Historic North Scotland Hotels: Culloden House, Taychreggan

Treasured Graffiti

Established on November 3rd 1572, The Kenmore is said to be Scotland�s oldest inn. It certainly looks the part.

Situated at the mouth of the famous River Tay and within the conservation village of Kenmore itself, the hotel boasts an impressive connection to Scotland�s most celebrated poet, Robbie Burns. Indeed, on the chimney breast in the �Poet�s Bar� one will find verse by the man himself.

Legend has it that he was so impressed by the beauty of the surrounding area he resolved to write his thoughts in pencil on the wall. It remains to this day.

Charlie�s Last Stand...

On April 16th, 1746, the very last battle to be fought on British soil took place on Drumrossie Moor, a few miles to the north east of Inverness. The night before, Charles Edward Stuart - �Bonnie Prince Charlie� - had rested at nearby Culloden House. It would be for the final time before fleeing, defeated, into exile.

The battle, between those who wished to restore the Stuart dynasty to the British throne (The Jacobites) and The Duke of Cumberland�s Hanoverian loyalists, was swift. In less than an hour over two thousand Jacobites had been killed or wounded and hundreds more were massacred in the bloody aftermath.

Today, Culloden House is associated as much with warm Scottish hospitality as it is with the notorious battle bearing its name. Indeed, it has become a popular retreat for many of the world�s rich & famous seeking rest and relaxation - Prince Charles, Tony Blair, Sir Sean Connery and Brad Pitt have all stayed over recent years.

The present Georgian mansion incorporates much of the original fortified house and castle in its structure - the vaulted cellars and gun ports are still in existence. Today, however, it lies in almost 40 acres of peaceful parkland which very much belies an infamous past.

How times change. Once a rustic cattle drover�s inn, The Taychreggan now boasts all the home comforts the 21st century traveller requires.

At least three hundred years old, this picturesque old building benefits from its beautiful location on the banks of Loch Awe. And it was here, in October 1773 that two of English literature�s most famous names, James Boswell and Dr Johnson, rested en route to the Hebrides.

Recalling their time at the Taychreggan, Boswell wrote: �We crossed in a ferry-boat a pretty wide lake, and on the farther side of it, close by the shore we found our inn. The prospect of good accommodation cheered us much. We supped well and after supper Dr. Johnson whom I had not see taste any fermented liquor during our travels, called for a gill of whisky. 'Come,' said he, 'let me know what it is that makes a Scotchman happy!'".

A Long Way From Neverland

Wolrd War I had been raging for a year when J M Barrie stayed at the Cuilfail Hotel. Indeed, writing to a friend on September 1st 1915, he describes its impact on the area:

�The highlands in many glens are as bare of population owing to the war as if they were the month before Creation.�.

However, he goes on to write of his stay:

�... If you were to search the bogs you would find me in one of them loaded with waterproofs and ginger beer.�

Avoid the new... The following may not necessarily be linked to famous figures or events, but all offer accommodation in historic surroundings. Click on the links for further tariff and availability information.

Ballathie House. Nr PERTH. A fine country house hotel whose grounds overlook the River Tay. LateRooms hotelopia

Coul House. Nr INVERNESS. Built as a hunting lodge in 1821, Coul House is a genuine Highland retreat offering 21 en-suite guest rooms. LateRooms

Dornoch Castle. DORNOCH. Famous fifteenth century structure located opposite the even older Dornoch Cathedral, and close to the second oldest golf course in the world. LateRooms

MacDonald Pittodrie House. INVERURIE. Originally constructed in 1480, Pittodrie House is a beautiful country house hotel on the fringes of the Grampian Mountains. MacDonald Hotels

Tulloch Castle. Nr DINGWALL. Impressive ancient fortress offering 19 guest rooms. LateRooms