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About Strathconon…..
Strathconon is certainly a ‘Glen For All Seasons‘. The Grampian TV series of the same title provided an in depth portrayal of life in this most scenic of highland glens. But Strathconon is much more than that. The echoes of Scotland’s romantic and turbulent past are locked firmly within it’s mountain walls. It is also a glen of considerable scenic contrasts, from the wooded banks of the River Conon in the east, to the bare heather laden mountains to the west. This short summary will hopefully whet the appetite for a visit to this special place.
Situated to the northwest of the Highland Capital Inverness, Strathconon is one of a number of glens running from west to east across the County of Ross-shire. Ironically, Strathconon is for the most part occupied by the River Meig. This rises at the western end of the glen, and rushes down towards the Cromarty Firth at Conon Bridge. The Rivers Meig and Sheen eventually combine to form the River Conon near Scatwell. The River Conon then meanders it’s way down towards the sea, across a substantially larger flood plain.
Eroded over the centuries by ice and water, Strathconon is bordered by steep slopes at it’s western end, many of which have been carved by waterfalls and mountain streams. Caledonian pine forest adorns many of these slopes, the home of many species of wildlife including red and sika deer. It is common to see birds of prey soaring above these slopes, especially the buzzard. Golden eagles may also be seen.
Mountains rise beyond the valley slopes, some of considerable stature such as Sgurr a Mhullin (879m) and the prominent Meallan nan Uan (Lambs Peak - 838m). Creag Ruadh (734m) or Red hill rises directly to the north west of the cottage, and is popular with walkers.
Further to the east, the mountain scenery gives way to more wooded scenery, until the wide valley of the River Conon is reached with its deciduous woodland and riverside meadows.
This Glen has been inhabited since earliest times. The first residents were the Gaelic Picts in the 6th and 7th centuries. These early tribes were often harassed by Viking raiders, resulting in brutal confrontations. A mile or so to the west of Creag Ruadh Cottage, is a massive boulder, laying next to the road (north side). This is reputedly the site of one such battle between the Picts and the Vikings.
Over time, the tribes developed into the clans we know today. The Clan Mackenzie occupied the lands around Strathconon, but life was far from peaceful! In 1488 The battle of the Park took place on a bleak moor to the west of Strathpeffer. This resulted from a feud between the Mackenzies and the Macdonald’s of Lochalsh. The latter were defeated, and pursued into Strathconon where the remnants of their army were slain or taken prisoner.
In 1600 Castle Leod was built at Strathpeffer. This became the seat of the Clan Mackenzie and the Earls of Cromarty. Brahan Castle at the at the east end of the Glen also became a seat of the Mackenzies, as was Kinkell Castle near Conon Bridge. Bonnie Prince Charlie is reputed to have been hidden at Kinkell during the Jacobite rebellion in 1745.
Shortly after the rebellion, the Jacobite Mackenzies were the first defeated clan to surrender their arms at Brahan Castle and swear allegiance to the English Crown. Five hundred men from the Seaforth Estate at Brahan later helped form the famous Royal Regiment, the Seaforth Highlanders.
In the 1820’s, Parliament approved the construction of 42 churches and manses in remote parts of the Highlands. This project was in thanksgiving of the victories of the Napoleonic wars. Local landowners were encouraged to give up land for building, and the design and construction was entrusted to the renowned engineer Thomas Telford.
One such church and manse was built just to the west of Creag Ruadh Cottage, in a ‘specially remote and needy district’. Both are now privately owned.
In the mid 1800’s the clearances devastated many remote Highland communities as wealthy landowners evicted their tenants to make way for sheep farming. Strathconon’s population did not escape the evictions, and the thriving community in the glen rapidly diminished.
Today, most of Strathconon falls within the boundaries of three Highland estates, Strathconon, Scardroy and Scatwell. Strathconon Estate is now owned by the Kristiansen family from Denmark. They are probably better known as the founders of Lego!
Forestry is now a significant element of the local economy. The estate also manage a large deer herd, and there is some agriculture. The glen is also a popular destination for walkers, climbers, fishermen and wildlife enthusiasts.
Most important, the local population, although reduced in numbers over the years, still thrives as a friendly close knit community……they will certainly make you welcome!
Click here for map of the area
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