Urquhart Castle

Urquhart Castle is a ruined multi-phase defensive site managed by Historic Environment Scotland on the shores of Loch Ness. It has a car park and is open for a fee – in addition as the site is uneven disability scooters may be borrowed. First fortified by the Picts, it was the site of a 13th century castle that was massively extended, and of numerous alterations including the impressive 16th century tower house.

The old castle on the summit was a simple stone enclosure built on top of the Pictish fort in the early 13th century. This was soon abandoned and the substantial lower ward was added with mural towers, water gates, and a twin-towered gatehouse. As a principal royal castle serving the Highlands it was strategically vital. As such, it was extensively sacked by Robert Bruce in 1307, and claimed by the Macdonald Lord of the Isles. After their forfeiture, Urquhart was granted to powerful royal deputies, including the Earl of Huntly, who leased the castle and estate to the Grants of Glenmoriston. It was the Grants who built the tower house. Urquhart was sacked by Covenanters in 1644, and never reused apart from briefly as a garrison point by Jacobites, who blew the gatehouse up when they left.

Official Historic Scotland page

HES Canmore database entry