Sutherland and Easter Ross is a largely undiscovered corner of north-east Scotland, with some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. The Dornoch Firth claims a micro-climate with the least rainfall and most prolonged sunshine in Scotland.

Within 15 miles are some wonderful sandy beaches, golf courses such as the world-renowned Royal Dornoch Championship links course and other excellent courses at Bonar Bridge and Tain. Highland rivers, the Oykel, Cassely, Carron and Shin just ask to be fished and there is a salmon leap at the spectacular Falls of Shin.

Birdwatchers can visit Loch Fleet, a few miles east of Dornoch, where large numbers of geese, ducks and waders can be seen, while seals can often be spotted basking on the sand-bar in the middle of the bay. There are wildlife cruises in the Cromarty Firth while Lochinver and Ullapool, the glorious beaches round the Kyle of Durness and the Smoo Cave (a firm favourite with children) are just an hour and a half away.

For whisky lovers, the area boasts some of the most prestigious distilleries which you can visit and sample the wares, such as the famously elusive Clynelish at Brora, Glenmorangie at Tain, or the area's own Balblair Distillery (visits by appointment only).

Labelled by some as ‘Scotland’s answer to Route 66’, the North Coast 500 passes nearby at Tain. This circular north highland driving route is 516 miles long in total, starting in Inverness and crossing over to Applecross, then heading up the west coast to Sutherland and the tip of Scotland John o’ Groats, before heading back down to Inverness. Some enthusiasts aim to drive the entire route, whilst others choose to take in the magnificent scenery on shorter stretches nearby.