Tarbat (Scottish Gaelic: tairbeart, meaning 'a crossing or isthmus'[2]) is a civil parish in Highland, Scotland, in the north-east corner of Ross and Cromarty.

[3] The peninsula is relatively flat, the highest point being the hill adjacent to Geanies House which reaches 86 metres (283 feet), on the southern border of the parish.

The latter coast has a rock-bound front, with progressively higher cliffs south of Rockfield, reaching 100–200 feet (30–60 metres).

The village of Portmahomack, the main settlement in the parish, is sited on the Dornoch Firth 9 miles (14 kilometres) northeast of Tain.

[3] Just over one mile (1.5 kilometres) west-southwest of Tarbet Ness lighthouse, is the site of Castlehaven fort, by a creek of that name (Port-Chasteil is Gaelic).

Although there is no building remaining, the foundation of a considerable wall is traceable, which defended the fort on the landward side.

[7][8][9] The hamlet of Wilkhaven lies on the east coast 1⁄2 mile (800 metres) southwest of Tarbet Ness lighthouse.

[24][25] Sir Rorie’s son, John Mackenzie was created baronet of Tarbat in the County of Ross in 1628.

In 1685, George Mackenzie was raised to the Peerage of Scotland as Lord MacLeod and Castlehaven and Viscount of Tarbat.