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S P EC IA L Q UA LITI ES O F A RG Y LL FO REST

ARGYLL FOREST

Key Features

Forested glens

Open upland Hills

Designed landscapes

Inland lochs and sea lochs

Small areas of farmed strath floor

Coastal settlements

Vernacular farm buildings

Tradition of forestry

Tradition of communications and travel

Loch Eck

Benmore Designed Landscape

Glen Croe and the Rest and Be Thankful

Military road

SPECIAL QUALITIES OF ARGYLL FOREST

20 Special Qualities Appendix

Summary of Evaluation

Sense of PlaceThe area is characterised by lochs, forested glens and upland hills. Loch Eck is adistinctive feature, largely unspoilt and with a feeling of natural remoteness. Sea lochsare unique to this area of the National Park and the loch shores are a focus forcommunication routes and settlement.

The Argyll Forest Park runs throughout and the area is characterised by forestedlandscapes. Typically forestry extends over the glen slopes forming the areas unifyingcharacteristic. Cowal has a number of large houses with policies, such as Drimsynie,Benmore and Ardgarten. The big trees, particularly those associated with Benmore andKilmun Arboretum, are a unique quality of the area.

The climb over the Rest and Be Thankful and through Glen Croe is of high visualimportance and one of the iconic landscapes of the National Park.

Cultural heritage The landscape has been profoundly influenced by human activity from prehistoric tothe present day. The land use is a combination of moorland and rough grazing andforestry. The forested glens are a mosaic of 20th century forestry interspersed with18th and 19th century managed woodlands. This area contrasts with the extensive areaof farmland in the South Loch Lomond area.

There are extensive surviving areas of past settlement and landuse in this area of thePark. Shieling groups have survived well in the open upland hills but they have beenheavily disrupted by forestry planting in the glens. These features are likely to beimportant to local people and those whose ancestors came from the area.

Small areas of farmland occur around watercourses, comprising 18th and 19th centuryrectilinear fields and vernacular farm steadings. This human scale and enclosedlandscape is not common in the Cowal area.

The area includes historic defensive features of high value including Carrick Castle,Dundaraich Fort and possible mottes at Glenbranter.

Settlement occurs along the loch shores, this distribution reflecting the lack of goodroads throughout much of Argyll Forest until the 20th century. Communications wereoften sea or loch borne prior to this time. The settlements of the loch shore aresignificant places with more antiquity than meets the eye. Kilmun and Lochgoilheadhave their origins in the medieval period. There is some later 19th century settlementon the south coast of Cowal. Blairmore and Strone are characterised by Victorianvillas, piers and ferry houses and their growth was a result of the convenience ofsteamer communications across the Clyde.

BiodiversityAlthough much of the area has been planted with coniferous forestry there aresignificant pockets of native trees amongst the forestry including ancient woodland.The woodland biodiversity is of high importance for a large number of species, somenationally scarce, including red squirrel, black grouse and lower plants.

There is a mosaic of relatively natural upland habitat types in the upland areas such asmoorland and blanket bog. Upland birds include skylark, red grouse, breeding waders,buzzard, golden eagle. Red deer, mountain hare and possibly water vole are present.The upland habitats and wildlife are an important part of the landscape of this areaand much of the Park. Of particular importance is Beinn an Lochain which isdesignated as a SSSI and has a wide range of acid and basic upland plant communities.

Loch Eck is of high importance for biodiversity, designated a SSSI for its assemblage offish species, probably the most natural in the Park, lower plants, nutrient poor waterand mire plant communities. It contains one of the two natural powan populations inScotland and is the only Scottish loch where powan and Arctic charr occur together.Otters and water birds are also present.

The intertidal zone of sea lochs, unique to this part of the Park, contain a range ofhabitats and species not found elsewhere in the Park, including small areas of saltmarsh, mud flats, sand and gravel beaches, marine lichens and algae, fish, marineducks, gulls and waders. They also provide viewing opportunities for gannets, seals andcetaceans.

ARGYLL FOREST

Special Qualities Appendix 21

Associations The boundary between the early historic kingdoms of Scottish Dalriada and BritishStrathclyde is claimed to have been located on the watershed in Eastern Cowal. Thereis a standing stone called Clach a’ Bhreatunnaich north-east of Lochgoilhead which issaid to mark this boundary and there are other boundary markers in the uplands.

There is a long tradition of communications by water and land in Cowal. Early travelwas by water as it was easier to cross than land. By the 19th century there weresteamer communications across the Clyde. There is a long tradition of forestry in theCowal area. Improvement period landlords in the 18th and 19th centuries plantedestates with trees and there are fine examples of collections of ornamental trees atBenmore Gardens. However, most of the forestry plantations are recent and reflectthe afforestation of large areas of Argyll Forest by the Forestry Commission in thetwentieth century. The timber Forestry Commission housing and Kilmun Arboretumcontribute to the character of the area.

Qualities valued by local communities(Source: Community Futures and Park Plan Workshop on Special Qualities, April 2004)

• The sea lochs and marine environment are unique to this part of the NationalPark. The sea lochs are valued for their scenery, historic associations and thepiers and buildings associated with use of the loch.

• Loch Goil is valued for its scenic qualities and for recreation.

• The communities felt strongly that the area has a feeling of tranquillity andpeacefulness and that it was important to retain those qualities.

• The scenic qualities of the area are valued by communities, mention was madeof the combination of the mountains and sea creating a Norwegian Fjord effect.

• Loch Eck for its scientific and scenic qualities and its tranquillity.

• The large number of historic sites and the growing number of local historygroups in the area.

• Woodlands are valued by communities, particular mention was made of theAtlantic Oak woodlands and the red squirrels.

ARGYLL FOREST


MAP 1A – LANDSCAPE CHARACTER TYPES

ARGYLL FOREST


MAP 1B – HISTORIC LAND USE

ARGYLL FOREST


MAP 1C – RELICT HISTORIC LAND USE

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MAP 1D – NATURE CONSERVATION DESIGNATIONS

ARGYLL FOREST


The natural and open nature of thehills in Argyll Forest are a keycharacteristic of the area. Althoughnot as high as some other peakswithin the park, the hills are ruggedand dramatically rise from lochs andsea lochs, with forestry flanking theglen sides. The highest hills aretowards the eastern side of the area.

Important to local people andvisitors.

The open upper slopes and summitsof hills in the Argyll Forest area areparticularly important as elementsof diversity within the predominantlyforested uplands. They are notdominating in the local landscapesas they tend to be less visible fromthe roads and settlements. Howeverin longer range views from the Clydesea ways and the south Clyde, thebroken ridgeline and summitsilhouettes are striking.

The uplands tend to be rather lowerthan elsewhere in the Park and apartfrom the Arrochar Alps they are lesspopular for hill walking. However,their remote and rugged characteroffers unusually challenging terrain,as well as exceptional views outthrough the sea lochs and toScotland’s west coast. The Cobblerand the Arrochar Alps are distinctivelandmark summits which combinedwith the Rest & Be Thankful Pass,signify a dramatic landscapetransition between the Parklandscapes and the Argyll areabeyond.

These hills are predominantlyunspoilt by development, althoughthere is some intrusion by pylons.

Pressure from infrastructure (mastsetc), motorised recreational activity.Improvements are likely to resultfrom forestry restructuring.

BENEFITS CONTRIBUTION TO BENEFIT? EVALUATION OF IMPORTANCE TRENDS & PRESSURES

Sense of place

There are numerous shieling groupsassociated with the joint tenancytownships located on moresheltered ground in the bottom ofthe glens. Unmanaged areas withsignificant pockets of drained landproviding rough grazing.

Important to specialists, walkers andlocal people.

The shieling groups contribute tolandscape character and areappreciated by walkers. They havespecialist value, as many of thegroups are likely to haveconsiderable longevity and severalphases of development are evident.

Shieling groups are common inhighland Scotland, but there isevidence of different regional types.It is not known if the Cowal grouphas more in common with Argyll,than the rest of the Park area

The shieling groups tend to survivewell and are less likely to beaffected by tree planting, usuallybecause they cluster aroundwatercourses which are kept clear.The shielings are largely unspolit,and contribute to the experience ofhill walking, as they have a story totell about past land use

Under no particular pressure, exceptnatural degradation. Bracken growthmay be a significant issue - obscuresfeatures in the summer and damagesarchaeological evidence.

CulturalHeritage

LCT: OPEN UPLAND HILLS

The open upland hills are characterised by peaks and outcrops, open hills and heather moorland. Burns andwaterfalls.

HLA: Mainly prehistoric to present moorland and rough grazing with some areas having been drained in the20th century.

ARGYLL FOREST


The important historic boundarybetween the early historic kingdomsof Scottish Dalriada and BritishStrathclyde is claimed to have beenlocated on the watershed in easternCowal. There is a standing stonecalled Clach a' Bhreatunnaich north-east of Lochgoilhead which is said tomark this boundary, and otherboundary markers may exist in theform of cairns or stones.

Important to local people andspecialists

Under no particular pressure.

Beinn an Lochain SSSI has a widerange of acid and basic upland plantcommunities, including mires atLoch Restil.

