The stuff of fairy tales: Staying in a Scottish castle

There’s something magical about arriving on a Scottish island. The ferry crossing, invariably gusty and chilly, the stunning scenery on all sides as you chug across the sea, and then the unhurried world that greets you as you drive off the boat.

We arrived in Mull in early December. Travelling with friends from California, we wanted to share with them a remote and beautiful part of Scotland, and stay somewhere different. As we left the pretty town of Tobermory and headed uphill towards our accommodation, we were eager to get our first view of the castle we had booked. It was several miles down a long single track driveway; bleak yet beautiful, and with sheep lining the lane for much of the drive. Only around 200 metres from the building itself did we get our first view of the towers and turrets of Glengorm Castle. Amid the gathering gloom of the early December twilight it created a marvellous first impression; brooding, imposing and dramatic.

As it turned out we were the only guests. We had a whole side of the castle to ourselves, and enjoyed a wonderful dinner in the castle’s main dining room. We even scrambled up onto the roof and enjoying the magical evening sky from the top of the turret. We were all in awe of this captivating old treasure and the tranquil setting in which it sits.

There were lovely walks nearby along the shoreline, and the island of Mull has much to explore and keep the visitor entertained. Being a chocoholic a special mention should go to the Tobermory Chocolate Shop where we passed a pleasant hour sheltering from the cold and enjoying their hot drinks as well as stocking up for Christmas gifts. We even took a day trip to the beautiful and atmostpheric island of Iona, steeped in early Christian history. That’s worth another post of its own.

If you’re in the UK and want to sample the Scottish castle experience, this is one that is easily accessible, affordable, and in a beautiful spot.