Urquhart Castle (Scotland)

Urquhart Castle, beautifully situated on the shores of Loch Ness, remains an impressive stronghold despite its state of disrepair.

Urquhart was once one of the largest castles in Scotland. His remains are a tower-house - the newest building on the site - which commands a splendid view of the famous loch and Great Glen.

Urquhart also present at significant conflict during its 500 years as a medieval fortress and its history from 1200 to 1600 was particularly bloody. After the invasion of King Edward I of England in 1296, he fell into British hands and was then recovered and lost again. In 1300 he figured prominently in the struggle for Scottish independence and came under the control of Robert Bruce after becoming King of Scotland in 1306.

In 1400 and 1500, the castle and the valley were often raided by the west with the ambitious MacDonald Lords of the Isles.

The castle's history is told in the exhibition and audiovisual display in the new visitor center. The center offers a wide range of exceptional medieval artifacts found at the castle. It also tells the stories of the noble families who held the castle at different times: the Durwards, MacDonald and subsidies.

The visitor center contains a café, a shop, an exhibition space and interpretation, presentation and toilet audiovisual services, on one level. Its veranda offers stunning views of the lake.