A mosaic of relatively naturalupland habitat types elsewhere, e.g.moorland & blanket bog. Uplandbirds, e.g. skylark, red grouse,breeding waders, buzzard, goldeneagle; mammals red deer, mountainhare & possibly water vole allpresent. Limited informationavailable as there has been fewdetailed surveys carried out.

Important to local people, visitorsand specialists

The upland wildlife and habitats area critical part of the landscape in thiszone and the park as a whole. Theywill be widespread in several othercharacter zones.

The biodiversity is of mediumimportance.

Overgrazing by sheep and deer in some areas.


Biodiversity

The hills are associated with sporting and game conservation, which is linked to cultural heritage and traditional estate management.

Associations

LCT: OPEN UPLAND HILLS (CONT)

MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

• Ongoing conservation and grazing management should help to maintain the open character of the area.• Retain the open character of the open upper slopes and summits.• Control of bracken advisable to conserve archaeological remains e.g. via agri-environment schemes. • Avoid further afforestation which would obscure archaeological featues• Overgrazing by sheep and deer may currently reduce the habitat quality in places and could be remedied through

changes to management. • Restructuring of upper woodland edges may enhance the ecological and landscape transitions from the forested

glens.

ARGYLL FOREST


CulturalHeritage

Forested glens are characteristic ofArgyll Forest. The steep slopes andvaried topography of the ArgyllForest area provides a rugged settingfor predominantly coniferousforestry, with some woodlanddiversity along water courses andaround crags and screes.

Glen Croe and the Rest and BeThankful is a dramatic example of aforested glen, of notable scenicquality.

Important to people travellingthrough the National Park and localpeople. Coniferous forests over theglen slopes are a dominantcharacteristic of the Argyll Forest.The steep slopes are seenforeshortened immediate to theroads, but in full view across and upthe lochs. The forests here arehighly visible to people travellingalong the Park roads, A815, A880,B839, B828 and the minorArdentinny and Castle Carrick roads,as well the A814 outwith the Parkand the Clyde sea ways. Theforested glens are also a maincomponent of the setting to all thearea’s rural villages, Arrochar,Strachur, Lochgoilhead, CarrickCastle, Blairmore, Kilmun andArdentinny. They have somenegative impacts on landscapecharacter and visual quality on boththe visitor experience and for localcommunities.

However the rugged nature of thetopography in this area and thepresence of the loch and farmedstrath floors, provides a setting forthe commercial plantations,relieving potential monotony andoppressive aspects and creatingconsiderable drama. Commercialplantation over glen slopes is theprominent type of woodland in theArgyll Park area and within theindividual glens, where there is arelatively poor representation ofmore natural woodlands.

Forestry can tend to extend too farup slope, with insensitive marginsand artificial abrupt transitions tothe open ground and it can be anintrusion where it becomes adominant and oppressive feature.The forestry can also detract fromhill walks and reduces the apparentvisual and physical accessibility ofthe open upland hills. Otherfeatures, such as engineered forestroads, erosion scars and drainageditches can also cause significantnegative visual impact.

These landscapes are changing as aresult of forestry restructuring andan increase in the proportion ofopen ground, broadleaf trees andnative species. These changes arehaving a beneficial impact on thelandscape.


Sense of place

LCT: FORESTED UPLAND GLEN

Steep glens with coniferous woodland, and native grassland and heather.

HLA: A mosaic comprising 20th century coniferous forestry, interspersed with some 18th and 19th centurymanaged woodland and some late 20th century woodland plantations. Includes some 18th and 19th centuryrectilinear fields, mainly where the forestry meets watercourses and lochsides.

HLA Relict Landuse: There are also relict settlement and agricultural sites of medieval/post medieval periodand 18th/19th century within the forested glens and a relict mineral, waste and peat site in the GlenbranterForest.

ARGYLL FOREST


The glens contain remnants of pastsettlement and land use, usuallythe remains of the joint tenancytownships (19th century and earlier)which were located at the lowerlevel in townships lands whichincluded better quality arable landheld in runrig, and rough pasture onhigher slopes. Some of these mayhave been replaced with singlefarmsteads when the townshipswere converted to sheep runs in thelate 18th/early 19th centuries. Thereis evidence of early ironworking inmany glens in the form ofbloomery mounds and slag heaps(pre-late 18th centuryindustrialisation). Little is knownabout this early industry. Laternative woodlands may have beenexploited for industrial scale ironmaking etc. The ways in whichforestry planting and managementhas changed over time is reflectedin the patterns of forestry in theglens. The remaining areas of earlymanaged woodland are likely to beof interest, providing a possiblecontrast with more recent planting.

Important to specialists, visitors andlocal people.

