Invergarry Castle
Castle In Invergarry, Scotland
Small ruined castle in the grounds of the Glengarry Castle estate.
There's nothing we like more at Fabulous North than a romantic ruined castle with plenty of fascinating history, and Invergarry Castle in the Scottish Highlands fits the bill. The castle will only take a few minutes to look around, however, if you're in the area it's worth a visit and you can enjoy the stunning scenery while you're there.
Invergarry Castle is perched upon Creagan an Fhithich or the 'Raven's Rock' and gazes out over the majestic Loch Oich. The castle was originally the seat of the Clan MacDonell of Glengarry, linked to the powerful Donald clan.
It was in the wake of a brutal attack by the Mackenzies in 1602 that the MacDonell clan truly cemented their presence on the Raven's Rock. Building upon the strategic advantage of the natural promontory, they built a six-story L-shaped fortress, however the castle was more a country house than a defensive structure. Some of it's features included six Bartizans or overhanging turrets, which would have looked pretty but provided very little in protection.
During the English Civil War, Oliver Cromwell's forces laid siege to the castle, reducing it to a smoldering ruin in 1654. The MacDonells rebuilt their ancestral home in 1660, and the castle became a pivotal player in the Jacobite uprisings, offering refuge to Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745 after his failed attempt to reclaim the British throne. However, in the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden, government troops exacted their revenge, partially destroying the castle and scattering the MacDonells.
Invergarry Castle lay dormant for centuries but in the 20th century, it started a new life. The ruins were purchased by the Ellice family, who transformed the surrounding estate into a luxurious country house hotel, known today as the Glengarry Castle Hotel.
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How To Find Invergarry Castle
Where Is Invergarry Castle?
Lat / Long
57.065613, -4.780729
What three words
Where To Park For Invergarry Castle?
Lat / Long
57.065667, 57.065667
What three words
Parking right outside the ruin.
Contributed by Sandra Clemens
I love the great outdoors and have been a National Trust & English Heritage member for years. I also love going off the beaten track and finding places like Sharp's Folly or Rothley Castle which are hidden gems in Northumberland. My favourite recent hike was climbing Red Screes in the Lake District on a whim, not fully grasping how high 776m was. It was still an achievement to conquer a Wainwright walk and I hope to do more one day.
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