Dornoch is a county town in Sutherland placed ideally on the north shore of the Dornoch Firth, near to where it opens to the Moray Firth in the east. Combining the best in scenery and sport, Dornoch has lots to offer the outdoor enthusiast and those who like to immerse themselves in local culture.
Archaeological evidence for the Dornoch area suggests settlement started in the 8th century when visitors, and eventually settlers, harnessed the coastal position and access to raw materials to start a small industrial town. The first mention of Dornoch in official records is in the 12th Century and is the notable home of the 13th Century Dornoch Cathedral – popular with locals and celebrities! Visit the Cathedral and view the stained-glass window which Andrew Carnegie, one of Scotland’s top philanthropists, paid for. Nearby Skibo Castle was the home of Carnegie in the 19th and early 20th Century, which he called ‘Heaven on Earth.’
Historic sites and award-winning beaches
Dornoch’s history is peppered with influential people and some dark events. Most notably being the place where the last witch in Scotland was burnt in 1727, Janet Horne. The Witch’s Stone commemorates her death. History enthusiasts can also visit the Old Town Jail, and previous Bishop’s Palace which is now a well-known hotel, Dornoch Castle and the Historylinks Museum.
As well as being full of history and culture, Dornoch boasts a blue flag beach which stretches from Dornoch Point heading east past Embo beach to the mouth of Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve. Next to the beach is a Site of Special Scientific Interest with nesting birds, flora and fauna to discover.
Of course Dornoch is possibly best known for the Royal Dornoch Golf Course – one of the top five courses in the world. If golf isn’t your thing, check out Heaven Bikes to hire bikes, paddleboards and kayaks to explore the epic coastline.
Dornoch is also the perfect place to explore on foot with beautiful sandy beaches, ancient historical sites, and stunning scenery. There truly is something for everyone in this Highland gem.
