The Scottish Highlands are renowned for their wild beauty, grandeur and a rich cultural heritage, nowhere more apparent than in Dornoch with its glowing medieval town centre of local golden sandstone. The Picts were here before the Viking invasions and then the pilgrims came to visit St Gilbert’s town and church. The cathedral, built on the site of St Gilbert’s original church is the smallest on mainland UK and one of the most charming.
In the wider area, the Highland Clearances brought sweeping change to communities and the countryside and left poignant reminders of people leaving the only homes they’d known, at places like Croick church where messages were scratched on the windows when shelter was sought by those on their way to other countries in search of a new life.
Castles are synonymous with the Highlands and this area has plenty: Dornoch Castle itself, now a hotel, Skibo Castle, once the home of Andrew Carnegie who in his day was the richest man in the world. Nearby is Dunrobin Castle, Scotland’s most northerly great house, home of Clan Sutherland and a fascinating day out for visitors.
For hills, glens, lochs and heather clad moors, the Dornoch area has them all situated as it is in a designated area of outstanding natural beauty. It just has that little bit more, miles of golden beaches to add into the mix. So, for everything Highland, you’ll find it in Dornoch.
