Dunrobin is a
huge chateau-like castle perched on a rock, below which are extensive and attractive
gardens. Its tall ‘candle-snuffer’ turret roofs are a distinctive feature. Built
in stages, the oldest part if the central tower of the 14th century. The
Southwest block was added in 1641, the south block in 1785. In 1845 the whole castle was
remodelled and extended to the plans of Sir Charles Barry, architect of the Houses of
Parliament. Following a fire in 1915, when the castle acted as a naval hospital, Sir
Robert Lorimer carried out restoration work, and created the present building. From the
porte-cochere the entrance hall, covered in the arms of the Sutherland family, is reached.
Next to the garden is a museum
containing hunting trophies, taxidermy, fossils, medals, archaeological finds and an
important collection of Pictish symbol stones.
The Sutherland family has
owned Dunrobin since the 1200s, with the first Earl of Sutherland dying around 1248. The
husband of the 19th Countess was created Duke of Sutherland, but on the death
of the 5th Duke the castle was inherited by his niece, the present countess. |
