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

Click on photo album to view thumbnails and then click thumbnail to see the full size images 
Strathpeffer » Strathpeffer Social » Strathpeffer Primary School » Strathpeffer Primary September
Alasdair and Joe visit the Kilvannie Stone - photo 1
Alasdair and Joe visit the Kilvannie Stone - photo 1
The two pupils of who took the photos of the stone when they were in P6 - Alasdair Mackenzie and Joe Burr - Katie Mackenzie has now helped them with the research .
Alasdair and Joe visit the Kilvannie Stone - photo 2
Alasdair and Joe visit the Kilvannie Stone - photo 2
East face of the stone. Joe and Alasdair went to visit the famous Kilvannie Stones. They are about 100 metres away from Fodderty Primary, our old school. There is an old old story about how they came to be there.
Alasdair and Joe visit the Kilvannie Stone - photo 3
Alasdair and Joe visit the Kilvannie Stone - photo 3
East cup, The story of Kilvannie Stones. Long ago there were giants who liked to have contests. They would go up to Knockfarrel and get huge stones and throw them over the hill. But one day the weather spoilt people's sport, and when the foot holds were slippery the stones, instead of clearing the valley, landed deep in the hollow. The big grooves in the stone are the giants' finger and thumb marks which are still there this day.
Alasdair and Joe visit the Kilvannie Stone - photo 4
Alasdair and Joe visit the Kilvannie Stone - photo 4
West face of the stone. One of the giants had killed all the local wives and children was beheaded. All the other giants went into the cave at Munlochy called Craig Howe and fell asleep.
Alasdair and Joe visit the Kilvannie Stone - photo 5
Alasdair and Joe visit the Kilvannie Stone - photo 5
West cup. Centuries passed. Then one day a shepherd chanced on the cave and went inside and saw before him the giants and their hounds stretched out sleeping. Above the door there was a hunting horn which he took down and put to his lips. As he blew he noticed that the giant's eyes were now open but they did not move. He blew again and the giant sat straight up. Unnerved, the shepherd fled and the giants shouted 'Wretch , you have left us worse than you found us!' And that is the story of Kilvannie Stones.
Mosaic Day
Mosaic Day
WHEN Age Concern worker Linda Odd helped organise an arts session during Older People's Week in the Strathpeffer Community Centre last October, four mosaic panels representing "The Seasons" were produced by older people who worked with pupils from Primary 7 of Strathpeffer School. The plan was to exhibit the panels on the walls in the Community Centre, but as yet the panels which measure two feet by one, remain hidden from view. "We are still looking for someone to frame the four panels," explained Linda. Extract and picture from 'The Highland News'
Mosaic Day - photo 1
Mosaic Day - photo 1
During older people's week in the community centre, P7 helped to create mosaics.
Mosaic Day - photo 2
Mosaic Day - photo 2
Fraser MacArthur , Mark Wallis and Alasdair MacKenzie helped the ladies with the summer mosaic.
Mosaic Day - photo 3
Mosaic Day - photo 3
Two ladies enjoying the activity.
Mosaic Day - photo 4
Mosaic Day - photo 4
The summer panel under way.
Mosaic Day - photo 5
Mosaic Day - photo 5
Anna, Leanna(with jug) and Mrs Fraser who lives in Fodderty.
Mosaic Day - photo 6
Mosaic Day - photo 6
Emma White, Jason Manson, Emily Gray, Mathew Sharples and Cara Belli.
Mosaic Day - photo 7
Mosaic Day - photo 7
Mathew Sharples, Cara Belli help three of the ladies with the spring panel.
Mosaic Day - photo 8
Mosaic Day - photo 8
S for September
S for September

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