Schiehallion

Schiehallion is a prominent mountain in Perth and Kinross, Scotland. Schiehallion has a rich botanical life, interesting archaeology, and a unique place in scientific history for an 18th-century experiment in "weighing the world". The mountain's popularity amongst walkers led to erosion on its footpath and extensive repairs were undertaken in 2001.EtymologyThe name Schiehallion is an anglicised form of the Gaelic name Sìdh Chailleann, which translates as "Fairy Hill of the Caledonians". It is also known to some as "The Maiden's Pap", or "Constant Storm". It is pronounced she-hally-onLocationSchiehallion lies between Loch Tay, Loch Rannoch and Loch Tummel, about 10mi to the west-north-west of Aberfeldy in Perthshire. The mountain, with an elevation of 3553ft, is isolated from other peaks and has an almost perfectly conical shape from the west. The view of the broad eastern flank attracts many visitors to the shores of Loch Tummel.Schiehallion is sometimes described as the centre of Scotland. The folk group Gaberlunzie sung a song "The Back of Shiehallion", meaning Scotland.BotanyThe slopes of Schiehallion are rich in botanical life, with heathers, mosses and blaeberry. Blanket bog and heather moorland change colour with the seasons. The limestone pavement provides nutrients, supporting plants including dog's mercury, lily of the valley and wood anemone.