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.

Blarney Castle, Home of Blarney Stone, Ireland

This afternoon, my focus is on Blarney Castle  which lies very close to the pretty village of Blarney in the south of Ireland, just 8km from the city of Cork. This site attracts high volumes of visitors each year whose prime objective is to visit and kiss the famous Blarney Stone which is located at roof level with access entailing a climb up some 127 steps.

Today, the castle remains extend to just the keep which essentially comprises a 15th century tower house inside which the vaulted first floor was once the Great Hall. 

Key aspects of the facility:

• Kissing the Blarney Stone entails being suspended backwards under the parapet as per image no four in this post. This act is believed to confer a magical eloquence on the participant.
• In addition to the castle, there are 60 acres of parkland, gardens, avenues and arboretums.
• Rock Close, a supposed mustical place on the site of an ancient druidic settlement.
• 19th century Blarney House (open in Spring only) which is accessed via a walk through flower and fern gardens and a herbaceous boder.

View of castle.

Blarney Castle, Home of Blarney Stone, Ireland

Looking up at the Blarney Stone.

Ground View of Blarney Stone, Ireland

Kissing the Blarney Stone

Kissing the Blarney Stone, Blarney Castle, Ireland

This is usually a ‘must see’ site in course of an Ireland tour  but be wary of crowds in the peak summer time.

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.