"STRONTIAN AT THE HEAD OF LOCH SUNART"

Strontian's greatest historical claim to fame is that the element Strontium was discovered here and named after the village.

Strontian lead was mined in the 18th century and in these mines the mineral strontianite was discovered, from which the element strontium was first isolated.

Most of the history of the area dates from the beginning of lead mining in the 1720s The mines are no longer active but the area attracts a great many geologists every year.

The village is situated on the A861, at the head of glorious Loch Sunart, and is a thriving village with much to attract visitors. It is ideally placed to explore both the surrounding areas and the wider Ardnamurchan peninsula.

There are walks and climbs in the area to suit all abilities, and the local oakwoods, in particular Ariundle---a national nature reserve---are quite wonderful places. The trees and rocks are festooned with spectacular mosses and lichens, and in the spring there are carpets of bluebells and primroses. Wild orchids are much in evidence in the summer. The area is a paradise for bird watchers and in early summer the Chequered Skipper butterfly is a regular visitor. There is virtually no light pollution in and around Strontian and star-gazing is quite magical.