West coast of Scotland - is it cruising friendly?

[oldmanofthehills]

It doesn't have to be a theme park, but there is an element of truth in this.

Simply waxing lyrical about the west coast, can lead some first time visitors to be pretty disappointed if they end up in some of the wrong places. It's surely better to at least tell them that is an area which combines stunning beauty with a variety of downsides, including a number of social-economic challenges. Most of the 'drop dead gorgeous' stretches of coastline in the more popular English cruising grounds are usually backed by at least a 'quaint veneer of prosperity', but with the exception of the usual candidates (Tobermory, Plockton, Ullapool, etc), there are loads of places on the west coast where life is a struggle. These often do not prioritise 'the look of the place', and although it is perhaps better than it was, it's still true that there are still bays and anchorages blighted by waste from the fish farm industry, abandoned cars, derelict mobile homes, etc.

I have chartered up the West Coast as too far for my itty bitty boat to get there easily in summer, and I have walked the coast and the islands in winter and summer. The harshness of the living in some places is notable, but the amount of cr*p left behind by some land or fish farmers is appalling and makes me think of hunter gatherers depleting a hunting zone and moving, rather than gardeners and shepherds of valuable resources. I have no solution, a person on minimal income will not be willing to employ others to take away their waste, but visitors should show respect for those struggling to make a living there.

There is still much beauty to enjoy

 

[moomba]

It doesn't have to be a theme park, but there is an element of truth in this.

Simply waxing lyrical about the west coast, can lead some first time visitors to be pretty disappointed if they end up in some of the wrong places. It's surely better to at least tell them that is an area which combines stunning beauty with a variety of downsides, including a number of social-economic challenges. Most of the 'drop dead gorgeous' stretches of coastline in the more popular English cruising grounds are usually backed by at least a 'quaint veneer of prosperity', but with the exception of the usual candidates (Tobermory, Plockton, Ullapool, etc), there are loads of places on the west coast where life is a struggle. These often do not prioritise 'the look of the place', and although it is perhaps better than it was, it's still true that there are still bays and anchorages blighted by waste from the fish farm industry, abandoned cars, derelict mobile homes, etc.

I sometimes wonder if people are dreaming , in their sailing, The vast majority of the West Coast of Scotland is Pristine
white sandy beaches sea lochs and inlets , always voted in the top sailing destinations of the world , it gives you the Atlantic coast , small channels , fast tidal runs , outstanding beauty and great hospitality.
I have since a child sailed up and down this coast and visited the islands camping and climbing and have never seen what you talk about, the main town of Barra , do people not go outside the town, you also mention life is a struggle ,what do you mean , for some this life is a blessing to get away from the Central belt or over crowded parts of England , and most of these little towns are run by many nationalities running bed and breakfasts and other enterprising crafts, prosperity is not defined by the little white painted houses from london owners that have bought up all the property in these English towns you mention.
These so called deprived hamlets of the West Coast will also show some of the nicest people you will meet, this is a remote place little populated and little services , that is why is is unique, if you want to go sailing outside Blackpool that is your choice.
Waste is a common problem in all Sea communities and I would be surprised if the rest of the UK did not suffer this blite Generally the more populate the worst it gets.
What would you rather see when sailing, Dolphins. Orcas, Whales ,Puffins ,Seals, mountains and sea Lochs and little villages , or Rich houses nice cars and a Waitrose for your convenience, one wonders why you go sailing.
Ayr
Millport
Largs
Troon
Oban
Mallaig
Stornaway
Barra
Port Avadie
Tarbert
Crinan
Lamlash (Arran all over)
are some little places you missed(feel free all to add) for nice litte towns with no poverty , burned out cars , neds, etc

 

[JumbleDuck]

Thats a rather offensive, incorrect sweeping generalisation, innit?

Pretty accurate, though. Almost any settlement in the islands is surrounded by a blight of abandoned machinery, vehicles and domestic appliances. I'm surprised that little of it seemed to go during the scrap iron boom a few years ago, but perhaps RET will make it worthwhile in future for some enterprising scrap dealer to go on tour.

Here, by the way, is the second result for a GIS on "Eigg scrap": https://c8.alamy.com/comp/CRKD5E/an...n-the-isle-of-eigg-looking-towards-CRKD5E.jpg

 

[JumbleDuck]

It is indeed very inconsiderate that some of us actually live and work here.
We shall endeavour to remove all traces of modern human life and turn it into a giant theme part/ museum.

It's not so much wanting to remove all traces of civilisation as thinking many places would look rather nicer without festering heaps of scrap anywhere. I suspect that those who live and work there in the tourist industry might feel the same. There is a happy medium between "sterilised Cotswold" and "linear scrap yard".

 

[AntarcticPilot]

Pretty accurate, though. Almost any settlement in the islands is surrounded by a blight of abandoned machinery, vehicles and domestic appliances. I'm surprised that little of it seemed to go during the scrap iron boom a few years ago, but perhaps RET will make it worthwhile in future for some enterprising scrap dealer to go on tour.

