PRE CLEARANCE TOWNSHIPS

Settlements in the Parish of Durness in 1726

Durine , Balvolich , Balnakeil, Sangobeg , Lerinmore , Lerinbeg , Smoo  and Sangomore  are the small settlements dotted along the coastline that have survived to give rise to Durness Village . The ruins of many of the earlier settlements are still visible around the present dwellings. The crofts are laid out around the coast, the cottages fronting the road with strips of arable land stretching in front and behind. Durness Village has developed on the main road, succeeding the Kirkton at Balnakeil as the centre.