Aviemore and
The Cairngorms

Inverness, Nairn
and Loch Ness

East Northern Highlands

West Northern Highlands

Isle of Skye and Lochalsh

Fort William and Lochaber

Thurso, the most northerly town on the mainland is a busy seaport serving the Islands and the Continent.

It was once the mainland centre of the Jarldom (Earldom) of Caithness and Orkney when the Vikings were in control of the area and still to this day celebrate some of the Norse festivals. Probably the most famous of these rulers was Torfinn, of Macbeth times, who was undefeated by Duncan, Macbeth and Canmore. Shakespeare has it that Macbeth killed Duncan in his bed, but history tells us that Torfinn possibly killed Duncan in battle at Pitgaveny near Elgin. He, Torfinn, was to die peaceably in Orkney some years later.

In 1263 the Vikings were defeated at the battle of Largs and part of the Settlement was that all Viking lands, island and mainland, were to be restored to Scottish ownership. The Norse settlers, most of whom stayed on, were integrated quite happily into the now larger Kingdom and added to the culture and life of the then new nation.

All around the area are ancient sites worthy of a visit. The town is also the end of the line for the railway and there's much history on that alone. The ruins of a Palace associated with the Bishops of Caithness can be seen, while at Dounreay sits the more modern building of the famous Nuclear Power Station. Visitors are welcome at this plant.
About seven miles west of the town there's a twelfth century chapel, which can be viewed.

The town has a museum, swimming pool and the mandatory golf course. Fishing is good and there's a nice beach into the bargain.

For Eats the Hotels, Restaurants and Cafes provide excellent food at reasonable cost.
Hotel, Guesthouse, Caravan and Camping sites are available.

Travel is by boat, rail, bus, coach or car.
For the tourists from abroad the nearest airports are Wick with a connection to Thurso by rail, bus or coach, Inverness with a connection to Thurso by air via Wick and on, or rail, bus or coach direct. Glasgow and Edinburgh both connect to Inverness by air, rail, bus or coach and on as above.

Comments or photos to improve this page most welcome.

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