Scottish Highlands Explorer | Caithness Accommodation ~ Activity ~ Attraction ~ Shopping ~ Travel BIG skies, rugged cliffs, spectacular sea-stacks, mysterious moors, long summer nights... these are just some of the natural features that give Caithness its special appeal. These are the Lowlands beyond the Highlands, a county described by its most famous literary son, Neil Gunn, as “that land of exquisite lights”. As well as wide-open spaces you’ll find a warm welcome in this historic, geographically diverse triangle in the top right-hand corner of the British mainland, hemmed in on its northern and eastern coasts by the sea in all its moods. The vast interior of the far north contains the famous Flow Country, with its internationally important birds and plants, while there’s plenty to see and do in the bustling towns of Wick and Thurso and the pleasant villages scattered across the county. One of these villages, John O’Groats, is renowned far and wide as the starting or finishing point of “end to end” journeys to or from Land’s End – although the most northerly point on the British mainland is in fact a few miles further west, at Dunnet Head.

Lovers of fresh air and exercise can enjoy any number of country outings – a highlight being the rough coastal path near John O’Groats that gives stunning views of the jagged Stacks of Duncansby. On the other hand, it doesn’t take very long to stroll the length of Ebenezer Place in Wick... at just 6ft 9in it is officially the shortest street in the world! Sites such as the Camster Cairns, the standing stones of Achavanich, Yarrows Archaeological Trail and the Hill o’ Many Stanes provide a fascinating insight into our ancient past. Ornithologists visiting Caithness will be in their element, while the mainly flat landscape makes it ideal for cycling holidays. Golf, horse-riding and world-class surfing add to the range of outdoor activities. To the north, across the turbulent waters of the Pentland Firth, lie the Orkney islands; to the south and west is the more mountainous county of Sutherland. The distinctive nature of the physical environment is matched by the county’s cultural heritage. For centuries Caithness was ruled by Vikings, and the Norse influence can still be detected in many local place-names.

The county itself was known as Katanes, or “headland of the Cats” – a reference to a Pictish tribe called the Kati, or Cat People. Until the early 19th century there was no proper road into Caithness; its trade links were all by sea. In the 1800s Wick established itself as Europe’s principal herring-fishing port as upwards of a thousand boats set sail in search of the “silver darlings” of the North Sea. That same century saw the rapid rise of quarrying as a major local industry, with hard-wearing flagstones being shipped out of Caithness to pave the streets of cities all around the globe. The area’s harbours are rather quieter these days but Caithness has a well-earned claim to fame for the other kind of fishing; salmon angling is available on several rivers, and there are countless lochs that attract dedicated trout fishers year after year. Meanwhile, some of the best sea-angling grounds off the British coastline are in Caithness waters.

There are regular sailings to Orkney by passenger ferry from John O’Groats and by vehicle ferry from Scrabster and Gills Bay, while sightseeing cruises are available along the coast near Wick and also in the John O’Groats area. Although generally flat, the county does have some notable hills, such as Morven and Scaraben. The central area between Wick and Thurso contains some of the finest farming land in the north. The best of the area’s livestock is on display every summer at the various agricultural shows, the centrepiece being the County Show in July, alternating between venues in Wick and Scrabster. The summer months also see fun-filled galas in the towns and villages. Considering the relatively small population of the county – around 26,000 – there’s an impressive range of visitor attractions, some of which are listed here: The Castle and Gardens of Mey: The much-loved holiday home of the late Queen Mother is regarded as the jewel in the crown of Caithness tourism.

Her Majesty turned a dilapidated stronghold into a royal retreat that she visited annually for half a century until her death at the age of 101 in 2002, and now it has become one of northern Scotland’s biggest visitor attractions. “From my first sight of the Castle of Mey I fell in love with this district,” the Queen Mother once said. Tours of the castle and gardens are hugely popular, and the quality of the visitor experience has been enhanced further by the addition of a purpose-built tearoom and gift shop and the opening of an animal centre featuring unusual breeds. The Prince of Wales (officially known as the Duke of Rothesay when in Scotland) has been a regular visitor to the castle since 2002 and it is clear that he feels a strong attachment to the county his grandmother adored so much. Caithness Horizons: A superb attraction showcasing the rich heritage, wildlife and ecology of this distinctive county. Located in the restored Thurso Town Hall and Carnegie library, this outstanding facility houses a museum, interactive exhibitions and displays along with a café.

