castles in Inverness & the Highlands Of Scotland

Castles and Inverness are almost synonymous. Too many to mention all individually, here are our chosen highlights:

Inverness Castle

Inverness Castle is an 11th century royal stone enclosure fortress but only a resorted well and part of the curtain wall remains. The castle was destroyed by the Jacobite army in 1746 and a dramatic 19th century neo-Norman castle now stands on the site, built to house the Sheriff's Court.

Inverness Castle is located in the city centre, off Castle Hill. 104 miles north-west of Aberdeen on the A96.

The Drum Tower of Inverness Castle, houses an exhibition portraying the medieval castle and is open daily, in the summer season, 10.30-5.30pm. There is a car park nearby.

Cawdor Castle

12 miles east of Inverness, between Inverness and Nairn on the B9090 off the A96
The home of Lord and Lady Cawdor, the castle and grounds are open from May to October.

The present keep dates from 1454, and is typical of 15th century Scottish architecture.

Two ghosts are said to haunt the premises, one a lady in a blue velvet dress, the other is thought to be John Campbell, the first Lord Cawdor.

Urquhart Castle

On the banks of Loch Ness, about two miles from Drumnadrochit. The castle is a ruin as it was blown up in 1692.

The magnificently situated Urquhart Castle, on the banks of Loch Ness, remains an impressive stronghold despite its ruinous state.

Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart’s remains include a tower house that commands splendid views of the famous loch and Great Glen.

The castle’s history and that of the noble families – Durward, Macdonald and Grant – who held it, is told in the exhibition and audio-visual display in the new visitor centre. The Centre features an outstanding array of medieval artefacts found at the castle. Visitors can relax in the café and visit the shop with its local crafts.

Brodie Castle

Brodie Castle is located 4.5 miles west of Forres and 24 miles east of Inverness.

Having been badly damaged by fire in 1645, the castle was later rebuilt. Today you can visit in the interior with its unusual plaster ceilings and see French furniture, paintings, European and Chinese porcelain, Japanese artefacts, toys and much, much more. At the end of your tour, don't forget to carry on through the tea room to the old kitchen and then when you exit the gift shop, the old dairy is outside to your left.

There's also a picnic area, tea room and gift shop, adventure playground with timber fort for the kids, woodland walks, gardens and a lake. If you have chance to visit during the Spring, the famous collection of daffodils will be in full bloom.

The Grampian Castle Trail

Like the Malt Whisky Trail, the Grampian Castle Trail is a must visit on a day out form Inverness. Step back in time through the last millennium of our country's heritage on Scotland's only Castle Trail. A selection of eleven of the world's most unique scottish castles ranging from the fairy tale magic of Craigievar, to the rugged splendour of Kildrummy Castle ruins, to the elegant timelessness of the country house grandeur of Leith Hall.

Grampian is matchless in the richness of its castle tradition and Scotland's Castle Trail brings together some of the most splendid examples of castellated architecture together on a clearly sign-posted tourist trail.