Sightseeing
Visit Dornoch Cathedral - along with the history it's also where Madonna was married
47 locals recommend
Dornoch
Visit Dornoch Cathedral - along with the history it's also where Madonna was married
Dornoch Beach
Beautiful long sandy beach - well worth a visit
Tain
Tain is a lovely town with an ancient church named after St Duthus.
Portmahomack is the nearest fishing village to Mara Cottage - a 10 minute drive and has a Pictish Exibition within the old church
21 locals recommend
Portmahomack
Portmahomack is the nearest fishing village to Mara Cottage - a 10 minute drive and has a Pictish Exibition within the old church
5 minutes from the cottage and great for a family picnic. There is also a Pictish Cross Slab which sits above the village worth seeing.
6 locals recommend
Shandwick
5 minutes from the cottage and great for a family picnic. There is also a Pictish Cross Slab which sits above the village worth seeing.
Nigg old Church houses a Pictish Cross Slab and is open to the public. This is a particularly fine example of Pictish carving and is 15 minutes from Mara Cottage.
Nigg
Nigg old Church houses a Pictish Cross Slab and is open to the public. This is a particularly fine example of Pictish carving and is 15 minutes from Mara Cottage.
Dunrobin Castle
Beatiful Castle and Gardens
Lovely coastal walk with a Stevenson lighthouse designed and built in 1830
13 locals recommend
Tarbat Ness Lighthouse
Lovely coastal walk with a Stevenson lighthouse designed and built in 1830
Food Scene
Quality food with a lovely ambiance and superb service - booking during high season is essential.
Locally caught seafood a specialty
6 locals recommend
The Oystercatcher
Main StreetQuality food with a lovely ambiance and superb service - booking during high season is essential.
Locally caught seafood a specialty
Great wood fired pizza, reachable by the ferry from Nigg which is 15 minutes from the cottage. Please note this only runs in High Season. the alternative is to drive which takes a bit longer but lovely scenery.
43 locals recommend
Sutor Creek Cafe
21 Bank StGreat wood fired pizza, reachable by the ferry from Nigg which is 15 minutes from the cottage. Please note this only runs in High Season. the alternative is to drive which takes a bit longer but lovely scenery.
This is great restaurant in the historic High Street in Tain - one of our favorites and well worth a visit.
16 locals recommend
Greens Restaurant
11-15 High StThis is great restaurant in the historic High Street in Tain - one of our favorites and well worth a visit.
Local Hotel with great sea views and good food. Mike the patron and owner is great fun.
A warm welcome awaits!
Balintore Hotel
East StreetLocal Hotel with great sea views and good food. Mike the patron and owner is great fun.
A warm welcome awaits!
St Duthus Hotel
2 Tower StLocal hotel in Tain - good atmosphere and pub grub.
The Seaboard Memorial Hall
East StreetThis local venue has a cafe for a relaxed lunch with great sea views.
Whisky Distilleries
Dalmore
Gary's favourite!
Balblair
Another great favourite for a tour and sample!
Local and rightly famous distillery produced by the 16 men of Tain. Visitor Centre is great so enjoy a visit and a wee tipple for all of you whisky lovers.
Glenmorangie Distillery
Local and rightly famous distillery produced by the 16 men of Tain. Visitor Centre is great so enjoy a visit and a wee tipple for all of you whisky lovers.
Local Artisans
Tain Silver
High StreetThis beautiful jewelry is made in Tain and is based on the Pictish art of the area
The Tain Pottery
Lovely unique pottery
Highland Fine Cheeses Ltd
Shore RoadArtisan cheese makers - we recommend the oatmeal rolled cream cheese!
Lovely pottery and fabrics and just a stones throw from Mara Cottage
18 locals recommend
ANTA Scotland Ltd
Lovely pottery and fabrics and just a stones throw from Mara Cottage
Beautiful glassware made in Tain - what about a special glass to go with a special dram!
12 locals recommend
Glasstorm
2 Chapel StBeautiful glassware made in Tain - what about a special glass to go with a special dram!
A local gin distillery in Tain for all gin lovers. Made with local botanicals for a unique flavour
Sutors Gin
A local gin distillery in Tain for all gin lovers. Made with local botanicals for a unique flavour
Golf Courses
Tain Golf Course
Chapel RoadDesigned by 'Old Tom Morris'
Royal Dornoch
Golf RoadWorld famous course 15 minutes from the cottage
Tarbat Golf Club
1909 Tarbatness RdA great wee local golf course with lovely views