Great Estates of Scotland

Some vast estates in Scotland are both tourist attractions and national treasures. This four-part PBS-aired series takes viewers behind the scenes to meet the family members running these sites. The combination of taxes and the enormous financial expense of operation and maintenance make these estates far removed from what is seen in Downton Abbey. Inveraray Castle is owned by the Duke and Duchess of Argyll (the Duke is clan chief of worldwide Campbell descendents). But rather than rest on titles, the Duke must run this large rural estate like a business, hosting clan gatherings, historians, tourists, cruise ship passengers, and an assortment of hunting and fishing enthusiasts. On top of that, the Duke finds himself wielding a chainsaw on fallen trees and contending with pesky neighboring sheep. Dumfries House, near Glasgow, has attracted the keen interest of Prince Charles. Originally a victim of neglect, the castle also contains a large number of original Chippendale furniture pieces. Charles, who wants to use the estate to employ and train young people from nearby deprived communities, is interviewed at length here, while an open house event also brings in Prince William and his wife Kate. Kincardine Castle is another property making money: from fly fishing, dinner parties, and weddings. Once used as a military hospital during World War II, the estate still features a working air raid siren. The final stop is Rosslyn Chapel, which recently won fame for being featured in the book and movie The Da Vinci Code. An offbeat travelogue series featuring great views, intriguing history, and engaging human interest stories, this is recommended. Aud: P. (S. Rees)