Dunbeath
Small sleepy port to the North of Helmsdale that was once a major Herring port. Its past is recalled in the works of Neil Gunn. There is a good little croft museum to the north of the village as well.
The A9 coast road then drops down into Dunbeath, a pleasant little village at the mouth of a small strath (or glen). This was the birthplace of one of Scotland's foremost writers, Neil Gunn (1891-1973). His finest works, such as The Silver Darlings and Highland River, reflect his experiences of growing up in the northeast and are fascinating accounts of life here during the days of the herring boom, though the sleepy harbour of today is barely recognizable as the erstwhile bustling fishing port.
The villages of Dunbeath, and Latherton to the north, are included on the Neil Gunn Trail, as is the beautiful walk up the glen, described in the leaflet available at the Dunbeath Heritage Centre. Here, you can learn all about the life and works of the famous novelist as well as the history of Caithness. Info - Easter-Oct daily 1000-1700, £2, concession £1, children free, Tel. 731233. If you fancy something to eat, the Dunbeath Hotel, Tel. 731208, does good, cheap bar meals.
Travel Directions to Dunbeath
Local Sights & Activities for Dunbeath
Just outside the village is the Laidhay Croft Museum, a restored traditional longhouse with stable, house and byre all under the same roof. Info -Easter-Oct daily 1000-1700, £1, children £0.50, Tel. 731370, a traditional longhouse with stable, house and byre all under the same roof.
Castles Nearby
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Dunbeath Castle
Originally a seat of Sinclair Clan and now inhabited. 19th century extensions to 17th century original.
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Forse Castle
The castle stands on a peninsula about 50 metres above sea level overlooking the sea. It is surrounded on all sides by steep rocks and is cut off from the mainland by a natural ditch at the neck of the peninsula. It was inhabited until 1600s and is now ruined.
Dunbeath Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
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Granny's Cottage at Dunbeath on NE Coast - Sleeps 4
Terraced stone cottage is situated in the village of Dunbeath on the North East coast north of Helmsdale. Sleeps four people in two bedrooms. No Pets or children. -
Caithness Cottage - Sleeps 5
In a spectacular clifftop location on the beautiful Caithness coast with magnificent open views of sea and moorland, this traditional, detached, single storey croft cottage stands in extensive .... -
Dunbeath Cottage, Caithness - Sleeps 4
Dunbeath is a pretty little village, an old crofting/ fishing community, birthplace of the renowned Scottish writer Neil Gunn, and has a fascinating history. The local Heritage Centre has a vast ....