Steeped in history, the Parish of Durness contains many fine examples of ancient civilisations including the remains of an Iron-age Dan or Fort, Bronze-age bruial cairns, and two early dwellings, an earth house and wheel house, both dating from around 200 AD. The ruined Church of Balnakiel is a fine example of early Christian architecture incorporating two seperate periods, although the church is pre-reformation the foundations are from a much earlier period, most likely Columbian.