'Proceeding up Strathnaver to Tongue the road ascends one of the most precipitous hills in the county . . . the descent on the other side of the ridge to Borgie Bridge is very rapid . . . from Borgie to the Free Church of Tongue the road passes over an uncultivated tract of moss, but the view of Ben Loyal and neighbouring hills relieves the monotony of the scene . . . the view from Cnoc-an-Fhreacadan or Watch hill, will recompense the tourist who makes the ascent - by no means a difficult one. The Kyle of Tongue, in its ten miles of length, with the islands of Gael, Roan and Neave at its mouth, lies stretched at his feet below.  The lands of Melness . . . afford an extensive view to the west, while all around the propect of sea and land is one that impresses the beholder . . . Visitors to Tongue admit that there are few places in the north of Scotland that surpass it in romantic grandeur of scenery.' (Tourists' Guide, 1883, Hew Morrison)

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Burial Grounds

The parish of Tongue has three burial grounds: Melness, Skerray & Tongue Parish Churchyard – these have all been photographed and available in Burial Grounds

See also:

Tongue War Memorial

Tongue Parish Project – album showing people, old views and items of interest

Tongue Families - details of many families currently being researched by our members

Schools - early education in Sutherland - scroll to bottom of page for links to Tongue items

Maps of Tongue

Tongue & small part of Farr - snippets from the Sutherland Estate Papers transcribed by Elizabeth Bell - you may save a copy of this file if you wish

Recommended Reading

Tongue & Farr by Jim A. Johnston, third edition published 1997 by Jim A. Johnston, Bettyhill, Farr - a very useful book for those both visiting the area and those who just want to know more - historical and modern references - I enjoyed this book and learned a lot - available locally

Tales of the North Coast, by Alan Temperley and the pupils of Farr Secondary School, ISBN 9 780946486189, published by Luath Press Ltd, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2ND - a wonderful book of old tales, modern tales - stories gathered in the area between the Kyle of Tongue and Strath Halladale - you will love this if your interests are on the north coast

Book of Mackay by Rev. Angus MacKay, 1906 - you can download a pdf copy

The Story of Island Roan: a short tale by John George Mackay - Island Roan is located just off the north coast of Sutherland, in the far north of Scotland. It stands testimony to the way of life in the highlands and islands that once was. A way of life few of us today would consider comfortable by our modern standards. You can read the story and see lovely photographs

The Duke of Sutherland’s Memoirs contains a full list of all those who made a contribution to the Duke's statue in 1834

Ministers & Men of the North - can be read on the internet

Websites of interest:

Mary Young's marvellous TONGUE website

Melness Community Website

page last updated 22nd April 2010

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