Strontian

The Ardnamurchan Peninsula (Scottish Gaelic: Àird nam Murchan: headland of the great seas) is in the Scottish Highlands. It's the most westerly and remote part of mainland Britain, accessed only by a long, winding single-track lane. For visitor purposes the name generally applies to the entire triangle of land west of Loch Linnhe, north of the Sound of Mull, and south of the A830, taking in Moidart, Sunart, Ardgour and Morvern as well Ardnamurchan which geographically is just the western tip.

Strontian is the tiny village at the centre of this triangle which gave its name to the element strontium. In 1790 geologists discovered a new mineral in the lead mines here, which they called "strontianite", and within it identified strontium from its distinctive crimson-red flame. It became commercially important in the 19th C in the extraction of sugar from beet, and in the 20th C for the coating of TV cathode-ray tubes; nowadays a major use is for red firework flares. It's chemically similar to calcium and is therefore taken up by bones and other body tissues. The natural isotope is mostly strontium-88, which is non-toxic, radio-stable and not a health concern. It's strontium-90, a radioactive product of nuclear fallout such as the Chernobyl explosion, that causes bone cancer, leukaemia and other serious conditions. You're not at heightened risk of these through visiting Strontian.

Travel as a Muslim to Strontian

The nearest train stations are in Fort William and Oban, and you need a car to get in and around this remote place. The usual approach is by A82 through Glencoe and over Ballachulish Bridge to the little ferry at Corran GPS 56.722 ,-5.236 , then follow the lane south to Strontian, Lochaline and Kilchoan. The ferry, which saves a long detour around Loch Eil, is run by Highland Council. It runs Monday to Saturday 06:30-21:30 every 20 mins, Sundays from 08:30 every 30 mins, £8.20 per car for the five-minute crossing. No booking, just turn up and queue.

Another route from Fort William is to take A830 west past Glenfinnan, branching south at Loch Ailort. This road leads to Moidart, Acharacle, Salen and Kilchoan. See under Mallaig and Fort William for buses and trains along the Glenfinnan stretch.

There are two Calmac ferry routes from the Island of Mull: between Fishnish (by Duart Castle) and Lochaline, and between Tobermory and Kilchoan. A ferry also runs across the outlet of Loch Sunart between Drimmin and Kilchoan.

How to get around in Strontian

You need a car. Ardnamurchan's few buses are timed for school run and shopping trips and similar errands to Fort William, with one bus there in the morning and one bus returning mid-afternoon.

[https://.shielbuses.co.uk Shiel Bus 506 runs Monday to Sat between Kilchoan and Fort William, via Salen, Acharacle, Strontian and the Corran ferry, taking 2 hours 30 mins. The eastbound bus leaves Kilchoan around 08:00, connecting with the ferry from Tobermory. The westbound bus leaves Fort William at 13:50.

Shiel Bus 502 runs Monday to Sat between Acharacle and Fort William via Moidart, Loch Ailort and Glenfinnan, taking 90 mins. It's basically a school bus for Lochaber High School, with the eastbound bus leaving Acharacle around 07:00 and the westbound bus leaving Fort William at 15:30; it doesn't connect with the 506.

Shiel Bus 507 is mostly just a school bus from Drimmin via Lochaline to Strontian. On Thursdays only, it runs from Lochaline at 09:30 via Argour and the Corran ferry to Fort William, taking 80 mins, and setting off back at 14:50.

What to see in Strontian

• Ariundle Oakwood - PH36 4JB 56.722261, -5.523652 above Strontian - Free Ariundle Oakwood National Nature Reserve A - Oak forests once cloaked the Atlantic coast from Norway to Portugal; Ariundle is a rare survival in Scotland, designated as a National Nature Reserve. Both sessile and pedunculate oaks (plus hybrids) thrive here; their presence is partly artificial, as they were cultivated for charcoal during the lead-mining perioid (hence their multiple stems, from coppicing). There are two trails through the woods, which can be combined into a 3-mile loop; watch out for otters, pipistrelle bats, wildcats, pine martens and badgers. The woods are also notable for mosses, liverworts and lichens. Trails starting from the Oakwood go up to the old lead mines and the summit of Sgùrr Dhòmhnuill, a Corbett of 888 m or 2913 ft.

