Thursday, March 12, 2026

Borve Castle, Sutherland

🏰 Castles of Scotland

Borve Castle, Sutherland

If you are navigating the rugged North Coast 500 route and find yourself near Bettyhill, there is a jagged silhouette on the cliffs that every history lover needs to see. Borve Castle (also known as Castle Borve) is the skeletal remains of a 14th-century stronghold that once guarded the wild shores of Strathnaver.

📍 Location

Where is it? Situated on a high, rocky promontory at the western end of Torrisdale Bay, near the village of Bettyhill in Sutherland.
Setting: It clings to a narrow ridge surrounded by vertical drops into the Atlantic. The location was chosen for one reason: total defensibility.
Coordinates: 58.528N, 4.258W ///vehicle.wisdom.sprouting
Van Access: There is a small parking area near the start of the track in Bettyhill. The walk to the ruins is a bit of a scramble over grassy slopes, so sturdy boots are a must!

📜 A Timeline of History and Inhabitants

Borve was the "den of lions" for one of the most fearsome clans in the North.

1. The Mackay Stronghold (14th - 16th Century)

The Inhabitants: For over 200 years, this was the principal seat of the Mackays of Strathnaver. The Mackays were a powerful, independent clan who often defied both the Scottish Crown and their powerful neighbors, the Earls of Sutherland.
The Structure: Originally a massive square tower house protected by a deep ditch and a curtain wall. It was designed to be virtually impregnable from the land.

2. The Great Siege of 1554

The Conflict: The Mackays had been raiding the lands of the Earl of Sutherland. Fed up, the Earl (with the blessing of the Queen Regent, Mary of Guise) marched north with a massive force.
The Destruction: The Mackays refused to surrender, believing the castle walls could withstand anything. However, the Earl brought something new to the Highlands: heavy artillery. After a brutal siege, the walls were breached, the castle was captured, and the Mackay captain was hanged over his own battlements.

3. The Ruins

The castle was intentionally "slighted" (destroyed) after the siege to ensure the Mackays could never use it as a rebel base again. It has remained a haunting ruin ever since.

👑 Significance in History and Politics

Borve Castle is a monument to a turning point in Scottish warfare and the "taming" of the North.

The End of the Medieval Tower: The fall of Borve in 1554 is historically significant because it proved that traditional stone castles were no longer a match for modern gunpowder and cannons. It signaled the end of the era where a small clan could defy the central government from behind stone walls.
The "Clannish" Power Struggle: The rivalry between the Mackays and the Sutherlands at Borve was a microcosm of Scottish politics. The Crown often used these local feuds to maintain control, granting "Commissions of Fire and Sword" to one clan to wipe out another that had become too powerful.
A Symbol of the Far North: In English and Southern Scottish records of the time, Borve was seen as being on the very edge of the civilized world. Its fall helped centralize the power of the Scottish state in a region that had been semi-autonomous for centuries.

🌊 Johnny’s Travel Tip:

The view from the castle ruins over Torrisdale Bay is one of the best in Scotland. If you're lucky, you can spot golden eagles soaring over the cliffs. After your hike, head into Bettyhill to the Strathnaver Museum—it’s located in an old church and gives a heartbreaking but essential look at the Highland Clearances that affected this very area.

Do you enjoy these remote, "untouched" ruins, or do you prefer the big-name castles with visitor centers? Let’s see your North Coast photos in the comments! 🚐💨👇

#CastlesOfScotland #BorveCastle #Sutherland #Bettyhill #NC500 #ScottishHistory #ClanMackay #MotorhomeTouringScotland

For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borve_Castle,_Sutherland

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

Linktree https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr

Saturday, March 7, 2026

Skelbo Castle

🏰 Castles of Scotland: The Messenger of Fate — Skelbo Castle

If you’re heading north on the A9 toward Brora or Wick, most people drive right past the Mound at Loch Fleet without realizing they are passing the site of a political earthquake. Skelbo Castle sits quietly on the southern shore of the loch, holding the secrets of a "Queen who never was."

📍 Location

Where is it? Situated on the south shore of Loch Fleet, about 4 miles north of Dornoch in Sutherland.
Setting: It occupies a high, grassy bank with panoramic views over the tidal basin of the loch.
Coordinates: 57.925N, 4.020W ///sandpaper.rips.purist
Van Access: There is a small parking area nearby. It’s an easy detour for those doing the NC500 or touring the east coast. The walk to the ruins is short but can be a bit muddy after a Highland rain!

