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Castle Stuart. Can we stay there?

We are currently booked in a nondescript, purely functional hotel to be near the airport.

I did have my heart set on staying in a castle but our itinerary did not allow. I just ran across Castle Stuart with reviews of its accommodations but can't figure out if it's still open or how to contact.
Is it now only a golf course?

If anyone else has suggestions of somewhere more interesting or atmospheric to stay, I would appreciate it. Plan is for May 2024.

We need somewhere convenient to the airport for an early flight.
Plan to visit CULLODEN Battlefield and Cawdor Castle in the area. Anything else we should not miss. Will be there 2 nights.

Thank you.

Also restaurant suggestions would be welcomed.

Posted by
3123 posts

You didn't say which airport (unless I missed it). Are you talking about Inverness?

I looked up Castle Stuart and found a good description on TripAdvisor less than a year old. However, at least one of the reviews was from someone who stayed there years ago and wants to go back -- but, like you, they can't figure out how to contact the place.

Posted by
2305 posts

Castle Stuart is now Cabot Highland Properties and a golf club. They do have accommodation but this is reserved for people playing at least one round of golf...

You may be struggling to find something similar in that area. All the interesting properties I can find (Buncrew House Hotel on banks of Beauly Firth just outside Inverness, Loch Ness Country House Hotel on the edge of Inverness or Mansion House Hotel in Elgin) are a lot further away. It's a pity Culloden House hasn't got vacancies..

Not to miss places

Clava Cairns for a start! They are very close to Culloden Battlefield and best visited early or late after all the visitors have gone. The y are also a lot more atmospheric when the sun is lower too.

There is also Fort George which was built after the Battle of Culloden to control the highlands. With its walls, ramparts and ditches it is one of the largest and most impregnable fortifications in Europe. It is an amazing and impressive place and is still used by the military. You may also see bottle nose dolphins from the ramparts It was the highlight of our visit to the area You could easily spend half a day here. There is more information here.

Cawdor Castle - I have very mixed views on that. The gardens are lovely but I was terribly disappointed by teh inside of the castle which felt tatty and lived in (it is!) There are much more interesting places to visit. Also be aware it has nothing to do with Shakespeare's Macbeth - the castle was built long after he was killed... To me, Fort George is a much more worthwhile visit and also ties in with the story of Culloden.