Inverlochy Castle

Inverlochy Castle is a ruined 13th century courtyard castle with round corner towers, one of which served as the keep. It is built on the edge of the River Lochy just outside the town of Fort William, and was the principal stronghold of the Lordship of Lochaber. Today it is free to enter and managed by Historic Environment Scotland.

The castle has two simple arched gateways on opposing sides, and there may have been simple barbicans outside. It was built for the Comyn family, and stylistically can be dated to the third quarter of the 13th century. The Comyn lands were targeted by Robert Bruce after he claimed the throne, and was claimed for the Crown. Subsequently Lochaber was granted to Angus Macdonald of the Isles, and then to Thomas Randolph as part of his enormous earldom of Moray. The castle was clearly repaired, and remained as the principal seat of the Lordship until perhaps the mid 15th century, when the Macdonalds were at war with the crown. By the time Lochaber was granted to the earl of Huntly in 1505 (perhaps a speculative grant of sorts) the castle was in ruins. He repaired it, but the subsequent history is unknown.

Official Historic Scotland page

HES Canmore database entry