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 
   
Spa Pharmacy (left) and Hairdresser and Strathpeffer Crafts (right)
The Tourist Office in the Square.
The Shieling
Mackay's Spa Lodge Hotel (2004)
Evolution pillar in course of construction.
Wood carver's shop, Old Station.
Belgian Chocolate Factory
The Craft Shop in Strathpeffer
Dunraven, Golf Course Road, early 1900s.
Mackay's Hotel (2004)
The Pavilion after a 21st century refurbishment
The Pavilion - side view.
The Pavilion - rear view.
Adjacent to the Pavilion is the former Pump Room (open during the tourist season and staffed by volunteers).
Currently building is the Red Poppy restaurant
Peffery House, The Old Station Yard, Strathpeffer
The Square, Strathpeffer.
Spa Petrol Station, now closed to the public (Oct. 1999) owned by Spa Motors.
Spa Motors (Coach Hire)
Afternoon tea at the Highland Hotel.
The Highland Hotel
The three pupils of Fodderty Primary 7
The Strathpeffer Hotel (1998)
The Ben Wyvis Hotel (1998)
"the paper shop"
Spa Pharmacy (left) and Hairdresser and Strathpeffer Crafts (right)
The Tourist Office in the Square.
The Shieling
Mackay's Spa Lodge Hotel (2004)
Evolution pillar in course of construction.
Wood carver's shop, Old Station.
Belgian Chocolate Factory
The Craft Shop in Strathpeffer
Dunraven, Golf Course Road, early 1900s.
Mackay's Hotel (2004)
The Pavilion after a 21st century refurbishment
The Pavilion - side view.
 

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