Orcadian Stone Company

The Orcadian Stone Company sits just outside Dornoch, and it's basically a working exhibition space where you can watch craftspeople turning Caithness stone into everything from jewellery to architectural pieces. The stone itself - that distinctive grey with flecks of colour - comes from the far north, and seeing how it's cut, polished and worked is genuinely absorbing. You're not just looking at finished products behind glass; there's actual work happening, dust flying, the lot.

It appeals most to anyone with an interest in craft or geology. Kids might find the first ten minutes fascinating, watching the tools at work, but unless they're seriously into stone and design, they'll probably lose interest faster than you'd expect. History buffs will appreciate the local significance of Caithness stone - it's been quarried and carved for centuries.

The space works well if you're already in the area. Dornoch itself is worth a wander - proper little town with a lovely beach and cathedral - and if you're staying at Parkdean Resorts Grannie's Heilan' Hame Holiday Park nearby in Sutherland, this makes a decent hour or so when the weather's rough. It's the sort of place that's rewarding if you go in curious but not expecting fireworks. Worth checking their website before you visit, as opening hours can be variable. Free admission, as far as I can establish, though they'll expect you to browse their shop on the way out.