Nothing defines Golspie like the statue on the top of Ben Bhraggie. 

Ben Bhraggie rises to an elevation of 397 metres (1,302 ft) above sea level. The 100-foot-tall (30-metre) statue which is perched on top is that of George Leveson–Gower, Marquess of Stafford and the first Duke of Sutherland who became notorious through the part he played in the Highland Clearances.

Known locally as “The Mannie”, the statue is a well-known landmark that can be seen for many miles across the east coast.  Whilst appreciated by many, including the locals, there are some who disagree with its presence and what it stands for.

In November 2011 two large sandstone sections were wrenched out from the massive plinth supporting the statue and were left lying on the grass below.

The climb to the top takes only about an hour from the car park in the middle of the village, or you can use the Wild Track Mountain bike car park just up the road and under the railway line. Parking there has a small charge that goes towards the upkeep of the mountain bike tracks.

From there, if you are on foot, make your way up the road and follow the signs for the Ben Bhraggie footpath this takes you up a track that leads to a footpath that is well signposted for the top. 

The forested path takes you all the way to the deer fence that has a resting place where you can catch your breath and admire the view over the village and across to Backies and the big burn gorge. Once rested pass through the gate and you are in to an open landscape and the path continues up to the top. 

Once at the top, where the statue known locally as the “Mannie” dominates the landscape the view is spectacular across to Portmahomack and the Moray coast and inland over Ben Lundaidh and Ben Horn. Look along the coast and you can see across to Embo, Dornoch and beyond.

To complete your walk make follow the track around the back of the hill and take in the full 360-degree view of the surrounding area. The track takes you back via Golspie Tower and if you follow the signs, it will lead you back to the village.