Golspie lies on the east coast of Sutherland, mid way between Loch Fleet and
Brora on the main road north. Originally a small fishing hamlet Golspie was, like many
villages on the east Sutherland coast, expanded in the early nineteenth century to house some of those evicted from
the inland straths and glens during the clearances. Fishing was the main industry, but the opening of the railway
in 1868 brought the first tourists to the area.
Golspie today is an attractive little seaside resort with much for the visitor to see and do. The village boasts a
long sandy beach and there a number of scenic walks around the area, including one at the Big Burn with its
spectacular waterfalls.
There are a number of historic buildings too, including St Andrews church dating from the sixteenth century and, most
famously, Dunrobin Castle. This is one of the grandest houses in the north of Scotland and is situated just north of
the village. It is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited homes in Britain, the oldest part of the
castle dating from the early fourteenth century. As well as the castle itself, Dunrobin is known for its formal gardens.
Dominating the skyline above the village is the 100 foot tall statue of the first Duke of Sutherland. You can read
more about it on this page.
The more active visitor is well catered for. The village has its own golf course and bowling club as well as
tennis courts, and it also boasts its own swimming pool with fitness facilities. There are also many opportunities
for loch and sea angling in the area. One unusual sporting venue is the local kart track which sees race meetings
throughout the summer months.
The latest addition to Golspie's list of sporting atrractions is the Highland Wildcat mountain bike trails. These have been
designed for all levels of experience with different routes suitable for families & novices through to more difficult
and technical trails for experienced mountain bikers. The most difficult trail features the longest free ride descent in
Britain down from the summit of Ben Bhraggie.
The village has a good range of local services including a number of shops and cafes. Accommodation is plentiful
with several hotels in the village as well as guest houses and bed & breakfasts. There is also plenty of self
catering accommodation available locally. Golspie is served by its own railway station and is situated on the main
A9 road which runs the length of the east coast of Sutherland.
