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Make Dornoch your first stop on your 2021 Highland adventure!

Dornoch- your time to explore awaits!

Winter nights are the perfect time to begin dreaming of Dornoch and your 2021 holiday. When you are planning your next Highland Adventure, why not make Dornoch your first stop?

The Highlands are known for a warm welcome 365 days a year, no matter when you travel if you are thinking Scottish Highlands – Dornoch is an absolute must!

Whatever outdoor pursuits you are into you will find something in or around Dornoch to try. Experience more during your visit and try canoeing with Go Wild Highlands or explore Dornoch and beyond on two wheels with Dornoch bike Hire, whilst experiencing a more relaxing way to get out and about.

Climb Ben Bhraggie Ben Bhraggie is a steep climb of around 5½ miles but well worth the effort as from the top, on a clear day, it is possible to see both the nearby east coast and the distant north coast.

The Falls of Shin are are beautiful water fall on the River Shin near Lairg. They are famed for the Salmon leaping and you are sure to get a sighting of this awe inspiring sight anytime from May to November.

Walks in and around Dornoch No holiday in Scotland would be complete without a walk to enjoy our scenery and wildlife. You can do it all from Dornoch – woodland walks, hill walking or a stroll along our beautiful beaches each one building lasting memories you’ll treasure.

Beach bagging

You've heard of Munro bagging, why not try beach bagging?! With so many spectacular beaches in the Northern Highlands you will be spoilt for choice. See how many you can see during your trip.

If you prefer to stay indoors then there are plenty of fantastic independent shops and cafes to keep you busy. You can even treat yourself to a massage in Aspen Spa at the Carnegie Courthouse. They also do specialist golf massages for anyone with sore muscles after a day on the world famous Royal Dornoch Golf Club.

Even if we remain socially distanced and with restrictions in place, Dornoch is open – to plan your trip why not check out our blog posts for ideas of things to DO in and around Dornoch?

  Post Source Here: Make Dornoch your first stop on your 2021 Highland adventure!

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Enjoy a Shopcation in Dornoch this Christmas

Skip the crowds and come to Dornoch for your Christmas shopping and enjoy a wonderful festive experience! Choose a shopcation instead of buying online and come a stay for a few days whilst you leisurely purchase your Christmas gifts here in Dornoch.

Avoid the crowds altogether and shop for all your Christmas presents locally in our gorgeous range of independent shops. Combine with some lunch in one of our many cafes and stop for an afternoon tea or hot chocolate break and make a day of it! See some ideas below for some great Christmas present shops.

We are so excited that on Saturday 5th December our popular Dornoch Community Christmas Market is taking place on the Cathedral Green! Pop down for a true festive feeling and buy some goodies for gifts and food over the Christmas period whilst soaking up the wonderful feeling of community that we have here in Dornoch.

With over 20 independent shops to choose from, Dornoch is an ideal location to find that unusual gift, piece of jewellery or special cashmere jumper.

Jail Dornoch combines its historical setting of old cells with contemporary design to display a range of luxurious clothing, country wear, exquisite gifts, jewellery, Scottish pottery and glassware. Becca Mac, a ladies’ and gents’ boutique with the very latest fashions.

Browse in the Dornoch Bookshop for your Christmas reading, pick up a tartan rug and a length of tweed at Kingcraig, or explore the Aladdin’s cave that is Simply The Best Fair Trade Gift & Toy Shop and its sister shop Outside the Box.

Mitchells Chemist  also stocks an extensive range of gifts including candles, makeup, scarves and designer handbags and purses including Kipling, Brakeburn and Oilily.

Dornoch Garden Centre is an ideal place to shop for the gardening enthusiast there is a great range of outdoor clothing and fishing tackle, DIY tools, plants, seeds, bird feeders and gardening equipment and don't forget to head down for your REAL christmas tree!

If you a buying for a golf fan then what better gift for a golfer than Royal Dornoch branded goods in the Royal Dornoch Pro Shop! The range includes golf balls, tees, hats, jumpers and tee shirts.

Treat yourself to a hair or nail treatment at Hair & Beauty in Dornoch or the luxury of a relaxing massage at Aspen Spa in the Carnegie Courthouse or alternatively purchase a voucher for a loved one? You can also get vouchers from Ultimuttly Groomed  and Go Wild Highlands.

These are just a few of the wonderful shops we have in Dornoch, take a look at the shopping section of our website for a full list of all our wonderful shops!

  For Article & More News Go Here: Enjoy a Shopcation in Dornoch this Christmas

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Dine out alfresco style in Dornoch!!

#dineindornoch

The newest Covid restrictions from the Scottish Government mean that our restaurants and hotels are unable to serve food and drink to non- residents inside after 6pm. This has forced our businesses to get inventive! The takeaway menus are back along with some coorie alfresco dining experiences. Grab a blanket and a cosy sweater and head down for a bite to eat in Dornoch!