📜 A Timeline of History and Inhabitants

Skelbo has transitioned from a Norse stronghold to a medieval powerhouse.

1. The De Moravia Era (12th - 14th Century)

The Founders: The land was granted to Hugh Freskin (ancestor of the Murrays and Sutherlands) in the 1100s.
The Bishop’s Brother: The stone castle was largely developed by Richard de Moravia, the brother of Gilbert de Moravia (the saintly Bishop of Caithness who built Dornoch Cathedral).

2. The Sutherland Stronghold (16th - 18th Century)

The Transition: In the 1500s, the castle passed to the Sutherlands of Duffus (a branch of the powerful Clan Sutherland).
The Expansion: They added a more modern, comfortable 16th-century house inside the old medieval curtain walls.
The Fall: By the late 1700s, the castle was abandoned in favor of more modern residences. Much of its stone was later "recycled" to build local farm buildings, leaving the skeletal ruin we see today.

👑 Significance in History and Politics

Skelbo Castle is the backdrop for one of the most pivotal "What If?" moments in Scottish and English history.

The Death of the Maid of Norway (1290): This is Skelbo’s greatest claim to fame. In 1290, the 7-year-old Margaret, Maid of Norway, was the heir to the Scottish throne. A marriage had been arranged between her and the son of Edward I of England to unite the kingdoms peacefully.
The News that Broke a Nation: English ambassadors were actually waiting at Skelbo Castle to receive the child queen when the devastating news arrived: Margaret had died in Orkney after falling ill at sea.
The Political Fallout: Without an heir, the "Great Cause" began. This led directly to Edward I (the "Hammer of the Scots") attempting to take over Scotland, sparking the Wars of Scottish Independence and the rise of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. If that little girl had reached Skelbo safely, the history of the UK would look completely different today.

🦭 Johnny’s Travel Tip:

Don’t just look at the stones! Loch Fleet is a National Nature Reserve. If you park near the castle at low tide, you can often see dozens of harbor seals sunning themselves on the sandbanks. It’s one of the best (and easiest) wildlife spotting locations on the east coast for motorhomers.

Do you prefer these "hidden" ruins where you can have the place to yourself, or the big restored castles? Let me know in the comments! 🚐🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👇

#CastlesOfScotland #SkelboCastle #LochFleet #Sutherland #ScottishHistory #MotorhomeTouringScotland #JohnnyBurr #NC500

For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skelbo_Castle

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

Linktree https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Carbisdale Castle

Carbisdale Castle is the absolute soap opera of Scottish architecture. It’s got family feuds, royal refugees, and a clock tower built specifically to annoy the neighbours. It’s a massive hit for motorhomers heading north toward Sutherland.

🏰 Castles of Scotland: The "Castle of Spite" — Carbisdale

If you’re heading north toward the Kyle of Sutherland, you’ll see a massive, fairy-tale silhouette looming over the trees near Culrain. This is Carbisdale Castle. While it looks medieval, it was actually built in the early 20th century, and every stone was laid with one specific goal in mind: Spite.

📍 Location

Where is it? It sits on a high ridge overlooking the Kyle of Sutherland, near the village of Culrain in Sutherland.
Setting: It commands an incredible view of the river and the mountains of the north.
Coordinates: 57.925° N, 4.411° W. ///parsnips.thinking.youth
Van Access: The roads around Culrain are narrow. Most motorhomers view it from across the water at Bonar Bridge or Ardgay. If you do drive up to it, be mindful that it is currently a private estate undergoing major restoration, so parking at the gates is limited!

📜 A Timeline of History and Inhabitants

Carbisdale wasn't built for defense; it was built for a Duchess who wanted the last word.

1. The Duchess "Blair" (1907–1917)

The Inhabitant: Mary Caroline, the Dowager Duchess of Sutherland.
The Feud: After the 3rd Duke of Sutherland died, he left the Duchess a massive inheritance. His son (the 4th Duke) contested the will and threw her in Holloway Prison for six weeks for destroying documents.
The Agreement: To settle the lawsuit, the Sutherland family agreed to build her a castle, provided it was outside the Sutherland estate. She chose a spot right on the very edge of their border, looking directly back at their land.

2. The Clock of Spite

The Design: The Duchess insisted on a massive clock tower. It only has three faces. The side facing the Sutherland estate is blank because, as she put it, she "didn't want to give them the time of day."

