Image Details
This view has long been on my 'wanted' list and finally in 2008 I spent some time here exploring the shores of Loch Clair. Always however, directing my gaze to Liathach, which for me, is an essential element of this scene.
Initially I left the car in a passing place on the single track road leading to Torridon and wandered down the the private road to Coulin Estate, over the wooden bridge, and then down onto the North-eastern shore of Loch Clair and shot some images from that view point.
Later I went back over the bridge and crossed some extremely rough ground resulting from tree felling to reach another part of the shore to capture this view. I stayed at this spot for quite some time as the light and shade were constantly changing, as were the patterns and reflections in Loch Clair.
I took a considerable number of images at this point with the aim of finally choosing one at a later date. Later, I think I spent as long at my monitor trying to choose one single image from the collection that I felt best captured this particular scene.
Some years ago I did some work for the game keeper at the Coulin Estate and he offered me the opportunity to go down to the estate when the deer are being fed. This is done in the winter to keep the deer in good condition. He said there would be some great opportunities for photography of the stags and hinds. I've yet to take advantage of this offer but when I do I will certainly add the best of what I capture to this website.
North-west Highland Place Names
The landscape of the North-west Highlands and the Gaelic language are intimately connected. Other languages have contributed to the richness of our place names, notably Norse, but the North-west Highlands have for centuries been a Gaelic landscape. In listing the meanings of place names I have relied on authoritative sources wherever possible. For further information about sources please refer to North-west Highland Place Names in the main menu.
Coulin; Gaelic is Cùlainn, meaning ‘place of enclosures’. Professor Watson said that Kinlochewe tenants of old had their shielings where the Coulin Lodge now stands.
Liathach; Gaelic, ‘the hoary place’.
Loch Clair; Gaelic is Loch Clàir, ‘Loch of the level place’.
Torridon; Professor Watson gives a detailed account starting with the recorded history of this name – Torvirtayne 1464; Torrerdone 1584; Gaelic Toir(bh)eartan compare with the Irish tairbheart, to transfer, carry over, the infinitive of tairbrim. This would give the place the meaning of ‘place of transference’ with reference to the portage from the head of Loch Torridon through Glen Torridon to Loch Maree. The name applies specially to the strip of land at the head of the loch.
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