ben lui, glen falloch & glen dochart - …cairngorms.co.uk/resource/docs/publications/sse 1.3...

S P EC IA L Q UA LITI ES O F B RE A D A LB AN E

BEN LUI, GLEN FALLOCH & GLEN DOCHART

Key Features

Glens with largely open sides

Flat strath floors

The uplands

Strath Fillan, Glen Falloch and Glen Dochart

Falls of Falloch and Falls of Dochart

Ben More

Breadalbane Estate

‘The High Country’


40 Special Qualities Appendix

Summary of Evaluation

Sense of PlaceThis area lies within Breadalbane, ‘The High Country’, and is characterised by longglens and the surrounding open upland hills with their peaks, rocky outcrops, gulliesand screes. Ben More is the highest peak in the National Park and lies in this area.Narrow upland glens cut through the hills with fast flowing burns and waterfalls. Theupland areas are generally remote and unspoilt.

The flat glen floors of Glen Falloch, Glen Dochart and Strath Fillan are a focus fortransport routes and settlement. The farmed glen floors and straths arecharacteristically enclosed farmland, with drystane dykes and fences forming anattractive patchwork of upland fields and hay meadows in the summer. There areisolated traditional farm steadings and occasional estates with policies and formal treeplanting. The glens are predominantly rural in character and development is focussedin the main settlements of Killin, Crianlarich and Tyndrum. Settlement is located atglen junctions and loch heads.

Many of the glen sides in this area are open, unlike other areas of the Park where glensides have tended to be forested. The open glen sides form attractive features withburns and waterfalls such as the Falls of Falloch and the Falls of Dochart. The glensides around Crianlarich, Tyndrum and to the south of Killin are densely forested.

The landuse is a combination of moorland and rough grazing on the uplands, forestryand woodland on some of the lower slopes and farming and settlement on the flatstrath floors.

Cultural heritageIn common with most of the Park, the landscape has been profoundly influenced byhuman activity from prehistoric to the present day. Evidence of prehistoric use of thearea includes the only Neolithic Stone Circle surviving in the Park at Kinnel, prehistoricrock carvings at West Lix and a prehistoric fort on Innes Bhuide.

There is reference in the Argyll Forest Assessment to the boundaries of the kingdomof Dalriada and the stone known as Clach Na Briton in Glen Falloch is thought to bepart of this.

There are several important medieval religious sites in this area, of which thegraveyard and ruins of the priory at St Fillans are the most significant. There arealso two burial grounds associated with the Macnabs, one in Glen Dochart andthe other at Killin which may have medieval origins. Military buildings are rare inthe area and include the remains of the late sixteenth/early seventeenthcentury Loch Dochart Castle.

In common with other highland areas of the Park, there is extensive pre-improvement period landscape, with evidence of abandoned shielings in theuplands and considerable evidence for former extensive settlement in theglens, particularly Glen Dochart in the form of deserted farms and townshipsand some surviving lime and corn-drying kilns.

The flat strath floors comprise eighteenth and nineteenth century rectilinearfields with their origins in the Improvement Period when landlords introducedimprovements to increase yields and profits from farming. The strath floor alsoincludes several small areas of policies and parklands. There is also evidence ofindustrial activity in the area. Deposits of gold and lead were exploited from1739 until the early twentieth century at Tyndrum.

The glen floors provided strategic routes both in the past and the present day.The military road, built by General Caulfield from 1748 to 1753, from Stirling toFort William passed through this area. Parts of the military road still retainoriginal features such as culverts and bridges, particularly at Glen Ogle andGlen Falloch. Railways and the associated buildings and structures, some in useand some now disused, are an important quality of this area. Both Crianlarichand Tyndrum have distinctive station buildings.

Killin is the settlement of most historical importance in this area. Thesettlement is linear in form and a mix of gable-to-gable one and two storeycottages and larger villas and hotels. Across the area, there is some ‘antlerGothic’ treatment of bargeboards favoured by the Breadalbane Estate.

BiodiversityThe area is of high importance for biodiversity and includes a diverse range ofhabitats. The flat strath floors are of biodiversity value for their wetlandhabitats, areas of particular importance include the River Dochart Meadows fortheir reed, meadow and woodland habitats and Loch Tay Marshes for transitionfen, Carr woodland and other plant communities. The River Tay is important forsalmon, lamprey and otter.

A key landscape component of the area is the open upland hills, an importanthabitat for a range of upland plant communities, invertebrates and nationallyrare and scarce plant communities such as remnants of montane willow scrubalpine flush communities, calcareous grasslands found at Ben Lui and otherlocations. Notable species include golden eagle, raven, peregrine, ptarmigan,dotterel and other upland birds, red deer, mountain hare, lower plants andlichens. Areas of upland of particular importance are designated SSSIs and partof Ben Lui is a National Nature Reserve.

