Scottish Tour Guide's Blog

Inverlochy Castle, Fort William, Scotland

 Inverlochy Castle  is a substantial and impressive ruin located on the south bank of the River Orchy, near Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. Built by the Red Comyn, John, as Lord of Lochaber to guard the southern end of the Great Glen, it was one of the earliest stone castles in Scotland and dates from around 1275. Unfortunately, the Comyns lost a power battle, fell out of favour in 1306 and lost the castle. Other important facts:

• Granted to George Gordon in 1505.
• Witnessed two battles, in 1431 and 1645.
• Built in form of a square with round towers on each corner. The largest tower is known as the Comyn Tower and was the castle keep.

Inverlochy Castle, Fort William, Scotland

Entry is free and the site is definitely worth a visit when in the Fort William area.

Auchindrain Township, Inveraray, Scotland

This evening, I am focusing on the unique and preserved Scottish Highland Township  of Auchindrain near Inveraray  in the west of Scotland. This  community illustrates a traditional way of life in the Highlands of Scotland which was maintained for about 1000 years.

For reasons which are not clear, Auchindrain was never modernised but remained occupied through to the 20th century.

Like many of its peers, Auchindrain was a farming community which at its peak covered 4,000 acres. The land was held on a tenancy basis with rent paid in mix of produce and cash to the landlord, the Duke of Argyll. The community comprised a mix of tenants and cottars, with latter being specialists or labourers who worked in the community or elsewhere for wages. The main product at Auchindrain was cattle.

Living conditions at Auchindrain were somewhat basic. It was not uncommon for families to live at one end of a house (or longhouse) and cattle tethered at the other in winter time. This arrangement did provide  extra warmth due to the  heat given off by the cattle. The residents grew much of their own food as confirmed by the existence of large gardens.

This is a very worthwhile site allowing visitors to connect with the not too distant days of self-sufficiency and a unique Highand way of life. Auchindrain comprises about half a dozen houses and numerous farm buildings. A visit takes about 50 minutes.

Auchindrain Township, Inveraray, Scotland

Auchindrain is about 10  mins south of Inveraray.

Castle Urquhart, Loch Ness, Scotland

This evening, I am focusing on one of Scotland’s  most popular visitor attractions, namely Castle Urquhart in the Scottish Highlands near Inverness on Loch Ness. Of course, the main reason for the huge number of visitors each year is that this is the best site from which to view Loch Ness  and seek out it’s legendary monster.

Monster legends apart this is a quality site with much to offer including a short, introductory film, refreshment facilities, gift shop and stunning views over the Loch.

From a history perspective, there has been a fortification on the site for about 1500 years, dating back to Pictish  times. Like the vast majority of surviving stones castles in the British Isles, Urquhart has its genesis in the 13th century under Alan Durward and was extended by the powerful Comyns after 1275. Subsequent milestones:

• Oscillated between English and Scottish control during the 14th century Wars of Independence.
• Post 1390, the threat came from the Macdonald Lord of the Isles in the West of Scotland.
• Captured by the Macdonalds in 1452 but regained by the Scottish Crown four years later.
• Plundered by Clansmen in 1544-5
• Partly blown up by defenders at time of Jacobite uprising in 1689 to prevent opponents gaining advantage.
• Subsequently a deteriorating and romantic ruin.

The facities of this once great castle were extensive and included:

• Ditch and drawbridge.
• Gatehouse
• Guard Room
• Constable’s Lodging
• Water Gate
• Outer Close
• Chapel
• Great Hall
• Inner Close
• Grant Tower, as shown below. This is the most prominent feature and named after the Grant family who held the castle in the early 16th century.

The Grant Tower below attracts many visitors who climb the narrow stairs to the top to benefit from the stunning views over the loch.

Tower at Castle Urquhart, Loch Ness

Here is a view taken from a tour boat.

Castle Urquhart viewed from Loch Ness, Scotland

In summer time a piper can be spotted.

Piper at Castle Urquhart, Loch Ness

This is a trebruchet, a form of giant, medieval catapult which bombarded castles before gunpowder and cannon came into use.

Trebruchet at Castle Urquhart, Loch Ness

Whenever travelling along the Great Glen  I invariably include a visit to this site.