THE SQUARE AND PUMP ROOM IN THE 1920s
Strathpeffer is a unique village situated in a wooded valley within the county of Ross-shire. The name comes from the valley or
Strath of the river Peffery.
Don’t go looking for a broad expanse of water, as the River Peffery is no more than a stream or
burn.
Strathpeffer owes its existence to its mineral wells. During the 19th century, it became one of the most popular as well as being Britain’s most northerly
Spa Town.
During the course of its development, the large impressive hotels and fine Victorian villas were built to house the rich and famous that flocked to the village for the season. In the Square stood the main pump room where those who came for a cure to their ailments would partake of the
curative waters in various ways. In the afternoon they may
have enjoyed an excursion by horse drawn carriage or play tennis, croquet or just stroll in the Pavilion Gardens. In the evening they may
have been entertained by a concert in the Pavilion performed by a famous London orchestra.
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THE SQUARE AND PUMP ROOM IN THE 1920s |
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Unfortunately, The First World War was to bring these halcyon days to an abrupt end. Although the Spa did revive to some extent after the war, further conflict with the onset of the Second World War and changing fashions led to the demolition of the main Pump Room in the 1950s and effectively the end of the Spa. |
However, apart from losing the main pump room, Strathpeffer remains largely intact. The hotels and villas are still here as is the Spa Pavilion, which has just been restored to it's former glory and is once more a main feature of the village after years in a sorry state of dilapidation. The Pavilion Gardens have recently been restored together with the Upper Pump Room where you may still sample the 'Sulphur' and ‘Chalybeate waters’, which our grandparents took so eagerly, and spend some time finding out about the history of this little gem.
Nowadays, Strathpeffer's role is that of a charming village in which to base yourself when touring the Scottish Highlands. The City of Inverness, which is only 20 minutes away by car, has a great selection of shops as well as rail, bus and air services to all other parts of the country. The nearest town to Strathpeffer is Dingwall, where there are banks, supermarkets, petrol stations and a good selection of local shops.
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In The
Square, you will find a newsagent and post office all within the ‘Somerfield’ Store, together with
The Spa Pharmacy ( a genuine Victorian shop), a
hairdresser, gift shops and Strathpeffer Antiques. Visit 'The Wee Swally' for teas and coffees with delicious home made cakes. You will find it within The White Lodge just off Square at the foot of Church Brae. Cross the main road and you will see the lovely Spa Pavilion which was beautifully restored in 2004 and is the venue for various events throughout the year. Behind and to the right is the Pavilion Gardens where you can stroll or relax or perhaps play a game of tennis. Walk further up the main road to the recently restored Pump Room (incorporating the Tourist Information Centre) where you will find a fascinating display of Strathpeffer's former role as a Victorian Spa town. Just beyond the Pump room on the left is St Anne's Scottish Episcopal Church and to the right, the Church of Scotland Parish Church. A five minute walk from
the Square will take you to the
Victorian Railway Station. Although no trains have called there for
more than Just opposite the Pump Room on the main road, you will find Maya, a recently established Belgian Chocolate shop. Take some delicious chocolates home with you or indulge yourself with a cup of coffee. Buses run approximately every hour
from Strathpeffer (The Square) to Inverness via Dingwall. There is also a
service to Ullapool. The village has its own fine
Strathpeffer Spa Golf Club where visitors are always welcome. It is situated above the village
by way of Church Brae, where the Free Church of Scotland with
its lovely steeple, has a commanding position over the village. There are many walks both long and short in and around the village most of which are off road. Bicycles may be hired at 'Square Wheels' in The Square. The Strathpeffer and District Pipe Band perform in The Square every Saturday evening from mid May to mid September. The performance, which includes Scottish Country dancing, usually lasts about an hour. Further details may be obtained from the Tourist Information Centre, situated within the Pump Room in the Pavilion Gardens
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Village View
Church of Scotland
Spa Pavilion
Church Brae
Pump Room
The Square
Free Church |
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accommodation providers in the area:
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To make a booking or for any further information please contact
Birch Lodge Strathpeffer Ross-shire IV14 9BA Tel 01997 420118 Email info@birchlodge.co.uk
