Monuments to visit Highlands

It is without doubt the most famous and mediatised of the Scottish castles. Absolutely everything makes an image of Épinal des Highlands: its location on an island, its small bridge, the loch and the mountains that surround it, its robustness both simple and noble, its medieval facade evocative of a rich history ... Its first walls were erected in the 13th century and it was then on the border of the Norse kingdom of the islands, giving it an important defensive position. It then became one of the strongholds of the MacKenzie clan and did not really have to suffer the wars of independence. However, the same cannot be said of the Jacobite uprisings, which put him to a severe test. In 1719, it was even occupied by the Spanish, who were then on the side of the insurgents against England. 46 soldiers were stationed there with 343 barrels of powder, waiting for reinforcements. London decided to take the lead and send three frigates to bomb it heavily. The English finally succeeded in capturing the fortress and used the powder to destroy it. On the basis of its ruins and original plans, Eilean Donan was rebuilt identically two centuries later, in 1932.

Since then, he has become a tourist and even movie star, with numerous appearances on the big screen, notably in the movie Highlander, where he is presented as the MacLeod headquarters (which was never actually the case), as well as in the James Bond movie Le Monde ne suffit pas, as the Scottish HQ of MI6.

It's Scotland's postcard par excellence: Urquhart Castle enjoys an absolutely breathtaking location on the banks of Loch Ness, scanning the horizon and the apparitions of Nessie. Its ruins that can be seen today date from the 13th to the 16th century. Abandoned in the 17th century, it was partly destroyed in 1692 to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Jacobites. Now only the romantic shadow of past greatness remains, but the panorama from the top of Grant Tower is grandiose. The Visitor Centre completes the tour.

Dunrobin Castle is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland and its style is particularly rare and refined. Some even see it as the country's most accomplished nobleman's residence. It was the seat of the Earls of Sutherland and the Sutherland clan, and traces its origins to the Middle Ages, but suffered much deterioration, notably at the hands of the Jacobites in the 18th century, so that the building we see today was largely shaped between 1835 and 1850. Charles Barry was the architect and was not at his trial run, since the prodigy already had the Parliament of Westminster on his CV. He set about making it into a palace worthy of the name and it is now the largest castle in the Northern Highlands, with some 189 rooms. Its appearance is reminiscent of the work of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and the gardens of the estate are based on the French model and were inspired by Versailles. The interiors were badly damaged in a fire in 1915 and it was Robert Lorimier who took it upon himself to bring them back to life, which he did with undeniable good taste. A museum part exhibits safari trophies brought back by the family on their travels, but also archaeological relics from the Pictish period.

Its gardens, of all beauty, are to be discovered, all the more so as they offer the most beautiful view of the castle. From April to September, you can enjoy bird of prey shows in these same gardens. This is included in the entrance ticket. They take place at 11.30 am and 2.30 pm.

King George II started the construction of this gigantic fort to quell any future uprising. The buildings of its garrisons, its artillery and its weapons plunge into an extraordinary martial atmosphere, on this splendid citadel inspired by Vauban. Still occupied by the army to this day, the 1km long rampart surrounding the fortifications, the historic barracks, one of the only two dog military cemeteries in the country, and the Highlanders Museum, one of the oldest regiments in Scotland, are all worth a visit.

Historic residence of the Baron of Cawdor, this castle is particularly known to the general public thanks to the character of Cawdor's thane, present in Shakespeare's famous play Macbeth. The events in the story, however, predate the construction of the building, which dates back to the end of the 14th century. It passed into the hands of the Campbell clan in the 16th century and was subsequently renovated and enlarged. The tour reveals its rich interiors, filled with precious decorative elements and beautiful paintings. The surrounding gardens are also beautiful.

Tioram Castle is located on the rocky island of Eilean Tioram, where the waters of Loch Moidart and the Shiel River meet. It was seduced at a strategic point, rivers and seas being once the preferred routes of circulation. Among other things, vestiges of Viking presence were found there. In ruins, it cannot be visited even at low tide. However, you can walk around the island and around the building. However, be very careful (risk of rock falls) and watch the tide schedules.

It overlooks the River Ness. The Jacobites seized it in 1746. Its present pink appearance dates from a refurbishment from 1837 to 1847. It now houses a court of justice and a military garrison. The statue of Flora MacDonald, the heroine who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie in his escape, adorns its front and was sculpted by Andrew Davidson, a native of Inverness. If the visit of the castle is not possible, its top is however accessible to the public (Castle Viewpoint). From there, you can enjoy a 360 degree view on the city and the hinterland of the Highlands.

You can't miss this castle if you follow the A837 and the North Coast 500. Its ruins, at the end of Loch Assynt, have an undeniable romantic appeal. The remains as much as the site are worth a stop, and a car park is just the place to be. There are information boards with some of its secrets. Built in 1597 by the McLeod clan, it is the former prison of the Marquis of Montrose in 1650 and is linked to a dark history of betrayal. Burned down in 1745, it was never rebuilt and has remained as a haunted ruin?

This site is to be discovered both as a cultural place and as a space of artisanal and alternative stores. A heritage site, it is the former Victorian railway station that has been perfectly renovated. An exhibition with explanatory panels is held in the open air to tell the story of the station in its splendid period, when Strathpeffer was an international resort, as well as its role during the wars, then its abandonment and its new life, starting in the 1990s.

When passing through the Tongue area, don't miss the short walk to Castle Varrick Hill, which dominates the surroundings. It's not as long as it looks when you can see the castle in the distance! This fortress of the MacKay clan was built in the 14th century. Its remains offer beautiful views (it is possible to climb up the tower) and give a glimpse of the former glory of the site. The trail starts next to the RBS Bank at the corner of the A838. It is about 3 km long, with an easy ascent.

Abertaff House is gradually opening to the public. The site presents exhibitions in a space which, in 2019, was still modest, but which should evolve rapidly over the months and years to become a cultural Mecca in Inverness. Abertaff House is a superb townhouse built on two and a half floors, built in 1593 and which, after being owned by a bank, came under the yoke of the National Trust for Scotland in 1963. Since 2022, there is a cosy tea room. Discover the history of Inverness and the National Trust sites.

There are two Inverlochy Castles: the recent one, which has become a luxury hotel, and the old one, in ruins, which can be discovered freely, a little away from the city. Old Inverlochy Castle is located in a strategic defensive position in relation to the river Lochy. It dates back to the 13th century and played a key role in 1645 when the Earl of Montrose, Royalist, defeated the forces of the chief of the Campbell clan, the Duke of Argyll: this was the second battle of Inverlochy. In 1654 it was abandoned in favour of a wooden fort, replaced by a stone fort, and named Fort William.

The Glenfinann Viaduct was made famous by the Harry Potter saga. If the place is unavoidable for the fans, it gains to be seen by all, for its magnificent landscapes. The monument is impressive: a railway with a span of 1,000 feet (305 m), 100 feet (30.50 m) above the ground. A short hike, the Glenfinann Viaduct trail, allows you to discover it: 4 km (3 miles) in 1 to 2 hours, with a sometimes steep path (free route on walkhighlands.co.uk or in Visitor Centre). Take advantage of your excursion to visit the Glenfinann Monument.

These ruins will undoubtedly be among those that will impress you the most. The castle looks like a ghost ship, a stone ship stranded on a cliff. It bears two names: Girnigoe, first for a first construction, then Sinclair, named after the clan that erected it in this form at the end of the 15th century. It has survived several battles and was demolished by cannon fire, never to be rebuilt. Now preserved and protected, it is accessible to all.