Perched dramatically on a promontory overlooking the dark, mysterious waters of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle is one of the most iconic and historically rich sites in the Scottish Highlands.

Though now a ruin, the castle’s jagged walls and crumbling towers evoke a turbulent past shaped by war, political upheaval, and clan rivalries.

Its strategic location and commanding views of the Great Glen made Urquhart a site of major importance for over a thousand years.

A Personal Pilgrimage to the Highlands

During our 2023 trip to Scotland, Amy and I set out to explore the breathtaking Scottish Highlands near Inverness.

No journey to the north would be complete without a visit to the legendary Loch Ness, and for a history enthusiast like me, the real highlight was discovering the ruins of Urquhart Castle nestled on its shores.

After a brief 20-minute cruise on Loch Ness, we arrived at the castle and were free to wander the ruins at our own pace.

I had toured Edinburgh Castle earlier in the trip, which was certainly impressive—but there’s something about the weathered remnants of a ruined castle that stirs the romantic historian in me.

Early History and Pictish Beginnings

The history of human settlement at Urquhart dates back to the early medieval period.

Archaeological evidence suggests the site was inhabited as early as the 6th century AD. According to legend, St. Columba, the Irish missionary credited with spreading Christianity in Scotland, visited the area in 580 AD.

While staying near the site, he is said to have encountered a “water beast” in Loch Ness—an early reference to what later became the legend of the Loch Ness Monster. Unfortunately, we never spotted Nessie ourselves.

Though not a castle in the modern sense, the presence of an early fort or stronghold at Urquhart is very likely, possibly occupied by the Picts, a Celtic people native to ancient Scotland.

The Castle’s Construction and Early Records

The first concrete historical record of Urquhart Castle appears in the 13th century.

Around 1229, King Alexander II of Scotland granted the site to Thomas Durward, who likely began building a fortified structure.

The castle’s early history is marked by the ongoing conflict between Scotland and England, particularly during the Wars of Scottish Independence.

Robert the Bruce and the Castle’s Role in the Wars of Independence

In 1296, during the reign of King Edward I of England, Urquhart was seized by English forces.

The occupation was short-lived, however, as Scottish leaders such as Andrew Moray and, later, Robert the Bruce reclaimed the territory.

By the early 14th century, Urquhart had become a royal stronghold, with towers, curtain walls, and a large gatehouse added—remnants of which still inspire awe today.

Urquhart Castle didn’t disappoint in that regard. From the moment we stepped through its ancient gate, I was struck with a deep sense of awe and reverence.

Despite the crumbling walls and weathered towers, the place still held an undeniable power—as if time itself had paused there.

After all, how often does one get to stand on the very ground once walked by kings, warriors, and tyrants alike? It truly felt like stepping back through the centuries.

Clan Rivalries and the 15th and 16th Centuries

The 15th and 16th centuries were marked by violent struggles between powerful Highland clans.

The Clan Grant, who were granted ownership of the castle in 1509, were responsible for much of its upkeep and expansion during this time.

However, their control was repeatedly challenged by the MacDonalds, Lords of the Isles, who saw Urquhart as key to regional dominance.

The MacDonalds launched several successful raids, one of which saw them strip the castle of nearly all its possessions.

Amy and I wandered through the ruins at a leisurely pace, soaking in every detail. Though only about 25% of the original castle remains, there was still so much to see and discover.

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We explored every nook and crumbling corner, and by the end, I felt genuinely grateful for the opportunity to, in a way, step back into history.

The Jacobite Risings and the Castle’s Destruction

During the Jacobite risings in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, Urquhart once again found itself at the heart of conflict.

Government troops stationed there to hold off rebel forces eventually destroyed much of the castle upon their withdrawal in 1692, blowing up key structures to prevent its future use.

This deliberate destruction marked the beginning of Urquhart’s slow descent into ruin.

Decline, Romanticization, and Preservation

As the centuries passed, Urquhart Castle was left to weather and time. Stones were quarried for nearby homes, and nature slowly reclaimed the structure.

Yet, by the 18th and 19th centuries, the castle’s dramatic silhouette and misty backdrop became an emblem of romantic Scotland, attracting writers, artists, and travelers in search of beauty and history.

In the 20th century, preservation efforts finally began. In 1913, Urquhart came under state care, and today it is managed by Historic Environment Scotland.

Visitors can explore its surviving features, learn from on-site exhibits, and marvel at the views over Loch Ness—while perhaps keeping one eye open for Nessie herself.

A Symbol of Scotland’s History

Urquhart Castle is more than just a ruin—it is a powerful symbol of Scotland’s resilience and past.

From early Pictish settlements to clan battles and royal intrigues, its stones hold centuries of stories.

And for travelers like us, walking those ancient grounds felt like more than sightseeing—it felt like a personal encounter with the soul of the Highlands.