About us
Ardgay & District Community Council area lies along the central southern border of the County of Sutherland, in the Scottish Highlands. The massive CC area of 624.8 Sq. Km (around 241 Sq. Miles) has boundaries with Creich, Edderton, Ardross, Strathpeffer, Garve, Lochbroom and Assynt Community Councils.
In our Community Council area there are two villages: Ardgay (500 est) and Culrain (100 est).
Probably the most notable local landmark is the Bridge spanning the the Kyle of Sutherland, a river estuary that flows into the Dornoch Firth, fed by the rivers Oykel, Shin, Cassley and Carron. The bridge links us with Bonar Bridge, our companion village in the adjoining parish
Also of note are Croick Church, which gained notoriety during the Highland Clearances.
The Caledonian Forests of Amat Woods and Alladale Woods are Special Areas of Conservation.
Carbisdale Castle, whose Edwardian stone walls dominate the Kyle of Sutherland for miles.
Kincardine Old Church, with its Pictish Christian grave marker, now the Kyle of Sutherland Heritage Centre.
Gearrchoille Community Wood, a 30 acre semi-natural ancient oak and birch woodland managed by local volunteers.
Largely unseen, but very important to our local identity and to our commerce are the salmon returning from years at sea. The catching of the salmon attracts many visitors and anglers, some of whom, just like the salmon, make an annual pilgrimage to their favourite river.
Land and landscape are important to our economy. Tourism, accommodation and agriculture are our largest employers. Forestry occupies many hectares of upland. Deer stalking attracts a worldwide clientele. Our fishing rivers are world famous. Tourism is based upon the sheer beauty of the whole area and activity holidaying is now growing quickly.
We live in a rural location, classified as remote. This is an attraction for visitors, for lifestyle residents and for those born and educated here. However remoteness is at times an impediment to economic development and hence this is a recurring theme discussed by the Ardgay & District Community Council.