Continuing through the Highlands we make a not so straight bee line toward Dunrobin Castle and Gardens.
Dunrobin originated as a tower keep in the 14th century. The architect (Sir Charles Barry) of the London Houses of Parliament fully remodeled the castle in the mid-19th century. Laying out the gardens in the style of Versailles.
The place was unexpectedly amazing. We started our hour long plus walk through the castle starting with the entryway the main staircase and into the dining area.
Some of the collections and memorabilia of Lord Sutherland and the original Dukes of Sutherland.
Spectacularly designed live flower arrangements adorned rooms and halls everywhere. But the biggest surprise…
…was the gardens. We made our way down lots of stairs and walkways to explore the beautifully kept gardens.
We saw a crowd gathering as we explored the topiary and plantings and fountains, so wandered over to see a local falconer with a gift of patter wowing the crowd with a demonstration and explanation of falconry.
He introduced us to his hawk and his falcon, both of which buzzed the crowd at speeds of up to 60 mph, snatched large worms from the air and his hand, and grabbed a (fake) rabbit pulled by an audience member.
Some ruins at Dornoch as we moved along the scenic coastal road with small farms of sheep, cows and Shetland ponies on both flanks.
We stopped to explore a Dornach church with this stone In the graveyard area. The stone was an original “tailor’s measure” used to sell cloth at the local market.
For the high-light of the day we stopped at the Glenmorangie scotch whisky distillery for a full blown tour and tasting. No cameras allowed within to disturb the secrets if the barley (you can ask us later if you promise not to tell).
Then a stop at the shop, of course. And, more of course, a tasting (actually a couple of drams) of their original 12 year old and a 15 year old aged in oak barrels that held sherry. Delicious, but this area is known for its fruit and spice nose and flavors. I’m more prone to the smokiness you get, especially from Isla malts. I actually own a square meter of Laphroaig’s peat fields.
From there, a bus ride back to the hotel that was punctuated by moments of absolute quiet (with a few snores) and those of raucous laughter.
Tomorrow we continue down the eastern coast toward St. Andrew’s. We don’t have a tee time, but perhaps some tea time at the Old Course Hotel.
Oh, beautiful! I want to go there!