The row of houses shown in this panorama at Garve on the A835 is quite well known in the area. Not much of Loch Luichart is visible from here, and it is almost a panoramic photograph of gorse in bloom. There was so much gorse bloom that the sweet scent filled the air. Yet another thing that makes taking panoramic pictures of Scotland such a fun thing to do.

Garve and Loch Luichart - Scottish Highlands visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Garve and Loch Luichart' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Highland.

Panorama from a lay by on the A835 at Loch Luichart village near to Garve in Scotland.

This very small settlement was originally the workers houses for the hydro-electrical works which extensively brought power to the Highlands throughout the early 20th century. A few hundred meters away is one of the sub-power stations and a pumping station.

One things never in short supply in Scotland is rainfall, swelling rivers and lochs to provide a sustainable energy supply. When rainfall is plentiful and power is ample, pumping stations would literally pump water from the lochs up to natural or artificially created smaller lochs high up in the hills. These small lochs are used as reservoirs for water storage. In times of drought - although one wonders if such a time has ever been - pumping stations release the water from higher lochs and allow it's force of gravity to create the downward flow, thus creating an energy stream which can be tapped into to sustain the power supply. In some areas historically, though less so currently, these water supplies also met the demand for consumable public water too.

This small settlement is privately owned now but notable because the residents take extensive and meticulous care of their gardens. As one drives along through the surrounding rough moorland and forests and turns the sharp bend in the road, it is a surprise and delight to the eyes to see riots of colour and floral displays from the cultivated small gardens, hanging baskets and boxes.

Travel and Getting There
From the Inverness to Ullapool road, depart at Garve traveling west towards Kyle of Lochalsh for approx 15 miles.