Cawdor Castle

Cawdor Castle. Photographic Print of Cawdor castle from Robert Harding.

The castle stands a few miles from Nairn. It was built in 1370 and became a seat of the Campbell family around 1510—11. Cawdor Castle is the haunt of a female ghost who is a woman with no hands. The ghost does not date from the early times but from the first half of the nineteenth century not long after the head of the family became entitled to call himself Earl of Cawdor. It is thought that the ghost was once the daughter of an Earl of Cawdor who found herself smitten with a young man from a rival family. The Earl of Cawdor discovered the secret romance when he came upon the sweethearts one day in their secret meeting place. The Earl was infuriated by his daughter’s treachery. He cut her hands off with his
sword so that she might never embrace her lover again.

Cawdor Castle. Photographic Print of Cawdor Castle Gardens from Robert Harding.

The Scottish landscape has inspired writersmost notably Shakespeare with his Macbethand travelers for centuries. Scotland is a patchwork of stunning green valleys and windswept moors, scattered with the ruins of ancient strongholds, and at its heart lies the legendary Cawdor Castle, which exemplifies the essence of the Highlands. These stunning photographs from the Cawdor estate capture not only Scotlands national treasures, but the quintessence of the Scottish soul. Cawdor Castle epitomizes the distinguished Scottish lifestyle. Its cozy interiors, full of handcrafted furniture, tartan accessories, hunting trophies, and painted landscapes, will inspire the reader. Scotlands cultural traditions are celebrated with colorful displays of kilts and bagpipes; lush hunting tracks and bountiful fly fishing spots; the shady realm of Cawdors gardens; and sumptuous culinary delicacies. Highland Living includes an address book of Scotlands best sites of interest for travelers, as well as traditional recipes for those seeking a taste of the Scottish lifestyle at home. Highland Living: Landscape, Style, and Traditions of Scotland.

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