Our Area

As you travel around the far north of Scotland you’ll be able to explore a wide range of areas – from historic towns to dramatic and remote wilderness. No-one knows our area better than the communities of Caithness, Ross-shire and Sutherland themselves – explore our area through the eyes of local community groups – using the links below or get an overall view with our ‘Discover the North Highlands’ map leafet

Assynt

The parish of Assynt is situated amongst some of the wildest and most remote scenery in the United Kingdom. Located in the far north west highlands of Scotland the area is dominated by spectacular mountain scenery. Isolated sandstone mountains rise up from an undulating landscape of hummocks and lochs that is itself formed of Lewisian Gneiss, one of the oldest rock types found in the world

The whole of the Assynt and the Coigach region (just to the south) is officially designated a National Scenic Area. Read more… www.assynt.info/

Caithness

The first impression here is of a sense of space and openness. This is big country, with wide skies and dramatic seascapes, and rolling moors merging westwards into rugged peaks, notably in the spectacular skyline of Ben Loyal by Tongue. More at www.caithness.org or see the Caithness and Sutherland Visitor Attractions guide: Download their brochue (PDF)

Invergordon

Invergordon is a town with a tremendous history stretching back through two World Wars and is now a centre for oil-rig refurbishment and maintenance. It is also a major port of call for cruise liners bringing thousands of passengers to the area. Ideally situated in the centre of the eastern Highlands, the town has an attractive double-width High Street which has been upgraded to make it more pedestrian-friendly. More … http://www.visitinvergordon.com/

Mid and Easter Ross

Sheltered by the mountains to the west, the Black Isle, Mid Ross and Easter Ross presents a greener aspect of the Highlands, especially on the rolling coastal lands by the Cromarty Firth. More at www.visithighlands.com/northern-scottish-highlands/blackisle/

Sutherland

Sutherland is a land of unrivalled beauty, which has been described as the last great wilderness in Britain. The rocks of Sutherland’s hills and shores are more than half as old as the Earth itself, and among the oldest in Europe. Nowhere is the richness and diversity of the area’s landscapes, habitats and wildlife seen more clearly than in the area of the North-West Highlands Geopark, most of which is in Sutherland.

Helmsdale is one of Sutherland’s communities. More at www.helmsdale.org/

More at www.sutherlandpartnership.org.uk/Landscape-and-Biodiversity-g.asp or see the Caithness and Sutherland Visitor Attractions guide: Download their brochue (PDF)

Ullapool

This beautiful, remote and exciting part of Scotland offers you many breathtaking places to visit. Enjoy a day out. Venture out through the gateway – north, south, east or west and sample the many delights. More at www.ullapool.com

Wester Ross

Welcome to Wester Ross in the NW Highlands of Scotland, a land of stunning loch and mountain scenery, magnificent white sand beaches, abundant wildlife, wide open spaces and peace and tranquility. This is the region of Scotland referred to by the “Lonely Planet” as one of their top five places in the UK to visit during 2009. More at www.visitwester-ross.com/