- Type
- Castle
- Origins
- 1845 · 19th century per Wikidata: founding, first mention or construction
- Location
- Scotland, United Kingdom
- Style
- Scottish baronial architecture
- Commissioned by
- George Sutherland-Leveson-Gower, 2nd Duke of Sutherland
- Architect
- Charles Barry
- Coordinates
- 57.9817°, -3.9455°
History
A medieval tower house, recorded in the early 15th century and enlarged over the following centuries, served here as the seat of the Earls of Sutherland. In the early 19th century the family became notorious for the brutal eviction of Highlanders from their lands, known as the Highland Clearances. Between 1845 and 1851 the 2nd Duke of Sutherland had the castle rebuilt to designs by Sir Charles Barry, architect of the Houses of Parliament. The result was a grand house of turrets and soaring roofs with nearly 190 rooms. During the First World War it served as a hospital, and in 1915 a fire destroyed part of the interiors, which were restored by the architect Robert Lorimer.
What to see
Visitors see a dozen or so state rooms with furniture, portraits and family heirlooms, including the library and drawing rooms looking out to sea. From the terrace steps lead down to formal French-style gardens modelled on Versailles, where falconry displays are held. A former garden pavilion houses a museum of hunting trophies and Pictish stones.
Wikipedia article Official website Wikidata Q946702
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