The Royal Burgh of Dornoch is an historic small town on the edge of the Dornoch Firth, a designated National Scenic Area in the Highlands of Scotland. Its tranquil location, scenery and climate have attracted visitors for decades. Some come to test their golfing skills on Royal Dornoch's championship course, or to walk and view wildlife in the National Nature Reserve at nearby Loch Fleet. Others simply want to relax and enjoy our unhurried way of life.

Once the spiritual and administrative capital of Sutherland, Dornoch remains a thriving community today. Small in population (under 2500) but large in hospitality, Dornoch offers visitors and residents a wide range of shops and businesses, five hotels, two golf courses, two schools, a further and higher education college and an award-winning sandy beach. Its fine buildings include the 13th Century cathedral, a bishop's palace (now a hotel), courthouse and old town jail. Sandstone cottages and town houses line its peaceful streets and lanes.

Dornoch might feel off the beaten track, but it's only an hour from Inverness Airport, five minutes from the A9, and now has 8MB BT Broadband internet access.

In 2005 Dornoch became the first 'Fair Trade Town' in the Highlands and one of the first 100 in Britain. Many of our shops, hotels, businesses, churches and schools offer Fair Trade products.

Come and hear our Pipe Band play on summer Saturday evenings, or choose Dornoch as your Wedding location - Madonna did! Take a tour around our website and find out more.

DORNOCH EVEN TAUGHT JAMES BOND A THING OR TWO! From his new book SEAN CONNERY: BEING A SCOT, published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson: "During the filming of 'Goldfinger,' I learnt the essential challenge of links golf in Royal Dornoch, in the north-east Highlands. Ever since then I have been drawn to links golf and its enduring challenges."