Dun Coillich - Hill
Translated from the Gaelic Dun Coillich means ` the fort of the wood` or `the cock of the wood`. The 420ha. of Dun Coillich has been wonderfully described as an unremarkable hill next to a remarkable hill (Schiehalllion) and is Perthshire's first attempt at a community land buy out.
The hill is 572 m high and is owned by the Highland Perthshire Communities Land Trust.
One of the Trust's first tasks is to provide a safe parking area and work is underway to raise funds for a small car park. In the meantime visitors wishing to enjoy Dun Coillich can park (with care and consideration for other road users) beside the B846 at Whitebridge and above the caravan park.
Alternative access is possible from the re-aligned Schiehallion footpath which brings walkers close to Dun Coillich. Visitors intending to approach from Schiehallion can use the large car park at Braes of Foss. (See entry under either Schiehallion or East Schiehallion)
Dun Coillich has a large native pinewood regeneration scheme in place and survey work has shown that there is natural regeneration of willow, birch and rowan in the area adjacent to Allt Mor and rowan on other areas of the hill. Removal of sheep and deer has reduced grazing pressure and it is hoped that these young trees will survive in the longer term. The birdlife on the hill has also been surveyed and sightings of close to 70 different species have been recorded.
The Trust also recognises the importance of finding out what was there in the past. So Dun Coillich's flora and fauna, archaeology and history, as well as its stories and tales, will all be studied and recorded. The community can then plan for the future so that those who come afterwards can measure the effects of what has been done.
These are exciting times for an "unremarkable hill"!
Contact
Aberfeldy Tourist Information Centre
Dun Coillich
White Bridge
nr Aberfeldy
Perthshire
PH15
Scotland
Tel: +44 (1887) 820276
Fax: +44 (1887) 829495
E-Mail: aberfeldytic@perthshire.co.uk
WWW: http://www.hpclt.org