3. The Royal Refuge (WWII)

The King of Norway: During the Nazi occupation of Norway in 1940, King Haakon VII and Crown Prince Olav were given refuge at Carbisdale. It was here that the "Carbisdale Conference" took place, where it was agreed that if the Soviet Union liberated Norway, they would leave once the war was over.

4. The SYHA Era (1945–2011)

For decades, it was one of the most famous and largest Youth Hostels in the world. Thousands of hikers and travelers stayed in its grand halls before it closed due to structural issues. It is now back in private hands being restored to its former glory.

👑 Significance in History and Politics

Carbisdale is a monument to the shifting power of the British aristocracy and international diplomacy.

Aristocratic Law: The legal battle between "Duchess Blair" and the 4th Duke of Sutherland set significant precedents in Scottish and English law regarding inheritance and the rights of widows.
A Symbol of Resistance: By hosting the Norwegian Royal Family, Carbisdale became a tiny piece of "Free Norway" during the darkest days of the Second World War. It solidified the deep, long-standing political and cultural bond between Scotland and Scandinavia.
The End of the "Gilded Age": Built just before WWI, it was one of the last great "Statement Houses" built in the UK. It represents a period where the ultra-wealthy used architecture to settle personal scores before the World Wars and inheritance taxes changed the landscape forever.

🚐 Johnny’s Travel Tip:

The best photo of Carbisdale isn't from the castle itself! Pull your van over on the A836 near Ardgay or Bonar Bridge. Looking across the water at the castle reflected in the Kyle of Sutherland is a world-class shot for your Instagram or YouTube thumbnails.

Did you ever stay here when it was a Youth Hostel? I know a lot of people have great memories (and maybe a few ghost stories!) from those days. Share them in the comments! 👇📸

#CastlesOfScotland #CarbisdaleCastle #Sutherland #TheCastleOfSpite #ScottishHistory #MotorhomeTouringScotland #JohnnyBurr #ExploreHighlands

For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

https://carbisdalecastle.com/

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

Linktree https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Ballone Castle

🏰 Castles of Scotland: The Z-Plan Masterpiece

Ballone Castle

If you’re taking the van up toward the "top right" of the Highlands, past Tain and toward the fishing village of Portmahomack, you’ll find one of the most stunning architectural recoveries in the country. Ballone Castle stands tall once again, a perfect example of a Z-plan tower house that was nearly lost to time.

📍 Location

Where is it? Located on the Tarbat Peninsula in Easter Ross, about 10 miles northeast of Tain.

Setting: It sits on a low cliff overlooking the Moray Firth. The views across the water toward the hills of Sutherland are simply hypnotic.

Coordinates: 57.828N, 3.824W ///sweetener.hands.station

Van Access: The roads on the Tarbat Peninsula are generally good, but the castle itself is a private residence. You can see it beautifully from the coastal paths. I recommend parking in Portmahomack and taking the coastal walk—it’s brilliant for blowing the cobwebs away!

📜 A Timeline of History and Inhabitants

Ballone’s history is a story of three distinct "lives": building, abandonment, and rebirth.

1. The Dunbar Builders (Late 16th Century)

The Founders: Built around 1590 by the Dunbars of Tarbat.

The Design: It was built in a Z-plan layout—a central rectangular block with towers on diagonally opposite corners. This allowed the defenders to fire along the walls in every direction, leaving no "blind spots" for attackers.

2. The Mackenzie Powerhouse (17th Century)

New Owners: Around 1623, the castle was acquired by the Mackenzies of Tarbat.

The High Point: It became the seat of Sir George Mackenzie, who later became the Earl of Cromartie. He was one of the most powerful and controversial political figures in 17th-century Scotland (more on him below!).

The Decline: By the early 1700s, the Mackenzies moved to the more modern Tarbat House, and Ballone was left to the wind and rain.

3. The Great Resurrection (1990s - Present)

From Ruin to Roof: For over 200 years, it was a roofless, crumbling shell. In the 1990s, it was purchased by the Burke family, who undertook a massive, award-winning restoration. Today, it is once again a habitable, magnificent family home.

👑 Significance in History and Politics

Ballone wasn't just a home; it was a fortress of political influence during some of Scotland's most turbulent years.

Sir George Mackenzie’s Influence: As the Earl of Cromartie, Mackenzie was a key player in the Union of the Parliaments (1707). He was a master of "playing both sides" in the struggle between the Scottish Covenanters and the Royalists. His presence at Ballone made it a hub for Northern political strategy.

The Jacobite Connection: The Mackenzies of Cromartie were eventually caught up in the Jacobite Risings. While the castle was already in decline by 1745, the family’s support for the "Young Pretender" led to the forfeiture of their titles and lands, marking the end of the old Highland power structures that Ballone represented.

Architecture as a Weapon: The Z-plan design of Ballone is a physical reminder of how dangerous the Scottish North was in the 1590s. It represents a period where the line between a "gentleman’s house" and a "military bunker" was almost non-existent.

⚓ Johnny’s Travel Tip:

While you're at the castle, keep an eye on the water! This stretch of the Moray Firth is famous for its bottlenose dolphins. Also, don’t miss the Tarbat Discovery Centre in Portmahomack—it’s built inside an old church and has some of the best Pictish carvings in Scotland.

What do you think of these "restored" castles? Do you prefer seeing them in their ruined, romantic state, or do you love seeing them brought back to life like Ballone? Let me know in the comments! 👇🚐💨

#CastlesOfScotland #BalloneCastle #EasterRoss #Portmahomack #ScottishHistory #MotorhomeTouringScotland #JohnnyBurr #ZPlanCastle

For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_Stuart

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr

Friday, February 20, 2026

Castle Craig

🏰 Castles of Scotland

Castle Craig

The Bishop’s Bastion

Today for "Castles of Scotland," we’re heading to the Black Isle to look at a ruin that literally clings to the cliffs. Castle Craig (sometimes called Craig Castle) is a 16th-century tower house that proves even men of the cloth needed some serious protection back in the day!

📍 Location

Where is it? Situated on the north coast of the Black Isle, overlooking the Cromarty Firth in Ross-shire.
Setting: It’s built on a narrow ledge of a steep cliff. The views across the Firth toward the rigs at Invergordon and the mountains beyond are absolutely world-class.
Coordinates: 57.681° N, 4.175° W. ///recovery.divorcing.horns
Van Access: This is a "park and hike" special! The roads nearby are typical Black Isle—narrow and winding. There is a small area to pull over near Cullicudden, but be prepared for a muddy walk through the woods to reach the cliff edge.

📜 A Timeline of History and Inhabitants

Castle Craig wasn't built for a clan chief, but for the church.

1. The Bishop’s Residence (16th Century)

The Founders: It was built for the Bishops of Ross. In medieval Scotland, bishops were essentially "prince-prelates" who held as much political and military power as any Earl.
The Structure: It was a massive L-plan tower house. What remains today is the impressive North Wing, which still stands remarkably tall against the sea winds.

2. The Urquhart Connection (Post-Reformation)

The Transition: After the Scottish Reformation in 1560, the Catholic Church lost its lands. The castle was eventually "secularized" and passed into the hands of the Urquharts of Cromarty.
The Baron of Cromarty: Sir Thomas Urquhart, a famous eccentric, scholar, and translator of Rabelais, is the most famous figure associated with the family that held these lands.

3. Abandonment

By the 17th or 18th century, the castle became too impractical and "vertical" for modern living. The family moved to more comfortable estates, leaving the tower to the elements and the seabirds.

👑 Significance in History and Politics

Castle Craig tells the story of the "Church Militant" in Scotland.

Clerical Power vs. Secular Lords: Its existence shows how wealthy the Bishopric of Ross was. The Bishops needed a fortified palace because they were often at odds with local clans (like the Mackenzies) over land and tithes.
Control of the Firth: Strategically, the castle acted as a lookout over the Cromarty Firth, which has always been one of the most important deep-water anchorages in the UK (right up to today's oil and renewable industries).
The Reformation Shift: The castle is a physical monument to the Reformation. It represents the moment power shifted from the centralized Church to the "New Nobility" who grabbed church lands and helped shape the modern political landscape of Scotland and the UK.

Johnny’s Safety Warning:

The ruins are in a very precarious state and sit on the edge of a significant drop. Please be careful if you’re exploring with dogs or kids. The castle is currently fenced off because of falling masonry, but you can still get amazing photos from the surrounding paths!

