Mallaig Travel Guide - Scotland

Mallaig is a fishing port on the west coast of the Scottish Highlands. It is approximately 150 miles north of Glasgow. This community is the terminus for the West Highland railway line and is on the A830 leading to Fort William on the Road to the Isles. At one time, Mallaig was a busy herring fishing port and the harbour is still a busy place today with boats unloading catches of prawn and other species of shellfish. Mallaig is an important lifeboat station as the most westerly harbour on the mainland of the United Kingdom.

The arrival of the railway to Mallaig in 1901 brought important changes to the community. Ferries operate from this port to Armadale on Skye, Inverie in Knoydart, and the islands of Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna. When you are in the community, you do need to take time out to explore the Mallaig Heritage Centre. Here you will learn of the fascinating history of the area. The exhibits here paint a very interesting portrait of the districts of Knoydart, Morar and Arisaig. You will learn about the "Rough bound" areas where settlements were remote and accessible only by water or by an excruciating hike over the glen.

The Mallaig region is where the Jacobites sought refuge after their defeat at the Battle of Culloden; most likely because it was one of the least visited areas of Scotland. However, the history of the area goes back much farther than that when it was the buffer zone between the Pictish and the Norse kingdoms. The Highland galleys evolved from the Norse longboats and the area was under the control of the Hebrides Lord of the Isles.

The Mallaig region still retains its quaint characteristics in its unspoiled land and beauty. The white sandy beaches and the spectacular scenery will enthral you and leave your breathless. Travelling on the Jacobite railway in this part of the country is one of the most scenic journeys you can ever take. Visit the aquarium to learn of the various species of fish that live in the waters off the coast.

Mallaig has been featured in several movies, such as the 1996 film "Breaking the Waves". You can get some fascinating views of Mallaig and the harbour in this movie.

With an abundance of self–catering cottages and bed and breakfast establishments, you won't have any difficulty finding accommodations in Mallaig. In addition to the pubs and restaurants, there are several stores where you can shop to purchase your own supplies. Enjoy browsing at the Waters edge, where there is a fine array of crafts and gifts for you to take home as souvenirs.