The Macleans of Dunconnel, Highland Chieftains of ancient lineage, have lived at Strachur Park since 1957. They are a family of soldiers, writers and travellers. The late Sir Fitzroy Maclean, the present owner's father, was a celebrated war-hero, writer and diplomat and, some say, the original model for Ian Fleming's James Bond. His wife, Veronica Lady Maclean was the author of several cookbooks and her memoir, Past Forgetting. Charles Maclean is the author of books on Scottish history as well as bestselling suspense novels.

Originally laid out in 1789, Strachur Park covers some four hundred acres of lush pasture broken up by stately avenues and stands of mature trees - mostly limes, beeches and Scots firs. There are two designated woodland walks with species rhododendrons and rare shrubs as well as nature trails offering an abundance of wild flowers and wildlife. The park also has a small river running through it and a secluded lochan.

The private Formal Garden behind Strachur House is open to the public three weekends a year.

Loch Fyne, Argyll and surrounding area

The word Argyll derives from the Irish Gaelic Aragaidheal "coastland of the Gaels"

Irish Celts built a fort at Dunadd and settled here in the 5th century AD. Their kingdom was known as Dalraida and they themselves were named Scotti by the Romans - hence our word Scotland.

The country around Kilmartin to the west of Loch Fyne, one of the most fascinating parts of Scotland, is not far from Strachur. People have lived here for 10,000 years and the landscape is littered with ancient monuments - standing stones, stone circles and burial cairns.

Rich in history and legend - from the glen of Rob Roy's cave above Inveraray to the Mull of Kintyre - the area of South Argyll is accessible, yet unspoilt. Along the shores of Loch Fyne (easy to explore by its coastal roads) there are castles, gardens and quiet places to picnic. The historic town of Inveraray, the 'pearl of Argyll', is just twenty minutes drive from Strachur.

Further afield, but within striking distance are Oban, Kintyre, the Trossachs, Stirling, Perth, Glencoe and Fort William. We are also well-placed for excursions to the Inner Hebrides. The lovely islands of Gigha, Arran, Mull and Iona - to name just a few - can all be visited inside a day. Closer to home, Mount Stewart on the Isle of Bute and Inveraray Castle are two stately houses well worth a visit.

On the edge of Scotland's first National Park, Strachur itself is an ancient settlement, steeped in history and folklore with friendly interesting people to meet and many hidden corners to discover.

There's plenty to do and see in the area. Hill-walking and climbing opportunities abound.

Boating, sailing and sea-fishing are also available locally. Trout fishing is free to guests on our private Lochan and small spate river. There are several delightful golf courses within a half hour's drive. Tennis can be played in most weathers on the village court.

Getting here

Only an hour's drive from Glasgow airport, taking the famous high-road by Loch Lomond's bonnie banks: a little longer if you come by Clyde ferry to Dunoon and along Loch Eck through the hills and glens of the Cowal Peninsula, one of the best kept scenic secrets in the Highlands. Edinburgh is just over two hours away.

Further information:

Rhoda's Cottage
Maclean book reviews

Contact: Charlie Maclean: Strachur House, Strachur, Argyll PA27 8BX, Scotland, UK.
Tel: 01369 860 337, strachurestate@gmail.com