Forming part of the entrance to Caithness Horizons are the Skinnet and Ulbster standing stones, which reveal significant Pictish carvings following two years’ intensive restoration in Edinburgh. The social history of Caithness is brought to life by a series of interactive film clips. The story of Dounreay – the atomic site that dominated the economic development of Caithness from the 1950s onwards – is also featured. Wick Heritage Centre: An award-winning museum telling the story of Wick’s rise to prominence as a major herring port. It’s a veritable treasure trove of local heritage, run by volunteers from the Wick Society. Special features include a lighthouse dating back to the mid-1800s which is still in working order and the much-admired Johnston photographic collection – representing the work of three generations and four photographers from the same local family. Dunbeath Heritage Centre: A focal point for the rich culture and heritage of the Dunbeath area, concentrating on the life and works of locally-born author Neil Gunn. The centre, operated by Dunbeath Preservation Trust, is located in the former school building where Gunn was a pupil over a century ago.

It has recently been extended and now has an exhibition area showcasing archaeological artefacts. Other features include two innovative floor-maps: one based on the Dunbeath Water, immortalised in Gunn’s book Highland River, and another laid out in stone in the shape of an Iron Age “wag”. Mary-Ann’s Cottage: A small homestead with outbuildings, run by Caithness Heritage Trust, situated a few miles from Dunnet Head. The cottage was built in the middle of the 19th century and was occupied by members of one family, the Youngs. It remains as an almost perfect example of the way in which crofters lived and worked before mechanisation. Visitors are given a guided tour and are told about Mary-Ann Calder (née Young) and her family. Waterlines: Telling the story of Lybster’s rapid rise to become one of Scotland’s foremost herring ports. This attractive east coast village was planned 200 years ago by an enterprising local laird. By the late 1830s Lybster was the third largest port in the country (after Wick and Fraserburgh), with 101 boats fishing out of its harbour.

• Caithness Broch Centre: Opening in the summer of 2009 at Auckengill, on the Wick/John O’Groats road, the centre explores the rich archaeological landscape of the far north. The county has an abundance of brochs – large stone towers built over 2000 years ago – as well as chambered cairns and stone circles. An innovative display highlights the prehistory of the area. Castlehill Heritage Centre: Find out about the heyday of the Castlehill flagstone trade and many other aspects of local life at this centre located in a former farm steading and dairy. It is operated by Castletown Heritage Society, a community group committed to preserving the character, history and traditions of the village of Castletown and the parish of Olrig. Clan Gunn Heritage Centre: Located in the 18th-century Old Parish Church of Latheron, this museum tells the compelling story of a proud Scottish clan descended from the Vikings. Laidhay Croft Museum: This charming heritage centre, located in a typical “longhouse” croft building, celebrates rural life in days gone by.

Pulteney Distillery Visitor Centre: The home of the multi-award-winning local whisky, Old Pulteney, known as “the maritime malt”. Thurso - Wikishire Thurso Thurso from the hill at Mountpleasant Location Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross Thurso is a town on the north coast of Caithness , the county's only town apart from Wick . Thurso has a population of approximately 9,000 residents (2001 census). Thurso is the most northerly town on the mainland of Great Britain , sitting on the north coast and looking out to the Orkney Islands. It is situated at the northern terminus of the A9 road, the main road linking Caithness with the rest of the country. It lies 20 miles west of John o' Groats and 21 miles northwest of Wick, the closest town. At latitude 59 degrees north, Thurso lies as far north as the Alaskan state capital of Juneau and as the city of Stavanger in Norway. Stavanger lies 332 miles to the east across the North Sea.

The closest point on the Norwegian coast is 309 miles away. Thurso railway station is the most northerly location served by Britain's rail network, linking Thurso directly with Wick, the county town of Caithness, and with Inverness,on the Far North Line Contents The town Thurso's name derives from Old Norse Þórsá [1] , and meaning 'Bull's water' [2] or perhaps "Thor's river". The River Thurso flows through the town and into Thurso Bay and the Pentland Firth . The river estuary serves as a small harbour. Thurso has a fine harbour and beach and looks out over the Pentland Firth to the Orkney island of Hoy and the famous towering Old Man of Hoy ; a stack of rock standing out from the main island and visible from Thurso on a clear day. Thurso has a small museum, several hotels and bars, a surf shop / café and a large skatepark. A plant making lithium-ion batteries for the MOD is on the west side of the town, which, along with the Dounreay Nuclear power station, provides a high level of employment in Caithness.

