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Argyll and Bute

Unitary authority in western Scotland, created in 1996 from the district of the same name and part of Dumbarton district, which were both parts of Strathclyde region; it includes the islands of Gigha, Bute, Mull, Islay, Jura, Tiree, Coll, Colonsay, Iona, and Staffa.

Area

7,016 sq km/2,709 sq mi

Towns

Campbeltown, Dunoon, Helensburgh, Inveraray, Lochgilphead (administrative headquarters), Oban, Rothesay

Physical

rural area consisting of mainland and islands; the coast is heavily indented. Inland the area is mountainous; highest peak, Ben Cruachan (1,126 m/3,693 ft). Lochs Fyne and Long are the largest sea lochs; freshwater lochs include Loch Awe and Loch Lomond; Fingal's Cave (Staffa); Corryvrekan Whirlpool (Jura-Scarba); Ben Arthur (The Cobbler), 884 m/2,900 ft

Features

Bronze, Stone, and Iron Age remains

Industries

limited manufacture, seaweed processing, fish, timber harvesting

Agriculture

sheep, forestry

Population

(2001) 91,300

Economy With land of marginal agricultural capability and located far from the urban core, the area has a typical rural economy. Tourism, fishing, forestry, and less intensive agriculture are each important components of the area's economy.

Archaeology There are standing stones, stone circles, vitrified forts, inscribed stones, and Neolithic chambered cairns. The capital of Dalriada, the ancient Scottish kingdom founded in about AD 503, was at Dunadd, near Crinan until shortly after the union of the Picts and Scots, whereafter it moved to Forteviut in Strathearn.

Environment There are 112 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, seven Special Protection Areas, eight Ramsars (wetland sites), nine Special Protection Areas, one Biosphere Reserve, eight National Scenic Areas, and one regional park.

Administrative history Argyll and Bute was part of the two counties of Argyllshire and Bute prior to 1974.

Ardyne Point Argyllshire Awe (river) Ben Vorlich Bute

Hebrides Kilmartin Kintyre Lochgilphead Strathclyde