Castles & Palaces

Aberdour Castle In Aberdour, 5m E of the Forth Bridges on the A921.
Tel: 01383 860519

A 14th-century castle built by the Douglas family. The gallery on the first floor gives an idea of how it was furnished at the time. The castle has a delightful walled garden and dovecote.

Ballindalloch Castle: Banffshire, Scotland, AB37 9AX
Tel: 01807 500206 / Fax: 01807 500210

Ballindalloch is one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland and has been lived in continuously by its original family, the Macpherson-Grants, since 1546. It is set in the magnificent surroundings of the Spey valley and lies in the heart of whisky country.
www.ballindallochcastle.co.uk

Balmoral Castle, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5TB,
Telephone: 44 (0) 1339 742334, Fax: 44 (0) 13397 42034

Built in the fifteenth century, Balmoral Castle and the original estate were purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852, but as the original castle was considered too small, a new castle was constructed on the site about 90 metres (100 yards) north from the old building. Prince Albert planned the grounds and helped with the design of the castle itself, which was completed in 1856. Over the years, improvements have been made by successive generations of the Royal family; most recently by The Duke of Edinburgh who has enlarged the flower and vegetable garden and created the water garden

Balvenie Castle At Dufftown on the A941.
Tel: 01340 820121.

A fine 13th-century castle of enclosure with a curtain wall, first owned by the Comyns. Balvenie was added to in the 15th and 16th centuries. Visited by Mary Queen of Scots in 1562.

Bishop's and Earl's Palaces In Kirkwall on the A960.
Tel: 01856 875461

The Bishop's Palace is a 12th-century hall-house, later much altered, with a round tower built by Bishop Reid in 1541-48. The notorious Patrick Stewart, Earl of Orkney, built the adjacent Earl's Palace between 1600 and 1607. Joint ticket for all Orkney monuments.

Blackness Castle 4m NE of Linlithgow on the Firth of Forth, off the A904.
Tel: 01506 834807

One of Scotland's most important strongholds. Built in the 14th century and massively strengthened in the 16th century as an artillery fortress, it has been royal castle, prison, armaments depot and film location for Hamlet and the BBC production of Ivanhoe

Blair Castle: Blair Atholl, Pitlochry, Perthshire, Scotland, PH18 5TL
Tel: 01796 481207 / Fax: 01796 481487

Blair Castle has been the ancient home and fortress of the Earls and Dukes of Atholl for over 725 years. Its central location, in a romantic setting of mountains and rivers, makes it easily accessible from all the major Scottish centres in less than two hours.
www.blair-castle.co.uk

Bothwell Castle,Uddingston At Uddingston off the B7071.
Tel: 01698 816894

The largest and finest 13th-century stone castle in Scotland, much fought over during the Wars of Independence. Part of the original circular keep survives. In a beautiful setting overlooking the River Clyde

Brodick Castle, Isle of Arran, KA27 8HY.
Tel. Brodick (01770) 302202 Fax Brodick (01770) 302312

The site of this ancient seat of the Dukes of Hamilton was a fortress even in Viking times. The 13th-century fortified tower was developed in the 16th century and extended by Cromwell in the 17th century. The foundation stone for the main Victorian extension was laid in 1844 by Princess Marie of Baden, wife of the 11th Duke of Hamiltion. Her granddaughter, Lady Mary Louise, 6th Duchess of Montrose, lived in the castle until 1957. Some furniture dates from the 17th century, with superb paintings, porcelain and silver collected by the Hamiltons and by William Beckford, whose daughter was married to the 10th Duke of Hamilton. There is also a collection of sporting pictures and trophies. The woodland garden, begun in 1923 by the Duchess, is now home to an internationally acclaimed rhododendron collection. The walled garden dating from 1710 has been restored as a Victorian garden. The Country Park has waymarked trails, woodlands, waterfalls, gorges, wildlife ponds, a nature room and wildlife garden. Restored ice-house, display centre. Shore Lodge outdoor centre: hostel accommodation.

Castle Fraser. Sauchen, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, AB51 7LD.
Tel. Sauchen (01330) 833463.

