Argyll, Bute and Stirling Travel Guide - Scotland

The Gaels from Ireland arrived here in the fifth century, they liked it so much that they settled here.

Incidentally, the name Argyll means, "Coast of the Gaels". This vast and diverse area is home to a large variety of wildlife including golden eagle, sea eagle, buzzard, red deer, roe deer, otters and puffins.

The landscapes incorporate sandy bays, fertile farmland, tumbling waterfalls, lochs and sea lochs, majestic islands, craggy coastline, moorland, mountains and magnificent woodland, seemingly untouched by human hands.

Try walking and cycling through plentiful forest tracks, along the bonny, bonny banks of Loch Lomond, or challenge the mountain peaks, sail some of the most beautiful and historic waters.

Golf in some of the most scenic courses. Fish on lochs, rivers and sea or lose yourself ambling along unspoilt sandy beaches. The area is famous for the numerous malt whiskies distilled here, including the "Islay Malts".

Immerse yourself in the history with ancient castles, abbeys, palaces and stone circles.

The area has seen many peoples, some have stayed, others been made less welcome. It welcomed Christianity and Celts from Ireland, akin with the Picts, who merged their customs and cultures to create what we now call Scotland.

Areas of this county were once part of Perthshire, but the boundaries were changed when the local two–tier system of government was reorganized in 1975.
The area west and south of Killin, which included the towns of Callander, Crianlarich and Aberfoyle were transferred to lie within the boundaries of Stirlingshire instead of Perthshire. When it comes to registering land, however, these areas are still considered to be within the jurisdiction of Perthshire.

The Picts, Romans, Angles, Britons, Vikings and Scots have all left their influence here.

The land has witnessed the struggles of Independence and has been home to the likes of William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, Rob Roy MacGregor and the feuding clans of Campbell's and MacDonalds.

Emperor Antonius Pius built the Antonine Wall, the northernmost and final frontier of the Roman Empire, only ten years after Hadrians Wall, to defend against the insatiable, marauding Picts after a second effort to invade Scotland.

The River Clyde spawned Scotland's great shipbuilding tradition that once dominated the world.

Majestic islands, each individual and unique in their own right, offer a peaceful sanctuary. On a clear day from the "Mull of Kintyre", made famous by Sir Paul McCartney's song, it is possible to see Ireland.

A feast of events throughout the year ensures a cultural experience not to be forgotten.

The large islands of Jura and Islay can be reached by ferry from the village of Kennacraig (4 miles South of Tarbert) or by Air into Islay airport. The smaller islands of Colonsay and Oronsay can be reached by ferry from Oban.

The islands of Islay and Jura are world famous for their Malt Whisky.

On Islay there are numerous Lochs, Rivers, and Burns (Streams) criss–crossing this beautiful landscape. Laggan Bay, Loch Indaal, Machir Bay, Saligo Bay, Loch Gruinart offer many miles of unspoiled beaches for the visitor. Isle of Jura also offers many miles of unspoiled coastline and many wooded tracks.

Accommodation Restaurants Golf Courses Places Walks Services Tour Guides