Tain

TAIN & DISTRICT MUSEUM AND ST DUTHUS CHURCH

This museum has an impressive collection of local artifacts, including locally produced silverware from the 18th and 19th century and a collection of Clan Ross items.

Behind the museum is St Duthus Collegiate Church which dates from the 14th century. It used to be a place of pilgrimage for the remains of St Duthac until after the Reformation in 1560.

It fell into disrepair in 1815 but was later restored with impressive stained glass windows and has become a popular tourist destination. The church is open when the museum is open.

ST DUTHUS CHAPEL

A few minutes' walk from the museum on Chapel Road is this ruined chapel which was built in 1253 on the site of St Duthuc's birth. Robert the Bruce sent his wife and daughter here for safety but English forces burnt the chapel and took them to England.

GLENMORANGIE DISTILLERY

Founded in 1843, this distillery produces a range of single malt whiskies including 12 year old which was the winner of the World Whiskies Awards 2024. They offer a range of tours, and a tasting bar is also available.

They have been involved in a successful project to revive a native European oyster reef in the Dornoch Firth.

The distillery is a short taxi journey away. Although distance-wise it is walkable (1.5 miles/2.41 km), you would need to walk along the verge of the very busy A9 with no pavement which we would advise against.

TAIN ROYAL ACADEMY COMMUNITY COMPLEX (TRACC)

This leisure centre is based at the school and has a swimming pool.

DORNOCH BEACH

Dornoch Beach is a large, sandy beach a short distance from the town centre. It is one of the winners of Scotland’s Beach Awards 2025. See Meikle Ferry tide times (the nearest data point 4 miles/7 km away).

DORNOCH CATHEDRAL

This is an impressive cathedral in the centre of the village, dating from 1239. It is usually open for visitors and has regular services held there, as well as special events such as concerts.

Its beautiful appearance both externally and internationally, together with the decorative stained glass windows make it a stunning building despite its comparatively small size for a cathedral.

HISTORYLINKS MUSEUM

This is a small museum with displays on Viking history, the cathedral, the light railway, military history and golf in the town.

DORNOCH DISTILLERY

Founded in 2016, this is Dornoch's first whisky distillery, set up through crowdfunding. There are currently no tours (a new visitor centre is due to begin construction in late 2026), however, there is a shop located at Station Square.

They produce a single malt whisky, Organic Mediterranean Gin (winner of World Gin Awards 2022), two blended malt whiskies, and independent bottlings of rum and whisky. 

OLD STATION AND WALK

Dornoch had a railway line from the Mound (on the Thurso railway) to the town.  Opened in 1902 it survived until 1960. The former station in Dornoch may still be seen. The former railway is now a scenic walk of only a few miles to the village of Embo.

ROYAL DORNOCH GOLF CLUB

The popular club has impressive views over the beach and the Dornoch Firth. They welcome visitors subject to availability and hire clubs, trolleys and caddy services. Booking is also recommended for dining. For non-golfers there are nice walks near the golf club.

DORNOCH CASTLE AND DORNOCH JAIL

Although not visitor attractions as such, these close together buildings are popular with tourists. The 15th century castle is now occupied by Dornoch Castle Hotel. The 19th century jail is now occupied by Jail Dornoch gift shop.

Page last updated 7 September 2025