– 37 – The club has recently ordered some models with the electrically deploying tow bar, which is used for taking a horsebox to Dornoch for gallops along the beach. As for the Defender, this iconic model is, for now, dormant. Save for the outrageous limited-edition Works V8 made for Land Rover’s 70th anniversary. Capable of 0-60mph in 5.6 seconds, this is the last hurrah for the elderly model, built for only 150 lucky collectors. A few of the older models are still in use on the estate for game-keeping – these vehicles will earn their keep and work a few extra shifts than their fellow Skibo Land Rovers as the replacement model is yet to be announced. After the original lasted 67 years in production, the new Defender is probably one of the most eagerly anticipated cars in the industry. No one is 100 per cent sure when it will be released but, when it comes, a Santorini Black version, with some Skibo tweaks, is sure to make its way to the estate. ª T H E R A N G E ROV E R I S F I R M LY I N T H E TO P T I E R O F T H E LUXU RY V E H I C L E S EC TO R Above: Land Rover’s electronic tow bar makes it easy to transport horses to the beach; the Range Rover PHEV 2018 T H E C A R N E G I E C L U B Alamy M O T O R I N G versatility and refinement’ of this model, which can be used for everything from off-road estate work, to mountain- traversing day trips. The capability of the Discovery is quite phenomenal, its sleek design cleverly disguising what is, in fact, a very large vehicle that can carry seven adults. A go-anywhere machine with quite astonishing off-road ability, it is taken for granted that a Discovery will be perfectly able to deal with mud and snow, but its rock- climbing capabilities are also impressive. It is more of a mountain goat than its size suggests and will handle anything the Highland weather can throw at it, not to mention the occasional ‘Beast from the East’ storm. The ‘smallest’ Land Rover used, if you can use that term for a seven-seater SUV, is the Discovery Sport. Formerly known as a Freelander, this compact version of its big brother Discovery is the darling of the busy family and can be seen up and down the UK ferrying children to and from school and activities in a cocoon of comfort. It has been a huge success story for Land Rover and is now the brand’s best-selling model. Up at Skibo they are given to occupants staying in Pulrossie and Ferry House. Normally guests use golf carts to move around the estate, but at these outer-lying lodges they require something a little more robust for their commute, not to mention the added bonus of a grown-up Tonka toy to play with during their stay. For a longer day trip to the west coast, or a VIP pick-up, superior comfort and smooth handling is a priority, and where the Range Rover comes into its own. Imperious and exuding a certain status, the granddaddy of luxury SUVs reflects The Carnegie Club’s pursuit of the gold standard in luxury. It created its own genre when it first came on the scene, but now the Range Rover is firmly in the top tier of the luxury vehicle sector. A worthy challenger to any premium saloon, with comparable levels of equipment and the added benefit of the elevated view from its large glasshouse, it is the perfect vehicle to soak up the immersive Highland backdrop on a sightseeing expedition. When it comes to a ‘Skibo spec’ for the Land Rovers used at the club, they do follow certain guidelines. British Racing Green was the colour of choice until it was discontinued a few years ago, replaced by Santorini Black as the now go-to paint finish. Gruber usually selects a premium option package with a few additional custom touches, such as privacy glass and automatic side steps. Previous page: an aerial view of the Discovery. This page, right: Skibo’s Discovery fleet has all-terrain capabilities. Below: the Discovery’s spacious interior – 3 6 –