Dornoch Live Cam

A great base for exploring the Scottish Highlands



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Hosted by:
  • Royal Dornoch Club Golf
  • Golf Rd - Dornoch IV25 3LW
  • Scotland - United Kingdom
  • +44 (0)1862 810219
  • [email protected]
  • https://royaldornoch.com/

Dornoch History

Dornoch is a small town located on the east coast of the Scottish Highlands. The history of Dornoch dates back to at least the 6th century when the area was settled by the Picts, an ancient people who lived in what is now Scotland. However, it was during the Middle Ages that Dornoch became an important religious and political center.

In the 13th century, Dornoch was granted a royal charter by King Alexander II, which allowed it to hold weekly markets and an annual fair. This helped the town to grow and develop, and by the 15th century, it was a thriving center of trade and commerce.

Dornoch's most famous landmark is its cathedral, which was built in the 13th century and was the seat of the bishopric of Caithness. The cathedral is known for its distinctive square tower, which was added in the 16th century. Despite its importance, the cathedral fell into disrepair after the Reformation and was largely destroyed in the 17th century. However, the ruins of the cathedral still stand today and are a popular tourist attraction.

Dornoch also has a rich golfing history. The Royal Dornoch Golf Club was established in 1877 and is considered one of the finest golf courses in the world. The course has hosted a number of prestigious tournaments, including the British Amateur Championship and the Scottish Open.

In more recent times, Dornoch has become a popular tourist destination thanks to its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and numerous attractions. Visitors can explore the town's many historic buildings and landmarks, enjoy a round of golf, or simply take in the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding countryside.

Dornoch Top Tourist Attractions

Dornoch is a popular tourist destination that offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Dornoch:

  • Dornoch Cathedral: The ruins of the 13th-century Dornoch Cathedral are a popular attraction for visitors to the town. The cathedral is known for its impressive square tower and its history as the seat of the bishopric of Caithness.
  • Royal Dornoch Golf Club: Established in 1877, the Royal Dornoch Golf Club is one of the finest golf courses in the world. Visitors can play a round of golf or explore the club's museum, which houses a collection of golf memorabilia.
  • Historylinks Museum: The Historylinks Museum is a small museum that tells the story of Dornoch and its surrounding area. The museum's exhibits include local history, archaeology, and geology.
  • Dornoch Beach: Dornoch Beach is a beautiful sandy beach that stretches for miles along the coast. Visitors can enjoy a walk along the beach, swim in the sea, or simply take in the stunning views.
  • Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve: Located just north of Dornoch, the Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve is a protected area that is home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, otters, and ospreys.
  • Embo Beach: Embo Beach is a quiet, secluded beach located just outside of Dornoch. Visitors can enjoy a walk along the beach or take a dip in the sea.
  • Glenmorangie Distillery: The Glenmorangie Distillery is located just outside of Dornoch and offers tours that allow visitors to see how whisky is made. The distillery also has a gift shop where visitors can purchase a bottle of whisky to take home.
  • Tarbat Discovery Centre: The Tarbat Discovery Centre is a museum located just south of Dornoch that tells the story of the Picts, an ancient people who lived in what is now Scotland.

These are just a few of the many tourist attractions in Dornoch. The town is also home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a great destination for a day trip or a longer stay.

Dornoch Climate

Dornoch has a temperate maritime climate, which is characterized by mild temperatures, relatively consistent rainfall throughout the year, and occasional strong winds. The town is located on the east coast of the Scottish Highlands, which means it can experience more extreme weather conditions than other areas of Scotland.

In the summer months (June-August), temperatures in Dornoch typically range from 10-18°C (50-64°F), with occasional heatwaves that can push temperatures up to 25°C (77°F) or higher. The summer months are also the driest time of year, with an average of 50-60mm (2-2.4 inches) of rainfall per month.

In the winter months (December-February), temperatures in Dornoch can drop to below freezing, with average temperatures ranging from 1-7°C (34-45°F). Snowfall is not uncommon in the winter, although it is generally light and doesn't last for long periods.

Overall, Dornoch has a mild and relatively consistent climate, with cooler temperatures in the winter and warmer temperatures in the summer. Visitors should be prepared for occasional rain and wind, especially in the autumn and winter months.

Dornoch Geography

Dornoch is a small town located on the east coast of the Scottish Highlands, in the county of Sutherland. The town is situated on the Dornoch Firth, a large inlet of the North Sea that extends inland for several miles. The landscape around Dornoch is characterized by rolling hills and moors, with the coastline to the east and the Cairngorms mountain range to the south.

To the north of Dornoch is Loch Fleet, a shallow sea loch that is home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, otters, and migratory birds. The loch is separated from the sea by a sandbar, which is crossed by a causeway that connects Dornoch to the village of Embo.

The town itself is small and compact, with most of the main attractions and amenities located within walking distance of each other. The town center is dominated by the 13th-century Dornoch Cathedral, which sits on a small hill overlooking the town.

Overall, the geography of Dornoch is characterized by its stunning coastal location, rolling hills and moors, and its proximity to Loch Fleet and the Cairngorms mountain range. The town is a great base for exploring the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands.