HIGHLAND FLING BY ENGLISH CLAN

THREE generations of the same family who ditched the rat race to live in a castle in a remote Highland village have given their neighbours a Christmas party to remember.

The 17-strong Dobson clan spent Christmas in their new home, Duncraig Castle, by inviting neighbours to a traditional Scots knees- up.

The historic building, which has limited heating and no hot water, is undergoing much-needed renovation work that will take many years.

The huge family has been "camping" in their C-listed castle overlooking picturesque Loch Carron, near Plockton in Wester Ross, since they moved there from the Midlands earlier this year. Three generations are living with one gas heater per family, one cooker and one electric shower which they admit can be frustrating at times.

But Perlin Dobson, 40, said they have been astounded by the hospitality they have experienced since they moved.

She said: "We wanted to give people the opportunity again to share some of the beauty they have shown us since we arrived. I love ceilidh music so we thought that would be a lovely way to celebrate the day."

Perlin, a social worker and husband Sam, a property developer, spotted their dream property in a newspaper supplement last year and persuaded their extended family to sell up and raise the pounds 550,000 for the derelict 41-bedroomed castle.

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