Scottish Highlands Towns and Villages

Brora is full of surprises. Though now defunct, its coal mine dates from 1529, and so important did the fuel become that in 1601 King James VI of Scotland granted the village a charter as a 'free burgh of Barony'.

A salt works was also established in the 17th century but eventually it failed. The Brora brickworks opened in 1818, when the Duke of Suther­land decided he needed bricks to supply his building programme.

But it closed down after only a decade of activity. In 1901 a mill for spinning wool was established by a local entrepreneur, you can find the Clynelish Distillery, producing a fine full and mellow single malt whisky with a fruity tang.

Brora is a holiday destination with a picturesque harbour that lies within the bar of the river Brora, and pleasant sandy beaches near by.