Scottish Castles Association

Castle Craig is a tall, ruinous 16th century tower house on the shores of the Cromarty Firth on the Black Isle, Ross-shire, north of Inverness. It can be glimpsed from the road but actually getting to the site is a different matter!

Severely eroded by coastal undercutting and with large cracks in its walls, Castle Craig will soon slowly slide into the sea.

Fortunately help is at hand courtesy of the Clan Urquhart Foundation who have set themselves the task of preserving the castle and creating a visitor attraction. You can find out more about the campaign to save Castle Craig here.

Archaeological work has taken place over the past two years and now the green light has been given for some restoration work to commence – once the current restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic are lifted. Edinburgh-based architecture firm McGregor Bowes has been appointed to carry out masonry repairs to consolidate the structure.

Castle Craig is an unusual ruin. Although roofed with one side almost intact, the west wall has fallen exposing the vaulted interior. The east wall, however, remains with its decorative corbelling and turreted wall head – a most attractive feature. Some more information and photographs of Castle Craig can be seen on the Canmore site - click here.

The castle is thought to have been erected by the Urquhart family but came into the possession of the Bishop of Ross in post Reformation times.

For those who wish to visit the site, follow the sign ‘To Castle Craig’ but first ensure you're wearing waterproof footwear and prepare to battle stinging nettles!

CLAN CONNECTION - Clan Urquhart

Article by Scottish Castles Association member Brian McGarrigle.

*Photograph courtesy of Jrimas/CC BY-SA