The town also has a full range of shops. The North Highland College of the UHI Millennium Institute in Thurso offers courses from subjects as diverse as nuclear decommissioning, hairdressing, gamekeeping and golf management. Thurso is a major area for surfing, and has a regular surfing championships leg on the UK Tour. Thurso is within the Parish of Thurso, adjoining the parishes of Olrig and Bower to the east, Halkirk to the south, and Reay to the west. The remaining boundary to the north is the rolling Atalantic Ocean, the coastline stretching from Crosskirk Bay in the west to the Haven in Dunnet Bay in the east. Thurso is also the name of the viscountcy held by the Sinclair family in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. The present Viscount Thurso is also the local Member of Parliament. St Peter's Church St Peter's Church stands near the harbour. Its main window is carved from a single piece of stone and is thought to be the largest of its type in the world.

Distances The distances form Thurso to other towns on UK road network: Inverness (nearest city) - 110 miles Old St Peter's (closed in 1832) Free Church of Scotland [2] Scottish Episcpal Church [3] United Reformed Church: Thurso URC [ History Thurso's history stretches back to at least the era of Norse Orkney rule in Caithness, which ended conclusively in 1266. The town was an important Norse port, and has a later history of trade with ports throughout northern Europe until the 19th century. In 1330 Scotland’s standard unit of weight was brought in line with that of Thurso at the decree of King David II, a measure of the town’s economic importance. Old St Peter's Kirk is said to date from circa 1220 and the time of Caithness Bishop Gilbert Murray, who died in 1245. Much of the town, however, is a planned 19th-century development.

A major expansion occurred in the mid-20th century when the Dounreay Nuclear power station was established at Dounreay , 9 miles to the west of the town. Within a period of about five years, Thurso's population expanded rapidly, from around 2,500 to about 12,000 between 1955-58, as the nuclear plant attracted skilled migrants from all parts of the United Kingdom . By 1960, it dropped back to around 9,000, after a lot of the initial Dounreay construction crew left the area. Economy The port of Scrabster lies north of the town, about 1½ miles to the west of the estuary of the River Thurso, it is now the 2nd largest whitefish harbour in Scotland. Scrabster has deep water in the shelter of Holborn Head. The harbour includes a berth for the MV Hamnavoe, a roll-on/roll-off ferry linking the mainland with Stromness on Orkney. There is also a large fishmart and the local lifeboat is stationed there too.

Dounreay remains the largest single employer in Thurso and Caithness as a whole and should remain so for the next few years as the facility is run-down and eventually decommissioned. On 12 January 2010, approval was granted for the Baillie wind farm near Thurso which will feature 21 turbines and supply 52.5MW, enough for 25,000 homes [3] . The original proposal was for 57.5MW [4] . Inverness to Thurso & Wick train journey | VisitScotland Inverness to Thurso & Wick train journey Outdoors Add to basket Remove from basket Plus Minus Add to trip planner Remove from trip planner Inverness to Thurso & Wick by rail Scotland’s far north frontier has been drawing travellers for generations. Its remote and unspoiled landscape possesses a haunting beauty and serene atmosphere that is quite unlike anywhere else in the modern world. The journey you take to get there on the Far North Line , however, promises just as many adventures and spellbinding scenery as its destination. With the unlimited Spirit of Scotland Travelpass , accessing this mysterious part of the country has never been easier.

Simply sit back, relax, and watch as the dramatic terrain of the Highlands unfolds before your very eyes, hoping on and off at any stop along the way for a memorable detour. Why not take your time and make a three-day trip of it? Everything from whisky distilleries and golf courses to tiny towns and romantic castles are waiting for you. Visit Friends of the Far North Line for maps, timetables and more helpful information. Transport 160 Route Along the Far North train line from Inverness to Thurso and Wick, passing through the northern Highlands and along the Moray Firth coast. Highlights Dramatic Highland scenery, whisky distilleries, golf courses, delightful villages and romantic castles. Areas Covered overview Dingwall & Invergordon No sooner have you stepped aboard the train at Inverness Rail Station , than you find yourself sweeping along the southern bank of the Beauly Firth - the source of the River Beauly - just one of the great salmon-fishing rivers which rush through the delightful landscape that makes up part of the route from Inverness to Invershin. The first-stop the train calls at is the charming village of Beauly which offers a pleasant day out.

