Looking north from the Tower, Tain

This postcard shows a view of Tower Street in Tain. It is named after the Tower which dominates the centre of the town. The original Tower or Tolbooth was built in 1630 to house court offices and a jail, and as a place where tolls and taxes were collected. This building fell into ruin and the present building, housing the original tower's Flemish curfew bell, was built between 1706 and 1733. Later, during the Clearances, Tain's Tolbooth was used as an administrative centre. <br /> <br /> Located on the southern shores of the Dornoch Firth, Tain claims to be Scotland's oldest royal burgh. The origin of the name 'Tain' is uncertain but the town's Gaelic name 'Baile Dhubhthaich' indicates its links with Duthus or Duthac, an early medieval saint who was born there. <br /> <br /> According to tradition, Tain was granted its first trading privileges by Malcolm Canmore in 1066. Its privileges were later confirmed by James VI in 1587 and extended by Charles II in 1675. Tain's burgh status meant that its merchants were exempt from paying certain types of taxes and Tain flourished as a market town for the whole surrounding area. Today, Tain remains a thriving town with a population of around 4000.