INVERGORDON, SCOTLAND

During our time at Dunrobin Castle we will see a selection of the castle’s opulent and fascinating collection of furniture, pictures, objets d’art and family memorabilia.

Our journey to Dunrobin Castle takes in the Cromarty Firth, once an important naval anchorage, now used more frequently by the North Sea oil industry as a base for the servicing of rigs. We also pass Loch Fleet and Golspie, which is a small fishing village and holiday centre with an attractive sandy beach. Dunrobin Castle – magnificently set in a great park with formal gardens overlooking the sea – was the seat of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. The castle was originally a square keep built around 1275 by Robert, Earl of Sutherland, but its present outward appearance results from extensive changes made in 1845 to 1850. It is the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses and also the largest in the Northern Highlands, having 189 rooms. During our time at Dunrobin Castle we will see a selection of the castle’s opulent and fascinating collection of furniture, pictures, objets d’art and family memorabilia. Bedrooms, nurseries, a study and displays of antique household equipment, ceremonial robes, uniforms, medals, arms and a complete 19th century horse drawn fire engine combine to give a glimpse of the lifestyle of the Victorian dukes. We also hope to see a falconry display in the castle grounds. This tour involves approximately 2 hours of walking in the castle and grounds and many steps will be encountered. Not recommended for passengers with limited mobility. Owing to the small size of the rooms in the castle, guides cannot give a room by room commentary. A detailed introduction will be made and then you are free to explore – the guides will remain on hand to answer any questions. Coffee and gift shops are available on site. For reference, the tour buses may not have air conditioning or toilets.