Kyle of Tongue

Kyle of Tongue is a sea inlet on the north coast of Sutherland with shallow waters, sandy banks, and rocky shores extending from the North Sea inland. A bridge and causeway built in 1971 now connect communities that once required a long detour to reach each other.

The area was settled in ancient times, as shown by defensive towers built by early Scottish people. In 1746 it was the site of a five-hour naval battle where British forces captured a ship carrying French gold intended for a rebellion.

Ancient stone towers called brochs stand around the Kyle, showing how people built defensive structures in this area long ago.

The inlet is accessible by car, and the bridge allows you to drive across without needing a ferry. The area is remote, so weather can change quickly and you should dress appropriately for the conditions.

The inlet sits within a national scenic area that includes the surrounding mountains of Ben Hope and Ben Loyal, which rise dramatically above the waters. These peaks make the location memorable for their sharp forms visible across the landscape.