Amhuinnsuidhe Castle facts for kids
Amhuinnsuidhe Castle is a large, old country house built in the 1800s. It is located on Harris, one of the Western Isles of Scotland. This beautiful building was recognized as a special historical site in 1971. Today, it works as a hotel and a place for fishing and hunting trips.
History of Amhuinnsuidhe Castle
The castle was first called Fincastle. It was built between 1864 and 1867. The architect, David Bryce, designed it in a style called Scottish baronial style. This style looks like old Scottish castles.
The castle was built for Charles Murray, 7th Earl of Dunmore. His grandfather had bought the island of Harris in 1834.
A famous writer named J. M. Barrie stayed at the castle in 1912. He found ideas for his play Mary Rose while visiting a nearby lake called Loch Voshimid.
In 2003, the Amhuinnsuidhe Castle Estate bought the castle and its fishing areas. The land around it, called North Harris Estate, was given to the local community. Now, the castle is used for fishing and hunting parties. It also hosts weddings and business events.
What Does Amhuinnsuidhe Castle Look Like?
The castle is built in a very tight spot. It sits between the ocean and a big hill. Walls were needed to hold back the land on both sides. Because there isn't much flat ground, the main road goes right in front of the house. This is quite unusual for a large country house.
The castle is made from special stones brought from other places. These stones are carefully cut and shaped. The main part of the castle is four stories tall. It has rounded corners and a small tower.
The castle also has different sections that are three stories high. One part has a special window that sticks out, called an oriel window. The roof edges are shaped like steps, which is a common feature in Scottish architecture.
