Tain is the oldest Royal Burgh in Scotland, having been granted its original royal charter in 1066. The town's most important historical figure is Saint Duthus who was born there and then returned posthumously to be buried in the first St. Duthus Chapel. The ruins of the original church are near the golf club and cemetery on the north east side of town. The shrine to St. Dumas became so important that in 1066 King Malcolm III had the aforementioned charter granted designating the town as a sanctuary, allowing those in need to the protection of the church. Furthermore, this granted the resident business people had immunity from certain types of taxes.
In keeping with its rich history Tain has many beautiful buildings to be discovered. Not only are there five castles in the vicinity but also right in the centre of town you will find the Tain Tolbooth with its sandy bricked tower, first built in 1630 to house the town administrations, jail and courts. Also in the town centre is the St. Duthus Church forming part of the acclaimed Tain Through Time exhibit.
Tain also boasts two yearly events worth seeing, the Tain Gala and the Tain Highland Gathering. The Gala is a week long event with activities for the whole family such as, fiddling concerts, Pipe Band displays, marquee dances and so much more. The Highland Gathering, as its name implies, is a traditional Highland even attracting visitors from all over world. The Gathering is held in August on the grounds of the beautiful Glenmorangie Distillery.