CCWS - A to Z of Caithness Places

DUNBEATH
A village sitting at the mouth of the Dunbeath Water reaching its end after flowing through a broad strath to arrive at Portormin Harbour. The cliffs on the south side are overlooked by the stunning Dunbeath Castle perched right on the edge and said to have underground tunnels. The castle dates from the 14th century. A fishing village whose importance declined as small fishing boats became less profitable. Small boats still use the harbour mainly for creel fishing. The village is also the birth place of Neil Gunn (1891 � 1973) the famous writer and novelist from the county. Just outside Dunbeath a 19th century whalebone arch still stands but this is thought to be from a stranded whale rather than evidence of whaling. The Dunbeath Broch is reckoned to be about 2000 years old.

Dunbeath harbour itself was built about 1800 and in 1814 had 155 boats. At one time ice was cut in the river in winter and stored in the ice house at the harbour.

The Heritage Centre
Just outside the village holds a great deal of information about the area and details of the varied history and where to see it.

A very interesting walk(40 Pictures) can be taken from the old mill and many interesting features are to be found along the way. A leaflet is available at the Dunbeath Heritage centre describing the route and features.

The area is rich in wildlife and easily spotted are cormorant, shag, fulmar, puffin, eider duck, seals and otters. The strath also has a large numbers of deer although these are more timid and a bit of luck is required or lots of patience.

Heading north on the A9 road about half a mile will bring you to a very interesting croft museum run by local people called Llaidhay Croft Museum. This shows a croft from the eighteenth century and has house, byre and stables all under one roof. It is packed with artefacts donated by local people. A huge range of household items and farm implements can be seen.

Dunbeath Castle	Dunbeath Harbour
Dusk at Dunbeath Harbour April 2001	War Memorial
Restored At Ballacladdich	Dunbeath Bay From South
Dunbeath Health Centre	Village along the river