Durness

	This is just a introduction to the spectacular and tranquil area in the Highlands of Scotland. Durness prides itself in being an area unspoiled by the pressures of recent convention and remains a community with many traditional values and life styles. We welcome visitors and we offer the chance to see and participate in true Scottish hospitality as is the expectation world wide. We are 100 miles west from John o Groats at the most north westerly point. To explore the area we invite you to visit. Durness is the centre of the ancient lands of Clan Mackay and the most north westerly community in mainland Britain.
	Dùthaich Mhic Aoidh is the Gaelic for the “Country of Mackay”, a reference to the dominant historical clan of the country north of Kylesku incorporating the parishes of Eddrachilles, Durness, Tongue and Farr.
Within the parish boundaries can be found evidence of cave dwellings, stone circles, chambered cairns, 8th century Christian settlement, the Vikings, 18th century architecture, the notorious clearances and the Second World war. he coastline is fringed with spectacular beaches of silver sand, soaring cliffs and deep caves. It is an ideal place to explore the solitude of the highlands, to watch the varied wildlife and birds, or enjoy a spot of fishing or golf. The spectacular mountain scenery is formed from some of the oldest rocks in the world, Lewisian Gneiss. Being on the “corner” of Scotland, Durness makes an ideal base for touring the rest of the north - west highlands, a vast area of outstanding natural beauty.

Lying 16 kilometers (10 miles) east of Cape Wrath on the north coast, it is the most north-westerly inhabited area of Britain and home to some 320 people. A collection of scattered townships and farms, it has a diverse economy, but the mainstays are tourism, fish farming, sheep farming and crofting. The pace of life is slower and more traditional than in more densely populated areas and many of the pressures of modern day living are not to be found here. Durness makes a good point for touring the rest of North West Sutherland as it is the "corner" of the road system; from here you can only go south or east. There is an abundance of magnificent scenery and wildlife and while an ideal holiday destination in itself,

Sutherland the southern land of the Vikings. is the most remote county in Britain yet easily accessible to the rest of the country. It is the only county in Scotland without a town and has the lowest population density in western Europe. Also, it has three coastlines - north, east and west which provide a stunning coastal landscape of towering cliffs and golden beaches, backed by rugged mountains and barren moorlands. The empty glens of today bear witness to the great clearances of the 19th century when people were forcibly removed from their homes to make way for sheep farming The splendour of Durness is expressed in its extended horizons, in certain parts a view of over thirty kilometres is not uncommon.
From April to October visitors from all over the world venture north to the spectacular and rugged scenery. Durness being on the corner of the road networks a natural stopping place. The scenery around here is magnificent and for those accustomed to city dwelling the sheer scale of the landscape is awe inspiring. This is surely one of the most beautiful areas of Europe with sparkling rivers, scattered lochs, shimmering beaches, rugged mountains and vast expanses of open moorland, here visitors will find peace and quietness ; an absolute abundance of wildlife, clean, uncrowded beaches; some of the world's best fishing; and space in which to enjoy the clear invigorating air.