Black Isle

Overview

The delightful Black Isle is one of the best places in Europe to see dolphins.

North of the Inverness and the Kessock Bridge, the Black Isle is a peninsula decked out in a thousand shades of green. A veritable maze of quiet country roads and forest tracks, the area is a delight to explore.

It is a naturalists' paradise with attractions such as the Black Isle Wildlife and Country Park, bird reserves at Munlochy Bay and Udale Bay, and the famous dolphins which can be viewed on cruises from Cromarty or from the shore at North Kessock and Fortrose. The North Kessock Tourist Information Centre, just over the bridge from Inverness, houses the Dolphins and Seals of the Moray Firth Visitors' Centre which enables you to enjoy these fine mammals whilst causing minimum disturbance.

Travelling east towards Cromarty, you pass through a chain of delightful villages and small harbours. Attractions en route include Avoch Heritage Centre, the ruins of Fortrose Cathedral, and Groam House Museum in Rosemarkie with its remarkable collection of Pictish artefacts. Meanwhile, in the picturesque village of Cromarty itself, you can enjoy an award-winning experience at the Cromarty Courthouse and visit Hugh Miller's Cottage - home of the godfather of geology, which is now in the care of The National Trust for Scotland.