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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Killearn Cottage, Portmahomack - Sleeps 6
Killearn, a semi-detached former fisherman's cottage, has been lovingly extended to offer a very spacious, bright holiday home, which is warm, welcoming and has all the amenities of home. There are .... -
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... -
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. -
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... -
Rosscot Cottage, nr Cromarty - Sleeps 6
Set in a quiet rural location, this cosy holiday cottage enjoys lovely views across open countryside towards Nigg Bay and the Cromarty Firth. An RSPB Reserve, sea trips, fishing, golf, castles and south, w... -
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. -
Driftwood Cottage, nr Balintore - Sleeps 4
This terraced cottage is set in an enviable location, just a few steps from the seaside with an enclosed garden area where you can sit and watch the wildlife and the beautiful, ever changing scenery. Sea trips, ... -
Bluebell Holiday Cottage Porthamock - Sleeps 5
Small stone cottage in Portmahomack on Black Isle. Sleeps 5 people in three bedrooms. -
Braemar Cottage at Inver on Black Isle in NE Scotland - Sleeps 6
Semi-detached bungalow cottage close to the sea, between Portmahomack and Tain. Sleeps six people in three bedrooms. -
The Foxes Den, 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.