Have you ever explored the Black Isle in your van? It’s often overlooked for the NC500, but sites like Castle Craig make it well worth the detour. Let’s see your "off the beaten track" photos in the comments! 🚐💨

#CastlesOfScotland #CastleCraig #BlackIsle #RossShire #ScottishHistory #HiddenScotland #MotorhomeTouringScotland #JohnnyBurr

For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castlecraig

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

MORE https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr

Saturday, February 14, 2026

Castle Stuart

🏰 Castles Stuart

The Resurrected Grandeur of Castle Stuart

If you’ve ever driven the A96 between Inverness and Nairn, you’ve likely seen the imposing, symmetrical towers of Castle Stuart standing guard over the Moray Firth. For our "Castles of Scotland" series, this one is a masterclass in restoration and royal drama!

📍 Location

Where is it? It sits on the southern shore of the Moray Firth, about 6 miles east of Inverness.
Setting: It overlooks the water and is now famously flanked by the world-class Castle Stuart Golf Links (recently renamed Cabot Highlands).
Coordinates: 57.53N, 4.103W ///thickens.relies.flips
Van Access: Very easy access compared to some of the more remote ruins, with plenty of space in the surrounding area for a careful park-up.

📜 A Timeline of History and Inhabitants

Castle Stuart is a classic "Tower House" that nearly didn't survive the centuries.

1. The Royal Connection (1625)

The Founder: Built by James Stewart, the 3rd Earl of Moray.
The Lineage: The Stewarts of Moray were high-ranking royalty; James was the grandson of the Regent Moray (the half-brother of Mary, Queen of Scots).
The Purpose: It wasn't built as a defensive fortress, but as a "statement house" to showcase the family's wealth and their right to rule the lands around Inverness.

2. The 300-Year Sleep

The Decline: Shortly after it was built, the family’s political focus shifted elsewhere. By the early 18th century, the castle fell into disrepair.
The Ruin: For nearly 300 years, Castle Stuart stood as a roofless shell. It was a romantic ruin that many locals assumed would eventually crumble into the Firth.

3. The Great Restoration (1970s - Present)

The Savior: In 1977, an adventurous American named Charles Stuart Parsons bought the ruin. He spent decades meticulously restoring it to its 17th-century glory.
Current Status: Today, it is a luxury hotel and private hire venue, looking exactly as it would have in the 1600s.

👑 Significance in History and Politics

Castle Stuart isn't just a pretty building; it was a political lightning rod in the Highlands.

The "Stuart" vs "Stewart" Power Play: The spelling of the name is significant. Using "Stuart" (the French spelling adopted by Mary, Queen of Scots) signaled the family’s direct ties to the Royal House of Stuart and the French court, a major political "flex" in the 17th century.
The Jacobite Shadow: The castle stands just a few miles from Culloden Battlefield. During the 1745 Rising, the castle was in the thick of the action. While the Earls of Moray generally tried to stay "cautiously neutral" to save their skins, the surrounding lands were ravaged by the Duke of Cumberland’s troops following the Jacobite defeat.
Highland Control: Its construction was a direct challenge to the Clan Gordon and the Clan Chattan, who previously dominated the area. It was the King’s way of planting a loyal Stewart "policeman" in the North to keep the more rebellious clans in check.

👻 Johnny’s "Ghostly" Fact:

Legend has it the castle was haunted from the day it was built. The Earl of Moray once offered a reward to anyone who could stay the night in the East Turret bedroom. A local man took the bet, but in the morning, he was found dead on the ground outside—having apparently jumped or been thrown from the window!

Have you ever stayed at Castle Stuart, or do you prefer the rugged, roofless ruins? Let us know your favorite Highland stronghold in the comments! 🚐🏰👇

#CastlesOfScotland #CastleStuart #Inverness #ScottishHistory #MotorhomeTouringScotland #HighlandLife #JohnnyBurr

For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_Stuart

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

MORE https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr

Monday, February 9, 2026

Cawdor Castle

🏰 Cawdor Castle

Where Myth Meets a Living Home

If you’re touring the Moray Firth or the Highlands near Inverness, Cawdor Castle is an absolute essential. It’s famous worldwide thanks to William Shakespeare, but the real history involving a thorn tree and a kidnapped heiress is even better than the play!

📍 Location

Where is it? Located in the parish of Cawdor, about 5 miles southwest of Nairn and 12 miles east of Inverness.
Setting: It’s surrounded by stunning formal gardens and "The Big Wood," featuring some of the most ancient trees in the Highlands.
Coordinates: 57.524N, 3.926W ///uptown.beaks.nightcap
Van Access: There is a good-sized car park, and the drive in is manageable for most motorhomes, though the village roads are charmingly narrow!

