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Cawdor Castle

6 miles west of Nairn

The 14th century Cawdor Castle is the seat of the Thanes of Cawdor, made famous in William Shakespeare's play 'Macbeth'. Portraits and furnishings, tapestries and romantic tales combine with splendid gardens and the Big Wood to provide a heady mix for visitors to the castle, which is open to the public during the tourist season. A nine-hole golf-course and picnic area all add to an unforgettable visitor experience.

Stroll around Cawdor and enjoy its architecture. It is typical of an estate village where, at one time, most of the residents would have worked for the local laird.

Cawdor Parish Church dates from 1619. A recent discovery was the grave of naval surgeon Neil Smith, who was aboard the HMS Victory when Lord Nelson was killed at Trafalgar. Smith married Anne MacPherson, the daughter of a Cawdor Estate factor, and they were buried together in the graveyard beside the church. The grave was restored to its original condition and rededicated by the 1805 Club in September 2001.

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