Avoch Castle

Avoch Castle Details

Avoch Castle, scant remains of substantial C12-14 castle of Murrays extended by Douglases before destruction c1455

  • Closest To: Avoch
  • Access: Free Public Access
  • Grid Reference: NH696536

The site of Avoch Castle is a prominent hill overlooking the village of Avoch on the northern shore of the Beauly Firth. The scale of the earthworks are easily seen from the village and harbour area, although these are not necessarily medieval in origin.

The scant ruins of the castle are to be found on the top of the hill and reveal a complex and powerful castle which was probably founded by the de Moravia (Murray) family in the 12th or early 13th century. Evidence can be seen for curtain walls, towers and a great hall – as well as the cavernous hole of the well – spreading over two or perhaps three wards. The castle was excavated to a minor degree many years ago, but the interpretation by modern standards is sadly lacking. The castles most famous owner was Andrew Murray, leader of the rebellion against the English occupancy in the Wars of Independence, and a flag and small monument has been erected on the hill in his memory.

The castle was partially dismantled by Murray, and the estate of Avoch passed with marriage to the Douglases in the mid 14th century. From 1361 to 1455 it remained a property of the Black Douglases, and it seems probable that one of the buildings whose footings can be made out was a great tower erected by this family. In 1445 Hugh Douglas was created Earl of Ormond, but he joined the family rebellion against James II in the 1450s and was executed. In 1476 the “moothill” of Ormond was granted to a younger son of James III, suggesting that the castle was no longer habitable. Folklore states that the masonry was taken away by Cromwell’s army to build the citadel at Inverness, but to me this seems unlikely.

The castle hill is accessible at all times by the public, but is not signposted, and there is no formally designated car park.

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