Golspie

infobox UK place
country = Scotland
official_name= Golspie
gaelic_name= Golspie
population = 1,600 (approx.)
os_grid_reference=
latitude=57.97
longitude=-3.97
unitary_scotland= Highland
lieutenancy_scotland= Sutherland
constituency_westminster= Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
constituency_scottish_parliament= Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross constituency in the Highlands and Islands electoral region
post_town= GOLSPIE
postcode_district = KW10
postcode_area= KW
dial_code= 01408

Golspie is a coastal village in Sutherland, Highland, Scotland. It has a population of around 1,600 people. It is located picturesquely on the shores of the Moray Firth under the shadow of Ben Bhraggie (394m).

Golspie railway station opened on 28 July 1874. It is on the Far North Line.

Golspie boasts award winning beaches to the north and south of the tidal pier, where families can have safe bathing; there is a public swimming pool in the centre of the village for those who prefer warmer water. The Kart Race Track can be found about a mile or two down ferry road and is said to be the best in Scotland. The excellent golf course provides a mix of links, parkland and heath and there are central facilities for tennis and bowling, football and playing fields for the young. Around Golspie there are attractive walks which offer panoramic views, opportunities for bird watching and botany study, fossil-hunting and the magical enchantment of the Big Burn gorges and waterfalls. There is loch and sea angling, as well as sailing and yachting in the bay. In 2006 mountain bike trails were opened on the slopes of Ben Bhraggie [Highland Wildcat: [http://www.highlandwildcat.com Highland Wildcat Trails official site] ] .

Centred around Loch Fleet, three miles south of Golspie, is a National Nature Reserve where in season waders and wildfowl can be easily viewed, along with seals basking on the sandbanks. Osprey and terns frequent the loch in summer, along with thousands of locally-born swallows. Rare wild flowers and plants can be seen on walks in nearby Balblair Wood.

The village boasts a Choral Group, Rotary Club, dancing classes of many and varied styles, plus at the start of August Golspie Gala Week. Among the 100 events staged throughout eight days are a car-banger derby, a fancy dress parade, a wheelbarrow race and a parade of massed pipe bands as a finale. Golspie Heritage Society has a permanent home in the former Fisherman's Welcome on Station Road. The IT-equipped public library, open for limited periods over four days weekly, is situated in the Community Centre complex adjoining the High School.

The Church of Scotland and the Free Church have well-established congregations, while those of the Roman Catholic and Anglican Church faith worship in nearby Brora. There are four hotels, several guesthouses and B & Bs, as well as self-catering cottages available all year round to cater for stop-over and holidaying visitors. Dunrobin Castle, the seat of Clan Sutherland, is only a short way outside and features a falconry display.

Golspie has a long-standing rivalry with Brora.

References

2. Golspie Kart Club - [http://www.nskcgolspie.com Official Kart Club Website]