Bairlinnean (No 6 Shore Street)
Is the cottage on the left when looking at the buildings face on. Bairlinnean is designed to comfortably accommodate four adults having a superking size double bed in the master bedroom and a double bed in the guest bedroom. A travel cot (with accoutrements) is also available free of charge.
The accommodation comprises two levels. Lower level consists of a fully fitted kitchen, dining area, lounge and storage for all-weather personal gear.
Upstairs there are two fitted double bedrooms + bathroom fitted with a corner bath and separate shower.
The back door of the cottage allows for access to the rear garden and patio area (patio furniture included) which is secured by a wall and boundary fence. A single gate gives access to the beach and promenade. In addition there are uninterrupted rear sea views of the Pentland Firth and Orkney Islands.
As well as being furnished throughout, the cottage has full gas central heating with an electric fire in the lounge. The whole is serviced with a combi boiler which supplies both hot running water and heating on demand.
Pets:
A maximum of two pets are permitted and these are each supplied with a bed and towel.
Cladach (No 8 Shore Street)
Is the cottage on the right when looking at the buildings face on (see photograph). Cladach is designed to comfortable accommodate the nuclear family i.e. mum, dad & two children. As such good quality single beds are provided in the guest bedroom whilst there is a superking size double bed in the master bedroom.
As with Bairlinnean, accommodation comprises two levels. Lower level consists of a fully fitted kitchen, dining area, lounge and storage for all-weather personal gear.
Upstairs there are two fitted double bedrooms + bathroom with a shower over the bath.
The back door of the cottage allows for access to the rear garden and patio area (patio furniture included) which is secured by both boundary fences and seaside wall. A single pedestrian gate gives access to both the beach and promenade. In addition there uninterrupted rear sea views to both the Pentland Firth and Orkney Islands.
As well as being fully furnished throughout, the cottage has full gas central heating with a gas fire in the lounge. The whole is serviced with a combi boiler which supplies both hot running water and heating on demand.
Pets:
As with Bairlinnean, a maximum of two pets are permitted and these are each supplied with a bed and towel.
Places of interest:
There is much to see in Caithness & Sutherland. We always advise guests to first visit Caithness Horizons which is in walking distance from the cottages. This new visitor attraction acts as the hub for the area and houses a museum, exhibitions, displays, a shop and a café. Some £4m has been spent on establishing this facility and admission is free.
See www.caithnesshorizons.co.uk
In Thurso the shops, supermarkets, café’s, pubs and restaurants are all in easy walking distance from the cottages. Further afield we recommend the following visits:
Falls of Shin
To see its famous waterfalls where salmon leap on their migratory route in the spawning beds further upstream. There is also a ‘mini Harrods’ located there!
See www.fallsofshin.co.uk
Smoo Cave.
See www.smoocave.org
The Flows National Nature Reserve
See www.rspb.org.uk
Dunnet Head.
The most northerly point on the UK mainland. The area is alive with seabirds such as fulmar and puffins which nest on the steep ledges. A walk along the cliff top through flower-rich heathland gives you a chance to experience the ferocity of the Pentland Firth. Dunnet Head can be seen from both cottages too!
See www.rspb.org.uk
Castle of Mey and Gardens
The 16th century Castle of Mey was originally built by the Earl of Caithness and was restored by the Queen Mother. The Castle is now run as 5 star visitor attraction and is complemented by an animal centre which is very popular with children.
See www.castleofmey.org.uk
Stacks of Duncansby
Duncansby Head offers a dramatic experience. From the car park at the lighthouse, a short walk takes you down to the spectacular Stacks of Duncansby, some of the most impressive in the British Isles.
Wick Heritage Centre
The award winning and captivating museum documents the history of the town and its importance in the herring industry generally.
See www.wickheritage.org
Grey Cairns of Camster
Camster Cairns are amongst the best preserved Neolithic chambered cairns in the British Isles.
Supposedly haunted and well worth a visit!
See www.historic-scotland.gov,uk and www.caithnessarchaeology.org.uk
Lybster Harbourand Waterlines
The Waterlines Heritage Centre in the working harbour at Lybster tells the story of the planned village, established at the height of the 19th century herring boom
Open 11am 5pm. Tel 01593 721520
Above are just some of the attractions and all can be easily done in a day. In addition to these, there is also the option of visiting Orkney which can be reached from either Scrabster, Gills or John O’Groats. John O’Groats itself is a world renowned icon and should not be missed!