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Nairn

As a micro-region, Nairn is small but perfectly formed. This area pulls you in with its long white-sand beaches, a castle or two, attractive townships such as Cawdor, Findhorn, Auldearn and Croy – and, of course, the seaside resort of Nairn itself – renowned for its dry, sunny days. With beaches fringed by low-lying dunes and golf courses, Nairn has long proven attractive to pleasure-seekers, with Charlie Chaplin holidaying here to escape the pressures of fame and film work.

For many years, Nairn was a market town with a thriving fishing industry, but today it’s all about leisure, with two championship golf courses, a playpark, a putting green and riverside walks. The harbourside and promenade thrum with life; pleasure boats bob on the water while, families play on the beach, hardy swimmers take to the waves, and the seabirds swirl and screech overhead.

Legends, livestock and literature

With its prime location on the Moray Firth and enjoying sweeping vistas towards the Black Isle, Nairn and its tranquil surrounds are a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. From the mouth of the River Nairn, walkers can head east to the vast nature oasis of Culbin Sands, backed by forest and home to dragonflies, otters and ospreys.

South-west of the town lies the village of Cawdor and its famous 14th century fortress that is forever steeped in intrigue. Cawdor Castle has now been home to over 23 generations of the Cawdor family so perhaps a myth or two are only to be expected. Today, Nairn and the surrounding area are home to wide range of cultural attractions. Foremost among these, the annual Nairn Farmer's Show which brings together prize-winning livestock and a bounty of local produce. The written arts are equally well supported with Nairn’s Little Theatre and the annual Nairn Book & Arts festival which attracts a host of authors, poets, speakers and performers to this peaceful seaside resort every year.