Strathpeffer
Strathpeffer (
Srath Pheofhair in
Gaelic ) is a village and former
spa town in
Ross and Cromarty,
Highland,
Scotland, 5 miles west of
Dingwall, with a population of 1,469.
It lies in a
glen, with varying elevation from 200 to 400 feet above
sea level, but is sheltered on the west and north and has a comparatively dry and warm climate.
The village was the scene of the fight between the
Clan MacKenzie and the
Clan Munro and also between the
Clan MacKenzie and
MacDonald. See Also:
The Eagle Stone.
In the
Victorian era Strathpeffer was popular as a spa resort, owing to the discovery of
sulphurous springs in the
18th century. Situated in the middle of the village is the pump-room, dating from
1819, and soon after a hospital and a hotel were also built. The
Pavilion dates from
1880, and was built to provide a venue for entertainment of the visitors. It fell into disuse and disrepair towards the end of last century, but has now been restored as a stunning new venue for the arts, weddings and other functions and events of all kinds.
The arrival of the railways in Dingwall in
1862 did much to bring more visitors to the town. In
1885 a branch line from the
Kyle of Lochalsh Line was built; the most logical route for the line to
Kyle of Lochalsh was through the town, but disagreements with landowners initially prevented the railway from crossing their land. The branch closed in
1951. The station now contains a variety of shops and craft outlets as well as the delightful
Highland Museum of Childhood.
Because of its location in the heart of the Highlands, and because it contains several large hotels and many guesthouses and B&B establishments, Strathpeffer has remained a popular visitor attraction and a good base for touring the Highlands. There are many walks in the surrounding area and a very scenic golf course, which boasts the longest drop from tee to green of any course in Britain.
The Strathpeffer and District Pipe Band and local Highland dancers perform in the square every Saturday from end May to September, and this is a popular gathering for both visitors and residents. Nearby is Castle Leod, seat of the Earl of Cromartie, Chief of the Clan Mackenzie, which is now open to the public several times a year (details on the Strathpeffer Pavilion website).
*
Strathpeffer Pavilion Association*
Strathpeffer Branch at railscot.co.uk*[
1]
