News and updates
A little taste of life in the Highlands to keep you up-to-date!
IAs we are in such a lovely area, we love to inspire our visitors to make the most of it and also like to update our guests on anything new since their last visit, so enjoy the read and we hope it will put you in the mood to visit us soon!
White Tailed Eagles
Wingspan: Up to 2.5 meters (8+ feet)! Nickname: "Flying barn doors" – because of their massive wings. Status: Successfully reintroduced to Scotland after extinction in the early 20th century. They're now thriving along the west coast.
Where to see them:
Loch Sunart: Regular eagle sightings, especially from the Garbh Eilean Wildlife Hide, which is designed for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Ardery and Salen Bay: Look for them soaring above the loch or perched in the trees near the shore. Glenborrodale RSPB Reserve: Just west of Strontian, this reserve is prime white-tailed eagle territory. Ben Resipole & Surrounding Hills: Scan the skies while hiking — they often glide over open landscapes looking for prey.
Spotting Tips:
Bring binoculars or a scope – they often soar high or perch on distant trees. Look for pairs – they are often seen hunting or circling together. Listen for alarm calls from gulls or crows — they often mob eagles, giving away their presence.
The Strontian mines
The history of the Strontian mines is deeply tied to the region’s mineral wealth and its significant role in the local economy from the late 18th century onward. Strontian, became a center of mining activity in the 18th and 19th centuries, thanks to the discovery of strontianite.
The mines in Strontian were first developed in the late 18th century, following the discovery of the mineral strontianite. It was named after Strontian, the village itself, after the mineral was first identified by the chemist William Cruickshank in 1790. This mineral was important at the time for its use in producing strontium compounds, which were later used in industries like fireworks and steelmaking.
Today, the remains of the Strontian mines are of historical interest, and the area around Strontian is considered one of the best sites in Scotland for geology and mining history. Visitors can still see old mine shafts, smelting ruins, and remnants of the mining infrastructure.
Are there any Pine Martens in Strontian?
Yes, pine martens can be spotted in Strontian and the surrounding areas! Pine martens are elusive creatures, but they are indeed present in the forests and woodlands of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, where Strontian is located.
The region is also known for its low human population density, which gives wildlife, like pine martens, a peaceful environment.
If you're staying at Kilcamb Lodge, the surrounding woodland areas offer opportunities to spot pine martens. These creatures are more active at dawn and dusk, so you might be lucky if you're out for a stroll in the early evening.
Some of the local wildlife reserves and forests in the region, like the Ariundle Oakwood, are known to have good populations of pine martens.
Iconic landmarks to enjoy on the way to us - the ideal road trip destination!
There are so many iconic places to see on your way to us. The most obvious is probably the Glencoe road across Rannoch Moor, and allowing a bit of time to stop off at the visitor centre on the way to us is a great idea.
If you're not taking the Corran Ferry over to us, you'll probably be taking the high road in, which will make the Glenfinnan Memorial and viaduct at the head of Loch Shiel the perfect stopping point, where you may even catch site of the Jacobite Steam Train, otherwise known as the Hogwards Express in Harry Potter speak.
If you're taking that route, you'll see Ben Nevis in all its majesty, and could easily take a little detour to Neptune's Staircase, the spot connecting the Eastern and Western coastlines of Scotland via the Caledonian Canal, and a key must-see spot for visitors.
For those heading in from the south, the picturesque pitstop of Inveraray, well worth a stop if you are driving in from that way, and a great place to stop for a breather, light lunch, drinks or even an ice cream before finishing the last leg of your journey to us. More
While you are here - an example itinerary to help you plan your stay!
The hotel is brilliantly located for a range of activities you might like to try while with us, depending on your interests!
A mixed example might include the following: a visit to the Ardnamurchan Lighthouse – The most westerly point of mainland Britain, with sweeping ocean views and a visitor centre, followed by an afternoon at Sanna Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the area.
On another day, you might fancy a drive to Castle Tioram - A ruined medieval castle on a tidal island, steeped in history and photogenic at low tide. You could maybe stop off at Salen Jetty on the way for a coffee, and check out the boat tours from this spot for another day, and book in if you haven't already done so!
Head out on the water with Sunart Boat Trips and you might spot seas, terns sea eagles, herons, otters, porpoises, dolphins and deer, but in case they don't put in an appearance, you will have an interesting trip anyway as your guide points out sheltered bays where Vikings wintered their boats, and an Iron Age hill fort. More
Scottish Wedding traditions, and weddings at Kilcamb Lodge
As we are currently looking forward to the wedding season and our first wedding of 2025 at Kilcamb Lodge, we thought we'd take a look at some Scottish wedding traditions - there are some lovely touches you may want to include!
Find out more about handfasting, what a Quaich ceremony is, why getting married by the side of a loch has a hidden benefit in terms of executing a key Scottish tradition, and find out The Speirin and Creeling the Groom involves!
You may not want to incorporate all of these ideas into your wedding, but they certainly offer a little inspiration to help you get thinking about your big day!
We have several locations you can get married within one location at our venue, and we can take the strain of looking after all the arrangements for you, so you can relax and enjoy your day in memorable surroundings.
Dog-friendly breaks
This area of the Highlands is well suited to a break with your dog, after all, there are walks galore, wide open spaces, and many dog-friendly venues, including ours! Read more
Fresh on the premises for a taste of the Highlands!
Ever wondered where many of our ingredients come from? There are quite a few that are hand picked on the premises or created in house! Find out more
Local wildlife
If you love birdspotting, you'll know that there are many rare species' in our area, including the White Tailed Eagle, Otters and Pine Martens. More
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Book your stay at Kilcamb Lodge Hotel today and immerse yourself in the unrivaled beauty and hospitality of the Scottish Highlands.
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