Golspie
| Golspie Gaelic: Goillspidh | |
| Sutherland | |
|---|---|
 Beach and Golspie | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | NH832999 |
| Location: | 57°58’12"N, 3°58’12"W |
| Data | |
| Population: | 1,650 (approx.) |
| Post town: | Golspie |
| Postcode: | KW10 |
| Dialling code: | 01408 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Highland |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross |
Golspie is a coastal village in Sutherland, on the county's east coast, south of Brora and at the mouth of the Golspie Burn, on the southern bank. It has a population of around 1,650 people. The village stands picturesquely on the shores of the Moray Firth in the shadow of Ben Bhraggie. Across the burn are fine woodlands, amongst which hides Dunrobin Castle.
Golspie railway station opened on 28 July 1874. It is on the Far North Line. The converted 19th century railway station is now a luxury holiday let.[1]
Golspie has award-winning beaches to the north and south of the tidal pier, where families can have safe bathing; there is a public swimming pool in the centre of the village for those who prefer warmer water. The Kart Race Track can be found about a mile or two down ferry road. The golf course provides a mix of links, parkland and heath and there are central facilities for tennis and bowling, football and playing fields for the young. Around Golspie there are walks which offer panoramic views, opportunities for bird watching and botany study, fossil-hunting and the magical enchantment of the Big Burn gorges and waterfalls. There is loch and sea angling, as well as sailing and yachting in the bay. In 2006 mountain bike trails were opened on the slopes of Ben Bhraggie.[2]
Centred around Loch Fleet, three miles south of Golspie, is a National Nature Reserve where in season waders and wildfowl can be easily viewed, along with seals basking on the sandbanks. Osprey and terns frequent the loch in summer, along with thousands of locally-born swallows. Rare wild flowers and plants can be seen on walks in nearby Balblair Wood.
The village boasts a Choral Group, Rotary Club, dancing classes of many and varied styles, plus at the start of August Golspie Gala Week is held. Among the 100 events staged throughout the week are a car-banger derby, a fancy dress parade, a wheelbarrow race and a parade of massed pipe bands as a finale. Golspie Heritage Society has a permanent home in the former Fisherman's Welcome on Station Road. The IT-equipped public library, open for limited periods over four days weekly, is situated in the Community Centre complex adjoining the High School.
Churches
- Church of Scotland
- Free Church of Scotland
Village facilities for visitors
There are four hotels, several guesthouses and B & Bs, as well as self-catering cottages, including the recently converted 19th century railway station.[3] These are available all year round to cater for stop-over and holidaying visitors. Dunrobin Castle, the seat of Clan Sutherland, is only a short way outside and features a falconry display. Golspie Links Caravan Site is a static caravan site in Golspie, that is situated between the 18 hole golf course and the race track, just off Ferrry Road
References
- ↑ The Station Golspie: The Station Golspie website.
- ↑ Highland Wildcat: Highland Wildcat Trails official site
- ↑ The Station Golspie: The Station Golspie website.