BRORA

Brora used to have a coal-mining industry dating from the 16th century, but it ceased during the 1970s. There were also fish curing, salt pans and a lemonade factory. Nowadays one of the main products of the town is whisky, courtesy of the Clynelish Distillery, open to visitors, while the local quarry produces a white sandstone of sufficient quality that it was used in Liverpool Cathedral, London Bridge and the nearby Dunrobin Castle (see previous blog post). To the south of Brora is the Iron Age Carn Liath Broch run by Historic Scotland.

There is plenty to interest wildlife enthusiasts in Brora. South of the harbour mouth is a rocky outcrop used by gulls, gannets and basking seals. Brora has been found to be located under an important bird migration route, with different species of bird prevalent at different times of the year. In autumn it is birds such as Redwing, Fieldfare and Brambling which make their appearance. In winter Great Northern and Red-throated Divers can be found feeding offshore. In all, including migrants passing through, almost 240 species of bird have been noted in the Brora area.

Webcam views from Brora Golf Club.

Map of the area.

River Brora - geograph.org.uk - 238230. Photo by Phil Williams, via Wikimedia Commons.