Here, by the way, is the second result for a GIS on "Eigg scrap": https://c8.alamy.com/comp/CRKD5E/an...n-the-isle-of-eigg-looking-towards-CRKD5E.jpg

That looks like a collector's item for some people I know!

 

[moomba]

Pretty accurate, though. Almost any settlement in the islands is surrounded by a blight of abandoned machinery, vehicles and domestic appliances. I'm surprised that little of it seemed to go during the scrap iron boom a few years ago, but perhaps RET will make it worthwhile in future for some enterprising scrap dealer to go on tour.

Here, by the way, is the second result for a GIS on "Eigg scrap": https://c8.alamy.com/comp/CRKD5E/an...n-the-isle-of-eigg-looking-towards-CRKD5E.jpg

It also adds to the history and culture of those that went before us, why do we feel the need to remove certain old agricultural rusting items but we will not remove old stone buildings !!
Yes fridges and the old fiesta is different , but in general this is rare.

 

[Deleted member 36384]

It's incredible how some folk take instances of things they don't like and extrapolate their opinion as being applicable everywhere. Anyone who is sane and has travelled widely around the West Coast will know that it is not blighted by wind powered turbines, fish farms, heaps of scrap or middens on every corner. The scale of Scotland's West Coast shows just how insignificant wind powered turbines and fish farms are, both of which I agree are an eyesore and get in the way, but only marginally.

 

[JumbleDuck]

It's incredible how some folk take instances of things they don't like and extrapolate their opinion as being applicable everywhere. Anyone who is sane and has travelled widely around the West Coast will know that it is not blighted by wind powered turbines, fish farms, heaps of scrap or middens on every corner.

I did say that in my experience linear scrap heaps are associated with (a) settlements (b) on islands. As you say, most of the place is nice and clean, although we did find that even the west-facing beaches on Coll are liberally strewn with plastic detritus. Which is hardly the fault of the locals.

 

[Lon nan Gruagach]

Ibut with the exception of the usual candidates (Tobermory, Plockton, Ullapool, etc), there are loads of places on the west coast where life is a struggle.

etc =
Eigg, Muck, Mallaig, Arisaig.... feel free to complete the (rather long) list.

 

[Lon nan Gruagach]

Pretty accurate, though. Almost any settlement in the islands is surrounded by a blight of abandoned machinery, vehicles and domestic appliances. I'm surprised that little of it seemed to go during the scrap iron boom a few years ago, but perhaps RET will make it worthwhile in future for some enterprising scrap dealer to go on tour.

Here, by the way, is the second result for a GIS on "Eigg scrap": https://c8.alamy.com/comp/CRKD5E/an...n-the-isle-of-eigg-looking-towards-CRKD5E.jpg

Thas no scrap, thas a runner!

 

[rgarside]

Thas no scrap, thas a runner!

I think I have a photo of that tractor taken in the 1970's, it's not moved since then, but is becoming more picturesque as the brambles take over.

 

[moomba]

I think I have a photo of that tractor taken in the 1970's, it's not moved since then, but is becoming more picturesque as the brambles take over.

beauty and art are in the eye of the beholder , and it is art at its most honest and brutal way.
I would rather see that tractor than some of the rubbish in the Tate Modern

 

[NormanS]

Isn't it strange how if old rubbish is allowed to lie about for long enough, it becomes classed as of Historical Heritage.
Roman nissen huts, anyone?

 

[Lon nan Gruagach]

Pretty accurate, though. Almost any settlement in the islands is surrounded by a blight of abandoned machinery, vehicles and domestic appliances. I'm surprised that little of it seemed to go during the scrap iron boom a few years ago, but perhaps RET will make it worthwhile in future for some enterprising scrap dealer to go on tour.

Here, by the way, is the second result for a GIS on "Eigg scrap": https://c8.alamy.com/comp/CRKD5E/an...n-the-isle-of-eigg-looking-towards-CRKD5E.jpg

Pretty sure RET does not apply to commercial vehicles.
That tractor is a minuscule part of a working rural landscape.
I bet if there was a 10m square sheet of paper with a tiny dot in the corner, its the dot you would describe.
Finkety people best go elsewhere.

Perhaps if we had this conversation mid summer it might go better for you, but in winter...... 4 boats a week if youre lucky, Muck is often cut off for weeks, not to mention Canna. Beaches kept clean by people that, because there is no "someone ought to do something", do it themselves.

Ghaaa!

 

[Quandary]

I am with you Dougal, wonderful patina on that tractor, surely there are worse things to bother them?

 

[Kelpie]

To some extent it's a difference in attitude.
Crofters are often hoarders. You never know when something might come in handy. So that old rusty gate might be perfect for fixing a hole in a fence. That bit of plastic pipe that came ashore will be useful for a drain someday. And on it goes.
It's a different set of priorities, and it's a landscape that exists to serve its own ends, not some tourism-driven image of perfection.

