Dunbeath

Overview

Dunbeath, on the east coast of Sutherland, was the bithplace of novelist Neil Gunn.

The village of Dunbeath is on the main A9 coast road, between Helmsdale and Lybster. Founded to provide work in the wake of the Clearances, the local landlord built a harbour here in 1800, at the start of the herring boom, and the settlement briefly flourished.

Windswept Dunbeath Castle perches on the clifftop on the opposite side of the bay. Neil Gunn, one of the most famous Scottish authors, was born here. His works include Highland River and the Silver Darlings. You can find out more about him at the Dunbeath Heritage Centre.