View source for Knoydart

{{about|the Scottish peninsula|the community in Nova Scotia|Knoydart, Nova Scotia}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox UK place
 | official_name            = Knoydart
 | local_name               = 
 | country                  = Scotland
<!-- IMAGES -->
 | static_image_name        = Inverie Knoydart.jpg
 | static_image_caption     = Inverie on the Knoydart peninsula
 | static_image_alt         = Inverie on the Knoydart peninsula
<!-- STATISTICS -->
 | area_footnotes           = 
 | area_total_sq_mi         = <!-- Enter square mile data in RAW format (no commas or spaces) will automatically convert km² (if blank)-->
 | area_total_km2           = <!-- Enter sqkm data with no commas or spaces; will automatically convert sq mi (if blank)-->
 | population               = 157
 | population_ref           = <ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk/ods-web/area.html| title=2011 Census Profile for Output Area S00117868| publisher=National Records of Scotland|access-date=2018-04-04}}</ref>
<!-- a good place to check for these figures is http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/ -->
<!-- any non-numeric population values should also go here, such as "c.500" or "<500" -->
 | population_density       = <!-- for /sq mi ...use convert template {{Pop density mi2 to km2|(enter value) |precision=1|abbr=yes}} -->
<!-- if pop density/km² is known use {{Pop density km2 to mi2|(enter value) |precision=1|abbr=yes}} -->
<!-- if population is given and either area_total_sq_mi or area_total_km2 is given then population_density will be calculated -->
<!-- LOCATION -->
 | os_grid_reference        = 
 | map_type                 = <!-- type of map (leave blank for default map, or set to nomap, UK or Greater Belfast to force a particular map) -->
 | map_alt                  = 
 | coordinates              = {{coord|57.07|-5.66|scale:200000|display=inline,title}}
 | post_town                = MALLAIG
 | postcode_area            = PH
 | postcode_district        = PH41
 | dial_code                = 01687
<!-- GOVERNANCE -->
 | civil_parish             = 
<!-- DISTANCES -->
<!-- you can use the template {{convert|(enter data)|mi|precision=0}} to help convert miles to km automatically; both are displayed -->
 | edinburgh_distance_mi    = 
<!-- SCOTTISH articles only, distance to Edinburgh -->
 | edinburgh_distance_km    = 
 | edinburgh_distance       = 
<!-- SCOTLAND-SPECIFIC -->
 | gaelic_name              = Cnòideart
 | scots_name               = 
 | community_scotland       = [[Mallaig]]
 | unitary_scotland         = [[Highland (council area)|Highland]]
 | lieutenancy_scotland     = [[Inverness (lieutenancy)|Inverness]]
 | constituency_westminster = [[Ross, Skye and Lochaber (UK Parliament constituency)|Ross, Skye and Lochaber]]
| constituency_scottish_parliament = [[Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch]]
 | language                 = <!-- any locally spoken languages -->
 | website                  = <!-- Council website for place (specifically) -->
 | hide_services            = Yes 
}}
{{Infobox protected area 
| name = Knoydart National Scenic Area
| photo = Ladhar Beinn from Eileann Choinneach.jpg
| photo_caption = Ladhar Beinn from Eileann Choinneach
| location = [[Lochaber]], [[Scotland]]
| nearest_city = 
| map = 
| relief = 
| map_caption = 
| coordinates = 
| area_km2 = 507
| area_ref = <ref name="area"/>
| established = 1981
| visitation_num = 
| visitation_year = 
| governing_body = [[NatureScot]]
}}

