Muir of Ord (in Gaelic Am Blar Dubh) is situated near the western boundary of the Black Isle and has a population of 3,026.

In the 19th century Muir of Ord was the venue, or "tryst", where a complex of drove roads from the north and west met and cattle in their trousands were sold at the market stance.


[Photo courtesy of George Munro]

It is significant that the Black Isle Show, one of the largest agricultural shows in Scotland, is held every August in the showground adjacent to the village and could be described as a 21st century tryst.

The village is served by Muir of Ord railway station, opened in 1869, and now boasts a new bridge crossing the railway line and replacing the original rail bridge which in recent years had been reduced to single-lane, traffic light control, due to safety concerns.


Glen Ord Distillery operates on the western side of the village and is one of the few remaining distilleries in the county.  [Photo Glen Ord Distillery]

Muir of Ord also has a local football team, Muir of Ord Rovers FC, which competes in the North Caledonian Football League.