Melness, Sutherland - Information about the townships of Midtown, Melness, Talmine, Portvasgo and Midfield

Melness

Following the single track road around the western head of the Kyle of Tongue for several miles is a series of little crofting townships - Melness, Midtown, Skinnet, Talmine, Strathan, Portvasgo and Midfield. These settlements grew up round the coastline following the clearances when crofters were evicted from their smallholdings inland.

The area boasts a number of sheltered, clean, sandy beaches. The township of Talmine also has its own small harbour and slipway.

Looking out to sea, in the mouth of the Kyle of Tongue, are the Rabbit Islands. The French sailing ship 'Hazard' ran aground here in 1746. She was carrying provisions and gold for Prince Charles Edward Stuart - Bonnie Prince Charlie - and his Jacobite uprising.

Despite the size of this scattered little community, visitors are catered for by a hotel in Melness and a camping and caravan site in Talmine. As always, there are also a number of bed & breakfast establishments in the area.