As to fish farms... well call me biased because that's the only job I can get locally that pays year round and pays well enough for me to put a roof over my family's heads. It's an industry with many faults and problems but as Scotland's single biggest food export you can't deny its importance to the national economy. I don't see how it's any worse than the oil industry, and it will still be going strong long after all the oil is gone.

 

[NormanS]

When salmon cages first started on the West Coast, they tended to be in sheltered bays, and as a result, interfered with lots of good natural anchorages. Experience has taught them that it's not clever to foul their own nests, and as a result, they are now more often offshore, where the run of the tide helps to carry away the sh*t.

Mussel ropes are much more of a problem. Think of Loch Spelve and the Loch Roags. But it cannot be denied that fish farming has brought thousands of jobs and opportunities, to places up and down the coast, which would otherwise be dead. There's more to the Highlands and Islands, than whisky, heather and shortbread. Some of us love it, and most of us respect it.

 

[moomba]

To some extent it's a difference in attitude.
Crofters are often hoarders. You never know when something might come in handy. So that old rusty gate might be perfect for fixing a hole in a fence. That bit of plastic pipe that came ashore will be useful for a drain someday. And on it goes.
It's a different set of priorities, and it's a landscape that exists to serve its own ends, not some tourism-driven image of perfection.

As to fish farms... well call me biased because that's the only job I can get locally that pays year round and pays well enough for me to put a roof over my family's heads. It's an industry with many faults and problems but as Scotland's single biggest food export you can't deny its importance to the national economy. I don't see how it's any worse than the oil industry, and it will still be going strong long after all the oil is gone.

Yes it is sad that we as a country cannot have fish farms, wind turbines, large cruise ships, oil and gas industires, we try and mange these sectors for the best of the environment, and I believe we have some of the best in the country, but there are those that think that they want none of this as they want to come to Scotland and sail and have no interference of their view or enjoyment.
I have never been put off by fish farms or turbines or large ships , we are all here to share and enjoy, and these industries do not retract form the stunning beauty of Scotland.
There is only one other country in the World with a coast line and beauty like Scotland and that is Norway , which "" has Oil and Gas , fish farms, Cruise liners and wind turbines. I dont see much negativity about that Country on these forums

 

[JumbleDuck]

etc =
Eigg, Muck, Mallaig, Arisaig.... feel free to complete the (rather long) list.

It's not just the West Coast, either. SW Scotland is dying on its feet. My local primary school has half the pupils it had ten years ago and my local secondary, capacity 120, currently has 50 on the roll. Your problems are our problems (of course you have bigger transport issues) and we will all stand or fall together. I reckon good broadband has to be part of the answer - if it wasn't for that I couldn't work as a lecturer from the middle of nowhere.

I think I have a photo of that tractor taken in the 1970's, it's not moved since then, but is becoming more picturesque as the brambles take over.

Somewhere I have a picture of a 2CV near Kildonan on Arran, almost completely consumed by a rose bush. It's quite pretty, and - perhaps since I have weakness for old vehicles - I think that tractor is quite pretty too. There is worse scrap around.

Pretty sure RET does not apply to commercial vehicles.

I just checked, and you're right. Small commercial vehicle up to 6m only. https://www.transport.gov.scot/public-transport/ferries/road-equivalent-tariff/

I bet if there was a 10m square sheet of paper with a tiny dot in the corner, its the dot you would describe.!

The effect of something ugly can be out of all proportion to its size. However, I am not talking about the odd abandoned tractor, but about the huge areas of scrap you find in some places. Fionnphort is particularly bad, for some reason.

Not that I blame the locals, you understand. There needs to be much better waste and scrap collection. Apart from anything else, steel was going for £100/ton not long ago.

 

[JumbleDuck]

Yes it is sad that we as a country cannot have fish farms, wind turbines, large cruise ships, oil and gas industires, we try and mange these sectors for the best of the environment, and I believe we have some of the best in the country, but there are those that think that they want none of this as they want to come to Scotland and sail and have no interference of their view or enjoyment.

They are perfectly entitled to their views, you know, just as they are perfectly entitled to take their money to somewhere they think looks nicer.

That said, there undoubtedly a degree of over-the-top moaning about wind turbines. We have lots in Galloway, and there was a very vocal local pressure group against them for every conceivable reason from "the tourists will stay away" to "low frequency noises will trigger our gluten intolerance". Finally they raised enough money for a local referendum to demonstrate the depth of feeling behind their arguments. The locals voted 80:20 in favour of wind farms and the pressure group just faded away.

Soon we'll have £300k per year to spend from the farms, which is going to be a hoot, since it's due to be channelled through the community council, which is a small group of pensioners more used to complaining about (a) parking (b) bus timetables and (c) young people.