Dunrobin is the seat of the Earl of Sutherland. The Lord (in this case, the Lady) of the castle is 95 year-old Elizabeth Millicent Sutherland, 24th Countess of Sutherland, a title which dates to ca. 1230. I'd love to see it, but I doubt that I'll ever make the trip.

It was the seat of the Dukes of Sutherland, but when it passed to a woman, she could not inherit as Duchess, so the Dukes split off, and have a different seat - Mertoun House in the Scottish Borders.

You mentioned Sterling. That's where William Wallace and cohorts kicked English arse in 1297. Did you happen to see the current Sterling Bridge or the Wallace statue? I'd love to go there also, but likely won't be able to.

Sorry for rambling again, but my family roots are mostly Scottish and Irish, and I've never seen the homeland. I'm travelling vicariously with you.