Situation

The Royal Burgh of Dornoch is a historic town centred around its ancient cathedral and is most renowned for its Championship Golf Course which is only a short distance away. Dornoch is ideally placed for outdoor activities and the area is famed for its beautiful coastline, dry climate and quality of life. The Dornoch Firth is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is home to a wide variety of wildlife including widgeon, graylag geese, mallard, teal and whooper swans. As well as being popular with golfers the area attracts walkers and cyclists and there is first class shooting, stalking and salmon fishing available on nearby estates and rivers. The town itself has a good range of shops and services including a health centre as well as a primary school, Academy and University of Highlands and Islands facility including courses for golf and also catering management. For a more comprehensive range of shops and services, Inverness is only 42 miles away. There is a train station in Tain and mainline services run daily from Inverness to London and the South. The Dornoch Castle Hotel is situated in the centre of Dornoch, directly opposite the well-known Cathedral, where in 2000 pop star Madonna had her son Rocco christened the day after marrying Guy Ritchie. The hotel is ideally positioned being walking distance from the The Royal Dornoch Championship Golf Course, which attracts thousands of golfers from around the world. Being just off from the main A9 road it is easily accessible from Inverness and the airport, which has direct links to London Gatwick and Amsterdam amongst others, plus a mainline rail station. There is also a small airstrip at Dornoch where helicopters and small aircraft can land.

Historical Note

Dornoch Castle was built around 1500 as the home of the Bishops of Caithness. Bishop Robert Stewart gifted the castle to John Gordon, 11th Earl of Sutherland in 1557. In 1570 the castle was set alight in a feud between the McKays and Murrays. The rebuilding which followed included the addition of the upper part of the tower. The castle decayed during the 18th century, but was restored in 1813–1814 to serve as a school and jail. In 1859-60 it became a court house, and was made the headquarters of the Sheriff of Sutherland. Further alterations were made around 1880, including the heightening of the south-west block, and the addition of a three- storey east tower. Following the restoration the castle became a hunting lodge for visiting sportsmen. In 1947 it became a hotel. The castle is a category B listed building.

Travel Directions From Inverness take the A9 North .Proceed across the Dornoch Firth bridge and after 3 miles take the exit on the right signposted Dornoch. Continue into the village and the Castle Hotel is found opposite the Cathedral.