Tain - the oldest Royal Burgh in Scotland

Under an hour from Inverness, Tain and the surrounding peninsula have all the benefits of being close to the city – and Tain itself is a reasonable-sized town – but with the feeling of being in the countryside, with a patchwork of farmland, coastal walks and pretty villages.

Tain itself, sat on the south shore of the Dornoch Firth, is small but a lively town, with an array of cafes, shops and plenty of places to stay. There are several museums, art galleries and potteries to explore, and the famous Glenmorangie Distillery which offers tours.

The whole area is popular with golfers. Tain’s northerly neighbour, Dornoch, is more well-known but Tain’s is wonderful in its own right. Players can even enjoy a dram of Glenmorangie at the 19th hole!

Tarbat Ness lighthouse sits at the head of the Tain peninsula. This can be reached by car, but we recommend the 9-mile coastal circuit taking in a medieval castle now occupied as a home, rocky shore and a crag inhabited by seabirds. The lighthouse itself is a classic red and white striped tower – perfect for holiday snaps! Don’t miss the ‘Mermaid of the North’ statue a little further south at Balintore.

Inland, Tain Hill rises above the town. A fascinating piece of history lies here – Pulpit Rock. This boulder, left behind by the last glaciers, has steps and what appears to be a lectern carved into it! No one knows what this was used for, but it appears to be a meeting place, with a raised platform for a leader or preacher to stand.

To the east of Tain, the peninsula ends with the expansive Whiteness sands – endless sandy beach backed by dunes. A stunning place from which to watch the sun rise!

Tain’s larger neighbour to the north, Dornoch, provides even more shops, cafes, visitor attractions and a huge sandy beach to fill your days.

The Tain peninsula has a wonderful, countryside feel to it yet is full of attractions to keep you busy. Being under an hour from Inverness, it gives the perfect opportunity for anyone looking for a peaceful village break without having to travel too far.