The most elaborate Z-plan castle in Scotland, and one of the grandest Castles of Mar, was begun in 1575 by the 6th laird, Michael Fraser, and incorporates an earlier building. The castle was completed in 1636 and was the masterpiece of two great families of master masons, Bell and Leiper. The armorial panel high on the north side of the castle is signed 'I Bel'. Castle Fraser belongs to the same period of native architectural achievements as two neighbouring castles, Crathes and Craigievar, both owned by the Trust. Evidence suggests that before the castle was built, the site was occupied by a plain rectangular tower house not unlike the old tower house at Drum Castle. The striking simplicity of the Great Hall and the stout walls do much to evoke the atmosphere of past centuries. The castle contains many Fraser family portraits, including one by Raeburn, and fine 18th-and 19th-century carpets, curtains and bed hangings. One of the 17th-century 'laigh biggins' now contains a new shop which stocks a range of exclusive gifts. A formal garden has been re-created in the old walled garden.

Craigievar Castle, Alford, Aberdeenshire, AB33 8JF.
Tel. Lumphanan (013398) 83635.

This fairytale-like castle, which exemplifies some of the best Scottish Baronial architecture, seems to have grown naturally out of the beautiful rolling hillsides of Aberdeenshire. The Great Tower stands just as it was when completed by Master William Forbes - 'Danzig Willie' - in 1626. The simplicity of its lower towers contrasts perfectly with the turrets, the cupolas and corbelling which embellish the roof line. Within its walls the collection includes an excellent show of family portraits and 17th-and 18th-century furniture. This perfect Scottish castle remains as unspoiled as it was when lived in by the Forbes-Sempill family.

Crathes Castle, Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 5QJ.
Tel Crathes (01330) 844525 Fax (01330) 844797

King Robert the Bruce granted the lands of Leys to the Burnett family in 1323. The ancient Horn of Leys, which can be seen today in the Great Hall, was presented by Bruce to the family as a symbol of his gift. The castle, built in the second half of the 16th century, is a superb example of a tower house of the period. Some of the rooms retain their original painted ceilings and collections of family portraits and furniture. A visit to this property is enhanced by the 1.5 ha (3,75 a) of walled garden, which incorporates herbaceous borders and many unusual plants. The garden provides a wonderful display at all times of the year. The great yew hedges, fascinating examples of the art of topiary, date from as early as 1702. The castle grounds are perfect for nature study and there are six exciting trails for visitors to enjoy. In the Visitor Centre are two permanent exhibitions

Culzean Castle Maybole, South Ayrshire, KA19 8LE.
Tel. Kirkoswald (01655) 884455 Fax (01655) 884503

Culzean Castle and Country Park is the Trust's most visited property and one of the major tourist attractions in Scotland. The range of interests and activities at Culzean provides a perfect day out for the family. Robert Adam's castle, built 1772-1790 for David, 10th Earl of Cassillis on a cliff-top site associated with the Kennedy family since the late 14th century, is notable for the Oval Staircase and Circular Saloon. The castle contains a good collection of pictures and 18th-century furniture, together with an armoury, set up in the 19th century. There is an Eisenhower Room recalling the President's links with Scotland. Scotland's first Country Park, created in 1969 and consisting of 228 ha (563 a), contains a wealth of interest from shoreline through the Deer Park, Gas Court, Fountain Court and Swan Pond with exhibition, to mature parklands and gardens. The Ruined Arch, Viaduct, Ice House, beautiful Camellia House and unique Pagoda have all been restored. Vinery and walled garden. New exhibition in Visitor Centre on the history of the castle and estate and the Trust's conservation work over the last 50 years. Environmental education service and interpretive programme.

Caerlaverock Castle 8m SE of Dumfries on the B725.
Tel: 01387 770244

Caerlaverock (Lark's Nest), one of Scotland's finest castles, is everyone's idea of a medieval fortress. The scene of two famous sieges this moated castle has a children's adventure park, model siege engine and nature trail in its grounds. Video presentation available

Cardoness Castle 1m SW of Gatehouse of Fleet on the A75.
Tel: 01557 814427

The ancient home of the McCullochs, this 15th-century four-storey tower house stands on a rocky platform above the Water of Fleet. The fireplaces in the great and upper halls are particularly fine.