During the next fortnight the business community has come together to share resources and enable you to Dine in Dornoch 'al fresco' at the Dornoch Castle Hotel and The Eagle. Other eateries have changed their offering to make the most of the restrictions including the Courtroom focussing on daily brunch and a brand new takeaway menu from The Coach House.

Coach House They are still be open during the day for food and non-alcoholic drinks with last orders for food at 4:30pm with takeaways available until 9pm.

The Eagle

The Dornoch Castle

The Courtroom The Courtroom are bringing back BRUNCH! They are open from 10 - 4pm Wednesday to Saturday (Brunch & Cakes 10:00 - 12:00) and Sunday (Brunch & Sunday Roast All Day!!)

Milk & Honey

Breakfast, Lunch, coffee & cake or takeaway, Milk & Honey have got you covered. They are open 9-4 Monday to Saturday and there is no need to book a table, just turn up and enjoy!

The Bookshop Coffee Wagon

For something abit different, why not pop to the new The Bookshop Coffee Wagon and enjoy your coffee on the go whilst you soak up beautiful Dornoch.

Takeaway

If alfresco dining isn't your thing, why not order a take away to enjoy in your accommodation? There are take away services available from Highland Spice, Dornoch Castle, The Eagle, Milk & Honey and The Coach House.

So please come and dine in Dornoch - we are ready to welcome you!

Read This Article & More Here: Dine out alfresco style in Dornoch!!

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Ten things to DO in Dornoch: Dogs

1) Ultimuttly Groomed.

Ultimuttly Groomed is a pamper parlor for your best friend, a professional dog grooming salon and spa in Dornoch. Amongst all the other services listed below, Ultimuttly Groomed now offer a great service to holiday makers; bring your dog along at the end of your stay for a bath to get the sand and dirt of before heading home. You can also pop along if your dog needs a freshen up during your stay.

Viki has been fully trained in all aspects of dog grooming including hand stripping, bath & brush, full grooms, puppy grooms, nail trimming, de-shedding and clipping. With only one dog being groomed at a time, Ultimuttly Groomed provides a luxury and calming experience for your VIP pooch. The salon is based in at 9 Brannen Terrace, IV25 3LQ

1) Dornoch and Embo Beaches

Dogs love our beaches! Miles and miles of golden sand to run on and gentle shallow water for a good swim! Both beaches are popular throughout the year. Walk up to the Dornoch point for views towards the Kyle of Sutherland or carry on north to Embo.

2) Camore and Skelbo Woods, Dornoch.

Skelbo woods have a fantastic circular route which takes you through pine woods and native deciduous woodland, over streams and past ancient ruins. It takes about an hour and is a perfect place for your dogs to have a good run!

Camore Woods has miles of well-maintained forestry paths for you and your canine friend to explore. Stroll though the native pinewoods and enjoy glimpses of the surrounding countryside and coastline.  You can walk to the woods from the centre of Dornoch for a five mile loop.

3) The Coach House Bar & Restaurant

The Coach House Bar & Restaurant overlooks the centre of Dornoch: the Cathedral, Castle and Jail. The bar menu includes their own Dornoch Farm Butcher burgers, Bannerman's of Tain scampi and all day breakfast. A three-course menu is available in the upstairs restaurant. The Sunday carvery is very popular and great value with 2 courses for £12.95. Dogs are welcome in the bar area, so why not pop into one of their regular live music nights and have a dance with your pooch!

4) Simply the Best Fair trade shop, Dornoch.

Simply the best sells a wonderful range of fairly traded, organic, ethically sourced and eco friendly gifts, clothes, jewellery and toys. Dogs are welcome to come and browse with you, and they even provide a water bowl and dog treats!

5) Mitchells Chemist, Dornoch.

Take your dog shopping in the chemist! Mitchell’s sell much more than you would expect a chemist to stock and are also home to the Post Office. There is a photo printing facility and they stock all beach essentials- suncream, hats and flip flops! Dogs are allowed in and there are also two dog loops outside if you would prefer to leave your dog to watch the world go by whilst you browse. Water bowl also provided.

7) Eagle Hotel, Dornoch

The Eagle is a friendly hotel in the centre of Dornoch. It welcomes non-residents to eat in its cosy restaurant area.

The Eagle’s menu includes authentic home cooked food and award-winning real ales. There is a lovely beer garden as well as tables outside on Castle Street. Dogs are welcome to join you outside, whilst you have a meal or a drink in the sun. Dog water bowl provided. (Due to staff with dog allergies, dogs are not allowed inside).

8) Historylinks Museum

Enjoy Dornoch's very own 5* museum and leave your dog safely secured outside. Water bowls are provided.

