Visit the Black Isle
Despite its name, the Black Isle is not an island, but a peninsula surrounded on three sides by water: the Cromarty Firth, the Beauly Firth and the Moray Firth. It's also not black. There are a few theories behind the name; some say that when the snow falls on the surrounding hills and covers them in white, the low-lying Black Isle remains dark in comparison. Others say that the Gaelic 'Eilean Dubh' (Black Isle) is a corrupted form of 'Duthuc's Isle' (named after St Duthuc) and has nothing to do with the tone black. Another theory is derived from the nature of the central ridge (Mulbuie Ridge), a vast moorland tract which is dark or bleak in character.
A place of historical interest, the Black Isle features the ruins of Castlecraig, Redcastle and Kilcoy Castle. Cromarty House stands on the site of former Cromarty Castle and is built in part from reclaimed stone and timbers. Kinkell Castle has been recently restored.
Fortrose has a leisure centre, the Black Isle Leisure Centre which includes a sports hall and fitness suite which is also available for meetings and conferences.
There is also a Quad Biking Outdoor Pursuits centre at Broomhill Farm (just down the road from Hillhaven), and the riding school at Drumsmittal, North Kessock. Cromarty Courthouse Museum is another favourite. Glen Ord Distillery Centre in Muir of Ord. Groam House Museum in Rosemarkie. Cromarty Art Gallery and tea shop. Ask Stephen and Fiona at Hillhaven for more information.
A few miles West of Munlochy on the Black Isle lies the Black Isle Brewery. Founded in 1998 by David Gladwin. The Black Isle has long been known for its excellent malting barley. Black Isle Brewery produces world class beers using organically produced barley and hops.
(from Wikipedia, uploaded by Craighennessey
From Inverness, take the A9 north, over the Kessock Bridge with its beautiful views over the Moray Firth. Pass a sign for the Dolphin Centre and head for Black Isle. At the Tore roundabout, head for Fortrose and Cromarty. Pass through Munlochy, continue on to Fortrose. More Details
Stephen & Fiona Skinner
Hillhaven
Ord Hill
Fortrose
Ross-Shire
IV10 8RA
Scotland
Tel: +44 (0) 1381 620826
Email: info@hillhaven.co.uk