'''Knoydart''' {{IPAc-en|audio=Knoydart.ogg|ˈ|n|ɔɪ|d|ər|t|,_|ˈ|n|ɔɪ|d|ɑr|t}} ({{langx|gd|Cnòideart}}) is a [[peninsula]] in [[Lochaber]], [[Highland (council area)|Highland]], on the west coast of [[Scotland]]. Knoydart is sandwiched between Lochs [[Loch Nevis|Nevis]] and [[Loch Hourn|Hourn]] &mdash; often translated as "Loch Heaven" (from the Gaelic ''Loch Néimh'') and "Loch Hell" (Gaelic: ''Loch Iutharn'') respectively, although the somewhat poetic nature of these derivations is disputed.<ref name="qualities">{{cite web|url=https://www.nature.scot/sites/default/files/2017-07/Publication%202010%20-%20SNH%20Commissioned%20Report%20374%20-%20The%20Special%20Qualities%20of%20the%20National%20Scenic%20Areas.pdf|title=The special qualities of the National Scenic Areas|publisher=Scottish Natural Heritage|date=2010|pages=190–197|access-date=4 April 2018}}</ref> Forming the northern part of what is traditionally known as ''na Garbh-Chrìochan'' or "the [[The Rough Bounds|Rough Bounds]]", because of its harsh terrain and remoteness, Knoydart is also referred to as "Britain's last wilderness".<ref name="independent">{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/uk/knoydart-britains-last-wilderness-1650200.html|title=Knoydart: Britain's last wilderness|work=The Independent|date=2009-03-21|access-date=2018-04-04}}</ref> It is only accessible by boat, or by a {{convert|16|mi|km|adj=on}} walk through rough country,<ref name="qualities" /> and the {{convert|7|mi|km|spell=in}} of tarred road are not connected to the UK road system.

Knoydart is designated as one of the forty [[National scenic area (Scotland)|national scenic areas]] in Scotland, which are defined so as to identify areas of exceptional scenery and to ensure their protection from inappropriate development.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/protected-areas-and-species/protected-areas/national-designations/national-scenic-areas|title=National Scenic Areas|publisher=NatureScot|access-date=12 September 2020}}</ref> The designated area covers {{convert|50696|ha|acre|abbr=on}} in total, of which {{convert|40201|ha|acre|abbr=on}} is on land, with a further {{convert|10495|ha|acre|abbr=on}} being marine (i.e. below [[Mean low water spring|low tide level]]).<ref name="area">{{cite web|url=http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Environment/Countryside/Heritage/Areas/maps|title=National Scenic Areas - Maps|publisher=Scottish Natural Heritage|date=2010-12-20|access-date=2018-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140337/http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Environment/Countryside/Heritage/Areas/maps|archive-date=12 June 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The area is popular with hill walkers, mountaineers, sailors and wildlife enthusiasts. It includes the [[Munro]]s of [[Ladhar Bheinn]] (1020&nbsp;m), [[Luinne Bheinn]] (939&nbsp;m), [[Meall Buidhe, Knoydart|Meall Buidhe]] (946&nbsp;m) and [[Sgurr na Cìche]] (1040&nbsp;m).<ref name=munros>D. Bennet & R. Anderson. ''The Munros: Scottish Mountaineering Club Hillwalkers Guide'', pp.164-171. Published 2016.</ref> The peninsula also contains six [[Lists of mountains and hills in the British Isles#Corbetts|Corbetts]], including [[Ben Aden]] (887&nbsp;m) and [[Beinn na Caillich (Knoydart)|Beinn na Caillich]] (785&nbsp;m).<ref name=corbetts>R. Milne & H. Brown. ''The Corbetts and Other Scottish Hills: Scottish Mountaineering Club Hillwalkers Guide'', pp.169-174. Published 2002.</ref>

