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Issue 37 - Caithness, Sutherland & Ross-Shire – where to visit, eat and stay

History & Heritage

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Scotland Magazine Issue 37

Scotland Magazine Issue 37
March 2008

 

This article is 3 years old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements.

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Caithness, Sutherland & Ross-Shire – where to visit, eat and stay

Caithness, Sutherland & Ross-Shire – where to visit, eat and stay (Issue 37)
Where to visit
Assynt Visitor Centre
Lochinver
Sets the scene for the geology and
wildlife of the area.
Tel: +44 (0)1571 844 330

Badbea Clearance Village
Nr Helmsdale
A walking trail round a deserted
settlement, a stark reminder of the
Clearances that took place here.

Castle of Mey
Thurso
Beautiful castle and gardens once
belonging to Queen Elizabeth the Queen
Mother, now open for all to enjoy.
www.castleofmey.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1847 851 473

Corrieshalloch Gorge
Braemore
This national nature reserve is one of the
natural wonders of the Highlands. Enjoy
the views from the suspension bridge
Tel: +44 (0)8444 932 224

Cromarty Courthouse Museum
Cromarty
This excellent museum portrays the life of
the old Scots burgh through audio visuals
and animated figures.
www.cromarty-courthouse.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1381 600 418

Dornoch Cathedral
Dornoch
Magnificent historic cathedral with some
beautiful stained glass.
www.dornoch-cathedral.com

Dunnet Head
Dunnet Head
The most northerly point on the
mainland. On a clear day it commands
some of the most expansive views you
will see in Scotland.

Eilean Donan
Kyle of Lochalsh
This 13th century fortified castle is one of
the most visited and important
attractions in the Scottish highlands.
www.eileandonancastle.com
Tel: +44 (0)1599 555 202

Falls of Glomach
Kintail
One of the highest waterfalls in Britain, at
113m (370ft). Set in a steep narrow cleft
in remote country and can only be
reached on foot.
Tel: +44 (0)8444 932 230

Falls of Shin Visitor Centre
Lairg
Includes an excellent shop and extensive
forest walks, also possible to see salmon
leaping in season.
www.fallsofshin.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1549 402 231

Glenmorangie Distillery
Tain
A visit to this famous distillery is a must.
Discover how malt whisky is made and
meet the people who make it.
www.glenmorangie.com
Tel: +44 (0)1862 892 477

Inverewe Gardens
Poolewe
A place of pilgrimage for generations of
gardeners who come to wonder at the
range of tender species which thrive in the
mild climate.
www.nts.org.uk/Property/36
Tel: +44 (0)8444 932 225

Mary-Ann’s Cottage
Nr Dunnet
A rare opportunity to explore inside a
traditional croft and discover how people
once lived.
Tel: +44 (0)1847 851 765

RSPB Forsinard
Nr Thurso
A peatland reserve at the heart of the
internationally important Flow Country. This
reserve is at its best during spring and
summer, with birds including golden
plovers, hen harriers and greenshanks
breeding on the reserve.
www.rspb.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1641 571 225

Sandwood Bay
Nr Kinlochbervie
The most magnificent beach in the UK,
with dramatic seascapes and a reputation
for being haunted.

Torridon
Achnasheen
With some of the most spectacular
mountain scenery in Scotland, Torridon is a
magnet for walkers, geologists
and naturalists.
Tel: +44 (0)8444 932 229

Where to eat
The Boath House
Auldean
Luxury food and fine dining in a restaurant
regularly ranked in Scotland’s top 10
restaurants. Much of the food is grown
organically onsite.
www.boath-house.com
Tel: +44 (0)1667 454 896

The Classroom
Nairn
Stylish and contemporary bar restaurant in
the heart of the town.
Tel: +44 (0)1667 455 999
Where to eat

Old Smiddy Guesthouse
Laide
Built up a fine reputation under previous
owners and now continuing to provide top
quality Scottish food.
www.oldsmiddyguesthouse.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1445 731 696

