Urquhart Castle

The castle is build on an island between 3 Lochs: Loch Long, Loch Alsh and Loch Duich. It was build in the 13th century on the remains of an old fortress of the Picts. Originally it was a small fortress with a wall around it. Alexander II erected the castle to defend the area against Normans.
This castle is one of the most photographed buildings of Scotland, mainly because of its scenic location.

The castle was destroyed in 1719 by the English during a Jacobite uprising. At that moment it was occupied by a Spanish army who were in favour of the Jacobites.
The present day building is a reconstruction, done by door John Macrae-Gilstrap between 1912 and 1932. There are several towers and fortified walls (up to 4 meters thick).
From the castle and the surrounding paths around the castle one has a nice view on the point where the three lochs come together, a very important place in the past, strategically.

Some rooms in the castle have been furnished as in the old times (like the kitchen) and there are detailed information sheets (in 8 languages).
The scenic location and the apparent authentic character of the castle make it to a popular setting for movies. Parts of movies like Highlander and Braveheart have been filmed here. And even James Bond visited the place once.
For a good website with lots of information and pictures click here.