Amhuinnsuidhe Castle

Amhuinnsuidhe Castle, also Avonsuidb Castle or Fincastle, is a manor house on the north west coast of the Scottish Hebridean island of Harris. 1971 Amhuinnsuidhe Castle was inducted into the Scottish lists of monuments in the highest category A.

History

The mansion was built in 1864-1867 for the Scottish nobles Charles Murray, 7th Earl of Dunmore. As an architect David Bryce was responsible for planning. Even before completion, however, Murray was in debt and the building was taken over by Sir Edward Scott. Initially it was called " Fincastle ". Scott bequeathed the estate to his son Samuel, who was known for his lavish parties. At this time the writer James Bridie said to have written the original version of a play on Amhuinnsuidhe Castle. William Lever, 1st Viscount Leverhulme acquired the property in 1919 and leased it to Scott. After Levers death in 1925 Scott bought back the lands and they remained until his death in 1944 in his possession. Subsequently acquired by the aviation pioneer Thomas Sopwith Amhuinnsuidhe Castle, in 1961 sold it again. Subsequently, the property changed hands many times. Today it houses a fine hotel, and venue.

Description

Amhuinnsuidhe Castle is located on a small bay opposite the island of Taransay on the west coast of North Harris. It is only by a 30 m wide section of the coastline, which is fixed in place with a wall. Unusually, the link road leads directly past the front. The asymmetrical building is built in Scottish Baronial style. The facades are kept simple and largely without embellishment. While the front parts of the building are made of imported ashlar, local quarry stone was installed at the rear parts. The slate-roofed gable roofs with its massive chimneys are decorated with stepped gables. Eaves run indicated with battlements battlements, which go to the building edges partly indicated in bay towers.