Argyll and Bute
Unitary authority in western Scotland, created in 1996 from the district
of the same name and part of Dumbarton district, which were both parts
of Strathclyde region; it includes the islands of Gigha, Bute, Mull,
Islay, Jura, Tiree, Coll, Colonsay, Iona, and Staffa
Area:
7,016 sq km/2,709 sq mi
Towns:
Campbeltown, Dunoon, Helensburgh, Inveraray, Lochgilphead (administrative
headquarters), Oban, Rothesay
Physical:
Rural area consisting of mainland and islands; the coast is heavily
indented. Inland the area is mountainous; highest peak, Ben Cruachan
(1,126 m/3,693 ft). Lochs Fyne and Long are the largest sea lochs; freshwater
lochs include Loch Awe and Loch Lomond; Fingal's Cave (Staffa); Corryvrekan
Whirlpool (Jura-Scarba); Ben Arthur (The Cobbler), 884 m/2,900 ft
Features:
Bronze, Stone, and Iron Age remains
Industries:
Limited manufacture, seaweed processing, fish, timber harvesting Agriculture:
sheep, forestry Population: (1995) 91,300.
Economy:
With land of marginal agricultural capability and located far from
the urban core, the area has a typical rural economy. Tourism, fishing,
forestry, and less intensive agriculture are each important components
of the area's economy.
Archaeology:
There are standing stones, stone circles, vitrified forts, inscribed
stones, and Neolithic chambered cairns. The capital of Dalriada, the
ancient Scottish kingdom founded in about 503, was at Dunadd, near Crinan
until shortly after the union of the Picts and Scots, whereafter it
moved to Forteviut in Strathearn.
Environment:
There are 112 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, seven Special Protection
Areas, eight Ramsars (wetland sites), nine Special Protection Areas,
one Biosphere Reserve, eight National Scenic Areas, and one regional
park.
Administrative History:
Argyll and Bute was part of the two counties of Argyllshire and Bute
prior to 1974.
|
Top
