Culbokie Explained

Country:Scotland
Official Name:Culbokie
Edinburgh Distance Mi:122
Gaelic Name:An Cùil Bhàicidh
Area Total Sq Mi:33
Population:1179
Static Image Name:Culbokie area - geograph.org.uk - 11749.jpg
Static Image Caption:Culbokie area with green pasture
Os Grid Reference:NH 6033 5925
Map Type:Ross and Cromarty
Coordinates:57.6016°N -4.3389°W
Unitary Scotland:Highland
Lieutenancy Scotland:Ross and Cromarty (lieutenancy area)
Constituency Westminster:Ross, Skye and Lochaber (UK Parliament constituency)
London Distance Mi:454
Constituency Scottish Parliament:Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch (Scottish Parliament constituency)
Shire District:Ross Shire
Post Town:Dingwall
Postcode District:IV7
Postcode Area:IV
Dial Code:01349
Community Scotland1:Black Isle (ward)

Culbokie (An Cùil Bhàicidh in Gaelic, meaning 'the haunted nook') is a small village in Ross and Cromarty, Highland, Scotland.[1] [2] [3] It is located on the north side of the Black Isle. The village is 3miles south-east of Dingwall and about 9miles north of Inverness.

Village

There is one school, a shop/post office, a public house (the Culbokie Inn) and Findon Hall Community Centre. Culbokie has a range of community and youth groups, including Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Badminton, Playgroup, Football and a Senior Citizens club.

It is known for its spectacular scenery and its old world ambiance including an authentic water pump from the early 19th century.

Since the mid-2000s, the village has expanded significantly and this has resulted in a mismatch of developments. It is unusual in that there is agricultural land separating the east from the west end of the village, in effect making it two entities. The village is a commuter location for people who work in Inverness. The new Culbokie Primary School opened at Easter 2007.

Community Trust

In 2014, The Culbokie Community Trust was formed[4] following a consultation with the villagers. The village has seen a rapid growth in population due to new housing developments. Despite this, there was no extra facilities built. A major issue that was raised was the fact that there is no health centre nearby for the village and surrounding area.

In 2015, The Trust purchased 0.5ha[5] of land adjacent to the current village shop and post office. The first phase of development is planned to include the building of a new community hub. The new hub intends to house a cafe, meeting rooms and a healthcare room.

Part of the land is earmarked for affordable housing and as of late-2018 plans have been submitted to the Highland Council for consideration.

Other projects begun by the Trust include; a monthly community market, which sells everything from fresh food to art, and projects in the nearby Culbokie Woods.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Culbokie . The Gazetteer for Scotland . School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh and The Royal Scottish Geographical Society . 17 June 2018.
  2. Ordnance Survey: Landranger map sheet 26 Inverness & Loch Ness (Strathglass). 9780319231128. Ordnance Survey. 2011.
  3. Web site: Ordnance Survey: 1:50,000 Scale Gazetteer . csv (download) . 1 January 2016 . Ordnance Survey . www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk . 18 February 2016.
  4. Web site: Culbokie Community Trust About the Trust. www.culbokiect.org. en. 2018-11-12.
  5. Web site: Culbokie Community Trust GLASCAIRN COMMUNITY PROJECT. www.culbokiect.org. en. 2018-11-12.