But why not consider breaking up this initial stage of the journey further afield? Hop off at the lovely market town of Dingwall at the the head of the Cromarty Firth before continuing on to Invergordon , the mural town of the Highlands. Miles Stop 2 Dingwall As far back as the arrival of the Vikings in Scotland in 800AD, Dingwall has been an important place in the Highlands. Its fortunate position at the head of the Cromarty Firth has seen it prosper as a result of the North Sea oil boom. In spite of these industrial trappings however, Dingwall retains the feel and look of quaint market borough, thanks in no small part to its attractive High Street lined with red-sandstone buildings harbouring an abundance of excellent cafés and shops. Look out for the town's most striking monument, the tolbooth which boasts a tower dating back to 1730, and enjoy a spot of lunch at The Mallard , the green-painted pub located on the station's main platform. At this point in the journey, there is the option to take the Kyle Line towards Kyle of Lochalsh, the last stop on the way to Skye .

Find Out More Invergordon You are now well on your way into Sutherland country, with Caithness lying beyond, when you disembark at Invergordon, a former naval base which now serves as a port for many of the large cruise liners which bring tourists to the Highlands from the sea. Here you can admire the artistic outpourings of a local collective called 'Invergordon off the Wall' who have turned the town into an outdoor art gallery. On the side of 17 buildings you'll find large, bright and beautifully realised murals which illustrate the social and industrial heritage of the town. After taking a wander, why not catch the short bus journey three miles west to Alness (you could also hop back on a train heading in the opposite direction to the preceding stop) and visit Dalmore Distillery which has produced its superlative single-malt whisky here since 1839. If you feel like skipping a visit to Dalmore don't worry. There is another at Tain, home to the Glenmorangie , and another at Balbair .

overview Tain to Dunrobin Castle From here the rail line begins to approach the coast, heading along the Dornoch Firth as far as Culrain and across the Kyle of Sutherland, before returning inland again through endless expanses of rolling farmland. At the last moment, the line veers east again to meet the North Sea. This part of the route is lined with a number of rural stations, all ripe for exploration. The first up is Tain , Scotland's oldest Royal Burgh set on the south shore of the Dornoch Firth, followed Culrain, Rogart, and finally, Dunrobin Castle . Here, in one of the most secluded stretches of of the land, lies a surplus of attractions and activities, from scandalous castles and invigorating games of golf to accessible walks through untouched wilderness. Miles Dunrobin Castle, Golspie © Paul Tomkins Explore Stop Stop 4 Tain As scenic as it is historic, Tain is perhaps most renowned for its 18-hole links golf course designed by Tom Morris, and Glenmorangie Distillery .

Aside from these attractions, the town's splendid 19th century architecture including the Tain Tolbooth and Royal Hotel, not to mention St Duthac's Church, make it a joy to explore. Plenty more lies beyond the Dornoch Firth. Cross it to see Dornoch's 13th century cathedral and tee-off on Royal Dornoch championship course . Find Out More Culrain Next up is Culrain, a tiny settlement where the sense of a slower pace of life is palpable. Just outside the main part of the village is the west entrance to the delightful Carbisdale Woods, from which there are lovely views of the Kyle of Sutherland, as well as the Dornoch Firth. If you fancy exploring more of Sutherland on foot, Culrain is an ideal starting point. There is a leisurely footpath which crosses into the Kyle of Sutherland via a footbridge to Invershin, where there are bus services available to and from Lairg, Bonar Bridge, Ardgay and Tain. A little further ahead of Culrain to the west is another hamlet called Hilton.

From there you can walk or cycle via forest tracks to Ardgay and into the delightful Strathcarron. Find Out More Rogart At first glance you might be tempted to give the little albeit pretty village of Rogart a miss. But then you would be depriving yourself of a visit to neighbouring Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve and Balblair Wood . A haven for all kinds of indigenous species from deer to pine martens, take the circular walk hugging the shoreline, inhaling the fragrant Scots pine-scented air while gazing at distant mountain views. If you're after something something a little different and fancy a true taste of seclusion, why not book a night or two at Sleeperzzz , a first-class train carriage that has been converted into a family-friendly hostel? Many more shy creatures can also be found in the enchanted Balblair Wood among shady glades, and clearings carpeted with wildflowers and berries. It also offers a playground for mountain bikers to explore with two waymarked cycle paths which scale lofty heights, make thrilling descents, and are filled with plenty of twists and turns.

