Forres & Moray

We call Dunrobin the fairytale castle. With the amount of  wonderful castles to visit around the area, we think it makes a fitting description. We don’t tend to get the chance to visit places that are seasonal but we managed to grab the opportunity to visit one Easter when we were a little quieter. The castle is a good two hours drive away but the trip makes for a great day out. Many of our guests have included a visit to Dunrobin in their itinerary when they have stayed with us.

 

Dunrobin Castle sits 50 miles north of Inverness, just north of the villages of Golspie and Dornoch and overlooks the Moray Firth. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited houses in the country, dating in parts from the 1300s. The castle is generally open 7 days a week from 1st April until the middle of October. The entrance fee covers everything, the castle, gardens, falconry display and the museum. It is probably wise to give yourself a good few hours to take in everything there is to see.

Dunrobin Castle Gardens

The gardens of Dunrobin were established in 1850. Inspiration was drawn from the Place of Versailles in Paris. The gardens are sheltered by the castle and surrounding wall which enables a wealth of plants and flowers to survive the sometimes extreme northerly weather.

It was early spring when we visited, the shrubs and plants were just staring to sprout their leaves. You can plainly see that the gardens are well kept and you can imagine that they will be glorious to visit in the height of summer.

 

Falconry Display

The highlight of our visit to Dunrobin was the Falconry Display. We enjoyed the first display so much we ensured we made time to see the second show.  The shows are generally at 11.30am and 2pm. The handler gives you a brief history about the sport whilst the birds are flying around and above you. You may even be lucky enough to have a bird land on your head or shoulders. The show is great entertainment for all ages.

 

The castle itself has a good part open to the public. There are guides around the public areas who are happy to impart information and answer any questions relating to the castle. There is a museum which houses a collection of hunting trophies and other items from all over the world. If you are feeling a bit peckish or in need of a warming drink there is a restaurant/tea room that serves light lunches and drinks.

For more information take a look at www.dunrobincastle.co.uk

Forres is home to the largest surviving Pictish Stone in Scotland, Suenos Stone. The pillar stands over 6 metres high and has intricate carvings on each of its four sides.

It is believed the stone dates back to the 9th century but was only given the name Suenos when it was unearthed in the 18th century. There are various theories about the story the stone depicts but as there is no inscription on the stone, nor documentation going back to the 9th century, it is left up to your own imagination as to which story may fit the carvings the best.

The stone is believed to have been carved and erected after a victorious battle regarding the sovereignty of Scotland. At some point during its life, the stone was possibly knocked down and buried by the shifting sands of the area. There is a possibility that this actually preserved the carvings and when it was unearthed in the 18th century it was erected close to or on the spot it had originally been placed. The Victorians surrounded the stone with iron railings and a cap made of lead sheeting. In the 1990’s, to prevent further erosion, the stone was encased in glass.

There is a plaque at the site with information relating to the the possible theories regarding the story the stone depicts.

Click here for more information.