Coigach

Coigach is a peninsula in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland, north of Ullapool. It lies between mountains and the shore, overlooking the Summer Isles and the sea. The area has a traditional crofting and fishing community of a couple of hundred houses. The main settlement is Achiltibuie, with other townships including Achduart, Achnacarinan and Acheninver. Ben Mor Coigach rises to 743 metres, while Stac Pollaidh is another notable peak. The scenic landscape has led to Coigach being part of the Assynt-Coigach National Scenic Area. The name Coigach comes from the Gaelic for ‘five’ or ‘fifths’, referring to five townships. The area was once a barony within the civil parish of Loch Broom. In 1690 it became part of Cromartyshire, later joining Ross and Cromarty in 1889. Coigach now forms a community within Highland council area. A community development company was set up in 2010 to address housing, health and economic needs. The company also runs a wind turbine to fund local projects. Visitors find a rugged coastline with many islands, bays and headlands. The lochan-studded moorland stretches between mountains and shore. The Coigach and Assynt Living Landscape Project works to restore woodland and wildlife. The area has strong links to Gaelic literature and the Scottish diaspora. Crofters once resisted eviction during the Highland Clearances. The peninsula remains a place of natural beauty and cultural heritage.