Plockton lies on a sheltered, east-facing bay overlooking Loch Carron; a lively harbour also characterises the village. Its history stretches from its planned founding to support the booming herring fishery to the Plockton Open Air Church. Travellers choosing a trip for its scenery and local history will find both themes here, with specific places to explore.
Bay, harbour and founding
The village was laid out according to plan in 1801 to support the booming herring fishery. This founding purpose directly links Plockton’s early development with fishing. The sheltered, east-facing bay and views over Loch Carron give the village a distinct waterside setting; the lively harbour adds a maritime touch. The destination thus brings together a specific historical starting point and the landscape around the loch as separate aspects of a visit.
The Open Air Church and heritage
The Plockton Open Air Church was established following the 1843 Disruption of the Church of Scotland. It is one of the few preaching places to retain physical remains and is protected as Scheduled Monument 8863. Its founding date and protected status offer a precise insight into this aspect of local heritage. Visual information panels are located at the Open Air Church and the main car park. A small visitor centre by the shore, next to the car park, also introduces the village.
The Plockton Historical Society offers a programme of talks on local heritage; its events are open to everyone. If you would like to attend a talk during your stay, check the dates for your travel period. For school groups, the National Trust for Scotland offers the themed class visit “The Crofting Landscape & Historic Plockton”. Each session lasts two to three hours, so school groups can take this duration into account when planning.
Getting here and routes
The train between Inverness and Kyle stops in Plockton; the village is a ten-minute walk from the station. If you choose to travel by train, check the timetable for your travel dates. From the north, Plockton can be reached via the A890, which follows the shore of Loch Carron. The rail and road options therefore differ from the moment you arrive: the train is followed by a ten-minute walk to the village, while the A890 provides the approach from the north.
The local network of routes makes walks or cycle rides between Plockton and Kyle possible. Alongside the cultural sites, this offers another specific activity for your stay; you can choose between a walk and a cycle ride. Visitors to Lilias’s Garden are asked to stay on the designated paths and keep dogs on a lead to protect sensitive wildlife.
Discover more destinations: Ardersier, Avoch, Culbokie, Cannich, Wick, Nethy Bridge, Fassfern, Torlundy
For the main travel overview: Highland.
