Plockton, Highlands: Palm Trees, Loch Carron & Things to Do

Plockton is a small village on the shore of Loch Carron in Wester Ross, a few miles from the Kyle of Lochalsh and the bridge to Skye. A curve of whitewashed cottages faces a sheltered bay dotted with islands and boats, with the mountains of the Highlands beyond.

Why Plockton Is Special

Plockton is often called the jewel of the Highlands. Warmed by the Gulf Stream, its gardens grow cabbage palms along the shore, an unexpected sight so far north.

It is a peaceful, friendly place for boat trips, gentle walks and seafood suppers, with the drama of Skye and Kintail close by.

The History of Plockton

Plockton was established as a planned fishing village around 1800, when a local landowner built a new settlement on the shore. The '-ton', from 'town', was added to its name to show its new status.

For a while it prospered from the herring fishery, and later it became a village of crofters, fishermen and boatbuilders.

Plockton is well known from the screen: it was the setting for the television series Hamish Macbeth, starring Robert Carlyle, standing in for the fictional village of Lochdubh, and scenes of the 1973 film The Wicker Man were filmed here.

Things to Do in Plockton

Stroll along Harbour Street past the palm trees and cottage gardens, then take a boat trip on the loch to see seals on the skerries. Walk up the hill behind the village for a view over the bay.

Finish with seafood at one of the village inns.

Gardens, Countryside & Antiques near Plockton

Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, is about half an hour's drive south, and the Isle of Skye is across the bridge at Kyle; see our guide to the Isle of Skye.

Further north, Inverewe, the famous garden at Poolewe, flourishes in the same mild climate.

Plockton Through the Seasons

Spring brings flowering gardens and long light evenings. Summer is the season for boat trips and sailing regattas. Autumn colours the hills, and winter is quiet, with snow on the mountains across the loch.

Getting to Plockton

Plockton has its own station on the scenic Kyle line from Inverness, one of the most beautiful railway journeys in Britain.

Plockton: Questions & Answers

Why are there palm trees in Plockton?

The Gulf Stream gives Plockton a mild climate, and cabbage palms grow in its gardens along the shore.

What was filmed in Plockton?

The television series Hamish Macbeth, and scenes of the 1973 film The Wicker Man.

Our Advice

Our advice: Arrive by the Kyle line from Inverness, take an evening seal-watching trip, and stay the night to see the sunset over the loch.