Strathpeffer Introduction

Attribution: unknown (The ruin of Free Church in Jamestown)

Welcome to Strathpeffer

Strathpeffer stands in a beautiful setting at the head of the Peffery Valley, 200 ft. above sea-level and guarded to the North by the massive bulk of Ben Wyvis. Strathpeffer is a unique place in that it is the only remaining Scottish Spa. The benefits of its waters were first recognised during the latter half of the 18th. century, although the first Pump Room was not built until 1819. In 1861 a larger Pump Room was built , but this has now been demolished. That site is now occupied by The Tasting Pavilion and Tourist Office. The waters contain Sulphur and Chalybeate (Iron) but only the Sulphur Wells are available at present.

The outstanding Victorian Architecture of the village owed much to the development of the Spa, as does the presence of some outstandingly beautiful trees. The village has several small but interesting shops, most clustered around the Square. The old Railway Station has been converted and now houses the Highland Museum of Childhood, a wood-carver’s workshop and some craft shops.

Several walks exist around the village, giving beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. For the energetic, there is also a splendid 18 hole Golf Course. The population of Strathpeffer is in the region of 1200. A large percentage of its inhabitants are retired. Those employed are involved in Tourism, Forestry, Farming and crofting, with quite a number commuting daily, either to Dingwall or Inverness. The village boasts two vey large hotels (over 100 bedrooms each), several hotels and guest houses, Bed and Breakfast accommodation and self-catering establishments.

Strathpeffer is a good centre from which to explore and visit places of interest, including Loch Ness, Cawdor Castle, Dunrobin Castle and Gardens, Culloden Battle Field, John O’Groats, Skye, Inverewe Gardens with many other diverse and interesting places within easy reach. Hill-walking, sailing, horse riding, tennis and golf can all be sampled without travelling far.

The water feature in the Square, built in the early 1990s

Attribution: unknown

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Strathpeffer » Strathpeffer Social » Strathpeffer Operatic Society » Strathpeffer Gypsy Queen 1976
Cast in Elizabeth Burns' home for a photocall.
Cast in Elizabeth Burns' home for a photocall.
The cast
The cast
Frank Bowness, Ruth Gilvray and supporting cast.
Frank Bowness, Ruth Gilvray and supporting cast.
Christine Fraser
Christine Fraser
John Crawford
John Crawford
Ruth Gilvray, Elizabeth Burns (innkeeper), Frank Bowness.
Ruth Gilvray, Elizabeth Burns (innkeeper), Frank Bowness.
Tom Fraser
Tom Fraser
Esther Jones as the Gypsy Queen.
Esther Jones as the Gypsy Queen.
Margo Smith.
Margo Smith.
Leon Radin
Leon Radin
Irene Brown
Irene Brown
Leon Radin, Esther Jones, John Dillon.
Leon Radin, Esther Jones, John Dillon.
Ruth Gilvray
Ruth Gilvray
Iain Nicholson
Iain Nicholson
Elizabeth Burns as the Innkeeper.
Elizabeth Burns as the Innkeeper.
Helen Laird as a nurse.
Helen Laird as a nurse.
Helen Laird as a nurse.
Helen Laird as a nurse.
Scene from Gypsy Queen
Scene from Gypsy Queen
The Innkeeper and the Gypsy Queen.
The Innkeeper and the Gypsy Queen.
Douglas Laird on r.h.s.
Douglas Laird on r.h.s.
Confrontation!
Confrontation!
The Ball scene.
The Ball scene.
Chorus of gypsies.
Chorus of gypsies.
Frank Bowness (centre).
Frank Bowness (centre).
Finale
Finale

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