Kyle of Sutherland
The Kyle of Sutherland (Scottish Gaelic: An Caol Catach) is a river estuary that separates Sutherland from Ross-shire. It flows into the Dornoch Firth at Bonar Bridge, and is fed by the rivers Oykel, Shin, River Cassley and Carron.
| Kyle Of Sutherland | |
|---|---|
| "The Kyle" | |
Kyle Of Sutherland | |
| Location | From Rosehall to Bonar Bridge |
| Coordinates | 57°55.5′N 4°24′W |
| Type | Estuary |
| Primary inflows | River Carron, Loch Shin, River Cassley, River Oykel |
| Primary outflows | Dornoch Firth |
| First flooded | January 29, 1892 |
| Settlements | Bonar Bridge, Ardgay, Rosehall, Culrain |
The downstream extent of the Kyle of Sutherland is the eponymous bridge at Bonar Bridge. The upstream end of 'the Kyle' as it is locally known, is the furthest inland extent of tidal water, which corresponds to 'the bailey bridge', beyond Rosehall.
The Kyle did separate Sutherland and Ross-shire for centuries until 1975 when the old Scottish counties were abolished. The counties of Sutherland and Ross became districts of the Highland Region, with altered boundaries. As a result of this, the Kyle became wholly part of Sutherland, though most locals continue to refer to the original boundaries.