Arisaig The beautiful bay of Loch na Ceall at Arisaig offers shelter to yachtsmen, and can be your starting point for a sea journey of discovery to the Small Isles.

Until the early part of the 19th century, the shores around this bay to Rhu were home to a thriving community. Then in 1801, over 1000 crofters were cleared off the land and shipped to Nova Scotia to make way for sheep as part of the dreadful Highland Clearances. Take a walk around here and amongst the bracken, you will see the stones and turf walls which are all that remain of their homes. Guided walks are available with a local Ranger during the summer.

Offshore islets are home to seals and sea-birds, and small fishing boats on the shore suggest that a living is still to be made from the sea. From here you have magnificent views of the Small Isles of Eigg and Rum.

This is the area where the renowned west coast sunset can be enjoyed at its best. There can be no more magical sight than the sun as it disappears behind the islands in a riot of pink, red and purple, setting the mountains of Rum and Skye ablaze with colour.

The Land, Sea and Islands Centre opened in July 1999 in what used to be an old smiddy in the middle of the village. The Centre includes a viewing room overlooking the Small Isles, a souvenir shop, artefacts on crofting and fishing, a rebuilt forge, wildlife exhibitions and information about wartime activities in the village when Arisaig House and other buildings in this area were used as by the SOE (Special Operations Executive) during the Second World War. You will also find out about Bonnie Prince Charlie, the Warrior Queen and Long John Silver. More info......

John Silver was born in Arisaig on 2 January 1853. As a young man he went to work on the construction of the lighthouse at Barrahead. The lighthouse designer was Thomas Stevenson, father of Robert Louis. Silver met Robert Louis on a few occasions. Local legend has it that Robert Louis Stevenson took the name for his character in Treasure Island

In the 12th century, monks who settled at Arisaig called it An Garbh Chriochan (the Rough Bounds). Only in the early part of the 19th century was there a road at Arisaig suitable for a stage coach, and you can still see the hotel which was built to support the coach service. The imposing church at Arisaig was built in 1849, and the clock in the church was installed to commemorate the famous Gaelic poet Alasdair MacMhaistir Alasdair (Alasdair MacDonald).  The present church is sited beside the Medieval Church and Burial Ground of St. Maelrubh.

Visit the destinations on the online tour:
Fort William - Glenfinnan - Lochailort - Arisaig - Morar - Mallaig - Small Isles - Knoydart - Isle of Skye

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