West of the Rat Race

24/09/2026

The sun was out at Laga Farm and Autumn colours
shining through

02/09/2026

Travel the road from Salen towards the Ardnamurchan Peninsula and you’ll find yourself approaching the remains of a huge volcanic ring-dyke.

This is all that’s left of a massive volcano - one of five along the Scottish west coast - that was last active around one million years ago. Although the cone has subsequently been eroded by thousands of years of glacial action and weathering, what’s left is nonetheless impressive.

Your first glimpse of this natural wonder comes as you approach the bay of Camas nan Geall, with the heights of Ben Hiant ahead. These mark the southeastern flank of the volcano. Continue along the road, and from Kilchoan head towards Sanna Bay.

You’ll drive through what’s left of a massive caldera, once a mass of seething lava, and find yourself surrounded by the distant hills that mark the outer extent of the ring-dyke. It’s a staggering but somehow sobering sight.

Discover more: https://www.westhighlandpeninsulas.com/explore/our-geology

Photo Credit: Steven Marshall

18/07/2026

Horrendous huge wild fire ongoing in the Cairngorms and much discussion on going . I previously worked at Rothiemurchus Estate in that area as a ranger and one of the jobs was daily fire patrol and checking on any risks in dry weather . It seems much more complex these days with so many more risks through climate change and other conflicting factors .Sharing this post to raise awareness .

A very high wildfire risk is forecast across central highlands, southern and eastern Scotland later this week and into the weekend.

Most wildfires are caused by accident, with a cigarette, campfire ember or a barbecue catching light in dry conditions and quickly turning into something much bigger and more dangerous.

With the sun out and people enjoying their time in wild places, we want to ensure everyone can enjoy our wild places safely and that we protect fragile habitats from the ravages of wildfires.

Go to Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to keep updated.

15/06/2026

Lovely to have sunshine at Laga Bay . The various farm animals in the fields are enjoying it . We are noting how tribal they are as come from different locations . Our original “Mule”sheep are sticking together , the Black face rams are a superior wee gang , The Blackface ewes and lambs are very family orientated and the three heifer calves are watching our every move and so jolly . Rural
therapy 😉

11/05/2026

We did this trip today from Kilchoan and it lived up to the reviews . My many photos of puffins are not as good as these . What a treat to sit close by and watch them living their best lives . Very much recommend if you coming to the area . 👌

10/05/2026

Sunday wandering up the hill at Laga planted with native broadleaves 13 years ago listening to the hugely increased bird life noise as well as noting the return of many wild flowers . It has been a joy to watch the trees establish with just the odd stress spike as fences were damaged by storms and deer got in . But things are largely doing really well .

My mum and aunt , Mary Ross (Fraser) and Betty Fraser’s ashes were scattered on a lovely spot overlooking Laga and the bluebells are establishing well all around . We still have to bury ( specific request ! ) my Dad’s ashes there too when the time is right . They were all such a huge part of farm life at Laga from the 1950’s onwards and we think of them often and reflect on what they would make of it all today . Mairi

07/05/2026

All of the spring flowers out , the birds in full song and everything greening up . We have just 2 weeks in July free In the farm house if anyone thinking about the west for a trip send us a message . Happy weekend to all 😎🌼

13/04/2026

Friendly and lovey wee local
shop featured 👌

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗗𝗲̀ 𝗧𝗵𝗮 𝗗𝗼𝗹? 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻 𝗝𝗲𝘁𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽 🌊
Nestled in the stunning bay of Salen, just off the A861, Salen Jetty Shop is a popular spot for outdoor adventurers, boaters and the local community alike. Alongside a well-stocked grocery shop and off-license, you’ll find barista-style coffee, delicious home-baked treats, (perfect to eat in or take away), and a deli packed with Highland cheeses, pâté, venison and Scottish salmon.
Whether you’re passing through or local to the area, it’s well worth a visit – and of course, you can pick up your latest copy of De Tha Dol? while you’re there!
🕘 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝟵𝗮𝗺 – 𝟱𝗽𝗺. 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝟭𝟬𝗮𝗺 - 𝟮𝗽𝗺

04/03/2026

Music by Charlie Grey and Joseph Peach to accompany the community crowd funder . Great wee video . If you can support this please consider donating in the next week .

30/01/2026

Some January Laga scenes of grey to red . The end of this month is most welcome and the light returning just the best ! Anyone interested in spending time at Laga Farm please do get in touch , some weeks over each summer month still available to book . Happy weekend everyone☀️🧘