Ness of Portnaculter

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Ross-shire

Scotland

Ness of Portnaculter

Eroded Patches of Land at Ardhacjie Point, near Tain, Ros-shire Credit: Andrew Tryon

Ness of Portnaculter is a prominent coastal feature located in Ross-shire, Scotland. It is a stunning headland that juts out into the North Sea, forming a distinct point along the rugged coastline. The Ness is situated approximately 3 miles northwest of the village of Portmahomack.

The headland is characterized by its dramatic cliffs that rise steeply from the sea, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding area. These cliffs are composed of various rock formations, including sandstone and conglomerate, which are a result of geological processes over millions of years.

Ness of Portnaculter is known for its rich biodiversity, with the cliffs providing nesting sites for various seabirds, such as kittiwakes, fulmars, and guillemots. The surrounding waters are also home to a diverse range of marine life, including seals and dolphins, which can often be spotted from the headland.

The Ness is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers, who can explore the coastal trails that wind along the cliff edges, offering stunning panoramic views of the sea and surrounding countryside. It is also a great spot for birdwatching and photography, with opportunities to capture the beauty of the rugged coastline and its inhabitants.

Overall, Ness of Portnaculter is a remarkable coastal feature that showcases the natural beauty and diversity of Scotland's coastline. Its rugged cliffs, diverse wildlife, and scenic views make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Ross-shire region.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Ness of Portnaculter Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.839198/-4.1288982 or Grid Reference NH7385. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Eroded Patches of Land at Ardhacjie Point, near Tain, Ros-shire

Andrew Tryon

South end of the Dornoch Firth Crossing, Ross-shire

Andrew Tryon

Towards Edderton and the Struie

Peter Moore

Meikle Ferry (South) pier

The pier at Ferry Point was the southern terminus of the Meikle Ferry. Prior to the end of the 18th century all traffic relied on the ferries at Meikle and Littleferry for communication and trade across the Dornoch Firth. In the summer of 1809 a ferry so overloaded with passengers travelling from the Sutherland side of the Kyle, was swamped by waves and 99 people were drowned including Sheriff McCulloch of Dornoch who had urged the ferry men to leave some of the passengers behind. People were reluctant to use the ferry after this and travelled the long way around via the new iron bridge at Bonar built by Telford in 1812. There were plans in hand to build a bridge at the Meikle Ferry and such a bridge was designed by Robert Stevenson somewhere about 1830. The bridge was never built according to his plan, but a similar bridge of modern day materials was built in 1992 which cut out the road through Edderton, Ardgay and Bonar bridge, carrying the A9.

Bob Jones

Meikle Ferry (North) pier

This pier was the northern terminus of the Meikle Ferry. Prior to the end of the 18th century all traffic relied on the ferries at Meikle and Littleferry for communication and trade across the Dornoch Firth. In the summer of 1809 a ferry so overloaded with passengers travelling from the Sutherland side of the Kyle, was swamped by waves and 99 people were drowned including Sheriff McCulloch of Dornoch who had urged the ferry men to leave some of the passengers behind. People were reluctant to use the ferry after this and travelled the long way around via the new iron bridge at Bonar built by Telford in 1812. There were plans in hand to build a bridge at the Meikle Ferry and such a bridge was designed by Robert Stevenson somewhere about 1830. The bridge was never built according to his plan, but a similar bridge of modern day materials was built in 1992 which cut out the road through Edderton, Ardgay and Bonar bridge, carrying the A9.

Bob Jones

Dornoch Firth and bridge

Viewed from the road leading to Meikle Ferry, the bay leads round to the Dornoch Firth Bridge, carrying the A9, just visible in the distance.

Bob Jones

Carnegie Golf Course and the Dornoch Firth

The links deserted on an Autumn morning.

sylvia duckworth

Carnegie Golf Course

The distant peak is Struie Hill, across the firth.

sylvia duckworth

A flock of Twites (Winter visitors)

Drying off after bathing in a nearby puddle.

sylvia duckworth

Boat at Meikle Ferry Slip

Peter Moore

Wall beside the slipway of Meikle Ferry

A bright and windy day appropriate for reading all about the ferry disaster that cost 99 lives in 1809.

Julian Paren

Fairway beside the Dornoch Firth

Hole Number Seven I believe.

Julian Paren

View towards Dornoch from the Dornoch Firth bridge

Roger Davies

Dornoch Firth bridge looking south

Roger Davies

Cambuscarrie Bay

Towards Ardmore from the Dornoch Firth Bridge

Douglas Nelson

Dornoch Firth Bridge

A short section of the A9, the longest road in Scotland, connecting Stirling to Thurso.

Douglas Nelson

Stream culverted below railway

The stretch of single track railway is between Tain and Bonar Bridge; the minor stream enters the Dornoch Firth almost immediately beyond the embankment.

Trevor Littlewood

Buildings on Ness of Portnaculter

The Ness of Portnaculter is a peninsula on the south side of the Dornoch Firth; a road runs its length reaching the buildings at the end which are variously houses, old war-time barrack buildings and a fish/shellfish processing plant.

Trevor Littlewood

Show me another place!

Ness of Portnaculter is located at Grid Ref: NH7385 (Lat: 57.839198, Lng: -4.1288982)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands