An Càrnach

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Inverness-shire

Scotland

An Càrnach

An Càrnach is a prominent coastal feature located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. It is a headland that extends out into the North Atlantic Ocean, forming a distinct point along the coastline. The name "An Càrnach" translates to "the rocky place" in Gaelic, which accurately reflects the rugged and rocky nature of the headland.

The headland is characterized by steep cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and the vast ocean beyond. These cliffs are composed of various types of rock, including sandstone, granite, and shale, creating a visually striking and diverse landscape.

An Càrnach is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers, who are attracted to its unique geological features and stunning vistas. The headland is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including seabirds, marine mammals, and coastal plant species. It provides an important habitat for nesting seabirds, such as guillemots and kittiwakes, and serves as a breeding ground for seals.

In addition to its natural beauty, An Càrnach also holds historical significance. The headland has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years, with archaeological evidence suggesting human activity dating back to the Bronze Age. Ruins of ancient settlements and stone structures can still be found on the headland, providing insights into the region's past.

Overall, An Càrnach is a remarkable coastal feature that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, geological diversity, and historical significance. It is a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore the rugged and scenic coastline of Inverness-shire.

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An Càrnach Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.493942/-6.4273343 or Grid Reference NG3453. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Loch Greshornish

thejackrustles

The magnificent bracken-infested coastline of Loch Greshornish

Mick Garratt

Boc na CaillichââThe old womanâs pimpleâ

First stop after the day’s exertions was to the Ordnance Survey’s website, which has a lovely little page detailing the Gaelic origins of place names. ‘Boc’ turns out to be a buck or a ‘he-goat,’ likely referring to a billy goat. Therefore, Boc na Caillich, I suppose, can be interpreted as ‘the old woman’s billy goat.’ But … The Scottish Government’s website ScotlandsPlaces has scans of the original surveyors’ notebooks used by the Ordnance Survey. For Boc na Caillich, the surveyor had written:— <<This name applies to a Small Standing rock, and Signifies “The old woman’s pimple”:, Situated about 3/4 of a mile from “Dunbeg”>> Mulling this over, it amuses me to entertain the notion that those mischievous Dunbeg crofters were having a jolly good laugh at the befuddlement of those Government officials. I can just picture their impish grins as they spun a yarn, convincingly claiming that "Boc na Caillich" actually pertains to a completely different region of a woman's anatomy altogether. And as for that hilariously prim and proper Victorian surveying brigade, it's no wonder they rendered it as "Pimple" in their records, utterly scandalised by the mere thought of anything remotely risque. Oh, the prudishness of those bygone days! Adapted from my blog post Link

which contains relevant sources.

Mick Garratt

Stacdachan

The Victorian surveyor's notebook contains the following notes: <<This name spplies to a high Standing rock, Signifying "The Pinnacle" Situated on the Coast 3/4 of a mile north west from Greshornish House.>> Source: ‘OS1/16/7/111 | ScotlandsPlaces’. 2019. Scotlandsplaces.gov.uk <Link

> [accessed 17 July 2023]

Mick Garratt

A charming rust-roofed barn near Kildonan, with Loch Greshornish in the distance

Mick Garratt

This new seat on the bridge parapet is a brilliant design idea!

Lovely view over the Braebost Burn on the old road turned cycle/walkway.

Mick Garratt

A sluggish Breabost Burn, right at that magnificent Spring high tide mark, and ... a Wellington boot!

Mick Garratt

Rainbow over Loch Greshornish

The photograph was taken from the shore of the Loch from a caravan and camping site at Borve. See also this rainbow photograph by Norrie Adamson:- NG3452 : Loch Greshornish, Skye.

Alan Walker

Old walls and fence at Loch Greshornish

The photograph was taken from the eastern shore of the loch on the southern edge of a caravan and camping site at Borve. The hamlet in the distance is Coishletter and the summit above the trees beyond is Mullach Ben Sca. The wind turbines are part of Edinbane Wind Farm.

Alan Walker

Mission Church at Borve, Arnisort

When I lived at the nearby Borve Cottage in the early 1990s, this tin clad meeting house was in regular use. It now appears to be disused and in disrepair.

Alpin Stewart

Arnisort Kirk

Peter Moore

Derelict cottage in Flashader

Until recently, this long-uninhabited roadside cottage was roofed and had windows and door. When builders turned up, I had thought that restoration was underway, but it now looks like the cottage is to be left derelict. Other views: NG3553 : Derelict cottage, Flashader, NG3553 : Cooking range in derelict cottage.

Richard Dorrell

Derelict cottage, Flashader

Another view of the small and now roofless cottage in Flashader. The road is the A850. See also: NG3553 : Derelict cottage in Flashader and NG3553 : Cooking range in derelict cottage.

Richard Dorrell

Cooking range in derelict cottage

Detail of the interior of a derelict cottage in Flashader (see also NG3553 : Derelict cottage in Flashader). The tiny cottage had two fireplaces - this one housing a cast iron range.

Richard Dorrell

Former road to Edinbane

This section of former single track road provides a traffic-free pedestrian and cycle path for a short distance to the east of Flashader. The modern two-way A850 runs almost parallel.

Richard Dorrell