Thurso is the northernmost town on the Scottish mainland, situated on the north coast of Caithness overlooking the Pentland Firth. The town developed as an important regional centre and port, benefiting from its position on routes between northern Scotland and the Orkney Islands. Its exposed coastal setting gives Thurso a distinctive landscape of beaches, cliffs and open sea. Today it is the principal service centre for the far north-west of mainland Scotland and an important stop on journeys around the North Coast.
Thurso: Historical sights and information
Facts about Thurso
- Latitude:
- 58.595638
- Longitude:
- -3.521100
- GPS Coordinates:
- 58°36' N, 03°31' W
The historical and tourist importance of the town
Thurso's coastline is one of its main attractions, with Thurso Bay providing a broad sandy beach and impressive views across the Pentland Firth. The town is also associated with Castle of Mey, the former residence of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, which lies further east along the coast. Nearby Dunnet Head is the northernmost point of mainland Britain and offers spectacular cliffs, seabirds and views towards Orkney. Visitors travelling through the region can also explore John o' Groats, the North Coast 500 route and the dramatic landscapes of Caithness and Sutherland.
Food, shopping and when to visit
Thurso has cafés, pubs, restaurants, bakeries and local shops serving traditional Scottish food as well as international dishes. Fresh seafood and locally sourced produce feature prominently in the wider region. Late spring through early autumn is generally the best period for exploring the far northern coast, when daylight hours are long and weather conditions are more favourable. Thurso is particularly useful as an overnight stop on a North Coast itinerary or as a base for excursions towards Dunnet Head, John o' Groats and the ferry connections to Orkney.
Locations & Tours
Discover famous landmarks, historical sites and tourist attractions in Thurso.