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The southeastern coastal village lies in the Scottish Highlands. The area attracted human civilizations to settle here beginning 4,000 years ago. The Picts claimed the land as their own for centuries. St. Barr arrived from Ireland in the 6th century and established a Christian church. The Vikings invaded in the 9th century, bringing war to the Pict nation.
These ancient civilizations left a number of ancient structures that include brochs from the Iron Age, burial cairns and hut circles, along with standing stone formations. The Bishop of Caithness constructed nearby Skebo Castle in 1189. Later, Gilbert of Moravia, Bishop of Caithness, constructed the Dornoch Cathedral in 1239. During the 1500s, the order established a castle in Dornoch, as a home for the Bishop.
After the evolution of local clans, wars persisted. The feuding families included the MacKays, Murrays and Sutherlands all fighting each other for domination of the territory. Bishop Steward gave the castle to John Gordon in 1557. Feuds between the MacKays and Murrays caused castle and church fires in 1570. Golf gained popularity in Dornoch from the 1500s on. Until the last 200 years, individuals required royal permission to participate in the outdoor pastime.
The Jacobites invaded Dornoch before the Battle of Culloden in 1746 and left a path of destruction after burning and looting the village. During the 1800s, the castle underwent repair and renovation, serving as a school and jail. Famous industrialist Andrew Carnegie purchased the estate in the 1890s and the property remained in the Carnegie family until recent years. The railroad made its way to Dornoch in 1902, linking the community with Inverness and Thurso.
Activities and Attractions
Guests enjoy biking, cycling and horseback riding in the local forests. Paved trails include fitness trails, leisurely walks and sculpture trails. The locations also hold many of the area’s archaeological discoveries.
An ancient people constructed the Carn Liath into the walls of the earth. Reasons for these structures vary with some believing the structure provided a natural defence from enemy attack. Others suggest the underground areas provided temperature controlled storage for foodstuffs.
The local lochs and rivers provide the avid angler with excellent opportunities for catching native salmon and trout. The Dornoch Outdoor facility provides fishing permits.
The Dornoch Cathedral brings many to its spacious colourful interiors. Clan feuds in the 1500s wrought severe internal damage caused by fire. Repairs ensued, but overall restoration required centuries of work. After the reformation, the church served as a Prebyterian parish, but in keeping with tradition, the structure retained the name cathedral. The vast open space of the church gives visitors pause. The 27 beautiful stained glass windows provide a unique light show throughout the day. Guests may also enjoy the exquisite craftsmenship of the woodwork, from the carved pulpit to the pews. Once covered in lath and plaster during the Victorian times, the walls now display the historical stonework of the structure.
Fifteen minutes north of Dornoch lays the enchanted Dunrobin Castle. Belonging for centuries to the Sutherland Clan, the rounded spires and turrets convey a fairytale like appearance. The family welcomes guests to tour the various rooms and the castle museum. See the authentic bell ringing system, beckoning servants to perform various tasks. Visit the spectacular dining and music rooms, along with the nursery and study. Hear the tales of intrigue and clan history. Learn about the previous residents who never left and the ones held prisoner. See the military room boasting a fine collection of weaponry, uniforms and clan flags. The musuem holds objects collected by the family on world travels and trophies from hunting safaris.
Places to Stay and Dining
Guests enjoy a luxurious stay at several of Dornoch’s modern facilties located in the heart of the community. Reserve a room on the ground floor with a perfect view of the gardens. Choose a room on a higher floor for views overlooking historical locations.
Dine in royal fashion at the Dornoch Castle Restaurant. Indulge in a seafood platter brimming with crab, lobster, mussels and salmon. Accompany this sharing platter with baby new potatoes, seasonal vegetables or a garden fresh salad.
Accommodation in Dornoch
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