Invergarry Castle

Sentinel of the Great Glen & Heart of Jacobite Defiance

Perched on a wooded promontory overlooking the serene Loch Oich in the Scottish Highlands, Invergarry Castle’s haunting ruins whisper tales of clan loyalty, rebellion, and the fierce spirit of the MacDonnells of Glengarry. A cornerstone of the Great Glen, this fortress once commanded strategic control over the Highlands’ most vital routes. Let’s uncover its turbulent legacy!

Location

Invergarry Castle lies near the village of Invergarry, 8 miles northeast of Fort William in the Caledonian Canal corridor. Framed by the Great Glen Way hiking trail and the shimmering waters of Loch Oich, its ruins offer a picturesque stop for explorers delving into Scotland’s Jacobite history.

 

A Timeline of History

Clan Donald Stronghold (16th–17th Century)

Built in the 1540s by the MacDonnells of Glengarry, a branch of Clan Donald (MacDonald), to replace an earlier fortification. 

Strategically vital for controlling trade and military movements through the Great Glen.

Jacobite Loyalty & Destruction (18th Century)

1715 & 1745 Risings: The MacDonnells staunchly supported the Jacobite cause, sheltering rebels and storing arms.

1746: After the Battle of Culloden, government troops burned the castle to crush Jacobite resistance. Its ruins became a symbol of Hanoverian retribution.

19th–20th Century: Romantic Ruins

The MacDonnells relocated to Glengarry Castle House, while the old fortress decayed into a ivy-clad relic.

Now a scheduled monument, preserved for its historical significance.

 

Key Inhabitants

Clan MacDonnell of Glengarry: Fierce Jacobites known for their motto “Creag an Fhitich” (“The Raven’s Rock”).

Alastair MacDonnell, 16th Chief: Led the clan during the 1715 Rising; his descendants fought in 1745.

Colonel Alexander MacDonnell: Last chief to occupy the castle before its destruction.

 

Significance in Scottish & British History

Jacobite Stronghold: A nerve center for rebellions, reflecting Highland resistance against the 1707 Union and British Crown.

Clan Power Dynamics: The MacDonnells’ feuds with rivals like the Campbells and Frasers underscored the fractious politics of the Highlands.

Post-Culloden Suppression: The castle’s ruin mirrored the broader dismantling of clan culture—disarming acts, banned tartan, and cleared lands.

Strategic Chokepoint: Its location along the Great Glen made it critical for controlling military movements between Inverness and Fort William.

🌟 Why Visit Invergarry Castle Today?

Atmospheric Ruins: Wander among moss-covered walls and imagine clan gatherings in the vaulted great hall.

Scenic Walks: Follow the Great Glen Way or stroll to the Well of the Seven Heads, a 17th-century monument to a bloody clan feud.

Historical Reflection: Contemplate the castle’s role in Scotland’s struggle for identity and autonomy.

Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for ospreys soaring over Loch Oich!

 

Plan Your Visit

Access: Free entry; park at the layby off the A82 and follow the woodland path.

Nearby: Explore Fort Augustus, Urquhart Castle, or the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge.

Have you traced Jacobite footsteps at Invergarry or felt the echoes of clan pride? Share your Highland tales below! 👇

 

Fun fact: Local lore claims the ghost of a headless piper haunts the ruins, playing a lament for the fallen Jacobites!

 

For more of the Castles in Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

 

https://great-castles.com/invergarry.html

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