Names such as Gunn, Sinclair, Sutherland and Mackay are strongly linked with the far north of Scotland. By visiting the sites listed here you’ll be able to discover more about such names and the role these clans played in Scottish history.
Across the Top itineraryFrom Durness to Duncansby, a day on the spectacular north coast will take you through a changing landscape – from beautiful uncrowded beaches, over vast sweeping expanses of moorland and through crofting communities strung along the coast into the fertile farmlands of Caithness where archaeological treasures hint at thousands of years of human habitation. Smoo [...]
Ardvreck Castle and Calda HouseArdvreck Castle stands at the south end of Loch Assynt. Now a gaunt ruin, it dates from the late 15th century, and was the seat of the MacLeods of Assynt. It was a tower house, at least three storeys high. The circular, corbelled section enclosed the staircase while the vaulted basement probably held the kitchen, [...]
BadbeaBadbea (ND488200), south of Berriedale is the sad remnant of a village formed by 28 families evicted from nearby Langwell. The steep, poor ground above precipitous cliffs made the settlement untenable. It is said that families living there tethered their children to the rocks to stop them falling over the cliffs.
Ben BhraggieBen Bhraggie (394m) and its statue of the 1st Duke of Sutherland is a prominent landmark. The summit can be reached by a path leading from the centre of the village. There are fine panoramic views along the coast. The return route follows Dunrobin Glen and the Big Burn past a waterfall and small gorge.
Castle Sinclair GirnigoeCASTLE SINCLAIR GIRNIGOE is located 900m west of Noss Head lighthouse, 5 miles from Wick by road. It is spectacularly sited atop 20m cliffs on a promontory. It is protected on the landward side by a large geo (ON gja, narrow sea inlet). Recent archaeological investigations have shown that it was built as one castle [...]
Discover the North Highlands of ScotlandA useful map leaflet for the North Highlands of Scotland that describes all the area has to offer:- Dramatic coastlines Beautiful landscapes Amazing wildlife Fascinating history Magical experiences
Discovering Brora and East Sutherland itineraryDepart Inverness for Brora, Sutherland. Journey time to Brora will take approximately 1hour 30minutes Take a walk along Brora’s sandy beach, have a look at the little harbour and stop in at the Royal Marine Hotel and enjoy a wee dram by the log fire. You can pick up provisions in Brora where there is [...]
Dunrobin CastleDUNROBIN CASTLE (G Dunrobin, Robin’s Fort) stands on a bluff just north of Golspie. It has an enchanting fairytale appearance when seen from afar. Closer inspection reveals a huge multiperiod mansion house. The oldest part of the building is a 14th century keep, but it is probably built on the site of a Norse fort, [...]
Eilean Donan CastleEilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s iconic landmarks, sits on a tidal island in Loch Duich. The Castle was reconstructed between 1911 and 1932 by Lt Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap, who bought the island in 1911. With his Clerk of Works, Farquar Macrae, he used old plans to create this replica. Webcam coming soon! This webcam [...]
Rich Human History itineraryMan has lived a long time on the east coast of Sutherland. This enduring and beautiful landscape is home to ancient brochs and medieval castles, hidden woodland sites where iron ore was made and wide flowing rivers and estuaries used for transportation for centuries. Peaceful crofting townships, farms and villages only hint at the sometimes [...]
StrathnaverSTRATHNAVER The Province of Strathnaver originally stretched from Kylesku to Caithness. There is evidence of long settlement here from ancient times with Neolithic chambered cairns, stone circles, Bronze Age cist burials and Iron Age brochs. A mixture of Gaelic and Norse placenames as well as many ruined farmsteads and settlements evoke more recent times. The [...]
Strome CastleStrome Castle is now a ruin, but from Norse times or earli- er it was an important strategic site. The present buildingdates from the 15th century, when it was most likely a fortified tower house. it was fought over many times by the MacKenzies and the MacDonalds. in 1602 the Lord of Kintail, Kenneth MacKenzie, [...]
The Clan Gunn CentreThe Clan Gunn Centre is situated in Latheron Old Parish church which dates from 1734. it tells the story of the clan from Norse times against the background of the history of the north of Scotland. It also contains a substantial clan archive and shop.
