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 
   
Monument to the memory of the Honourable Caroline Mackenzie
The Silly Stones
Plaque detailing the measurements of the trees in question.
The largest Spanish chestnut tree in Great Britain
The Square in Strathpeffer
The Strath, a general view.
Firefly ; the first aeroplane seen in the Highlands
Cover
Elsick House
The memorial gate at Fodderty Churchyard.
Chalet
Chalet
Strathpeffer: a jewel in the Highland casket.
The Old Mill at Milnain, Strathpeffer.
Peat Bath
The Pump Room
The new Pump Room
A reconstruction of an early Celtic settlement
Castle Leod
Knockfarrel, from the heights of Achterneed.
Petition to the Court of the Lord Lyon Scotland
A Crannog on Loch Kinellan
The Eagle Stone
A standing stone, with its mysterious 'cup marks'
Approaching the summit of Knockfarrel from Strathpeffer. An etching by Allan Haldane.
Monument to the memory of the Honourable Caroline Mackenzie
The Silly Stones
Plaque detailing the measurements of the trees in question.
The largest Spanish chestnut tree in Great Britain
The Square in Strathpeffer
The Strath, a general view.
Firefly ; the first aeroplane seen in the Highlands
Cover
Elsick House
The memorial gate at Fodderty Churchyard.
Chalet
Chalet
 

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