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Self Catering Accommodation in Scotland | The Dornoch Area

Sutherland is the largest and least populated region of the Highlands, covering most of the far north.   It is a landscape of breathtaking beauty.

There are caves to investigate, mountains to scale and deserted beaches to stroll along.  Fish pristine rivers and lochs, and wander through sheltered forests and woodlands.  Marvel at huge waterfalls, watch for rare animals and plants, and discover the rich legacy of thousands of years of human habitation.

The historic Royal Burgh of Dornoch is a small and peaceful cathedral town that should definitely not to be overlooked for a holiday. Located on the northern edge of the Dornoch Firth in a designated National Scenic Area, Dornoch is a hidden secret. Perhaps off most people’s radar as a seaside resort, Dornoch has however enjoyed a steady stream of “in the know” visitors for many years, attracted to the town for its tranquillity, exceptional scenery and mild climate. And it is easy to see why. Dornoch can be exactly what you want it to be. Relaxing and unhurried. Or as active as you can handle. Many come to the town for Royal Dornoch’s championship golf course. Dating back to 1616, the championship course has been ranked at No.4 by Golf Digest UK and Ireland and regularly ranks in the top 20 of the world’s best 100 golf courses. In less recent times the links course was said to be “the fairest and largest linkes of any pairt of Scotland.”  For golfers, then, Royal Dornoch is right up there on their list of golf courses to play before they die. Others, meanwhile, are attracted to Dornoch by its wildlife, much of which can be seen in the National Nature Reserve at nearby Loch Fleet.

Despite being small in size, the normal resident population being less than 2500, Dornoch more than makes up for that by the size of its welcome and many visitor attractions and amenities including two golf courses and an award-winning sandy beach that seems to go on forever. The historic Dornoch is very much preserved today, its most striking buildings being its fine 13th Century Cathedral, a Bishop’s palace, which is now a well-known hotel, the courthouse and old town jail, and Dornoch Castle. Architecturally, Dornoch hasn’t changed much, its streets are still lined by adorable sandstone cottages and town houses. Getting to Dornoch is easy. It is only an hour’s drive from Inverness Airport and readily accessible from the main north-south A9 arterial route via the A949 or the B9168.

Steeped in history, Dornoch has been settled by a permanent population for over 4000 years. It is a historic town set in a stunning landscape that feels special and distinct, which maybe why pop star, Madonna and her ex-husband, Guy Ritchie choose to wed in Skibo Castle near the town in December 22, 2000, the day after her son, Rocco was baptised in Dornoch Cathedral. In the past, though, Dornoch earned a grisly reputation as the location for the last witch burning in Scotland. The unfortunate woman was Janet Horne, who was tried and condemned to death in 1727. A commemorative stone, called the Witch’s Stone, marks her death and stands in a local garden by the 18^th tee of Royal Dornoch Golf Club’s Struie golf course.

Dornoch also used to be connected to the rail network at The Mound but its branch line light railway, which opened in 1902, was finally closed on June 13, 1960.

Leaving this area the countryside changes first to a wild expanse of peat bog and moorland.  Then to high, rocky mountains.  And finally, when you reach the remote north and west coasts, to majestic cliffs and magnificent, white sandy bays.  Feel the exhilarating sense of space and freedom as you explore this uncrowded part of the world.  Find out other things to do when you get here, how to get here and what to eat at the end of your long day exploring.

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