|
The Applecross peninsula covers an area of approximately 30,000 hectares.
It is surrounded by the sea to the north, west and south and has a coastline, including
indentations, of approximately 100 miles. Its Gaelic name is A ’Chomraich, the sanctuary,
in recognition of the protection historically given to fugitives following the founding of
Saint Maelrubha’s monastic settlement there in 673.
Access to the peninsula is by single track roads. The main access road is over the infamous Bealach
nam Bo which features in the Guinness Book of Records and rises from sea level to over two thousand
feet in just over five miles. A longer road runs round the north coast of the peninsula. The opening
of the latter twenty-five years ago both guaranteed safe access during winter months and created a
spectacular forty-five mile circuit of the peninsula but it makes communication with the outside world
in winter still somewhat difficult. In winter, the road over the Bealach is frequently blocked with
snow, and the north coast road treacherous and difficult.
The population figure for the area represented by Applecross Community Council is presently just over
200 and with improved access to the north of the peninsula, there is a mix of Gaelic-speaking natives
and incomers from many areas, many of whom have brought their own distinctive skills. The population
has steadily declined from over 2,900 in the early Nineteenth Century. Most of the population lives
in the west and south of the peninsula with a few permanent residents in scattered villages along the
north coast.
There is a post office and general store which also operates the petrol pumps installed a few years
ago in a joint effort between the Community Council and the regional council.
The community has a doctor’s surgery and three Presbyterian churches all located in Camusterrach.
There is one centrally situated junior school, again at Camusterrach. The secondary school is at
Plockton and distance necessitates absence from home from Monday to Friday in term time and a tortuous
forty mile journey on difficult roads at the weekend.
Tourism in the area is increasing.
The Community Council was formerly linked with Shieldaig but, since 1998, Applecross has had its own
council.
There has recently been considerable enthusiasm for bringing some vitality back into the community.
Leader II and Ross & Cromarty Enterprise have supported the community in a number of projects.
|
