A CASTLE situated along the popular North Coast 500 route has been branded Scotland’s ultimate “hidden gem”.
Dunrobin Castle in Sutherland is the most northernly stately home in the country, boasting 189-rooms and dating back to the early 12th century.
However, despite its wealth of history, VisitScotland placed Dunrobin Castle at the top of its list of hidden gems in the country.
The tourist board remarked upon the building’s architecture, which was partly designed by Sir Charles Barry – who also designed the Houses of Parliament in London – and the extensive gardens, which are open to visitors between March and October.
Falconry displays are also held on the castle’s grounds during the tourist season, which many visitors singled out as a highlight.
“A fantastic day out at Dunrobin Castle and Gardens, well worth a visit, reasonably priced,” said one reviewer on TripAdvisor.
“Great cafe inside which serves some delicious cakes.
“The highlight for me was the falconry display by Andy the falconer and two of his birds, a Harris Hawk and a Peregrine Falcon.”
During WWI the castle was used as a naval hospital while in the late 1960s it was used as a boarding school for boys before reverting back to a family home for the Earl of Sutherland in 1972.
However, guests are welcomed into the castle, museum and gardens throughout the tourist season.
As another reviewer said: “We visited whilst completing the North Coast 500, on our way from Inverness to John o'Groats.
“The gardens are absolutely stunning, and well worth taking the time to explore them in detail.”
