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.

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Address

Castle Road 2, Inverness, United Kingdom
See all sites in Inverness

Details

Founded: 1836
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby


Inverness Cathedral (0,3 km)
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User Reviews

Derek McGown (14 months ago)
History. History. History. Take a full day to appreciate it properly. Easy access in the heart if Inverness.
Mr. Adventure (14 months ago)
Actually I like the Castle outside to seat and watching the river, really nice place for enjoying sunset because of the beautiful view point.
Hannah Markham (15 months ago)
Well-lit for a romantic evening stroll. And Lovely Christmas decorations!
George Yearby (2 years ago)
The castle outside is quite nice but nothing compared to other castles in Scotland. Inside, it is simply a building. It’s 5 pounds to go to the top of the viewing tower, which is slightly lacklustre but for that price you really can’t complain. Worth doing if it’s your one chance to go to a castle.
Rakesh Sonawane (2 years ago)
Very well maintained castle situated river side in inverses. Must visit in spring. We visited in month of May and it was a pleasant weather in Inverness at that time.
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