National Trust for Scotland 2018 Guide. 898: Population and future range modelling of reintroduced Scottish white-tailed eagles", "Property Page: Kintail & Falls of Glomach", "Land register counties and operational dates", "Map: Ward 5 (Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh)", "Ross and Cromarty Committee: Tasks and responsibilities", "Ross and Cromarty Committee: Ward representation", "Caithness, Sutherland and Ross County Constituency", "Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch County Constituency", "Scottish Parliament Region: Highlands and Islands", "Ross, Skye and Lochaber County Constituency", "The Proclaimers - Letter From America (Band version) Lyrics", "Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve Application", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wester_Ross&oldid=997049903, Nature Conservation Marine Protected Areas of Scotland, Articles containing Scottish Gaelic-language text, Articles with unsourced statements from July 2018, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 29 December 2020, at 19:48. We've got Wester Ross. The Wester Ross UNESCO Biosphere was designated in 2016, and extension of the original biosphere reserve, comprising Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve (NNR). Discuss the series on the forums and browse the fan-edited wiki. [35][36] There are also beaches and sand dunes: the dunes at Achnahaird in particular support three plant species (petalworts, dune slack mosses matted bryum and sea bryum) that occur nowhere else in Scotland. [42] The summits of Wester Ross host alpine and sub-alpine heaths comprising mosses, liverworts and lichens, and dwarf shrubs such as alpine bearberry, juniper, crowberry, and cowberry. The area is loosely defined, and has never been used as a formal administrative region in its own right,[2] but is generally regarded as lying to the west of the main watershed of Ross (the eastern part of Ross being Easter Ross), thus forming the western half of the county of Ross and Cromarty. Wester Ross from Skye | Etsy. [72], Wester Ross is featured in the lyrics to the song Letter from America by The Proclaimers, and Kishorn Commandos by North Sea Gas, which relate the wild lifestyle of construction workers on the Ninian Central Platform in Kishorn. Conservation charity the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust is celebrating after its newly launched Hebridean Whale Trail was a finalist in a major Full Story... Visit Wester Ross, C/O Douglas Gibson, 13 Strath, Gairloch, Wester Ross IV21 2BX, Site content Visit Wester Ross © 2021 Design: © 2008 - 2021 Plexus Media. [13] The designated area is subdivided into three zones:[47], Approximately 20 % of Wester Ross is legally protected via the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designation. [62][63], Wester Ross is part of the registration county of Ross and Cromarty. We've got Wester Ross. p. 100. Saint91 21:35, 12 June 2012 (UTC) Ib View east from Sgurr Mhòr over the "Horns" of Beinn Alligin. Beautiful Wester Ross holiday cottages, choose from hundreds of great cottages and self-catering holiday accommodation in Wester Ross and the surrounding Northern Highlands area. Genuine Scottish hospitality. Our own group, called "Visit Wester Ross - the Celtic Fringe", is a tourism association covering most of the Wester Ross area. [4], Wester Ross has one of the lowest population densities in Europe, with just 1.6 people per km2. [18], Most of the major roads in the area radiate out from the more populated areas of Easter Ross, and link the settlements on the western coast to Inverness. 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle. The southwesternmost part of Ross and Cromarty, Lochalsh, is not considered part of Wester Ross by the lo… [60] The population is generally older than Scotland as a whole, with 22.1 % being aged 65 or older, compared to 16.8 % for Scotland as a whole.
Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve Application. Sgurr Fiona and the Corrag Bhuidhe pinnacles on An Teallach. Article from buzzfeed.com. Like the best trips, it started with the map. [31] In the later stages of the clearances the driver ceased to be industrial enterprises, but simply to clear the land for sheep farming, and later deer forests. Major outdoor scenes in the films Stardust and The Eagle (based on Rosemary Sutcliff's book The Eagle of the Ninth) were shot in Wester Ross. Despite being located at a latitude of between 57.2° and 58.0° North Wester Ross experiences a relatively mild maritime climate (Köppen Cfb) due to the influence of the Gulf Stream. p. 107. p. 40. [34], The coastline is mostly formed of cliffs and rocky shores covered with barnacles and seaweed. Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve Application. Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve Application. Ova to Alevin to Fry. Beinn Eighe is the only known site for the Northern prongwort in the UK, and represents 75 % of the known world population. The major towns are Lochcarron in the south, Ullapool in the north, and Gairloch about halfway between on the coast. The Wester Ross Coastal Trail hugs the coast between Kyle of Lochalsh and just south of Ullapool. The southwesternmost part of Ross and Cromarty, Lochalsh, is not considered part of Wester Ross by the local tourist organisation, Visit Wester Ross,[3] but is included within the definition used for the Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve. Loosely speaking, Wester Ross is bounded on the south and west by Skye and Lochalsh, on the northeast by Caithness, and on the north by Sutherland. [8] It is a popular tourist destination, receiving around 70,000 visitors each year. The Wester Ross Coastal Trail. p. 7. Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve Application. [45] There are two further national scenic areas (NSA) that include parts of Wester Ross: the Kintail NSA and the Coigach portion of the Assynt-Coigach NSA. The Story Behind the Images - Wester Ross. Administrative and political boundaries have been changed a number of times. Traditional provinces and districts of Scotland, Major districts (former counties, provincial lordships and rural deaneries). [37] Loch Carron is home to the world's largest flame shell beds. [71], At Westminster Wester Ross is represented as part of the Ross, Skye and Lochaber constituency, which elects one Member of Parliament (MP) by the first past the post system of election. Wester Ross in the western Highlands sounded a lot like Westeros. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire. p. 104. Less major roads link these east–west routes to form a north–south route along the coast between Kyle of Lochalsh and Ullapool. [citation needed]. cols="30" rows="4">Add 'META' Description and Keywords to page. " p. 88. [33], There are many different habitats in Wester Ross, ranging from the marine and coastal environment to mountain summits over 1000 m above sea level. [66] Some local decisions are delegated to the Ross and Cromarty Committee, which consists of all councilors representing this ward and the four neighbouring wards that cover Easter Ross and Cromarty. Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve Application. Dec 17, 2019 - Who needs Westeros? p. 2. Read our spoiler-free review of A Game of Thrones. p. 117. So I'm wondering whether Wester Ross is a big inspiration for Westeros, and whether the geography of Westeros in a Song of Fire and Ice is effectively the Highlands of Scotland going down into an England equivalent? Westeros.org is the premiere fansite for George R.R. Wester Ross uses very low stock densities, translating to 99% water and 1% fish. p. 63. [16][17] Torridonian hills exhibit some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the British Isles, surpassed in grandeur probably only by the Cuillin of Skye. There are many steep gullies running down the terraced sides. With magnificent mountain ranges and some of the most remote and unspoilt land in the UK, Wester Ross in the Highlands has breathtaking and spectacular views and landscapes which can be appreciated by vehicle or foot. The continent of Westeros is long and relatively narrow, extending from Dorne in the south to the lands beyond the Wall. The summit ridges provide excellent scrambling, and are popular with hill walkers and mountaineers. [citation needed] During this period the area was farmed under the communal run-rig system, with people living in small townships, growing oats, bere (barley), and later potatoes. [32] However the act did not break up large estates, and Wester Ross continues to consist chiefly of large single-owner estates. National Trust for Scotland 2018 Guide. The all natural hand-rearing and all-natural health control contribute to the succulent flavour, essential vitamins and omega-3s. See more ideas about wester ross, scotland, scotland travel. Ullapool 44 miles. Wester Ross IV22 2NS Tel: +44 (0)1445 731487 Email: stay@thesheilingholidays.com: Near Poolewe The Sheiling B&B. The area forms one of the Watsonian vice-counties, geographical divisions of the British Isles used for the purposes of biological recording and other scientific data-gathering. Read all about HBO's Game of Thrones, learn more about the books from our resource collections and play the MUSH. A thread for the discussion of the geography of Westeros. Despite Wester Ross being rather remote, it can be easily be reached by both road and public transport. In the 2011 census 10.6 % of the population reported being able to speak the language, compared to only 1.1 % of the population of Scotland as whole. [16][17] Other notable "Torridonian" peaks in Wester Ross include An Teallach and Slioch,[7] in the Dundonnell and Fisherfield Forest in the north of the area, and the hills of the Coulin Forest between Glen Torridon and Strathcarron. p. 55. Who needs Westeros? Wester Ross Salmon represents the best of umami flavours of Scottish Highlands preserved in a beautiful healthy fillet. PRESTIGIOUS AWARD NOMINATION FOR HEBRIDEAN WHALE TRAIL
A map of the Wester Ross National Scenic Area. It then returns to freshwater to breed. The salmon is an anadromous animal meaning that its juvenile phase is spent in freshwater and then it undergoes physiological changes to allow it to spend the majority of its life in seawater. This route has been marketed to tourists as the Wester Ross Coastal Trail,[19][20] and also forms part of the North Coast 500 tourist route. Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve Application. p. 61. Ports hold the most population and power (White Harbor= St. Petersburg). In addition, Wester Ross has never had to use antibiotics on their fish ever. Administratively it is the western region of Ross and Cromarty. Wester Ross is part of the Scottish county of Ross and Cromarty.It is in the northwest highlands.It has some of the most spectacular scenery in Great Britain, and is a tourist attraction.. Wester Ross is geographically the western watershed of Ross-shire. [14], The geology of Wester Ross consists predominantly of Torridonian sandstone and Lewisian gneiss. Cookie notice Tap Click "Accept and Continue" or continue using our website to agree to the use of cookies and data processing technologies. | About | Wester Ross Biosphere", "The special qualities of the National Scenic Areas", http://www.northcoast500.com/interactive-map.aspx, "North Highlands Timetable (20th May - 8th December 2018", History Scotland Magazine: First Settlers, "Plan to give Loch Carron permanent protection", "Commissioned Report No. One concern many people have while buying farm raised salmon is the density of stock in salmon farms. There are 291 houses for sale in Wester Ross, so book your viewing today. Did Martin get the name Westeros from Wester Ross? Although no scale appears on the maps in the books themselves, George R. R. Martin has stated that the Wall is a hundred leagues long, or three hundred miles.Thus the … Cottage Loch Ewe Wester Ross Wester Ross is synonym for remote, lonely, beautiful and wild. This page provides an overview of the statuses of the Houses in Westeros, both at the start of A Game of Thrones (uncollapsed box), and at the end of the most recent book in the A Song of Ice and Fire series (currently A Dance with Dragons, collapsed box). New to the series? Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve Application. [28] Historically the chiefs of the Clan Donald held the title of Lord of the Isles until 1493, and two of those chiefs also held the title of Earl of Ross until 1476. Gairloch 20 miles. [28] From the 8th century Wester Ross, along with much of the western seaboard of Scotland, came under Norse domination, and placename evidence suggests that the Pictish language seems to have been entirely replaced wherever the Norsemen encountered it, with most names considered likely to be of Medieval rather than pre-Norse origin. SAS-512
Sunset over Loch Broom - with sun still up casting red light over water and mountain ridges around the Loch
Loch Broom near Ardmair, Wester Ross, Highlands, Scotland, UK
Steffen & Alexandra Sailer
Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way. [29] Following the decline of Norse power in western Scotland after their defeat at the Battle of Largs the semi-independent Lords of the Isles came to dominate the western coast until the 15th century, when Scottish Crown was able to cement its control over the region. Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve Application. It’s an area of outstanding natural beauty situated between Loch Carron in the south, Loch Broom and Ullapool in the north and Achnasheen in the east. Or is it just a massive coincidence? Wester Ross (Scottish Gaelic: Ros an Iar) is an area of the Northwest Highlands of Scotland in the council area of Highland. Aultbea 4 miles. [61] The area is sparsely populated, having one of the lowest population densities in Europe, with just 1.6 people per km2. Travel. National Trust for Scotland 2018 Guide. p. 43. Slioch seen from the shores of Loch Maree. At s1homes you'll be able to find a range of houses for sale in Wester Ross. [35] There is relatively little machair in Wester Ross compared to other parts of western Scotland. [7] Although many peaks in the Northwest highlands exhibit Torridonian geology, the Torridon Hills are generally considered only to be those in the Torridon Forest to the north of Glen Torridon: the Munros of Liathach, Beinn Eighe, and Beinn Alligin; and the Corbetts of Beinn Dearg, Baosbheinn and Beinn an Eoin. sun, loch, tranquillity, sun rays, duks. Definitely not to be confused with 'Westeros' from the Game of Thrones books and TV series, Wester Ross is, well, the western half of Ross and Cromarty in the Scottish Highlands. [35], Whales, dolphins, porpoises and seals area frequently seen in the outer lochs and open waters, whilst the more sheltered sea lochs contain rocky reefs, maerl beds and deep mud banks. [40] The lochs also support internationally important concentrations of breeding black-throated divers, which is at the southern edge of its range in Wester Ross. p. 39. There are traces of Mesolithic occupation at several sites in Wester Ross, including at Redpoint and Shieldaig. p. 56. p. 62. p. 51. Dec 17, 2019 - Who needs Westeros? Add 'META' Description and Keywords to page. " The pinewoods are also habitats for red squirrel and black grouse.[41]. [73][74] Many other songs refer to or are named after areas, geographical features and villages of Wester Ross, notably Loch Maree Islands, which has been recorded by many artists including Calum Kennedy.[75]. Media related to Wester Ross at Wikimedia Commons, This article is about the location in Scotland. Dec 17, 2019 - Who needs Westeros? [9][10][11], The area gives its name to the Wester Ross National Scenic Area, one of 40 such areas in Scotland, which are defined so as to identify areas of exceptional scenery and to ensure their protection from inappropriate development. [64] The counties of Scotland are now used only for statistical purposes, and for local government purposes the whole of Ross and Cromarty is part of the council area of Highland. The linear geological feature of Moine Thrust Belt runs northeast across the area from near Kyle of Lochalsh. Plockton was used for shots showing Sergeant Neil Howie's arrival at Summerisle in The Wicker Man. Crofters were employed in enterprises such as fishing (Ullapool in the north of Wester Ross was built by the British Fishing Society in the 1780-90s) and kelping (the collection and processing of kelp to create products such as soda ash). The area was heavily glaciated during the ice age, with all but the highest peaks being covered by glaciers, leading to the steep-sided glens and deep sea lochs that characterise the area today. Poolewe 10 miles. p. 8. Loch Maree Wester Ross. We've got Wester Ross. [67][68], In the Scottish Parliament most of Wester Ross lies within the Caithness, Sutherland and Ross constituency,[69] however the Lochalsh area in the south of the region forms part of the Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch constituency. Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve Application. Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve Application. A view of Wester Ross on mainland Scotland seen from the north of the Isle of Skye. No but the author of the series GRRM was inspired by real life places: The North= Russia and Slavic Eastern Europe Reason: Vast with sparse population. Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve Application. Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve Application. [9] Other major economic activities in the area include commercial fishing, renewable energy, agriculture and fish farming. [39] Otters and water voles are both present in strong numbers in the rivers of Wester Ross:[39] water voles populations have been in decline across Great Britain due to predation by non-native American mink, which have only recently been recorded in Wester Ross. p. 95. Birdlife, Sea, Land, Dragonflies, Butterflies, Plantlife, Underwater & Heritage. These cliffs are home to large numbers of seabirds such as puffins, fulmars, kittiwakes, razorbills, guillemots, black guillemots, cormorants and shags, whilst the rocky islets and skerries are important for harbour seals. Modern bungalow with views across open fields to Gruinard Bay. Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area, "Visit Wester Ross - Tourism Development Strategy Update & Refresh", "Why Wester Ross? The view north west from the summit of An Ruadh-stac takes in Beinn Damh, Upper Loch Torridon and Beinn Alligin. These woods are genetically distinct from the pinewoods of central and eastern Scotland, and support a highly specialised flora and fauna including rare mosses and lichens, and insects such as the Scottish wood ant. [38], The rivers and lochs of Wester Ross support important populations of Atlantic salmon and sea trout, although numbers of adult fish have declined in recent years. Westeros isn't strictly an analogue for Britain and the fact that it isn't makes the series more interesting. This new-style biosphere, which covers an area over 100 times larger than the original designation, is a place where people live and actively learn about their surroundings to inspire a legacy rich in both natural and cultural heritage. This road is neither the shortest nor the fastest way to travel through Wester Ross, but it is by far the most beautiful one. Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve Application. Listen closely when the Hound asks Arya if she intends to list the names of every person in Westeros.. he actually ssys Wester Ross. The clan structure began to break down in the 18th century, as clan chiefs came to see themselves as landlords, and the small tenant farmers had no legal answer to a landlord who wished to have them removed. Visit Wester Ross - The North West Highlands of Scotland. The area is loosely defined, and has never been used as a formal administrative region in its own right, but is generally regarded as lying to the west of the main watershed of Ross (the eastern part of Ross being Easter Ross), thus forming the western half of the county of Ross and Cromarty. [44], The Wester Ross National Scenic Area covers 1635 km2 of countryside and seascape, and is the largest of the national scenic areas in terms of land area (1439km2). 1.5 miles from Laide village. Bordered on one side by the oakwoods of Letterewe Estate and the mountain mass of Slioch, and on the other side by pinewoods of Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve, Loch Maree is regarded as one of the most scenically attractive areas of Scotland. [1] It extends from Loch Kishorn in the south to Little Loch Broom in the north. [21] The only railway line in Wester Ross is the Kyle of Lochalsh line, which is operated by ScotRail and provides a link between the southern part of the region and Inverness. Looking for somewhere to stay in Wester Ross? Visit Wester Ross would like to take this opportunity to remind visitors that accommodation will be limited just now, due to some places deciding to stay closed while others will perhaps be operating at greatly reduced capacity. Wester Ross is unspoilt and there are areas where visitors are seldom seen such as the Letterewe Estate north of Loch Maree. cols="30" rows="4">Guide to Wester Ross featuring map, events, outdoor activities, sightseeing, scenic photos, accommodation listings & shops. Wester Ross was designated as a Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO’s "Man and the Biosphere" (MAB) Programme in April 2016. p. 38. Photo: Mick Knapton, CC BY-SA 3.0. p. 58. Besides salmon and trout, Arctic charr can be found in many of the lochs. Close to sandy beach at Mellon Udrigle. May 23, 2019 - Explore Glenys McKinnon's board "Wester Ross" on Pinterest. [39] Freshwater pearl mussels live in the gravel beds of clean, fast flowing rivers: the population had declined across Europe as a result of pollution, habitat changes and pearl fishing, and the Wester Ross population is now of international importance. Explore. North of the Wall is more like northern Scandinavia if anything. [5] The area's small communities weave the fabric of life through traditional music, ceilidhs, crofting, and the Gaelic language. [26] The Mesolithic people were largely nomadic, and permanent settlements were first built during the Neolithic era, when trees were felled to create land for farming. Wester Ross is the location for the adventures of John Macnab in the book by John Buchan. Under winter conditions, many walking routes in Wester Ross become serious expeditions. George said he was inspired to name it Westeros when he visited a place in Scotland named Wester Ross. They have steep terraced sides, and broken summit crests, riven into many pinnacles. During the late 18th and 19th centuries, the Highland Clearances saw tenants being forcibly moved to become crofters, a system under which their labour would be available when required by their landlords: they would be workers first and farmers second. The northern edges of the continent have not been charted, but are believed to extend to the northern polar ice cap. This was the second phase of the reintroduction of white-tailed eagles into Scotland, following on from the release of 82 birds on Rùm between 1975 and 1985. p. 57. Intrepid walkers and climbers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to this area's natural geological challenges. Sgùrr nan Clach Geala is situated 2 miles northwest of Wester Ross. Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve Application. [13] The Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve now covers 5,200 square kilometres of Wester Ross and Lochalsh. [76] The 2014 film What We Did on Our Holiday starring David Tennant, Rosamund Pike, and Billy Connolly, was filmed in Wester Ross and featured the Salmon Beach and Redpoint. [5], Wester Ross has historically been a Gaelic-speaking area; however, the language suffered from persecution for many years, and its decline was hastened when schooling became compulsory in the late 19th century. [9] Tourism forms a major part of the economic activity of the area, accounting for 35 % of all employment. Under pressure from the Highland Land League and public opinion a series of inquiries were held into the situation, leading to the Crofters' Holdings (Scotland) Act 1886 which put an end to the clearances by granting security of tenure to crofters. Explore 11 listings for Property for sale wester ross at best prices. This trade expanded during the early 19th century, due to the demands of the new industrial cities and the British armed forces for cattle for beef.[30]. White-tailed eagles were reintroduced into Wester Ross during the 1990s, with 58 birds being released between 1993 and 1998. p. 59. Wester Ross. Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve Application. [48], In 2014 59,900 hectares (599 km2) of coastal waters in the northern part of Wester Ross (from Rubha Rèidh to Coigach) was declared a Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area (NCMPA).[49]. The expansion increased the size of the biosphere reserve from 4,758ha to 529,904ha. PLANS for a new £2.3 million Wester Ross visitor centre at a major natural visitor attraction have been revealed. [16], In contrast to the isolated Torridonian peaks that characterise much of Wester Ross, the mountains of Kintail in the south of the area take the form of peaks linked by ridges that rise steeply from narrow glens and the sea. In the far north are the frozen Lands of Always Winter, where a large amount of land remains uncharted due to the extremely cold temperatures. p. 37. The tables below provide data for three locations within the area: Aultbea, located on the coast near Poolewe; Kinlochewe, located in a more inland position at the head of Loch Maree; and the summit of the Bealach na Bà, located 600 m above sea level in a coastal location. Westeros is bordered to the west by the Sunset Sea, to the south by the Summer Sea and to the east by the Narrow Sea and Shivering Sea. Moorland habitats, which are rare globally, are quite common in Wester Ross. As of 2014, it was estimated that there were 98 breeding pairs living along the west coast of Scotland. The latter was formed during the Precambrian period, and is the oldest rock type found in Scotland;[15] indeed the rocks around Gruinard Bay are, at 2.5 billion years old, amongst the oldest rocks in the world. Though small in terms of area, these pinewoods (which are composed chiefly of Scots pine, alongside deciduous species such as birch and rowan) are an internationally important habitat. [6] The area is renowned for the scenic splendour of its mountains and coastline,[7] and the range of wildlife that can be seen. [15], Wester Ross is well known for its spectacular mountain scenery, especially the Torridon Hills which includes such peaks as Beinn Eighe and Liathach. Sgùrr nan Clach Geala is a Scottish mountain situated 28 kilometres south-southeast of Ullapool in the county of Ross and Cromarty in the Highland council area. According to semi-canon sources, Westeros is similar in size to South America. They were steel; mostly Reynolds 531, lugged, silver brazed, and finished with a baked … Check it out! Travel Ideas. National Trust for Scotland 2018 Guide. p. 54. 86.134.91.155 12:19, 4 June 2012 (UTC) Also bear in mind that Westeros is a continent roughly the size of South America - the extreme north is arctic tundra, whereas the extreme south contains deserts. Scotland is 'North of the Wall' (interesting point that there is a region in Scotland called 'Wester Ross' Nope, Scotland is the North of the Seven Kingdoms (Winterfell etc). Wester Ross is united with Strathpeffer in Easter Ross to form a single ward entitled Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh,[65] which elects 4 councilors to Highland Council under the single transferable vote electoral system. [28], The 16th century marked the height of the Clan structure in the Highlands, and Wester Ross was occupied by different clans, chiefly the Mackenzies and the Macdonalds. Watching the fractured map of Westeros in the opening credits, I wonder, “Who is going to die tonight?” Since our trip to Scotland I’d been anticipating savoring that sip of scotch when Game of Thrones began its next-to-last season. [46], Wester Ross was designated as a Biosphere Reserve in April 2016. The moors are characterised by blanket bogs composed of sphagnum mosses, and host breeding birds such as golden plover, greenshank and dunlin, along with a resident population of red grouse. Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve Application. For the fictional continent in. [70] Each constituency elects one Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) by the plurality (first past the post) method of election; a further seven additional members are elected from the Highlands and Islands electoral region (in addition to the eight constituency MSPs), to produce a form of proportional representation for the region as a whole. Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve Application. Four services a day operate on the line, calling at stations at Achnasheen, Achnashellach, Strathcarron, Attadale, Stromeferry, Duncraig, Plockton and Duirinish, terminating at Kyle of Lochalsh.[22]. The hills sit apart from each other, and are often likened to castles. Countryside Vacation .. We've got Wester Ross. Excavations of a Mesolithic rock shelter and shell midden at Sand on the Applecross peninsula revealed a variety of tools made from bone, stone and antler, together with waste from tool manufacture and food processing.