Castle Campbell At the head of Dollar Glen, 10m W of Stirling on the A91.
Tel: 01259 742408

Known as "Castle Gloom" this spectacularly sited 15th-century fortress was the lowland stronghold of the Campbells. Stunning views from the parapet walk

Corgarff Castle 8m W of Strathdon on the A939.
Tel: 01975 651460

A 16th-century tower house converted for use as a barracks for Hanoverian troops after Culloden. Its last military use was as a base to control the smuggling of illicit whisky in the early 19th century. Still complete with star-shaped fortifications; reconstructed whisky still and barrack room

Craigmillar Castle 2.5m SE of Edinburgh off the A68.
Tel: 0131 661 4445

Mary Queen of Scots fled to Craigmillar after the murder of Rizzio and it was here that the plot was hatched for the murder of her husband Lord Darnley. This handsome structure with courtyard and gardens covers an area of one and a quarter acres. The Castle is featured in the BBC production of Ivanhoe

Craignethan Castle 5.5m WNW of Lanark off the A72.
Tel: 01555 860364

In a picturesque setting overlooking the River Nethan, the oldest part of the castle is a tower house built by Sir James Hamilton of Finnart in the 16th century. The castle's extensive defences include a caponier - a stone vaulted artillery chamber - unique in Britain

Crichton Castle 2.5m SSW of Pathhead off the A68.
Tel: 01875 320017

A large and sophisticated castle with a spectacular facade of faceted stonework in an Italian style added, following a visit to Italy, by the Earl of Bothwell between 1581 and 1591. Mary Queen of Scots attended a wedding here

Dirleton Castle & Gardens In Dirleton village 3m W of North Berwick on the A198.
Tel: 01620 850330.

A romantic castle often in the forefront of Scottish history since it was built in the 12th century. The renowned gardens, added in the 16th century, include an Arts and Crafts herbaceous border and Victorian garden

Doune Castle In Doune, 8m S of Callander on the A84.
Tel: 01786 841742

The formidable 14th-century courtyard castle was built for the Regent Albany. The striking keep-gatehouse also combines domestic quarters including the splendid Lord's Hall with its carved oak screen, musicians' gallery and double fireplace. Used as a film location for the BBC production of Ivanhoe

Drum Castle, Drumoak, By Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 5EY.
Tel Drumoak (01330) 811204; Fax (01330) 811962

The keep is one of the three oldest tower houses surviving in Scotland. It was the work of Richard Cementarius, first Provost of Aberdeen and Kin's Master mason, in the late 13th century. The High Hall of the tower is still in its medieval state. It is accessed by a narrow newel stair, and offers fine views from the battlements. The original house was enlarged with the creation of a very fine Jacobean mansion house in 1619 and a later addition during the reign of Queen Victoria. William de Irwyn, faithful armour bearer, was given the charter of the Royal Forest of Drum by King Robert the Bruce in 1323. The same family remained owners of Drum for the following 653 years. Irvine memorabilia is shown in the Family Room and the house contains an excellent collection of portraits and good Georgian furniture. It is a welcoming house with the feeling of a family home, enhanced by the recent creation of the Day and Night Nurseries. The grounds contain the 40h a (100 a) Old Wood of Drum - a natural oakwood - coniferous plantations, deciduous woodland and arboretum. Within the old walled garden is the fine collection of Historic Roses.

Duff House In Banff. More details at : www.duffhouse.org.uk
Tel: 01261 818181

This magnificent Georgian mansion designed by William Adam for the Earl of Fife and considered to be his masterpiece is now open as a Country House Gallery of the National Galleries of Scotland.

Dumbarton Castle In Dumbarton on the A82.
Tel: 01389 732167

Site of the ancient capital of Strathclyde, Mary Queen of Scots sailed to France from here as a child in 1548. The castle is spectacularly sited on a volcanic rock overlooking the River Clyde. Displays in Governor's House

Dundonald Castle In the village of Dundonald on the A759, 6m from Ayr and 3m from Kilmarnock. Tel: 01563 850201

The castle's association with the Stewarts gives Dundonald its special importance. Built by Robert Stewart in 1371 to mark his succession to the throne of Scotland. Managed by the Friends of Dundonald Castle

Dunfermline Palace and Abbey In Dunfermline off the M90.
Tel: 01383 739026

The remains of the great Benedictine abbey founded by Queen Margaret. The foundations of her church are under the superb 12th-century Romanesque style nave. The Palace is the birthplace of Charles I, the last monarch born in Scotland

Dunrobin Castle: Golspie, Sutherland, Scotland, KW10 6RP
Tel: 01408 633177 / Fax: 01408 634081

Dunrobin is the most northerly of Scotland's Great Houses and is the home of the Earls of Sutherland, one of the ancient earldoms of Scotland, created in about 1235.
www.great-houses-scotland.co.uk/ghs/ghs_f.htm

Dunstaffnage Castle & Chapel 3.5m from Oban off the A85.
Tel: 01631 562465.

A very fine 13th-century castle built on a rock with a great curtain wall. Close by are the remains of a chapel with beautiful architectural detail. The castle's colourful history stretches across the Wars of Independence to the '45 Rising. Briefly the prison of Flora Macdonald

Earlshall Castle Leuchars

Important collection of Scottish armoury exhibits of furniture, porcelain, paintings, Jacobite glassware, etc. The castle dates from mid-16C

Edinburgh Castle In Edinburgh.
Tel: 0131 225 9846

This most famous of castles dominates Scotland's capital and gives stunning views of the city and countryside. St Margaret's Chapel; the enormous 500-year-old siege cannon Mons Meg; the Great Hall; the royal palace and the Scottish National War Memorial are here together with the highly acclaimed "Honours of the Kingdom" exhibition which traces the history of Scotland's Crown Jewels and culminates in a visit to the Crown Room housing the Scottish Regalia and the Stone of Destiny. A new shop offering an exclusive line of specially designed jewellery is located in the adjacent Royal Apartments. The Vaults were where foreign prisoners-of-war were held, particularly those captured in the wars with France in the 18th and 19th centuries. A free audio tour is available just inside the Castle. Courtesy vehicle for disabled visitors (sponsored by the Bank of Scotland). Restaurant offering self and table service

Edzell Castle and Garden At Edzell 6m N of Brechin on the B966.
Tel: 01356 648631

The beautiful walled garden at Edzell is one of Scotland's unique sights, created by Sir David Lindsay in 1604. The "Pleasance" is a delightful formal garden with walls decorated with sculptured stone panels, flower boxes and niches for nesting birds. Visitor Centre. The chequered arrangement of blue and white lobelia in the wall recesses reflect the heraldic colours of the Lindsays and the dwarf box hedge borders are cut to give the family mottoes

Elcho Castle On the river Tay, 3m south east of Perth off the A91,
Tel 01738 639998

A handsome and complete 16th century fortified mansion with three projecting towers. The original wrought iron grilles to protect the windows are still in place and there are remains of the entrance courtyard

Falkland Palace, Falkland, Cupar, Fife KY15 7BU.
Tel Falkland (01337) 857397, Fax (01337) 857980.

The Royal Palace of Falkland was the country residence of the Stuart kings and queens when they hunted deer and wild boar in the Fife forest. Mary, Queen of Scots spent some of the happiest days of her tragic life 'playing the country girl in the woods and parks'. The Palace was built between 1501 and 1541 by James IV and JamesV, replacing earlier castle and palace buildings dating from the 12th century, traces of which can still be seen in the grounds. The roofed South Range contains the Chapel Royal, and the East Range the King's Bedchamber and the Queen's Room, both restored by the Trust. The Keeper's Apartments in the Gatehouse are also on display. The palace contains fine portraits of the Stuart monarchs and two sets of 17th-century tapestry hangings. The garden, designed and built by Percy Cane between 1947 and 1952, contains three herbaceous borders enclosing a wide lawn with many varieties of shrubs and trees. Here also is the original Royal Tennis court - the oldest in Britain still in use - built in 1539. There is also a small herb garden border featuring quotations from John Gerard's book Herball (1597). Recorded sacred music played hourly in Chapel. Exhibitions at Royal Tennis Court and at Town Hall

Fyvie Castle, Fyvie, Turriff, Aberdeenshire, AB53 8JS.
Tel Fyvie (01651) 891266 Fax (01651) 891107.

Fyvie was once a royal stronghold, one of a chain of fortresses throughout medieval Scotland. From 1390, following the Battle of Otterburn, five successive families created probably the finest example of Scottish Baronial architecture. An old tradition claims that these families - Preston, Meldrum, Seton, Gordon and Leith - each built one of Fyvie's five towers.

An air of mystery is created by the ghosts and legends associated with this castle. The oldest part dates from the 13th century, and within its ancient walls is a great wheel-stair, the finest in Scotland. Contemporary panelling and plaster ceilings survive in the 17th-century Morning Room and the opulence of the Edwardian era is reflected in the interiors created by the first Lord Leith of Fyvie. A rich portrait collection includes works by Batoni, Raeburn, Romney, Gainsborough, Opie and Hoppner, and there is a fine collection of arms and armour, and 17th-century tapestries.

The grounds and loch were designed as a landscaped parkland in the early 19th-century. The old walled garden is being re-created to show traditional Scottish fruits and vegetables. Visitors can also enjoy the restored racquets court, ice house, bird hide, restored earth closet and beautiful lochside walks.

