Strathfillan
This summary profile is taken from the Strathfillan Community Action Plan published in 2007.
Location
Strathfillan is situated in an area of dramatic natural beauty, surrounded by high hills through which runs the River Fillan which is a headwater of the River Tay. It is made up of the two main villages of Crianlarich and Tyndrum, with some dispersed settlements between and surrounding the villages. The Strathfillan area extends south to the small settlement of Inverarnan. Strathfillan is located approximately 45 miles from Stirling, 40 miles from Oban and 50 miles from Glasgow.A Young and Growing Population
Over 400 people live in the Strathfillan Community Council area and the population has increased in recent years. Strathfillan is a young community with a higher than average percentage of population in the under 5s, 16 - 19, 20 - 44 and 45 - 64 age-groups. Unusually, compared to other communities in the National Park, it has fewer than half the average population in the 65 plusage-group.Housing
48% of residents in Strathfillan rent their houses, a figure which is considerably higher than the Scottish and Stirling Council averages. There are limited houses available for sale and high house prices mean that these are often unaffordable for local residents. There is also demand for properties as holiday homes and staff accommodation. The building moratorium has restricted the number of new houses being built in the area.Employment and The Local Economy
There is a very high proportion (4 times the national average) of self-employment in Strathfillan. This may be due to the number of small tourism businesses and trades people in the area.The main employment is in hospitality and tourism and there are a number of large tourism businesses, many of which employ migrant workers as well as local people.
Social and Community
The Community Council and the Development Trust are very active and take forward issues and projects on behalf of the community.There are many different local groups and clubs in Strathfillan, including everything from arts and crafts to Tai Chi to highland dancing. There are a growing number of local events including art shows, local litter cleans, barbeques, Christmas parties and an annual Woodland Fair.
Strathfillan has a range of local services which include:
- A selection of shops and two post offices
- The Primary School and nursery
- A wide variety of local hotels and pubs
- Village Halls in both Tyndrum and Crianlarich
- Breadalbane Virtual Learning Centre
- There is a local policeman (based in Crianlarich) and two fire stations - one in each village.
Environment and Recreation
Strathfillan has a wonderful environment which includes at least 8 Munros, numerous Corbetts, several small lochs, rivers and woodland areas. It has a rich and varied flora and fauna including rare species.The community has developed two community woodlands - one in Crianlarich and one in Tyndrum. New trees have been planted in the woodland and pathscreated so that visitors and local people can enjoy them.
Recreational opportunities available in Strathfillan include walking - both on the hills and the West HighlandWay, fishing and cycling.
Heritage
Strathfillan has a rich cultural heritage, for example:- St Fillan worked in the area at the end of the 7th century and established a priory near Auchtertyre.
- A battle between Robert the Bruce and Alasdair MacDougall of Lorne took place at Dalrigh.
- The drovers used Crianlarich and Tyndrum as resting and grazing places between the 17th and 19th centuries.
- General Caulfield built his military road through Strathfillan in 1761.
- Mining was started in Strathfillan in the 1400s and through the centuries lead and silver have been mined in the area. In the future, it seems likely that a new gold-mine will be opened.