Torcastle Fort William

Torcastle is a ruined tower on a knoll overlooking the River Lochy near Fort William. Vague remnants that could be interpreted as a courtyard wall can also be made out. The castle is only accessible through private gardens and there is no vehicular access from the main road due to traffic restrictions on the badly damaged private lane – and no parking.

The castle may have been founded by the Macdonald Lords of the Isles in the late 14th century, who had dominated Lochaber since the time of Robert Bruce. The tower remains are certainly consistent with that date – and stories that predate 1394 are entirely speculation. It may have been occupied by a family of Mackintoshes from the mid 15th century, and then by the Camerons from 1528, who seem to have developed the site quite a lot. It remained a seat of the Cameron chiefs until 1665, and may have been abandoned soon afterwards. It was certainly in ruins in the mid 18th century.

HES Canmore database entry

Highland Council report on 2015 work

Torcastle Bed and Breakfast website