Dunrobin Castle Dunrobin Castle Station takes its name from the grandiose home of the Dukes of Sutherland. Aside from being the country's wealthiest aristocrat, the 3rd Duke was a confirmed train fanatic, and it was he who personally financed the extension of the Far North Line as far west as Lairg, the heart of what was Sutherland's profitable sheep-farming industry. The magnificent Dunrobin Castle is the largest house in the Highlands. Crowned with a myriad of fairytale towers and turrets, Dunrobin is unique in that it resembles a vast French château rather than the baronial stronghold typical of the Highlands. Its lavishly furnnished interior, sprawling formal gardens, and grounds which stretch as far as the sea, are nothing short of breathtaking. overview Helmsdale to Wick During the third and final stage of our journey, we zip along to Helmsdale, and into a part of the Highlands known as Flow Country, a vast expanse of peaty bogland. This landscape - seemingly absent from human habitation - is in fact home to an extremely precious peatland ecoystem unique in the world, and which is fiercely guarded by the RSPB.

Pause at Kildonan, the site of Scotland's 19th century gold rush, the RSPB reserve at Forsinard, and for a true taste of isolation, Altnabreac. Upon reaching Georgemas Junction there are two choices: head directly north to Thurso, perhaps even continuing onwards to the Orkney Isles via ferry; or to our final destination, Wick. Miles Stop 5 Helmsdale This old herring port with its white-washed housed clustered against the hills has to be one of the most picturesque stops on the rail line. But its pretty façade belies its sad history. Dating from the 1800s it was built to accommodate inland settlers forcibly evicted from their homes to make way for sheep farming during the Highland Clearances. The Emigrants Statue looking out to sea is a poigniant memorial to this painful period in Scottish history. Other attractions include The Timespan Museum and Arts Centre which shines a light on the history of the village and surrounding area and houses exhibitions by local and visiting artists. And if you've packed your rod and tackle, now is the moment to test waters of the River Helmsdale .

Find Out More Kildonan The next stop along from Helmsdale, Kildonan, is where you can experience one of the more unusual pastimes of the Highlands, gold-panning. The owners of the Suisgill Estate kindly invite visitors to try their hand at sifting through the sediment of the Kildoran Burn at Baile-An-O for the chance to claim a gleaming nugget or two. Gold panning equipment is available to hire or buy from Strath Ullie Crafts & Visitor Information by the Harbour, Helmsdale. Find Out More Forsinard Stop off at the remote Forsinard to visit RSPB Forsinard Flows in summer when this protected boggy peatland comes alive with breeding golden plovers, hen harriers and greenshank, buzzing insects and flourishing plantlife. There are even guided bog walks available. Check with the Visitor Centre at the station ahead of time for details. Find Out More Thurso Thurso is the most northerly town in mainland Scotland and home to its most northerly railway station.

Perched on the north coast of Caithness, its view extends to the cliffs of Dunnet Head, the Isle of Hoy, and at least one Orcadian isle on a clear day. Usually thought of as a gateway to other places rather than a destination in its own right, Thurso has plenty to offer inquisitive visitors. Not least Caithness Horizons , a sleek, modern museum and cultural centre housed inside what was originally Thurso Town Hall and the Carnegie Library. The magnificent Pictish stones on display are worth the entrance fee alone. Find Out More Wick Finally we arrive at the bustling harbour town of Wick. In some ways reminiscent of a minature Aberdeen , the main of focus of Wick remains its fishing industry. it even boasts it own airport! Wandering the characterful streets, Wick's ornate, sturdy buildings recall a medley of influences and time periods, and you can immerse yourself fully in its history at the Wick Heritage Centre in Pultneytown - its sister town located south across the river. But that's not before calling in at one last distillery, Old Pulteney .

Street pastors plan for Wick and Thurso | John O'Groat Journal | News Tweet Street pastors plan for Wick and Thurso A street pastor at work in Inverness. The scheme could be rolled out to Caithness if it is felt there is a need for it. Photo: Alasdair Allen / SPP. VOLUNTEERS who patrol the streets at closing time in Britain’s major cities may soon be heading to Caithness. Street pastors are being considered for Thurso and Wick after the Ascension Trust (Scotland) received a grant of £4182 to assist it in expansion plans to introduce the initiative to 16 new communities in Scotland. However, there has been a mixed response to the proposal from local clergy who, while they support the initiative generally, question whether it is needed in Caithness. The charity trains volunteers to patrol town centres on Friday and Saturday nights talking to people and providing a calming presence in a bid to quash any trouble and make the areas safer. Churches in the county have held talks with the trust about organising a street pastor initiative locally.

