Glengarry Castle Hotel

Glengarry Castle Hotel’s origins trace back to the nearby historic Invergarry Castle, which served as the medieval stronghold of the MacDonells (or MacDonalds) of Glengarry. The original Invergarry Castle was situated by Loch Oich, and while scenic, it suffered destruction several times. Its first major incident was its torching by troops under General Monk in 1654. Though rebuilt in 1665, it was destroyed once again during the Jacobite uprising of 1745, when forces led by the Duke of Cumberland terrorized and suppressed the Highland Clans.

The building that became the Glengarry Castle Hotel was constructed as Invergarry House during 1866 until 1869. Its chief resident was Edward Ellice Jr., a Director of the famous Hudson's Bay Company. Architect David Bryce, who pioneered the Scottish Baronial style, designed the country manor. It remained the estate of the Ellice family until 1923, then passed through several owners, including Scotland's Hydro-Electric Board. The three Cameron sisters, Rosemary, Joyce, and Jannetta, bought the estate in 1959 and transformed it into the hotel we know it as today.

Invergarry House's construction began in 1866 and was completed in 1869, built to the design of architect David Bryce, pioneer of the Scottish Baronial style. The manor retains its original form as a two-story mansion with an attic, made of tooled ashlar stone with polished ashlar dressings. Exterior elements include angle towers, a birdcage bellcote, and slate roofs. The historic interior aspects consist of a carved timber staircase in the entrance hall, chimney pieces dating back centuries, and molded ceiling cornices.

For the accommodations and guest spaces, the overall aesthetic embraces a posh yet homey modern style. Fabric patterns and wallpapers create a relaxing and warm atmosphere, more reminiscent of staying with loved ones instead of a luxuriously chic retreat. The family heirlooms on display also further the homey ambiance, treated as treasures to reminisce upon rather than being decorative objects.

Glengarry Castle Hotel provides a refined One AA Rosette dining experience every evening, serving amazing two-course or three-course menus of Scottish cuisine. Menus make full use of regional ingredients, integrating seasonal pickings to create dishes that adapt as the months go by. Starters include items such as Shetland scallops and free-range chicken liver parfait, while mains come in the form of North Sea cod with crab, haunch of Cairngorms venison, and fillets of Perthshire beef. Vegetarian-focused menus are also available for those with certain dietary restrictions. The dessert lineup is just as wonderful, with choices like miso sticky toffee pudding, white chocolate tart, and rhubarb sorbet.

Also on offer is Glengarry's Traditional Afternoon Tea. Available daily with prior booking, you can indulge in delightful cakes and pastries paired with rich tea blends while in the comforts of the manor's cozy spaces, or out in the garden.

Opening hours:
Breakfast: 8 am - 9:30 am
Morning Coffee: 10 am - 12 pm
Light Lunch: 12 pm - 1:45 pm
Traditional Afternoon Tea: 2 pm - 5 pm
Dinner: 6:45 pm to 8:30 pm

Reservations are required and can be made via their email or phone number.

Glengarry Castle may sit in a somewhat out of the way location, but that also means you'll have numerous opportunities for cultural immersions and outdoor adventures during your visit. The ruins of Invergarry Castle, former seat of the MacDonell clan, is part of Glengarry's estate and can easily be visited with a leisurely walk. Loch Oich and River Garry are the two scenic, life-giving bodies of water of the immediate area, now also providing water activities such as boating, wild swimming, and kayaking. The hotel also runs the Glengarry Heritage Centre, Invergarry's very own heritage center, where visitors can learn more about the castle and village, as well as grab a drink or bite at the cafe. If you'd like to spend a morning or afternoon out in nature, the surrounding forests and hills are also perfect for hikes and walks, letting you take in the surrounding landscapes.