Portmahomack:
The Tarbat Discovery Centre (01862 871351 or 871361)
An ongoing Archaeological project tracing the history of the community based in the area through the “Dark Ages”. The dig itself is complimented by the exhibition, housed in an A-listed 12th Century, which highlights the importance of this project and details earlier phases.
Tain:
Tain Through Time (01862 894089)
This unique visitor centre illustrates the sometimes turbulent history of the ancient burgh. The Centre combines with the town’s Medieval Church and Town Museum to present a fascinating look at Tain and its inhabitants through the centuries.
Glenmorangie Distillery & Visitor Centre (01862 892477)
The home of one of the world’s most popular malt whiskies. Begin your tour of the Distillery and Museum with a Video presentation and end it with a “nip” of the famed spirit.
Anta Pottery (01862 832477)
Take a tour of the pottery itself and browse over the craft items on display and sale.
Aldie Water Mill (01862 893786)
Discover how a water mill works. Visit the Pottery and see the skills of making and decorating the varied wares. Gift Shop selling pottery, textiles, basketware and other local crafts.
Dornoch and Sutherland:
Dornoch Heritage Society - Hisotrylinks (01408 633872)
Museum telling the story of Dornoch from pre-history to present time.
Forest Enterprise (01862 810359)
Stunning views, wonderful walks & fitness trail. Varied programmes, for visitors and families available throughout the summer.
Dunrobin Castle (01408 633177)
One of the Great Houses of Scotland. With it’s magnificent formal gardens this 189 roomed house is well worth a visit during the season.
Falls of Shin Visitor Centre (01549 402231)
One of the best places in Scotland to see Wild Atlantic Salmon in their natural habitat. Also, with an Adventure Playground, Forest Walks, Shop and Restaurant it is a terrific location for a family day out.
Orcadian Stone Company (01408 633483)
Exhibition of world wide minerals, local rocks and fossils. Visit the workshops where stone is sawn, shaped, polished, turmbled and engraved.
The Black Isle and South
Strathpeffer Water Sampling Pavilion (01349 868481)
An opportunity to taste the spa water from deep underground springs., which resulted in the Victorian development of strathpeffer as a health spa resort.
Clanland and Sealpoint (01349 830000)
Situated on the shore of the Cromarty Firth in the heart of Munro clanlands. This exciting and educational attraction, housed in a restored 18th century “Rent House” , includes exhibitions, displays, and interactive multi media culminating in a stunning audio video visual. There is also a fine restaurant and gift shop.
Hugh Millers Cottage (01381 600245)
Birthplace of the Geologist, Journalist and author of Folklore, Hugh Miller. Video presentation based on this life and times plus many artefacts and mementoes.
Cromarty Courthouse Museum (01381 600418)
This museum presents a clear picture of an 18th Century Scottish Town. With recreated trial in the courtroom, video presentation, tape-tour and exhibitions.
Slightly Further Away
Inverness : 42 Miles
Capital of the Highlands and very visitor friendly. Many shops, Restaurants and places of interest. These include Inverness Castle, Culloden Field, Museums and Art Galleries. Visitors can also take cruises around the Moray Firth as well as Loch Ness which is slightly further south of the city.
Lairg : 34 Miles
Delightful scenic drive. Lairg has a Visitors centre restaurants and gift shops. It also sits at the southern end of Loch Shin.
Ullapool : 63 Miles
The town was founded by the British Fisheries Society in 1788 and the town remains proud of it’s close links to the sea, both in terms of fishing and as a departure point for emigrants to the Americas in the 18th Century. The museum is certainly worth a visit and became the Scottish Museum of the Year award in 1996.
Helmsdale : 44 Miles
Once a busy Herring port, now the site of the Timespan Heritage Centre. Nine miles west of the town is Kildonan Burn, site of the Great Sutherland Gold Rush of 1869. You can still hire Gold Panning equipment from local Helmsdale shops with which to try your luck.
John O’Groats : 96 Miles
Not quite the top of the British Mainland, this honour goes to Dunnet Head, some 15 miles further to the west. However, the common belief that John O’Groats is the top of the mainland, allows the local community to offer a variety of Shops, restaurants and points of visitor interest, which also includes the famous signpost to Land’s End. (876 miles to the south west)
The sights and attractions listed here are a mere drop in the ocean to the vast array of interesting and breathtaking sights the Highlands of Scotland has to offer. Days can be easily filled taking in the beauty and charm of this part of the United Kingdom.
Should you come across somewhere you think other visitors would enjoy then please feel free to pass on any details to Phil or Irene and they will be happy to recommend it to future guests.
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