We left Ireland earlier this week and are now traveling around Scotland. Again, Jeff and I rented a car and are on a driving trip. Driving on the left side of the road has been harrowing not only because it is opposite of the way we drive in the U.S., but because Scotland does not have many “multi carriage” roads (freeways) and also because many of the “single carriage” roads narrow down to one lane and have “pull outs” for oncoming traffic.
I could go on an on about the funny road signs and terminology they use, but Scotland, a land of myths and legends, has enchanting scenery of rolling farmland, majestic peaks, rugged cliffs, heather-clad moors, beautiful lochs (lakes) with breathtaking ocean views and beaches of white sand. The people we have met have been divine and they do know how to create beautiful gardens.
We toured many gardens and castles in Scotland. Dunrobin Castle was my favorite thus far. I will definitely come back to Scotland as there are many more gardens to see.
Dunrobin Castle is the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses and the largest in the Northern Highlands with 189 rooms. Dunrobin Castle is also one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s, home to the Earls and later, the Dukes of Sutherland.
The Castle, which resembles a French château with its towering conical spires, has seen the architectural influences of Sir Charles Barry, who designed London’s Houses of Parliament, and Scotland’s own Sir Robert Lorimer.
This is the backside of the castle. It was a very grey day and misting a bit.
The main stairway had wonderful portraits of the Dukes and Duchesses who lived in the castle as well as many trophies.
The castle was gorgeous and had beautiful flower arrangements throughout. According to one of the guides, many of the flowers and greenery were cut from the gardens. I took a few photos before I was told that photography was not allowed inside the castle. My bad!
I took this photograph from the terrace overlooking the vast lawns and gardens of the estate. As it started to rain, we did not walk through the formal and massive walled garden.
This is another formal manicured garden that was lush and green. The boxwood had just been clipped.
Another beautiful arrangement in a gorgeous antique silver serving dish.
What struck me most while walking around castle gardens in Scotland was the acreage of grass on the estates. Most of the lawns were not watered but were lush and green with beautiful mowing patterns. Scotland seems to have the perfect weather to have no water and low maintenance grass lawns.
