🏰 Castles of Scotland

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

Linktree https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr