We headed to Scotland for a 2 wk vacation, and staying in a castle was a must. Having looked at a number of castles, we decided to stay at this one, because it is a traditional castle, and the price was much more in line with our budget. We stayed in the tower room which was built in 1460. One large bed, and 2 singles. A huge room for 3 people, with ensuite bathroom. We could look out our windows and see sheep dotting the grass below. Mary Queen of Scots slept in the room above us when she visited. So much history, which we learned of first hand on the tour of the castle. Breakfast was excellent, as was the service. Beautiful gardens with many rare trees. A lovely quiet country retreat, within driving distance of Inverness, Culloden, Beauly. We would go back in a minute!

Scotland is full of castles, and it was a real treat to be able to actually stay overnight in the Kilravock castle near Inverness. Although it can be somewhat difficult to navigate the narrow roads in this area, once we were safely parked at the castle we were really able to enjoy the beautiful scenery. We stayed in the Yellow Room – a huge room with bathroom (but no shower). They don’t serve dinner, but there is a tavern nearby (Cawdor Tavern) that has excellent food. Breakfast is included in the tariff, and it was very good. If you don’t mind being away from the city (and feeling somewhat isolated), this is a fun place to stay.

Had family coming over from Australia and wanted to give them a great Scottish experience so began checking out websites for castles in the highlands somewhere near Nessie. Checked out heaps of places but frankly the prices were extortionate and most didnt seem even vaguely child friendly.

Happened on Kilravock Castle's website and decided to check it out. Excellent decision!

Don't misunderstand - this place is for grown ups, is stately and quite grand but we didnt have to worry about the kids bouncing on the beds or making a bit of noise.

We took over the top floor and the lounge on the floor below and had a lovely family time playing board games in between visits to Urquhart Castle, Culloden battlefield and nice eating places.

Breakfasts were great - very well cooked and presented and the kids loved the hot chocolate and fresh fruit. Nothing fazed Ken and Ruth + co and they were the perfect hosts. Did the tour of the castle on the second morning and this was great - the kids loved the dungeon and it made history come alive.

We had originally planned to stay one night but made it two and one of my special memories is the 8 year old wandering around Urqhquart castle in the rain saying 'When can we go home to OUR castle?' in earshot of a group of American tourists who looked suitably impressed.

And for those of you who may be put off by the Christian element, don't be. It is, as my Aussie sister said repeatedly:
'Fan-diddly-tastic'!!!!

Kilravock Castle's owners over many generations, the Rose family, have passed the Castle to a Trust which operates a B&B in the castle itself and a teen ranch Christian group in separate quarters nearby. We stayed here in July 2007 for one night, never saw the teen ranch or ranchers, and loved the B&B.

The castle is reached on a side road, and then down a long drive, from a clearly signposted turnoff on the road from Inverness to Nairn. It is an excellent location from which to undertake visits to such areas as Loch Ness (we didn't see Nessie but Urquhart Castle is great) and Elgin (with Scotland's only cashmere mill) and the Spey whiskey areas (enough said!).

Check-in is between 4pm and 6pm, and one must be out by 10am the next day. For your B&B fee - around 55 pounds per person - you get a castle room furnished to a high standard with en suite bathroom, and a generous breakfast which (if you wish) incorporates Scottish specialities.

You need a car to reach here and stay here - or you could be a touring cyclist. There are nearby dinner options, from which we selected the Cawdor Tavern (2 miles). Our dinner there fully justified the Tavern's listing as a country restaurant in Michelin's UK guide.

The Castle is well described on its own web-site and (contrary to its own earlier information) it now accepts Visa debit and credit cards. Service is friendly and efficient. It is also very close to Inverness Airport if you are leaving Scotland by air.

We enjoyed every minute, including the walks in the gardens and amongst the old trees. Sadly we did not have time for the optional 10 am castle tour (5 pounds per head). Highly recommended.