Scottish Castles - Urquhart

Scottish Castles - Urquhart Castle

Urquhart Castle, rising majestically above the shore of the famous Loch Ness in Scotland, is a place that blends history, mystery and breathtaking views. Its ruins, though marked by the passage of time, still radiate former power and attract thousands of visitors from around the world. If you are looking for a journey into Scottish heritage, Urquhart is a must-see on any Highlands itinerary.

The origins of the castle date back to the 13th century, when the King of Scotland, Alexander II, decided to erect a fortress to control the strategic route along the Great Glen. The castle quickly became an arena of conflict – in 1296 it was captured by the forces of the English king Edward I during the Wars of Scottish Independence. Later, in 1308, Robert the Bruce retook Urquhart, strengthening his position in the struggle for the Scottish crown. Over the centuries the castle changed hands many times, and its walls witnessed clan clashes and English incursions. In 1692 the fortress was partially destroyed by government forces to prevent it falling into Jacobite hands, which sealed its fate as a romantic ruin.

Urquhart was one of the largest castles in Scotland in its day, occupying an area of around 7,000 m². Built on a plan resembling a distorted figure 8, it is surrounded on three sides by the waters of Loch Ness, which made it a hard-to-capture stronghold. The surviving tower, known as Grant Tower, rises above the ruins and offers a spectacular view of the loch and the surrounding hills. Walking along the walls, you can almost hear the echoes of past battles and feel the spirit of medieval Scotland.

Interestingly, Urquhart Castle has appeared on screen more than once. In the series "Outlander" it served as the location for one of the key scenes, and in the film "The 6th Day" starring Arnold Schwarzenegger its ruins provided the backdrop for dynamic chase sequences. Even the Polish classic "Knights of the Teutonic Order" directed by Aleksander Ford used the site to create the fictional fortress Tornberg. These cinematic episodes only add to Urquhart's charm and underscore its timeless aura.

It is impossible to write about Urquhart without mentioning Loch Ness and its most famous resident – the monster Nessie. The castle is one of the best viewpoints over the loch, and many visitors come not only for the history but also in the hope of spotting the mysterious beast. The legend of Nessie goes back to the 6th century, when St. Columba was said to have driven off the monster, and Urquhart has for centuries stood guard over these dark waters.

Today Urquhart Castle is open to visitors year-round. The visitor centre offers fascinating exhibitions, including a film about the castle's history that is worth watching before exploring the ruins. A walk around the site takes from one to two hours, depending on how deeply you want to explore the details. Admission is charged, but the views and the atmosphere are worth every pound.

Urquhart Castle is more than just ruins – it is a living story of Scottish bravery, culture and nature. Located in the heart of the Highlands and surrounded by the mysterious Loch Ness, it is the ideal place for history lovers, photographers or anyone who simply enjoys beautiful landscapes. Whether you believe in Nessie or not, Urquhart will certainly leave its mark on you.

A return visit in 2021 to this once-grand castle. This time we visited the castle in the summer, as you can tell from the number of visitors.