On the east coast of the Northern Highlands, overlooking the Moray Firth, stands Dunrobin Castle. Home to Clan Sutherland since the 13th century, it is the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses. The early castle was built on a medieval fort sited atop a cliff. It was refortified and extended over the centuries, until, in 1845, the castle was remodeled from a fort into a great house in the style of a French chateau. The gardens were also designed with a formal French aesthetic, inspired by the gardens at the Palace of Versailles in Paris.
The name, Dun Robin, means Robin’s Hill in Gaelic. Indeed, birds are of some import, as the estate has a resident falconer who gives falconry (the ancient art of hunting with birds of prey) displays with the many predatory birds kept here. The birds are still used to control vermin and hunt rabbits on the castle grounds and local woodlands.
Feeling pretty envious right now … and a little “homesick.” Not for Scotland, per se (there was a castle crashing incident) but for the UK and the ones I love who are there. It’s Cruz & Meg’s first anniversary!! Dunrobin Castle may have turrets and hawks and angry kitties, but Ash Barton has lots of mirrors, fake birds, and a fire pit. xoxo
Leaving Scottish and Irish castles behind, we’re hoping to visit the Jones clan in both Cardiff and Elowen in the next couple of weeks! 😊
Well, good for you and just so you know, that doesn’t help. But carry on, and give all the Joneses my love!
Wow!! It’s a big one, beautiful, and the grounds are gorgeous. ❤️❤️👏
A lovely spot too! Nice view across the garden out to the sea! 🏰 🌊
Not what one would think to expect, but beautiful grounds and location, and very nice for castle/chateau. That part of Scotland looks interesting, albeit a wee bit isolated.
It’s quite strange … places like Dunrobin feel very isolated when you’re there, but are never more than a couple hours drive to a major city. Our American sensibilities, with very long drives as the norm, are very foreign to a small Country like Scotland.
Did you get inside Dunrobin ? Looks like that might take some time to get through.
Yes! We did tour the main part of the castle (no photos allowed). It’s such a large place, though, that we didn’t see the family’s actual living quarters.
Now that’s what you call a castle!! Some of your best photos too. Love the ones with the flowers and sky included. When you guys get home this castle’s blog shown on a big screen tv is a must. 🏰
We’ll have to put together a slide show with all the highlights once we get back!