Located on the North Coast of Scotland, Thurso (population 7,737) looks over the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Isles, which dominate the skyline. In common with the Orkney Isles, Thurso has a strong Norse heritage and its name is probably derived from ‘Thor’, the Norse diety of combat.
Thurso’s northerly location once made this a lawless region in Medieval times, though it is now well connected to the rest of Britain by road and rail. It is the northernmost terminus on the Far North Line. It is also in close proximity to Scrabster Harbour, which offers a route to the Orkney Isles, as well as Wick Airport.
Thurso itself has a High School which provides secondary education, whilst there are three primary schools in the vicinity. The town has many sandstone buildings, a museum, a derelict castle, a Carnegie library and many other interesting sights. The surrounding area is a popular destination for cyclists, hill-walkers, surfers and birdwatchers.
The Thurso website has lots more information about the area.