Monday, April 17, 2017

N is for Nairn

Finally in the A to Z blogging challenge we get to N and the town we live in, Nairn. The town was settled by the Norse in 1000 AD, but there is some evidence that there may have been people living in this area as far back as the 4th Century.


It's a lovely little seaside town which is claimed to be the driest and sunniest part of Scotland. There is a small harbour where lots of yachts moor up but in the past it was a herring fishing port.


The harbour was built by Thomas Telford who also featured in my post, D is for Duirinish. It was a thriving herring port until the industry collapsed in the 1930's and it's commemorated by a statue called the Nairn Fishwife. The women, as well as caring for the home and raising the children, collected bait, baited the lines, prepared and smoked the fish, and then sold them through the local area from the basket on her back.


There always seems to be something going on in this little town, and just a week after we'd arrived in the Highlands, 16 months ago, we went down to the beach on new years day to watch crazy people run into the freezing water to raise money for a good cause.


In the 1800's Nairn also became popular due to Dr John Grigor who claimed that bathing in the salt water was good for the health. As a result several grand hotels were built and the Victorians flocked to Nairn to bathe in the waters. Not all the hotels survived but you can still see some of the large victorian homes that were built in west Nairn.

The town is kept looking really pretty by the gardeners and there are lots of beautiful floral displays. This one features dolphins as Nairn sits on the Moray Firth which has the largest school of dolphins in the UK.


There's a bandstand overlooking the green where they play cricket in the summer. There are two golf courses, one each side of the town, and during the year there are organised fun runs.


There's a little theatre which holds all sorts of events, including productions by the local drama club, film nights, and charity events.


One of the biggest attractions in Nairn is the beach which feels like it goes on for miles. In the summer it is very popular with people coming from all over to spend a day on the sand. Even in winter there's usually people dog walking or sitting around a campfire to enjoy the natural beauty.


In July is the Nairn Country Show which is a really fun family day out. It has all the usual things you'd find at a country show including creatures made out of pine cones, farm animals, grand parade of animals, and farm machinery.





In the summer there is a fun fair that sets up home near the bandstand for a couple of weeks - great atmosphere and a chance to be a kid again.


In August is the Nairn Highland Games, a day that really celebrates everything Scottish - massed bands, highland dancing, strong men throwing big things around, and lots of bagpipes playing.



In 2013 the population was just under 13,000 and interestingly there are at least nine churches in the town. It's a really nice place to live and so much quieter than London - we're very glad we made the move.

Here's one of the many lovely sunsets to finish with.


Before you go, why don't you pop over to the A to Z blog and see what my fellow bloggers have come up with for the letter N - click HERE to visit.

Until next time, be good, stay safe, and take a moment to think of the things you like about where you live.

Pamela & Ken
xxxxxxxxxxxx

12 comments:

  1. I love learning about the history of places. Nairn looks lovely. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Pam - wonderful description of your town ... lots going on - but sea bathing in Scotland in winter .. it's bad enough down here ... I'll stay out! Love the beach though ... the tidal reaches are always amazing to see ... and to watch (carefully) the rushing tide come in ... cheers Hilary

    http://positiveletters.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/o-is-for-orkney-islands-adapted-breeds.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My husband suggested that we do the new years day swim in the future, but I hate the cold and no matter how good a cause I think it's not for me.

      Delete
  3. I do wonder what it is about British people that they find it necessary to run into freezing cold water on the parkiest days of the year :)
    Sophie
    Sophie's Thoughts & Fumbles - Dragon Diaries

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They are a very strange breed indeed - I could write a whole month of strange behaviour of the Brits that I've discovered since coming to live here. Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  4. Sounds like a lovely place to live at! Have you actually seen dolphins? They are my favourite animal. The highland games sound spectacular.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We were out watching dolphins last Friday. Did you know that they never sleep as they are able to turn one half of their brain off at a time? Plus, they are the only animal apart from humans that have sex for fun!!

      Delete
  5. This looks so lovely. I just saw your dolphin comment above. I know humans who can turn off their brain completely while awake. Nice to know you have sunshine as I read many of McCall Smith's books and one would think the sun never shines in Scotland, lol.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've think I've met those people as well. I used to think the same as you about Scotland, but we definitely do get some sunshine.

      Delete
  6. The Highland Games sound like good fun to watch. And, yeah, those people must be crazy for running in the water in Jan! Love that it's for a good cause, though. :)

    A to Z 2017: Magical and Medicinal Herbs

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Highland Games are just so Scottish and always have such a great atmosphere.

      Delete