Explore an ancient landscape that dates back 4000 years.

The history of Burghfield House

The building dates back to 1900 and previous owners include Lord Rothermere, the newspaper magnate. The turreted country house includes a tower, where the St Andrews Cross flies proud, to be seen as a landmark from anywhere in Dornoch guiding you back home to its comfortable environs. The hotel has 29 rooms, all with private facilities.

Burghfield House Hotel was established in 1947 by the Currie family. Since that time, our staff members have sought to create a warm, open and inviting atmosphere. Our repeat customers often comment that they feel a part of an extended family. As you listen to the yarns, relive your latest round of golf, or tell about the one that got away on your fishing trip, you will be in good company.

Dornoch history

Our historic royal burgh is set in an ancient landscape where every hillock or pile of stones could have a story to tell. There has been human settlement in the area for over 4000 years. Take a walk into the fields and forests around the village and, if you know where to look, you'll find chambered cairns, hut circles, a standing stone and even an Iron Age broch - relics of the Picts, our earliest settlers. This ancient people lived out their lives here for thousands of years, until the arrival of the Vikings forced them off their lands.

Dornoch may be remembered affectionately by visitors for its peace and tranquillity, but its past has been far from uneventful. Prolonged and bloody disputes, political intrigue and family vendettas characterise much of Dornoch's history. From Viking raids in the 9th century, to a Jacobite orgy of looting and burning the day before Culloden in 1746, Dornoch and the rich fertile lands around it have always been seen as a prize worth fighting for. The Mackays of Strathnaver, the Sutherlands of Duffus, the earls of Caithness and the Murrays of Dornoch all played their part in Dornoch's turbulent history.

Despite its violent surroundings, the Church maintained a powerful and enduring presence in the Burgh. Some say that St Barr (or Finbarr) founded one of the first Christian settlements here in the 6th century after his journey from Ireland, and a plaque in the town centre commemorates this. We do know that 600 years later the Bishop of Caithness, Gilbert of Moravia, began work on the magnificent sandstone Cathedral. The first service was held in 1239. Gilbert was later canonised and his Cathedral remains today as a lasting tribute to the achievements of a remarkable man. The most northerly Cathedral on the mainland, Dornoch Cathedral is just one of many ecclesiastical buildings in the Royal Burgh - there are many fine historical manses and a striking former Bishops Palace within a few minutes walk of the historic centre.

The coming of the railways to the Highlands at the end of the 19th century opened south-east Sutherland to wealthy visitors from the south. The Dornoch Light Railway opened in 1902 and linked the Burgh to the main line from Inverness to Thurso. Although the railway is no longer in use, the station and platform can still be seen and the line now provides a safe track for walkers to the former fishing village of Embo.

The industrialist and philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie, bought nearby Skibo Castle in the 1890s and lived there until his death. Like many other towns and cities across the country, Dornoch has good reason to be grateful for his and his family's generosity - the Carnegie Library, the Cathedral's lighting system and the Cathedral organ are just some of their gifts to the Burgh. His home is now a prestigious private Country Club and the largest private sector employer in Sutherland.

Choosing Dornoch and Skibo Castle for the "celebrity wedding of the year", Guy Ritchie and Madonna are not the first, nor the last couple to be drawn to this spectacular location. Firstly the historic Cathedral, which is the focal point of the Royal Burgh, is an enchanting backdrop for taking their sacred vows. The acoustics are superb and the power of the chorus brings this building to life and awakens the spiritual aspect in everyone present.

History courtesy of Dornoch.org.uk