This area includes the Park’s two significant areas of remnant Caledonianpinewood, at Cononish near Tyndrum and in Glen Falloch. These areas ofpinewood are highly significant to the Park and the nation as the most southerlyremnant ancient pinewoods in Britain. There are also important areas of ancientdeciduous woodland.


Special Qualities Appendix 41

GeologyThe area is important for its geology. There are a number of SSSIs designated for theirgeological value: the Falls of Dochart is highly important for its fluvialgeomorphological features; Garabal Hill of world importance for its igneous rockexposures and historical and present day research into fractional crystallisation; andCrom Allt for mineral exposures on the Tyndrum Main Fault

AssociationsThe area is valued for its historic and cultural associations. The Celtic St Fillan foundeda monastery at Kirkton. The saint also has strong links with Killin and it is thought hetaught and preached in the village around the end of the 7th century and his healingstones are still located there.

The district was originally the territory of the Macnabs, MacLarens and MacGregors butthe Campbells gradually became more important from the fifteenth century, makingKillin part of their larger Breadalbane Estate. Sir Duncan Campbell built Loch DochartCastle and Finlarig Castle at Killin.

Dal Righ at Tyndrum is the site of a battle in 1306 between Robert the Bruce and theMacDougalls. Legend has it that the King threw his heavy sword into a small lochan inorder to escape more swiftly. The famous Brooch of Lorne was lost by Robert theBruce at this battle.

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

• The cultural and historical associations are a special part of Breadalbane.

• Railway history and the West Highland Line

• Gold Mine

• The ‘Highlands’ feeling of the area

• The mountain wilderness areas tucked away from the glens

• Living and working farmed landscape

• The diversity and accessibility of the scenery

• The wildlife

• Recreational benefits of landscape – walking in particular mentioned

• Long history of families (mentioned by Killin group)



MAP 2A - LANDSCAPE CHARACTER TYPES



MAP 2B – HISTORIC LAND USE



MAP 2C - RELICT HISTORIC LAND USE



MAP 2D - NATURE CONSERVATION DESIGNATIONS



The open upland hills dominate theupper reaches of the glens forminghigh rocky summits and ridgelines,with a feeling of wildness,remoteness and exposure. Theupland slopes are distinct from theglen sides, which tend to form adiscreet mid slope.

Whilst being physically remote anddifficult to access, the open uplandhills are visually dominant andsignificant to communities andvisitors to the Park, as distinctivelandmarks that create a strong senseof identity. The twin peaks of BenMore and Stob Binnein are wellrenowned Munros and particularlyvisually distinctive seen from StrathFillan, Glen Dochart andBalquhidder Glen. The uplandslopes and summits offer panoramicviews over the surrounding area,accessible only by foot. These areasare remote and generally unspoiltalthough there is some evidence ofmasts, pylons and unsympathetictracks. Open upland hills are acharacteristic of all the highlandarea of the Park, but are distinctive inthe Balquhidder area as beinggenerally higher and more unbroken,with distinct exposed upper slopeswhich sit beyond the enclosedglens. The Balquhidder areaincludes the Park’s only ‘core wildland’ and the more extensive naturemeans that qualities of wildness andtranquillity can be more readilyappreciated.

There are certain pressures on allupland hill areas including pylon,mast and wind farm development.Recreational pressures are alsoevident on popular upland tracks,which can easily become severelyeroded. The high visibility of theuplands and the general absence ofstructures or developments meanthat any intrusion on the scene islikely to be highly visible anddetrimental to the unspoilt qualitiesthat underpin the areas opportunityfor wildness and tranquillity.

Inappropriate development inneighbouring glen or uplandlandscapes can also adverselyimpact on the experience of theseuplands.

BENEFITS CONTRIBUTION TO BENEFIT? EVALUATION OF IMPORTANCE TRENDS & PRESSURES

Sense of place

There is scattered evidence ofabandoned shielings. The leadmines at Tyndrum, some of whichare a scheduled ancient monument,lie in this zone.

Local people, specialists andpotentially visitors to the area.

Some of the area is identified asrelict medieval/post medievalsettlement and there is evidence ofpast agricultural systems. It includes important groups ofshielings on north Glen Dochartwhich still have visual and physicalties to the townships and desertedfarmsteads in the lower open glensides and farmed strath floors.

Gold and lead mining only occurs inthis area of the Park. The remains ofthe lead mining include old shafts,building ruins and evidence of theformer mineral railway track. Oldlead mining cottages still survive inTyndrum. The mines are scheduledfor their national interest.

Some of the lead mine remains mayraise health and safety issues interms of public access.

There may be future interest inreopening the gold mine.

CulturalHeritage

LCT: OPEN UPLAND HILLS

A landform of peaks, moorland, rocky outcrops, gullies and screes. Key hills included Ben Lui and Ben Oss tothe west of Glen Falloch and the highest peak within the area is Ben More.

HLA: Prehistoric to present moorland and rough grazing.

