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Skibo Castle
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LocationSkibo Castle is located in the Northern Highlands of Scotland. It occupies 7,500 acres estate overlooking the Dornoch Firth National Scenic Area in the southeast corner of Sutherland. History Skibo's history has over 6000 years. Its name is Norse in origin and goes back to the 9th century, when the Vikings arrived from Norway and settled here. In 1235, Skibo had become the property of the Church. Bishop Gilbert had built castle here and cathedral in Dornoch. Only in 1746, when the Jacobites were defeated in the Battle of Culloden and the old Highland clan system was destroyed, Church ownership ended. 100 years later, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert built the Scottish retreat at Balmoral, where the guests could enjoy country sports during the day and banquets in the evenings. In the 1880s Evan Sutherland-Walker bought Skibo and in trying to follow the Royal example went bankrupt. Skibo fell into the hands of his largest creditor, Standard Life. During this time Andrew Carnegie, who had left Dunfermline as boy in 1848 and was now a millionaire, decided to return in his native country. He bought Skibo in 1898 and made it a summer home for himself, his wife and Margaret, his only daughter. After his death, the castle and grounds passed to his widow and then to his daughter Margaret. In 1995 Skibo became a private members' club and in 2003 was bought privately by a small group of its members. Children at Skibo Skibo gives you the possibility to know the best of Scotland. It is a perfect place for families with great variety of activities available for children of all ages. All Skibo's lodges are private, beautiful and comfortable. The lodges have satellite television, DVD players and small kitchens with coffee and snacks. There are a lot of special facilities for children to make their stay here the most enjoyable. Children can make new friends while visiting the children's barn. Older children can enjoy sporting activities, including golf, fishing, clay pigeon shooting and horseback riding. We can also prepare picnic lunches for families that want to explore the estate on foot or on mountain bikes. Castle and Lodges Skibo has comfortable sitting rooms, quiet corners, luxurious bedrooms and cosy lodges that make the club a real home from home. The whole atmosphere is tranquil, peace and very friendly. Public Rooms All Public rooms provide breathtaking views over the estate and are very comfortable areas for relaxing. Areas include The Drawing Room, The Music Room, Mr Carnegie's Study, The Library, The Snooker Room, The Cigar Room and members' only Gunroom. All reflect the spirit of the Edwardian era and are now maintained with careful attention to detail by the present owners. Dining Rooms There are several dining facilities in the castle. Full Scottish breakfast is served daily in Mrs. Carnegie's dining room and The Morning Room. Lunch is offered in the clubhouse every day. The dress code for dining at the clubhouse is relaxed, a jacket is required in Mrs. Carnegie's in the evening and jacket and tie is required in Mr. Carnegie's dining room. Castle Bedrooms The 21 castle bedrooms have original Edwardian features, including tiled and marbled bathrooms with remarkable period fittings in excellent working order. All bedrooms are furnished in comfortable traditional style and have an ivididual character, providing wonderful views over the estate. Lodges The lodges and cottages on the estate are luxury and comfortable. Some cottages have been fundamentally upgraded in order to raise the standard throughout. Others have been totally re-equipped in order to raise their standards. All have fully equipped kitchens and the largest has up to four bedrooms, all en suite. Each lodge is equipped with a golf-buggy, providing transport to and from your cottage and all around the estate. Activities Golf Scotland is the home of golf and Skibo boasts not one but two beautiful courses on site. It offers a fine challenge for golfers of all standards. Others golf courses like Royal Dornoch are also nearby. Gym & pool The gym is located beside the Edwardian swimming pavilion, home to one of the first indoor heated pools. Shooting Clay pigeon shooting is available on the estate all year round. A sporting shoot (pheasants, partridges, woodcock) will be available at Skibo throughout the 2005 season, as will duck and geese flights. Archery Using traditional longbows, archery is available every day, under expert professional guidance. Horse-riding Skibo's own stables, range of horses and ponies, and expert equestrian instructors make it possible for everyone from experienced riders to nervous beginners to enjoy an exciting and safe horse-riding experience. Nature walks You can enjoy walking by yourself or with estate naturalist, and depending on the time of year, you can see ospreys, peregrine falcons, pine marten and otters, in addition to the more plentiful roe deer, buzzards, duck, herons, geese that abound. There are also some wonderful trees and plants, including a rare coastal lichen-heath. Fishing Fly-fishing for brown trout, sea trout or salmon is always on offer during the season. Tennis There is an all-weather tennis court on site and rackets and balls are available from the host. Your Dream Location Skibo is famous for hosting private and intimate weddings for its members. The castle is set in the heart of 7,500 acres of Highland scenery. The Carnegie Club is a dream-wedding place as well as being ideal for honeymoons. It offers a full range of country activities for accompanying family and friends. The Ultimate Retreat Skibo provides the ultimate retreat for senior level corporate entertaining. It offers a great variety of sporting and leisure activities and a unique opportunity for entertaining in one of the world's most exclusive destinations. THE CARNEGIE CLUB AT SKIBO CASTLE Skibo Castle is the home of the Carnegie Club. Carnegie Club is one of the world's most exclusive private clubs that was named after the steel magnate, Andrew Carnegie. Non-members are welcome to visit the club for a once-only visit to know this unique experience and consider applying for membership. The club is hidden away in a romantic Highland landscape and provides luxurious hospitality, comfortable stay, excellent links golf and traditional country sports for a discerning guests. For Skibo Castle's rates, please Contact Us All rates include: include all meals (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner) and drinks including club wines and spirits, unlimited golf on the 18 hole Carnegie Links as well as most of the other club sporting facilities. Castle accommodation is reserved for adults. Families with children under 18 years will be accommodated in our Edwardian lodges. Babysitting service from 7-11pm is included in the children's daily charge. Contact Us |
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