Dunrobin Castle is located a mile north of Golspie in Sutherland on the east coast of northern Scotland, about 90 minutes north of Inverness.
Seat of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland, this beautiful castle with a French influence
sits looking out across the North Sea and is well worth a visit. With 189 rooms, it is the
largest house in the Northern Highlands. Parts of it date back to the 1300s.
There are many collections of furniture, pictures, objets d'art, uniforms, china and family memorabilia on
display in the Drawing Room, Library, study, bedrooms, nurseries, etc. Visitors to the castle
can also see a 19th century horsedrawn fire engine in the Sub Hall and look at the museum
which is housed in the old summer house.
The current owner is Elizabeth Janson, Countess of Sutherland,
who inherited the castle in 1963 following the death of the 5th Duke of Sutherland whose funeral service took place in the drawing room.
Although she holds the earldom, the dukedom went to his cousin the then Earl of Ellesmere.
For seven years in the late 60s and early 70s the castle was home to a Boys' Boarding School.
Apparently there were some ghostly goings here.
The formal gardens were laid out in 1850 by Barry, the architect who built the Victorian extension to Dunrobin and also the Houses of Parliament in London.
The castle is open every day from 1 April to 31 October. Admission charge. Limited disabled access to the house. Tel: +44 (0)1408 633177.
There is a gift shop and tea room offering light meals & snacks.
For details of private tours, facilities for functions and opening hours, see the official web site:
www.dunrobincastle.co.uk.
Celia Ffitch-Stewart
is a fully insured driver-guide with Mercedes limousine for private tailor-made guided tours.
Half day, full day or extended tours. Themes to suit your interests can be arranged including Gardens & Castles. Meet your clan chief, trace your roots, stay in a castle. Airport collection (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen or Inverness). Services can include itinerary planning and accommodation reservations. Member of HOSTGA (Highlands of Scotland Tour Guide Association).
External links:
Highland Clearances article with old photos
Clan Sutherland Society of North America
