It lies approximately 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) north-east of Wick in Caithness, in the Highland council area of Scotland.

Noss Head was first mentioned in the historical record as early as the 2nd century AD by Greek geographer Ptolemaios as Verubium Promontorium.

[2] Noss Head Lighthouse first entered service in 1849, and consists of an 18-metre-high (59 ft) cylindrical tower, which is painted white.

[1] It is home to the largest bed of horse mussels known in Scottish waters, which lies at a depth of between 35 and 45 m below sea level.

[4] The MPA is designated a Category IV protected area by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.