Castle Roy, Highland, United Kingdom

Castle Roy is one of the oldest castles of its type in Scotland unique in that it is largely unaltered, whilst most other castles have been extensively modified over the centuries. The castle is thought to have been built at some point in the early 13th century, replacing an earlier wooden motte and bailey keep of Norman influenced design. In accordance with its early design it is one of Scotland’s simplest forts consisting of four curtain walls, about 7 ft. thick, forming a square. Presumably the walls defended a number of timber buildings which have since disappeared. One theory is that Castle Roy was built by James, son of the Earl of Mar, in 1226, after having receiving the title of Lord of Abernethy from King Alexander II. It may have become a residence of the powerful Comyn family, rivals of the famed King Robert the Bruce.

In 1548 the Castle was named in the Charter of the Earldom of Moray and therefore possibly it was still in use, although in the era of gunpowder will only have been of use as a fortified shelter.

References:

Nethy Bridge

User Reviews

Elizabeth Whelan (2 months ago)
Wonderful location! Beautiful fortress with interesting history. Castle comes along with the friendliest hairy coo, Murdo! The perfect highland experience. The care takers were incredible kind and knowledgeable, we look forward to visiting again.

John Lancaster (5 months ago)
Our first time in this part of the world and spotted the castle marked on the map not far off the main road so had to take a look. What a magical discovery, steeped in history. In the middle of glorious countryside, it is being renovated to stop it from crumbling further and disappearing. There is a large information board giving a full account of its history. There is even an accessible lane round the side so that I could take my wife right up to it from the car park. A great find.

Antony Miller (6 months ago)
You may wonder why I would give 5 stars to what is basically a path leading to 4 walls. Well it's because this particular castle is more than meets the eye if you read the notices and look it up online you will see it is steeped in history and had been left to fall into ruin, that is until the present caretakers came along and decided to start bringing the 4 walls back to something more than what they are, and give them life again. The history is fascinating and when inside the walls, you can see just how old, how far back this design actually goes. Awesome. Plus there is a Highland cow called Murdo in the field outside who is very friendly and has a good spread of horns. But that is not all. Fancy yourself as Laird or Lady? You can buy a small plot of land by the castle which then entitles you to be called such! And the money from your purchase goes towards the refurbishment of the castle, so it's all in a good cause! So it is well worth popping in by for a look, it shows what a real Scottish Highland Castle was like rather than a fortified House.

Alan Morrison (7 months ago)
Absolutely amazing place!!! And Richard and his daughter is great guides and very knowledgeable brilliant people. But the stars of the show is murdo the heilan coo and buster the sheep.

Tom Hepple (7 months ago)
Definitely worth a visit, just for the photo opportunities!

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