Discovering the Legend and History of Urquhart Castle

When you embark on a relaxing barge cruise in Scotland, chances are the stunning area around Loch Ness will be on your itinerary. While taking in the local sights and attractions on your barge cruise, Scotland’s legendary Urquhart Castle should be high on your list of 'must visit' priorities.

Why Urquhart Castle?

Urquhart Castle isn’t one of Scotland’s biggest castles, yet it remains one of the country's most iconic images. So why is that? Being largely a ruin, it isn’t the most intact survivor of the distant Scottish past; it certainly isn’t the oldest nor is it the most impressive in terms of its military fortifications. But the answer is quite simple, as you’ll soon discover on your cruise: Scotland’s iconic Urquhart Castle is all about location, location, location!

Origins

The history of this site goes back to the 7th century and beyond. Back in those days, at least in warlike northern Scotland, it seems unlikely that people worried too much about the aesthetics of their buildings. This site was selected for one purpose only, and that was defence. The original constructions were built on a natural spur of land jutting out into the inky depths of Loch Ness, which meant that Urquhart Castle was impossible to approach on foot from three of its four sides. Given that even today’s armies don’t particularly like crossing water to do battle, its location would have been a powerful deterrent to would-be attackers.

A Bloody History

Although peace and tranquillity is the order of the day on a modern barge cruise, Scotland was a far from peaceful country in past ages. Urquhart Castle was continually taken and re-taken by Scottish and English forces during the lengthy Wars of Scottish Independence, in the 13th and 14th centuries. The Scottish victory meant that the King of Scotland became recognised as his own man rather than merely a vassal of England; however, that it itself didn’t always mean much in terms of his ability to control his own country.

For some centuries afterwards, successive kings struggled, often unsuccessfully, to establish their authority over the powerful and semi-independent Lords of the Isles in the North West. Urquhart Castle became the target of numerous raids and the battleground of the clans and, again, it changed hands innumerable times and was pillaged from time to time as well.

By the end of the 17th century, having suffered simply too many deprivations due to various conflicts, Urquhart Castle had started to fall into disrepair and seems to have been largely empty. It was (unsuccessfully) attacked one final time, in 1688-89, by Jacobites loyal to the ousted James II. Even though the siege was defeated, the castle was then partly blown up by local troops supporting the “Glorious Revolution” and William of Orange.

Today’s Castle

Today, the attractions of the castle are legendary. It stands proudly, jutting out into and over Loch Ness. It comprises a large area and one that’s immensely popular with visitors - although some are, admittedly, probably more interested in looking for “Nessie” than studying the history. In fact, the majority of alleged sightings of the Loch Ness Monster have been in and around the vicinity of the castle - so, you may be as tempted to have your binoculars trained on the waters as the masonry!

The surrounding landscape is nothing short of breath-taking and makes the perfect backdrop for the castle’s tower and ruined walls. It’s perhaps one of the most photographed places in the country, and a must-see place to add to the itinerary of any cruise. Scotland's beauty is legendary, and Urquhart Castle s one of its most picturesque attractions.