|
DUNBEATH HERITAGE CENTRE Dunbeath : Caithness :
Scotland |
|
| Dunbeath
Preservation Trust is based in the Heritage Centre situated just two
minutes from the new Dunbeath bypass on the A9 north of Inverness.
The centre is located in the former village school where the famous
novelist Neil M Gunn began his schooling. Easily reached by
following the signs from the A9, a visit makes an enjoyable and
interesting day trip for all. This outstanding new amenity was opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in 1989. It provides facilities for the visitor to see something of the history and lives of the people in a Highland community from prehistoric times to the modern day. Historical detail has been extensively portrayed with a tableau of beautifully sculptured and dressed life-size figures depicting Dunbeath inhabitants from the present back to its early settlers. The tableau is surrounded by displays, models, murals and stained glass panels which are carefully designed to add to the experience and give the visitor a picture of the village and its natural environment. A background of the songs of birds of the locality -cliff, sea and moorland - completes the atmosphere. The Centre overlooks the Moray Firth and has a prime view of the Beatrice Oil Field - the only oilfield that can be seen from the mainland. A pair of powerful binoculars in the Centre allows visitors to scan the area whilst listening to a recorded commentary. Dunbeath Estate, a modern highland estate has established a fold of traditional Highland Cattle. The work of the Trust is also shown with research projects and archaeological digs being planned and undertaken. A photographic collection and family trees are also part of an extensive archive.There are many excellent walks in and around Dunbeath, including the strath, the seashore and the harbour area, all immortalised in the novels of Neil M Gunn. The Strath Trail enables the visitor to explore the beautiful and unique aspects of Dunbeath strath and discover its history, flora and fauna - many kinds of animals (including deer), birds, trees and wild flowers can be seen by the careful observer. (A separate leaflet is available giving full details of the Strath Trail). At the time of the herring boom the harbour was home to 155 fishing boats and there are still working boats based here. Thousands of sea-birds nest along the cliffs in summer - kittiwakes, fulmars and puffins are some of he many species that can easily be seen by the visitor. At certain times of the year seals visit the bay, and salmon can be seen leaping in the harbour and river.
|
|
| About Dunbeath (With Map Link of Area) | |
| Community Pages | |
