Mallaig

 

Mallaig was once Europe’s busiest herring port and is still the west coast’s main centre for fishing, landing large catches of prawns and other shellfish. Its harbour is the focal point of the village which still has a traditional smokehouse.

It has a strong east coast influence with a number of fishermen from the other side of Scotland settling in the village through the years. It also has a busy ferry terminal with boats sailing out to Skye and the Small Isles. And the village could become even busier if calls to the Scottish Government to create a new route between Mallaig and the Uists are successful. Tourism is a major seasonal employer with many visitors arriving on the famous West Highland Railway Line which has featured in the Harry Potter films. The village has a primary and secondary school with a new hostel opening two years ago.

The picturesque villages of Arisaig and Morar surround Mallaig.