A tower built around a tree.

 Last night we failed in getting TV. My Olympics viewing was out, but all was not lost when we connected the Roku to the TV and managed to get I Player on the Wi-Fi. The signal wasn't brilliant and buffering occurred more often than not, but we saw most of the opening ceremony even though it was disjointed. So a decision to move this morning was made and head off to Ballindalloch Castle. 

Thirty miles we travelled only to find when we arrived it was closed! Time after time this happens to us, we obviously have not learnt our lesson, make sure to check first! It was a question of what to do. Finding a lay-by to stop and asses our situation, the only thing was to return to Nairn and visit Cawdor Castle instead. 

Roughly 60 minutes later, we arrived. Showing our Historic Houses cards got us in for free. An audio guide was given and a map of the gardens. The history of the Thanes of Cawdor can be read HERE but click HERE for a more detailed history

Guided tours have their place, but sometimes being able to wander around at your leisure, listening to the information through an audio guide can be equally as good. Most of the rooms were empty of visitors, photos could be taken and we took our time.

Stone steps led us down to a darkened room. In the centre was a long dead tree. 

I have had to lighten the photo

 According to the audio, the Thane of Cawdor, built a medieval tower around a Holly tree. This from whichcastle.com

As legend has it, an older, crumbling Cawdor Castle needed replacing, and William, 3rd Thane of Cawdor, set out to find a replacement location to re-construct Cawdor. William rode his donkey through the nearby countryside, and directly at the spot where the donkey laid its head to rest is where Cawdor was built. This spot was under a holly tree, and Cawdor was constructed around this tree. Results of testing conclusively indicate that the holly tree died in 1372, suggesting that the castle was first built before that date. Ironically, it may have been a starvation of sunlight due to the construction of Cawdor around the castle which eventually killed the holly tree. Lack of sunlight killed the tree, which has remained in the tower to this day.

Lunch was had before heading for the gardens. Beautifully kept and on a sunny day like today, a joy to walk through.

 A unique bird feeder was near to the garden entrance. Looking more like a statue, we watched as birds flocked to it. 

 

Just before we left, a short walk was taken in the woodland. We have seen some huge trees in our time in NZ, this one was a baby compared to them, but impressive nevertheless.

I'm sure Ballindalloch Castle would have been equally magnificent, It's something we will never know because no way are we going back there even though it will be open tomorrow.

We went into a CC site near Nairn. £15 with electric wasn't bad and on site included water and Elsan.  We filled MB's water tank, so showers could be had, and toothbrushes and Ian's razor went on charge overnight. These two items always seem to be forgotten in favour of phones and laptops.