| Brora | |
| Scottish Gaelic: Brùra | |
|
Brora
Brora shown within the Sutherland area |
|
| Population | 1,140 [1] (2001 census) est. 1,160[2] (2006) |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | NC906039 |
| Parish | Clyne |
| Council area | Highland |
| Lieutenancy area | Sutherland |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | BRORA |
| Postcode district | KW9 |
| Dialling code | 01408 |
| Police | Northern |
| Fire | Highlands and Islands |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament | Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross |
| Scottish Parliament | Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross constituency in the Highlands and Islands electoral region |
| List of places: UK • Scotland • | |
Brora (Scottish Gaelic: Brùra) is a village in the east of Sutherland, in the Highland area of Scotland. The village is situated where the A9 road and the Far North Line bridge the River Brora. The village is served by a railway station.
A small industrial village having at one time a coal pit, boat building, fishing, salt pans, fish curing, lemonade factory, Clynelish Distillery (at one time called the Brora distillery [3]), wool mill, bricks and a stone quarry. The white sandstone in the Clynelish quarry belongs to the Brora Formation, of the Callovian and Oxfordian stages (formerly Middle Oolite) of the Mid-Late Jurassic. Stone from the quarry was used in the construction of London Bridge, Liverpool Cathedral and Dunrobin Castle. When in operation, the coalmine was the most northerly coalmine in the UK. A Government Radio Receiving Station operated between 1940 and 1986.
Brora was the first place in the north of Scotland to have electricity thanks to its wool industry. This distinction gave rise to the local nickname of "Electric City" at the time. Local football club Brora Rangers was founded in 1879 and moved to present stadium, Dudgeon Park, in 1922. There is another smaller Local club belonging to brora, Brora Wanderers F.C., who play in the East of Sutherland Amateur League. Their recent successes include Winning the Paul Cup in the 2010 season, beating fierce rivals Golspie Stafford F.C. 2-0 in Lairg.
Home to Capaldi's Ice Cream shop since 1929. Once famous throughout the Highlands for some of the finest ice cream in Scotland. It was taken over by Inverness bakery firm Harry Gow[4] who 'enhanced' the recipe.
Amongst the local amenities are an 18 hole Links golf course designed by James Braid in 1923 for sum of £23, bowling and tennis facilities. In 2006, Brora Golf Course was rated at No 99 in the Top 100 Courses in Britain And Ireland. Visitors are also attracted to Brora's clean beaches and associated wildlife.
Brora also houses a clock tower which is a World War One memorial.
You can find the latest news, pictures and information on the Facebook Page: Brora Village Visit: www.brora.biz for pictures and local tourist information.