9) Dornoch Castle Hotel

The Dornoch Castle hotel is famed for its Whisky bar and fantastic locally sourced menu. Whether you want that special candle-lit dinner in the Garden Restaurant which overlooks the formal walled gardens, or a more informal meal in comfortable surroundings in front of the roaring log fire in the 11ft fireplace, which was formerly the Bishop’s kitchen in the 1500s, there is an excellent choice of dishes. If you want to bring your dog with you to experience the ambiance of the historic Castle Hotel, visit on a sunny day and enjoy your food in the wonderful walled garden where dogs are more than welcome to join you whilst you eat.

10) Royal Golf Hotel

Dogs are allowed to join their owners inside, if the bar is not too busy, please check on arrival.

Susanne Arbuckle from Adventures around Scotland visited Dornoch to test out how dog friendly it is. Here is her report to add to our top ten suggestions below.

Discover all of our dog-friendly accommodation on our website.

For More Information Go Here: Ten things to DO in Dornoch: Dogs

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Visiting Dornoch during Covid-19

Is it safe to go to Dornoch?  Is Dornoch open for business?  These are some of the many questions we have been asked through our Visit Dornoch Facebook Page and the answer is a big YES.  Dornoch is open for business and you can Dine, Dream and Discover safely in Dornoch, so why not visit us this winter?

As a small town in the Highlands of Scotland where tourism is our main business, we take our responsibility very seriously to keep our visitors, our community and our staff safe.  We spent a lot of time in lockdown learning about the cleaning protocols and carrying out risk assessments to make sure we were ready to welcome self-catering visitors on 3rd July and then to open all hospitality as regulations allowed.

We worked with our community to understand their concerns and developed the Dornoch Visitor Charter 2020 and businesses signed up for the ‘We’re Good to Go’ quality assurance scheme launched in June  – look out for the sign

We support the Scottish Government’s FACTS

Face covering must be worn in shops, and when moving around in cafes and restaurants

Avoid crowded places – come back later when there is no queue – book a table ahead of your visit!

Clean hands and surfaces regularly – use the hand sanitiser provided by all businesses

Two metres is the social distancing rule

Self-isolate and book a test if you have COVID 19 symptoms

When visiting Dornoch you may find some shops have a limit to how many can enter at one time, others may have markers on the floor to help show you how much distance to keep.  It is the little things that go a long way, and this is something that all of our businesses have got behind to ensure visitors, staff and locals feel safe at all times. You are always assured of a warm (but socially distanced) welcome!

  Protect Scotland

Visit Dornoch are proud ambassadors for the new test and protect app from the Scottish Government. We are encouraging everyone to simply download the Protect Scotland app and join us as we try to keep everyone safe on their staycation.  It takes two minutes and all you have to do is have the app on your phone, the Bluetooth does the rest for you and you will be notified if you have come in contact with anyone who has tested positive for Covid-19 within the last 14 days.

Visit Dornoch are taking all steps to ensure everyone is as safe as possible.  We are open for business and visitors are very welcome.   We understand it is a little different, but we are confident you will have the best time when discovering Dornoch – we look forward to sharing our wide open spaces and historic Highland town with you – so start planning your trip today!

  Email info@VisitDornoch.com  or message us on Facebook if you have any questions.

  #InItTogether

#discoverDornoch

  Read Full Article Here: Visiting Dornoch during Covid-19

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The year of staycations and remote working

Nearly half of the United Kingdom's 30 million employees have worked from home during the pandemic according to the country's statistics body, but has the novelty worn off? Most of us quite enjoyed being able to work from the safety and comfort of our own homes, but as we have been doing it for quite a while over the past months, it no longer gives you that warm cosy feeling of working in your slippers.

As 2020 has turned into the year of the Staycation, Dornoch has absolutely loved welcoming visitors from all over the UK.   It has continued to deliver its famous Highland hospitality while respecting social distancing.  The businesses have signed up to the ‘Good to Go’ quality assurance scheme so you can be sure that safety protocols are being followed to ensure your safety. If you are feeling a little low about the thought of working remotely or are perhaps planning your next Staycation, why not plan your next trip around where the Wi-Fi is!

By embracing the staycation trend and adhering to government guidelines you can still enjoy remote working while embracing the very best the Scottish Highlands has to offer in Dornoch!  As long as there is Wi-Fi you can have peace of mind that you can jump on that Zoom meeting or have the teams calls daily…just with a better view.

We are all adapting to the new normal but working from home might not be as exciting as it once was, especially with the winter months looming.  But imagine starting your day by looking over majestic landscapes and walking along the miles of unspoilt beach.  Clear your mind and lungs and get ready to enjoy working from your Highland home!  Dornoch is open, the season has extended, and this special Highland town is ready to provide that warm (socially distanced) welcome.  Dornoch has a historic town centre with cathedral, castle, jail & courthouse nestling round the green and a range of local cafes, restaurants and shops, so is the perfect base for you to explore when the work is done for the day.

