Tourism, the largest industry in Scotland, plays a crucial role in the fragile economy of the Northern Highlands.
Why do so many people keep coming to this area of Easter Ross?
Tourism is developing in this region. Recent events such as:
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•the Fearn National Sheepdog Trials
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•the Tain International Pipe Band Competition
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•Golf Tournaments
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•Highland Games
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•Tain Gala
- attract many participants and spectators, boosting the local economy and promoting jobs such as those in catering, hotels, B&B and holiday accommodation, craft centres, potteries, visitor centres, golf clubs etc.
But the Tarbat Peninsula has much, much more to offer:
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•Unspoiled scenery of great vandscape value, natural beauty, peace and rural harmony
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•Views from the Hill of Nigg are unsurpassed and extend over three Firths and six counties. On a clear day, you can see Ben Rinnes to the south and Dunrobin Castle to the north
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•History and cultural heritage with the Pictish Trail and Tarbat Discovery Centre. Nigg Church, Shandwick and Hilton cross-slabs are regularly visited by tourists and coach tours.
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•Sustrans Cycle routes; footpaths for walkers and ramblers, including the recently developed Bishop's Walk from the side of Nigg Church to Nigg Bay.
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•Nigg Bay, a site of special scientific interest and home to thousands of migratory birds during the winter months.
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•Salt marshes developed by the RSPB to attract wading birds and the bird hides at Udale and Nigg Bay.
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•Award-winning beach at Shandwick and the harbour and recent mermaid sculpture at Balintore.
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•The unspoiled charm of Portmahomack harbour and beach at the gateway to the Dornoch firth
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•The ferry from Nigg to Cromarty, following the route of kings
Visitors stay in this scenic region to take painting courses, photo tours, to go bird watching, to walk, fish and to relax. The list is endless and possibilities are many.
Imagine the effect of five 410 feet turbines on the Hill of Nigg on all these unspoilt treasures!
