People from all over the world visit the tiny village of Rosemarkie on the south coast of the Black Isle, due to its reputation as being home to the top location for sighting dolphins in the United Kingdom.

Situated just 12 miles north of Inverness and along the road from the slightly larger village of Fortrose, it sits on a picturesque bay with the golden sands of Rosemarkie Beach stretching out into the mouth of the Moray Firth. The beach is pretty and secluded, with rockpools and caves, backed by woodland and well-kept lawns.

And at the far end of the beach is the renowned Chanonry Point, one of the best spots in Europe to view bottlenose dolphin from the land, most commonly on a rising tide. People flock to this gorgeous narrow peninsula, where whales, seals and porpoises frequent too. This spit of land is also the spectacular setting for Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club, the 15th oldest golf club in the world.

With a population of around just 640 people, Rosemarkie boasts an attractive High Street, a Spar, the Plough Inn, a restaurant called Crofters, and the popular Rosemarkie Beach Café.

The village is well-known for the Pictish stones that have been found there, having been a centre of Pictish culture and a magnet for Celtic missionaries, with its ancient roots celebrated in the High Street’s award-winning Groam House Museum. Exhibits include the renowned 8th century, 2.6m high, elaborately carved Rosemarkie cross-slab, as well as other stones found locally.

Bike hire is available from the beach, and there is also paddle board hire and a riding centre nearby. Mountain bikers will love the Learnie Red Rocks Trails just three miles away, and there are excellent nearby walks – one popular outing being to the Glen Fairy Falls.

Beyond the sand cliffs on the main road, lies the magical Fairy Glen. This beautiful glen has Markie Burn running through it, with deep pools, gleaming waterfalls and rapids, and is also an RSPB reserve, best known for buzzards, dippers, grey heron, grey wagtail and song thrushes. According to local folklore, it is also a haven for fairies, who must be greeted when walking in the area.

In Fortrose, visitors will enjoy seeing the pretty 19th century harbour, and the 13th century ruined Fortrose Cathedral. The Black Isle Brewery near Cromarty which produces organic beers and lagers is just ten miles away, and whisky connoisseurs will enjoy a trip to The Tomatin Distillery, 27 miles away.

The area is also perfect for anyone with an interest in sailing, fishing, sea kayaking, or bird spotting - a haven for sea birds, birds of prey, with nearby Udale Bay home to thousands of waders, ducks and geese.

Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, is only 14 miles away, with a host of shops and facilities, including a leisure centre, and a marina where boat hire is available. Loch Ness is only 20 miles away, and the fascinating Battlefield at Culloden is just 19 miles drive. Further afield, the West Coast’s Torridon, Gairloch and Ullapool area can be explored, or head north and reach John O’ Groats within a couple of hours.

The Black Isle of Easter Ross is an area full of history, romance, unsurpassed views and breathtaking wildlife, all just waiting to be discovered.