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165 Insert Map 25

Assessment of Highland Special Landscape Areas 25. Outer Loch Sunart and Islands SLA Ref.

number/Name

25. Outer Loch Sunart and Islands

Location and Extent REFER TO MAP FIGURE 25

This coastal area covers the lower reaches of Loch Sunart and Loch Teacuis. It takes in Ben Hiant and Ben Laga on its northern

(Ardnamurchan) side and from Auliston Point to Camas Glas on its southern (Morvern) side. The area includes the group of islands at the junction between Loch Sunart and Loch Teacuis.

Area 79.31km2 (7931.16ha)

Overview This sheltered and intricate coastline is dominated by the complex interplay between land, shore and sea, where views are predominantly focused across the tranquil waters of Loch Sunart. The area has considerable diversity within a small compass. It is intimate and mellow for the most part, but it also has parts which are exposed and dramatic. Key Landscape and Visual Characteristics

 A sheltered, intricate sequence of coastline, with a dynamic mix of rocky cliffs and sheltered sandy bays, separated and defined by promontories, outcrops and skerries. The gentle interplay between land, shoreline, water and islands is the dominant characteristic. It is a landscape of varied textures which is lit in different ways by changes in the seasons, weather and lighting.

 A distinctive stepped landform profile derived from historic basalt lava flows, blanketed by a grassland and heather mosaic, creates a consistently craggy and rugged coastal moorland fringe to the intimacy of the coastline.

 To the north, pockets of native broadleaved woodland and Scots Pine nestle on the lower slopes and around sheltered bays, emphasising the contrast between the coast and the landward area. To the south, coniferous plantations are more extensive, especially around Loch Teacuis.

 A generally low lying area with only Ben Hiant and Ben Laga creating any notable relief.  Road access is limited to the northern shore only, where an extensive dispersed pattern of

houses and other buildings occupying the small scale flatter areas are readily absorbed into the intricate coastal pattern of bays, headlands and small woods. By contrast, although prominent in views from the opposite slopes, the southern shore is remote, inaccessible other than by boat and uninhabited

 The larger islands of Oronsay and Carna, together with a series of smaller isles, skerries and rocky outcrops, provide focus to the coastal views within the sea loch and contribute to the diverse seascape character of the area. The rectilinear fish fish farm cages at Camas Glas form man made visual foci visible from the jetty at Laga.

Assessment of Highland Special Landscape Areas 25. Outer Loch Sunart and Islands

167

Special Qualities

Intricate Coastal Landscape

 A varied and intricate coastline, animated by a diverse mix of rocky promontories, skerries, shingle shores and sandy bays set within pockets of rich woodland. A dynamic sequence of seascape views which are heavily influenced by changing light and weather conditions.  Rhythmic occurrence of settlements along the northern shore, typically situated at the heads

of bays where the road bends inland to bridge rivers and burns.

 There is a changing relationship between the road and the coast where varied perspectives are obtained as the road curves back and forth along the coast, up and down gently

undulating topography and in and out of small areas of woodland which screen and filter views. On emerging from wooded areas, new views are suddenly revealed making the journey one of repeated surprises.

 The intricate, often well-wooded shoreline, and the protection from wind and wave afforded by the islands, creates some very sheltered sea loch basins, channels and bays (eg Loch na Droma Buidhe and the outer basin of Loch Teacuis).

 Views over Loch Sunart are mainly from the northern shore both across the loch and along its great length with boat activity, including ferry traffic providing further interest and movement to the scene.

 The striking profile of the isolated peak, Ben Hiant, which stands like a sentinel at the mouth of Loch Sunart. The castle and policy woodlands at Glenborrodale, and the compact rocky peak of Ben Laga provide landscape interest and perspectives.

 Ben Hiant is a very distinctive, isolated coastal peak, which appears higher than its actual height of 528m would suggest. It has an unusual stepped (or cascading) profile which

plunges steeply to the sea at the headland of Maclean’s Nose. This profile and the texture of Ben Hiant’s grassy slopes are particularly well seen from the fine coastal viewpoint above Camas nan Geall. Ben Hiant also has the remains of a ruined village high on its flank at Bourblaige.

 Ben Hiant and Ben Laga are both steep hills close to the coast which give impressive panoramic views from their summits over the surrounding area.

A Rich Archaeological Landscape

 This area contains a rich archaeological landscape that, due to the remoteness and difficulty in accessing many areas, is very well preserved. These features cover the entire area of the southern shore, including the islands. Of particular note for the excellent condition of survival are the scheduled remains of the townships of Auliston and Portabhata.

 On the northern shore at the mouth of Loch Sunart contains the remains of very well preserved depopulated townships. On the southern shore, the area was extensively settled with a sizable population in medieval and later medieval times with numerous depopulated townships and associated remains, including enclosures, fields, lazy beds, shielings, head dykes, fish traps, charcoal burning platforms, peat cuttings.

Assessment of Highland Special Landscape Areas 25. Outer Loch Sunart and Islands Sensitivity to change  Felling of existing woodland areas, which would affect the pattern

of screening and revelation of coastal views along the length of the road.

 The addition of further marine installations (or enlargement of existing ones) could change the character of some sections of coastline or introduce noise and activity which would disrupt the tranquillity.

Potential for landscape enhancement

 Improve the appearance of shore based fish farm facilities and materials.

 Selective redesign or relocation of fish farms to reduce their visual impact

 Manage woodlands to maintain and enhance the sequence of concealed-then-revealed coastal views.

 Remove rhododendron ponticum where this obstructs coastal views and inhibits growth of native understorey species. Other

designations/interests

 Glenborrodale Castle’s Inventory Site Garden and Designed Landscape forms a fine example of 20th century pleasure grounds.  RSPB Nature Reserve near Glenborrodale confirms the rich natural

history of the area.

 The landscape interest of Loch Sunart does not stop at sea level. This area is an attractive one for scuba diving because the lower reaches of Loch Sunart are rich in marine life, good sheltered dive sites can be found here in most weathers, and one of the West Coast’s best wall dives lies just east of Auliston Point. The loch is designated as a marine Special Area of Conservation for its reefs.  On the northern shore near the mouth of Loch Sunart are the

remains of a Neolithic chambered cairn. There is also an 18th century burial ground which includes a standing stone, probably erected in the Bronze Age, with a carving of an early Christian cross on the face. At the eastern end of the SLA a dun stands in a prominent position overlooking the loch.

 Morar, Moidart and Ardnamurchan NSA lies to north, but not is not continuous with this SLA.

Landscape Character The Landscape Character Types found in this area are described in: Environmental Resources Management. 1998. Lochaber landscape character assessment. Scottish Natural Heritage Review No 97.

All Landscape Character Assessments can be found on the Scottish Natural Heritage website at www.snh.org.uk