Experience authentic Highland culture in Fortrose, a town that retains strong connections to its past through historic buildings and traditional events.
Wander around the quaint Highland town of Fortrose, a historic area in the southern part of the Black Isle peninsula. Find spectacular ruins, picturesque churches and breathtaking landscapes and discover the historic buildings of the town. Look for dolphins, seals and even otters splashing about in the waters of the adjacent Moray Firth inlet.
The town began with the construction of Fortrose Cathedral. The cathedral, now a red-stone ruin in the center of the town, was built in the mid-1200s and the rest of Fortrose grew around it. Explore what remains of the medieval church, stopping at the tomb of Countess Euphemia and the freestanding chapter house.
The surrounding Cathedral Square is lined with elegant Victorian houses and village pubs. Visit in August for the annual St. Boniface Fair, a celebration of Highland culture featuring crafts, performances and music. Locals often don traditional costumes for the celebrations. The Town Hall, with impressive paintings hanging on its walls, also hosts cultural events throughout the year.
Enjoy the scenic views from St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, a 19th-century building on a low cliff looking out to the estuary. Take a moment to reflect inside the peaceful, simple interior before walking down to the nearby beach.
Watch dolphins skim across the Moray Firth at Chanonry Point. The playful creatures come here to feed and are most commonly seen at high tide throughout the year. From the lighthouse at the tip of the point, admire views in both directions along the firth. Play a few rounds of golf on the scenic peninsula's course, which is over 100 years old.
Fortrose is about a 35-minute drive from Inverness Airport, which receives flights from major U.K. cities including London, Manchester and Belfast. Each season offers different reasons to visit Fortrose and the Black Isle. Enjoy the crisp and clear mornings of fall or the longer and warmer days of summer.
