Dornoch, Scotland


(Above image is a capture of the beach at Dornoch.)

This evening, I am posting information on the pleasant village of Dornoch which is located about forty four miles north of Inverness on the east coast of the Scottish Highlands.

Dornoch has much to offer the discerning visitor. A gentle stroll around the town centre will provide an appreciation for the extensive history, heritage and architecture together with, perhaps, a foray into some the intriguing specialist small shops which can be found in the town.If the weather is fine take a short walk down to the sandy beach and inspect the local golf courses.

 
At Dornoch can be found restaurants and a wide range of hotels and other accommodation.

The name Dornoch has a Gaelic origin and translates as the “pebbly place”.

Here is a listing of specific places of interest:
  • Dornoch Castle- Now a hotel but originally formed the great Palace of the Bishops of Sutherland comprising three towers and a gatehouse. A new micro (whisky) distillery is based here.

  • Historylinks Museum- Located behind the Castle Hotel and provides information on some 7000 years of history ranging from the Picts and Vikings to more recent times including military history and the Andrew Carnegie connection.
  • Dornoch Cathedral, possibly the piece de resistance. This magnificent place of worship was the work of one Bishop Gilbert and dates from around 1245 AD. Amongst the extensive architectural and historic features are 28 stained glass windows. Bishop Gilbert, later St. Gilbert, had a great influence on the town including the construction of ten stone houses for his church officers. This Cathedral was originally part of the Roman Catholic Church but is now the local Parish Church and used for Presbyterian worship.

  • Golf- Dornoch is well endowed with golfing facilities which extend to:
    • Royal Dornoch Struie Golf Course
    • Royal Dornoch Championship Golf Course.


    • Golspie Golf Club (a few miles north of Dornoch)
    • Tain Golf Club
    • Brora Golf Club
  • Castles-
    • Imposing and photogenic, Dunrobin Castle, Golspie with formal gardens. Overlooks the sea.

    • Ruins of the 14th century, Skelbo Castle located at the mouth of Loch Fleet.
  • Whisky Distilleries- Learn about the making of Scotch Whisky by visiting local distilleries:
    • Clynelish at Brora, north of Dornoch

    • Glenmorangie at Morangie.
     


© Nigel P Cole/Catswhiskerstours Limited

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