==History==
[[File:Men of Knoydart memorial.jpg|left|thumb|Memorial commemorating the Seven Men at [[Inverie]].]]
Knoydart formed part of the kingdom ruled over by [[Somerled]] (died 1164), before passing to the [[Clann Ruaidhrí]] branch of his descendants – the eventual heiress of whom married [[John of Islay]] (died circa 1386). Members of [[Clan Donald]] held Knoydart from the 15th century to the beginning of the 17th century is generally believed to have descended from Allan Macdonald, 2nd of [[Clan Macdonald of Clanranald|Clanranald]] (died circa 1429). However, in the early 17th century, [[Clan MacDonell of Glengarry|Macdonell of Glengarry]] succeeded in wresting control of Knoydart from Clanranald, receiving official confirmation of his ownership from the [[James VI of Scotland|king]] in 1613.<ref>Dennis Rixson, ''Knoydart: A History'' (Birlinn Ltd, Edinburgh, 1999)</ref> Prior to the [[1745 Jacobite rising]] the population numbered nearly a thousand. There was much emigration, mainly to [[Canada]] ([[Knoydart, Nova Scotia]] is named after the community).

In an April 1787 letter from [[Moidart]] to the [[Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples|Congregation for Propaganda]] in Rome, Fr. Austin MacDonald wrote, "On account of the emigration of the people of Knoydart to Canada, along with their [[Roman Catholic priest|priest]]; it fell to me in the autumn to attend to those who were left behind, and during the winter to the people of Moydart (sic) as well. Although not less than 600 Catholics went to America, still I administered the Sacraments to over 500 souls who remained. The overpopulation of these districts, together with the oppression of the landlords, are the principal causes of the departure of so many, not only among the Catholics, but also among the Protestants."<ref>Odo Blundell (1917), ''The Catholic Highlands of Scotland. Volume II: The Western Highlands and Islands'', Sands & Co., 37 George Street, [[Edinburgh]], 15 King Street, [[Covent Garden]], [[London]]. p. 145.</ref>

Despite this emigration, the population remained at nearly a thousand in 1841.

In 1852 four hundred of the inhabitants were given notice of eviction for the following year and offered passages overseas, originally to Australia, but later their destination was changed to Canada. On 9 August 1853 three hundred and thirty inhabitants from the west coast of the peninsula went on board the ''Sillery'' and left for Canada. However, 11 families comprising over 60 people refused to go and the story of their eviction became notorious as part of the [[Highland clearances|Highland Clearances]]. Knoydart was finally sold by the MacDonell family in 1856, passing into the hands of an Ayrshire ironmaster, [[James Baird (industrialist)|James Baird of Cambusdoon]].

In 1948, an unsuccessful [[land raid]] was undertaken by the "[[Seven Men of Knoydart]]", who attempted to claim land in the ownership of the estate for their own use. Their claims were contested by the estate owner, the [[Ronald Nall-Cain, 2nd Baron Brocket|Second Baron Brocket]], who took the case to the [[Court of Session]] which ruled against the land-raiders. An appeal to the [[Secretary of State for Scotland]] was rejected and the Seven Men gave up their fight to obtain crofts on Knoydart. A cairn commemorating their land raid was unveiled at Inverie in 1981.<ref>{{cite book| author=MacDougall, A.| year=1993| title=Knoydart: The Last Scottish Land Raid| location=Billingham, Cleveland| publisher=Lindhurst Publications}}</ref>

