Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 27 on 09/06/2006.

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True contrast in remote Scotland

The top third of Scotland is often grouped together but as Ian Buxton reports, the region is diverse and impressive

Comprising very roughly the top third of Scotland’s mainland land mass, the counties of Caithness, Sutherland and Ross and Cromarty present many faces to the visitor. From ancient rocks to one of Britain’s first nuclear power stations and the Castle of Mey (beloved of the late Queen Mother) to the wild Flow Country, this is a land of contrasts.

The east coast from Cromarty to Dingwall, and Tain to Dornoch, through Brora and Golspie to John o’Groats, is famous for its golf, its history, its coastal scenery and award-winning beaches.

Meanwhile, the west coast is one of the world’s truly dramatic landscapes – from the memorable mountains of Torridon, Wester Ross and Assynt to the precipitous sea cliffs at Cape Wrath.

Caithness has the most northerly point on mainland Britain at Dunnet Head (a title that’s often given mistakenly to John O’Groats), whilst Durness is home to the John Lennon Memorial Garden, commemorating the many family holidays spent there by the former Beatle.

Though a substantial area on the map (with a population of only 50,000 Ross and Cromarty alone is similar in size to Cyprus or Puerto Rico), this is a sparsely inhabited part of Scotland. Not for nothing is it known as “Europe's Last Wilderness” and, fittingly, it is home to Britain’s first European Geopark, centred on the busy fishing port of Lochinver.

The spectacular scenery and wide range of leisure activities bring visitors from all round the world to enjoy this very special part of Scotland.

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By Ian Buxton

Section : Regional Focus

Page number : 32