Castle Varrich

Castle Varrich stands on a rocky knoll near the village of Tongue in the far north of the Scottish Highlands. It overlooks the Kyle of Tongue and the village below, offering wide views across the water and surrounding hills. The castle’s age is uncertain, but it is thought to be over one thousand years old. Local tradition links it to the Clan Mackay, who may have built on the site in the 14th century over an earlier Norse fort. Roughly squared sandstone blocks form its thick walls, laid without mortar yet still standing firm after centuries of weather. The castle was once the seat of the Mackay chief and may have been used for stables on its ground floor. There were no internal stairs between floors, so access to the upper level was likely by ladder. A fireplace and window once existed but have long since collapsed. Later the chief moved to Tongue House, and the castle fell out of use. A marked footpath now leads from Tongue up to the ruins, making the walk part of the visit. Visitors reach a new galvanised steel spiral staircase and viewing platform added in 2017. From the top, the Kyle of Tongue stretches below and the mountains Ben Loyal and Ben Hope rise in the distance. The path and platform make the site easier to explore while preserving its ancient feel.