URQUHART CASTLE, LOCH NESS, SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS, SCOTLAND

On the banks of Loch Ness is Urquhart Castle, near Drumnadrochit and is about 15 miles south of Inverness.  It’s regularly placed in the ‘must see’ lists of Scottish Castles and is one of Scotland’s most visited castles.  

Built on the site of an early ruined fort, these ruins are from the 13th to 16th centuries.  
The 13th century castle played a key role in the Wars of Independence in the 14th century.  It then became a Royal Castle.  In 1509, it was given to the Clan Grant and due to regular raids, the castle was strengthened.  By the middle of the 17th century, the castle was pretty much abandoned.  In 1692, to prevent it being used by the Jacobite forced, the castle was partially destroyed and was left to ruin. 

Some people believe that the castle is built on the site of a Pictish fort that was visited by Saint Columba in 597.  

Loch Ness is the largest inland body by volume.  It’s around 24miles long, and upto 755ft deep in parts.  It contains more water that all the Lakes in England and Wales combined.  Reports of a ‘monster’  in the loch date way back to Saint Columba, who spoke to people who apparently encountered it, and he went out looking for the Loch Ness Monster, finding it, and making the sign of the cross with his hands.  The creature stopped and retreated.  

More recently, from the 1900’s, there have been many stories and photographs, however the majority have been proven fake.  Scientific explorations of the Loch haven’t uncovered anything as of yet.  

Some people believe Urquhart Castle is possibly haunted by at least spirit.   An apparition has reported been seen in one of the windows.  

When we visited Urquhart Castle many years ago, we took the boat up the Loch and it docked at the castle.  This gives stunning views of the castle as you turn before you pull in at the docks.  If you ever get the chance to visit, I’d definitely recommend taking the small boat.  You can also look for Nessie