TOURS

I occasionally organise tours for small groups. Usually these have a theme. Please let me know if you are interested in being part of a group.

Circular day tours from Thurso

These can be tailored to reflect your interests eg geology, genealogy, history, photography, cake eating (my speciality) or a general what's to see.

Photography

Caithness has fantastic opportunities for great photographs. We have some unique, unusual and often spectacular scenery.

Have a look at some brilliant examples here produced by local photographer Stewart Watt.

The "Northern Lights"

Seeing the aurora borealis is wonderful. Of course it is unpredictable. However there are indicators such as solar activity which can be measured that increases your chances of seeing this atmospheric marvel. There is an academic website that gives an alert when conditions favour sighting the Northern Lights which we subscribe to.

They are most likely between October and March around midnight and you need a clear sky. It is also best to be away from artificial lights.

If you are interested in seeing the Northern Lights we are happy to let you know when we have been alerted and the weather conditions are favourable. We can take you to some of the best places in the country to see them. Have a look on the "Heavens Above" section of Stewart Watt's photographs here.

Seafood Cuisine

We are very fortunate in having one of the best seafood restaurants in the country on our doorstep.

Jim Cowie at The Captain's Galley has built up this well deserved reputation through a combination of a lifetime involved in the fishing industry and a desire to use sustainable seafood to create perfectly delicious dishes.

Jim now runs workshops demonstrating how to prepare and present the bountiful harvest from the waters in and around Caithness.

If you are interested in joining Jim on one of his workshops or any other activity tour please let us know. You will not be committed to anything until you are entirely happy with all the arrangements.

Other activities that can be incorporated into your tours are:

Show your creative side by trying your hand at making pottery. Jenny at Northshore pottery will demonstrate some of her skills and you can have a go yourselves, taking home a unique souvenir. (They do not have a website at the moment but you can contact them on 01593 741777 or northshorepottery@yahoo.co.uk)

The sedimentary rock laid down over 400 million years ago has provided our area with both a beautiful landscape and a long standing industry. Caithness flagstone can be found in buildings all around the world providing a wonderful, natural look. At Caithness Stone Industries they have continued this tradition and have introduced new products. They allow groups to view the works and provide demonstrations of how the stone is prepared. These have to be organised in advance. Their showroom is well worth a visit.

View the cliffs and birdlife from the sea-side either around Duncansby or Wick/Lybster with a guided boat trip.

Guided walks with specialities in wildlife for example puffin walks, whale watching from the shore, native plants, geology and many more … or just for the scenery.

If there are not enough people to make a tour you can still do all of these activities. Just follow the links to go directly to the activity.