Area and activities

Evanton offers an ideal base from which to explore the Northern Highlands of Scotland. Local road maps show that there are many minor roads that lead from the main roads so if you want a day’s walking or just a leisurely drive through glorious scenery there is this network of these minor roads that makes the whole area easily accessible.

Although described as being on the East side of the Northern Highlands, Evanton is situated on the narrowest part of Scotland where it is only about 50 miles from coast to coast, so a trip to the west coast and the Isle of Skye is possible in a day. Visitors are surprised at just how easy it is to visit Loch Ness without having to be part of the very commercialised area. The journey from Kiltearn is along quiet roads, through pretty villages ( many of which have their own attractions, coffee houses and quaint shops) past distilleries and a winery.

The range of local attractions and facilities are as diverse as the scenery. When you look from Kiltearn House towards the Cromarty Bridge you can see the newly opened Storehouse of Foulis. Combining a shop which sells locally made and produced goods as well as organic fruit and vegetables with a small restaurant and restored historical buildings, this is a must on visitors’ lists of things to do.

The centrepiece of this major new centre is the fully restored 18th century grade A listed Girnal or Rent House, the finest remaining example of what used to be a familiar type of building dotted along the coasts of Easter Ross and Sutherland. The Girnal houses a series of entertaining, informative and educational history and wildlife exhibitions.
Seven centuries of land and people are brought to life in the Rogues Gallery Theatre. Learn about the Munro Clan, their people, history and heritage (the Burial Ground adjacent to Kiltearn House is their final resting place). You can study the authentically recreated Rent House, with cut-away floors above enabling the whole content of activities to be seen.

If gifts and mementos are needed, Made in Scotland has a full range of Scottish crafts on sale including jewellery, knitwear and textiles. You can find them in Beauly about 15 miles from Evanton on the A862.

For a special night or lunch out it might be possible to book a table at The Oystercatcher in Portmahomack. This tiny restaurant is opposite the beach in this pretty seaside village about 30 minutes drive away. It specialises in ultra fresh sea food which is truly amazing (though meat dishes are also available). The interesting dining room is only one of its unique features - the quality and variety of the china and serving dishes combined with the unique curtains makes it a dining experience to be savoured long after leaving.