Welcome to Knockshortie

Have a relaxing stay

About

Portmahomack is a small fishing village on the Tarbat peninsula in Easter Ross, Scotland.

The village and its harbour actually face west, so it is the only place on the east coast of Scotland where you can enjoy watching the sun set over the water.

Knockshortie (from the Scots meaning low hillock), is set in a quiet corner of this picturesque village.

Natural beauty

Spectacular sunsets can be seen throughout the year, as the sun disappears over the water and behind the mountains in the distant west. Yellow, pink and red skies abound. And if you are lucky you might also catch sight of the famous Northern Lights, the aurora borealis, a spectacular light show in the sky.

There's a wide range of bird life to observe in and around the village, and you can even see an occasional dolphin or two in the bay. The dolphins are the principal reason that Portmahomack is part of a Special Area of Conservation.

Pict-ure perfect

It may be strange to think today that Portmahomack and its environs were once a major cultural hub - but archaeological evidence shows that the Tarbat peninsula was in fact an important and thriving centre for the Pictish people.

A more recent impact was made by engineer Robert Stevenson, designer of the lighthouse whose beacon has shone for nearly 200 years from its site at the tip of the Tarbat Ness. The dramatic structure is the third-tallest lighthouse in Scotland and makes a wonderful backdrop for photo opportunities, nature spotting, or as a starting point for walks along the coast.