The remnant townships are of valuefor genealogical research(sometimes visited), often beyondScotland, and they have specialistarchaeological value as they maycontain evidence of medieval andpost-medieval settlement. Little isknown about early ironworking, andthese sites have specialist value

The townships in Cowal are nodifferent from many others of thetype throughout the Park and northand west highland Scotland. Theyrelate to the former Gaelic speakingarea and were typical of land use upuntil the Clearances (earliest date isunknown). They form part of thecommonest relict settlement typein the National Park. The ones inCowal have been badly disruptedby 20th century forestry planting,which has separated settlementsfrom infields, and rough pasture andshielings (usually in open higherground beyond the trees, but cutoff from the settlement)

There are likely to be betterpreserved examples of townshipselsewhere in the National Park, e.g.with settlement, fields, andshielings still intact and related toeach other and not cut off byforestry, but the particularexamples in Cowal may be ofspecial value to those whoseancestors came from thesesettlements, or to local people.

The townships and their originalcontext are not renewable, but itwould be beneficial to ensure thereis no future deterioration in thebenefit.


CulturalHeritage

There are several military roadswithin the Park about which little isknown. The military road in ArgyllForest runs through Glen Croe justbelow the A83.

Specialist interest but may alsohave tourism value.

The significance of the militaryroads extend beyond the Park. Theroads were built at the start of theprocess which "occupied" thehighlands, de-gaelicised Scotland,and led to the Clearances.

The deteriorating condition of themilitary road and associatedstructures is an issue in the Park.

Woodland SSSIs at CraighoyleWoodland and Hells Glen. Othersignificant pockets of native treesamongst commercial conifers,including ancient woodland (someoverplanted with conifers). Thebroadleaved woodlands are ofinterest for their bryophytes &lichens. There are especially largenumbers of species and nationallyscarce species in the 2 SSSIs. Rangeof native birds including song birds,black grouse and raptors. Strongpopulation of red squirrel (few orno grey squirrels present), pinemarten, otter, roe and red deer.Information is limited as there hasbeen few detailed surveys of theseareas.


The visible wildlife and extensivewoodland cover is significant as aconspicuous indicator of thecomparatively wild area and lowintensity management.

The woodland biodiversity is ofhigh importance for red squirrel,black grouse and lower plants

The benefit could be significantlyexpanded through an increase inthe extent and quality of the nativewoodland habitat.

Biodiversity

LCT: FORESTED UPLAND GLEN (CONT)

ARGYLL FOREST


Tradition of forestry. Improvement Period landlords in the 18th and 19th centuries planted estates with trees.However, much of the forestry plantations are recent developments and reflect the afforestation of large parts ofCowal since the inauguration of the Forestry Commission in 1919. The Kilmun Arboretum was established by theFC in the 1930s as a forestry research project to monitor the success of a variety of exotic tree species. Unique inScotland as it has 162 tree species planted in groups.

BENEFITS

Associations

LCT: FORESTED UPLAND GLEN (CONT)


• The landscape qualities created by this type of plantation are likely to be enhanced due to forest restructuring andthe promotion of native tree species and networks of open space.

• There are opportunities for further restructuring and increase in woodland diversity, allied to access andinterpretation.

• Some of the townships could be enhanced by selective felling to open out the settlement remains, creating paths tothem, and possibly re-opening connection routes to their shielings.

• All of the military roads in the Park could be managed better, but it may be easier to do this for those used asfootpaths. This particular one may not be in this category. The military road can be beneficial for footpath creation,but needs careful management so the resource is not eroded.

• Extensive ongoing restructuring of mature plantations, largely publicly owned by FCS, provides great scope forenhancement of the biodiversity benefit.

ARGYLL FOREST


The large houses with theirassociated designed landscapesintroduce elements of diversity andhuman scale. Benmore gardensprovide an important feature –‘showcasing’ tree species andproviding interpretation. Exoticspecimens including giant redwoodtrees are maintained and managedfor visitors within a designedlandscape.


Contribute to the character of thispart of the Park.

Benmore gardens are relativelyhidden, but provide an intact andunusual feature. The gardens have astrong identity, offer an opportunityto access the grounds and goodviewpoints to the surrounding glenand the Clyde sea ways. Thedesigned landscape’s scenic qualityand value as a work of art is assessedas outstanding in the NationalInventory of Gardens and DesignedLandscapes.

The chalet developments aroundDrimsynie have had a negativeimpact on the landscape characterand visual qualities of the designedlandscape and village ofLochgoilhead.

These landscapes are attractive tonew commercial developments, butare sensitive to inappropriate andover development.


