Lochaline: A remote spot on mainland of N.W. Scotland



Lochaline Village

This evening, I am posting information on the village of Lochaline which lies at the head of Loch Aline a sea loch on the West of Scotland which connects with the Sound of Mull and, ultimately, the Atlantic Ocean.

Sound of Mull



Lochaline serves as a ferry port for persons and vehicles crossing from Fishnish on Isle of Mull. For visitors wishing to depart Mull for the North of Scotland the Fishnish-Lochaline route can result in significant time-saving vis-a-vis the busy Craignure-Oban route.

Loch Aline (Gaelic, Loch ath a’ linne which translates as ‘the loch of the ford of the pool’) benefits from a sheltered, deep-water anchorage and as such has been an important, natural harbour for the Morvern Peninsula from time immemorial.

Lochaline and the Morvern Peninsula have been occupied by man since prehistoric times (c. 5000 BC). Subsequently, the area came under control of the Vikings (9th-13th centuries) and then Somerled and Lord of the Isles (1266-1493). At Kiel, near Lochaline village is a collection of finely carved gravestones and free-standing crosses from the medieval period.

In more recent time (1843) the construction of Lochaline Old Pier was a public works project to provide relief for local victims of the Potato Famine and Highland Clearances. At around this time many local people emigrated to North America and Australasia.


Ferry approaching Lochaline.

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