INVERGARRY CASTLE

In the Great Glen, Inverness-shire

Visited by Prince Charles Edward Stuart before and after Culloden

Built in the late seventeenth century, this spectacular ruin was the stronghold of the Macdonnels and was the seat of the chief of that clan until 1746. Prince Charles Edward Stuart arrived here on 26 August 1745. It was here that he was advised by the Duke of Atholl to march south to Edinburgh, raising the men of Atholl as he went. It was here, too, that he was joined by not less than 260 officers and men of the Appin Regiment, led by Stewart of Ardsheal. In the course of his escape from Culloden the Prince rested at Invergarry; the castle was immediately thereafter burned and destroyed by the Hanoverian army who was pursuing him westwards; it has never been rebuilt.

The castle stands in a strong position on a precipitous bluff on the north bank of Loch Oich, near the point where the Inverness-shire Garry runs eastwards out of Glengarry into the Great Glen. Designed on the traditional L-plan, but at 45 degrees to the compass points, there is an oblong tower built into the re-entrant angle (north) and a circular turnpike tower at the eastern-most corner. The main block is only 55 feet by 32 feet but used to rise to five storeys in height.

Invergarry is included because of its being a Jacobite refuge after Culloden. Prince Charles Edward Stuart arrived there at 2 am. on 17 April 1746, the day after his final defeat at Culloden, and slept or rested until 3 pm. He then rode on with three companions by Loch Arkaig and Glenpean, where he spent the following night. The ruin is private property and difficult of access.