Loch Fyne
Loch Fyne is a sea loch on the west coast of Argyll. It's a massive 41 miles long, making it the longest sea loch in Scotland. The region is popular with tourists - as well as the loch itself nearby attractions include Inveraray, Tarbert and Castle Lachlan. The area boasts a variety of hotels and other accomodation, much of which you can book online.
Loch Fyne is pobably best known for its sea life, whether your interest is more in watching, catching or eating it! Dolphins and seals can sometimes be seen during the summer and there have even been reports of basking shark sightings. For a close-up view of the sea life you might be interested in the diving - the Loch reportedly has some excellent dive stes.
For anglers both shore and boat fishing are possible. For those who prefer to skip right to the eating, Loch Fyne Oysters are famous with the original Oyster Bar situated in Cairndow at the head of the loch. You can also buy Loch Fyne produce, including the renowned kippers from various online sites.
To wash it down you could try one of the locally produced Fyne Ales or perhaps a wee dram from Loch Fyne Whiskies.
Half-Hung Archie
The most famous story concerning Loch Fyen is probably that of "Half Hung Archie". This story relates to one Archie MacPhunn of Dripp who lived in the 17th century. Some accounts say that Archie was a local laird who fell on hard times, others say that he was a lifelong rougue. Either way, he became known in the area as a sheep stealer.Archie's misdeeds eventually caught up with him and he was hanged at Inverary jail. However either he managed to bribe the hangman or he just got lucky - as his wife rowed home across the loch with his body, it began to twitch. His wife, who was nursing a young baby, took some of the whisky she naturally had with her and mixed it with her mother's milk. This elixir had the desired effect and Archie had returned to health by the time the boat reached shore.
Scottish law meant that Archie could not be hanged a second time, so he continued to live peacefully for several more years.
Today the Creggans Inn stands near the spot where Archie MacPhunn reportedly reached shore and the inn has a bar and restaurant named after him.
