Ruthven Barracks

If you have ever headed up to the Highlands on the A9, you can't miss the imposing ruins of the Ruthven Barracks sitting on a large mound near Kingussie.

Built in 1719 on the site of an ancient castle motte, it is the best preserved barracks that was built after the Jacobite rising.

Before the barracks were built, the motte housed medieval castles. The first was built in 1229, probably by the Earls of Comyns who controlled the land at that time. In the late 1300's it was used by the Earl of Buchan, better known as the 'Wolf of Badenoch', who was the son of King Robert II of Scotland.

After the first castle was demolished in 1459 by the Earl of Ross, a replacement was built in 1459 by the Earls of Huntly. The Earl's of Huntly managed to hold the castle during the 15th and 16th centuries against the lairds of Badenoch.

In 1459, King James II visited the castle, and in 1564 Mary Queen of Scots also stayed here.

The castle was captured by the 1st Viscount Dundee during the Jacobite rising in 1689, who set it on fire and caused severe damage. The castle was finally abandoned in 1717.

In 1719, with the continued unrest in Scotland, George I's British government decided to build the barracks, which were complete by 1721.

The compound contains two massive three storey buildings on either side.

These buildings provided the accommodation for the soldiers. The buildings contain two rooms per floor and each room held 10 men, meaning the buildings could hold up to 120 soldiers.

The walls of the barracks contain many gun loopholes, allowing the soldiers to shoot at any unwanted visitors.

There are bastion towers in opposite corners of the barracks. These are defensive towers that are built on the outside of the curtain wall, rather than the inside. This strategy prevents there being any blind spots.

The rear tower also housed a kitchen and bakehouse, while the front tower contained a guardroom and prison cell.

In the north corner of compound is the well and the latrines.

At the back of the compound is a gate that allows access to the Stable Block.

In 1723, Major General Wade ordered the addition of the stables which was built to hold 28 horses for dragoons.

In 1745, hundreds of Jacobite's besieged the barracks, but were held off by the 12 soldiers that were inside, with only one barrack occupant being killed.

The following year, the Jacobite's returned with a couple of cannons, and this time the resident soldiers surrendered. The Jacobite's destroyed the barracks on their retreat from the Battle of Culloden in 1746.

There is a car park across the road from the barracks which allows you to wait in the car for a break in the weather if necessary.

Ruthven Barracks and Stables are Category A Listed Buildings with Historic Environment Scotland.