📜 A Timeline of History and Inhabitants

The castle is built around a literal piece of nature that you can still see today.

1. The Legend of the Thorn Tree (1370s)

The Founder: The Thanes of Calder (later Cawdor) wanted to build a new tower.
The Decision: Legend says the Thane loaded a donkey with gold and let it roam; wherever it stopped to rest, he would build his castle. The donkey stopped under a holly tree.
The Result: The castle was built around that tree. If you visit the dungeon today, you can still see the remains of the "Thorn Tree" (which carbon dating has proven died around 1372).

2. The Calder to Campbell Shift (1510)

The Inhabitants: Originally the home of the Calders. However, the 8th Thane died leaving only a baby girl, Muriel, as his heir.
The Kidnapping: The powerful Earl of Argyll (a Campbell) kidnapped Muriel to marry her off to his son, Sir John Campbell. When her nursemaid worried about Muriel being swapped for another child, it’s said the Earl replied, "She can never be changed as long as she has the mark of the red-hot key on her shoulder!"
The Legacy: The Campbells of Cawdor have lived there ever since.

3. 17th Century Splendour

The castle was significantly expanded in the 1600s, adding the beautiful range of residential buildings that surround the original medieval keep.

👑 Significance in History and Politics

Cawdor sits at the intersection of English literature and Scottish reality.

The Macbeth Connection: In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the protagonist is named "Thane of Cawdor." While this made the castle world-famous, it is historically impossible—the real King Macbeth lived in the 11th century, 300 years before the castle was built! The castle owners have a great sense of humour about this, often telling visitors: "The bird was here, but the nest was not."
Highland Power Dynamics: The transition from the Calders to the Campbells represents a major political shift in Scottish history. It shows how the Clan Campbell expanded their massive influence from the west coast into the north through strategic marriages and "aggressive" legal maneuvering.
Preservation of the Peerage: Cawdor remains the seat of the Earl Cawdor. Its continued use as a private residence (inhabited by the Dowager Countess Cawdor) highlights the survival of the Scottish aristocracy and their role in maintaining Highland heritage through the centuries.

Johnny’s Travel Tip: Don’t just look at the castle! The gardens are world-class, including a "Walled Garden" and a "Wild Garden." It’s a great place to stretch your legs after a long stint behind the wheel.

Have you ever seen the famous "Thorn Tree" in the dungeon? Or did you go specifically for the Macbeth connection? Let us know in the comments! 👇

#MotorhomeTouringScotland #CawdorCastle #HighlandHistory #Macbeth #ScottishCastles #MotorhomeLife #JohnnyBurr

🚐 Where to Park the Van: Cawdor & Nairn Area

1. Barns Highland (Best for Views & Space)

Just a stone’s throw from Nairn, this is a firm favourite for the motorhome community. It’s a dedicated campsite on a working farm.

Why it’s great: Huge, level pitches and incredible views over the Moray Firth. It’s very "big-rig" friendly.
Distance to Cawdor: ~15 minutes.

2. The Cawdor Tavern (The "Pub Stay" Option)

Located right in the heart of Cawdor village.

Why it’s great: If your followers are looking for that authentic Highland evening, this is it. They are known to be welcoming to motorhomes for a "stay-and-dine" arrangement (always tell people to call ahead!).
Distance to Cawdor: Literally around the corner from the castle gates.

3. Culloden Moor Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite

For those who prefer the reliability of the Club network.

Why it’s great: It’s exceptionally well-maintained and quiet. It’s also perfectly positioned if people want to do a "Historic Triangle" trip: Cawdor Castle, Culloden Battlefield, and Clava Cairns.
Distance to Cawdor: ~15-20 minutes.

4. Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park (Best for Families/Beach Lovers)

Why it’s great: It sits right on the edge of the East Beach in Nairn. Great for a coastal walk after a day of castle touring.
Distance to Cawdor: ~15 minutes.

💡 Johnny’s "Pro-Tip" for the Post:

"If you're heading to Cawdor from the Inverness side, keep an eye on your sat-nav. Some of the back roads toward the castle are beautiful but can get a bit 'hairy' if you're in a larger tag-axle. Stick to the B9090 or B9006 for the easiest approach!"

For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

https://www.cawdorcastle.com/

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

Linktree https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr