Factfile

During World War II, it wasn’t possible to enter the region west of Fort William without a special pass. Arisaig House was commandeered for use by one of the most secret wartime organisations – the SOE (Special Operations Executive). Here recruits would face a most demanding physical and spy training before being smuggled into occupied territories.

A water horse, or Kelpie, used to live near Keppoch. Kelpies would lure their victims to water and drown them.

Killer whales (orcas) are often sighted off the coast at Arisaig. Some can weigh as much as eight tons – that’s more than an elephant! Despite being called killer whales, these amazing creatures are in fact the world’s largest dolphin.

Three hundred yards east from Arisaig, along the A830, is Larach Mor, the exotic garden established by John A. Holmes. Visitors are welcome but as there’s no parking near the entrance, it’s best just to walk to them from Arisaig.