Ardgour

File:Ardgour.jpg

Looking across Loch Linnhe to North Corran and Ardgour, Sgurr na h-Eanchainne (731 m) behind

Ardgour (Scottish Gaelic: Àird Ghobhar, meaning Height of the goats) is a district of Lochaber on Ardnamurchan peninisula on the western shore of Loch Linnhe, in Highland Scotland.

The modern term Ardgour, together with Kingairloch, is applied to a large area of countryside around the village, from the Glensanda Superquarry, Kingairloch and Kilmalieu in the south and west (bordering Morvern and Sunart districts), up to Conaglen, Stroncreggan, Treslaig, Camasnagaul, Achaphubuil, Blaich, Duisky, Garvan and Drumfin in the north (bordering Glenfinnan).

Until 1829 Ardgour was part of Kilmallie Parish - the largest in Scotland - at which time a Quoad Sacra Parish (QSP) - 'Ballachulish & Corran of Ardgour' - was formed, together with Ballachilish, in Inverness-shire across Loch Linnhe. Parliamentary churches were built at Creag Mhor, Ballachulish and Ardgour with the Manse at the former. Ardgour and Ballachulish became Parishes in their own rights in 1894. Ardgour took in Kingairloch when this was dis-joined from Lismore and Appin Parish in 1911.

The area is served by the A861 road. The easiest access from the south is via a short ferry crossing from Corran; the alternative is a 40-mile (60 km) trip around Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil. The ferry runs every half-hour until about 9 pm and cost £8.00 per vehicle (wef 1 Apr 2015) for a single ticket. Foot passengers and bicycles are carried free of charge.

Ardgour has formed part of the territory of the Clan MacLean ever since the MacMasters were removed from the territory in the 15th Century. The current Laird of Ardgour, Robin Maclean, is a MacLean by adoption. He is the nephew of the last hereditary Maclean of Ardgour - a lady Laird - having changed his name by legal action.

Lairds

At the instigation of MacDonald of the Isles, the MacMasters were usurped by the Macleans in 1410. A Maclean of Ardgour has been Laird til the current time, Robin Maclean, 18th Laird of Ardgour succeeding his aunt, Catriona Louise Maclean, 17th Laird in 1988.

See also

• Corran Ferry
• Crofting