If successful, it is hoped that the scheme could be running at the beginning of next year, when four street pastors at any one time could patrol the streets at weekends and at some of the county’s big events. Ascension Trust director the Rev Sandy Bain served at St Andrew’s Church in Wick between 1967 and 1973. He said that there is growing support for the initiative to be introduced in the Far North and has received the backing of Northern Constabulary. “We have spoken to a small group of people who are very keen to introduce street pastors in Thurso and Wick,” he said. “It requires a number of different congregations of different denominations agreeing to provide the background of support. “We would require at least a dozen volunteers to get the project started along with the support of the police, which we know we already have. The patrols are there to help people who may have had too much to drink and need a taxi to get home, or if people get into an argument the pastors are there to provide a calming influence.

“If the project gets off the ground we would begin a trial period by attending special events and if successful we would continue to roll it out from there.” Although they are largely supported by churches, organisers stress that they are not for looking for vulnerable people to convert to Christianity. The pastors’ role is to make themselves available to listen to people and offer support. Currently there are 412 trained street pastors in Scotland based in 13 towns and cities across Scotland, including Inverness. Caithness presbytery clerk Ronnie Johnstone said that while the presbytery is unable to comment at this time, he personally would welcome any discussions about the possibility of introducing the scheme to the Far North. “The initiative was discussed a few years ago in Thurso but it was branded of dubious value,” he explained. “The situation in bigger towns across the country arises from people coming from all over and getting into terrible states. “In these places I think there is a need for roles such as street pastors, but I’m unsure if this is the case in Caithness. “Very often those who are at the forefront of this are of an evangelical persuasion and use it as a conversion opportunity, which may miss the point of what they are there for.

“I know that the police are quite supportive of the initiative as a means of assistance. I don’t oppose the scheme, but I’m not sure it is something I would campaign for. But I am willing to be persuaded if there is a need for it.” The Rev John Nugent, of St Fergus Church in Wick, said that he has seen how well the scheme has worked in other areas of the country. “It has certainly worked in cities and has been very effective,” he said. “I would be supportive of the initiative, although I am unsure that a scheme is needed in towns such as Thurso and Wick. “If it gets up and running we would be broadly supportive of it and offer any assistance we could.” Scottish Highlands Explorer | Caithness Accommodation ~ Activity ~ Attraction ~ Restaurant ~ Shopping ~ Travel BIG skies, rugged cliffs, spectacular sea-stacks, mysterious moors, long summer nights... these are just some of the natural features that give Caithness its special appeal. These are the Lowlands beyond the Highlands, a county described by its most famous literary son, Neil Gunn, as “that land of exquisite lights”.

As well as wide-open spaces you’ll find a warm welcome in this historic, geographically diverse triangle in the top right-hand corner of the British mainland, hemmed in on its northern and eastern coasts by the sea in all its moods. The vast interior of the far north contains the famous Flow Country, with its internationally important birds and plants, while there’s plenty to see and do in the bustling towns of Wick and Thurso and the pleasant villages scattered across the county. One of these villages, John O’Groats, is renowned far and wide as the starting or finishing point of “end to end” journeys to or from Land’s End – although the most northerly point on the British mainland is in fact a few miles further west, at Dunnet Head. Lovers of fresh air and exercise can enjoy any number of country outings – a highlight being the rough coastal path near John O’Groats that gives stunning views of the jagged Stacks of Duncansby. On the other hand, it doesn’t take very long to stroll the length of Ebenezer Place in Wick... at just 6ft 9in it is officially the shortest street in the world!

Sites such as the Camster Cairns, the standing stones of Achavanich, Yarrows Archaeological Trail and the Hill o’ Many Stanes provide a fascinating insight into our ancient past. Ornithologists visiting Caithness will be in their element, while the mainly flat landscape makes it ideal for cycling holidays. Golf, horse-riding and world-class surfing add to the range of outdoor activities. To the north, across the turbulent waters of the Pentland Firth, lie the Orkney islands; to the south and west is the more mountainous county of Sutherland. The distinctive nature of the physical environment is matched by the county’s cultural heritage. For centuries Caithness was ruled by Vikings, and the Norse influence can still be detected in many local place-names. The county itself was known as Katanes, or “headland of the Cats” – a reference to a Pictish tribe called the Kati, or Cat People. Until the early 19th century there was no proper road into Caithness; its trade links were all by sea.

In the 1800s Wick established itself as Europe’s principal herring-fishing port as upwards of a thousand boats set sail in search of the “silver darlings” of the North Sea. That same century saw the rapid rise of quarrying as a major local industry, with hard-wearing flagstones being shipped out of Caithness to pave the streets of cities all around the globe. The area’s harbours are rather quieter these days but Caithness has a well-earned claim to fame for the other kind of fishing; salmon angling is available on several rivers, and there are countless lochs that attract dedicated trout fishers year after year. Meanwhile, some of the best sea-angling grounds off the British coastline are in Caithness waters. There are regular sailings to Orkney by passenger ferry from John O’Groats and by vehicle ferry from Scrabster and Gills Bay, while sightseeing cruises are available along the coast near Wick and also in the John O’Groats area. Although generally flat, the county does have some notable hills, such as Morven and Scaraben. The central area between Wick and Thurso contains some of the finest farming land in the north.

The best of the area’s livestock is on display every summer at the various agricultural shows, the centrepiece being the County Show in July, alternating between venues in Wick and Scrabster. The summer months also see fun-filled galas in the towns and villages. Considering the relatively small population of the county – around 26,000 – there’s an impressive range of visitor attractions, some of which are listed here: The Castle and Gardens of Mey: The much-loved holiday home of the late Queen Mother is regarded as the jewel in the crown of Caithness tourism. Her Majesty turned a dilapidated stronghold into a royal retreat that she visited annually for half a century until her death at the age of 101 in 2002, and now it has become one of northern Scotland’s biggest visitor attractions. “From my first sight of the Castle of Mey I fell in love with this district,” the Queen Mother once said. Tours of the castle and gardens are hugely popular, and the quality of the visitor experience has been enhanced further by the addition of a purpose-built tearoom and gift shop and the opening of an animal centre featuring unusual breeds.

The Prince of Wales (officially known as the Duke of Rothesay when in Scotland) has been a regular visitor to the castle since 2002 and it is clear that he feels a strong attachment to the county his grandmother adored so much. Caithness Horizons: A superb attraction showcasing the rich heritage, wildlife and ecology of this distinctive county. Located in the restored Thurso Town Hall and Carnegie library, this outstanding facility houses a museum, interactive exhibitions and displays along with a café. Forming part of the entrance to Caithness Horizons are the Skinnet and Ulbster standing stones, which reveal significant Pictish carvings following two years’ intensive restoration in Edinburgh. The social history of Caithness is brought to life by a series of interactive film clips. The story of Dounreay – the atomic site that dominated the economic development of Caithness from the 1950s onwards – is also featured. Wick Heritage Centre: An award-winning museum telling the story of Wick’s rise to prominence as a major herring port. It’s a veritable treasure trove of local heritage, run by volunteers from the Wick Society.

Special features include a lighthouse dating back to the mid-1800s which is still in working order and the much-admired Johnston photographic collection – representing the work of three generations and four photographers from the same local family. Dunbeath Heritage Centre: A focal point for the rich culture and heritage of the Dunbeath area, concentrating on the life and works of locally-born author Neil Gunn. The centre, operated by Dunbeath Preservation Trust, is located in the former school building where Gunn was a pupil over a century ago. It has recently been extended and now has an exhibition area showcasing archaeological artefacts. Other features include two innovative floor-maps: one based on the Dunbeath Water, immortalised in Gunn’s book Highland River, and another laid out in stone in the shape of an Iron Age “wag”. Mary-Ann’s Cottage: A small homestead with outbuildings, run by Caithness Heritage Trust, situated a few miles from Dunnet Head. The cottage was built in the middle of the 19th century and was occupied by members of one family, the Youngs. It remains as an almost perfect example of the way in which crofters lived and worked before mechanisation.

Visitors are given a guided tour and are told about Mary-Ann Calder (née Young) and her family. Waterlines: Telling the story of Lybster’s rapid rise to become one of Scotland’s foremost herring ports. This attractive east coast village was planned 200 years ago by an enterprising local laird. By the late 1830s Lybster was the third largest port in the country (after Wick and Fraserburgh), with 101 boats fishing out of its harbour. • Caithness Broch Centre: Opening in the summer of 2009 at Auckengill, on the Wick/John O’Groats road, the centre explores the rich archaeological landscape of the far north. The county has an abundance of brochs – large stone towers built over 2000 years ago – as well as chambered cairns and stone circles. An innovative display highlights the prehistory of the area. Castlehill Heritage Centre: Find out about the heyday of the Castlehill flagstone trade and many other aspects of local life at this centre located in a former farm steading and dairy.

