Inverness Castle

The Castle site dates from the 11th century although the current structure dates from 1836 and was built by William Burn and Edinburgh born architect.  The Castle has seen plenty of action over there years and has been destroyed several times.

The first time it was destroyed was by Robert the Bruce during the wars of independence in the early 14th centaury.  This was the standard policy of Robert the Bruce once he captured a castle, it was done so that no enemy could then re-use the castle against him.

In 1548 the castle was rebuilt by George Gordon and the later in 1562 the ownership of the castle was taken over by Clans Munro and Fraser.  The ownership was taken when Mary Queen of Scots was refused entry to the castle and fearing for her safety the Munros and Fraser took the castle by force. 

This put both clans very much in the monarchs favour and this act of bravery and kindness was not forgotten by Mary Queen of Scots son James IV who later also became King James I of England.

The castle saw more violence during the Jacobite Rebellions in the 18th Centaury, during the first rising in 1715 it was successfully defended by Clan MacKay in favour of the British Army.  It was however taken by the Jacobite’s lead by Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745 and was subsequently destroyed.

In the present day you can visit Drum Tower in the castle and there are also some excellent photo opportunities available.  This is also the site for the Inverness Sheriff Court.