Southend, Kintyre

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Southend is the main settlement at the southern end of the Kintyre peninsula, Argyll, Scotland. It lies 8 miles south of Campbeltown, the main town in the area. The parish of Southend comprises the village and the surrounding land, used mainly for farming and forestry. The population is approximately 500.

The village is located beside Dunaverty Bay, which at one end has a rocky promintory called Dunaverty Rock, where a fort was located. It is reputed that during the Battle of Dunaverty (1647) the Catholic McDonald's were burned alive in their stronghold at Dunaverty Fort (the trenches of this can still be seen).

The village is also reputed to be the location where Saint Columba first set foot in Scotland. On a rock near the village are footprints called Columba's Footprints where it is claimed he first preached on Scottish soil, after being banished from Ireland. The Antrim coast of Northern Ireland is only 12 miles away and is clearly visible from Southend, weather permitting.

Within Southend parish there is a Church of Scotland church, primary school, NHS surgery (open Monday-Friday), village hall, playing field, 18-hole golf course, caravan and camp-site, hotel and a shop with tea-room. The main employment sources are farming and tourism related business.

The island of Sanda lies two miles south of Southend, and can be visited on boat trips from Campbeltown.

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