HLA Relict Landuse: Areas of medieval/post medieval settlement



Meall na Samnha SSSI/ SAC (part),Ben Heasgarnich SSSI/ SAC (part),Ben Lui SSSI/ SAC/ NNR (part), BenMore and Stob Binnein SSSI (part)for a range of upland plantcommunities, invertebrates andnationally rare and scarce plantspecies. Glen Falloch PinewoodsSSSI (part) for ancient pine wood. Arange of largely natural plantcommunities occur outside theSSSI. Notable species includegolden eagle, raven, peregrine,ptarmigan, dotterel and otherupland birds, red deer, mountainhare, possibly water vole and lowerplants and lichens.

Important to all groups

The large expanses of uplandhabitats are visually prominent.

High biodiversity importance

The upland habitats, flora and faunaare somewhat degraded orrestricted in distribution due to veryhigh levels of sheep grazing overthe last 200 years, and very high reddeer numbers in some locations inthe last few decades. Climatechange is a threat to the survival ofsome species.

Grazing is likely to decrease oncoming years as a result of marketforces and changes in CAP.

LCT: OPEN UPLAND HILLS (CONT)


Biodiversity


Associations Gold and lead mining heritage.


MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

• The open upland areas need to be protected from development to maintain their open and wild character.

• Neighbouring uplands and glen landscapes should also be protected from inappropriate developments that wouldadversely impact on the peace and quiet and the view.

• Recreation and access pressures require to be managed to minimise damage.

• Seek to retain links between shielings and townships.

• The biodiversity benefit could be enhanced. Ecologically more sympathetic management would allow plantcommunities such as tall herbs, heath, treeline and montane scrub to recover

• Possible future restructuring of the forestry could enhance access to the uplands where appropriate .

There are a few local examples ofwooded upland glen, mostlyassociated with the lower glenslopes, along the transition to thefarmed straths.

These woodlands make a valuablecontribution to the natural qualitiesof these highland glen landscapes,which can tend to be dominated bycommercial afforestation. Theyform a transition to open glen sidesand open upland glens.

Grazing pressure may haveadversely impacted on thesewoodlands.


Sense of place

No sites currently recorded. N/A N/ACulturalHeritage

Innishewan Woods SSSI (part), all foroakwood and other broadleavedwoodland.

Important to all groups

Of high importance to biodiversity

The historical trend has been to acatastrophic loss and fragmentationof this habitat type in the UK.

Biodiversity

LCT: WOODED UPLAND GLEN

Glens with low density semi-natural woodland of oak, birch, Scots Pine and fragmented moorland heather,drystone dykes, tracks and paths.

HLA: 18th to 20th century managed woodland and forestry


• Scope exists to reverse the historical losses of broadleaved woodland by felling the planted conifers and replacingthem with new broadleaved woodland, especially on FCS land and though SFGS elsewhere



Narrow glens with steep sides, rockyoutcrops and screes, remote andundeveloped. The higher uplandglens provide open vistas and variedviews as a result of their elevationand openness.

The open upland glens are remote,without vehicular access from themain glens. They also tend to behidden from direct views, althoughthe mouth of the glens aresignificant visual features, the strongsilhouette of the receding v-shapedglens emphasising the sense ofdepth in the landscape. These glensare of great significance to hillwalkers, often forming part of the‘walk in’. The glens contribute to theoverall open character of the openuplands and are well represented inthe Breadalbane area. The glenstypically have framed views up tothe upland slopes and summits ordown to glimpses of the glen floorand strath farmland or lochs wherethey occur. They tend to be remoteand unspoilt

The open upland glens are avaluable landscape and ecologicalresource. Pressures which exist onthis landscape include afforestation,new woodlands, hill tracks,andhydro-electric powerdevelopments. The undevelopedand predominantly open charactershould be conserved.


Sense of place

A number of both single shielingsand shieling groups are recorded.The largest concentration isrecorded above Auchtertyre and it isimportant to note that here as inGlen Finglas the survey informationis excellent, having beenundertaken as part of a woodlandexpansion proposal.

An important survival in this area isthe former tacksman’s house at Cononish where in addition to thelargely unaltered house of c1769 thebyre still has the lower sections ofits cruck supports in place. Themilitary roads run through this areaof the National Park.

Of interest to locals and walkers.

Only Kirkton Glen still has a directlink to its lower township but someof this relationship will have beenlost in the re-forestation of theupper glens.

The military roads in the Park are ofspecialist interest but may also havetourism value. Their significanceextends beyond the Park as theywere built at the start of the processof military occupation of thehighlands, which de-gaelicisedScotland, and contributed to thewidespread depopulation.

Possible damage to shielings by theencroachment of scrub.

The military roads throughout thePark are in a poor condition, with anumber of bridges suffering damagein recent flash floods.

CulturalHeritage

Ben Lui SSSI/SAC/NNR (part), BenMore and Stob Binnein SSSI (part) fora range of upland plantcommunities and associatedspecies. River Tay SAC (part) forsalmon and lamprey. Upland plantcommunities, upland birds.

