Scottish Highlands Castles

Ardvreck Castle is a 15th-century fortified tower house and the traditional seat of the MacLeods of Assynt. The castle was constructed by Angus Mor III in the late 15th century. That first castle was a simple rectangle, 3-4 storeys high. Sometime in the 16th century Donald Ban IX added a tower, vaulted cellars, and a vault above the great hall.
A837, Inchnadamph, Highlands, Highlands and Islands, Scotland, IV27 4HL

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This late 14th-century stronghold stands behind a modern house just off the B892 at the south-west corner of Benbecula, about 4 miles south of Balivanich. Borve was the home of Ranald of Benbecula and was known locally as Caisteal Raghall (Ranald's castle).
B892, Borve, Benbecula, Highlands and Islands, Scotland

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Despite the name, this is not a 'castle', but a small fortified tower, built by Clanranald on a small island in the centre of Loch an Eilean. The two-storey tower dates to the late 15th or early 16th century, and probably stands atop an Iron Age broch.
Drimsdale, South Uist, Highlands and Islands, Scotland

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Built by the Earls of Caithness in the mid-1500s, Mey is the former home of the late Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. The Queen Mum bought Mey when it was due to be destroyed, and carefully restored it as a place where she could escape from the constant buzz and bustle of public life.
Thurso, Highlands and Islands, Scotland, KW14 8XH

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Heritage Highlight: 16th century castle once home to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother
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A ruined Norse castle stands in a wonderful clifftop position, perched on a narrow ridge of rock jutting out into the sea, with steep cliffs on either side.
Wick, Highlands and Islands, Scotland

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Heritage Highlight: One of the earliest castles in Scotland
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A picturesque 14th-century castle stands atop a rocky headland. Built by the Sinclairs, Earls of Caithness, and extended and enlarged for over 300 years. The castle held out for 12 days against a 16th-century siege led by the Earl of Sutherland but is now a romantic ruin.
Noss Head, Wick, Highlands and Islands, Scotland, KW1 4QT

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Heritage Highlight: One of the principal castles of the powerful Sinclair family for over 300 years
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This picturesque castle ruin stands on a rocky islet near the south shore of Loch Moidart. It was an important power base for Clanranald, part of the MacDonald clan. Tioram was an important centre in the medieval Lordship of the Isles, and tradition suggests that it was built by Amie MicRuari, wife of John of Islay, Lord of the Isles.
Acharacle, Moidart, Highlands and Islands, Scotland

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Cawdor is the title promised by Shakespeare's witches to Macbeth, and legend makes the castle the place where Duncan was murdered. The central tower of the castle, set amongst beautiful Highland scenery, is a 14th century keep to which 17th century wings have been added.
Nairn, Highlands, Highlands and Islands, Scotland, IV12 5RD

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Heritage Highlight: Ancient thorn tree in the cellars gives truth to an old legend
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Cubbie Row's Castle is one of the earliest stone castles to survive in Scotland. It was built around 1145 by the Norse lord of Wyre. The castle is a small rectangular tower, and within the castle enclosure is a ruined 12th-century chapel.
Wyre, Orkney, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland

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A dramatic ruined 14th century castle on an offshore island, linked to the shore by a ruinous stone bridge. Dunscaith was the principle seat of Clan MacDonald of Sleat before the MacDonalds moved to Duntulm in 1618. Fabulous views across Loch Eishort to the Black Cuillins.
Sleat Peninsula, Tokavaig, Isle of Skye, Highlands and Islands, Scotland

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Heritage Highlight: Principle seat of Clan MacDonald of Sleat
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