One of the reasons that Lairg is slightly bigger than other non-coastal Highland villages is its central location within the county of Sutherland.

It is a manmade loch created by the hydroelectric dam scheme, and is the home of the "Broon's hoose", a small, wooden dwelling on an islet.

Lairg has a petrol station, pub/hotel, post office, bank, caravan site, primary school, tourist information centre, and various shops, cafes and B&Bs.

Although the link would shorten journey times to Thurso and Wick, reducing the rail service to Lairg would be detrimental to the local economy.

Given the huge cost of building a rail bridge over the Dornoch Firth and both the Scottish government and the Highland Regional council's lack of enthusiasm for the project, it seems unlikely the proposal will become reality.

It covers a vast area of far north west Scotland, including Lochinver, Cape Wrath and Tongue.