A staycation in Dornoch will recharge your batteries and set you up for the winter, so check out the great range of wonderful holiday cottages and Scottish holiday lodges at VisitDornoch.com. It is important when booking your Staycation that you adhere to government guidelines and are aware of the latest information from the Scottish Government.

If you are ready to plan your next break in the Scottish Highlands, it’s time to Discover Dornoch!

Self-catering Scottish breaks

Bed and Breakfast Scotland

Highland Hotel Breaks

    Article Source Here: The year of staycations and remote working

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Ten things to DO in Dornoch: Winter

Top ten things to DO in Dornoch this Winter!

There is so much to DO in and around Dornoch! Take a look at our latest top ten list for some ideas of what to do when you next visit. Download the Discover Dornoch app to help you get the most out of your trip.

Shop Dornoch boasts over 20 independent shops! Why not do your Christmas shopping in a relaxed atmosphere without the crowds and the rush this year? Shop in Dornoch this festive season and support local businesses whilst enjoying a relaxed day out in our beautiful town.

Discover willdlife Discover the vast array of winter Highland wildlife. Spot seals and dolphins, flocks of geese and listen out for stags roaring!

Visit Loch Fleet Loch Fleet is a must see at all times of year. This tidal sea loch just up the coast from Embo is home to hundreds of seals and many breeds of sea bird as well as many other forms of sealife along it's shores. Catch it at low tide and watch the seals lazing on the sand banks before slipping off back into the water. Don't forget your binoculars!

Northern Lights Will you be lucky this year and spot the incredible Northern lights during your Highland stay? There are many opportunities to spy the 'Merrie Dancers' during the winter months in the far north.

Winter Golf Winter is the perfect time to come for a golfing break in Scotland! Visit us in Dornoch and enjoy the crisp sunny days on our work renowned golf course the Royal Dornoch!

Wild Swim It may seem like an odd time of year for a dip in the sea but there is a great tradition in Scotland called the Loony Dook where folk take a cold dip on New Year's day! Make sure you take your own refreshing Highland swim during your Highland winter break (and bring a wetsuit!!)

Explore by bike There are many places locally which can be explored by bike. From woods to quite country roads and more formal mountain bike trails. Why not hire a bike whilst you are here from Dornoch Bike Hire?

Whisky Tasting Although most more traditional Whisky tastings are on hold this year, you can still visit our very own world famous Dornoch Castle Whisky bar. You can enjoy a meal in their newly refurbished restaurant whilst sipping some very rare and special drams! Pop next door to the Carnegie Whisky Cellars and buy your very own bottle to take home.

Discover Sutherland's beaches Walk the deserted beaches of Sutherland and soak up the peace and tranquility that our beautiful coastline has to offer. The Northern Highlands has a huge array of beaches waiting to be explored: from the craggy and stony to miles of golden sands or small coves with white sand and turquoise seas- there are so many to choose from and they are all equally special in their own way. Of course our favourite beach is our very own award winning Dornoch beach with a very close second place being our neighbour Embo...... but as there are so many other glorious beaches to visit whilst you are visiting Dornoch!

Walk There are many places to walk in and around Dornoch. From a wander around the town to look at the historic architecture through to hill walking and of course a bracing stroll along the beach! Download the Discover Dornoch App and find a walk which suit you best or even challenge yourself to do all of our suggested walks during your stay!

We hope you enjoy your time here. We always love hearing about visitor's experiences of Dornoch so please get in touch on Social Media and share any photos using the hashtag #visitdornoch.

  Post Source Here: Ten things to DO in Dornoch: Winter

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Get started early with your Christmas shopping and shop local to avoid the crowds!

We know it is early to start thinking about Christmas but why not get ahead of the crowds and start shopping early this year? Better yet, avoid the crowds altogether and shop for all your Christmas presents locally in our gorgeous range of independent shops. Combine with some lunch in one of our many cafes and stop for an afternoon tea or hot chocolate break and make a day of it! See some ideas below for some great Christmas present shops.

Make your Christmas shopping a fun and pleasurable experience this year. Skip the crowds and come to Dornoch for a wonderful festive experience.

With over 20 independent shops to choose from, Dornoch is an ideal location to find that unusual gift, piece of jewellery or special cashmere jumper.

Jail Dornoch combines its historical setting of old cells with contemporary design to display a range of luxurious clothing, country wear, exquisite gifts, jewellery, Scottish pottery and glassware. New for 2019 is Becca Mac, a ladies’ and gents’ boutique with the very latest fashions.