Sunset over Loch Broom - with sun still up casting red light over water and mountain ridges around the Loch
Loch Broom near Ardmair, Wester Ross, Highlands, Scotland, UK
Steffen & Alexandra Sailer
Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way. [29] Following the decline of Norse power in western Scotland after their defeat at the Battle of Largs the semi-independent Lords of the Isles came to dominate the western coast until the 15th century, when Scottish Crown was able to cement its control over the region. Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve Application. It’s an area of outstanding natural beauty situated between Loch Carron in the south, Loch Broom and Ullapool in the north and Achnasheen in the east. Or is it just a massive coincidence? Wester Ross (Scottish Gaelic: Ros an Iar) is an area of the Northwest Highlands of Scotland in the council area of Highland. Aultbea 4 miles. [61] The area is sparsely populated, having one of the lowest population densities in Europe, with just 1.6 people per km2. Travel. National Trust for Scotland 2018 Guide. p. 43. Slioch seen from the shores of Loch Maree. At s1homes you'll be able to find a range of houses for sale in Wester Ross. [35] There is relatively little machair in Wester Ross compared to other parts of western Scotland. [7] Although many peaks in the Northwest highlands exhibit Torridonian geology, the Torridon Hills are generally considered only to be those in the Torridon Forest to the north of Glen Torridon: the Munros of Liathach, Beinn Eighe, and Beinn Alligin; and the Corbetts of Beinn Dearg, Baosbheinn and Beinn an Eoin. sun, loch, tranquillity, sun rays, duks. Definitely not to be confused with 'Westeros' from the Game of Thrones books and TV series, Wester Ross is, well, the western half of Ross and Cromarty in the Scottish Highlands. [35], Whales, dolphins, porpoises and seals area frequently seen in the outer lochs and open waters, whilst the more sheltered sea lochs contain rocky reefs, maerl beds and deep mud banks. [40] The lochs also support internationally important concentrations of breeding black-throated divers, which is at the southern edge of its range in Wester Ross. p. 39. There are traces of Mesolithic occupation at several sites in Wester Ross, including at Redpoint and Shieldaig. p. 56. p. 62. p. 51. Dec 17, 2019 - Who needs Westeros? Add 'META' Description and Keywords to page. " The pinewoods are also habitats for red squirrel and black grouse.[41]. [73][74] Many other songs refer to or are named after areas, geographical features and villages of Wester Ross, notably Loch Maree Islands, which has been recorded by many artists including Calum Kennedy.[75]. Media related to Wester Ross at Wikimedia Commons, This article is about the location in Scotland. Dec 17, 2019 - Who needs Westeros? [9][10][11], The area gives its name to the Wester Ross National Scenic Area, one of 40 such areas in Scotland, which are defined so as to identify areas of exceptional scenery and to ensure their protection from inappropriate development. [64] The counties of Scotland are now used only for statistical purposes, and for local government purposes the whole of Ross and Cromarty is part of the council area of Highland. The linear geological feature of Moine Thrust Belt runs northeast across the area from near Kyle of Lochalsh. Plockton was used for shots showing Sergeant Neil Howie's arrival at Summerisle in The Wicker Man. Crofters were employed in enterprises such as fishing (Ullapool in the north of Wester Ross was built by the British Fishing Society in the 1780-90s) and kelping (the collection and processing of kelp to create products such as soda ash). The area was heavily glaciated during the ice age, with all but the highest peaks being covered by glaciers, leading to the steep-sided glens and deep sea lochs that characterise the area today. Poolewe 10 miles. p. 8. Loch Maree Wester Ross. We've got Wester Ross. [67][68], In the Scottish Parliament most of Wester Ross lies within the Caithness, Sutherland and Ross constituency,[69] however the Lochalsh area in the south of the region forms part of the Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch constituency. Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve Application. Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve Application. A view of Wester Ross on mainland Scotland seen from the north of the Isle of Skye. No but the author of the series GRRM was inspired by real life places: The North= Russia and Slavic Eastern Europe Reason: Vast with sparse population. Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve Application. Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve Application. [9] Other major economic activities in the area include commercial fishing, renewable energy, agriculture and fish farming. [39] Otters and water voles are both present in strong numbers in the rivers of Wester Ross:[39] water voles populations have been in decline across Great Britain due to predation by non-native American mink, which have only recently been recorded in Wester Ross. p. 95. Birdlife, Sea, Land, Dragonflies, Butterflies, Plantlife, Underwater & Heritage. These cliffs are home to large numbers of seabirds such as puffins, fulmars, kittiwakes, razorbills, guillemots, black guillemots, cormorants and shags, whilst the rocky islets and skerries are important for harbour seals. Modern bungalow with views across open fields to Gruinard Bay. Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area, "Visit Wester Ross - Tourism Development Strategy Update & Refresh", "Why Wester Ross? The view north west from the summit of An Ruadh-stac takes in Beinn Damh, Upper Loch Torridon and Beinn Alligin. These woods are genetically distinct from the pinewoods of central and eastern Scotland, and support a highly specialised flora and fauna including rare mosses and lichens, and insects such as the Scottish wood ant. [38], The rivers and lochs of Wester Ross support important populations of Atlantic salmon and sea trout, although numbers of adult fish have declined in recent years. Westeros isn't strictly an analogue for Britain and the fact that it isn't makes the series more interesting. This new-style biosphere, which covers an area over 100 times larger than the original designation, is a place where people live and actively learn about their surroundings to inspire a legacy rich in both natural and cultural heritage. This road is neither the shortest nor the fastest way to travel through Wester Ross, but it is by far the most beautiful one. Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve Application. Listen closely when the Hound asks Arya if she intends to list the names of every person in Westeros.. he actually ssys Wester Ross. The clan structure began to break down in the 18th century, as clan chiefs came to see themselves as landlords, and the small tenant farmers had no legal answer to a landlord who wished to have them removed. Visit Wester Ross - The North West Highlands of Scotland. The area is loosely defined, and has never been used as a formal administrative region in its own right, but is generally regarded as lying to the west of the main watershed of Ross (the eastern part of Ross being Easter Ross), thus forming the western half of the county of Ross and Cromarty. [44], The Wester Ross National Scenic Area covers 1635 km2 of countryside and seascape, and is the largest of the national scenic areas in terms of land area (1439km2). 1.5 miles from Laide village. Bordered on one side by the oakwoods of Letterewe Estate and the mountain mass of Slioch, and on the other side by pinewoods of Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve, Loch Maree is regarded as one of the most scenically attractive areas of Scotland. [1] It extends from Loch Kishorn in the south to Little Loch Broom in the north. [21] The only railway line in Wester Ross is the Kyle of Lochalsh line, which is operated by ScotRail and provides a link between the southern part of the region and Inverness. Looking for somewhere to stay in Wester Ross? Visit Wester Ross would like to take this opportunity to remind visitors that accommodation will be limited just now, due to some places deciding to stay closed while others will perhaps be operating at greatly reduced capacity. Wester Ross is unspoilt and there are areas where visitors are seldom seen such as the Letterewe Estate north of Loch Maree. cols="30" rows="4">Guide to Wester Ross featuring map, events, outdoor activities, sightseeing, scenic photos, accommodation listings & shops. Wester Ross was designated as a Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO’s "Man and the Biosphere" (MAB) Programme in April 2016. p. 38. Photo: Mick Knapton, CC BY-SA 3.0. p. 58. Besides salmon and trout, Arctic charr can be found in many of the lochs. Close to sandy beach at Mellon Udrigle. May 23, 2019 - Explore Glenys McKinnon's board "Wester Ross" on Pinterest. [39] Freshwater pearl mussels live in the gravel beds of clean, fast flowing rivers: the population had declined across Europe as a result of pollution, habitat changes and pearl fishing, and the Wester Ross population is now of international importance. Explore. North of the Wall is more like northern Scandinavia if anything. [5] The area's small communities weave the fabric of life through traditional music, ceilidhs, crofting, and the Gaelic language. [26] The Mesolithic people were largely nomadic, and permanent settlements were first built during the Neolithic era, when trees were felled to create land for farming. Wester Ross is the location for the adventures of John Macnab in the book by John Buchan. Under winter conditions, many walking routes in Wester Ross become serious expeditions. George said he was inspired to name it Westeros when he visited a place in Scotland named Wester Ross. They have steep terraced sides, and broken summit crests, riven into many pinnacles. During the late 18th and 19th centuries, the Highland Clearances saw tenants being forcibly moved to become crofters, a system under which their labour would be available when required by their landlords: they would be workers first and farmers second. The northern edges of the continent have not been charted, but are believed to extend to the northern polar ice cap. This was the second phase of the reintroduction of white-tailed eagles into Scotland, following on from the release of 82 birds on Rùm between 1975 and 1985. p. 57. Intrepid walkers and climbers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to this area's natural geological challenges. Sgùrr nan Clach Geala is situated 2 miles northwest of Wester Ross. Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve Application. [13] The Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve now covers 5,200 square kilometres of Wester Ross and Lochalsh. [76] The 2014 film What We Did on Our Holiday starring David Tennant, Rosamund Pike, and Billy Connolly, was filmed in Wester Ross and featured the Salmon Beach and Redpoint. [5], Wester Ross has historically been a Gaelic-speaking area; however, the language suffered from persecution for many years, and its decline was hastened when schooling became compulsory in the late 19th century. [9] Tourism forms a major part of the economic activity of the area, accounting for 35 % of all employment. Under pressure from the Highland Land League and public opinion a series of inquiries were held into the situation, leading to the Crofters' Holdings (Scotland) Act 1886 which put an end to the clearances by granting security of tenure to crofters. Explore 11 listings for Property for sale wester ross at best prices. This trade expanded during the early 19th century, due to the demands of the new industrial cities and the British armed forces for cattle for beef.[30]. White-tailed eagles were reintroduced into Wester Ross during the 1990s, with 58 birds being released between 1993 and 1998. p. 59. Wester Ross. Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve Application. [48], In 2014 59,900 hectares (599 km2) of coastal waters in the northern part of Wester Ross (from Rubha Rèidh to Coigach) was declared a Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area (NCMPA).[49]. The expansion increased the size of the biosphere reserve from 4,758ha to 529,904ha. PLANS for a new £2.3 million Wester Ross visitor centre at a major natural visitor attraction have been revealed. [16], In contrast to the isolated Torridonian peaks that characterise much of Wester Ross, the mountains of Kintail in the south of the area take the form of peaks linked by ridges that rise steeply from narrow glens and the sea. In the far north are the frozen Lands of Always Winter, where a large amount of land remains uncharted due to the extremely cold temperatures. p. 37. The tables below provide data for three locations within the area: Aultbea, located on the coast near Poolewe; Kinlochewe, located in a more inland position at the head of Loch Maree; and the summit of the Bealach na Bà, located 600 m above sea level in a coastal location. Westeros is bordered to the west by the Sunset Sea, to the south by the Summer Sea and to the east by the Narrow Sea and Shivering Sea. Moorland habitats, which are rare globally, are quite common in Wester Ross. As of 2014, it was estimated that there were 98 breeding pairs living along the west coast of Scotland. The latter was formed during the Precambrian period, and is the oldest rock type found in Scotland;[15] indeed the rocks around Gruinard Bay are, at 2.5 billion years old, amongst the oldest rocks in the world. Though small in terms of area, these pinewoods (which are composed chiefly of Scots pine, alongside deciduous species such as birch and rowan) are an internationally important habitat. [6] The area is renowned for the scenic splendour of its mountains and coastline,[7] and the range of wildlife that can be seen. [15], Wester Ross is well known for its spectacular mountain scenery, especially the Torridon Hills which includes such peaks as Beinn Eighe and Liathach. Sgùrr nan Clach Geala is a Scottish mountain situated 28 kilometres south-southeast of Ullapool in the county of Ross and Cromarty in the Highland council area. According to semi-canon sources, Westeros is similar in size to South America. They were steel; mostly Reynolds 531, lugged, silver brazed, and finished with a baked … Check it out! Travel Ideas. National Trust for Scotland 2018 Guide. p. 54. 86.134.91.155 12:19, 4 June 2012 (UTC) Also bear in mind that Westeros is a continent roughly the size of South America - the extreme north is arctic tundra, whereas the extreme south contains deserts. Scotland is 'North of the Wall' (interesting point that there is a region in Scotland called 'Wester Ross' Nope, Scotland is the North of the Seven Kingdoms (Winterfell etc). Wester Ross is united with Strathpeffer in Easter Ross to form a single ward entitled Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh,[65] which elects 4 councilors to Highland Council under the single transferable vote electoral system. [28], The 16th century marked the height of the Clan structure in the Highlands, and Wester Ross was occupied by different clans, chiefly the Mackenzies and the Macdonalds. Watching the fractured map of Westeros in the opening credits, I wonder, “Who is going to die tonight?” Since our trip to Scotland I’d been anticipating savoring that sip of scotch when Game of Thrones began its next-to-last season. [46], Wester Ross was designated as a Biosphere Reserve in April 2016. The moors are characterised by blanket bogs composed of sphagnum mosses, and host breeding birds such as golden plover, greenshank and dunlin, along with a resident population of red grouse. Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve Application. For the fictional continent in. [70] Each constituency elects one Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) by the plurality (first past the post) method of election; a further seven additional members are elected from the Highlands and Islands electoral region (in addition to the eight constituency MSPs), to produce a form of proportional representation for the region as a whole. Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve Application. Four services a day operate on the line, calling at stations at Achnasheen, Achnashellach, Strathcarron, Attadale, Stromeferry, Duncraig, Plockton and Duirinish, terminating at Kyle of Lochalsh.[22]. The hills sit apart from each other, and are often likened to castles. Countryside Vacation .. We've got Wester Ross. Excavations of a Mesolithic rock shelter and shell midden at Sand on the Applecross peninsula revealed a variety of tools made from bone, stone and antler, together with waste from tool manufacture and food processing.