Urquhart Castle sits on the banks of Loch Ness perhaps better known as home of the mythical monster. The ruins that remain today were built around the 13th century. However, the site dates back much earlier.
The castle played a role in the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century. These conflicts ran through the 13th and 14th centuries when Scotland and England fought for supremacy. The first conflict raged between 1296 and 1328 when England invaded Scotland. It ended with the ‘Treaty of Edinburgh – Northampton’ being signed in 1328. This was a treaty signed by Robert the Bruce and agreed by the English Parliament at Northampton.
Written in French, it set out an agreement of terms binding by law namely; in exchange for £100,000 the English crown would agree to recognise that the Scottish Kingdom would be completely independent. They would agree to Robert the Bruce and all his future heirs and successors being the rightful rulers and the border between Scotland and England being recognised.
Trouble raised its head again between Scotland and England in 1332 when England invaded once more supported by Edward Balliol the son of John Balliol, a former King of Scots.
Edward Balliol wanted to take advantage of the unrest in Scotland at the time of King Robert I’s death as his son and heir was still a child and weak. With the backing of Edward III of England, Edward Balliol reined for a very short period before being overthrown. The Wars of Scottish Independence finally came to an end in 1357 with the ‘Treaty of Berwick.’
Urquhart Castle has a history of ‘bloody’ battles fought by clans and noblemen alike. The castle is now ruined and stands overlooking Loch Ness, a quiet setting and one of spectacular Scottish beauty.
The castle was once one of the largest in Scotland and amongst the ruins a tower still stands. There is a visitor centre at the castle where visitors can learn all about the history of the castle and the surrounding area and view some of the archaeological finds which have been unearthed in digs.
The castle has been featured in a number of films including The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970).
Visitors can climb the tower overlooking Loch Ness, taking in the breath-taking landscape. The castle stands in attractive well laid out grounds and provides a good day out for people of all ages.
It is one of the main vantage points for many of the ‘Loch Ness Monster sightings.’ Drumnadrochit is the nearest village where visitors can see the Loch Ness Exhibition and stay in accommodation at hotels and bed and breakfast establishments.
There is documented evidence that St Columba is reputed to have visited the area in around AD 580. It is said that he was making a journey from Iona to the court of Bridei, king of the Picts, at Inverness. As he was going up Loch Ness a message came for him for a request to visit an elderly Pictish nobleman who was dying. St Columba interrupted his long journey to baptise the man and all of the man’s household.
Loch Ness Shores
Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Monument Park, Lower Foyers
Inverness, Scotland, IV26YH
+44 (0)1456 486 333
- Address: A82, Drumnadrochit, Inverness, Inverness-shire, Scotland, UK, IV63 6XJ
- GPS: 57.31008479999999,-4.460829099999955
- Part of UK: Scotland
- Sat Nav Postcode: 0044 (0)1456 450 551
- Entrance Fees: Charges Apply
- Disabled Access: Fair (Lengthy concrete parts - steep in places)
- Visibility from Road: Good (from a distance)