Bettyhill

A 19th Century Settlement

The villages of Bettyhill, Coldbackie, Skerray, Armadale and Strathy in the Mackay Country, situated across the rugged and beautiful north coast, are part of the designated ancient stronghold of the Mackay Clan. In Bettyhill and its surrounding villages you will find not only a warm welcome but much to engage your interest whatever your reason to be there.

The Mackay Country today is inclusive, encompassing all the inhabitants of the area and their many descendants throughout the world, its distinct history combined with a strong sense of pride and identity, known since the 19th century onwards as the Province of Strathnaver, becoming part of the County of Sutherland in the 19th century.

The settlement of Bettyhill, founded in early 19th century as a fishing and agriculture centre, was, from 1807 along with surrounding villages, the scene of cruel evictions, the people torn from their homes along inland Strathnaver. Up to 50 villages and 3,000 inhabitants from 500 families who had farmed there for over 500 years, were cleared, many going abroad to form the nucleus of a diaspora that return ‘home’ to this very day. In 1814 the village of Rosal in Strathnaver forest, now an interpretation centre, was cleared and moved to exposed crofting plots hugging the rocky coastline, with many settling in the growing village of Bettyhill.

There are old Churches, museum and stunning sandy beaches, excellent fishing, walking and wild life, with many unusual plants and archaeology along the raised beach.

Along the west seaboard of Torrisdale Bay and Invernaver you will find the Invernaver National Nature Reserve. To the south, by Loch Naver and Naver Forest, follow the River Naver as it flows to the sea at Naver Bay, meandering its way through hauntingly beautiful Strathnaver following the winding road that takes you through Altnaharra to the west, or by Loch Badanloch to Kinbrace to the east, countryside so remote, so beautiful, it takes your breath away.