The Prince of Wales was in the Highlands on Sunday, 8 August, to celebrate a historic anniversary. He visited Dunrobin Castle, most of which dates back to the mid-nineteenth century, and Dunrobin Castle Station.
Prince Charles, known as The Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, went to Dunrobin Castle to mark the 150th anniversary of the Duke of Sutherland’s Railway. The estate is on the east corner of the Northern Highlands; it overlooks the Moray Firth. Parts of the castle date back to the thirteenth century, but most of the home was built in the mid-nineteenth century under the 2nd Earl of Sutherland. Sir Charles Barry designed the castle in the Scottish Baronial style.
The Duke was wearing the red and green family tartan for his visit; he often wears a kilt when in Scotland. While visiting the Castle, he was given a tour of the gardens and the grounds by the Earl of Sutherland, Iain Crisp, the head gardener, and the Countess of Sutherland.
The third Duke of Sutherland opened the railway in 1870 for service to his home, Dunrobin Castle. In the 1880s, the line was then absorbed into the Highland Railway. The Dunrobin Castle Station is still open and is part of the UK’s most northern line, the Far North Line.
While visiting the Dunrobin Castle Station, The Duke learned about the history of the station and the line. He also unveiled a plaque commemorating the 150th anniversary.
The Royal Family typically visits Scotland in the summer months. The Queen was joined by The Duke of Cambridge and The Princess Royal for Holyrood Week in June, and she has now arrived at Balmoral Castle for her annual summer holiday. The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, as well as other members of the Royal Family, will be joining her at Balmoral next week.
