Description
Armadale Castle Gardens Museum of the Isles is set amidst 40 acres of spectacular scenery. Not only the surrounding woodlands, the rugged coastline and seascapes of the peninsula but also the 17th century landscaped gardens of the Clan Donald.
The warm, generally frost free climate of the west coast of Scotland a result of the North Atlantic Drift allows these sheltered gardens to flourish. To wander through the expanses of lawn, terraced walks & herbaceous borders with the opportunity to relax beside the landscaped ponds and watch the dragonflies play on the water lilies leaves lasting memories of your visit.
The Nature Trails set around the gardens enable you to enjoy the panoramic views over the Sound of Sleat and the abundance of wildlife in this area.
The Museum of the Isles, opened in March 2003 at a cost of £1.7m, has won acclaim from the public and a Highly Commended award from the Museum of the Year Awards. Situated within the heart of the gardens, you are taken through the complex history of the Highlands stretching back over a thousand years. Picts and Celts, Norse and Scot, the Lordship of the Isles, Jacobites, Clansman to Crofter, the Highland Clearances and emigration to the New World. The Library and Study Centre within the Museum has a collection of over 60,000 books & documents with a Geanealogy Facility.
The Stables Restaurant and Gift Shop is in the Stables Building. This was originally built in 1820 by the Architect James Gillespie Graham, based on the same Gothic lines as he used when designing Armadale Castle. The building was restored and opened in 1984 at a ceremony attended by clansmen from all over the world and is often used for Weddings and other special occasions. The Restaurant offers homecooking all day & the Gift Shop offers a quality shopping experience.
Weddings are becoming very popular in the Highlands and especially so at Armadale. Civil and Religious Ceremonies can be held in the Somerled Rooms.
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