The large expanses of uplandhabitats are visually prominentwithin the uplands, and are of highimportance for biodiversity.

The upland habitats, flora and faunaare all somewhat degraded orrestricted in distribution due to veryhigh levels of sheep grazing over thelast 200 years, and very high reddeer numbers in some locations inthe last few decades. Salmon &lamprey populations are greatlyreduced nationally. Climate changeis a threat to the survival of somespecies.

Biodiversity

LCT: OPEN UPLAND GLEN

Narrow open upland glens, with fast flowing burns and waterfalls. Steep v-shaped valleys with rockyoutcrops, boulders and screes. Other features include scattered trees along the edges of burns, paths andtracks following burn sides.

HLA Period: Mainly prehistoric to present moorland and rough grazing, with some small areas having beendrained in the 20th Century.


• Natural woodland regeneration and native woodland planting should be encouraged along burn sides, but thepredominantly open quality of these glens should be retained.

• Undertake a survey of the condition of all military roads and their associated structures in the Park, aiming at astrategy for their protection and enhancement.

• Biodiversity benefit could be enhanced. Ecologically more sympathetic management would allow plant communitiessuch as heath, treeline and montane scrub to recover and could enhance the habitat value of the rivers for fish.



Associations Economic - land used for grazing and deer stalking.

Dense and dominating plantationson glen sides, in contrast to theopen upland hills.

The forested glen sides are highlyvisible from the main transportcorridors and settlements, whichfocus on the glens. They tend tohave a negative landscape characterand visual quality impact on boththe visitor experience and for localcommunities. The forested glensides comprise a prominent type ofwoodland in the Breadalbane areaand within the individual glens,where there is a relatively poorrepresentation of more naturalwoodlands. The forested tributaryupland glens are somewhat lessprominent in the wider landscape,but impact negatively on the settingof the surrounding uplands, withforestry tending to extend too far upslope, with insensitive margins andartificial abrupt transitions to theopen ground. They also detractfrom popular hill walks. The steeptopography of glen sides makes theforests particularly visible andassociated features, such asengineered forest roads, erosionscars and drainage ditches can causesignificant negative visual impact.

At present there is an abundance offorested glen, with felling andreplanting likely to be the key forcesfor change. New forest siting anddesign guidelines will help toimprove the landscape characterand reduce visual problems.


Sense of place

There are numerous desertedfarmsteads and townships includedin this zone. Many are now hiddenwithin the forests which alsoconceal or isolate them from theirassociated shielings e.g. at Lix. Thislatter site was the subject of a seriesof archaeological investigations butis now enclosed in woodlandalthough access to each of the siteswas included in the design. Someshieling groups also lie in this zonealthough as they are generally to befound along the burn sides mostremain undisturbed by forestryplanting.

There are also a small number of prehistoric rock carvings includingthe scheduled example at West Lix.

Part of the lead mines at Tyndrumlie in this area.

The remnant townships andfarmsteads are of value forgenealogical research, often beyondScotland, especially to those whoseancestors came from thesesettlements, or to local people.They also have specialistarchaeological value as they maycontain evidence of medieval andpost-medieval settlement. Theyform part of the commonest relictsettlement type in the NationalPark. The ones in this area have beenbadly disrupted by 20th centuryforestry planting, which hasseparated settlements from theirshielings. There are better preservedexamples of townships elsewhere inthe National Park, eg withsettlement, fields, and shielings stillintact and related to each other andnot cut off by forestry.

The cup and ring markings at Lix andthe lead mines are scheduled asmonuments of national importance.

Thinning, felling and replanting offorestry can have an impact onsurviving structures.

CulturalHeritage

LCT: FORESTED UPLAND GLEN

Steep glens with coniferous woodland, native grassland and heather are found around Tyndrum, Crianlarichand south of Killin.

HLA: Predominantly 20th century coniferous woodland and forestry



The native woodland elements havehigh biodiversity value. Lochan LairigCheile SSSI for nutrient poor waterand plant communities and valleymire, Glen Falloch Pinewoods (part)and Coille Coire Chuilc SSSIs forancient pinewoods and associatedplants and invertebrates. Theplanted forests include small areasof broadleaf woodland and someareas of new native pinewoodplanting. Woodland birds, plantsand invertebrates.

Highly significant to the zone, thePark and Scotland. The pinewoodsare the most southerly remnantancient pinewoods in Britain.Elsewhere, pockets of ancient andbroadleaved woodland existamongst the planted non nativeconifers.

The historical trend has seen acatastrophic loss and fragmentationof native woodland habitat typesthroughout the UK.

LCT: FORESTED UPLAND GLEN


Biodiversity


• 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. A proactive approach should be taken in key areas.

• Restructuring might provide an opportunity to allow these historic sites to re-emerge from the trees and only replantwhere appropriate. Care should be taken not to damage surviving structures.

