Museums
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Visitor Attractions Visitor Information - Northern HighlandsHistory and Heritage |
Castles
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Out and About: |
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The Northern Highlands covers a vast area, in fact the whole of mainland Scotland north of a line roughly from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh. Large towns are few and far between. The wild and remote west coast is indented by numerous sea lochs. Inland, mountain ranges offer the walker and climber some of the finest scenery in the land.
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Historic Buildings and Castles: |
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Dornoch Cathedral The cathedral, with its elegant stained glass windows, dates back to the 13th century. |
Achanlochy Village Achanlochy Clearance Village, Strath Never, south of Bettyhill, Caithness. This deserted village was once home to those inhabitants evicted during the Clearances. |
Mary-Ann's Cottage Near Dunnet, Caithness. The cottage gives a glimpse of crofting life over the last 150 years. |
Beauly. The priory was originally built in the thirteenth century. |
Cromarty. Birthplace of the famous geologist and writer. Museum offering video presentation and displays illustrating his work. |
Ten miles north of Dornoch. Dunrobin Castle is the most northerly of Scotland's great houses and is certainly one of the most majestic, having almost 200 rooms. |
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Museums and Galleries: |
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Smithy Heritage Centre Ribuachan, near Lochcarron. A restored blacksmith's workshop and forge. Local history displays, woodland walks, picnic site. |
Reflects the history of the parish of Gairloch: its people, their life, work and customs, the landscape and local skills such as spinning and fishing. Displays and changing exhibitions throughout the season. |
Groam House Museum Rosemarkie. Displays of original Pictish stones. Exhibitions throughout the year. |
The centre overlooks Portmahomack, an unspoilt village on the picturesque Dornoch Firth. |
Strathpeffer, near Dingwall. The museum has collections of dolls, toys, games, books, costume and textiles. |
Dornoch. Museum depicting the history and heritage of Dornoch. |
Foulis Ferry, north of Inverness. Housed within the renovated storehouse are a series of entertaining, informative and educational history and wildlife exhibitions. |
Helmsdale. An arts and heritage center that tells the history of Helmsdale and its surrounding area in Sutherland, north east Scotland. Experience Helmsdale's highland heritage, fashioned over centuries. From Picts and Vikings, through murders at Helmsdale Castle, the last burning of a witch and the harrowing highland clearances. |
Parks and Gardens: |
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Near Kylesku, on the shore of Loch a Chairn Bhain, access is only by boat. Remote gardens, plant sales. |
Drumsmittal, near North Kessock. Large collection of exotic animals and birds. |
Strathcarron. Woodland paths, waterfalls, ponds and restored sunken garden. Restaurant and craft shop. |
Inverewe Garden Owned by the National Trust for Scotland, this impressive garden is set on the shore of Loch Ewe, near Poolewe. Exotic plants from around the world. |
Visitor Attractions: |
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Corrieshalloch Gorge Braemore, near Ullapool. Spectacular mile long gorge, includes the 150ft Falls of Measach, viewing platform. |
Its spectacular growing houses produce extraordinary results. Everything from lettuces to bananas can be seen in various climate zones. |
Tain Through Time Tower Street, Tain. Includes the Pilgrimage Centre, Tain and District Museum and the Clan Ross Centre. |
Torridon The Torridon Visitor Centre has information and displays on all aspects of this spectacular mountain area. Ranger-led walks are available. |
Achnasheen, Wester Ross. The Studio shows the largest collection of contemporary jewellery in the Highlands. Wholefood cafe. |
Viking Centre Northlands Viking Centre, Keiss, near Wick. Displays and exhibits charting the progress of Viking settlers in the area. Reconstructed longship. |
Camster Cairns Camster Cairns are probably the best known neolithic site in Caithness. The local area is rich in remains, including cairns, cists, and a stone row. The Camster Cairns consists of two chambers: Camster Long and Camster Round. The Camster Cairns are well worth a visit, even when the sun is not shining. You get a feel for the atmosphere and the hard conditions that the first settlers were exposed to. Access is easy, with road side parking, it’s free, and there is a made up walk way from the road to the cairns. |
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Sports and Activities: |
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Golf Royal Dornoch Golf Course. Views across Dornoch Firth. |
Fairburn Activity & Conference Centre: Muir of Ord Offering multi activities courses, conference facilities, team-building events and more... |
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Tours: |
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Handa Handa Island is a seabird reserve. Boat tours are available from Tarbert. |
Marine Wildlife Gairloch Marine Life Centre has interpretive displays and a video presentation of seals, whales, dolphins and porpoises. Cruises are available. |
Cape Wrath Normal access to the Cape Wrath peninsula and lighthouse is via a passenger ferry and minibus, dependent on the tides. Contact Mathers Shop in Durness for details. |
Smoo Cave Near Durness, Sutherland. Boat trips are available and a walkway takes you into the cave's inner chamber. |
Coastal tours organised from Wick Harbour in a twin engined 10m (33ft) long Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) 'Geo Explorer'. See website for details. |
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Car Hire: |
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Ross Rentals Strathcarron
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