Invergarry Castle was the seat of the Chiefs of the MacDonells of Glengarry, a powerful branch of the Clan MacDonald. It was burned down in 1654 by General Monk, then rebuilt c.1660-1665. After the 1745 uprising Invergarry Castle was sacked and partially destroyed by troops under 'Butcher' Cumberland as part of the systematic suppression of the Highlands.
Edward Ellice (1781-1863) was a Director of the Hudson Bay company, which traded throughout the Americas. His son Edward Ellice (1810-1880) later became deputy governor of the company. Edward 'Bear' Ellice was also to become the Member of Parliament representing Coventry in the House of Commons, 1818 to 1826 and 1830-1863. He added the Glengarry portion of the estate, including Invergarry and lands, to his Glenquoich holding in 1860.
Invergarry House, later re-named Glengarry Castle Hotel, was built in 1866-1869 by celebrated architect David Bryce for Edward Ellice Jnr. David Bryce built over 100 Baronial Mansions and his other works include Fettes College, The Royal Infirmary and The Bank of Scotland all of which are in Edinburgh.
References:The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.
In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.