Located in the Scottish Highlands is the town of Nairn. This ancient fishing port is probably known these days less for its fishing and market and more for being a seaside resort. Narin became well known after King James VI came to power. Upon travelling to London he used to boast that his kingdom had a town "whose only street was so long that the people living at one end could not understand the language of those at the other." This of course was Nairn, because during the reign of King James VI the town was split into two dialects, Sottish Gaelic and Scots. While the town was already a well known fishing harbor it didn't become popular as a vacation spot until 1860.
This is a seacoast town so where else is there to start but the sea. Nairn is proud to boast that it's long sandy beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag honor. That means that you can enjoy the cleanliness of the sand. Sun yourself while the kids splash in the clean water or help them build a fortress in the sand that they would be proud of. Because of Nairn's location you can enjoy a interesting micro-climate that allows for more days and hours of sun and fewer days of rain. The town sees more sunlight during the daytime than towns just a mere fifteen miles away. For the beach dweller that's a plus in and of itself.
If you are in Nairn during the middle of August be sure to stick around for the Highland Games. Normally held on the 3rd Saturday during the month of August, the Highland Games are probably Nairn's biggest event. The bag pipes start at 9:30 in the morning and the day is filled with a wide variety of dancing and games. The best athletics take place in the afternoon. At midday the Massed Pipes and Drums march through the center of town, it is a spectacular sight and you really should make time to stop and enjoy it.
If it's games your interested in then you probably are into golf. And you can't go to Scotland, the birthplace of golf without enjoying a good game. Thankfully Nairn, is home to two world class golf courses. The great thing about them is you don't have to be a pro to be able to enjoy playing on them. The older of the two clubs is the Nairn Golf Club which was founded in 1887. It has played host to many large tournaments throughout the years. The Nairn Dunbar Golf Club was found just a few short years later in 1899. This club is growing in reputation. Both clubs are located on the picturesque shores of Moray Firth. While there you might get to see one of the only two colonies of dolphins in the United Kingdom.
If you are a great admirer of the great outdoors then check out any one of the popular walks located in or around Nairn. Many of these walks lead west along the promenade from the harbor. By following this route you will then head back inland after about 3 kilometers and then loop back to the shore. It's a great way to see the town and countryside.
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