==Modern ownership==
The Knoydart Foundation was established in 1997 to take ownership of the {{convert|17500|acre|ha|adj=on}} Knoydart Estate which makes up much of the peninsula, including the village of Inverie.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.whoownsscotland.org.uk/property.php?p=1386|title=Property Page: Knoydart Estate|date=2010-09-21|access-date=2018-04-04|publisher=Who Owns Scotland}}</ref><ref name=Knoydart1>{{cite web| url=http://www.knoydart-foundation.com/| title=Knoydart Foundation| access-date=2007-04-22}}</ref> The Foundation, which is a [[Charitable organization|registered charity]] under Scottish law,<ref>{{Scottish charity|SC026246|Knoydart Foundation}}</ref> bought the estate in 1999.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/289092.stm| title=Residents' buy-out victory| publisher=[[BBC News]]| date=2 March 1999| access-date=22 April 2007}}</ref> It is a partnership of local residents, the [[Highland Council]], the [[Chris Brasher]] Trust, and the [[John Muir Trust]]. The foundation aim is to "manage the Knoydart Estate as an area of employment and settlement on the Knoydart Peninsula without detriment to its natural beauty and character and to seek and encourage the preservation of its landscape, wildlife, natural resources, culture and rural heritage."<ref name=aboutKF>{{cite web|url=http://www.knoydart-foundation.com/about/about-the-foundation/|title=Knoydart Foundation: About the Foundation|access-date=2018-04-04|publisher=Knoydart Foundation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130712235806/http://www.knoydart-foundation.com/about/about-the-foundation/|archive-date=12 July 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The neighbouring privately owned Kilchoan Estate was part of the foundation when it was set up, but have since resigned their directorship.<ref name="aboutKF"/> Kilchoan Estate covers {{convert|
13212|acre|ha}} of the peninsula, and lies to the east of the Knoydart Foundation land.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.whoownsscotland.org.uk/property.php?p=1370|title=Property Page: Kilchoan Estate|date=2003-12-31|access-date=2018-04-04|publisher=Who Owns Scotland}}</ref> Other landholdings on Knoydart include the {{convert|8080|acre|ha|adj=on}} Camusrory Estate (lying to the east of the Kilchoan Estate),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.whoownsscotland.org.uk/property.php?p=1238|title=Property Page: Camusrory Estate|date=2003-12-31|access-date=2018-04-04|publisher=Who Owns Scotland}}</ref> and the {{convert|14230|acre|ha|adj=on}} Barisdale Estate on the northern side of the peninsula, which extends as far east as [[Kinloch Hourn]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.whoownsscotland.org.uk/property.php?p=1212|title=Property Page: Barisdale Estate|date=2010-09-21|access-date=2018-04-04|publisher=Who Owns Scotland}}</ref> {{convert|3063|acre|ha}} of land on the northern slopes of [[Ladhar Bheinn]] is owned by the [[John Muir Trust]], one of the participants in the Knoydart Foundation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.whoownsscotland.org.uk/property.php?p=1956|title=Property Page: Li and Coire Dhorrcail|date=2010-09-21|access-date=2018-04-04|publisher=Who Owns Scotland}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.johnmuirtrust.org/trust-land/knoydart|title=Knoydart - Trust Land|access-date=2018-04-04|publisher=John Muir Trust}}</ref>

==Infrastructure==
[[Inverie]] is the main settlement on the peninsula, which has a resident population of 98 adults. There is a post office, a primary school, a brewery and a variety of accommodation for visitors, including [[Bed and breakfast|B&B]]s, [[bunkhouse]]s and self-catering accommodation. The Old Forge Inn, Knoydart's only [[pub]], is the most remote public house in mainland Britain.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.theoldforge.co.uk/| title=Old Forge| access-date=22 April 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| author=Hutchison, Colin| date=12 November 2006| title=Remote patrol| location=Glasgow| work=Sunday Herald}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2022/aug/19/a-rugged-walk-to-a-great-highlands-pub-the-old-forge-inverie |title=A two-day Highlands walk to Britain's most remote pub: the Old Forge, Knoydart |first=Robin |last=McKelvie |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |date=19 August 2022 |access-date=19 August 2022}}</ref><!--Take care not to use anything in the McKelvie citation which relies on this Wikipedia article-->

A vehicle track runs from Inverie to the smaller settlement of Airor, on the west side of the peninsula, a little over {{convert|8|mi|km}}. On its way to Airor, the track passes the settlements of Scottas, Sandaig and Doune. The track is a designated public highway and is maintained by the [[Highland Council]] – however in common with the [[Small Isles]], a resident or visitors permit is required to drive on the road.<ref>{{cite web|last=Knoydart Permits|url=http://www.highland.gov.uk/info/20005/roads_and_pavements/204/road_permit_for_eigg_muck_and_knoydart/|publisher=Highland Council| title=Knoydart Permits|access-date=18 August 2014}}</ref>

