Brora
| Brora Gaelic: Brùra | |
| Sutherland | |
|---|---|
 Brora Harbour | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | NC906039 |
| Location: | 58°-0’36"N, 3°51’0"W |
| Data | |
| Population: | 1,140 (2006 est.) |
| Post town: | Brora |
| Postcode: | KW9 |
| Dialling code: | 01408 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Highland |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross |
Brora is a village on the east coast of Sutherland. The village stands where the A9 road and the Far North Line railway bridge the River Brora. The village has its own railway station on the Far North Line.
A small industrial village having at one time a coal pit, boat building, fishing, salt pans, fish curing, lemonade factory, Clynelish Distillery (at one time called the Brora distillery [1]), wool mill, bricks and a stone quarry. The white sandstone in the Clynelish quarry belongs to the Brora Formation, of the Callovian and Oxfordian stages (formerly Middle Oolite) of the Mid-Late Jurassic. Stone from the quarry was used in the construction of the old London Bridge (1831-1967), in Liverpool Cathedral and in Dunrobin Castle. When in operation, the coalmine was the most northerly coalmine in the United Kingdom. A Government Radio Receiving Station operated between 1940 and 1986.
Brora was the first place in the north of Scotland to have electricity thanks to its wool industry. This distinction gave rise to the local nickname of "Electric City" at the time.
Local football club Brora Rangers FC was founded in 1879 and moved to present stadium, Dudgeon Park, in 1922. There is another smaller Local club belonging to brora, Brora Wanderers FC, who play in the East of Sutherland Amateur League. Their recent successes include winning the Paul Cup in the 2010 season, beating fierce rivals Golspie Stafford FC 2-0 in Lairg.
Home to Capaldi's Ice Cream shop since 1929. Once famous throughout the Highlands for what is claimed to be some of the finest ice cream in Scotland. It was taken over by Inverness bakery firm Harry Gow[2] who 'enhanced' the recipe.
Amongst the local amenities are an 18-hole links golf course designed by James Braid in 1923 for sum of £23, bowling and tennis facilities. In 2006, Brora Golf Course was rated at No 99 in the Top 100 Courses in Britain and Ireland. Visitors are also attracted to Brora's clean beaches and associated wildlife.