• Scope exists to reverse the historical losses of native woodland by felling significant tracts of the non-native conifersand replacing them with new native pinewood and broadleaved woodlands, especially on FCS land and though SFGSelsewhere. This process is already underway in places.



Interesting large scale openlandscapes with varied features suchas waterfalls and screes, whichrelate to the open upper slopes andsummits and provide contrast anddiversity with the forested glensides. The open glen side in GlenFalloch has some areas of relictpines.

The open glen sides are highlyvisible from the main transportcorridors and settlements, whichfocus on the glens. They tend tomake a positive contribution tolandscape character and visualquality, impacting on both thevisitor experience and localcommunities. They provide a relieffrom the blanket forestry that canotherwise dominate the glenlandscapes and make theminaccessible.

The open glen sides reveal thediversity of a varied and contrastingtopography with features such aswaterfalls and screes contributing toscenic quality at the local detailscale and in the wider glen context.The drainage pattern of burns,sometimes emphasised with riparianwoodland, is clearly legible in theseopen areas and accentuates thevertical drama of the glen slopes.

The open glen sides have goodquality views down onto the strathareas The glen sides are not greatlyaccessible due to their topographyand lack of footpaths. The areas arequite unspoilt however there aresome roads and railway lines on glensides. The glen sides do not alwayshave a distinct character and oftenblend with the open upland hills.The open glen sides flank themajority of the main glens, which isnot typical elsewhere in the Parkwhere forests and woodlands tendto predominate.

The relict Caledonian Pine at GlenFalloch, which occupy broken terrainare a distinctive landmark feature inthis transitional zone on the routenorth, creating a sense of enteringthe highlands. The trees and terrainare viewed on a sub horizon that isseen against a dramatic mountainbackdrop from the A82 road andrailway. The decrepit nature of thetrees and the fact that they appearsilhouetted in isolation contributeto the scenic quality andatmospheric effect.

These open areas are under pressurefrom the expansion of commercialforests, the invasion of bracken andrhododendrons and overgrazing.They should be protected as theycontribute to the diversity of thelandscape.

The new native pine wood at GlenFalloch will change the distinctivescenery there. This could adverselyimpact on the visual qualities byobscuring the detail features of thetrees and the landform, if notcarefully considered.


Sense of place

LCT: OPEN GLEN SIDE

Steep open strath sides, craggy with scree and rock outcrops rising from the glen floor to the hilltops. Burnsand waterfalls. Examples include Glen Dochart, Strath Fillan and Glen Falloch.

HLA: Mainly prehistoric to present moorland and rough grazing.

HLA Relict Landuse: Areas of medieval and post medieval settlement and agriculture.



There is considerable evidence forformer extensive settlement onboth sides of the glens, especially inGlen Dochart in the form ofdeserted farms and townships. Anumber have surviving kilns bothcorn-drying and lime. There arealso areas of field systems. Only afew scattered shielings are recordedin this zone as its occupation waspermanent.

The stone known as Clach NaBriton in Glen Falloch is thought tobe part of the boundaries of thekingdom of Dalriada.

Also important in this zone,especially in Glen Falloch, is the old military way which is now partof the West Highland Way longdistance footpath and which retainssome of its original features e.g. culverts and bridges.

A small number of cup markedrocks confirm the presence ofpeople here in the prehistoricperiod.

The townships are of value forgenealogical research, oftenbeyond Scotland, and they havespecialist archaeological value asthey may contain evidence ofmedieval and post-medievalsettlement. They form part of thecommonest relict settlement typein the National Park.

These townships are important as,unlike many other examples in thePark, many are still associated withtheir corn and lime kilns, their fieldsystems, and their shieling grounds.They have avoided the denseforestry plantations whichelsewhere in the Park has left theindividual elements isolated fromeach other.

May be under pressure from theexpansion of commercial forestryand the inappropriate conversionsof traditional farm buildings.

LCT: OPEN GLEN SIDE (CONT)


CulturalHeritage

Glen Falloch Pinewoods SSSI (part)for ancient pinewoods (seecomments under Forested UplandGlen) and associated plants andinvertebrates. Red deer, buzzard andmoorland birds, moorland habitats.

Highly significant to the local area,the Park and the UK. The pinewoodsare the most southerly remnantancient pinewoods in Britain.Elsewhere, pockets of ancient andbroadleaved woodland existamongst the planted non nativeconifers.

The conservation and enhancementof these pinewoods is highlysignificant in terms of conservingand enhancing the natural andcultural heritage of the Park

The historical trend has been acatastrophic loss and fragmentationof native woodland habitat types inthe UK.

Crom Allt SSSI for mineralexposures on the Tyndrum MainFault

A feature of high importance linkedgeologically to mineral deposits inthe Tyndrum lead and gold mines.

No immediate threats, minimalmanagement required.

Biodiversity

Geology




• Support traditional upland agriculture.

• Limit new commercial woodland planting and retain the open character of the glen sides.• Ensure that regeneration of the Glen Falloch pine woods, retains a locally open landscape setting without

compromising wider biodiversity benefits to the scots pine relicts and distinctive knolls.• Seek to retain the landscape setting and links between townships, field systems and shieling grounds and protect

them from intrusive land use change.• Bracken and rhododendron invasion should be controlled. • Scope exists to reverse the historical losses of native woodland by encouraging regeneration of broadleaf and

pinewood on suitable areas of the open glen side, especially on FCS land and though SFGS elsewhere. This process isalready underway in places.

Farmed strath floors provideimportant areas of diversity in theBreadalbane landscape, by providingstrong visual contrast to theenclosing upland slopes.Traditionally managed farmed andestate lands, these areas are notablymanaged with distinct field patternsgiving a human dimension to thelandscape. They are a componentof the rural setting of the settledstrath floors.

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 andspecifically contributes to the scenicand distinctive qualities of theBreadalbane glens. Here the farmedstrath floors are a more extensivefeature than elsewhere in the Parkand this contributes to the tieredquality of these northern highlands.Lochs are smaller scale localfeatures within the landscape andnot dominant characteristics.

Whilst still occupying a smallproportion of the landscape, thestraths are visually highly significant,form the setting of the main andtrunk roads passing through the Parkand are compositionally importantwithin views and in terms ofallowing views across and throughthe glens. The West Highlandrailway line and West Highland Waypass through Glen Falloch andStrath Fillan, as well as the A82 andA85.

The areas have good quality views ofthe surrounding hills and uplandareas (for example the dominatingview of Ben More from GlenDochart), these views are highlyaccessible and seen from main roadssuch as at Auchlyne, the sceniccontribution of river and meadowlandscapes can be exceptional, withtraditional hay meadowmanagement adding greatly to thesummer scene and atmosphere. Thestrath areas are developed andinclude features such as transportcorridors and pylons. However, theyretain an overall rural character.Significantly this landscape type, aselsewhere in the Park, helps toestablish a farmed countrysidesetting to the rural villages of agenerally unspoilt and traditionalquality.

The farmed strath areas are underpressure from the expansion ofsettlements. Other impacts includeroad infrastructure upgrading andforestry shelterbelt planting.


Sense of place

LCT: FARMED STRATH FLOOR

Small flat strips of farmland around watercourses, with fields and hay meadows. Post and wire fences,hedgerows, degraded dykes and ditches, pylons. The farmed strath floor examples in the area areGlen Dochart, Strath Fillan and Glen Falloch. Other features include remnant parkland trees andwoodlands associated with designed landscapes.

HLA: Some 18th to 19th century fields and farming and prehistoric to present moorland and roughgrazing

HLA Relict Landuse: Areas of medieval and post medieval settlement and agriculture.



The HLA identifies much of the zoneas 18th/19th century rectilinearfields but with some areas of relictmedieval and post medievalsettlement and agriculture. Thereare a number of deserted townshipsrecorded especially on the south-facing northern sides of the strathsalthough this is more significant inthe adjoining open glen side zone.The area also includes one of thebest preserved crofter’s cottages inKillin parish, at Bowachter.

There are also small areas ofpolicies and parkland at Kinnell,Glenfalloch Lodge and LochDochart House.

The remnant townships are of valuefor genealogical research, oftenbeyond Scotland, and they havespecialist archaeological value asthey may contain evidence ofmedieval and post-medievalsettlement. Sites may be of especialvalue to those whose ancestorscame from these settlements aswell as to local people.

The townships are no different frommany others of the type throughoutthe Park and north and westhighland Scotland. They relate tothe former Gaelic speaking area andwere typical of land use up until theClearances (earliest date isunknown). They form part of thecommonest relict settlement typein the National Park. However, unlikemany other examples in the Parksome examples in this area,especially on the north side of GlenDochart, are still linked both visuallyand physically to their field systems,kilns and shieling grounds. Theyhave avoided the dense forestryplantations so common on theintervening ground as seen in someparts of this area e.g. on the south ofGlen Dochart.

Large scale and intrusive land-usechange, including wind farms andcommercial forestry can potentiallyhave an adverse impact on thesetownships which still show links toother elements of the Pre-Improvement farming system andshould be protected .


CulturalHeritage

There are several importantmedieval religious sites in thischaracter area, of which thegraveyard and ruins of the priory atSt Fillan's are the most significant. StFillans and Suie in Glen Dochartalso have Early Christian gravemarkers identifying them as earlyChristian sites.

This area also includes the onlyNeolithic Stone Circle surviving inthe Park, at Kinnell.

There are a number of private clanburying places – including theCampbells at Auchlyne and McNabsat Suie.

The military road from Stirling toFort William passes through thiszone but much of its route is nowfollowed by the present public road.Both former and current railwaylines run through the area.

