Dornoch Gatherings

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Discover “Dornoch Gatherings” while you Stay at Embo House
At Embo House, we believe that a memorable Highland escape is about more than great scenery and luxurious accommodation. It’s about connecting with the culture, history, and community that make this corner of Scotland so special. That’s why we’re delighted to support and celebrate Dornoch Gatherings, one of the most exciting additions to the cultural life of our region.
Dornoch has long been known for its stunning cathedral, world-renowned golf course, and warm Highland hospitality. Today, thanks to Dornoch Gatherings, it is also becoming a vibrant destination for music, culture, and inspiring conversation.

Kate Rusby at Dornoch Cathedral

 

A New Cultural Tradition in the Highlands
Hosted primarily within the magnificent Dornoch Cathedral, Dornoch Gatherings brings together an exciting programme of concerts and guest speakers throughout the year.
The historic cathedral’s fantastic acoustics and architecture provides a spectacular setting for these events. Dating back to the early 13th century, it is the most northerly cathedral on the Scottish mainland and offers a truly atmospheric backdrop for memorable performances and gatherings.
Why Our Guests Love Dornoch Gatherings
One of the greatest joys of staying at Embo House is the opportunity to experience the Highlands as both a visitor and a local. Dornoch Gatherings offers exactly that.
Whether you’re attending an intimate concert, listening to a fascinating guest speaker, or enjoying an evening celebrating Highland culture, you’ll find yourself immersed in the creative spirit of the community. These events provide a wonderful opportunity to meet local residents, fellow travellers, and talented performers in a welcoming and relaxed environment.
For guests planning a special celebration, family reunion, or group getaway at Embo House, checking the Dornoch Gatherings calendar can add an unforgettable cultural experience to your stay.

Cultural Dancing showcased at Dornoch Cathedral

A Perfect Highland Day Out
Many of our guests combine a Dornoch Gatherings event with a day exploring the area. Start with a stroll through the historic streets of Dornoch, visit the cathedral, enjoy lunch in one of the town’s welcoming cafés, or walk along the stunning beach before settling in for an evening performance.
Afterwards, return to the comfort of Embo House, where you can continue the conversation over a dram by the fire or enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the surrounding countryside.
Supporting Our Community
As proud supporters and friends of Dornoch Gatherings, we are passionate about initiatives that enrich our local community and create lasting connections between visitors and the Highlands. These events help showcase the remarkable talent, history, and creativity that thrive in this part of Scotland, while ensuring that Dornoch remains a lively and inspiring destination throughout the year.

Dornoch Cathedral, the perfect hub for Dornoch Gatherings

Planning Your Visit
If you’re considering a stay at Embo House, we encourage you to explore what Dornoch Gatherings can offer when planning your trip. Whether you’re a lover of music, literature, history, or simply looking for a unique Highland experience, you’ll find something to inspire you in the Dornoch Gatherings programme: (https://www.dornochgatherings.com)
We look forward to welcoming you to Embo House and helping you discover the cultural heart of the Highlands
Beach fun near the Castle - Embo House

Luxury, Dog-friendly Highland Accommodation at Embo House

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Our dog Nala loves the Highlands. It’s not just the endless opportunities to roam across mountain and moor. It’s also the opportunity to swim in lochs and burns, or doggy surf on the stunning beaches at Dornoch and Embo. We’re sure it keeps her in peak condition. And her coat is especially silky and sweet as a result of the soft, clean waters she enjoys bathing in.

It’s surprising how little luxury, dog-friendly, Highland accommodation there is. Being dog-lovers ourselves we thought it only fair that our four-legged friends be allowed to join in the fun. The garden at Embo House provides 8 acres to exercise in, and there are lovely walks from the house down to the sea or along the footpaths to nearby Dornoch or Embo. We provide baskets, feeding bowls and special dog towels, so dogs can enjoy a bit of a “cleansing massage” on their return from manoeuvres, and have some R&R! …And in the unlikely event that your pooch gets ill, there is an excellent vet in town.

Of course, we respect those who do not enjoy the company of our canine friends. So we are strict about asking that dogs remain downstairs and that any mess in the garden is removed immediately. Nala doesn’t seem to mind.

Then there is the issue of going out. Some of the pubs nearby – including the Trentham Hotel and the Coach House are happy for a dog to join you for a drink or bar meal. Cocoa Mountain coffee (& chocolate) house is also dog-friendly, and if you venture across the bridge to Tain, the restaurant & coffee shop, Platform 1864 also permits dogs.

There may be occasions when you want to use Embo House as a base to explore somewhere further afield (eg a trip to the Orkney islands or the west coast) and leave your dog at home. If so, there are a few options. With enough notice we can usually help you organise an experienced dog-sitter who can make sure that your hounds are exercised properly and fed whilst you are away.

So if you’re looking for a spot of luxury, dog-friendly Highland accommodation, look no further than Embo House! (And don’t be shy about asking your dog for a second opinion.)

Stunning view at Embo House

Simply the best Dornoch Firth View!

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Well I know I’m biased, but I do (not so) secretly believe that here at Embo House we have the best Dornoch Firth view there is! Those canny Georgians who built the house at the end of the 18th Century, knew a good thing when they saw one, so the front of the house faces the sea and nearly all the rooms have a great Dornoch Firth view – including seven out of eight of the bedrooms. Which means you can lie in bed, open the shutters and see this, as the sun rises in the morning over the firth:

Dornoch Firth View at Sunrise

My favourite way to make the most of the morning is then to take a bath with – of course, a Dornoch Firth view!

The best Dornoch Firth view in Embo House

This bathroom is bang in the centre of the house on the second floor and affords the most magnificent Dornoch Firth view we can provide. I can sometimes see people walking along the old railway line at the top of the dunes between Dornoch and Embo, but I’m fairly sure they can’t see me!

We have some spectacular viewpoints in the grounds too, since a wonderful old “haha” surrounds the front of the garden and gives us an uninterrupted view, without the need for walls or fences. Jim particularly likes the Dornoch Firth view from the Tree house, (though he’s actually looking the wrong way to catch it, in this photo!)

Platform in the garden at Embo House  

But it seems we are not alone in admiring this Dornoch Firth view. Excitingly, we have now had a number of young couples coming to see the house as a potential venue for their wedding. And yes, it is normally that wonderful Dornoch Firth view which sways them in our favour. There is a wooden structure which you can just see to the right of the picture below, which we think is the perfect spot to take an important vow. Hope you agree!