Glamis Castle: by Forfar, Angus, Scotland, DD8 1RJ
Tel: 01307 840393 / Fax: 01307 840733

Glamis Castle has been the family home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne since 1372 when Sir John Lyon was created Thane of Glamis and given the Castle by King Robert II of Scotland.
www.great-houses-scotland.co.uk/glamis/index.htm

Great Houses of Scotland

www.great-houses-scotland.co.uk

Hermitage Castle 5.5m NE of Newcastleton, B6399.
Tel: 013873 76222

A vast, eerie fortress at the heart of many of the bloodiest events in the history of the Borders. Mary Queen of Scots made her famous ride here to visit her future husband, the Earl of Bothwell

Huntingtower Castle 3m NW of Perth off the A85.
Tel: 01738 627231

The splendid painted ceilings are especially noteworthy in this castle, once owned by the Ruthven family. Scene of a famous leap between two towers by a daughter of the house who was nearly caught in her lover's room

Huntly Castle In Huntly on the A96.
Tel: 01466 793191.

Set in a beautiful wooded riverside setting this fine hall house, built in the 16th and 17th centuries for the Gordon family, is famed for the fine heraldic sculpture and inscribed stone friezes

Kellie Castle, Pittenweem, Fife, KY10 2RF.
Tel Arncoach (01333) 720271, Fax (01333) 720326.

Kellie Castle is a very fine example of the domestic architecture of Lowland Scotland. The oldest part is believed to date from 1360, but the building in its present form is mainly 16th-and early 17th-century and was completed about 1606.

Sympathetically restored by the Lorimer family around 1878, it contains magnificent plaster ceilings, painted panelling and furniture designed by Sir Robert Lorimer.

The layout of the organic walled garden is late Victorian and contains a fine collection of old-fashioned roses, fruit trees and herbaceous plants. Display in summerhouse on history of walled garden, video.

Kildrummy Castle 10m SW of Alford on the A97.
Tel: 01975 571331

Called the "Queen of Highland Castles" this was the stronghold of the Earls of Mar, and headquarters for organising the 1715 Jacobite Rising by the last Mar owner "Bobbing John". Scotland's most complete 13th-century castle

Linlithgow Palace In Linlithgow off the M9.
01506 842896 NS996774-NT009778

Birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. All the Stewart kings lived here and later it housed Cromwell, Bonnie Prince Charlie and, after Culloden, the Duke of Cumberland. Mary of Guise declared of Linlithgow she had "never seen such a princely palace

Lochleven Castle On an island in Loch Leven reached by ferry from Kinross off the M90.
Tel: 01786 450000

Mary Queen of Scots endured nearly a year of imprisonment in this 14th-century tower before her dramatic escape in May 1568. During the first War of Independence it was held by the English, stormed by Wallace and visited by Bruce

MacLellan's Castle In Kirkcudbright on the A711. Tel: 01557 331856

Built in 1577 using stone from an adjoining ruined monastery by the then Provost, Sir Thomas MacLellan, this castellated town house has fine architectural details

Newark Castle In Port Glasgow on the A8.
Tel: 01475 741858

Built by George Maxwell in the 15th century this elegant and still virtually intact castle was enlarged by his descendent Patrick Maxwell in the 16th century. Patrick was infamous for murdering two of his neighbours and beating his wife of 44 years who bore him 16 children.

Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX,
Tel: 0131 556 1096

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, founded as a monastery in 1128, is The Queen's official residence in Scotland. Today, the Palace is the setting for a wide range of Royal events, including an annual Garden Party and the investiture, held in the Great Gallery.

It was Queen Victoria who, after the purchase of Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, reintroduced the custom of staying at Holyroodhouse. The queen's return to the Palace inspired the Scottish people to undertake an extensive programme of renovation. As a result of these improvements, Holyroodhouse was reinstated as Scotland's premier royal residence.

Rothesay Castle In Rothesay, Isle of Bute. Ferry from Wemyss Bay on the A78.
Tel: 01700 502691

A favourite residence of the Stewart Kings this is a wonderful example of a 13th-century circular castle of enclosure with 16th-century forework containing the great hall. Attacked by Vikings in its earlier days.

