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Perched on the east coast of the Northern Highlands, overlooking the Moray Firth just north of the village of Golspie, Dunrobin Castle is a true Highland gem.
As one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited houses, it dates back to the early 1300s and has been home to the Earls—and later the Dukes—of Sutherland for centuries.
Visitors can explore its stunning formal gardens, enjoy majestic falconry displays, and relax in the charming tea room, where hearty homemade soups and freshly prepared sandwiches are served daily.
Caption, Location
Living near the Flow Country means being neighbours with one of the planet’s most important natural landscapes. With its unique ecosystem of mosses, bog pools and rare wildlife, the Flow Country is not only a natural wonder, but a globally significant environmental treasure, and something we are incredibly proud of in the North Highlands.
Covering around 4,000 square kilometres, this vast peatland landscape is rich in biodiversity and plays a crucial role in tackling climate change.
The Flow Country is the most intact and extensive blanket bog system in the world, stretching across Caithness and Sutherland in the far north of Scotland.
In July 2024, the Flow Country was officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the first in the world to be recognised specifically for its peatlands.
Living in the Highlands means having access to magical places like Smoo Cave in Durness.
It maybe one of the most popular places to visit on the NC500, but it’s a favourite for locals too. Smoo Cave is one of the largest sea caves in the UK, with a dramatic waterfall and accessible inner chambers.
A spectacular hand-cut stairway of 365 steps carved into the sea cliffs south of Wick, leading to a sheltered natural harbour and breathtaking views.
Descending this staircase will transport you back in time, to the footsteps of the “herring girls”, hardy women played an important role in the lives of fishing towns in Scotland and England, travelling from port to port following fleets of boats to prepare fish for export.
Fancy a trip over the Pentland Firth? It’s easy to hop on a ferry from Scrabster to the seaport of Stromness with its picturesque winding streets and explore our neighbouring Orkney Islands.
Soak up the culture and visit world-renowned historical sites like Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, and the Standing Stones of Stenness.
Alternatively, catch a ferry from Gills Bay to St Margaret’s Hope and head to the vibrant town of Kirkwall. Browse independent gift shops and galleries, enjoy a coffee in a cosy café, explore local whisky distilleries, and don’t miss the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral – best bit, with quick, frequent crossings you can be home in time for supper!
The North Highlands are a treasure trove of archaeological sites and ancient structures, spanning thousands of years of human history.
From early Mesolithic and Neolithic settlements to Iron Age strongholds, and later military and industrial remains, the landscape is layered with stories of those who came before.
Caithness, in particular, is renowned for its Iron Age brochs, circular stone towers found in greater concentration here than anywhere else in Scotland. These prehistoric monuments remain some of the most impressive features of Scottish archaeology, and we think that’s something worth celebrating.
North Coast 500 Landmarks
The NC500 route brings you past iconic stops like Duncansby Stacks, Ardvreck Castle, Loch Eriboll, and more. Even off the main road, hidden gems and dramatic landscapes await around every bend.
Castle of Mey
Once the beloved summer home of the late Queen Mother, the Castle of Mey near John O’Groats is an immaculately preserved castle with stunning gardens and views over the Pentland Firth.
The castle is open seasonally, and visitors can enjoy the tearoom and gift shop, meet the animals, or wander in the grounds and gardens and enjoy scenic views across the Pentland Firth to Hoy, the nearest of the Orkney Islands.
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