What’s on in Dornoch: March 2017

Click here for our 'What's on in Dornoch' for March

There is plenty taking place in and  around Dornoch this month: enjoy a film at the Dornoch Cinema, live music at the Seaboard Hall in Balintore, a guided walk with Sutherland Walkers Group, a craft workshop at the Golspie Gallery and historical talks alongside much more! Keep up with everything that is going on locally by following our Facebook page. Whilst you are here, don't miss the famous Royal Dornoch Golf Course (#1 in Scotland), award winning beach, 13th century Dornoch Cathedral, and Loch Fleet- the local nature reserve where at low tide you are almost guaranteed to see seals basking on the sand banks!

Do join us for Dornoch’s annual Fibre Fest: 17th until 19th March!

This exciting event, held in mid-March each year, has become a fixture in the Dornoch Calendar and is an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in all things fibre. Spinning, weaving, patchwork and feltmaking; all these feature regularly either as Masterclasses or drop-in demonstrations where you can try new skills. And of course it provides a great opportunity to browse the market area where you can buy those essential additions absolutely necessary to any serious fibre worker’s stash.

See this year's programme here 

Learn More Here: What’s on in Dornoch: March 2017

What’s on in Dornoch: March 2017 posted first on http://visitdornoch.blogspot.co.uk

Ten things to DO in Dornoch: For Dogs

Susanne Arbuckle from Adventures around Scotland visited Dornoch in July to test out how dog friendly it is. Here is her report to add to our top ten suggestions below.

1) Dornoch and Embo Beaches

Dogs love our beaches! Miles and miles of golden sand to run on and gentle shallow water for a good swim! Both beaches are popular throughout the year. Walk up to the Dornoch point for views towards the Kyle of Sutherland or carry on north to Embo.

2) Camore and Skelbo Woods, Dornoch.

Skelbo woods have a fantastic circular route which takes you through pine woods and native deciduous woodland, over streams and past ancient ruins. It takes about an hour and is a perfect place for your dogs to have a good run!

Camore Woods has miles of well maintained forestry paths for you and your canine friend to explore. Stroll though the native pinewoods and enjoy glimpses of the surrounding countryside and coastline.  You can walk to the woods from the centre of Dornoch for a five mile loop.

3) Dornoch Inn

The Dornoch Inn overlooks the centre of Dornoch: the Cathedral, Castle and Jail. It serves a great range of homemade food including lasagne, burgers and steak & ale pie. The Sunday carvery is very popular and great value with 2 course for £11.95. Dogs are welcome in the bar area, so why not pop into one of their regular live music nights and have a dance with your pooch! 

4) Simply the Best Fair trade shop, Dornoch.

Simply the best sells a wonderful range of fairly traded, organic, ethically sourced and eco friendly gifts, clothes, jewellery and toys. Dogs are welcome to come and browse with you, and they even provide a water bowl and dog treats!

5) Mitchell’s Chemist, Dornoch.

Take your dog shopping in the chemist! Mitchell’s sell much more than you would expect a chemist to stock and are also home to the Post Office. There is a photo printing facility and they stock all beach essentials- suncream, hats and flip flops! Dogs are allowed in and there are also two dog loops outside if you would prefer to leave your dog to watch the world go by whilst you browse. Water bowl also provided.

6)  Coast Candles, Dornoch.

Coast candles are Dornoch’s very own hand poured candle shop. They are situated right in the centre of the town at Dornoch Square. The shop is filled with fantastic scents and is the perfect place to visit to get a gift to take home with you. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcomed and water/treats are provided.

7) Eagle Hotel, Dornoch

The Eagle is a friendly hotel in the centre of Dornoch. It welcomes non residents to eat in it’s cosy restaurant area.

The Eagle’s menu includes authentic home cooked food and award winning real ales. There is a lovely beer garden as well as tables outside on Castle Street. Dogs are welcome to join you outside, whilst you have a meal or a drink in the sun. Dog water bowl provided.

