The ward around Thurso and Northwest Caithness sits on the north coast of the Highland council area of Scotland, looking out over the turbulent Pentland Firth. The landscape mixes low‑lying arable and peatland with dramatic coastal cliffs at spots such as Duncansby Head, important seabird colonies and a long maritime history.
The area is centred on the market town of Thurso, historically tied to fishing and shipping and later shaped by the nearby Dounreay nuclear site; today energy, agriculture and tourism are key employers. Local culture reflects Pictish and Norse roots seen in place‑names and dialect, and the coast draws surfers to Thurso East, wildlife watchers and visitors interested in rugged scenery and community events.
Postcode districts covering Thurso and Northwest Caithness
Neighbouring places
- Thurso Place 1.4 miles
- Halkirk Place 4.5 miles
- Castletown Place 4.5 miles
Example postcodes in Thurso and Northwest Caithness
KW14 7AU, KW14 8BD, KW14 8NW, KW14 8UF, KW14 7JA, KW14 7HT, KW14 8QJ, KW12 6XE, KW12 6YG … See all
Transport links
- Inverness Airport 74.2 miles
- Thurso Railway Station 1 mile
- Georgemas Junction Railway Station 5 miles
Hotels in Thurso and Northwest Caithness Ad
- The Mey Hotel 3
- Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso 4
- Northern Sands Hotel
- Castletown Hotel 3
- Forss House Hotel 4
- Park Hotel 3
- Station Hotel 3
- St Clair Hotel 3
- Manor House
- Pentland Hotel 3
Schools in Thurso and Northwest Caithness
- Bower Primary School Primary
- Castletown Primary School Primary
- Crossroads Primary School Primary
- Halkirk Primary School Primary
- Miller Academy Primary School Primary
- Mount Pleasant Primary School Primary
- Pennyland Primary School Primary
- Reay Primary School Primary
- Thurso High School Secondary
Local points of interest
- Braal Castle Estate 4.4 miles
- Dunnet Forest Forest 6.9 miles
- Barrock House Estate 10.2 miles
- Stirkoke House Estate 15.3 miles
- Skirza Haven Harbour 16.7 miles
- Wick Harbour Harbour 18.3 miles