The Wee House

Deep into the wild Highlands lies the expansive Loch Shin which, at 17 miles long, is the largest in Sutherland. It is not the water’s size that turns eyes towards Loch Shin, however, but the tiny cottage built atop an island just a little bigger than it. With rustic slate rooves and an old wooden door, the building’s origins are ripe for speculation. 

Signs by the shoreline explain the ‘real’ story as starting with whisky distiller Jock Broon being gifted the island by a local laird. Following a hunting accident, the land was split between Broon’s extensive family – including Henry, Daphne, Joseph, and Margaret. Eagle-eyed readers may notice that these names, coincidentally, are shared by the long-running comic strip family The Broons. In fact, locals built the house for a local Gala and decided it was not right to throw it away. And so a legend was born – one that continues fooling the media to this day! 

How to get there: 
From Inverness, drivers can reach The Wee Hoose by taking the A9, before turning onto the A836 to Loch Shin. Alternatively, the 805 bus from Farraline Park takes passengers directly to the loch. 

Things to do nearby: 
• Inchnadamph Bone Caves 
• Ferrycroft Visitors Centre 

Eat & Drink nearby: 
• Kylesku Hotel Restaurant