Smart Talking with Inveraray Castle

In this week’s Smart Talking, we chat to Jane Young, Manager of Inveraray Castle, Argyll.

Hi Jane, and welcome to Smart Talking. Please tell us about Inveraray Castle. What is its history and who are your visitors?

Jane: Inveraray Castle is the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell and probably the most iconic, ‘must-see’ visitor attraction on the West Coast of Scotland. The foundation stone of the present castle was laid in 1746. Designed by architect Roger Morris, it took another 43 years before it was finally completed in 1789.

We have approx 74,000 visitors a year who come from all around the world and we are particularly popular with tourists from Germany, France and Italy not forgetting our North American “cousins” who are starting to find their way back to Scotland in ever increasing numbers after being a bit thin on the ground the past few years. Our visitors can be individual travellers who are keen to “fly and drive” or domestic tourists on a ‘staycation’.We are also getting increasingly more and more (especially overseas ones) coach parties year on year. So far 2011 looks to be an even better season than last year.

Inveraray Castle is perhaps best known as a visitor attraction but it’s also a venue – can you tell us a bit more about this aspect?

Jane: Any number or style of events can be held within the castle building itself or within marquees in our extensive grounds. From product launches, to private dinners, special tour groups, as a film and television location, for fashion shoots of which we have had many, concerts, car rallies and not forgetting that most fairytale event – wedding parties.  We can be very flexible and Inveraray Castle makes the most amazing backdrop/venue for whatever that special occasion may be.

The current economic climate is particularly challenging for businesses, not least for the Scottish tourism industry – how is your business coping with that – any positives coming out of the experience and any advice for others?

Jane: So far this year we are having a very productive season with figures well ahead on this time last year, not only in the castle itself but in the tearoom and gift shop. It is very difficult to predict why this is but all I can say is that we try to maintain as high a profile as possible whether in the press or at trade/consumer exhibitions.We also believe that “word of mouth” from satisfied visitors is hard to beat!

Do social media and digital technology have a place in your business?

Jane: Naturally in order to keep up with the times we have “embraced” the world of Facebook on which we now have almost 800 fans and keep them up to date with happenings at Inveraray Castle on a regular basis. We have also just this year launched a brand new website.

What’s Inveraray Castle up to at the moment?  Any news you would like to share?

Jane: We are currently organising our inaugural Best of the West Festival, a food and drink fair that will showcase the best that the West Coast has to offer.  The date is set for the 17th/18th September where you will be able to sample the best of fresh local produce from Loch Fyne Oysters and Food from Argyll; locally brewed ale from our local brewery Fyne Ales; malt whisky master classes organised by the Loch Fyne Whisky shop with specialist local crafts, also for sale. There will also be live music playing for most of the day in the beer tent.

If we can fit one more question in here – does the Castle have any ghosts or ghost stories you can share with us?

Jane: Inveraray Castle has many ghosts but the most talked about is the “Little Harpist”. The best known of the Inveraray Castle ghosts is the phantom harpist ghost.  The Duke of Argyll was driven from his Castle in 1644 by the Marquis of Montrose.  The Marquis’ men, many of them Irish mercenaries, found the harpist and ordered him to be executed and hanged then his body cut into little pieces.  Since his death the harpist has been seen roaming the rooms of Inveraray Castle playing his harp and dressed in the Campbell tartan, thought not of late I hasten to add! It is generally believed that if the Duke is about to die in the castle, ghostly harp music can be heard!

Many thanks, Jane!  All the best for a great summer season!

For more information on Inveraray Castle visit: www.inveraray-castle.com

For more information on Best of The West Festival visit: www.bowfest.co.uk