Castles in Scotland

Amhuinnsuidhe Castle

Isle of Harris

Link to more photos of Amhuinnsuidhe Castle

Take the main road heading north out of Tarbert (ultimately towards Stornoway), and after 3 miles take the turning west along a narrow, up and down road (the B887 to Huishnish) which gives you a roller-coaster ride. A while after passing through the township of Meavaig you will see the entrance gates to Amhuinnsuidhe Castle. The road runs past the front door, so you can't miss it, but unfortunately you can't stop to admire the view because of the NO PARKING sign.

Built by the Earl of Dunmore in 1868, it was recently owned by the Bulmer family of cider fame until its purchase by Ian Scarr-Hall as part of a joint bid with the islanders who now own the North Harris estate.

From the foot of the hills, it looks southwards to the two Soay islands and Taransay on a clear day. You can see salmon leaping in the waterfall during the summer. In Gaelic Amhuinnsuidhe (pronounced 'avin-suey') means 'sitting on the river'.

The whaling station at Bunavoneadar on the B887 was mentioned by 'Peter Pan' author Sir James Barrie in the play 'Mary Rose' that he wrote in 1920 whilst staying at Amhuinnsuidhe Castle. My grandmother worked here as a cook when she was just a young girl.

When owned by the Bulmers, the castle was available for hire by groups for shooting and fishing holidays, etc. The chef is Rosemary Shrager, famous through the TV series 'Castle Cook', held cookery courses here.
Under the new ownership as of March 2003. Now offers accommodation and board for groups of up to 18 for a week.
Click here for accommodation details.

Also visit the official web site: amhuinnsuidhe-castle.co.uk

For castles named G onwards click here

List provided by http://www.castles.org/