Dornoch was the final destination on our day trip to the Highlands. It had long been on my list to visit as I wrote a novel which is set there, which will be published later in 2026.

The origins of this peaceful, ancient seaside town of 1,450 people date back about 4,000 years. It is also home to the world famous Royal Dornoch Golf Course, which claims to be one of the finest in the world.

However, unfortunately Dornoch has a bit of a chequered past. Scotland was well known for its witch hunts between 1563 to 1736. The last person legally executed for witchcraft on the British Isles - Janet Horne - was jailed, trialled and executed right here in Dornoch. The Witches Stone (second and third last photos) marks the spot where she was burned to death in 1727 (yes the stone says 1722 - that's part of the mystery).

It was surreal to experience Dornoch 'in the flesh’ after studying it to write my book.