Urquhart Castle in Scotland

Urquhart Castle stands in idyllic Scottish waters, on the southern side of Urquhart Bay and near also to the famous Loch Ness. This is no accident, the waters' edges helping to defend the castle from attack, while on the other side it had a 25ft deep ditch to help protect it from attacks on land.

Photo by Ramon Vloon on Unsplash

It's believed that the castle was built as early as the twelfth century, although there were later additions, for example some parts of the keep date from the early-sixteenth century. Urquhart survives in the record as having been laid siege to by Edward I of England in 1297 and again in 1303, although the inhabitants were able to fend off the attackers for some time. When the castle finally capitulated, it was the scene of brutality, as Edward commanded the executions of those who had so bravely defended the fortress. There is evidence that repairs to the structure were carried out in 1428-1429.

The castle changed hands numerous times during the medieval period, and in 1509 James IV of Scotland granted it to John Grant of Freuchie, who made significant modern improvements to the building including the construction of a tower, ramparts, a hall, chamber, kitchens and offices. James would not live long after this, dying in the Battle of Flodden in 1513, in action against the English. The Grants continued to own the site into the early eighteenth century, encountering another attack on the fortress in 1545. However in 1692, after being garrisoned after the exile of James II of England and VII of Scotland, the castle's gatehouse was demolished, to render it unable to withstand future military action. Its valuable building materials foraged and left to ruin, the Grants abandoned the building soon afterwards.

Photo by Johnny Briggs on Unsplash

Because of its location, travellers to the castle while it was a functioning defensive building would have found it easier to arrive by boat, and there is evidence of this in a Watergate that survives near the shore. Its original purpose and use as a medieval fortification is evident in its 8-10ft thick walls. Today, the castle welcomes members of the public with tours and special events relating to its past. Book tickets here.

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Notes

Fraprie, Frank. The Castles and Keeps of Scotland. 1907. p78-80

MacGibbon, David. The Castellated and Domestic Architecture of Scotland from the Twelfth to the Eighteenth Century. Vol 3, Edinburgh, 1887.

Historic Environment Scotland, Urquhart Castle [accessed 1 October 2024]