DESERTED SETTLEMENTS
some villages, some single houses, abound in this area. Most were built well away from
the danger of flooding from Loch Awe or from the River Orchy. After the Loch level was
lowered by the landowner, Lord Breadalbane, to provide better fields for the crofters of
Stronmilchan, and after the hydro-electric scheme regulated the flow of the river,
settlements and roads were built at lower levels.The old road from Port Sonachan along
the hillside to Blarghour passes several such clusters of ruins. In Glen Orchy, older
habitations, well away from the river, can still be seen the length of the Glen, and in
Stronmilchan, the old road passes above the crofts, alongside the older houses, and on
past the hanging place to the old village of Edendonich, coming out eventually at Craig. |
Old School, Barr Beithe
Old Arichastlich, Glen Orchy
|
| Glen Strae has its share of settlements too, among them Tigh Mor, the old
house of the MacGregors, and Tom Na' Variche. The old village of Barr a' Chasteilean,
above the railway station in Dalmally, connects with a network of roads with other now
ruined villages such as Auchtermally and Ardteatle. Many of the old paths are now covered
by forestry. |
