Scotland’s Ardnamurchan peninsular – the furthest westerly point on mainland Britain – is an extraordinarily peaceful escape. But its strategic location means that before we discovered travel by rail and cars, this was a place of warring factions, clashing clans and seaborne sieges. So the kind of place you’d build a castle to protect you and yours.
Seven centuries ago, that’s exactly what the MacDougalls did. Before losing their home to Clan Maclain in the 14th century. Before they lost it to the MacDonalds in the 15th…who lost it to the Campbells in the 17th.
After the 19th century Highland Clearances, the castle fell into disrepair. Some 150 years later, a three-year restoration project was launched to save Mingary from falling into the sea.
And now? Just wow! The most extraordinary castle destination on the Ardnamurchan Estate, offering luxury rooms and dining to die for.
WHAT ARE THE ROOMS LIKE? There are just four suites at Mingary – each named after one of the clans who made the castle their home. We stayed in the dog-friendly ‘MacDonald’ that opens onto the main courtyard.
It is a stunning self-contained apartment built into walls so thick that unless you open the beautifully crafted sash windows, you can’t hear the sea that’s on the other side.
The furnishings are exquisite – every detail considered. On the ground floor, a wood-burning stove, super-comfortable sofa and well-equipped kitchen – ideal for those choosing to stay a few nights.
A hand-carved oak staircase leads to the gallery bedroom complete with king-sized antique four-poster. Your ensuite has a shower over the bath. Off the half-landing, your own access to the castle’s fortified walls giving you breath-taking views.
BEST SEA VIEW? There can be few places that command such incredible coastal views – east and inland to Loch Sunart and the mountains beyond, west along the shore of the Ardnamurchan peninsular and south to the Isle of Mull.
For those wanting to visit Corrachadh Mor, the UK mainland’s most westerly point, it is a short drive to the Ardnamurchan Lighthouse. Park and walk to discover hidden coves and beaches that look out to the Hebrides.
HOW ABOUT THE FOOD? Sublime. The restaurant at Mingary has achieved three AA rosette status, and it is very easy to see why. Overseen by chef patron, Colin Nicholson, he has a passion to showcase the best of Scotland’s west coast.
Choose from the daily-changing five- or eight-course tasting menu. What is presented is nothing short of artistry – creations of flavour using world-class ingredients and the finest techniques.
General manager, Jess, served us pre-dinner cocktails in the panelled bar-cum-lounge before we climbed the stairs to savour the Mingary dining experience.
The courses that followed included goats’ curd dumplings, Tobermory smoked mussel mousse, trio of Ryeland lamb, honey caviar…to name but a few. Colin’s homemade breads and butters were also exceptional.
A stand-out? The opening chef’s snacks – a chicken liver parfait in a feuille de brick pastry ‘cigar’ with apple and fresh oysters with a yuzu gel and sea herbs. It was extraordinary.
WHAT WILL IT COST? Rooms rates start from £300.
HOW DO I BOOK? Mingary Castle operates a minimum two nights’ stay policy. Visit mingarycastle.co.uk, call 01972 614380 or email [email protected].
