Scottish Tour Guide's Blog

Archway at Armadale Castle, Isle of Skye

This evening, I am focusing on Armadale on the Isle of Skye, Scotland.

Many times each year I pass through Armadale either arriving or departing Skye via the ferry crossing.

This part of Skye is called Sleat and is traditionally home to Clan Donald. In fact, in times past, this was the location for mansion house residence of the MacDonalds of Sleat. As is evident from images immediately above and below is now a romantic ruin. However, on the same site there is the Clan Donald Visitor Centre with extensive library, archives and a museum which combine to provide a good quality visitor experience and an excellent facilty for researching local ancestry. There are also immaculately kept gardens in the grounds of the ruined castle which are particularly colourful in Springtime as a function of a well endowed population of azaleas and rhododendrons.

Ruins of Armadale Castle, Isle of Skye, Scotland

At the ferry terminal at the harbour there is small collection of art, craft  and textile shops which are of interest to ferry passengers whilst waiting for departures.

Armadale Harbour, Skye, Scotland

The ferry crossing to/from Armadale offers wonderful scenic views of Knoydart  and sometimes dolphins  can be spotted.

Explorers Garden, Pitlochry, Scotland

 This evening, I am focusing on the Explorers Garden at Pitlochry in Central Scotland. This was set up in memory of Scottish Plant Hunters who travelled the globe in search for new plants and trees for wide range of purposes including domestic cultivation, commerce and conservation. The garden is split into specific sections covering New Zealand, Australia, North America, Japan and the Himalayas. Names of particular plant hunters associated with the garden are:

• David Douglas (1798-1834). He is remembered for the Lupin, Flowering Currant and Douglas Fir.
• George Forrest (1873-1932). Remembered for species of Rhododendron and Primula.
• George Sherriff (1898-1967). Introduced the Blue Poppy and species of Primula.
• Archibald Menzies (1754-1842). Introduced the Monkey Puzzle Tree from Chile.

Top image shows the David Douglas Pavilion which is built from trees discovered by David Douglas and affords a spectacular view over the Tummel Valley

Explorers Garden, Pitlochry, Scotland

Explorers Garden, Pitlochry, Scotland

Explorers Garden, Pitlochry, Scotland

Explorers Garden, Pitlochry, Scotland

This garden is close to the Pitlochry Festival Theatre and  will be of interest to horticulturists.

Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, Scotland

This evening, I am focusing on Blair Castle near Pitlochry in Central Scotland. This is now a popular visitor attraction and conveniently situated on the main tourist route north to Inverness. The property is the ancestral seat of the Dukes of Atholl, a title which was granted in 1703 in return for loyalty to the Stewart dynasty of Scottish royalty.

The location is important because in medieval times the castle would have guarded the communication routes through to the Cairngorms and points north.  The original Tower House dates from 1269 and still exists to extent it has been carefully absorbed into the current, more elaborate structure.

Connection with royalty extends to visits from Mary Queen of Scots in 1564 and Queen Victoria in 1842 and 1844. The latter granted her bodyguard, the Atholl Highlanders, regimental colours and to this day this unit continues as the only private army permitted in Britain.

Visitors to the castle interior can visit some 30 rooms which feature:

• Various items of historic weaponry.
• A portrait gallery.
• Stucco walls.
• Tapestries.
• Elaborate furnishings.
• An elegant staircase.
• A grand ballroom.

In addition to the castle interior, visitors can explore:

• Diana’s Grove, an interesting forested area planted in 1737.
• The Hercules Gardens, a nine acre enclosure dating from the 18th century.

In addition, Highland Cows and sheep are usually grazing in the local fields whilst a small flock of peacocks patrol the grounds seeking tidbits from the visitors.

Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, Scotland

 Here is a views of the nine acre, Hercules Garden. 

Garden at Blair Castle, Scotland

Colourful Garden at Blair Castle, Scotland

 Arboreal  image taken at Diana’s Grove.

Diana's Grove, Blair Castle, Scotland

 Diana’s Grove. Named after the Roman goddess of hunting.

Diana's Grove, Blair Castle, Scotland

 Here are the Atholl Highlanders, Britain’s only private army.

Atholl Highlanders at Blair Castle, Scotland

 Peacock at Blair Castle.

Peacock at Blair Castle, Scotland

 Local farm animals

Highland Cow at Blair Castle, Scotland

Feeding Time for Lamb at Blair Castle

Overall, a quality visitor attraction.