Browse in the Dornoch Bookshop for your Christmas reading, pick up a tartan rug and a length of tweed at Kingcraig, or explore the Aladdin’s cave that is Simply The Best Fair Trade Gift & Toy Shop and its sister shop Outside the Box.

    Simply the Best and Outside the box

  Mitchell's Chemist

Mitchells Chemist is a family run community pharmacy. Alongside the usual facitilities you would expect in a pharmacy, Mitchell's chemist also stocks an extensive range of gifts including candles, makeup, scarves and designer handbags and purses including Kipling, Brakeburn and Oilily.

Dornoch Garden Centre

Dornoch Garden Centre and Tool Hire is located in the Retail Park. An ideal place to shop for the gardening enthusiast there is a great range of outdoor clothing and fishing tackle, DIY tools, plants, seeds, bird feeders and gardening equipment. They also have clothing from brands such as Crocs, Hoggs of Fife, Joules, Deerhunter, Muckboots and Jack Murphy and don't forget to head down for your REAL christmas tree!

Kingcraig Fabrics

For everything tweed and tartan,  Kingcraig fabrics is the place to go. They specialise in Scottish Woollen goods including travel rugs, scarves, bags, hats, tweed and tartan fabrics as well as luxury knitting yarns. They also have a range of beautiful cashmere goods and yarns. Get an extra special one-off gift made to your own specifications- cushions, curtains, bags and capes.

The Jail and Country Interiors

Dornoch Stores

Barn Owl Bothy

The Carnegie Whisky Cellars

Royal Dornoch Golf Pro Shop

What better gift for a golfer than Royal Dornoch branded goods in the Pro’s Shop including golf balls, tees, hats, jumpers and tee shirts.

  Why not treat yourself to a hair or nail treatment at Hair & Beauty in Dornoch or the luxury of a relaxing massage at Aspen Spa in the Carnegie Courthouse or alternatively purchase a voucher for a loved one? You can also get vouchers from Ultimuttly Groomed  and Go Wild Highlands.

These are just a few of the wonderful shops we have in Dornoch, take a look at the shopping section of our website for a full list of all our wonderful shops!

  Original Post Here: Get started early with your Christmas shopping and shop local to avoid the crowds!

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Visit Dornoch Photographic Competition

Join Visit Dornoch in our ‘Dornoch for a Day’ Photograph competition by showing us your favourite photographs taken in Dornoch.   We want to show the world what this small town on the edge of the Dornoch Firth has to offer; beautiful landscapes, historic castles, fresh local food and so much more.

With £350 worth of prizes and the chance to have your photograph or video seen by thousands across the country, it’s an opportunity not to be missed!

1st Prize: £200 Voucher for Ffordes Photography Equipment

2 x Runner up prizes of £75 for a voucher at your choice of retailer.

This is a photographic competition that is open to everyone and all areas of photography; stills or video.

You can enter photographs or videos you have taken of landscapes, people, objects or buildings, in fact, anything that you feel sums up the spirit of beautiful Dornoch in Winter. It’s easy and fun to enter by simply sharing them on Facebook or Instagram with #dornochinwinter. Please just ensure your images or videos are made public.

The competition will be judged by Visit Scotland, and you can enter as many times as you like so get that camera or phone out.

Competition Closing Date: 12.00pm GMT 2nd November 2020

Click here to view full terms and conditions of the Visit Dornoch Photographic Competition

Source Here: Visit Dornoch Photographic Competition

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The Perfect Antidote to Winter is a Coorie Holiday in Dornoch

As summer comes to a close and the trees are starting to lose their leaves, it’s a sign that Winter is on its way.   Usually this is a time when we like to hunker down at home, but here in Dornoch we have the perfect Antidote to winter….Coorie (Scottish term ‘to snuggle, nestle’).

Coorie is the cosiest solution to those rainy days and dark mornings. Just like the Danish term Hygge, Coorie is about making the most of the shorter days and enjoying the magic of winter. Dornoch is the perfect place to embrace Coorie, the new Scottish lifestyle trend.

Here in Dornoch it’s the perfect environment to embrace the outdoors, with its miles of unspoilt beaches, spectacular hills and being surrounded by nature - it gives us a feeling of wellness. But after hours of exploration, you can look forward to finding yourself in a wee cosy pub or enjoying home baking and a warming coffee after a bracing walk, or just spending quality time with your loved ones in a highland cottage.

Many of us missed out on our usual summer holiday but perhaps this is the opportunity to try something different for your winter break and embrace the outdoors.   Whilst winter in Dornoch can be wild and rugged you may be surprised to know that we have around the same rainfall as London.  This makes it the perfect place for exploring a rich variety of history, wildlife, culture and stunning scenery which will capture your imagination.  Whilst back in the town our friendly locals love nothing more than to share their local knowledge and produce.   Dornoch town has many cosy highland hideaways to choose from, and with several local pubs to enjoy a Whisky by a roaring fire after a day on the hills, it’s the perfect end to any day in Dornoch.

