Tomatin

Tomatin (Scottish Gaelic: Tom Aitinn) is a small village on the River Findhorn in Strathdearn in the Scottish Highlands about 16 miles (26 km) south of the city of Inverness. The name derives from the Scottish Gaelic name Tom Aitinn (hill of juniper). The river Findhorn rises at Coignafearn, a large game estate near Tomatin, and then passes through Tomatin village itself. The village has a shop, school and village hall and is most known for its whisky distillery.

The River Findhorn is crossed by the Highland Main Line railway and the A9 road just east of Tomatin

At the 2001 census Tomatin had a population of 183. Many of the inhabitants are employed by local farms and estates, while others commute to Inverness and surrounding towns.

Tomatin has been bypassed by the A9 road since 1976.

As part of the Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey constituency it is represented in the UK Parliament by Drew Hendry; in the Scottish Parliament it is in the constituency of Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber, represented by Fergus Ewing MSP (Scottish National Party).

The Tomatin Distillery

Tomatin is perhaps best known for being the home of Tomatin whisky which, with its 23 stills, was the largest malt distillery in Scotland during the 1970s. Although it is thought that whisky has been distilled on the site since the 16th century, when cattle drovers would buy from a local still,[1] the distillery was not established until 1897 under the name of Tomatin Spey Distillery Co Ltd. In 1986 it was taken over by Japanese conglomerate Takara Shuzo and was renamed The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd. The number of stills have since been reduced to 12 and recently it was the first distillery in Scotland to install a wood pellet boiler, in 2012.

Local facilities

Facilities in the village include a general store, primary school and village hall that is used for a number of social activities. Local estates generate a significant income by attracting wealthy businessmen to take part in grouse shooting; the shooting season begins on 12 August of each year, which is known as the Glorious Twelfth.

In late 2010, the £185,000 Strathdearn Community Centre & Sports Facility was opened by local resident and shinty legend, Kevin Thain.

Tomatin United

Tomatin United plays in the Strathspey and Badenoch Welfare Football Association, playing its home matches at Raigbeg School. The team is made up of locals from 15 years and up. The team is well supported by the local community and receives sponsorship from a local business.

Accommodation

  • Glenan Lodge Guest House - a traditional Scottish Country Guest House ideally situated on the edge of the village of Tomatin 16 miles from the city of Inverness. The area is ideal for golf, shooting, fishing, bird-watching, hill walking, cycling, skiing or just relaxing, whether passing through or using Glenan Lodge Guest House accommodation as your base. http://www.glenanlodge.co.uk/
  • Turin Nurin Cottage - a bespoke and unique holiday cottage nestled in picturesque gardens close to the centre of the village. Accommodation includes two large bedrooms and an open plan living area furnished to a high standard. The cottage is surrounded by wildlife including red deer, squirrels, eagles and pheasants. http://www.cottages.com/

References

  1. ↑ Wishart, David (2006). Whisky Classified: Choosing Single Malts by Flavour. Pavilion Books. p. 240. ISBN 1-86205-716-8.

Coordinates: 57°20′02″N 3°59′30″W / 57.33394°N 3.99170°W / 57.33394; -3.99170

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