Amhuinnuidhe Castle is located on the road to Hushinish on the Isle of Harris. Nestled in the steep hills near hidden lochs and waterfalls are the white gates to this spectacular hideaway and one of the finest sporting estates in Scotland.
The castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style in 1865 for Charles Murray, 7th Earl of Dunmore. His mother, Lady Catherine, set up an embroidery school and encouraged the Harris Tweed industry.
It is said that the ghost of Lady Sophie Scott haunts the castle. Lady Sophie Scott was a resident here in Edwardian times. She was a keen sportswoman and was renowned for her hospitality. She died in 1937 and her remains are buried with those of her husband in the cairn on the hill behind the castle.
Amhuinnuidhe Castle, along with its 55 acre estate, was purchased by the North Harris Trust in 2003. The castle is located by a small beach, sea pool and waterfall. When salmon start their run in June they can be seen leaping from the sea pool and buzzards can often be spotted from the hillside gardens.
Past the castle, at the end of the road, is the sandy bay of Hushinish. Nearby is the rocket post, the site where a missile exploded when a German engineer tried to use rockets to deliver mail and other light supplied to isolated places in 1934. The Western Isles Rocket Post covers are much sought after by philatelists.
1 week camper van road-trip with Hebridean Campervan Holidays
SOURCES:
- https://www.amhuinnsuidhe.com
- The Outer Hebrides Guide Book Third Edition by Charles Tait