So, if you love beautiful landscapes, friendly locals, independent shops and a region that is rich in history and nature, winter is a glorious time to visit Dornoch.

Originally Published Here: The Perfect Antidote to Winter is a Coorie Holiday in Dornoch

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A day out in Dornoch this Autumn

Whether you are a local, here on holiday or just passing through on the North Coast 500, Dornoch is the perfect place for a day out.

Below are 4 itineraries of things to do to fill these beautiful bright Autumn days in Dornoch.

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Itinerary #1

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Start the day with breakfast in the The Courtroom Dornoch. Choose from their fantastic menu and sit back and admire the court scene mural, browse the newspapers provided and review the Carnegie memorabilia. Wander up Castle Street to Dornoch Stores to get yourself some tasty treats. The store offers a full range of food and drink including fruit, vegetables, meat, game, fish, cheese and dairy products. They focus upon local Highland and Scottish produce and have a fantastic range to choose from the make the perfect picnic!

Head down to Dornoch Beach and spread a rug on the sand or choose from one of the benches to enjoy your lunch on. If you have children, make the most of the new playpark which is situated next to the beach. After lunch take a leisurely walk along the golden sands towards Embo. Stop to paddle in the shallows or explore the rock pools.

For your evening meal, book a table at The Eagle Dornoch. The Eagle serves some great locally sourced and wholesome pub grub as well as a wide range of real ales and more than fifty Malt whiskies available for you to try, a few of which are locally distilled. It has a great atmosphere and is the perfect place to get ‘the craic’ with the staff and other guests. The Eagle also has rooms if you are looking for a bed for the night.

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Itinerary #2

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Start the day with a nail treatment at Dornoch Hair and Beauty which is situated in St Gilbert Street in the centre of Dornoch. They have a range of treatments available- what a wonderful way to start your day out! For those amongst you who don’t enjoy having your nails done, why not treat your dog instead?! Make an appointment to see Vicki at Ultimuttly Groomed– she specialises in all aspects of dog grooming including hand stripping, bath & brush, full grooms, nail trimming, and clipping and can provide a luxurious experience for your VIP pooch. Then pop across to the Barn Owl Bothy to browse their wonderful range of arts and crafts which have been made by local designers and makers.

The Coach House Bar and Restaurant (formerly the Dornoch Inn) offers an extensive Bar Menu including Dornoch Farm Butcher burgers, steak pie, Bannermans of Tain scampi, all day breakfast, toasties and sandwiches. Their restaurant menu includes starters such as ham hoche terrine, haggis tower, crab cakes, pork spare ribs and breaded brie wedges.

Time for a walk to blow away the cobwebs after lunch! Dornoch is rich in history and a very good introduction is to follow the Historylinks Trail, available from Historylinks Museum. This walking tour starts and ends at the museum and takes in many interesting sites around the town.

After your walk pop into some of our independent shops. Jail Dornoch is the perfect place to start. Situated in the centre of the town, it is a wonderful, historic building- Sutherland’s 19th century jail. In 2000 it was completely transformed into a unique shop selling clothing, accessories, arts and gifts. Just over the road is the Jail’s sister shop, Country Interiors, which is an Aladdin’s cave of beautiful decorative objects, gifts, soft furnishings and furniture.

Once you’ve spent the afternoon shopping it’s time to relax over dinner. The Dornoch Castle Hotel’s Garden Restaurant overlooks  the formal walled gardens and is the perfect place to end your day in Dornoch. They have maintained an AA Rosette status for six years running and use locally sourced produce to highlight all that Scottish cuisine has to offer. Enjoy a whisky after your meal in the world famous Whisky Bar and be sure to try the Thompson Brother’s Gin which is distilled on site in the Dornoch Distillery. If you are looking for a bed for the night after your day out then The Dornoch Castle is a wonderful place to spend a night in the Highlands.

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Itinerary #3

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Start your day by exploring Dornoch’s high street; the perfect place to take a wander on a sunny Autumn day. It’s picturesque and historical centre was shortlisted in 2016 for the Great British High Street Awards and has many hidden delights ready to explore. Look out for the renowned Dornoch Bookshop which has an incredible range of books including Scottish, Travel, Biography, Fiction, Crime and Cookery sections aswell as an acclaimed children’s corner.

After lunch visit the relaxing Aspen Spa which is based in the Carnegie Courthouse in the centre of the town.Treat yourself to one of their luxury face, body, massage, nail or grooming treatments. Their shop has a range of gorgeous products as well as a health, home spa & beauty products and gifts vouchers. Complete your afternoon of relaxation by booking onto a Whisky or Gin tasting at the award- winning Carnegie Whisky Cellars. Whether you are a novice wanting an introduction or a connoisseur, the tasting experience in the original Dornoch Courthouse Record Room with its atmospheric vaulted ceiling and with walls lined with exclusive bottles of malt whisky will be an experience to remember.

