Inverness is the capital of the highlands of Scotland and since the time of the Picts it has be at the centre of many of the great events in Scottish history. You have to look hard for evidence of King Brude, Duncan or even Macbeth but by touring the castles around Inverness while staying at one of our Scottish cottages you might just soak up some of the spirit of these bygone times. Being at a strategically crucial location where the river Ness meets the Moray Firth at the edge of the Great Glen makes Inverness an important area to hold – the clan or King that holds Inverness had a strong chance of controlling the surrounding region.

The first port of call to get really close to the history of Inverness is Inverness castle. Robert the Bruce destroyed the earlier eleventh Century wooden enclosure castle only for the Georg Gordon to rebuild it from stone in the sixteenth century. Its troubled time continued in the Jacobite rebellion when it was blown up. The rather grandeous building now houses the county hall.

Cawdor Castle, east of Inverness, was built as a private fortress by the Thanes of Cawdor in the fourteenth century. The castle has a fine interior and some, possibly questionable, links to Macbeth. An excellent family day out at the Big Wood and gardens may at least let imagine life in a 14th century castle even if this was built some four hundred years after Macbeth and the murder of the unfortunate Duncan.

Moniack Castle is a 16th century tower house 7 mile west of Inverness. Built by the Lovat Frasers of the clan Fraser the castle now has a vineyard in the grounds. Mackays has a spectacularly situated Scottish cottage high above the pretty village of Beauly, this cottage enjoys magnificent views out to the Beauly Firth and Inverness. The property is furnished, equipped and decorated to a very high standard and offers comfortable warm accommodation.

Urquart Castle is perhaps more people’s idea of the perfect ruined castle. Much photographed on the banks of Loch Ness. The castle featured centrally in the running battles between England and Scotland from the time it first fell into English hands, Edward I, in the 13th century then was held by Robert the Bruce. From then the adventurous Macdonalds as Lords of the Isles regularly raided the castle. You can enjoy a wonderful view down the Loch from the Grant Tower.
Mackays Self Catering Scotland cottages many Scottish Holiday cottages near these fine castles. Visit our website to view these.

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