Inverness Castle

Inverness Castle stands on a rise above the River Ness in the Highland city of Inverness. A succession of strongholds has occupied the site since 1057, though the present red sandstone building dates from 1836. William Burn designed the main south block in an early castellated style, while Thomas Brown II added the north wing in matching stone. Joseph Mitchell created the surrounding bastioned walls. The castle began as the sheriff court and administrative centre for Inverness-shire and remains a Category A listed building. The fortress witnessed pivotal moments in Scottish history. Malcolm III is said to have built the first castle here. In 1163 Shaw Macduff became constable under Malcolm IV. Robert the Bruce destroyed the battlements in 1307. James I summoned clan chiefs to a parliament in 1428, many of whom were arrested and executed. Mary, Queen of Scots took the castle in 1562 with help from the Frasers and Munros after the Gordons barred her entry. Visitors find a symmetrical red sandstone façade of seven bays. The central three bays project slightly, with a round-headed doorway and matching windows above. A round tower flanks the left side and a square tower the right. Four captured field guns once stood on the frontage, though only one remains today. Inside, the old sheriff court rooms and later additions show the building’s changing roles. The views across the River Ness and over Inverness complete the visit.