VISIT BREADALBANE

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Treasures in the rocks

This tiny nugget of gold was found in a river near Tyndrum. Rocks here hold many treasures. When the mountains formed, the rocks were folded or heated under enormous pressure. As they cooled, tiny deposits of minerals, like gold and garnets, began to form.

Big and small

These small bumpy hills scattered across Glen Dochart are clues to the area’s glacial past. During the Ice Age, vast ice sheets scoured across the land like huge pieces of sandpaper. They ground up rock and carried it along the glens. As the glaciers melted, they left behind these mounds and ridges of gravelly soil, known as moraines.

Relicts of the great forest

The twisted Scots pines that grow on the slopes of Glen Falloch and Glen Cononish are reminders of an ancient forest that once cloaked most of Scotland. A few hundred years ago these forests would have echoed with the howl of wolves. Now they are a haven for red squirrels and secretive pine martens.

Safe haven for mountain flowers

Alpine plants like this Yellow Mountain Saxifrage grow on rocky ledges that are safe from grazing animals. Breadalbane’s mountains are unusual in Scotland because of their rare mountain flora and rich limestone Big and small grasslands.

String of pearls

Breadalbane’s rich plant life attracts a wealth of butterflies like this Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary. Its caterpillars feed on the violet leaves. You might also see its larger, rare cousin – the Pearl-bordered Fritillary.