Rare Old OS Map of Gair Loch & Loch Inver, Scottish Highlands by Bartholomew, 1901: Ullapool, Loch Maree, Suilven, An Teallach, Ardvreck Castle, River Ewe

Sheet 24 - Gair Loch & Loch Inver, crafted by the esteemed cartographer JG Bartholomew in 1901, is a masterpiece of early 20th-century cartography. This map, part of Bartholomew's flagship series, was designed at a half-inch to the mile scale, providing an exquisite level of detail that was highly valued by cyclists and tourists of the time. The map's intricate use of colour gradation to represent landscape relief is a testament to Bartholomew's innovative approach to cartography, making it not only a functional tool but also a work of art.

Bartholomew's map offers a vivid portrayal of the Scottish Highlands, specifically around the regions of Gair Loch and Loch Inver. The map's design employs a subtle blend of colours to distinguish various elevations, showcasing the rugged terrain of the Highlands with remarkable clarity. Mountains such as Beinn Dearg, An Teallach, and Suilven rise prominently, while the serene waters of Loch Maree, Loch Broom, and Loch Assynt provide a tranquil contrast. This harmonious balance of land and water is captured with an elegance that only Bartholomew could achieve.

The map also highlights significant natural and historical landmarks, adding layers of cultural and historical context. Ardvreck Castle, a notable historical site, is marked, offering a glimpse into the region's storied past. Natural wonders such as the Falls of Kirkaig and Corrieshalloch Gorge are meticulously detailed, inviting the viewer to explore the breathtaking beauty of the Highlands. These features, combined with the map's detailed depiction of rivers like the River Ewe and River Inver, create a rich tapestry of the region's geography and history.

Bartholomew's attention to detail extends to the depiction of human settlements, with towns such as Gairloch, Ullapool, and Lochinver clearly marked. These towns, nestled within the dramatic landscape, are shown in relation to the surrounding natural features, providing a comprehensive view of the region's human geography. The map's inclusion of these settlements not only aids in navigation but also offers insights into the historical development of the area.

Overall, Sheet 24 - Gair Loch & Loch Inver is more than just a map; it is a window into the past, capturing the essence of the Scottish Highlands at the turn of the 20th century. Bartholomew's masterful cartography provides a detailed and aesthetically pleasing representation of the region, making it a valuable piece for collectors and history enthusiasts alike. This map stands as a testament to Bartholomew's legacy and his contribution to the art and science of cartography.

Cities and towns on this map

• Ross and Cromarty:
• Gairloch
• Ullapool
• Poolewe
• Aultbea
• Laide
• Sutherland:
• Lochinver
• Inverpolly
• Elphin
• Achiltibuie

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Natural Features:
• Mountains and Hills:
  • Beinn Dearg
  • An Teallach
  • Suilven
  • Quinag
• Bodies of Water:
  • Loch Maree
  • Loch Broom
  • Loch Assynt
  • Little Loch Broom
• Rivers:
  • River Broom
  • River Ewe
  • River Inver
  • River Kirkaig
• Bays and Inlets:
  • Gruinard Bay
  • Loch Ewe
  • Loch Gairloch
• Historical and Cultural Sites:
• Castles:
  • Ardvreck Castle
• Natural Landmarks:
  • Falls of Kirkaig
  • Corrieshalloch Gorge
• Other Features:
• Forests and Woods:
  • Letterewe Forest
  • Inverewe Gardens

Historical and design context

• Scale and Usage:
• A clear, attractive and colourful map at the half-inch to the mile scale (1:126,720).
• Popular with cyclists and tourists.
• Became Bartholomew's flagship series.
• Relief Representation:
• Distinctive for using different layers of colour to represent landscape relief.
• Subtle and innovative gradation of colour bands used to show land at different heights.
• Base Map:
• Based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period.
• Creation Date: 1901
• Mapmaker/Publisher: JG Bartholomew
• JG Bartholomew was a renowned cartographer known for his detailed and colourful maps.
• Themes and Topics:
• Detailed political and physical map.
• Shows the physical geography, including mountains, valleys, and bodies of water.
• Regions Shown:
• Covers parts of the Scottish Highlands, specifically around Gair Loch and Loch Inver.
• Design and Style:
• Landscape map.
• Utilizes a blend of colours to differentiate various elevations and landforms.
• Historical Significance:
• Reflects the cartographic techniques and aesthetic preferences of the early 20th century.
• Important for historical understanding of the geography of the Scottish Highlands during that period.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.