Tongue House / House of Tongue
Built in 1678, it is the Scottish home of the Countess of Sutherland. Formerly the seat of the Clan Mackay, the house sits on the site of the clan's previous home. It is said to have been burned by Cromwell's army in 1656, while pursuing the Chief of Mackay. It was rebuilt by the Mackays several years later. But in 1829, Tongue House and the majority of the Mackay Estate had to be sold to pay off debts owing to the Sutherland family.
Now owned by the Duchess of Sutherland, the house exterior can be viewed and the gardens are frequently open to the public as Walled garden, herbaceous borders, old fashioned roses, vegetables, soft fruit and small orchard.
Opening Times
infrequent opening times
Related Clans
MackayTravel Directions to Tongue House / House of Tongue
Travel Directions
Tongue half a mile. House just off main road approaching causeway.
Nearby Castles
-
Caisteal Bharraich Castle Varrich
Dramatic ruin visible from Tongue in the Far North. You can walk across and back for a drink in a local bar. The castle is located on a prominent rise overlooking the Kyle of Tongue,
Visitor Attractions
-
Strathy Beach
Another lovely beach between Thurso and Tongue. Popular with surfer crowd. Pure sands and accessible with short walk.
-
Coldbackie Beach
Lovely strip of Sand on Kyle of Tongue that is well protected from the sea by the surrounding capes. Just off A836 and safe to swim. Very quiet!
-
Bettyhill Swimming Pool
Community run leisure centre with swimming pool in centre of Bettyhill on the North Coast.
-
Skinnet Beach near Talmine
Beautiful beach on the Kyle of Tongue on its western side near Talmine and Tongue.
-
Weaver's Cafe & Gift Shop
A small Gift Shop, Cafe and B&B with en-suite rooms, conveniently situated on the A836 near Tongue. Great gifts for visitors and a nice wee Cafe
Tongue House / House of Tongue Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
Featured Advertisers
-
Novar Cottage Tongue Sleeps 6
Bungalow style cottage on the north coast of Scotland that sleeps 6 (max) with wonderful views west towards the Kyle of Tongue. Set in own grounds with decking for the sunsets.
- Sleeps: 6
Cottages Nearby
-
Four Winds, nr Thurso - Sleeps 3
This cosy detached cottage enjoys wonderful views along the coast towards Dunnet Head and across the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Isles. A warm Highland welcome is assured in this unspoilt area which boasts the ... -
Naver Cottage, nr Bettyhill - Sleeps 4
Within easy walking distance of the beautiful River Naver and woodlands, this croft house which has been renovated to the highest standards offers very comfortable accommodation in a secluded setting. Visi... -
Talmine cottage, nr Tongue, Sutherland - Sleeps 5
Talmine is a small hamlet, one of several in this peaceful fishing and crofting community which look north east across the picturesque Tongue Bay. This traditional stone croft house is in a ....
-
Ben Loyal View Cottage near Tongue - Sleeps 6
Detached cottage is located near the village of Tongue. Sleeps six people in three bedrooms.
-
Northern Lights Croft Cottage near Tongue - Sleeps 2
Very charming small 1 bedroomed fisherman cottage in Tongue on far north coast of Scotland. Sleeps 2. No Pets/No wifi.
