Seal Shore

We had a slightly more leisurely day today. After a late breakfast we drove up to Brodick to have a look at the castle which is looked after by Scottish National Trust. The castle dates back to the 1300's but was extensively extended by the 10th Duke of Hamilton for his son and heir, after his marriage to a German princess. The house had previously only really been used as a hunting lodge, as the 84 heads of deer in the grand stair case testify.
The house was rather grand, although some of the internals had to be sold off, along with those from Hamilton House on the mainland, to raise approx £54millon (current equivalent) to pay of some of the debts of the 12th Duke.
The grounds are renowned for the displays of rhododendron, but we were obviously a bit too late to see the full splendor of the displays. A pity, as the island is covered in purple rhododendron, with some red and white, in full bloom elsewhere.
After a fruitless visit to the red squirrel hide, (nothing but wood pidgeon) we enjoyed a coffee, tea and cake at the cafe surrounded by small birds.Meer informatie