Notes: | This is the front of the manuscript called Pont 2. It contains one map usually referred to as Pont 2(1). Two other maps, known as Pont 2(2) and Pont 2(3), occur on the back of the same sheet. Pont 2(1) shows an area of north Sutherland (Highland Region today), centred on Strathnaver and extends further east and inland than Pont 1. - Pont drew this map orientated with west at the top
- The map shows a mountainous country, with some Moore and Moss, but quite densely settled along the coast and up the river valleys.
- There are numerous placenames on the map, covering both natural and man-made features. These include symbols for kirks (churches), mills, and a mine.
- There is woodland shown by the shores of Loch Loyal and in the lower part of Strathnaver (centre), and mountain profiles of Bin-Houpp (Ben Hope) and Bin Chlybrick (Ben Klibreck).
- Nearly all the names on the map would appear to be in Pont's handwriting, apart from the title Mapp of Strathnavern (top left) which is by Sir Robert Sibbald.
Of particular interest are the extensive detailed notes in Timothy Pont's secretary hand, describing the area, its noteworthy features, and distances between places: - There are many references to fishing, such as the note heir guid salmo[n] in Loch Loyal (centre) and at Loch Dount wher is good salmon fishing (top center).
- There are references to iron working, such as the note heir yrons made in the wood of Skell (centre), and heir yron oare on the Alt Skelpigg below.
- The manuscript includes some historical notes about the French and the Danes, and about local curiosities such as the unlikely 180 fatham deepe - a mo[n]stro[us] hole in Loch Eriboll. These notes are fully transcribed by Stone (1989).
View the Pont Maps website. View maps by Blaeu and Robert and James Gordon. |