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The royal burgh formed at the head of the Cromarty Firth, close to the eastern shores of Ross-shire in the northern Scottish Highlands. The naturally secluded bay attracted the Vikings and Norse Earl, Thorfinn established a settlement and constructed a castle here sometime after 800AD. The name Dingwall, of Scandinavian origins, means meeting place. Norse chieftains commonly met here, making the community an important administrative location. The Scots and Norse frequently battled over the territory.
In 1010, Dingwall was the birthplace of famed king Macbeth. The Norse also constructed a castle outside of Dingwall in the 12th century, Tulloch Castle later served as the home of the Bayne and Davidson clans, became a hospital and more recently a hotel. The Vikings continued ruling the territory until 1200 when the Scots regained control.
Alexander II declared Dingwall a royal burgh in 1226. During the War of Independence, the army of Edward I, led by William, the Earl of Ross, captured the castle and land for Robert the Bruce in 1314. Bruce awarded the territory to William in 1321. As in the days of Viking rule, Dingwall became the meeting place for royals and councillors, once again gaining in importance. The land again experienced battle, but now the wars involved clans. The Clan Donald and MacKay fought for supremacy in the Battle of Dingwall in 1411. Angus, the Lord of the Isles, unsuccessfully attempted to conquer the territory the same year.
By 1438, Alexander, the Earl of Ross, was also known as the Lord of the Isles, as the titles merged indicating the same person. Alexander’s son established a treaty with England’s king in agreement to share Scotland. When James III, King of Scotland, learned of the deal, Alexander forfeited his title and lands in 1475. The castle and land remained the property of the Scottish crown. During this time, the McKenzie clan grew in size and strength throughout the County of Ross.
By 1600, the crown and local lords abandoned the castle, which served as a quarry until its total destruction in 1817. No longer an important political centre, Dingwall fell into poverty.
The Treaty of Union, signed in 1707, declared Dingwall had the authority to appoint a representative to serve in Parliament. This person represented Dingwall and five other communities. Dingwall’s village leaders accepted bribes from those desiring to serve. The community amassed enough money, they constructed the Town House in 1730 and the town clock in 1774.
These times again brought out the worst in local clan members and the MacKenzies and the Munros warred over the right to vote. The Jacobite’s defeat at the Battle of Culloden calmed the tension between clans. Dingwall established a court system and local lawyers gained wealth trying cases involving illegal whiskey stills and smuggling.
Commercialized farming boosted the local economy in 1800 and the network of roads brought many travelling to the north, making Dingwall a favoured stopping point. Though a canal existed, engineers enlarged the area in 1817, enabling the arrival of larger ships. Dingwall had a modern harbour in 1820. Railway service began in 1865, further enhancing the economy through agricultural and retail sales. Men from Dingwall served in both world wars and the community remembers their sacrifice with memorials.
Activities and Attractions
The Heritage Trail that meanders around Dingwall takes visitors to historic buildings and locations. High Street, lined with shops and boutiques, changed little from the original medieval design. Visit the Dingwall Town House and the original jail. The building now houses a museum.
The Dingwall museum contains centuries of artefacts and collections retelling the history of the community. Learn about the Norse occupation and the Scandinavian influence over the culture. Visit a recreated blacksmith’s shop and see the typical household utensils used in previous centuries. Hear about the contributions and sacrifices made by local war heroes.
The Dingwall mercat cross is over five centuries old and marks the charter allowing the village to hold markets. The community constructed the Castle Dovecote from the stones of the original castle and war memorials commemorate the lives of those who served in battle.
Journey along the canal and down to the harbour, where great sailing vessels once brought supplies and transported goods to other parts of the world. Journey to the north shores of the Firth and visit the Dalmore Distillery. See the unusually shaped copper stills and learn about the processes involved in making the various Scotch whiskeys. The facility happily offers guided tours.
Venture into the countryside and encounter Ben Wyvis Mountain, a popular area for outdoor sports all year long. From rock climbing and hiking in the summertime to skiing in the winter, the mountains add a majestic touch to the local scenery. See some of the ancient historic sites located all around the area.
On the edge of Strathpeffer stands a mysterious Pictish carved stone, which dates to sometime around 500AD. Standing almost three feet tall (one metre) and about the same length in width, the Picts often inscribed numerous symbols on the naturally shaped boulders. Some believe the stone, moved from its original location, now marks the graves of the Munros who died in battle against the MacKenzies.
Places to Stay and Dining
Dingwall offers a number of small privately owned hotels situated in the beautiful countryside of the community. Some facilities overlook the lush green fields of neighbouring farms and the picturesque mountains in the distance.
The Coul House Restaurant offers vegan options in addition to a selection of traditional Scottish cuisine. Enjoy a mixed bean and vegetable fricassee wrapped in filo dough and served with vine ripened tomatoes and French butter sauce.
Accommodation in Dingwall
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