Caithness and North Coast Sutherland

Caithness and North Coast Sutherland is a large area of unspoilt, dramatic scenery in the far north of Scotland.

The borders of Caithness are the Pentland Firth to the north, and Moray Firth to the east. Caithness meets Sutherland, together covering the far north coast of Scotland. The coast is low-lying on the east, and majestic on the north, with high cliffs and offshore stacks at places like Duncansby Head.

Wick and Thurso are the main settlements, based around harbours and making their living on a mix of fishing and tourism. Inland is the desolate flat peat bog and moorland of the Flow Country, one of the last true wilderness areas in Europe. While the population of the Flow Country is sparse, it is a popular home for numerous rare plants, insects and birds.

The most popular attraction in the area is the ultra-touristy John O'Groats, the most northerly place on mainland Britain. Further along the north coast, however, you are unlikely to meet many other people, as the landscape takes over. The coast is indented by deep sea lochs like Loch Eriboll, and you'll come across stunning beaches that you could have to yourself, but for the odd surfer.

The history of Caithness is very different from that of the rest of the Highlands. It merges two influences: Norseman and Scotsman, seaman and clansman - Viking and Gael. Here, you can see the strong Norse influence in the culture, in virtually every place name, in the ties that bind local people to the sea. However, before the Vikings arrived in the 9th century, the area could already boast a thriving culture, as you can see in the area's wealth of archaeological sites.