Tain

Scotland’s Oldest Royal Burgh

Tain’s community website states that it is a place with something to offer everyone. A trip to the town to learn about its dramatic history or admire its architecture will reveal that claim to be true. When you are there you will experience a traditional highland welcome and you will be impressed with the sporting and leisure facilities and the surrounding natural beauty. There is a wide range of places to eat out and top class hotels and restaurants.

Tain provides an ideal centre for touring. There is good fishing to be had and ample opportunity to swing an iron on the golf course. If nature is your passion you will want to seek out the area’s abundant wildlife. (The highest number of teal and widgeon in Britain has been recorded around the bays of the Firth.) You will find several hundred species of plant life thriving in the tranquil woodlands and in the dramatic hills. The Links in Tain is a popular recreational area where you can walk or play games. From there you will enjoy scenic views of beaches and a panorama of the Firth.

Whether you enjoy a game of tennis or you prefer cycling, or swimming you will find an opportunity to take part in Tain. Those who come to Gala Week can hear concerts and watch the Red Arrow’s Display Team. There are also traditional highland games held each year during which you can gain first hand experience of the enduring nature of highland traditions. When you have seen tartan worn en mass or heard the stirring sound of a pipe band you know why highland culture has been adopted around the world.

The origins of the name Tain are not clear as little is known of its early history. However, the town’s importance grew from an association with an early Christian Saint called Duthac. Duthac lived in the 8th or 9th century and his home town became known as Bailie Dubthaich or Duthac’s Town before it was called Tain. His shrine was of such importance that even King James IV treated it as a place of pilgrimage. This holy association led to Tain being granted its Royal Charter in 1066. Once it had status as a Royal Borough it was able to offer its people the protection of the church and its merchant’s exemption from certain taxes.

The sanctuary, which was based at St Duthac’s shrine and marked by four girths crosses, was the place to which Robert Bruce sent his family for safety from the English in 1306. Unfortunately for them William of Ross ignored the sanctuary and handed them over to the English King. The sanctuary was inspected regularly by the Burgh Council until well into the 18th century.

Should you feel like sanctuary from the frenetic pace of modern life, come and steep yourself in Tain’s historic beauty. You will understand why its reputation as a peaceful town has survived centuries.