Glenelg, Scotland

From Freepedia

Glenelg is a quiet village in western Scotland. Its only access is via the 339m Bealach (pass) Ratagain from Shiel Bridge on the main Inverness to Skye road. It is situated at the Kyle Rhea, where Skye is closest to the mainland, though with the scrapping of bridge tolls on the main road, the local ferry service seems likely to be discontinued. Glenelg attracts some tourists, particularly to see the nearby remains of two of the best-preserved brochs on mainland Scotland, but remains unspoilt.

Image:Scotland Glenelg broch.jpg Its proximity to Skye meant that Glenelg was formerly of more strategic importance. Cattle reared on Skye were routinely made to swim to the mainland before being herded to market along the drovers road to Kinlochhourn and on to the Lowlands. Following the initial Jacobite risings, Glenelg was chosen as one of four sites in the highlands for a military barracks. These were completed in 1725 and a military road soon linked Glenelg to the rest of General George Wade's road network. Ultimately unsuccessful in preventing the 1745 uprising, and not needed after the Highland Clearances, the ruins of Bernera Barracks still stand.

Glenelg is also noteworthy for being a placename which is a palindrome.