[2] The district is mainly in Argyll and Bute, with a coastal strip to the north, along Loch Leven, within the Highland council area.

The scenery of the district is a combination of seascapes with rugged and mountainous country inland.

Appin forms part of the Lynn of Lorn National Scenic Area, one of 40 in Scotland.

[1] The leading industries are forestry and tourism, with lead mining and slate quarrying being of former importance, but the Glensanda superquarry, in Morvern on the opposite bank of Loch Linnhe also provides local employment.

Appin was the country of a distinct local branch of Clan Stewart.