The Hill of Nigg is set in a gentle, low-lying agricultural landscape, virtually unchanged for thousands of years. The southern slopes form the North Sutor, one of North East Scotland's best-known landmarks. The North Sutor, and its twin towering over Cromarty, together form a dramatic gateway to the scenic Cromarty Firth. It is not just the beauty and historical value of this area, it is the total package that makes the whole Tarbat peninsula a place worthy of those who live and work in it.
The whole of this corner of the Moray Forth and its coastal zones are important for wildlife too: not just the famous dolphins but also for many thousands of migratory and over-wintering swans and geese. The Hill of Nigg is a dominant feature in the middle of it all. It is surrounded by, and very close to, sites which have been designated under European and UK law.
The Cromarty Firth is a European Special Protection Area (SPA)* and Ramsar** site, Loch Eye is an SPA and Ramsar Site, and the Moray Firth is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). All these sites are also SSSIs under UK law - as is the dramatic Rosemarkie to Shandwick coast, which is home to many nesting seabirds.
The Hill of Nigg and its immediate surroundings on the Tarbat peninsula also form an area rich in important secular and religious history. This is a natural setting for internationally important Pictish sculpture and artefacts - notably the fine cross-slabs at Hilton, Shandwick, Nigg and Portmahomack, as detailed in the ‘Cultural Heritage’ section. No wonder it is a major tourist attraction, where visitors can enjoy these unique treasures in a peaceful habitat unspoiled, for now, by visual incongruity.
From the top of the Hill of Nigg, stunning views in every direction let you see three firths and six counties! And, for now you won't have five 410ft tall turbines getting in the way.
To get a feel for the spirit and history of our area, visit the many picturesque villages and outstanding beaches, historic churches, like Nigg Old Church and Fearn Abbey; marvel at the finds and displays at the Tarbat Discovery Centre in Portmahomack (www.tarbat-discovery.co.uk), itself housed in a fine restored 18th century church, or, in the summer, take the ferry from Nigg to Cromarty.
Then ask yourself "how could they want a wind farm here?"
