Top 5 remnants and ruins in the Highlands and north-east
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Take a step back in time and discover the remnants of castles that once stood proud across the Highlands and north-east.
Strome Castle, Loch Carron
Strome Castle was one of many fortifications owned by the powerful MacDonalds and later became the seat of their kinsmen, the clan MacDonell. The fortification was built no later than the 15th century and remained occupied until 1602 when it was seized and destroyed by Kenneth Mackenzie. The MacDonells relocated their family seat to Invergarry. The castle was built upon a rocky outcrop projecting into Loch Carron. It was a strong defensive position but the sheltered waters below also provided a safe harbour for the ships that would have served the site.
Skelbo Castle, Loch Fleet
On a height above the road that skirts the shores of Loch Fleet, Sutherland, stands Skelbo Castle. From its commanding situation guarding the approaches to the Little Ferry, Skelbo Castle was once second in importance only to Dunrobin Castle, the stronghold of the Earls of Sutherland.
Old Keiss Castle, Keiss
In the 16th or late 17th century, the fifth Earl of Caithness built Old Keiss Castle, six miles up the coast from Wick, just off the road to John O’Groats. Perched on the edge of the shore looking out to Sinclair’s Bay, it’s now a stark ruin, with warning signs advising visitors not to venture inside. But it’s well worth taking a 15-minute walk along the shoreline from Keiss harbour to see the castle up close and feel its towering, brooding presence.
Duffus Castle, near Elgin
Duffus Castle was a fortress-residence for more than 500 years, from the 1100s to the 1700s. The stone castle you can see today was built in the 1300s, replacing an earlier timber fortress. Once one of the strongest castles in Scotland, it was reduced to a ruin by the time of its abandonment in 1705. But the castle remains an impressive sight, on a mound rising from the flat Laich of Moray. www.historicenvironment.scot
Rait Castle, near Nairn
When the clan Cumming invited their enemies, the Mackintoshes, to a banquet, murder was on the menu. But the daughter of the chief was in love with a Mackintosh and gave away the plan. In a rage, the chief cut off her hands before she jumped from a window to her death. The castle is said to be haunted...
