Rubha Phoil Forest Garden
Rubha Phoil, translated from the Gaelic would read Paul’s Point. Phoil being Gaelic for Paul, and Rubha, a Point of land. It was so named because this 15-acre peninsula was Clan MacDonald land and still is a natural place for landing a boat - which is why it is now the ferry point for the Armadale / Mallaig crossing. Paul MacDonald, along with his two brothers, made a landfall here after fleeing the massacre of Glencoe. The brothers settled in this area and Ramsay MacDonald (the first Labour prime minister) was one of their decendants. The Rhu, as it is called locally, was a place for the community to come and cut peat, and was a gathering place for the clansmen to muster and camp before forays! Around 1850 the land was planted out with (European) Larch – an essential timber for boat building, and most of this was harvested some 60-80 years ago. Due to being surrounded mainly by water (therefore sheep and deer being excluded) the land has regenerated naturally with oak, aspen, birch, rowan, sycamore, alder, scots pine, elder, white beam, holly, blackthorn etc. along with a verdant under-storey of indigenous herbs including skullcap, foxglove, many sorrels, pig nut, etc. To visit in May/June is the best time to see the iridescent display of bluebells, then the rhododendrons, followed by the foxgloves, etc. in what we now have come to regard as our enchanted woodland!
Present: A self-sustainable organic smallholding working on permaculture principles.
Future: Rubha Phoil Retreats: a tranquil place for paying guests, housed in innovative ecofriendly structures.
Opportunities: Hard-working volunteers and experienced gardeners are always welcome to help us maintain the many footpaths and features around the headland.
