Scourie
| Scourie Gaelic: Sgobhairigh | |
| Sutherland | |
|---|---|
 Quinag and Scourie across the Sound of Handa | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | NC157447 |
| Location: | 58°21’7"N, 5°8’59"W |
| Data | |
| Post town: | Lairg |
| Postcode: | IV27 |
| Dialling code: | 01971 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Highland |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross |
Scourie, historically spelled "Scoury", is a village on the north-west coast of Sutherland, in the Parish of Eddrachillis about half-way between Ullapool and Durness. It is a village of just over two hundred.
Scourie is known as the birthplace of Hugh Mackay, the distinguished 17th century general (and who landed with William of Orange at Brixham to begin the Glorious Revolution).
The name 'Scourie' originates from the Gaelic for 'sheiling' - a stone-built place of shelter for a shepherd used during the summer grazing.
The nearby island of Handa is a nature reserve and the site of a large seabird colony, including puffins, skuas, guillemots and razorbills. The palm trees in the grounds of Scourie House next to the harbour are claimed to be the most northerly specimens in the world not grown in artificial conditions, although in sober truth the "palms" in the grounds are actually Cordyline australis, a native New Zealand tree which is found in lowland areas. In Britain it is commonly referred to as "Torbay palm" or "Cornwall palm".
The village has accommodation for tourists in several small hotels, including the Scourie Hotel, and Bed and Breakfasts and a campsite. However, all are closed from October to March apart from Scourie Guest House which is open all year. Off season, the shops and earteries are in Ullapool in Cromartyshire.
Sport and recreation
Fishing is a popular attraction due to the large number of freshwater lochs in the remote area.
Scourie plays host to the home matches of shinty team, Kinlochbervie Camanachd Club
Outside links
- Welcome to Scourie
- Panorama of Scourie Bay (QuickTime required)