Perched on the edge of the Dornoch Firth, Dornoch is a peaceful town in the Scottish Highlands. It’s renowned for its 13th-century cathedral and historic links golf course, while it’s also the site of Scotland’s last witch burning in 1722.
Things to do in Dornoch
In the heart of town is the Dornoch Cathedral, which was dedicated to St. Gilbert during the reign of King Alexander II. Take note of the gargoyles that decorate the exterior before stepping inside to see the organ funded by Andrew Carnegie. The 16th-century Dornoch Castle lies adjacent to the cathedral churchyard where Adam of Melrose, Richard of Moravia and Saint Gilbert of Dornoch are laid to rest.
Dornoch’s past is brought to life at the Historylinks Museum, which is also the starting point for self-guided walks around the town. Nestled just behind Dornoch Castle, its exhibits detail the legacy of the Picts and the Vikings, as well as the town’s association with the burning of witches. A highlight is a recreation of the workshop where local golfing legend, Donald Ross, sharpened his skills.
On the eastern edge of Dornoch is the Royal Dornoch Golf Club, home to the 18-hole Struie Course and the Championship Course, which overlooks the Dornoch Firth. While golf has been played on the site since the early 17th century, the current golf club was established in 1877 and its original course designed by Old Tom Morris. After your round, you can browse the golfing accessories for sale at the Pro Shop or relax over a meal in the informal restaurant.
Getting around Dornoch
Dornoch is around an hour’s drive from Inverness and Inverness Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Buses connect from Inverness to Dornoch and the town is compact enough to explore on foot.