Scone Palace: Perth, Scotland, PH2 6BD ,
Tel: 01738 552300 / Fax: 01738 552588

Scone Palace sits at the geographical and historical heart of Scotland. The family home of the Earls of Mansfield, it was here that Kenneth MacAlpine, after uniting the Picts and Celts, was crowned King of the Scots upon the Stone of Destiny on Moot Hill in 838.
www.scone-palace.co.uk

Spynie Palace 2m N of Elgin off the A941.
Tel: 01343 546358

Opening to visitors this summer, Spynie Palace was the residence of the bishops of Moray from the 14th century to 1686. The site is dominated by the massive tower built by Bishop David Stewart and affords spectacular views across Spynie Loch

St Andrews Castle In St Andrews on the A91. Tel: 01334 477196

The castle of the Archbishops of St Andrews. See the fascinating mine and counter-mine - rare examples of medieval siege techniques - and the bottle dungeon hollowed out of solid rock - from which death was the only release. A fascinating exhibition in the visitor centre brings the history of the castle to life

Stirling Castle At the head of Stirling's historic old town off the M9.
Tel: 01786 450000

Considered by many to be the grandest of all Scotland's castles. The castle architecture is outstanding - the Great Hall and gatehouse of James IV, the marvellous Renaissance Palace of James V and the Chapel Royal of James VI. The Castle has strong links with Mary Queen of Scots. She was crowned in the Chapel in 1543 and narrowly escaped death by fire in 1561. Her son, the future James VI, was baptised here in 1566. Medieval kitchens display

Tantallon Castle 3m E of North Berwick off the A198.
Tel: 01620 892727

Set on the edge of the cliffs, looking out to the Bass Rock, this formidable castle was a stronghold of the Douglas family. It features earthwork defences and a massive 50ft-high 14th-century curtain wall with towers. Display includes replica gun.

Thirlestane Castle: Lauder, Berwickshire, Scotland, TD2 6RU
Tel: 01578 722430 / Fax: 01578 722761

Set in the Scottish Borders at Lauder, Thirlestane Castle was built originally in the 13th century as a large Border fort to defend the approach to Edinburgh.
www.thirlestanecastle.co.uk

Threave Castle 3m W of Castle Douglas on the A75.
Tel: 0831 168512

This massive tower, situated on an island in the River Dee, was built by Archibald the Grim in the late 14th-century and was later the stronghold of the Black Douglases. Ring the bell and the custodian will come to ferry you over

Tolquhon Castle 15m N of Aberdeen on the A920.
Tel: 01651 851286

Noted for its highly ornamented gatehouse and pleasance, Tolquhon was built for the Forbes family. The early 15th-century tower was enlarged between 1584 and 1589 with a large mansion round a courtyard.

Traquair House: Innerleithen, Peeblesshire, Scotland, EH44 6PW
Tel: 01896 830323 / Fax: 01896 830639

Situated amidst beautiful scenery close by the River Tweed, Traquair is the oldest inhabited house in Scotland, visited by 27 kings
www.great-houses-scotland.co.uk/ghs/ghs_f.htm

Urquhart Castle On Loch Ness nr Drumnadrochit on the A82.
Tel: 01456 450551

The impressive ruin of Urquhart Castle sits on a rocky promontory with commanding views along Loch Ness. One of the largest of all Scottish castles, Urquhart has seen many battles and sieges throughout its 500-year history as a medieval fortress. Evidence of the siting of some kind of fortified residence on the promontory goes back to Pictish times during a missionary visit by St Columba about AD 580. The holy man called at the home in Glen Urquhart of an elderly noble Pict named Emchath and converted him and his household to Christianity.

The first record of a castle at Urquhart comes more than 600 years after Columba's visit. By the year 1250 Alan Durward was lord of Urquhart. As brother-in-law of King Alexander III, Alan was one of the most influential men in Scotland, widely recognised as the power behind the throne. The stronghold that Alan established at Urquhart continued to be of strategic importance throughout the Wars of Independence with England sparked by the untimely death of Alexander III.

Soon after the Wars began in 1296, the English Army captured Urquhart. Within two years, the castle was back in Scottish hands during the resistance, led by William Wallace. Over the next half century it changed hands many times. Urquhart's stirring history continued with frequent raids by the Macdonald Lords of Isles in the 15th and 16th centuries. In 1509, the Chief of Clan Grant was granted the castle. It was last inhabited by Government troops following the Jacobite Rising of 1689

Winton House Winton House, Pentcaitland, East Lothian, EH45 5AT
Tel: 01620 824986

www.wintonhouse.co.uk
Country house available for private dining and meetings

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