluded by the deer fence which encloses approximately 170 hectares. Where all the mature trees have been lost tree seedlings have been planted in as natural manner as possible. Most of the planting of the 32,000 Caledonian pine was carried out in 1994 and 1995 using seeds gathered from the trees on Ben Shieldaig. During the next three years 2,500 broadleaf species were planted consisting mainly of rowan, birch and alder with smaller numbers of ash, willow, hazel, holly, wild cherry, aspen and juniper.

The woodland scheme has been funded by the Forestry Authority. Scottish Woodlands prepared the scheme and have acted as agents for the planting and fencing.

Visitors are welcome to walk through the regeneration area but, since the trees are still very small and not easily seen amongst the grass and heather you are asked to stay on the posted path which goes right through the enclosed area.

2. The Shieldaig Sea Trout Project

What is the Shieldaig Sea Trout Project?
The Shieldaig Sea Trout Project arose from concern about declining stocks of sea trout and some salmon populations in the West Highlands and Outer Islands which has led to a substantial drop in the numbers of visiting anglers, with serious consequences for many rural areas.

What is the aim of the Project?
The aim of the Shieldaig Sea Trout Project is to discover why there has been a collapse in sea trout and to find ways to restore them to their former abundance. The Shieldaig Sea Trout Project provides for the first time in a West Highland river secure information on the sea trout population by examining stocks passing through a two-way trap situated near the Shieldaig estuary.

Why do sea trout matter?
In the fragile aquatic ecosystems of the Highlands and Islands, sea trout are significant as predators and prey. They are also part of Scotland’s natural heritage and we have a duty to protect them for future generations. A thriving sea trout fishery would provide sustainable development through angling tourism and create employment in remote rural areas.

What has caused the decline?
There are likely to be many reasons for the decline, including climate change, degradation of waters by human activity and increased predation by protected species such as seals. But the sharp decline in sea trout catches occurred at a time when there was also a rise in sea lice numbers in coastal waters. Sea lice are commonly found on farmed salmon although continuing efforts are being made to control them. Salmon aquaculture is another important industry in the Highlands and Islands.

Visitor Centre: In April 2000, an interpretation centre was opened near Shieldaig village. The centre describes the sea trout life history and the recent population decline in western Scotland. In addition, the display boards explain the nature of the Shieldaig Sea Trout Project and the scientific work used to study sea trout and to examine ways of restoring their numbers at Shieldaig. There are also interactive displays for young children that teach them about the life cycle of the sea trout, their predators and prey, through a series of games.

Where to find the project: The Shieldaig Sea Trout Visitor Centre is located approximately one mile from Shieldaig village. The entrance is sign-posted on the minor road to Applecross about 100m from the junction with the Shieldaig/Lochcarron road. There is visitor parking in front of the Centre. Opening hours: 9.30 – 16.30 Mon-Fri. Other times by arrangement.
Who to contact: The on-site biologist is Maggie McKibben (m.mckibben@talk21.com), FRS Shieldaig Outstation, Shieldaig, Wester Ross, IV54 8XJ. Tel/Fax: 01520 755376.
Project managers: Andy Walker (walkeraf@marlab.ac.uk) and Sally Northcott (northcottsj@marlab.ac.uk) Freshwater Fisheries Laboratory, Pitlochry, Perthshire, Scotland. PH16 5LB. Tel: 01796 472060 Fax: 01796 473523

(With thanks to the Freshwater Fisheries Laboratory and the Wester Ross Fisheries Trust for allowing us to include extracts from their newsletters)

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