Welcome back to "A Scottish Castle, A Day," brought to you by bagtownclans.com. I’m your host, Colin MacDonald, and today, we embark on an unforgettable journey to the shores of Loch Ness, where the impressive ruins of Urquhart Castle rise above the water's edge. Situated near Drumnadrochit, off the A82, Urquhart is one of the largest and most iconic castles in Scotland, its dramatic location offering commanding views along the mysterious loch, famous for its tales of a certain elusive monster.
But Urquhart Castle’s history is no myth—its walls have witnessed over a millennium of real conflict, power struggles, and Highland resilience. The site itself dates back to Pictish times. St. Columba is said to have visited the area in the late 6th century and even converted a Pictish nobleman, Emchath, and his household to Christianity. While the castle we see today was built much later, evidence of some form of early fortification has been found, hinting at Urquhart’s strategic importance long before medieval stonework rose from its rocky promontory.
The first written record of a castle at Urquhart, however, comes from the 13th century. By 1250, the Anglo-Norman noble Alan Durward, one of the most powerful men in Scotland and a brother-in-law of King Alexander III, had established a stronghold here. Durward's influence and ties to the Scottish crown underscore Urquhart's initial importance. But the peace didn’t last long—Scotland’s Wars of Independence saw the castle pass back and forth between English and Scottish forces multiple times. After Edward I of England captured it in 1296, the resistance led by William Wallace soon saw Urquhart retaken by the Scots. This was only the beginning of its storied role during this turbulent time, with the castle changing hands again in 1303 before Robert the Bruce finally secured it for Scotland in 1307.
Urquhart’s role as a fortress, however, didn’t end with the Wars of Independence. The Great Glen, where the castle is located, has long been a key route through the Highlands, and control over this vital passage was fiercely contested by Highland clans. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the MacDonalds, Lords of the Isles, frequently raided the castle, leaving destruction in their wake. One of the most significant attacks came in 1545 during what is known as the "Great Raid." The MacDonalds, along with their allies the Camerons, stripped the castle of everything valuable—taking livestock, provisions, furniture, and even the castle’s gates.
Despite the raids, the Grants of Freuchie, who had been granted the castle by James IV in 1509, continued to hold onto Urquhart, rebuilding and reinforcing it. The most prominent feature of Urquhart today is the Grant Tower, a five-story structure that still looms over the ruins, offering a reminder of the clan’s efforts to fortify their seat of power against the persistent threat from rival clans.
As we move into the 17th century, Urquhart’s role as a residence began to wane. It suffered during the Civil Wars of the mid-1600s, and by the late 17th century, it was used as a garrison for government troops following the Jacobite rising of 1689. However, after two years of withstanding Jacobite attacks, the castle was deliberately destroyed in 1692 to prevent it from being used as a base by the Jacobites. The large blocks of masonry you can see today, lying in ruin beside the gatehouse, are remnants of this destruction.
After its partial demolition, Urquhart Castle fell into decay, its stonework pilfered by locals for other building projects. By the 18th century, the castle was little more than a romantic ruin, its once grand halls and towers slowly crumbling. In 1715, the southern wall of Grant Tower collapsed during a storm, adding to its forlorn appearance. Yet, the castle's dramatic setting and haunting beauty continued to draw visitors, and by the 20th century, Urquhart became a symbol of Scotland’s turbulent history and indomitable spirit.
Today, Urquhart Castle is one of Scotland’s most-visited historic sites, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Managed by Historic Environment Scotland, the castle has undergone several conservation efforts to preserve its storied ruins. A modern visitor center now enhances the experience, offering historical displays, artifacts uncovered during excavations, and even a cinema where visitors can immerse themselves in the castle’s rich past.
A visit to Urquhart Castle is not just a journey into the past—it’s a step into the heart of the Highlands, where the echoes of Scotland’s legendary clans, kings, and battles still reverberate along the windswept shores of Loch Ness. Whether you’re drawn to the romance of its ruins, the mystery of its connection to the Loch Ness Monster, or the fascinating history woven into its stones, Urquhart Castle is a must-see for anyone exploring Scotland’s majestic landscape.
Thank you for joining us on today’s episode of "A Scottish Castle, A Day." We hope you’ve enjoyed uncovering the storied history of Urquhart Castle with us. Be sure to tune in tomorrow, as we delve into the secrets of another Scottish stronghold. I’m your host, Colin MacDonald, and until next time, slán go fóill!
Urquhart Castle