Neither Black or an island, but despite its location beside the North sea, it has a lush climate and a captivating quality all its own.
Phone code: +44 (0)1381 Across the Kessock Bridge from Inverness is the Black Isle, which is neither an island nor black. It shares with the Moray coast long hours of sunshine and low rainfall, rolling acres of barley and stately woods of oak and beech dropping down to the shores. It also has a compelling atmosphere - a combination perhaps of its soft microclimate, lush vegetation and attractive architecture. Its main attractions are the picturesque town of Cromarty and Chanonry Point, on the southern side near Rosemarkie, which is one of the best dolphin-spotting sites in Europe.
On the north side of the Kessock Bridge is the North Kessock Tourist Information Centre, Tel. 01463-731505; open daily from Easter to October. Next door is the Dolphin and Seal Visitor Centre, which gives details of accredited dolphin cruises. You can see dolphins from the village of North Kessock just to the south. One of the many sacred wells (and caves) in the area is the unmissable Clootie Well, on the verge of the main road between Tore and Munlochy Bay Nature Reserve. It was once blessed by St Curitan (see below under Rosemarkie) and is thought to cure sick children. Thousands of rags still flutter from the surrounding trees, though well-worshippers are in danger of being mown down by traffic. Despite the presence of traffic, it's an eerie place. Go at night, if you dare.
Regions
Inverness & Loch Ness-
Hillockhead Farmhouse
Historic stone built farmhouse with large,private enclosed gardens, hot tub and summerhouse. Spectacular sea views over the Moray Firth and the hills beyond. A romantic treat for couples or a great family home.
- Sleeps: 9
Cromarty & Black Isle Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
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Ramblers Rest, nr Portmahomack - Sleeps 6
Part of the Tarrel Farm Estate, on the Tarbet Peninsula, this charming holiday cottage enjoys a stunning location with sea views from both front and back aspects of the property. Renovated to a very good s... -
The Foxes Den, Invergordon, Sleeps 4
Forming part of a sympathetically restored farm building, with central courtyard, these Visit Scotland graded 4* properties have been equipped and furnished to ensure as comfortable and relaxing holiday as possible. -
The Cottage, Easter Ross - Sleeps 6
Set amidst beautiful Easter Ross countryside with open views towards the water of Nigg Bay, this comfortable and well appointed semi-detached holiday cottage is ideally situated for touring the northern Hi... -
Bryn Awel, Macduff - Sleeps 4
This cosy traditional semi detached fisherman’s cottage is tucked away in the corner of a quiet side street in the fishing town of Macduff. The owners’ family home for several generations, it h... -
Harbour View Cottage, Portmahomack - Sleeps 6
Harbour View enjoys a wonderful setting just yards from a sweeping sandy beach in the pretty village of Portmahomack. Sea trips, fishing and water sports along with golf, bird and dolphin spotting are some... -
Marybank Lodge, Invergordon - Sleeps 12
"A true jewel in the crown..stretching north from the shores of the Cromarty Firth"Set in the northern Highlands where the lochs are deep, the air clear and the long beaches perfect for meandering along, t... -
Tower House near Avoch - Black Isle - Sleeps 8
This beautiful and unique, semi-detached house in Avoch on the Black Isle, Scotland, sleeps eight people in four bedrooms. Lovely location. -
The Woodpeckers Nest, By Invergordon - Sleeps 4
Forming part of a sympathetically restored farm building, with central courtyard, these Visit Scotland graded 4* properties have been equipped and furnished to ensure as comfortable and relaxing holiday as possible. -
Swiss Cottage/The Chalet - Sleeps 4/6
"A true jewel in the crown..stretching north from the shores of the Cromarty Firth" Set in the northern Highlands where the lochs are deep, the air clear and the long beaches perfect for meandering along, there... -
Gordons Lane Cottage, Cromarty, sleeps 4
This lovingly restored holiday cottage is situated in the fishing village of Cromarty, the Highland’s best preserved historic village. Located on the tip of the Black Isle and at the entrance of the ...