Invergarry Castle

Invergarry Castle was the seat of the Chiefs of the MacDonells of Glengarry, a powerful branch of the Clan Donald, known as the Clan Ranald of Knoydart and Glengarry. Its situation on Creagan an Fhithich - the Raven's Rock - overlooking Loch Oich in the Great Glen, was a strategic one in the days of clan feuds and Jacobite risings.

It is not certain when the first structure was erected on Creagan an Fhithich but there are sites of at least two prior to the present Castle.

The present structure was designed on the "L" plan, with a round tower at the north-east angle. The main building rose to five and the angle tower to six storeys in height. The hall, on the first floor, measured 44 by 20 feet.

Prince Charles Edward Stuart- "Bonnie Prince Charlie" - visited the Castle in 1745, shortly after the raising of the Royal Standard at Glenfinnan and is said to have rested there after his defeat at Culloden, in 1746. The redcoats of "Butcher" Cumberland burned it in 1746 after the Battle of Culloden but the stout walls refused to yield and have survived the centuries to serve as a reminder to their glorious past.

The Chief during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, was Alasdair Ranaldson MacDonell, the subject of a famous portrait by Sir Henry Raeburn, which now hangs in the Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh. This chief is said to have been Sir Walter Scott's prototype for Fergus MacIvor, a principal character in his novel "Waverley".

FUND RAISING APPEAL
FOR THE PRESERVATION OF
INVERGARRY CASTLE

David and Janetta MacCallum of Glengarry Castle Hotel have retained the services of LDN Architects, Forres, with a view to carrying out the consolidation of Invergarry Castle.

Historic Scotland has encouraged this enterprise, and the hope is that with their help, sufficient funds can be raised to make the structure safe.

Basic consolodation costs are estimated at around £300,000. Some preliminary work is to be carried out in 2005 with more major work in 2006/7.

The unsightly fences can then be removed to allow visitors access to a viewing platform and information boards. There will also be limited parking for vehicles.

All contributions to this project would be welcomed.

  
  Donations may be sent directly to :-

Invergarry Castle Preservation Trust
c/o Mr & Mrs D. MacCallum
Glengarry Castle Hotel
Invergarry
PH35 4HW
Scotland

or paid to A/C No. 06002374
Sort code 80-06-84

After donating, please e-mail with your name and address if you wish to be recorded in a book of donors