The Gardeners Cottage is a cosy homestay retreat located on the north shore of the Cromarty Firth, approximately 40 minutes drive north of Inverness and just 5 miles from the main A9 route that connects the Highlands to the rest of Scotland.
There are two good-sized upstairs rooms, one with a King size bed and one with a Queen size bed. The two rooms have a shared bathroom but another downstairs bathroom is also available. A third downstairs room can be provided for larger family groups. There is also a private guest room downstairs with good internet connection and a Log Burning stove. Guests also have use of the large kitchen and dining area. Laundry facilities are available to guests staying more than 2 nights and there is plenty of parking space at the side of the property. In addition there is a large wooded garden which will appeal to guests with children and/or dogs.
Our location is well placed for many Highland attractions. In the immediate area there are some wonderful historical sites, mainly pertaining to the Pictish era of Scottish history. The Old Nigg Church, which is located beside Gardeners Cottage, houses one of the best examples of Pictish art - The Nigg Cross Slab stone, from the 7th century. Other Pictish stones and relics are found nearby at Shandwick and at Portmohomack. Tain is the nearest town, just a 10 minute drive and Tain has three supermarket stores as well as the fantastic Bannermans Seafood Shop.
There are many possibilities for half day and full day trips from Nigg. Loch Ness and The Caledonian Canal, Inverness, Culloden Battlefield, Cawdor Castle and Fort George are all within one hour's drive to the south. Dunrobin Castle and the ancient town of Dornoch are just a half hour drive to the north. During the summer months the Nigg Ferry connects us directly to the beautiful and historic Cromarty - and access to The Black Isle. For the more adventurous, full day trips covering the far north of Scotland and the west coast are all easily achievable, although an earlier start to the day is advised.
This part of Scotland has something for everyone. For those with an interest in history, there are Bronze Age and Pictish sites as well as many castles dating back to the middle ages. For nature lovers there are endless coastal, forest and mountain walks, areas of special scientific interest and abundant wildlife including bird sanctuaries and the Moray Firth dolphins. For golfers, this area of the Highlands now boasts some of the best golf anywhere in the world - from Royal Dornoch (voted as the sixth best course in the world) to Castle Stuart near to Inverness and many other great courses including Tain, Brora, The Nairn and Spey Valley. For 'Outdoors' enthusiasts, there are Munros to be climbed, great mountain biking routes and water sports. There are also many opportunities for hunting and fishing, with many of Scotland's great salmon rivers on our doorstep. And finally there is the Whisky Trail! Glenmorangie Distillery is just 10 minutes from Gardeners Cottage - and there are many more distilleries in close proximity, including Dalmore, Balblair, Clynelish and Glen Ord.
The Gardeners Cottage appeals to many visitors. Its unique selling point is comfort and flexibility. The house itself is very cosy and visitors will find the homestay experience much warmer and easy-going compared to a Hotel or Bed & Breakfast and the owner is always on hand to offer advice on local attractions.
Local
Eat and Drink
- Glenmorangie House - By Fearn (5.5 miles) - Set in the rolling barley fields of Easter Ross, more of a country house than an hotel, for over 25 ...
- Café Artysans - Inverness (18.3 miles) - Café Artysans is located near to both the bus and railway stations. Open from 8.30am-4pm Monday to ...
- Coffee Affair - Inverness (18.4 miles) - Coffee Affair Speciality Coffee made with only highest quality of fresh ground Italian Beans. Freshly ...
- The Mustard Seed Restauarnt - Inverness (18.4 miles) - Open since 1995, the simple cooking and warm, friendly atmosphere has allowed The Mustard Seed to be...
- The Ivy bar & kitchen - Inverness (18.4 miles) - The Ivy Bar & Kitchen is a vibrant Cocktail Bar & Kitchen which is centrally situated within Inverne...
See and Do
- Glenmorangie House By Fearn (5.5 miles) - Set in the rolling barley fields of Easter Ross, more of a country house than an hotel, for over 25 ...
- Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Links Fortrose (10.1 miles) - Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Links is the 15th Oldest Recorded Club in the World (1793). Fortrose & Ro...
- Historylinks Museum Dornoch (11.2 miles) - Historylinks is a five star attraction featuring 7000 years of Dornoch's turbulent past. Learn a...
- Cawdor Castle Nairn (13.7 miles) - Cawdor Castle dates from the late 14th century, having been built as a private fortress by the Thane...
- North 58° Sea Adventures By Forres (15.1 miles) - JOIN US ONBOARD FOR AN EXHILARATING BOAT TRIP OUT TO THE MORAY FIRTH, EXPLORING THE BEAUTIFUL MORAY ...
Shopping
- Simpsons Garden Centre - Inverness (18.3 miles) - At Simpsons we pride ourselves on being more than just a typical garden centre – offering not just...
- scottish flair fine art gallery - Inverness (18.4 miles) - Scottish Flair Art Gallery, established in 2004, is a privately, family run gallery that specialises...
- Simpsons Garden Centre - Inverness (18.6 miles) - Situated on the outskirts of Inverness, with stunning views over the city, Simpsons Garden Centre is...

