Scotland/Scots > Black's picturesque tourist of Scotland

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I-OCHABER—INVERLOCHY CASTLE.
colonisation in the Hebrides of east coast fishermen (descendants of the
industrious and hardy Shetlanders and Scandinavians) in eligible fishing
stations.*
OBAN TO INVERNESS BY THE CALEDONIAN CANAL.f
Embarking in one of the steamers which navigate this
chain of lakes connected by the Caledonian Canal, we pass
between the rugged island of Kerrara and Dunolly, and bear
northwards to the leeward of Lismore. Loch Linnhe, bounded
on the one hand by the craggy knolls of Appin, and on the
other by the purple hills of Morven, is the commencement of
that chain of salt and fresh water lakes formed into the Cale¬
donian Canal, and presents on both sides scenery of a most
romantic character. Opposite the southern extremity of the
island of Lismore, Loch Etive branches off to the right ; and
towards the northern extremity Loch Creran diverges in the
same direction into the district of Upper Lorn. Passing on
the right the lands of Airds and Appin, we reach the mouth of
Loch Leven, to the east of which are the mountainous districts
of Appin and Glencoe, and which separate Argyleshire from
Inverness-shire. We now enter, as by a gate, at Coran Ferry,
the romantic Loch Eil, on a bend of which, near the confluence
of the river Lochy, stands Fort-Willi am, + one of the old keys
of the Highlands. The fort, originally erected by General
Monk, and rebuilt on a smaller scale in the reign of William
III., is provided with a bomb-proof magazine, and barracks
to accommodate about 100 men. In 1715, and again in 1745,
the Highlanders besieged it, but without success. There are
steamers from this place to Oban every day except Sundays.
A few miles northwards, at the mouth of the river Lochy,
and at the southern terminus of the Canal, are the pier and
* See article “ Hebrides,” Encyclopedia Britannica.
t Passengers for Inverness pass the night at Bannavie, a new inn, command¬
ing one of the best views of Ben Nevis. Bannavie is a much better halting-place
than Fort-William, and the ascent of Ben Nevis and visit to Inverlochy Castle con be
equally well made from it. The steamer, which continues its course in this way,
leaves Oban about 5 P.M., and gets to Bannavie at 3 p.M.; but as the hours are
subject to change, the tourist should enquire at the office.
t Hotels; Caledonian; George; Argyle. Population, 1316. 63 miles from
Inverness, and 29 from Fort-Augustus. The adjacent village of Maryburgh, named
in honour of Queen Mary, contains a population of about 1500 persons, who are for
the most part engaged in the herring fishery.