From the jagged peaks of the Cuillin Range to the captivating beauty of the Fairy Pools, the Dunvegan Estate is a place of drama and mystery, however in February it is the tiny snowdrop that draws visitors to this famous site.
Throughout the gardens and woodlands, snowdrops cover the ground and on Saturday February 14 until Tuesday 17 February, visitors will be able to enjoy the spectacle, ahead of the gardens’ seasonal opening on April 1.
Dunvegan Castle (Image: unknown)
On snowdrop days the cafe will be open to serve snacks and warming drinks, while all ticket receipts will go to local charities as part of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme.
The gardens at Dunvegan were laid out in the 17th century, although their development was hampered by national events, including the Jacobite uprising and the 19th century potato famine, when raising food for the estate took precedence over cultivating flowers.
Today, after much effort, the gardens have been restored, with paths upgraded and viewpoints created so that visitors can enjoy the spectacular surroundings, and the results have earned it an RHS award.
A woodland play area has been added to the traditional layout of lily pond, French parterre, and water gardens. There are sundials and sculptures to discover as well as pools fed by waterfalls that tumble off the hillside and, in summer, a fragrant rose garden.
Writer Samuel Johnson, who stayed at Dunvegan on his tour of the Highlands with James Boswell, was told by the 23th clan chief’s mother that: “there was not and never will be a good garden at Dunvegan,” but the dowager Lady MacLeod has been proved wrong and the garden continues to be developed, with the addition of new shrubs and trees.
Part of the beauty of the gardens lies in the contrast between cultivated areas and the wildness of the sea and moorlands that surround them, and this proximity to unspoilt nature means that wildlife, including sea eagles, red squirrels and seals, abound.
Another attraction at Dunvegan is the Fairy flag, which legend has it was given to the clan chief by a fairy to ensure success on the battlefields, but which may also have been brought back to the castle from the Crusades.
The Scottish Snowdrop Festival continues to celebrate the arrival of the first flowers of the year and Danevale Park at Crossmichael in Dumfries and Galloway will be hosting an afternoon of snowdrop walks and homemade teas on Sunday, 15 February.
Monteviot House, overlooking the River Teviot near Jedburgh, will be the magnificent setting for a snowdrop weekend from Friday 20 until Sunday 22 February and on from Saturday, February 21 until Sunday March 8, Princeland House at Coupar Angus will be inviting visitors to explore its snowdrop-carpeted woodlands.
Also opening, by arrangement, throughout the Snowdrop festival, will be the renowned Thorntree cottage garden at Arnprior.
Details:
Dunvegan Castle gardens are open for snowdrops on Saturday 14 and Tuesday 17 February and then from Wednesday, April 1 until Thursday, October 15. Tickets: £15.50/£13/£10/ (Under 5s free). Tel: 01470 521206
info@dunvegancastle.com
www.dunvegancastle.com
In association with Discover Scottish Gardens www.discoverscottishgardens.org
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