Sutherland East Coast
The county of Sutherland is one of the most spectacular landscapes in Scotland, offering an unrivalled quality of life to the people lucky enough to call it home. The east coast hosts a number of atmospheric towns and a scattering of small fishing communities each with their own distinct character. If you love picture-perfect beaches, award-winning golf courses and jaw-dropping history, East Sutherland is an ideal choice.
Dornoch is the largest town, arranged around its striking 13th century Cathedral and boasting a Blue Flag beach, five-star museum and a golf course that’s ranked top five in the world. Further north up the coast lies Golspie, nestled at the foot of Ben Bhraggie and overlooked by the fairytale Dunrobin Castle. The dramatic scenery continues in neighbouring Brora, surrounded by lochs and hills teeming with wildlife, flora and fauna. The salmon fishing is world famous, and visitors can also spot seals, dolphins, porpoises and a huge variety of birdlife from the rocky beach and harbour.
Top three reasons to move to Sutherland East Coast:
The great outdoors
Bracing hikes up Ben Bhraggie, dramatic waterfalls, sweeping golden sands and peaceful woodland walks, there’s no shortage of fresh air and scenery. Or for a rush of adrenaline, there’s surfing, horse riding and a huge range of watersports on your doorstep.
A warm welcome
A place where you know your neighbours and enjoy a safe and welcoming community spirit. Annual events like the summer Galas and Highland Games celebrate all the richness of life in the Highlands.
Booming tourist industry
The North Coast 500 has shone a light on the gems of the north, from historic landmarks such as Dunrobin Castle to world-class golf courses and distilleries. The result is growing visitor numbers and a thriving hospitality sector, providing diverse job opportunities or fertile ground for a new business venture.
Discover our regions
East Sutherland is an area steeped in history, its land punctuated by ancient cathedrals, castles and brochs. The turbulent times of the Highland Clearances have left their mark, and are remembered in numerous local walking trails, statues and award-winning museums.
Today, the area has a number of small, welcoming communities, including many people who have escaped the rat race for a more relaxed and peaceful way of life.
Dornoch
You can’t talk about Dornoch without mentioning the world-famous Royal Dornoch Golf Club. Golf has been played on these historic links for nearly 400 years, and it’s still a big part of the town’s identity today, bringing visitors from all over the world.
But there’s so much more to this charming Highland town than golf. Dornoch has everything you’d need for day-to-day life, including a supermarket, post office, cafés, restaurants, independent shops, and a medical centre. It’s a great place for families too, with early years provision and both primary and secondary schools right in the town.
With its historic cathedral, castle, and attractive town square, Dornoch has real character—but it’s also a friendly, forward-looking community. For those who love the outdoors, there are miles of unspoiled beaches, peaceful coastal walks, and plenty of space for wild swimming, paddleboarding and soaking up the sea air.
The community here is active and welcoming, with arts and music events, local markets, and clubs that make it easy to get involved and feel at home.
Golspie
Golspie is a welcoming coastal village that offers a great mix of amenities, green space, and opportunities for active living. It has strong sense of community and well-developed local infrastructure and a lovely place to call home.
You’ll find everything you need day to day, including a small supermarket, pharmacy, health centre, bank, post office, great places to eat, and a variety of independent shops. Families are well supported too, with both Golspie Primary School and Golspie High School in the village, and a good range of early years and childcare options. There’s also a train station with services connecting to Inverness and the far north.
If you enjoy the outdoors, Golspie is a real gem. Ben Bhraggie offers a rewarding hillwalk with sweeping views across the coast, while the Highland Wildcat mountain bike trails are a favourite for thrill-seekers. Walkers love the Big Burn path—a short but spectacular route through a wooded gorge, complete with footbridges and a waterfall. There’s also Golspie Beach, ideal for paddling, swimming, and water sports, along with a local golf course, swimming pool, and a wide range of clubs and activities for all ages.
Helmsdale
Helmsdale is a creative, close-knit village on the east coast of Sutherland, surrounded by dramatic landscapes and a strong sense of heritage. Though small, it punches above its weight in terms of amenities and community spirit. Helmsdale is a great place for anyone with an interest in arts, culture, and the outdoors. Timespan Museum and Arts Centre is a hub for local events and learning, and there are active local groups covering everything from history to horticulture.
The village has a primary school and nursery, a medical centre, post office, grocery shop, places to eat and a train station with services connecting to Inverness and the far north.
The population of East Sutherland and neighbouring Edderton was around 8,000 at the last census, with the main villages of Dornoch, Golspie and Brora each having around 1,300 residents. The remaining population is scattered across small villages dotting the coast.
The NHS and Highland Council are the main employers in the area, with vacancies across departments and particular demand for health and social care workers, social workers and teachers. There is also a strong tourism industry with constant vacancies for seasonal and permanent workers.
There are primary schools in all the main villages of East Sutherland and secondary schools in Golspie and Dornoch. 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 an excellent variety of housing available in East Sutherland, from modern new builds to quaint cottages and historic townhouses. Prices are generally below the national average, allowing easier access to the property ladder.
East Sutherland is on the main A9 road north of Inverness, and also enjoys frequent train and bus services.
The Lawson Memorial Hospital in 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 nearest General Hospital is approximately a one hour drive north in Caithness, and the regional district hospital is located in Inverness. The county is well served by GPs, dentists and opticians.
Chase epic waves and crisp swells. Make town your next surf fix in region. 20-25 words can go here
Ceilidh in full swing! Photo by Ewen Pryde
Embrace the warm community spirit of the North Nighlands
