Vulcan Cottage Guest House
Great North Road,  Muir of Ord,  Ross-shire,  IV6 7TP,  Scotland

Muir of Ord has it's origins in the droving days of the early 1800's when cattle were being driven in ever increasing numbers, from the north and west highlands and islands to markets (Trysts) in the south, notably Falkirk around 1820.

Muir of Ord was a natural meeting point for the drove routes from the west coast via Garve and from Caithness and Sutherland via Dingwall; and it would seem that one important aspect of the growth of Muir of Ord was the need to shoe cattle for the harder made-up roads to the south via Inverness and Fort Augustus.

One of the two blacksmith shops in the village, in the early 1900's was attached to the rear of Vulcan Cottage and remained there until about 1973 with the cycle shop across the way. Today the site of the blacksmith's shop is taken by a rearward extension of the original Vulcan Cottage and the cycle shop has been re-built as an annex and holiday cottage.
Right: The cycle shop, Vulcan Cottage and the blacksmith's shop in the 1960's

The original drovers market was held on what is now the Muir of Ord golf course and in 1836 the Black Isle Show was founded; which today is held at the Black Isle showground on the first Thursday in August. It is the Highlands premier agricultural 2 day show and well worth a visit if you are in the area.

Muir of Ord Golf Club was known originally as the Inverness Golf Club. The course was designed in part by James Braid, and has a length of 5557 yards, has 18 holes with a par of 68. This is a heathland course and has had 5 new holes added over recent years.
Facilities include Ladies and Gents changing rooms with showers, practice and putting areas, games room, lounge bar and fully equipped shop. Club trolley and buggy hire can be arranged. Catering is also available at weekends and through the week by prior arrangement. The course was laid out mainly on old arable and rough grazing land in 1875.
Visitors are most welcome outside of competition times.
The course is situated on the Beauly side of the village, just a short walk from Vulcan Cottage.

Enjoy a tour of Glen Ord Distillery with a knowledgeable and friendly guide to discover some of the secrets of the ancient craft of distilling. The visitor centre features an attractive exhibition which explains the history of Glen Ord Distillery and reveals the fascinating story of the Black Isle and its people over the centuries.

Glen Ord Distillery, was licensed in 1838, distillation having just become legal. Thomas Mackenzie leased a portion of his land ground for a distillery at Croftnallan to Robert Johnstone and D. McLennan - partners of the Ord Distillery Co. - for an annual payment of one shilling.
The last survivor of nine distilleries which once operated around Glen Ord.

Locally grown produce typical of the Scottish highlands can be found at Tomich Farm Shop, midway between Muir of Ord and Beauly.
Tel: 01463 782181

'The Larder' is packed with a delicious range of old fashioned quality products and brands, that you won't find in supermarkets, plus a collection of interesting gifts.



Chapelton Farm Equestrian Centre is situated on the right hand side of the Dingwall road heading north from the village; and offers lessons or one to two hour hacks for more experienced riders.
They can be contacted by Tel: 01463 871061


The village library is just across the road from Vulcan Cottage and is a good source for local information such as The Life and Times of the Bogan by John Urquhart and Village Life in the 30's by Jock Chisholm.

Other references included The Drove Roads of Scotland by A. R. B. Haldane which is also found in the library.