North Coast Scotland 500- Day 4
(Above image is a capture of the coast approaching Betty Hill.) Today proved exceptional. I covered a coastal route commencing at Tongue in the centre of Scotland's northern coast and finishing at Wick on the N.E tip. The weather progressively improved from dull and overcast to bright sunshine. First, I walked up to Castle Varrich at Tongue the provenance of which is not known. The ruins may date back about 1000 years and are clearly of substance. The castle may have been connected with Clan Mackay who dominated this area in the past. Location is certainly strategic. Next, east to Betty Hill. This village was at the heart of the Highland Clearances (circa 1780-1860) when vast numbers of local people were coerced and/or forcibly evicted from the land to make way for sheep farming. Many of the dispossessed emigrated to N. America and Australasia. The museum at Betty Hill ( a former church) holds extensive records and information on the Clearances which is of interest ...