caol

Caol is a village in the Highland council area of Scotland, located in the Lochaber region near Fort William. It sits on the southern shore of Loch Linnhe and is connected to the surrounding area by the A830 road, which links Fort William with destinations to the northeast and beyond. The name Caol comes from Scottish Gaelic and is commonly interpreted as meaning narrow or strait, a reference to the local geography.

Geography and transport aspects place Caol in a setting of small highland communities near water and hills. The Caledonian Canal and the nearby lochs and rivers are prominent features in the broader vicinity, reflecting Caol’s historical ties to Scotland’s waterway networks. Public transport in the area is centered on access to Fort William, with the West Highland transport corridor passing nearby and providing rail and bus connections to the wider region.

History and development in Caol reflect its role as a rural settlement that grew with Scotland’s transport expansion in the 19th and 20th centuries. The village developed as a residential community serving local needs and the nearby urban center of Fort William, while maintaining a distinct village identity within the Lochaber area.

Today, Caol is primarily a residential community within commuting distance of Fort William. Local services and amenities serve residents from Caol and the surrounding area, contributing to the village’s role as part of the greater Fort William locality. See also Fort William, Lochaber, and the Caledonian Canal.