Inverness is the furthest north I’ve ever been! Would love to go even farther north into the Shetland Islands but will have to save that for another trip. On our drive to Inverness, we stopped at Blair Castle which just happened to re-open that very day for the spring/summer season. We were cheerfully welcomed by a staff member and then greeted in the parking lot by a friendly, beautiful peacock.
Greeted by a Peacock at Blair Castle
Blair Castle sits on 108 square miles. The grounds are gorgeous with lots of grazing sheep. It’s the seat of the Duke of Atholl of the Murray Clan. The 12th Duke of Atholl actually lives in South Africa but he visits the castle every May to review the Atholl Highlanders, the only private Army in Britain. The castle tower dates back to 1269 but most of the castle has undergone lots of remodeling throughout the years. It was very interesting to visit the 30 rooms. Each room gives another layer of written history but I have to admit I’ve become spoiled and would prefer audio guides for such a large building. There’s just so much information to cover over 744 years.
Blair Castle under restoration.
Blair Castle Clock Tower
Blair River on the Blair Castle Grounds
Sheep on the Blair Castle grounds
Blair Castle Ballroom
As we drove into Inverness and to our hotel, we knew we were someplace special. Inverness is a charming town and our hotel was ideally situated along the Ness River. We got in early enough to wander around the river bank and into town. Thankfully the weather was clear. Cold but clear. We were also treated to a beautiful full moon.
View from River of Inverness Castle
Along the Ness River at night
- Inverness Castle Tower
Full Moon over Inverness
Thank goodness for Tripadvisor reviews leading me to The Strathness House which is an affordable hotel with great service and even better views. They only have 12 rooms and only 8 have views so if you go, book early.
Strathness House, Inverness
View from Room at Strathness House, Inverness
Displaced Beachbums 
What a lovely series of posts…..there is just so much to see in Scotland, and each area is so different. We are over on the West coast opposite Skye at the moment and it looks like I’ve discovered where springs been hiding. Full sun and all the daffodils are out…..
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Thanks ~ glad you like the posts. Even with the snow and cold, we loved our adventures through Scotland! My next update will be how we finally “embraced the snow” 🙂
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Well done, Patty….my Mother’s father was from the area. Looks like an interesting place. I’ve never been there.
Perry
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Thanks Perry!
Inverness and the surrounding area is probably our favorite so far on our trek through Scotland. And I’m just amazed I’ve been somewhere you haven’t been ~ but we’re still going to call you the “everywhere man” 😉
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The pictures just make we want to travel more to places I have not yet seen. In the mean time I have also been watching shows from the BBC that showcase so many of these wonderful places. I can tell you that I love seeing your pix over watching some shows that are so contrived. Keep posting Patti, everything is going on my bucket list.
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Thanks ~ your comment made my day! It’s my hope that my travel posts encourage people to get out and explore ~ whether it be arounnd the world or in their own hometown.
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Thanks for sharing this! My roots are Scottish and I haven’t been back since 1987. Such a spectacular place!
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Glad you like the Scottish updates. We’ve had a fabulous week exploring both the cities and countryside of Scotland. I’m definitely planning a return trip. Hope you get a chance for a return visit soon…
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These are amazing! Scotland is definitely on my “to do” list. (:
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It’s definitely an amazing place ~ friendly people, beautiful countryside, lots of history. Hope you get to visit Scotland soon!
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Nice post as always 🙂 Do they eat a lot of lamb meat there ? Pure grass fed lamb must have a delicious taste ! Two lamb chops please :))))
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Actually haven’t seen a lot of lamb on the menu but then again my daughter and I are vegetarians so we tend to just look at the veggie options. But you’re right about the free range sheep being healthy ~ it’s nice to see they’ve got so much space to roam.
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