8) Gordon House Coffee Shop and Gallery, Dornoch.

The coffee shop at Gordon House Gallery is a small bespoke affair offering homemade soup, made to order sandwiches, toasties, ciabattas and fresh salads as well as a decadent selection of cakes from luxurious cheesecakes and giant meringues to moreish scones. There is seating outside with views of the cathedral where your furry friend is very welcome to join you. They also supply a dog water bowl.

9) Dornoch Castle Hotel

The Dornoch Castle hotel is famed for it’s Whisky bar and fantastic locally sourced menu. Whether you want that special candle-lit dinner in the Garden Restaurant which overlooks the formal walled gardens, or a more informal meal in comfortable surroundings in front of the roaring log fire in the 11ft fireplace, which was formerly the Bishop’s kitchen in the 1500s, there is an excellent choice of dishes. If you want to bring your dog with you to experience the ambience of the historic Castle Hotel, visit on a sunny day and enjoy your food in the wonderful walled garden where dogs are more than welcome to join you whilst you eat.

10) Dunrobin Castle

Dunrobin is set in beautiful surrounding between woodland and the sea. The Castle itself does not allow dogs but there are plenty of places in the grounds where you can stroll with your dog during your visit. You can easily get down onto the beautiful beach below the castle and wander as far as Brora to the North or  Golspie to the South. There is also the Big Burn walk as well as Ben Braggie to climb so lots to explore in the area around the castle.

 

Other Dog Friendly places:

• Kincraig provide dog water outside their shop.
• Historylinks Museum has a pole to tie dogs to and provide water.
• St Finnbarr’s Charity Shop has  railings outside which are ideal for dogs to be tied to whilst you browse. There is also a bowl of water provided.
• Spend £10 at Dornoch Farm Butchers and receive a free dog bone!

 

Dog friendly accommodation in Dornoch:

Hotels:

Royal Golf Hotel

 

B&B:

Woodlands

Amalfi

Auchlea

St Callan's Manse

The Bank House

Del Mar

 

Self Catering:

Knockbreck House

Balloan Cottage

Green keeper's Cottage

8 Gilchrist Square

Wester Whinhill

Golfer’s rest

Golf Cottage

Collies Lodge

Curling Pond

Blacksmith's Cottage

The Hideaway

Achnacarry Cottage

The Coach House

Drumdivan House

2 Bridge Street

Balvraid Steading

Links Cottage

Southlins

Glebe House

2nd Green

 

For More Information Go Here: Ten things to DO in Dornoch: For Dogs

Ten things to DO in Dornoch: For Dogs posted first on http://visitdornoch.blogspot.co.uk

Fancy a Weekend break in Scotland over Easter? Come to Dornoch!

Whether you are planning a weekend break in Scotland over Easter or are planning to spend the whole Easter holidays here, come to Dornoch and discover all we have on offer in this beautiful and unspoiled area of the country. Only an hour from Inverness airport on the main A9 road, Dornoch is very accessible from London, Belfast and Bristol. There are also great train links from Edinburgh and Glasgow.

What is there to DO in and around Dornoch?

Visit the magical Loch Fleet, our very own nature reserve,  where at low tides you are almost guaranteed to spot seals bathing in the sunshine. Dornoch's award winning beach is stunning at all times of year but the Spring sunshine is when it looks its absolute best. Perfect for rock pooling with the children, walking for miles with your dogs and getting in some refreshing wild swimming! Visit Whisky Distilleries and Castles, go exploring on foot or by bike or even travel over to the wild West coast for the day! You will never be bored in Dornoch!

Don’t forget you can find out loads of local information on our website as well as ideas of things to do such as:  Wildlife, Do More experiences, Golf, Whisky and Shopping!

Any questions or advice contact lucy@visitdornoch.com

Contact us through our Facebook page

Follow us on Twitter

Learn More Here: Fancy a Weekend break in Scotland over Easter? Come to Dornoch!