Important to local people, touristsand specialists and for geneologicalresearch although not all are readilyaccessible. A notable exception isSt Fillans which lies adjacent to theWest Highland Way and has a smallinformation board.

The sites at St Fillans and Kinnell areall scheduled ancient monumentsof national significance.

The significance of the militaryroads extend beyond the Park, andwere built at the start of the processto occupy the highlands, which de-gaelicised Scotland, and led to theClearances

Many of the military roads and associated structures are in poor condition through age andneglect.

The graveyards are suffering fromneglect with fallen and brokenstones and crumbling walls.

LCT: FARMED STRATH FLOOR (CONT)



The farmed strath floors have arange of biodiversity benefits whichare recognised in a number ofdesignations. The River Tay SAC(part) for salmon, lamprey, otter;River Dochart Meadows SSSI forreed, meadow and woodlandhabitats, Loch Tay Marshes SSSI(part) for transition fen, Carrwoodland and other plantcommunities, Innishewan WoodsSSSI (part) for ancient deciduouswoodland. Mosaic of trees,boundary features, fields. Breedingwaders in areas of rushy pasture.

The farmed strath floors are of highbiodiversity importance overall.Important to local people, visitors,travellers and specialists

River systems and fish populationsare impacted upon by riverengineering, eg Hydro ElectricPower schemes. Also modernfarming patterns have tended todiminish the wildlife value, egthrough winter cropping & higherlivestock densities.

LCT: FARMED STRATH FLOOR (CONT)


Biodiversity

St Fillan

Clans Campbell and Macnab

At Tyndrum the famous Brooch of Lorne was lost by Robert the Bruce to the MacDougalls in 1306.

Associations


• Farmers should be encouraged to continue low intensity agricultural practices, including the traditional managementof hay meadows, which makes a particular contribution to the summer landscape.

• New woodland planting should not be encouraged where this results in a significant loss of this landscape charactertype .

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

• There is potential for interpretation of the Pre-Improvement agricultural system.

• There is a need to protect links between different elements of Pre-Improvement agriculture systems where thesestill survive.

• There is a need for improved management of the military roads in the Park. This may be achieved in relation topromotion of their use as footpaths. However, this would require careful management to ensure the resource is noteroded.

• There is potential to promote a programme of repair for the graveyards, and develop interpretation associated withthese.

• The biodiversity benefit could be enhanced through more wildlife friendly farming and measures to improve thehabitat value of the riparian corridors and woodlands. A management agreement is already in place on InnishewanWoods.



These settlements provide a humancontext within a dramatic naturallandscape, the built quality of thisarea of the park is extremely mixed.In the traditional village of Killin, thebuildings themselves give theappearance of being nestled andclustered within this landscape. InCrianlarich and Tyndrum thevillagescape and architecturalquality is dominated by recentcommercial developments that arenot traditional in character. Thesettlements are linear in form andtend to locate at junctions in theglens. There is a sense of localdistinctiveness in the built form.

The settled strath floor is the focusfor settlement in this area. Thevillages are important featurescontrasting with the surroundingapparently natural and dramaticlandscapes. They provide nodalpoints within each of the main glensand strath areas. but are notamongst the well renownedgateway settlements into the Park.The settled strath areas haveaccessible and good quality views ofthe surrounding landscape andpeaks. These settled areas are linearin form and reflect a mixed andvariable quality built character. Theymake a mixed contribution to thelandscape character and visualqualities. In Killin, where the villageremains dominated by traditionalscale, form and architecture, there isa benefit to the wider and locallandscape. The Dochart Falls andbridge are well set and are asignificant tourist beauty spot.Tyndrum and Crianlarich have lesstraditional built character and aredominated by more recentdevelopments, some of a largescale. However, the scale and dramaof the mountain surroundings doestend to dominate the wider scene.

These settled areas are often underpressure from tourism and other development. Thetraditional character of the areasneeds to be maintained andpositively enhanced.


Sense of place

CulturalHeritage

Killin is an interesting settlementwith a Conservation Area. The northend of the village has two plannedrows of houses of 19th century date.The street arrangement betweenthese houses and the bridge issignificant as there are few streetvillages of potentially pre-improvement origin in the NationalPark. It includes the MacNab Clanburial ground and the prehistoricfort on Innis Bhuide which are bothscheduled. The built form is a mix ofarchitectural styles and periods.

Important to local people, visitors,specialists and travellers throughthe area.

Killin is a highland village ofarchitectural and historic interest.The area has seen a continuity ofuse over a significant period of timewith heritage sites of significanthistorical importance such as thescheduled prehistoric fort, the stonecircle at Kinnell and the Clan burialground. The village retains much ofits historic character

Some pressure for development.There has been some loss of historiccharacter due to unsympatheticalterations to windows and otherbuilding elements.

LCT: SETTLED STRATH FLOOR

Small low lying settlements on strath floor, surrounded by backdrop of woodland, forests and hills. Includesthe settlements of Killin, Crianlarich and Tyndrum.

HLA: Prehistoric to present moorland, mix of 18th to 20th and 20th century woodland and forestry, 18th to20th century built up area and 19th to 20th century recreation areas



Tyndrum and Crianlarich lie at keyjunctions on the historic drove roadslinking the north and west tomarkets in Central Scotland. Goldand lead were mined in the areasurrounding Tyndrum and thevillages experienced further growthwith the arrival of the railways. In1873 the Callander and ObanRailway was extended to Tyndrum. In1894 the West Highland Railway waslaid to Crianlarich and traversedStrathfillan to Tyndrum and on toFort William. Only the latter railroute survives. Both settlementshave distinctive station buildings andan interesting engine shed alsosurvives in Crianlarich. A smallterrace of cottages associated withthe lead mining in Tyndrum aredesignated as a Conservation Area.

Important to local people, visitors,specialists and travellers throughthe area. Tyndrum in particular is amain gateway to the National Parkand popular tourist stop off pointon the journey north.

The railway heritage of the area is animportant part of the history andgrowth of Crianlarich and Tyndrum.The structures and buildingsassociated with the railways thatsurvive are of architectural andhistorical interest, some are listed.There is a small Conservation Areain Tyndrum which includes thecottages associated with the leadmining. However, the villages lackcoherence and the quality of thebuilt heritage is variable.

There is some developmentpressure for tourism relateddevelopments.

LCT: SETTLED STRATH FLOOR (CONT)


CulturalHeritage

River Tay SAC (part) for salmon,lamprey, otter. Pipistrelle and brownlong eared bat roosts in some builtpremises.

Of importance to local people,visitors and specialists, especiallyanglers.

The availability of good angling is acontribution to the sense of placefor a significant minority, both forthe local area and the Park as awhole

High nature conservationimportance

River ecosystems and populationsof salmon, lamprey and bats aregenerally under pressure in the UK.

Biodiversity

Falls of Dochart SSSI for fluvialgeomorphological features.

Of high importance geologically No immediate threats, minimalmanagement required.

Killin has associations with the celtic St Fillan. His healing stones are now kept in the Breadalbane Folklore Centre.The district was originally the territory of the MacNabs, McLarens and MacGregors but the Campbells, based atFinlarig Castle, gradually became more important from the C15, making Killin part of their large Breadalbane Estate.

Geology

Associations


• There is significant opportunity for enhancement of the villages of Tyndrum and Crianlarich. High qualitydevelopment which reflects local building styles should be promoted in these areas. A more proactive approach toplanning the development and design of the settlements would be appropriate.

• Conservation Area Appraisals and Conservation Enhancement Schemes could be promoted to conserve and enhancesettlement character.

• Sympathetic management of riparian habitats, upgraded sewage and grey water treatment and building repair workscan safeguard and enhance biodiversity

• There is opportunity to raise awareness through interpretation of the industrial heritage of Crianlarich and Tyndrum.



The lochs and lochans are locallandscape features, usually fringedwith natural tree, scrub andemergent vegetation and with asense of tranquillity.

The lochans can be viewed from theroad by visitors to, and thosetravelling through, the area. Thelochs are discreet local features,strong characteristics of the glens,but contributing greatly to diversityand the detail grain of the scenery.Loch Dochart Castle makes aparticularly significant contributionto the local scenery and is a locallandmark.

Road upgrading along Glen Docharthas meant that the lochs are notreally appreciated as people pass bythem too fast, with littleopportunity to stop or access themby foot.


Sense of place

Loch Dochart Castle is situated onan island at the SW end of the lochand was built by Sir DuncanCampbell, 7th Laird of Glenorchy inthe late 16th or early 17th century. Itis in a ruinous condition. Sir DuncanCampbell also built Finlarig Castle.

Specialists. Loch Dochart Castle is ascheduled ancient monument andlisted building. It is of nationalimportance.

None CulturalHeritage

River Tay SAC (part) for salmon,lamprey, otter; River DochartMeadows SSSI (part) for reed,meadow and woodland habitats andnationally and locally rare plantsincluding lesser water-plantain.

Of high importance overall. Impacts on the river system and fishpopulations upstream, eg for roadinfrastructure and gravel extractionare likely to have affected the lochs.Recreational pressures, eg. litter,fires on parts of the loch shore.

Encourage management of therecreational pressures on the lochshores, possibly through controlledgrazing, to maintaina range of plantcommunities..

Biodiversity

Campbell clanAssociations

LCT: INLAND WATERS

Loch Dochart and Loch Iubhair are the main lochs in this zone of the Park

HLA: natural water area


• Laybys on the roads, with opportunities to view and make short walks to access the lochs.

• Interpretation of cultural heritage.



ben lui, glen falloch & glen dochart - …cairngorms.co.uk/resource/docs/publications/sse 1.3...

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