• Castle Tioram 56.785, -5.828 is a ruin on a tidal island on the shore of Loch Moidart. You can't go in, but can stroll around whenever it's low tide.

• Ardnamurchan Lighthouse - PH36 4JB 56.729, -6.226 Opening Hours: April-Oct daily 10:00-17:00 Adult £7.50, concs £5.50 - It's not quite the most westerly point on the British mainland, as Corrachadh Mòr half a mile south just edges it, but it's still a spectacular view over the roiling Atlantic. The tour includes ascent of the 36 m high tower.

• Ardnamurchan (Adelphi) Distillery is on the road between Salen and Kilchoan. It produces single malt whisky, but as it was only started in 2013, the whisky is still maturing and is not yet on sale. Tours and other spirits available, Tuesday - Saturday 10:00-17:00.
• Glenborrodale castle & gardens, between Salen and Kilchoan, are currently closed and up for sale.

What to do in Strontian

• Scuba diving: preferably in a dry-suit, though you can get away with a chunky wet-suit in summer or early autumn. Lochaline has a [https:// dive centre], with the signature dive being along the wall near the slipway. The Sound of Mull is littered with wrecks, many of historical interest. The dive centre has a bunk-house and occasionally runs archaeological dives on protected sites where diving is normally restricted, such as the Swan, a Cromwellian warship lost in a storm in 1653; prior booking is essential.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Strontian

Stock up before you come, there's limited supplies of anything here.

Halal Restaurants in Strontian

Your best option is the hotel restaurants.

• Cafe Sunart in Strontian serves snacks Monday to Saturday 09:30-16:30, Sunday 10:00-15:00.

The hotels mostly have public bars.

Buy Muslim Friendly Condos, Houses and Villas in Strontian

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At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Strontian ensures that customers have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000, these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Strontian. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Strontian, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

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Muslim Friendly hotels in Strontian

There are campsites at Strontian, Resipole, Laga and Kilchoan - and, inevitably, yurts at Portuairk near the lighthouse.

Small B&Bs, guesthouses and self-catering cottages are clustered around Strontian, Moidart, Lochaline and Kilchoan.

• Strontian Hotel - Acharacle PH36 4HZ 56.6926, -5.5681 on primary street through village ☎ +44 1967 402029 - Open mid-February - Oct, B&B doubles from £80 - Friendly small hotel with Bothy public restaurant. Dog-friendly.
• Mingarry Park - Acharacle PH36 4JX 56.760, -5.789 on A861 at foot of Loch Shiel ☎ +44 1967 431202 - Open April-Oct, B&B doubles from £110 - Stylish rooms and restaurant.
• Kingairloch Estate - Ardgour PH33 7AE 56.623, -5.518 by Loch Linnhe ☎ +44 1967 411232 - Open mid-February - Oct, B&B doubles from £100 - Elegant rooms for B&B or self-catering. Boatman's Bistro open Wed-Sun.
• Salen Hotel - Acharacle PH36 4JN 56.719, -5.777 jcn of A861 and B8007 ☎ +44 1967 431661 - B&B doubles from £100 - Hotel with 3 rooms, cottage, public restaurant.
• Lochaline Hotel - Lochaline PA80 5XT 56.534, -5.783 in lane south of ferry pier ☎ +44 1967 421647 - This hotel is currently up for sale and is not taking bookings.
• Kilchoan House Hotel - Kilchoan PH36 4LH 56.700, -6.101 at jcn with lane to ferry pier ☎ +44 1972 510200 - B&B doubles from £100 - Small family-run hotel.

• Luxury at
• Mingary Castle - Kilchoan PH36 4LH 56.695, -6.080 just east of village ☎ +44 1972 510715 - Open February - Oct, B&B doubles from £350, entire castle (sleeps ten) from £1750 - Luxurious retro-Georgian hotel within 13th C shell.

Telecommunications in Strontian

Passable mobile & wifi coverage in the main settlements. Some dead spots along the roads between, and near zero out on the moors.

Explore more Halal Friendly Destinations from Strontian

• The island of Mull is just south across the Sound, by ferry from Lochaline or Kilchoan.
• Go north to Arisaig or Mallaig for boat trips round (or longer stays on) the Small Isles.
• Ferries from Mallaig ply to Armadale on Skye, or drive the longer way around by the bridge. The scenery is spectacular but it'll feel very crowded and touristy after Ardnamurchan.

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