Sense of place

The loch side country houses withassociated parklands and policieswere created during the age ofagricultural improvements betweenthe mid-eighteenth and mid-nineteenth centuries. Benmore isone of the main examples in thisarea of the Park and is a goodexample of a garden developedduring the Victorian period.Benmore House was begun in 1862to the baronial designs of GlasgowArchitect Charles Wilson andcompleted by his partner, DavidThomson in 1874. The gardens alsocontain the Bayley Balfour MemorialHut designed by Sir Robert Lorimerand originally sited in Puck’s Glen.

Important to local people, visitorsand specialists.

The designed landscapes andassociated country housescontribute to the character of thispart of the Park and are an importantpart of the cultural heritage of thePark.

There has been a loss of integrity ofmuch of the designed landscapes inCowal. Few retain their role aslandscaped settings of privatecountry houses. Their setting andfeatures have been affected by useas static caravan parks and chalets.Benmore is the exception, stillretaining its original features andhistoric character. The site isincluded on the National Inventoryof Designed Landscapes andincludes a number of buildings andstructures listed for theirarchitectural and historicimportance.

Ongoing pressures for tourismdevelopment.

CulturalHeritage

No particular native biodiversityattributes. The exotic plant speciesin the gardens provide a contrastand context for native species.Some native wildlife, especiallybirds will be visible within thegardens.

Of limited importance to localpeople and visitors

Low biodiversity importance

Unlikely to change except in linewith national trends such as climatechange.

Biodiversity

LCT: FORESTED UPLAND GLEN AND SETTLED LOCH SHORE

KEY FEATURE: DESIGNED LANDSCAPES

Designed landscapes occur in a number of LCTs

Some relict remains of designed landscapes are found within the forested glens and also on the loch shores.Designed landscapes include Ardgarten, Drimsynie and Benmore.

HLA: Designed Landscape 17th to 19th Century, 18th to 20th century woodland and forestry, 19th to 20thcentury recreation area and 18th to 19th century fields and farming.


• Encourage design briefs for key sites likely to be vulnerable to development. • Consider the development of thematic related destination, incorporating Benmore, Puck’s Glen & Kilmun Arboretum.• There is a role for proactive enhancements at Drimsynie.• There is potential to enhance the designed landscapes where opportunities arise. • Seek to retain historic landscape features where they exist as part of development.

ARGYLL FOREST


The country houses and designed landscapes often have associations with important families and clans. Benmorealso has associations with the culture of forestry and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Associations

These flat pasture areas form ahuman scale and enclosedlandscape. They comprise improvedgrassland and regular fields, withscattered riparian woodlands andpolicy woodlands.

Farmed strath floors are importantareas of diversity in the Argyll Forestlandscape, flat and agriculturallymanaged, they provide strong visualcontrast to the enclosing uplandslopes, which are dominated byforestry and contribute to the settingof rivers and lochs. Traditionallymanaged farmed lands, these areasare notably managed with distinctfield patterns giving a humandimension to the landscape. Theyare a component of the rural settingof the settled loch shore.

The farmed strath floor areas inArgyll Forest are particularlysignificant in introducing elementsof diversity in the wider and locallandscapes, which tend to bedominated by commercial forestry.The strath floors have a distinctivecharacter due to their flattopography and contrast with thesurrounding uplands. Thislandscape type is generallyimportant as an element of diversityin the Park’s glen landscapes andwhere they occasionally occurcontribute greatly to the scenic anddistinctive qualities of the ArgyllForest glens. Whilst occupying anactually very small proportion of thelandscape, the straths are visuallyhighly significant, compositionallyimportant within views and in termsof allowing views across and throughthe glens. Significantly thislandscape type, as where it occurselsewhere in the Park, helps toestablish a farmed countrysidesetting to the rural villages of agenerally unspoilt and traditionalquality.

These areas are small in scale andtherefore relatively vulnerable tochange, such as past afforestation.

The farmed strath areas may comeunder pressure from settlementexpansion and for touristdevelopments in the future.Changes or decline in agriculturalpractise could lead to the decline oftraditional features, such as fieldboundaries, or the expansion ofwoodlands through naturalregeneration or new planting.


Sense of place

These areas often have 18th/19thcentury field patterns mainly insmall pockets along river orburnsides, at loch sides or onroadsides. The flat strath floorsoften contain historic buildings, andare likely to have post-clearancefarm steadings, which are notnecessarily listed, but of value interms of vernacular architecture.

There are claimed mottes (medievalearth and timber castle remains) inGlenbranter - if these were trulymottes, they would be of highsignificance because of theirlocation outside the main area ofNorman/Fleming settlement inScotland. Dundaraich Fort is aScheduled Ancient Monumentfound in this area at Glen Finart.

