The north and northwest Highlands - The Rough Guide to Scottish Highlands and Islands - page 250

The town's name derives from the Norse word horsa , literally “River of the God
Thor”, and in Viking times this was a major gateway to the mainland. Later, ships set
sail for the Baltic and Scandinavian ports loaded with meal, beef, hides and fish. Much
of the town, however, dates from the 1790s, when Sir John Sinclair built a large new
extension to the old fishing port. Consequently, Thurso's grid-plan streets have some
rather handsome Victorian architecture in local, greyish sandstone. There's little sign of
those older roots except Old St Peter's Church up the High Street, a substantial ruin
with origins in the thirteenth century.

Caithness Horizons
High St • April-Sept Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm; Oct-March Mon-Sat 10am-6pm • Free • T 01847 896508,
W caithnesshorizons.co.uk
Caithness Horizons , a local museum in a revamped Victorian town hall, is more
modern than any other museum on the coast, using interactive technology as well
as old photos to explore local geology, history, farming and fishing. Treasures include
a Bronze Age beaker and a Viking brooch. The centre also hosts temporary art
exhibitions in a gallery and has a café.

N ACCOMMODATION

Forss House Hotel
The Marine
Murray House
Sandra's
Thurso Bay Camping
& Caravan Park

CAFÉS & RESTAURANTS
Captain's Galley
Le Bistro
Tempest Surf Café
The Upper Deck

THURSO

2
3
4
5
1

1
4
3
2

4

Thurso Bay

Harbour

Thurso
Castle

3

D

S H OR E S T R E E T

Old St Peter's
Church (ruin)

U R N E

A

Caithness Horizons

St Peter's and
St Andrew's
Church .

St Peter's Episcopal Church

Library and
Art Gallery

Railway
Station

Bus
Station

250

0

yards

Wick & Inverness