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The Highlands — Dornoch

The Royal Burgh of Dornoch is an historic small town on the edge of the Dornoch Firth, a designated National Scenic Area in the Highlands of Scotland. Its tranquil location, scenery and climate have attracted visitors for decades. Some come to test their golfing skills on Royal Dornoch's championship course, or to walk and view wildlife in the National Nature Reserve at nearby Loch Fleet. Once the spiritual and administrative capital of Sutherland, Dornoch remains a thriving community today. Small in population (under 2500) but large in hospitality, Dornoch offers visitors a wide range of shops and businesses, two golf courses and an award-winning sandy beach. Its fine buildings include the 13th century cathedral, a bishop's palace (now a hotel), courthouse and old town jail.

Local Places of Interest and Activities

Dornoch Cathedral — Located in the centre of Dornoch, the cathedral was built around 1225 by Gilbert de Moravia, the Bishop of Caithness, who became St. Gilbert. Often uncared for, the cathedral has been subject to several restorations over the years. Today, the medieval core of the cathedral remains intact and it features fine stained glass from the late 19th and 20th Century There is also a memorial to philanthropist Andrew Carnegie (1835 - 1918), who lived nearby at Skibo Castle. In 2000, the cathedral hit the headlines as the location for the christening of Rocco, son of Madonna and her partner, English film-maker Guy Richie.

Glenmorangie Distillery — Glenmorangie is said to mean The Glen of Tranquility. What is beyond debate is the growing contribution the distillery makes to the enjoyment of discerning whisky enthusiasts worldwide. And, in particular, in its native land, for Glenmorangie is the most popular single malt sold in Scotland itself. The distillery can be found a mile or so west of Tain just off the A9 close to where it crosses the Dornoch Firth on its way north from Inverness to Wick and Thurso. The local production of spirits goes back until at least the early 1700s when a still was recorded at the nearby Morangie Farm. The existing Distillery, however, had its origins as a brewery; before being converted to a legal still in 1843. Most of the existing buildings date from 1887.

Dunrobin Castle & Gardens — Dunrobin Castle is located a mile north of Golspie. Seat of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland, this beautiful castle with a French influence sits looking out across the North Sea and is well worth a visit. With 189 rooms, it is the largest house in the Northern Highlands. Parts of it date back to the 1300s. There are many collections of furniture, pictures, objets d'art, uniforms, china and family memorabilia on display in the Drawing Room, Library, study, bedrooms, nurseries, etc. Visitors to the castle can also see a 19th century horsedrawn fire engine in the Sub Hall and look at the museum which is housed in the old summer house.

Falls of Shin — Set in the Achany Glen, amongst Highland scenery, Falls of Shin is perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors and wildlife. There are extensive forest walks, dramatic waterfalls and the famous salmon leap, where you can watch salmon hurl themselves up the falls, attempting to return to their place of birth to spawn. The visitor centre shop has a range of exclusive luxury Harrods gifts from Harrods Knightsbridge in London and superb quality local quality crafts, plus fresh local produce. Complete your day by enjoying home- made food and snacks served daily from noon in the restaurant.

Dornoch Jail & Gift Shop — Dornoch’s 19th century town jail has been transformed into a contemporary designed shop, with unique Scottish products as well as a highland art gallery.

Tours to take of the Surrounding Area

Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle — Loch Ness is a place of outstanding natural beauty, but the world wide fame of Loch Ness owes more to the legend of its famous occupant, the Loch Ness Monster - or 'Nessie' - than the breathtaking location of the loch itself. The loch cuts a great divide along what is called Glen Mor, or The Great Glen. It is over 700 feet deep, and the nearby surrounding hills rise by about the same amount. Urquhart Castle Castle Urquhart, once one of Scotland's biggest castles but now in ruins for more than 200 years. In spite of that, it is a very impressive ruin consisting of the wall, four turrets and the keep. It is a splendid spot to visit and to take a picnic. The position of the castle on Strone Point is dramatic and commands a wide view of Loch Ness.

The Highlands — Nairn

Nairn is an attractive seaside town of 11,000 people who enjoy a prime location on the Moray Firth coast just 16 miles east of Inverness. A popular holiday destination since the middle of the last century. Nairn is a centre of golfing excellence with two 18 hole championship courses, including the Nairn Golf Club which staged the Walker Cup in 1999. The town also boasts some of the top beaches in Scotland and cleanest bathing waters in Britain. The waters of the Moray Firth are home to one of only two dolphin colonies in the UK. These fascinating and playful creatures regularly visit Nairn and can be seen from several vantage points on the shore. Nairn is steeped in history and is closely linked with the Battle of Culloden, the final land battle on mainland Britain.

Local Places of Interest and Activities

Culloden Moor — The evocative scene of the last major battle fought on mainland Britain. The final Jacobite uprising ended here on 16 April, 1746, when the army of Prince Charles Edward Stuart was crushed by the Government forces, led by the Duke of Cumberland. You can relive the drama of Culloden at Living History presentations in the original Leanach Cottage, which survived the battle being fought around it, and has been restored. Also there are the Graves of the Clans, the Well of the Dead, the Memorial Cairn, the Cumberland Stone and the Field of the English. The Visitor Centre houses a permanent Jacobite exhibition, including an 18th-century sampler commemorating the battle and a historical display.

Cawdor Castle — A fairy tale castle that has been the home of the Thanes of Cawdor since 1370, romantically linked by Shakespeare and Macbeth. The medieval tower and drawbridge are still intact and the house contains a suberb collection tapestries, pictures, furniture, books and porcelain.

Johnstons Cashmere Centre — Johnstons mill in Elgin, stands on the site where the company was first founded in 1797. It remains one of the few vertical mills still operating in Scotland and is the only British mill to transform cashmere from raw fibre to finished garment. Throughout its long history, Johnstons have specialised in working with cashmere and luxury fibres to create exciting new collections of knitwear, accessories, home furnishings and fine fabrics. The Visitor Centre at Newmill offers mill tours and the opportunity to browse through an elegant shop situated in the original mill buildings.

Moniack Castle & Winery — For centuries people have been making wines from wildflowers, fruits and tree sap. This tradition is carried on at Moniack. The Castle dates from 1580 and Frasers have lived there ever since. The business is run by the family, with help of local people, all of whom during your visit, will make you most welcome. The Winery is a unique enterprise, situated seven miles from Inverness. The wines and preserves reflect the natural ingredients growing around Moniack Castle. There are many wines and liqueurs together with a delicious range of marmalades, sauces and preserves available to sample and enjoy. On your guided tour, you will see the fermenting room, filtering processes, bottling and labeling, then pass through the cellars to the kitchen and watch the cooking of the preserves and sauces.

Glen Ord Distillery — A visit to Glen Ord, on the edge of the Black Isle in the Highlands west of Inverness, is a delight to both the eye and the palate. Watch distillers at work creating a magicial malt whisky which is sweet, malty and dry on the palate.

Huntly Castle — Huntly Castle is also known as Strathbogie Castle. Only remains of the Renaissance palace, built between 1597 and 1602, are all that stands now on the bank of the River Deveron In the 16th century it was renamed Huntly. The remains of a 12th century motte and bailey, an L-plan tower house, and defence earthworks of the Civil War are still visible. The most striking features of this palace are the splendid heraldic doorway and the carved fireplaces.