These areas are significant withinCowal because they are not typicalof the area, which does not havemany farmed flat strath floors.These floors are more likely tocontain buried (that is, unknown)archaeological resources than otherareas of Cowal

The type of cultural heritageresource within this area is notparticularly common in the westernpart of the Park area.

The putative mottes would be anationally significant resource ifgenuine.

The cultural heritage benefit is notapparently under threat at themoment.

CulturalHeritage

LCT: FARMED STRATH FLOOR

There are small areas of farmland around watercourses, including a narrow area near Ardentinny at Glenfinartand Glenbranter.

HLA: Mosaics of 18th to 19th century fields and farming, 17th to 19th century designed landscapes,prehistoric to present day moorland and rough grazing and 19th to 20th century recreation areas

HLA relict: There is a relict 17th to 19th century designed landscape. (See analysis of Designed landscapes on page 32).

ARGYLL FOREST


Timber as a building material is moreevident in this area of the Park thanany other. Most visible are the 3groups of late 20th century ForestryCommission houses at Glenbranter,Glen Massan and Ardentinny (SeeLCT Settled Loch Shore).

Important mainly to local peopleand specialists.

Although timber buildings occurelsewhere in the Park they are aparticular characteristic of the ArgyllForest area.

No pressures at the present time.

These areas provide a food sourcefor wintering waders, geese andother birds. Supports a populationof small mammals and may holdpockets of woodland ground florathat don't thrive in the surroundingcommercial plantations.

Important mainly to local peopleand visitors due to the visibility ofthe wildlife

Of low importance overall. Muchmore widespread elsewhere, e.g.South Loch Lomond

Modern farming patterns havetended to diminish the wildlife value through winter cropping.

LCT: FARMED STRATH FLOOR (CONT)


Biodiveristy


• Retain the open character of the farmed strath floors as they contribute to the settlement settings.

• New woodland planting should be limited.

• Access to these landscapes could be improved with path network development from the villages and also linksalong the rivers and field boundaries.

• Conserve and enhance traditional farm steadings and seek to maintain field patterns.

• The biodiversity benefit could be enhanced through more wildlife friendly farming

ARGYLL FOREST


Glenbranter is associated with Sir Harry Lauder (1870-1950), who started his career in the music halls and made aname for himself as a singer of scottish songs.

Associations

The settled shore provides a humanbuilt element within the forestedshoreline, often punctuating theedges of the shoreline withdispersed and linear development.Historic and traditional character ofrural and estate buildings and thepresence of meadow lands, lochshore fringe woodlands and gardengrounds enhance the unspoilt ruralcharacter. However, there are alsoareas of poorer quality builtenvironment such as recentdevelopments, (eg. chalets atLochgoilhead), as well as areas thathave become run down, (eg. CarrickCastle brown field sites).

The villages have high quality viewsacross open water, with somenegative impacts from poorly sitedand designed tourism developmentsand the military bases. Thesettlements themselves areimportant landmarks in the widerview but tend to be somewhatremote by road access. Some of thevillages have tourism developmentsbut they are predominantlyresidential. There is a mixture ofdevelopment, some new and somemore traditional. The settlementslocate at the heads of the sea lochs,around the headlands and at theoutflows of glens. They introduce ahuman dimension to the glen andloch landscape, enhancing thedrama and scale of the enclosingvertical forested slopes.

The area is likely to continue to beunder pressure as a result of demandfor development, new tourismdevelopments such as chalets andcaravan parks. There are alsopressures related to tourismprovision for sailing activities.


Sense of place

The towns of the settled loch shoreare significant places with moreantiquity that meets the eye. Theymay have been small village/townsettlements from the medievalperiod. The church at Lochgoilheadis on record in the 14th century, butthere is a tradition that it was a muchearlier foundation. The collegiatechurch at Kilmun is recorded in 1391.Both settlements may havemedieval roots. Kilmun was a burghcreated of barony in 1490, but it isnot clear how much it wasdeveloped at this early period.Kilmun Church Tower is scheduled.Little is known about the earlyhistory of Lochgoilhead. A numberof the buildings are of historicimportance such as the Victorianvillas located along the lochshore,reflecting the town’s developmentas a popular steamer destinationfrom the mid 19th century onwards.

Little is known about the history ofArrochar. The McFarlanes arerecorded to have had a residence atArrochar in the 17th century andpresumably earlier. The position oftheir house is thought to be underthe present Cobbler Hotel (formerlyknown as Arrochar House). Arrocharwas presumably also originallysignificant as an inn stop on theroute through the pass to Argyll. Itstill serves an important function inproviding tourist accommodation.

