Portnancon

Scotland

Portnancon occupies a remote stretch of Scotland's far northwest coast in Sutherland, accessed primarily via the A838 from Durness (11km south) or the A99 from Thurso. Most visitors arrive as part of the North Coast 500 touring route, whilst locals use shorter coastal roads to reach Laid and Rispond. The settlement sits amongst peat bogs and small lochs, with dramatic sea cliffs where Atlantic storms meet ancient Lewisian gneiss. The name derives from Gaelic "Port nan Con" - harbour of the hounds.