History of Scourie Lodge & Gardens
Scourie Lodge was built in 1835 by the Duke of
Sutherland for his new bride, the Duchess. Some time later, Mr Evander
MacIver, the factor, resided at the lodge. He was a very educated man
who had attended three Universities. He was, however, very unpopular
with the local people from whom he collected taxes. It is said that he
played a part in the Highland Clearances.
MacIver lived at Scourie from 1845 until his death on 10th January
1903. During this time Prime Minister Gladstone often visited Scourie
for his holidays.
After MacIver's death the Lodge was used for guests of the Duke of
Sutherland, amongst the most important were Lady Bowes Lyon ( The
Queen Mother ) and the famous author J.M.Barrie
The Lodge was bought by a Swiss gentleman named Halfner. He spent a
fortune rebuilding the Lodge and completely redesigned the Garden.
The Garden
In 1851 one of the gardener's relatives, who lived in New Zealand,
sent him some seeds from a New Zealand Cabbage Palm Tree. The seeds
took 6 months to reach Scotland by boat. You can now see the palm tree
in the walled garden. They are said to be the most northerly palm trees
in the World.