The towns are important to visitorsand specialists. They are nodalpoints for day and extended visits.

The small towns contribute to thePark's character, each is unique. Thedesigned landscape at Drimsynie isalready heavily compromised.

There may not be much evidence ofthe potential antiquity of thesettlements, but there is possiblyscope for more interpretation.

Townscape quality may bethreatened by small scale, badlydesigned, piecemeal development.

CulturalHeritage

LCT: SETTLED LOCH SHORE

Settled loch shore is frequently found along sea lochs, the main examples are at Arrochar, Blairmore,Lochgoilhead and Ardentinny. Key characteristics include open water with a shoreline enclosed by residentialor commercial development.

HLA: Mix of 18th to 20th century built up areas, 18th to 19th century fields and farming extending along lochshore and flat strath floors and 19th to 20th century recreation areas

HLA Relict Land Use: There are areas of relict 17th-19th century designed landscapes. (See analysis of designed landscapes on page 32).

ARGYLL FOREST


The small villages of Ardentinnyand Carrick Castle also lie on lochshores. Ardentinny is characterisedby small vernacular cottages. Themost prominent building is the 18thcentury Ardentinny Hotel (someparts may be earlier). It was fromArdentinny that the drovers andtheir cattle crossed to Coulport ontheir journey south and thesurviving ferry house, hotel andcottages are a visible reminder ofthe historic importance of thevillage as a ferry port.

Carrick Castle has developedaround the dramatic late 14thcentury Carrick Castle which hasstrong historical connections to theClan Campbell. The village is agroup of houses strung along theshore, some originally holidayhomes built by Glasgow Merchantsin the 19th century.

The settled loch shore also includes19th century settlement atBlairmore and Strone characterisedby large Victorian seaside villas,piers and ferry houses. Thesettlements developed due to theconvenience of steamercommunications across the Clyde.

Important to local people, visitorsand specialists.

These settlements are significant tothe character of Cowal and the Parkas a whole.

The coastal settlements are ofhistoric and architecturalimportance and unique to this areaof the Park. Many villas still retaintheir original features and opensetting.

There are some developmentpressures which could impact onthe character of the settlements.Some of the structures such as piersand ferry houses are in poorcondition.

LCT: SETTLED LOCH SHORE (CONT)


CulturalHeritage

Limited biodiversity, mostly ofcommon garden birds and somewaders on larger open areas.

Important only to local people andvisitors, due to its high visibility

Of low significance. Typical ofsimilar habitat across Scotland

Of limited importance.

Biodiversity

Steamer traditions.

Association with David Napier

Early Christianity

Campbells of Argyll

Macfarlanes

Associations


• Appropriate planning and careful siting and location of new developments can help ensure the conservation andenhancement of settlement character and setting.

• Prepare design guidance to enhance settlement character.

• Although not much evidence for antiquity of some of the settlements there is scope to raise awareness of antiquitythrough interpretation.

• Consider Conservation Area designation of Cowal coastal settlements

• Seek to conserve and enhance buildings and structures at risk such as piers and ferry houses.

• Arrochar may have a role to play in interpreting communication routes and military roads for visitors.

• Potential to develop proposals to conserve and enhance the setting of Carrick Castle and consider interpretation.

• The biodiversity benefit could be enhanced through changes to management of municipal grasslands and a reversalof current trends in makeover gardening could restore eroded wildlife benefits of built up areas.

ARGYLL FOREST


Loch Eck is quite a hidden loch, butits length and narrow width meanthat it is a distinctive feature, and it issimilar to the shape of the area's sealochs.

Loch Eck provides a setting andinteresting juxtaposition to theupland and forested areas.

There are high quality and accessibleviews of the loch, it is largelyunspoilt, with some associated smallscale tourist developments, and hasa feeling of apparent naturalnessand remoteness. The shape and sizeof the loch is distinctive, and it isrepresentative of other (sea) lochswithin Cowal. The loch is highlyvalued locally for its tranquilqualities.

Shoreline erosion may be an issue.Increase in activity along loch shorescould affect tranquillity. There maybe increasing pressure forcommercial developments.Increased boating and recreationalactivity on the loch is a localconcern.


Sense of place

The shores of the loch are tooclosely planted with conifers toretain much cultural heritage value.There are settlements in the treesalong the loch sides, and crannogsrecorded in the loch.

The settlements are of medium tohigh significance to local people andvisitors, particularly to those tracingtheir genealogy and roots. Thecrannogs are part of a wider Scottishgroup of such sites which togetherare arguably of national significancefor their archaeological and scientificinterest, although not all arescheduled ancient monuments.

Shore line activity may affectheritage features.

