The name of Loch Naver is one of the oldest in Scotland. Writings of Ptolomy from the 2nd Century mention the area now known as Strathnaver from the Greek word “Nabh” believed to roughly mean cloud or wet cloud. It is believed that it was named like this because of the fog in the area (or rain, in either case – very apt !). Loch Naver is the source of the water which runs through this valley and inherited the same name.
The entire Strathnaver area is believed to have had residents since the last Ice Age but might have even inhabited by Neanderthals at one point. The oldest evidence of residence on the banks of the Loch date back to around 100 BC with a Broch located in the settlement of Grummore. By the 11th Century, the area was ruled by the Earls of Caithness, however in the late 12th Century the area was taken over by the Norse after a battle at Dalharrold.
