Inverness Castle, Inverness, United Kingdom

Inverness Castle sits on a cliff overlooking the River Ness. The red sandstone structure evident today was built in 1836 by architect William Burn. It is built on the site of an 11th-century (c. 1057) defensive structure. Today, it houses Inverness Sheriff Court.

The castle is said to have been built by Máel Coluim III of Scotland, after he had razed to the ground the castle in which Macbeth of Scotland according to much later tradition, murdered Máel Coluim's father Donnchad I of Scotland, and which stood on a hill around 1 km to the north-east.

The first Inverness Castle was partially destroyed by King Robert I of Scotland and a replacement castle was sacked in the 15th century by the Clan Donald during the Siege of Inverness (1429). The castle was occupied during the Raid on Ross in 1491.

In 1548 another castle with tower was completed by George Gordon, 4th Earl of Huntly (1514–1562). He was constable of the castle until 1562. The castle was later taken by the Clan Munro and Clan Fraser who supported Mary Queen of Scots during the Siege of Inverness (1562). Robert Mor Munro, 15th Baron of Foulis, chief of the Clan Munro was a staunch supporter and faithful friend of Mary Queen of Scots and he consequently was treated favourably by her son James VI.

The current Inverness Castle was built in 1836 on the site of the original one. To improve the more recent castle, a gas, light, and water system was installed.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Kris Gor (4 years ago)
Nice bit of history. Great location, lovely views

Phil Armstrong (4 years ago)
Okay but shut due to maintenance. Since it's shut it's best viewed from the river bridges. It still offers great views over Inverness.

Brian Taylor (4 years ago)
Built on a hill overlooking the River Ness, the 19th castle is to be turned into a tourist attraction. It will be great get a tour insede once they open it. The castle was used as a sheriff court until the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service moved to a new building earlier in 2020

Lilian Nespeque Furtado (4 years ago)
It was closed ☹️

David K. (4 years ago)
I'm so sad as the castle and viewpoint is inaccessible due to the maintenance. Also, the upward route from coach station is blocked by fences, you can visit there along the alternative route from the opposite sides. But, it's impossible to enjoy nice view from castle now...

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The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.

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