Tongue lies on the eastern shore of the Kyle of Tongue, with views of mountains and coastline from the village. Tongue is also one of the significant crofting settlements on the north coast. A stay here brings the coastal landscape and local history together—from the shape of the Kyle to the region’s historic traces.

Landscape and the Shape of the Kyle

One of the distinctive qualities of the Kyle of Tongue National Scenic Area is the great variety of its coastal landscape. A spit of land extending into the Kyle is the terminal moraine of the Kyle of Tongue glacier and forms the eastern part of the causeway. Alongside the broad diversity of the coast, visitors can also take a closer look at a specific geological feature of the Kyle.

Crofting and Historic Traces

The area around Tongue was a historic crossroads for Gaels, Picts and Vikings. In 1746, shortly before the Battle of Culloden, Tongue was caught up in a conflict between the Jacobites and the Royal Navy. The historical perspective therefore ranges from the area’s layered cultural heritage to a specific event shortly before Culloden.

Castle Varrich towers above the village from a rise overlooking the Kyle of Tongue. After the castle was abandoned, Tongue House became the historic seat of Clan Mackay. The Gaelic poet Ewen Robertson (Eòghainn MacDhonnchaidh) lived his entire life in Tongue. Visitors can explore local history and culture at historic sites. Near Tongue, the remains of a Clearance village can also be seen at Scrabster.

Mountains and Local Exploration

Ben Loyal rises above the village of Tongue and is a popular destination for mountain climbs. Conditions on the mountain vary; check them before setting out. At Caisteal Bharraich, an iron staircase provides access to the keep, where you can enjoy the views. Local conditions can also change; check them before your visit. In Tongue, visitors can also discover local crafts and regional produce.

Nature Watching on the North Coast

Nature watching is rewarding across different scales. Talmine Bay, near Tongue, is regularly visited by dolphins. Puffins, Scottish primroses, red deer and orcas can be spotted on the north coast. The view therefore extends from a specific named bay to the north coast as a wider area. Wildlife sightings vary; treat them as possible encounters rather than a guaranteed part of your itinerary.

Getting There and Choosing Accommodation

The A836 runs from Lairg to Tongue and Moine. Check road conditions before setting out. When looking for a hotel in Tongue, it helps to decide what you want to focus on during your stay: the village’s history and cultural landscape, mountain and coastal views, or nature watching on the north coast.

Discover more destinations: Invermoriston, Evanton, Kinbrace, Bunchrew, Kirkhill, Shandwick, Isleornsay, Struan

For the main travel overview: Highland.