Fancy a Weekend break in Scotland over Easter? Come to Dornoch! posted first on http://visitdornoch.blogspot.co.uk

What’s on in Dornoch: February 2017

Despite the crisp winter weather we still have plenty to do in and around Dornoch this month. There is a race night, a play, group walk, Valentines meals, a Man vs Food night, a film night at Dornoch cinema and even Opera! Something for everyone! And that's alongside all the usual delights that Dornoch has to offer: Our award winning beach, Dornoch Cathedral, our independent shops, Loch Fleet- the local nature reserve, great food and excellent accommodation.

See What's on here.

If you are planning to come and visit for the February half term break, check out our 'Ten things to DO in Dornoch with children' post.

Remember to download our Discover Dornoch App to help you get the most out of you visit.

Read Full Article Here: What’s on in Dornoch: February 2017

What’s on in Dornoch: February 2017 posted first on http://visitdornoch.blogspot.co.uk

Dornoch Fibre Fest: 17th-19th March 2017

This exciting event, held in mid-March each year, has become a fixture in the Dornoch Calendar and is an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in all things fibre. Spinning, weaving, patchwork and feltmaking; all these feature regularly either as Masterclasses or drop-in demonstrations where you can try new skills. And of course it provides a great opportunity to browse the market area where you can buy those essential additions absolutely necessary to any serious fibre worker’s stash.

Fibre Fest is run by an enthusiastic group of local fibre artists. Past teachers include world famous tapestry artist Joan Baxter. In 2017 the opening talk ‘In the Footsteps of Sheep’ is by Feral Spinner, Debbie Zawinski. Please see the website for the full programme

This year there is a distinctly woolly feel with classes in spinning, felting, knitting and tweed holdall making. The weekend begins with an Opening Talk on Friday evening (6.30pm at St Finnbarr's Church, Admission £5 on the door) followed by a soup and cheese supper at the Social Club.

Then the weekend continues on Saturday morning with stalls and events at the West Church Hall and the Social club.  There will be a wide variety of craft materials available to purchase and a number of classes and drop-in demonstrations where you can learn new skills. Classes must be booked in advance but drop-in sessions are free to all.

Our cushion competition is back! The cushion can be of any design using mixed media, but must not measure more than 18”. Sponsored by the Royal Dornoch Golf Club, entries must be at the West Church Hall by 11am, Saturday 18th March. There are three prizes on offer, including a special prize from the Shetland Sheep Society for any cushion which includes the use of Shetland Wool*.

Take part in the raffle and be in with a chance of winning a Quality Quilting and Dressmaking Starter Kit worth £70! Other prizes will include a signed copy of the book “In the Footsteps of Sheep” by our guest speaker Debbie Zawinski.

The Opening Talk this year is 'In the Footsteps of Sheep' by Debbie Zawinski, a Welsh-born Scot. She is a lady of many talents and an intrepid explorer of wild places. One summer Debbie took her spinning, her knitting and her tent and set off around Scotland in search of a unique pair of Scottish socks. ‘In the Footsteps of Sheep’ tells the tales of her adventures, in words, pictures and socks, discovering rare sheep, remote communities and Scotland’s wildest places. Debbie will be recounting her travels around Scotland in this opening talk and copies of her book will also be available to buy

Saturday 18th March

Make Felt pictures with Sheila Bates, a textile artist who has been 'painting' with wool for over 20 years. She is inspired by our Highland land and seascapes as well as the traditional felting techniques of Central Asia. She continues to produce work from her business now based in Torridon, Croft 7. Sheila has been running felt workshops over a number of years using natural dyes in her art work to help capture the soft hues of the landscape. In this workshop you will have the opportunity to design and create your own felt-scape using two different techniques, one of which will involve the use of pre-felts as the canvas for an abstract piece. You will use a mix of merino, Shetland and other locally produced wool.

