North Kessock - Rural Scottish Highlands - Easy Access Inverness City - Amazing Views £430K скачать в хорошем качестве

North Kessock - Rural Scottish Highlands - Easy Access Inverness City - Amazing Views £430K

North Kessock Location & Overview North Kessock is a picturesque village on the north shore of the Beauly Firth, directly opposite Inverness. It lies at the southern tip of the Black Isle (which is actually a peninsula, not an island) and sits just off the A9, connected to Inverness via the Kessock Bridge. History & Character Historically, it was a fishing and ferry village. Before the Kessock Bridge opened in 1982, the Kessock Ferry carried vehicles and passengers across the Beauly Firth between North Kessock and South Kessock (Inverness). The name “Kessock” likely comes from the Gaelic Ceasag, possibly referring to Saint Kessog, a missionary in the Highlands. The village has grown as a commuter settlement for Inverness, offering stunning views across the water to the city. Wildlife & Nature The Beauly Firth here is rich in wildlife — seals are often spotted, and the area is part of the range of the Moray Firth bottlenose dolphins. Birdlife includes oystercatchers, herons, and redshank feeding on the tidal flats. 2. Redcastle Location & Overview Redcastle is an estate on the north shore of the Beauly Firth, a few miles west of North Kessock, between Killearnan and Muir of Ord. The most notable feature is Redcastle itself — a ruined 16th-century tower house. History Built originally in the 13th century by the Bisset family, later rebuilt and expanded in the 16th century. The castle belonged to the Frasers of Lovat for centuries. It was abandoned in the early 20th century and has fallen into ruin, though parts of its red sandstone walls still stand (hence the name). It commands a strategic location with views across the Beauly Firth, which would have been valuable for controlling maritime access. 3. Beauly Firth Geography The Beauly Firth is a tidal inlet of the Moray Firth, lying west of Inverness. Fed by the River Beauly at its western end. Flanked by fertile farmland and woodlands, with tidal mudflats that attract large numbers of seabirds and waders. At its eastern end, it narrows before flowing past North Kessock into the Moray Firth proper. Wildlife Known for otters, seals, and dolphins. Excellent birdwatching spot — migratory geese, curlew, and sandpipers. The tidal flats are protected under conservation designations for their ecological importance. Settlements & Landmarks Beauly: historic village at the western end, known for Beauly Priory ruins. Redcastle: historic estate and ruined castle on the north shore. Bunchrew: small village on the south shore, with a historic hotel. Killearnan & North Kessock: villages on the north shore. 4. Inverness City (Context in Relation to the Beauly Firth) Location Inverness lies at the eastern tip of the Beauly Firth, where the River Ness flows into it before reaching the Moray Firth. Connections The Kessock Bridge links Inverness directly to North Kessock and the Black Isle. The A862 follows the south shore of the Beauly Firth toward Beauly and Dingwall. The A9 northbound takes you over the Kessock Bridge past North Kessock toward Ross-shire and the Far North. Role Inverness is the service, shopping, and cultural hub for all the Beauly Firth communities. Its waterfront and riverside walks offer panoramic views across the Beauly and Moray Firths. Tourism is strong here, with many visitors staying in Inverness to explore the firths, the Black Isle, and surrounding Highlands. How They All Connect North Kessock: Gateway to the Black Isle, offering stunning views across the firth to Inverness. Redcastle: A historic landmark on the north shore, tied to medieval clan history. Beauly Firth: The scenic, tidal waterway uniting these communities and serving as a wildlife haven. Inverness: The urban heart at the head of the firth, providing access to transport, commerce, and culture.