The Highland Council-subsidised ferry is operated from Mallaig to Inverie by Western Isles Cruises,<ref>{{cite web| url=https://westernislescruises.co.uk/| title=Knoydart Ferry Service| access-date=12 May 2016}}</ref> previously known as Bruce Watt Cruises.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.knoydart-ferry.co.uk| title=Knoydart Ferry Service| access-date=22 April 2007}}</ref> For a period of three years Knoydart Sea Bridge<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.knoydartferry.com| title=Knoydart Ferry Service| access-date=4 July 2013}}</ref> had the council contract; this reverted to Western Isles Cruises on 1 April 2016. Various passenger and equipment services are offered by private boat operators.<ref>{{cite web|last=Getting Here |url=http://www.knoydart-foundation.com/visit-knoydart/getting-here/ |publisher=Knoydart Foundation |title=Getting Here |access-date=12 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111106061728/http://www.knoydart-foundation.com/visit-knoydart/getting-here/ |archive-date= 6 November 2011 }}</ref>
The Foundation operates a [[hydro-electric]] scheme which provides power to Inverie as the area is entirely off the [[National Grid (Great Britain)|national grid]]. The scheme is almost entirely dependent on unpaid volunteers and the current pipeline will need replacing in the near future. As a result, the Knoydart community's current focus is coming up with a solution to ensure a continued power supply and ultimately that living on Knoydart remains viable.

In May 2005 the [[Highlands and Islands Community Energy Company]] hosted its first conference in Inverie, during which the company was officially launched.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.hie.co.uk/Default.aspx.LocID-0finewkve.RefLocID-0fihiesv1009prk004.Lang-EN.htm| title=Community Energy: Leading from the Edge| author=HIE News| date=2006-04-18| access-date=22 April 2007| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926220138/http://www.hie.co.uk/Default.aspx.LocID-0finewkve.RefLocID-0fihiesv1009prk004.Lang-EN.htm| archive-date=26 September 2007| url-status=dead}}</ref> A new pier at Inverie was officially opened on 24 August 2006 by [[Tavish Scott]] [[Member of the Scottish Parliament|MSP]].<ref name=web>{{cite web| url=http://www.knoydart-foundation.com/10th-anniversary/event-timetable/| title=Knoydart Foundation| access-date=14 May 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417063307/http://www.knoydart-foundation.com/10th-anniversary/event-timetable/| archive-date=17 April 2009| url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2019 the Knoydart Foundation are celebrating 20 years of community ownership. They are fundraising for and undertaking extensive renovations to Knoydart Community Hall, which provides an essential meeting space and venue for visiting bands and musicians, sports and activities, community events, school, Foundation and Ranger events, activities and meetings, and parties and weddings.

As of March 2022, the Knoydart community owns the most remote mainland pub in the UK, The Old Forge, after buying the pub's building and making the essential renovations. Old Forge and the village itself can only be accessed by walking for {{convert|18|mi|km}} or crossing the sea for {{convert|7|mi|km}}. It is expected that the pub will attract thousands of visitors in the upcoming years.<ref>{{cite web |title=Knoydart community owns Britain's remotest mainland pub |date=29 March 2022 |website=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-60907329 |access-date=29 March 2022}}</ref>

Knoydart is not connected to the National Grid, it gets its electricity from a 280&nbsp;kW hydroelectric scheme run by a community trust called Knoydart Renewables.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Highland haven insulated from rising energy prices |website=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-63402811 |access-date=30 October 2022 }}</ref>