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Itinerary #4

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Wake up early and head along the old railway line towards Embo. During this walk you will pass through woodland, fields and beaches and walk alongside the world-famous Royal Dornoch Golf Course.  Before lunch do a spot of shopping in Simply the Best Fairtrade Shop which sells an incredible range of fair trade gifts and food. Dogs are welcome and so if you have been walking with your dog you can take them in to browse with you!

For lunch go to Harry Gow’s. They have quiches, sandwiches and other savoury treats as well as ice cream and fantastic sweets and cakes. Everything is made fresh on site and there is wifi so you can catch up on emails whilst you eat. Afterwards head to Kingcraig fabrics to take a look at their Scottish Woollen goods which include travel rugs, scarves, bags, hats, tweed and tartan fabrics as well as luxury knitting yarns. Why not buy something unique and order a cushion, curtain, bag or cape in your choice of fabric.

It is definitely time for tea and at Links House you can experience an Afternoon Tea that is extra special. Sandwiches and savouries, homemade cakes and mini desserts surrounded by the charm, grace and elegance of one of the world’s finest small hotels. You can also buy gift vouchers if you would like to treat a friend.

End your day by booking a bespoke tour around the local area with Dornoch Private Hire (DPH) Sit back and enjoy the views in comfort in one of their luxury vehicles.

For accommodation options check out the Visit Dornoch website.

Learn More Here: A day out in Dornoch this Autumn

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Eat Out To Help Out

Eat Out To Help Out in Dornoch this August!

From 3 to 31 August, get a 50% discount when you eat in at restaurants that are registered with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.

50% discount on food or non-alcoholic drinks (up to a maximum of £10 discount per diner)

every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday between 3 and 31 August

as many times as you like

Below is a list of establishments in Dornoch who are registered to the scheme.

Royal Dornoch Hotel and Apartments

The Coach House Bar and Restaurant

  Article Source Here: Eat Out To Help Out

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Dornoch is Good To Go and looking forward to welcoming you back!

It has been a strange few months for everyone and it is a relief to see tourists back in our beautiful town. If you are planning your trip, take a look for the 'We're good to go' logo to see which businesses are ready to welcome visitors.

Please remember to respect local communities when you visit and stick to covid guidelines at all times. Investigate where amenities are ahead of time and tread lightly, leaving wild areas as you find them and taking all rubbish away with you.

"The ‘We’re Good To Go’ industry standard and supporting mark mean businesses across all sectors of the tourism industry in Scotland can demonstrate that they're adhering to the respective government and public health guidance, and have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment to check they have the required processes and protocols in place." Visit Scotland

Take a look at the Visit Scotland virtual event which is a platform for highland businesses to declare when they are 'Good to Go'! Show your support for the Scottish tourism industry by clicking on the 'going' button on the event and keep an eye on the posts if you are planning a trip to find out what businesses are Good to Go!

thanks to @cams_point_of_view and @joepenrose for the photos used in this blog post

Originally Published Here: Dornoch is Good To Go and looking forward to welcoming you back!

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Enjoy some LONG Summer nights in Dornoch

Here in Dornoch our summer days are longer than the rest of the UK, giving you plenty of time to do more during your short break.

Daylight hours during the height of the summer are longer because of the Dornoch's latitude, but the extended daylight hours don't end in June! They are a real end of summer/early autumn treat with the evenings not closing in until October! So you can enjoy this extra light right through until the early Autumn months.

Whenever you are planning your break in Dornoch, you are sure to find just the right kind of accomodation for you. With something for everyone's style and budget.

Stay a while in luxurious Links House, characterful Dornoch Castle or any of the town’s welcoming and comfortable hotels, guest houses and Bed & Breakfasts. Dornoch is recognised as a Worldhost Destination, awarded for the quality of its customer care, so when you come to Dornoch, look out for the Worldhost logo and enjoy a really special welcome.

Golfers flock to the Royal Golf Hotel, a handsome building built of Dornoch’s golden, local sandstone overlooking the 1st tee of Royal Dornoch’s Championship course and with long vistas across the links and Dornoch Firth.

For a lively pub with rooms, The Eagle Hotel on Castle St is perfectly positioned in town and is CAMRA’s Caithness and Sutherland pub of the year.

Book now and start planning your Highland brea.

Find the warmest of welcomes at Dornoch

Read This Article & More Here: Enjoy some LONG Summer nights in Dornoch

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Plan a winter break to see the Northern lights!

