Dornoch Castle

Dornoch, United Kingdom

Dornoch Castle was built around 1500 as the home of the bishops of Caithness. Bishop Robert Stewart gifted the castle to John Gordon, 11th Earl of Sutherland in 1557. In 1570 the castle was set alight in a feud between the McKays and Murrays. The rebuilding which followed included the addition of the upper part of the tower. The castle decayed during the 18th century, but was restored in 1813–1814 to serve as a school and jail. In 1859-60 it became a court house, and was made the headquarters of the Sheriff of Sutherland.

Further alterations were made around 1880, including the heightening of the south-west block, and the addition of a three-storey east tower. Following the restoration the castle became a hunting lodge for visiting sportsmen. In 1947 it became a hotel. The Dornoch Castle Hotel has 24 rooms, including suites, and garden rooms, which were built in the 1970s. In addition, there are several personalized rooms and a restaurant.

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Address

High Street 2, Dornoch, United Kingdom
See all sites in Dornoch

Details

Founded: c. 1500
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

More Information

www.visitscotland.com
en.wikipedia.org
www.dornochcastlehotel.com

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby


Dornoch Cathedral (0,1 km)
Skibo Castle (6,1 km)


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Inverness Cathedral (46,6 km)
Cawdor Castle (40 km)
Dunrobin Castle (12,4 km)
Clava Cairns (45,2 km)
Beauly Priory Ruins (50,8 km)
Culloden Battlefield (44,9 km)
Brodie Castle (36,6 km)
Fortrose Cathedral Ruins (33,8 km)

User Reviews

HaveFunInYourSpaceSuit (2 years ago)
The whisky bar is great, large selection and helpful staff. The food wasn't bad and the breakfast is nice bonus to wake up early. I would say the whisky bar is the best experience to visit.
Daniel Crandon (2 years ago)
Rooms were good, whiskey selection was great too. However, the food, which was priced as if it was fine dining, left me underwhelmed. Starter of crab was good and my dessert was first class. But my main of venison was poorly executed. The venison itself was over cooked, my carrots we're raw and broccoli was served with a small patch of mould on it. Other than that, the flavours were good. At those prices I would not expect those errors. Staff were nice and helpful and breakfast in the morning was tasty.
Zach Sonnenberg (2 years ago)
Great location if you're in town to play golf. Room was small and dated, but I slept great so I can't complain! Dinner was excellent in the restaurant as well.
Agnieszka Skibinska (2 years ago)
Fantastic service. A very good night sleep
jim webster (2 years ago)
Great whisky bar with very knowledgeable staff especially a young lady called Laura, the girl knows her whisky.
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