==Natural environment==
The underlying geology of Knoydart consists mainly of [[mica-schist]] and [[quartz]]-[[feldspar]] of the type associated with the [[Moine thrust]], along with some areas of [[Lewisian gneiss]] around Loch Hourn. The landscape shows many signs of [[glaciation]], with deep [[fjord]]-like [[sea loch]]s, [[hanging valley]]s, [[cirque|corries]], [[arête]]s and [[moraines]]. The rebound effect that followed the melting of the glaciers at the end of the [[ice age]] has led to the formation of [[raised beach]]es.<ref name="qualities"/>

[[Birch]]woods grow on the steep slopes of the glens and above the shoreline, and there are some areas of [[Caledonian Forest|Caledonian pinewood]]s around Barrisdale.<ref name="qualities"/> In common with much of the highlands, historic overgrazing, first by sheep and latterly by deer (predominantly [[red deer]]), has led to a reduction in the amount of forested land. The deer population is therefore managed by culling in order to allow existing native woodland to regenerate over the long term. The estates on the western part of the peninsula cooperate in this aim via the West Knoydart Deer Management Group,<ref name=wkdmg>{{cite web| url=http://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/03ba02_044162c7a25a4b6087d15a3451d3f822.pdf| title=Deer Management Plan| publisher=West Knoydart Deer Management Group|date=2017-11-20|access-date=2018-04-05}}</ref> whilst the more easterly estates form the Knoydart Deer Management Group, whose area takes in much of [[The Rough Bounds]] of Knoydart.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://knoydartdmg.deer-management.co.uk/| title=Knoydart Deer Management Group| publisher=Knoydart Deer Management Group|access-date=2018-04-05}}</ref> There was controversy in 2015 following culling on the [[John Muir Trust]] land in the north of Knoydart, which resulted in some deer carcasses being left on the open hillside rather than being extracted for use as [[venison]].<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.johnmuirtrust.org/about/resources/763-deer-management-in-knoydart-a-response-from-the-john-muir-trust| title=Deer management in Knoydart – a response from the John Muir Trust | publisher=John Muir Trust|date=2016-01-07|access-date=2018-04-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.deer-management.co.uk/the-knoydart-deer-massacre-%E2%80%93-what-can-we-learn-from-it/| title=The Knoydart deer massacre – what can we learn from it?| publisher=Association of Deer Management Groups|date=2015-12-24|access-date=2018-04-05}}</ref>

Wildlife in the area includes [[badger]]s, [[pine marten]], [[european otter|otters]], [[red deer]], [[buzzard]]s, [[golden eagle]]s and [[sea eagle]]s;<ref name="ranger"/> there are also two small herds of [[feral goat]]s.<ref name="wkdmg"/> There is a [[Bird hide|wildlife hide]] on the beach near Inverie.<ref name=ranger>{{cite web| url=http://www.knoydart-foundation.com/1/ranger-activities/| title=Ranger Service| publisher=Knoydart Foundation|access-date=2018-04-04}}</ref> The seas to the west of Knoydart are designated as a [[Special Area of Conservation]] due their importance for [[harbour porpoise]]s.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://sitelink.nature.scot/site/10508| title=Site Details for Inner Hebrides and the Minches| publisher=NatureScot|access-date=12 September 2020}}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Màm Uchd - geograph.org.uk - 922157.jpg|The interior of Knoydart
The slopes of Ladhar Bheinn - geograph.org.uk - 465418.jpg|Knoydart from Loch Hourn
Beinn_Bhuidhe - geograph.org.uk - 919951.jpg|Southern Knoydart
The path south from Barrisdale - geograph.org.uk - 503138.jpg|A rare plain
</gallery>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{wikivoyage}}
*[http://www.knoydart-foundation.com Knoydart Foundation]
*{{mmukscaled|NG766000|100|Map sources for Inverie}}

{{Scottish provinces|minor}}
{{NSAs in Scotland|state=collapsed}}

[[Category:Community buyouts in Scotland]]
[[Category:National scenic areas of Scotland]]
[[Category:Peninsulas of Scotland]]
[[Category:Lochaber]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Highland (council area)]]
[[Category:Highland Estates]]