The History of Dunrobin Castle Since the 13th century, the stunning Dunrobin Castle has played host to the many Earls and Dukes of Sutherland, before being called home by a family in 1401. The Sutherland Earldom is typically regarded as one of the most powerful in Britain, and was established in 1235. It is thought the castle was built specifically for the Earldom in the same year, and was given the name Dun Robin which means Robin’s Hill or Fort in Gaelic. The initial castle was a fortified, square keep, with six-feet thick walls and vaulted ceiling, with a view from a cliff-top … [Read more...] about Delightful Dunrobin Castle
Scotland Info Blog with News and Background Info
Scottish Ceilidh and Dances
When you're in Scotland long enough you'll sooner or later get to know the word Ceilidh, pronounced as kay-lee. Ceilidh is a gaelic word meaning gathering or party. Donald Mackenzie wrote in 1917 in his book Wonder tales from Scottish myth and legend about the Ceilidh: "On long, dark winter nights it is still the custom in small villages for friends to collect in a house and hold what they call a ceilidh. Young and old are entertained by the reciters of old poems and legendary stories which deal with ancient beliefs, the doings of traditional heroes and heroines, and so on. Some sing old and … [Read more...] about Scottish Ceilidh and Dances
Meet the Ghosts of Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a truly unique city. From amazing architecture, landmarks, museum, historic places to pubs, clubs and entertainment, the city has it all. Each year, thousands of people come to the city to marvel at its beauty, landmarks and dive into the richness of history behind it. However, what very few know is that there is also a darker, more sinister side to Edinburgh, one that manifests itself through the ghosts of former residents. Below is a list of few haunted places and ghosts of Edinburgh you might actually encounter. Dalry House Dalry is an area of Edinburgh near the famous … [Read more...] about Meet the Ghosts of Edinburgh
Scotland and the Bagpipes
Guest Writer Neil Clark writes about Bagpipes: Most people think of bagpipes as an exclusively Scottish instrument. This isn’t really the case, as pipes have existed in many countries since ancient times. In fact, it has been claimed that Nero didn’t fiddle as Rome burned, but played the pipes. Well, maybe. And the pipes still exist in many forms, all over the world. But here, we’re talking about a particular form of pipe, namely the "Great Highland Bagpipe", and few could argue that the Scots haven’t made it their own. Even today, when two pipe bands from Canada and one from the Republic … [Read more...] about Scotland and the Bagpipes
Durness and Cape Wrath
Durness is almost as far north as you can get on Scotland's west coast. It's also your final destination when you drive the Ultimate Scottish Coastal Route, a fascinating journey which starts in the uttermost south west of Scotland, in Dumfries and Galloway. This is and area where the nights can be very long in the winter and in the summer it's hardly getting dark as Durness is on the same latitude as Stavanger in the south of Norway! Durness itself is a small village with a population of around 400 folk whilst the area has been inhabited since stone age times. In this remote and … [Read more...] about Durness and Cape Wrath
Pitlochry – A Quaint Victorian Town
Pitlochry is one of the most visited towns in Perthshire and can be found in the geographical centre of Scotland. It is a well-known local saying that a map of Scotland can balance on the top of your finger under Pitlochry. Whether this is true or not, fact is that It's a quaint Victorian Spa town just off the A9, 26 miles north of Perth and south of the Cairngorms National Park. Pitlochry's main tourist attraction is its setting, with the surrounding mountains attracting hillwalkers and climbers. There is lots to see and do in and around the town, whether you are there for the day or for … [Read more...] about Pitlochry – A Quaint Victorian Town
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