Arts, Crafts and Places of Interest in Kintyre
| Kintyre with its scenic beauty and quality of light, has long been a refuge and inspiration for artists. William McTaggart RSA (1835-1910) born in this area, was the leading Scottish landscape painter of his day. |
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In 1887, local artist and teacher Archibald Mackinnon awoke from a dream, after which he was impelled to paint a depiction of the Crucifixion. His dream had even indicated the place where the painting was to be – a cave on Davaar Island, in the mouth of Campbeltown Loch, click here to see it. See 'Leisure Activities - Walking' for directions to Davaar.
A thriving community of artists is at work in the area today and several works are displayed in the Oystercatcher Gallery on the Esplanade. This shop also has space for jewellery, cards and gifts.
Goldsmith, Grant Logan, hand crafts exquisite gold jewellery in his attractive lochside studio along the Kilkerran Road www.grantlogan.co.uk
Simon X Rochford at The Campbeltown Pottery manufactures several colourful ranges of handthrown and handmade pottery. The Kintyre range is available in blue-green or plum, while distinctive black water jugs are also manufactured for the Springbank Distillery. Tel: 01586 553550
Taking a circular tour around the peninsula, to the North East, in Carradale, Wallis Hunter manufactures beautiful silver and gold jewellery which is sold in the adjacent shop - The Carradale Gold Foundry - alongside trinkets and gifts of all types www.wallishunter-jewellery.com
Nearby Torrisdale Castle has the Organic Tannery and Crafty Sheep Shop. Sheepskins are tanned using a tree bark formula, and no modern chemicals, providing a softer and odour-free rug.
Saddell was an important early Christian settlement. The Cistercian Abbey was founded in c1160 by Somerled, Lord of the Isles, a great warrior who wrested this area back from the Vikings. Also of note are the important life-size grave slabs in the distinctive Kintyre style. While in Saddell take the opportunity to roam the glorious beach, past Saddell Castle.
Further South, at Southend, Saint Columba reputedly left his footsteps in the stone rock as he landed in Kintyre on his pilgrimage from Ireland in 563AD. The home baking at Muneroy probably wasn't available then – but it is now!
| Nearby, the jutting Dunaverty Rock strategically commands the coast and has long been fortified. During its long history, the rock has many stories, but in 1306 the castle sheltered Robert the Bruce, and much later, in 1647, the fortification was razed to the ground by the Covenanting forces of General Leslie, when they massacred the defeated Royalist forces after a long siege and surrender. |
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Glenbarr Abbey (not an Abbey!), home of the Macalister Clan offers a glimpse of 18th century family living. In addition to Mary Queen of Scots' gloves, there are gardens, walks, and a tea shop. Tel: 01583 421247
Achamore Gardens on the Isle of Gigha has walled and woodland gardens. They are celebrated for their rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and rare exotic plants. Ferry available from Tayinloan see www.calmac.co.uk
| Finally, Tarbert, at the Northern tip of the peninsula, is Gaelic for isthmus or neck of land between two lochs. The village is located in such a land profile, between Loch Fyne and West Loch Tarbert, and legend has it that the Viking Warlord Magnus 'Barelegs', in a bid to sue for peace, was offered all of the Hebridean islands he could claim by occupation, which could be navigated by a ship with a set rudder. Gaining the nickname for his habit of wearing the local knee length tunic, he used a clever ploy to claim the fertile lands of Kintyre for his own. By sitting in a fishing skiff and holding the rudder firmly he was pulled across the isthmus on rollers, thus 'navigating' the 'island'. |
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Still a haven for seafarers, Tarbert hosts a thriving marina and working harbour, with the busy wharf alive with shellfish and other seafood, which is regularly transported as far as Spain. In May the village is alive with 200 visiting yachts for the Bell Lawrie Scottish Series Yacht Race, and on 7/8 July 2007 the lively Seafood Festival takes over the harbour, with stalls, a fair, and plenty more, including cookery demonstrations by both local and nationally acclaimed chefs such as Nick Nairn and our own Joanne Baird. With the ruins of Robert the Bruce's Castle, a number of shops and a gallery, this picturesque fishing village is not to be missed.
Kintyre has much more to offer.... contact the Tourist Information Centre in Campbeltown for more details, or see www.visitscotland.com
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