People across the Highlands are treated to spectacular shows of the Northern lights regularly during the Autumn and winter months. Come and see the skies in Dornoch and the surrounding area ablaze with colour. The best time to see the ‘Mirrie Dancers’ during your holiday in Scotland  is when the nights are long and nights are clear, so it's a perfect excuse for a late winter break in the Highlands!

See the Visit Scotland website for more information about the Aurora in Scotland. www.visitscotland.com

See our accommodation page for places to stay when you are planning your Scottish holiday. www.visitdornoch.com/stay-a-while

Photos courtesy of Alasdair Dickson

    Read This Article & More Here: Plan a winter break to see the Northern lights!

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Ten Things to DO in Dornoch: Beaches

The Northern Highlands has a huge array of beaches waiting to be explored: from the craggy and stony to miles of golden sands or small coves with white sand and turquoise seas- there are so many to choose from and they are all equally special in their own way. Of course our favourite beach is our very own award winning Dornoch beach with a very close second place being our neighbour Embo...... but as there are so many other glorious beaches to visit whilst you are visiting Dornoch, we thought we would make a top ten list of our favourites! This is by no means an exhaustive list but is a good place to start if you are looking for plenty of time on the beach during your holiday.

Dornoch

Dornoch’s safe, Blue Flag beach, is ideal for families with its gentle shallows, sheltering dunes and miles of golden sands. Perfect for paddling and swimming on warm summer days. Throughout the year it is popular for walkers taking a gentle stroll or carrying on north to Embo. The beach is popular with dog walkers all year round. A crisp winter’s morning  on Dornoch beach is unforgettable and at any time of year it will be possible to collect shells, spot sea birds and possibly see seals and even occasionally dolphins playing in the firth. There is car parking at the beach close to a children’s playground and toilets.

Embo

Embo beach is number one for rock-pooling in the whole area and has the added bonus of having Embo's its very own holiday park, “Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame” sited right next to it. After you have had a morning on the beach you can make use of the facilities there which are open to the public including a swimming pool, tennis courts, crazy golf and much more. There is also a bar, restaurant, live entertainment, a convenience store and takeaway.

Golspie

Golspie beach runs along the coast behind the main shops and cafes of the village of Golspie. Why not take the coastal path from Golspie through to Brora which winds through small harbours, sandy beaches, passes the iron age broch at Strathsteven and the magnificent Dunrobin Castle. The walk is 6¾ miles along easy coastal path and beach. Make the use of the train for the return leg of the journey! (Not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs.)

Old Shore More

The second most northerly beach on the west coast of Scotland, this stunning beach is very quiet and well off the beaten track. It is well known for its special wildflowers and has some fantastic rocks to explore or jump off of! The small car park and campsite is signposted from the minor road beyond Kinlochbervie.

Achmelvich

A stunning beach of white sand which is part of a collection of beaches nestled amongst the rocky bays and headlands. Look out for the small "Hermit's Castle" built of concrete on a headland in 1950- an architectural oddity that is now abandoned. Achmelvich is well known for looking more like the carribean that Scotland with brilliant white sand and turquoise seas. A safe place to take a swim in the sea and it is easy to spend a whole day here. Luckily it is only a few miles from Lochinver so you can easily pop by for dinner afterwards!

Clachtoll

Just a few miles north of Achmelvich lies a beautiful, unspoilt beach called Clachtoll. It is a great place to combine with a trip to Achmelvich as you can conceivably see them both in a day before returning to Dornoch.

Ardmair

A stony little beach to the north of Ullapool, this is a fantastic little beach with wonderful views across to the Summer Isles. Great for making towers out of the pebbles or catching crabs off of the pier.

Durness

Long stretches of white sand, miles of sand dunes and stunning cliffs... there are actually multiple beaches in Durness so make sure you manage to explore them all!

Melness

Just to the west of the village of tongue is the hamlet of Melness. The beaches are clean and child friendly with rocks to climb on and plenty of golden sand to play on. The views out to sea are spectacular. Well worth a visit.

Portmahomack

Slightly closer to home is the quaint little village of Portmahomack just outside of Tain. With it's museum, lighthouse and harbour it is a bustling community and has a lovely cosy feeling about it on warm summer afternoons. The beach by the harbour runs along the main street so it is easy to grab an ice cream or a picnic and hop straight down to enjoy it on the sand. You look straight over the firth from here to Dornoch, so this beach really does have one of the best views around! There is a second beach at Tarbat Ness up by the lighthouse. This is stonier but equally as charming and is know locally as a great spot for dolphin sightings.

  www.visitdornoch.com

  For More Information Go Here: Ten Things to DO in Dornoch: Beaches

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Visit Dornoch’s June Newsletter

Take a look at our June Newsletter for an update on Dornoch as it reopens to visitors over the next few weeks!

For More Information Go Here: Visit Dornoch’s June Newsletter