Sutherland Central
Central Sutherland has a wild, untamed beauty, its landscape punctuated by rivers, waterfalls and cairns. Its crystal clear waters are teeming with wildlife, including trout, seals and otters, and visitors travel for miles to witness the fantastic leaping salmon at the Falls of Shin and Cassley Falls.
There are endless walks taking in expansive views across land and sea. The village of Lairg sits at the heart of Central Sutherland, informally known as ‘The Crossroads of the North’. Unlike most Sutherland settlements, it sits away from the coast in the centre of the county, surrounded by lush green hills and snowcapped mountains. Lairg has a long history of agriculture that continues to this day, hosting the largest sheep sale in Europe and popular annual events such as the Crofters Show and Gala.
Top three reasons to move to Sutherland Central:
Tranquillity
This is truly one of the most peaceful and scenic areas of Scotland.
Adventurers’ Paradise
Get out on foot and explore the expansive forests, dramatic waterfalls and peaceful walks around the area, spotting a huge array of wildlife as you go.
Close-knit Community
The area has been populated for thousands of years, and retains a gentle pace of life with a strong sense of community spirit.
Discover our regions
Bonar Bridge is another gem, situated where the Dornoch Firth becomes the Kyle of Sutherland. Bonar was the main fording point for the Kyle, with three historic bridges built over the last two centuries. The nearby parish of Rogart has an equally interesting history, with Pittentrail Railway Station dating back to 1868 and the historic site of the Rogart Mart now hosting a lively market and community space. Rogart has a strong connection to Canada, having once been home to the grandparents of its first Prime Minister, Sir John A MacDonald. Unusually, the parish still hosts many traditional working crofts, passed down through generations.
A more surprising VIP connection is to the legendary French fashion designer Coco Chanel, who decorated the spectacular Rosehall Estate for the 2nd Duke of Westminster in the 1920s.
Central Sutherland is the perfect base for exploring the beautiful walks and scenery of the county, offering a rural idyll and a warm welcome.
Lairg
Known as the “Crossroads of the North Highlands,” Lairg is a welcoming village in the heart of Central Sutherland. Set along the shores of the dramatic Loch Shin, Lairg offers a tranquil base with sweeping views, peaceful woodland walks, and access to some of the most scenic inland landscapes in the region. Though small in size, the village has a strong sense of identity and purpose, acting as a key hub for rural life.
Lairg is well-served with amenities including a primary school, post office, shops, restaurants, a petrol station, and a railway station on the Far North Line. The village hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, most notably the Lairg Crofters Show, one of the largest one-day agricultural shows in the Highlands and the last of these events to be held in mainland Scotland. This long-standing tradition brings together locals and visitors for livestock judging, music, competitions, and a celebration of rural heritage.
Popular with walkers, cyclists, and anglers, Lairg is also a gateway to the wild beauty of the Flow Country and Ben Klibreck, with countless lochs and trails to explore nearby. The community is active and inclusive, with a number of local community groups and a strong emphasis on outdoor living, conservation, and culture. It’s a brilliant choice for those looking for authentic Highland life with a spirit of togetherness.
Rogart
Tucked in a sheltered glen between hills and moorland, Rogart is a charming village in Central Sutherland with strong crofting roots and a friendly community spirit. It’s well connected by the Far North Line and A839, offering easy access to Dornoch, Golspie, and Lairg, while still enjoying the peace and pace of country life.
Rogart is a sociable village with a much-loved primary school, village hall, shop, garage with petrol pumps and local pub. The community punches above its weight, hosting annual events like the Rogart Gala and the Rogart Mart, a community initiative which holds a busy calendar of local craft markets, concerts and other community events for all ages. The local hall offers regular ceilidhs, whist nights, sporting activities and a vibrant community hub.
Outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled for choice, with stunning walking, mountain biking, and fishing opportunities right on the doorstep. Local trails wind through forests and moorland, while nearby Loch Brora and Ben Armine offer adventurous days out.
Bonar Bridge & Ardgay
Bonar Bridge and Ardgay are two closely linked Highland villages nestled on the Kyle of Sutherland, offering peace, a warm welcome, and full of local character. Though small in size, both offer everything you need for daily life, including a local shop, post office, medical centre, and a primary school, a takeaway, butchers, and even a bike repair shop. There are also friendly cafes, a handful of independent businesses and a 9-hole golf course.
The villages are surrounded by natural beauty, with the River Carron and River Oykel close by, offering opportunities for fishing, walking and wildlife watching. There’s easy access to forest trails and hill walks, and the nearby Dornoch Firth and surrounding glens are ideal for weekend exploring.
Bonar Bridge and Ardgay are well-connected by train and road, making it easy to travel to Inverness or further north. The local community is active, with clubs, events and gatherings taking place throughout the year — from ceilidhs and markets to walking groups and sports activities — making it easy to get involved and feel part of village life. The Kyle of Sutherland Hub ensures that everyone can be included in activities, whether it be craft workshops for adults or kids’ soft play groups for young people. The Hub can be used as an anchor for all ages to engage with the community.
For those seeking a quieter pace without losing the comforts of a close-knit community, Bonar Bridge and Ardgay offer a warm Highland welcome, and a lifestyle rooted in nature, connection and local pride.
Rosehall
Rosehall is a small, close-knit village nestled beside the River Cassley in the heart of Sutherland. Surrounded by forests, rivers, and trails, it offers a peaceful, nature-rich lifestyle with a strong sense of community. Despite its size, Rosehall has a welcoming café known for live music nights, a lively pub, a primary school, and an active community centre. Locals and visitors alike enjoy Cassley Falls and the Rosehall Trails, perfect for walking, fishing, or spotting wildlife.
Community life is quiet yet connected, with ceilidhs, family events, and seasonal gatherings bringing people together. Though remote, Rosehall is within easy reach of Bonar Bridge, Ardgay, and Lairg for wider services and transport. For those seeking space, creativity, and calm in a naturally beautiful setting, Rosehall offers a grounded, fulfilling way of Highland living.
Lairg and Bonar Bridge are the main population bases, with around 800 residents each at the last census. The remaining villages have small communities of a few hundred each.
The public sector is the largest employer, with high demand for carers, medical professionals and teachers. Tourism is a growth industry, attracting people from all around the world to discover the rural charm of Sutherland. The area also retains some working crofts and a strong agricultural tradition.
There are primary schools in Lairg, Bonar Bridge, Rogart, Rosehall and Ardgay, all within the catchment area for the secondary school in Golspie. Further and higher education is available virtually via the University of the Highlands and Islands, with the nearest campuses located in Thurso, Dingwall and Inverness.
There is a mix of characterful country cottages and attractive town houses in the main villages, with prices generally being below the Scottish national average.
Central Sutherland has rail services via the Far North Line and is served by a local bus network. It’s also easily accessible by road, with Lairg situated on the A836.
The Lawson Memorial in nearby Golspie is a community hospital offering audiology, community maternity, care at home, day surgery, minor injuries clinic and occupational therapy, together with a range of clinics. Virtual consultations are also available via the NHS Near Me facility. The regional district hospital, Raigmore, is just 30 miles south, in Inverness. The wider Sutherland area is well served by GPs, dentists and opticians.
Immerse yourself in the area’s natural beauty and find your new favourite hobby.
Living Wall, Kyle of Sutherland Hub
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