The Summer Isles Hotel
Achiltibuie
Nearly everything is home-produced or
caught locally and prepared by the
Michelin-starred chef.
www.summerisleshotel.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1854 622 282

La Mirage
Helmsdale
Off the wall casual dining venue with a
homage to Barbara Cartland among its
attractions. Fine food though.
www.lamirage.org
Tel: +44 (0)1431 821 615

Carron Restaurant
Strathcarron
Family-owned restaurant specialising in
home cooking and steak dishes.
www.carronrestaurant.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1520 722 488

Old School
Inshegra, near Kinlochbervie
Great views across Loch Inchard and the
Atlantic and serving a wide range of locally
produced food.
www.oldschoolhotel.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1971 521 383

The Oystercatcher
Portmahomack, near Tain
Small and intimate quality seafood
restaurant specialising in a diverse
selection of lobster dishes. Booking
is advisable.
www.the-oystercatcher.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1862 871 560

Morangie House
Tain
Elegant Victorian house with fine and formal
dining. Specialises in seafood dishes.
www.morangiehotel.com
Tel: +44 (0)1862 892 281

2 Quail
Dornoch
Tiny golf hotel and restaurant with just
three rooms and 12 cover restaurant,
but regarded as one of the finest in
Northern Scotland.
www.2quail.com
Tel: +44 (0)1862 811 811

Where to stay

Bayview Hotel
Lybster
Family owned hotel with two bars,
restaurant and function room. Friendly and
with a beer garden.
Tel: +44 (0)1593 721 346

Breadalbane House Hotel
Wick
Small and friendly 10 bedroom hotel, an
ideal base for the ferry port.
Tel: +44 (0)1955 603 911

Brown Trout Hotel
Watten
Small hotel catering for fishing and
shooting parties.
www.browntrouthotel.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1955 621 354

Castle Arms Hotel
Thurso
Former 19th century coaching inn close
to the Castle of Mey set in six acres of
open parkland.
www.castlearms.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1847 851 244

Dornoch Castle Hotel,
Dornoch
Luxurious and traditional hotel close to the
famous golf course and offering a mix of
traditional luxury and modern service.
www.dornochcastlehotel.com
Tel: +44 (0)1862 810 216

Ferroch Guest House
Annat
A very welcoming guesthouse giving
spectacular views of Loch Torridon and
its mountains.
www.feroch.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1445 791 451

Ferry Inn Hotel
Scrabster
Eight bedroom hotel close to the car ferry
for Orkney.
www.ferryinnscrabster.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1847 892 814

Forss House Hotel
Thurso
Thirteen bedroom family hotel set in 20
acres of woodland close to the falls on the
River Forss.
www.forsshousehotel.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1847 861 201

Royal Hotel
Cromarty
Family run hotel overlooking the peaceful
Cromarty harbour and with stunning views
of the Cromarty Firth.
www.royalcromartyhotel.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1381 600 217

Mackays Hotel
Wick
Offers free golf to residents on any of four
local courses. Known for good food.
www.mackayshotel.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1955 602 323

Northern Sands Hotel
Dunnet
Under new ownership and offering quality
food in the restaurant or informally in the
lounge bar.
www.northernsands.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1847 851 270

Portland Arms
Lybster
Nineteenth century coaching inn offering
22 ensuite bedrooms.
www.portlandarms.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1593 721 721

St Clair Arms Hotel,
Castletown
Traditional and comfortable family-run
hotel a few minutes from Thurso.
www.st-clair-arms-hotel.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1847 821 656

St Clair Hotel
Thurso
Warm and friendly hotel in the centre of
the town with more than 30 rooms.
Tel: +44 (0)1847 896 481

Strathmore Lodge
Nr Halkirk
Sporting lodge offering hunting, fishing
and stalking holidays, comfortable
accommodation and fine food.
www.strathmorelodge.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1847 841 227

The Ulbster Arms Hotel
Halkirk
Friendly hotel on the River Thurso and
refurbished during 2007.
www.ulbsterarmshotel.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1847 831 641