Visitor Attractions

PLACES TO GO
The following information is not exhaustive list of all the visitor attractions that are available locally or within easy travelling distance. Many are outside, allowing you to enjoy Scotland and its scenery at it's spectacular best. Many however are indoors which means that should the weather take a turn for the worse there is still plenty to amuse you whatever your personal interests.

SHOPPING
Across Sutherland and the Northern Highlands there are numerous options to acquire beautiful unique objects. You can find many at Harrods at the Falls of Shin and after exhausting yourself shopping you can revive with a cup of tea/coffee in the restaurant. If you succumb to temptation and indulge in one of the many cakes available you can always walk it off afterward by taking a stroll through the forest that forms part of the Achanny estate where the Falls are located.

The Jail at Dornoch also provides a wide range of Scottish goods, all under one roof, catering for a wide range of budgets. Visiting the Jail is fun as the cells have been converted into specialist zones'; one cell is filled with handbags. The Old Post Office across the road is now the local tourist Information Centre and has a lovely café incorporated within it.

Alternatively, you can go out for the day and visit one of the many individual potteries, studios, galleries or distilleries that are within the area.


FOSSILS

Established in 1970 the Orcadian Stone Company, located only 5 minutes walk from Granite Villa, is an established exhibition and shop for minerals, rocks and fossils. The collection has grown over the last 35 years and is unmatched by any other private collection in Scotland. There is a large section devoted to the geology of the Highlands illustrating the evolution of Scotland.

CASTLES
The gate to Dunrobin Castle, Scottish home to the Duke of Sutherland is located at the north end of the village. With 189 rooms Dunrobin is the largest house in the highlands and one of the UK's oldest continuously inhabited houses. The beautiful gardens were inspired by the gardens at Versailles and are beautiful to walk round on a warm summer's day. There is also a falconry display at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm everyday, which is well worth seeing. Last year one of our guest's went for the 11.30am show and enjoyed it so much that he stayed to watch the shows at 1.30pm and 3.30pm. The castle also houses the Clan Sutherland Society Centre.

The Castle of Mey on the Northern coast of Caithness, which for many years was the summer retreat for the late Queen Mother, can easily be visited from Golspie. You can combine a visit to the castle with a trip to John O'Groats, the most northerly point on the UK mainland.

Other casltes in the area include: medieval Castle Sinclair at Girnigoe, Noss Head; Castle of Old Wick; Castle Varrich; Ardvreck Castle.

POTTERIES
Tain Pottery on the A9, just outside Tain itself, is well worth a visit. Visitors are welcome to wander round and watch the staff at work. The shop attached to the pottery has a wonderful selection if the ranges produced. Guests stayed at Granite Villa will recognise the Glenaldie pattern with its' thistles and tartan background which is in use in various forms throughout the house.

A day out to Ullapool or Lochinver on the west coast enables you to visit the Highland Stoneware Potteries.

Down at Fearn you can visit the Anta Pottery where as well as being able to buy Anta pottery and bags you can also take the opportunity to display your artistic skills painting you own mug. Worn out by your exertions you can then have a coffee and sample some home baking in the Pottery café.

DISTILLERIES
One of Scotland's most famous exports is Whisky and there are a number of distilleries in the area, which are open to visitors. The nearest to Golspie is Clynelish Distillery at Brora which is only six miles up the road. At Tain, only 20 minutes away by car, you can visit the world famous Glenmorangie Distillery. Also in the area are: Balblair at Edderton; Teaninich at Alness; Dalmore at Alness; Glen Ord at Muir of Ord; Pulteney in Wick; Tomatin in Inverness.