CulturalHeritage

Loch Eck is an SSSI for itsassemblage of fish species, probablythe most natural in the Park, lowerplants, nutrient poor water and mireplant communities. It contains oneof the two natural powanpopulations in Scotland. Otters andwater birds are present. No detailedbird survey information is available.

Important to all groups, noted for itsangling

Highly significant to the local zone,the Park and Scotland. It is one ofthe iconic freshwater fisheries inScotland.

Of high importance

The benefit is under great threat, e.g. very vulnerable to nutrientenrichment and to introduction ofharmful non native species, suchas ruffe.

Biodiversity

Associations

LCT: INLAND WATER

Loch Eck is the main inland loch within the area

HLA: Water body


• Safeguard the unspoilt and apparently natural qualities of Loch Eck.

• Retain the tranquil feeling and characteristics.

• The biodiversity could be enhanced through introduction of controls on the movement of fish betweencatchments; habitat enhancement for salmon & sea trout and development control to prevent nutrientinputs and physical damage to loch shore habitats.

ARGYLL FOREST


Loch Eck has long formed a historic travelling route linking Inverary with the western shores of the Clyde. Travel wasoften easier by water than land and would have made use of the lochs and sea lochs.

The Loch Eck Tour was a popular circular route for visitors to the Highlands in Victorian and Edwardian times. The tourwould have used a combination of rail, steamer and coach service to travel from Glasgow to Inverary via Loch Eck.


• Enhance the potential for accessing the sea lochs by boat through public ferry services or special operators.• Explore opportunities to promote as marine gateways to the National Park.• Control access through limiting the formal access network to maintain aspects of remoteness, whilst enhancing the

existing paths, which can be difficult to find and follow.• The biodiversity and cultural heritage benefits could be enhanced through sensitive development control, control of

marine litter and sewage discharge and better fisheries management.

The sea lochs are narrow andenclosed. Intertidal zones.

The Argyll Forest sea lochs are thePark’s only area of coastline andwhilst the narrow enclosed formrelates them to some of the inlandlochs, they are typical of the widerScottish west coast landscape. Theintertidal zones and shorelineensure that they have a distinctcoastal quality. They are importantelements of diversity and dynamismin the Argyll Forest landscape,where the dominance of evergreenforests means that seasonal changeis somewhat limited. Eye levelviews out from Kilmun give the onlysense of more open sea ways.Elsewhere the views up and downthe lochs can be extensive, althoughaccess to the loch shores issomewhat restrictive as there areonly minor roads through the area.Also the enclosing nature of theforestry limits views out. The lack ofready access and views in to the sealochs can make areas quite remote,wild and tranquil in quality. Thereare sections with no adjacent lochshore paths or roads, such as alongLoch Long and Loch Goil betweenArdentinny and Carrick Castle.Occasional sitings of submarines,along with more regular militarysurveillance boats, indicate themilitary use of the sea lochs.

The sea lochs could potentiallyexperience increased use for waterrecreation. The military presence inthe area will continue to be a factorof change.

Shoreline development can beinsensitive to and have a negativeimpact on the water environment.

Fish farming developments andassociated infrastructure can have anegative impact on the remote andunspoilt qualities of the sea lochs.


Sense of place

There are likely to be remains ofarchaeological and historic interestin the intertidal zone (piers, fishtrapsetc) and on the sea bed of the lochs(wrecks).

Important locally for understandingthe use of the sea lochs over time.The lochs were historically and tothe present day of strategicimportance and have influenced thesiting and location of many of theimportant monuments in the area.

Coastal development can affecthistoric remains in the intertidalzone.

CulturalHeritage

LCT: SEA LOCHS

Sea lochs include Loch Goil, Loch Long and Holy Loch

LCT: There is no LCT for these areas as they lie outside the National Park boundary. However, they are considered to be keycontributors to the special qualities and landscape character of the Park.

ARGYLL FOREST


The intertidal zone round the lochscontain a range of habitats andspecies not found elsewhere in thePark, including small areas of saltmarsh, mud flats, sand and gravelbeaches, marine lichens and algae,fish, marine ducks, gulls, waders etc.

There are viewing opportunities forgannets, seals and occasionallysmall cetaceans.

Important to all groups

The biodiversity of this LCT is highlysignificant to the local area and thePark as a whole and of mediumimportance due to its localiseddistribution in the Park.

Coastal development for roads,piers, jetties etc has reduced itsextent and could do so further. May also be threatened by pollution from inadequate sewerage infrastructure.

Fish farming activities can havenegative impacts on water qualityand native fish populations

Biodiversity

Military associations. Long tradition of use of the sea lochs for travel.Associations

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