There will be drop in workshops in embroidery, patchwork and knitting.

Sunday 19th March

Jennie Howes is a spinner, knitter and designer with a business selling her own yarns and designs, Skybluepink Designs. In this advanced spinning class Jennie will teach you to make supercoil yarns. These can then be used for crochet, knitting, weaving or embroidering. They can also be used to embellish and adorn all kinds of craftwork, or be made into jewellery using needle felt finishing techniques. You will also learn to spin core spun yarns, which allow small quantities of beautiful fibres to be spun into strong yarns which emphasise the qualities of the fibre used.

Make your very own travel holdall with Denise Brown, a seamstress who has a studio in Lairg and is presently training to be an upholsterer. She has been teaching various sewing classes over the last 5 years, is passionate about her craft and loves teaching it to others. In this workshop you will have the opportunity to make your own small tweed travel holdall.

Drop in workshops include crochet and needle felting.

Book online for masterclasses now

Click here to download a pdf copy of the 2017 Fibre Fest Brochure

See Full Article Here: Dornoch Fibre Fest: 17th-19th March 2017

Dornoch Fibre Fest: 17th-19th March 2017 posted first on http://visitdornoch.blogspot.co.uk

See the Northern lights on your holiday in Scotland

People across the Highlands are treated to spectacular shows of the Northern lights regularly during the Autumn and winter months. Come and see the skies in Dornoch and the surrounding area ablaze with colour. The best time to see the ‘Mirrie Dancers’ during your holiday in Scotland  is when the nights are long and nights are clear, so it's a perfect excuse for a late winter break in the Highlands!

See the Visit Scotland website for more information about the Aurora in Scotland. www.visitscotland.com

See our accommodation page for places to stay when you are planning your Scottish holiday. www.visitdornoch.com/stay-a-while

Photos courtesy of Alasdair Dickson

 

 

Read More Here: See the Northern lights on your holiday in Scotland

See the Northern lights on your holiday in Scotland posted first on http://visitdornoch.blogspot.co.uk

Romantic break in Dornoch

We asked a group of friends what they’d want for a romantic break. Assuming they had the right partner, here is what they said.

Janet said, “Clean air, crackling fires, cosy evenings with a glass or two of wine”

Susan said, “Long walks by the sea, leisurely breakfasts and no phones or email”

Alison said, “Nothing to do but decide where to have lunch but things to do if we wanted”

Maria said, “The gentle warmth of the early spring sunshine in the day then long lunches followed by a siesta and then a walk on the beach at sunset.”

Christina said, “It has to be a bit special, a lovely room, four poster bed, fluffy towels and really crisp sheets, little extras like flowers in the room make a huge difference.”

Kath said she and Patrick like self catering more than a hotel so they can relax completely, have space and not have to worry about meal times or anything else.

Then we asked where would be the perfect place for the romantic getaway and Jenny said, “Well, if it couldn’t actually be in Dornoch, then it would have to be somewhere just like Dornoch with those amazing beaches and hills all around. There would have to be lots of places to walk, interesting little shops to potter around in, comfortable, friendly places to read the papers over a cup of coffee and the beautiful, golden cathedral to visit. Actually, I don’t think there is anywhere quite like Dornoch, so it would just have to be Dornoch for my perfect romantic weekend”.

Maria added, “We can’t talk about romance without mentioning the weddings. Can you imagine anywhere lovelier than Dornoch Cathedral for a Highland wedding, then drinks and photos on the beach and a party later back in town? A friend told me about her wedding reception there when the pipe band played outside and all the guests went out and danced in the street on a warm summer evening with friendly locals joining in. They couldn’t have imagined a more special, memorable day.”

Why not plan a romantic break in Dornoch for Valentine's Day? Check out cthe our fantastic range of accommodation options here

Source Here: Romantic break in Dornoch

Romantic break in Dornoch posted first on http://visitdornoch.blogspot.co.uk