Scheduled MonumentsScotlandUrquhart Castle

Urquhart Castle

Scotland
HES SM90309
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Urquhart Castle is a substantial medieval fortress situated on a headland projecting into Loch Ness in Inverness-shire, Scotland. The castle originated in the early 13th century and underwent successive phases of construction and modification through the medieval period, with significant structures including a keep, curtain walls, and domestic buildings arranged around a roughly triangular plan. The site commanded a strategically important position controlling access along Loch Ness and the surrounding territory, and saw military action during the Wars of Scottish Independence and subsequent conflicts. The castle was deliberately slighted in 1692 to prevent its use by Jacobite forces, after which it fell into ruin, leaving today the fragmentary but impressive remains of walls and towers that testify to its former importance.

Urquhart Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90309. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Urquhart Castle?

Urquhart Castle is a substantial medieval fortress situated on a headland projecting into Loch Ness in Inverness-shire, Scotland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90309.

Who is responsible for protecting Urquhart Castle?

Urquhart Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic Environment Scotland — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Scotland. The official designation reference is SM90309.

What other scheduled monuments are near Urquhart Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Upper Drumbuie, burnt mound 230m NNE of (3.1 km), Craig Mony,fort (3.2 km), 'Crusader', remains of jet-powered boat, 520m SE of Achnahannet settlement (3.2 km).

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