Tulloch Castle

Located near an old harbour town in the Scottish Highlands, Tulloch Castle is framed by trees and enjoys views over rolling hills beyond. The 12th-century castle features a colourful history and is not least famed for being the heritage home of Clan Davidson.

The stone façade features long windows rising up towards crenellated turrets, whilst tiny dormers with ornate gables punctuate a steep roof. Within, the castle has retained many traditional features, in particular the 250-year-old panelled Great Hall and authentically-restored grand fireplaces. The castle’s history is further perceivable with high ceilings, deep cornices and wood panelling.

Accommodation

Tulloch Castle has a range of en-suite bedrooms, complete with modern comforts, each one individually decorated. Available on a bed and breakfast basis, with the option of dinner, the bedroom types range from balcony four-posters to cosy doubles, ideal for single occupancy, to well-equipped family rooms.

Original features and ornately-crafted furniture reflect the castle’s history, whilst tartan fabrics, colourful landscape paintings and traditional rugs or carpets add further character. Enjoy either far-reaching views across the surrounding tree-dotted countryside and nearby town of Dingwall or the pleasant, leafy castle grounds.

Dining

The traditionally-decorated Turrets Restaurant serves only the best Highland produce from seas, lochs and farmland, freshly prepared into mouth-watering dishes by Tulloch Castle’s dedicated chefs. All menus are thoughtfully created using local produce and designed in tune with the seasons.

The dishes can be accompanied with a superb choice of wines, carefully selected from the wine cellar. Choose from a range of desserts, from richly decadent to warm and comforting. Later, relax in the Green Lady Bar or the ambient reception lounge with its roaring log fire, to round off the evening with a fine Scottish malt.

Activities

There are three championship golf courses a short drive away from the Tulloch Castle, plus a further 50 courses in the surrounding area. Tee-times can be reserved on guests’ behalf by the castle staff.

If golf is not on the agenda, there are plenty of other things to do in and around the area. There’s the chance to spot a pod of dolphins on the Moray or take in some history at Cawdor. Cairngorms National Park is also a stunning place to explore, with walks, treks and plenty of wildlife to look out for.

Places of interest within a short distance of Tulloch Castle include:

• Inverness, 15 miles
• Culbin Nature Reserve, 30 miles
• Dolphin Watching on Moray, 15 miles
• Elgin Cathedral, 50 miles
• Loch Ness, 28 miles
• Cawdor Castle, 26 miles
• Brodie Castle, 36 miles
• Speyside Whisky Trail, 50 miles
• Glen Ord Distillery, 7 miles
• Castle Stuart Golf Course, 20 miles
• Royal Dornoch Golf Course, 32 miles
• Nairn Dunbar Golf Course, 29 miles

History

Tulloch Castle was the historic home of Clan Davidson, and its spirited history has seen its fortune decline and prosper over the years. The last of the direct line of Davidsons at Tulloch was Duncan Davidson, who died in 1917. His daughter inherited Tulloch Castle, and her son, Colonel Angus Vickers, of Vickers Aircraft, was the last owner of Tulloch lands.

In 1920 the castle, which was falling badly into disrepair, was completely renovated and, more recently, the Vickers family gave the Tulloch lands to the Highland Regional Council. The castle served intermittently as a dormitory for the Dingwall Academy before being converted to its present use as a castle hotel.

There is a secret tunnel from the basement of Tulloch Castle across town to the ancient Dingwall Castle. It is now too dangerous to use, as most of it has caved in, and so it was abandoned many years ago. However, there is an air-vent in the middle of the front lawn of Tulloch, which you can look down today and through which you can dimly perceive this tunnel.

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