Gillen

Settlement in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Gillen

Knockbreack Primary School There is currently a proposal to build a new community school in Dunvegan, which will replace four existing north Skye schools; Dunvegan, Edinbane, Struan and this one at Knockbreck. — Knockbreack Primary School Credit: John Allan

Gillen is a small village located in the Inverness-shire region of Scotland. Situated on the northwestern shores of Loch Naver, Gillen offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and provides a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

The village is known for its picturesque setting, with rolling hills, lush green fields, and the tranquil waters of Loch Naver. The area is rich in wildlife, and visitors can often spot various bird species, deer, and other small mammals in the nearby nature reserves and forests.

Gillen is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating on the loch. The nearby Ben Klibreck mountain provides a challenging climb for experienced hikers and rewards them with stunning panoramic views from its summit.

Although a small village, Gillen is well-connected to the surrounding areas. The nearby town of Lairg, located approximately 10 miles away, offers amenities such as shops, restaurants, and accommodation options for visitors.

The village itself has a close-knit community, and residents take pride in their local heritage. The annual Highland Games, held in nearby Dornoch, are a highlight of the social calendar, showcasing traditional Scottish sports and activities.

Overall, Gillen offers a peaceful and scenic retreat for those seeking to explore the beauty of the Scottish Highlands and immerse themselves in a friendly and welcoming community.

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Gillen Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.545229/-6.569 or Grid Reference NG2659. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Knockbreack Primary School

There is currently a proposal to build a new community school in Dunvegan, which will replace four existing north Skye schools; Dunvegan, Edinbane, Struan and this one at Knockbreck.

John Allan

Telephone box in Geary

Still functional in a scene little altered during the past five years. NG2660 : Telephone box in Geary

John Allan

One of many ruins

Halistra was at one time very much more populated than is the case today. The Highland Council Historic Environment Record shows more than 18 farmsteads in the area, and 99 buildings plus a number of enclosures. A vast area of land was cultivated in broad lazybeds which has now reverted to heather moorland.

Richard Dorrell

Once cultivated land

This view is from one of many ruined buildings on the lower south-west facing slope of Ben Halistra. In the late 1700s, almost all of the heather moorland in the image was cultivated in broad lazybeds, 4 to 5 metres in width. The patterns of the beds do not show up well in photographs taken from the ground, though aerial photographs show the beds quite clearly.

Richard Dorrell

Allt na Claise Moire

The small river flows through a steep sided gorge here, as it flows down the south facing slope of Ben Halistra

Richard Dorrell

Allt na Claise Moire

Looking up the river into a gorge on the hillside of Ben Halistra.

Richard Dorrell

Lazybeds on Ben Halistra

There is a vast area of hand-dug once-cultivated land on the south facing slope of Ben Halistra, just north of the modern township of Upper Halistra. The land was being farmed in the late 1700s, but was abandoned in the mid-1800s, and has now reverted to heather moorland. The land still shows the distinctive pattern of broad stripes. The stripes show up well in aerial photographs. See also NG2459 : The Farm of Halistra.

Richard Dorrell

Barn in Geary

Showing some weathering since pictured 13 years earlier. NG2661 : Barn with a view

John Allan

Big gateposts, little gate

This pair of massive gateposts by the roadside in Geary clearly pre-date the wrought iron gate between them. Today, there is no sign of a house that the gateway led to, though there are three fairly modern agricultural barns below the gate, one of which may have been built on the footprint of a former house.

Richard Dorrell

Croft land in Geary

Apart from a few barns, almost all of the development in Geary is on the landward side of the road (the left in this picture) with crofts stretching down towards the sea.

Richard Dorrell

Old ruins in Geary

All of the residential development in Geary is on the landward side of the township road, so the grass-covered ruined walls here were probably once a barn and enclosure.

Richard Dorrell

Thorn between the roses?

An ultra-modern largely glazed house has been squeezed into a plot between two traditional croft cottages in Geary. It's not a building to my taste, and I am surprised the planning department allowed it.

Richard Dorrell

Large barn in Geary

The township of Geary grew up on crofting, though many of the original cottages are now let as holiday accommodation. However, the presence of this modern barn is an indication that agriculture still has a place in the local economy.

Richard Dorrell

Barn in Geary

At least two sheep were sheltering within.

Richard Dorrell

Retired phone box in Geary

This telephone box stands at the side of the township road, almost incorporated within an obviously active croft. The box no longer contains any telephone equipment.

Richard Dorrell

Bun-sgoil a' Chnuic Bhric / Knockbreck Primary School

Sporting an array of solar panels on its roof, an addition since 2008 Link

John Allan

Telephone box in Geary

John Allan

Agricultural building at Geary

A construction like a Nissen Hut on the croft land below Geary. In the view are the Ascrib Islands in Loch Snizort, with the north end of Trotternish in the distance.

John Allan

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Gillen is located at Grid Ref: NG2659 (Lat: 57.545229, Lng: -6.569)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands