Thurso

Yes.  I actually stayed in a small town called Helmsdale on the east coast. It's a nice train journey going north from Edinburgh although more rugged than the west coast.

I was up there way back in the 80s so I won't recommend a hotel.

edwyn collins ( orange juice ) lives in helmsdale

Yes, MM. I read that somewhere a couple of years ago.

there's an arty place round there too, all bohemians live there, forgot its name.

It's pretty bleak to be fair. The landscape can be pretty dull. The West coast line to Mallaig is fabulous.

Only ever passed it on the way to Scrabster to take the ferry to Stromness.
It was a rough crossing, I was sick as a pig as we passed the Old Man of Hoy

Has anyone been to Ullapool in winter? I fancy it might be like Newfoundland, but I can't be arsed going all that way.

Lived in Ullapool for 15yrs. Beautiful in summer, bleak in winter. Village does not normally see much snow in winter, but approach road can be very bad at times with snow and deer on the road.

Shipping News was a favourite book of mine and I'd fancy a bit of bleakness I think. I'd want snow though.

just been to isle of mull ( tobermory ) for a week. surprised how many shops/restraunts closed, chucking money away.