A view from the centre of Scotland
26th January 2017
…..actually, from the disputed ‘centre of Scotland’. The residents of Newtonmore celebrate this spot as being the place, though communities elsewhere also claim the bragging rights.
(Ordnance Survey when asked recently to confirm Newtonmore’s claim replied, “It would only ever be absolute using a given method at a given time. As soon as that time of measurement passed, it would be somewhere else. This is because of factors such as the tide, erosion and accretion, which gradually change the shape of Scotland’s coastline. Since the coasts of Scotland were subject to constant erosion and deposition the ‘exact’ centre is a constantly moving location”. Â That’s an impressive diplomatic answer!)
(Above) The view west towards the Carn Liath and Creag Meagaidh massifs with the monument to a famous member of the Macpherson clan in the foreground. It’s just a few metres from the (locally) celebrated and sacred centre of Scotland. For those who may pass this way and who are interested, there’s a cross carved into a prominent stone in a stone dyke by the roadside not far from where the photo was taken. The picturesque C44 single track road runs from Glentruim to Catlodge and is easily accessible from the A9 and A889.
(Above) The tablet on the memorial.
(Above) The view towards the Cairngorms from the shoulder of Meall Coire Choile-rais today. ‘Flat-topped’ Cairntoul – more or less centre skyline. Braeriach – on the skyline just to the left of the wispy cloud. Biting wind up high today.
(Above) Binnein Shuas (right) and Binnein Shios (left) with what is officially the River Spean (centre), but is actually now just a channel between Loch Laggan and the reservoir created when Laggan Dam was constructed ‘back in the day’.
Comments on this post
Got something to say? Leave a comment