It is operated by Castletown Heritage Society, a community group committed to preserving the character, history and traditions of the village of Castletown and the parish of Olrig. Clan Gunn Heritage Centre: Located in the 18th-century Old Parish Church of Latheron, this museum tells the compelling story of a proud Scottish clan descended from the Vikings. Laidhay Croft Museum: This delightful heritage centre, located in a typical “longhouse” croft building, celebrates rural life in days gone by. Pulteney Distillery Visitor Centre: The home of the multi-award-winning local whisky, Old Pulteney, known as “the maritime malt”. Thurso Feature Page on Undiscovered Scotland St Peter's & St Andrew's Church seen from Sir John's Square Thurso is mainland Scotland's most northerly town, and home to the country's most northerly railway station. Located on the north coast of Caithness, its seaward views are dominated by the distant cliffs of Dunnet Head to the north east, and those of the island of Hoy, one of the Orkney Islands, to the north.

Modern Thurso tends to be seen as a stepping stone en route to somewhere else rather than as a destination in its own right, although in recent years the sometimes turbulent seas of the Pentland Firth have led to the town becoming an unlikely focus for fans of surfing from all over the world. Thurso has long been a gateway to Orkney, with the best established of the ferry routes to Orkney, the car ferry to Stromness, leaving from the harbour at Scrabster, a mile and a half to the north west. Thurso is also a point of departure for those embarking on the best scenic route Scotland has to offer, the 140 miles taking in the north and west coasts via Durness to Ullapool. In the 1970s this route comprised sometimes tortuous single track roads the whole way and included a ferry crossing (or a 100 mile detour along more single track roads) at Kylesku. The arrival of the Kylesku Bridge and many stretches of road wide enough to boast white lines down the middle have made the far north west much more accessible.

But the utterly superb scenery the area has to offer remains: and there also remain some stretches of single track road to add interest to the trip, especially around Durness. If you are intending to go this way, make sure you have filled up with fuel before heading west from Thurso. Thurso's origins are revealed in its name, which comes from the Old Norse for Bull's River. The Vikings were well established here from as early as the 900s, using the river mouth as a port and a fishing base. After Caithness became more securely part of Scotland in medieval times, Thurso continued to grow around its fishing and trade, in a triangular area formed by the River Thurso to the south east and the shore of Thurso Bay to the north. This area is still known as Old Thurso or the old town. Not a great deal remains of medieval Old Thurso except for the roofless Old St Peter's Church. Parts of this date back to the early 1100s and it seems to have been expanded and altered at various points over the next seven centuries before being abandoned in 1832.

After a period of closure, Old St Peter's Church and the surrounding churchyard are again open to the public, and are well worth a visit. Nearby Shore Street is very picturesque, and Thurso's seafront is well worth exploring. From here you can see the rather sad remains of Thurso Castle on the eastern side of the river mouth. On the site of earlier castles dating back to the 1100s, this was largely replaced by a grand Scots Baronial mansion in the 1870s. It caught fire and was subsequently partly demolished in 1952. Elsewhere in the old town is a fine example of how an outstanding visitor attraction can be created, in the form of Caithness Horizons, a modern museum housed in the old Town Hall and Carnegie Library. This brings together what were previously three separate collections under one roof and is a "must see" for anyone in northern Caithness. If you follow the pedestrianised High Street and Rotterdam Street south west from Caithness Horizons you move into Thurso's new town. This was created in the years from 1798 by Sir John Sinclair of Ulbster, using wide streets laid out on a regular grid.

This grid remains in place today. At its heart is what is now known as Sir John's Square, in which you find a statue of Sir John Sinclair. This is slightly eclipsed by the impressive war memorial at the south east or lower end of the square. The upper end of the square is filled by the Gothic splendour of St Peter's and St Andrew's Church. This was completed in 1832 by the architect William Burn, at which point Old St Peter's Church became redundant. Other things to look out for in the new town include Meadow Well, a circular wellhouse completed in 1823, and the fine public library, originally the Miller Institution, which since it was completed in 1862 has terminated the view down the length of Traill Street, one of Thurso's main through streets. Less obvious is the impressive Janet Street overlooking the River Thurso close to Thurso Bridge. Thurso's most recent bout of growth followed the establishment from 1954 of the Dounreay Nuclear Power Development Establishment at a disused wartime airfield eight miles to the west of the town.

At its peak in the 1970s Dounreay employed 3500 people, many of whom lived in Thurso. Employment levels have declined since then, but the task of decommissioning the establishment will ensure a significant contribution to the economy of the area for decades to come. Rotterdam Street and High Street

Question: Wick and Thurso are towns in the far north of which country?
Answer: Scotland