Meet Winston the Bear – Dornoch’s Famous Dragon Hunter! 

Your host, Catherine, is the author of Winston the Bear and the Dragon of the Black Firs, a charming children's book set right here in the historic Royal Burgh of Dornoch.

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A reading copy of the book is always waiting at the property for your little ones to enjoy during your stay, making it the perfect bedtime story after a day of exploring!

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If you would like to buy a keepsake copy to take home with you, you can purchase it directly via the official Winston the Bear website. Simply add a note to your order letting us know that you are staying at Number 18 and who you would like the book signed for, and your personalised, signed book will be waiting for you right inside the property when you arrive!

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The Dornoch Dragon Hunt: Fun Things to Do in Dornoch with Kids

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Winston’s story isn't just a book, it’s an interactive holiday experience! In the story, Winston sets off on an exciting dragon hunt around Dornoch, looking for clues to prove that the legendary dragon is still here.​ What makes this book truly special is the unique visual style: it features a beautiful mixture of illustrations and real-world photographs of Winston on his dragon hunt around the town. This means your children can look at the photos in the book and then match them up with the exact physical spots you visit in real life!

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When you stay at Number 18, you are just a short walk or drive from Winston’s favourite spots. You can plan the ultimate family day out, tracking the dragon's path around the town.

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• Explore the historic grounds of Dornoch Cathedral - look out for the dragon that may be hiding in there.

• Build sandcastles and hunt for dragon footprints at the award-winning Dornoch Beach.

• Stop by the local Historylinks Museum to find out more about the local folklore that inspired Winston's story - watch out, there may be a dragon in there!

• Treat the kids to some famous "dragon bait ice cream" at Capaldi’s in Brora and Golspie, available during the summer holidays. 

Happy dragon hunting!