Invergarry Castle

The castle's position overlooking Loch Oich on Creagan an Fhithich – the Raven's Rock – in the Great Glen, was a strategic one in the days of clan warfare.

After raids by the Clan Mackenzie in 1602 which included the burning of Strome Castle, the MacDonells of Glengarry fortified Creagan an Fhithich.

[3] In the aftermath of Culloden the castle was sacked and partially blown up by troops under the Duke of Cumberland as part of his systematic suppression of the Highlands.

More prosaically, the Duke of Cumberland's men no doubt felt that they had 'slighted' the castle sufficiently by removing the SE wall and demolishing the NW "L" extension.

The present structure completed post- c.1670 [5] and by 1691 [6] was designed on an "L" plan, with a substantial 'scale and platt' stair leading to the first floor in the NW part of the "L".

These 'military' drawings were prepared with considerable care and accuracy, so it reasonable to assume that this is a true representation of the castle as it was at that date.

At ground floor level, the castle did have some defensive elements including shot-holes and barred windows, also no doubt a stout door with an iron 'yett'.

[11] The thickness of some walls may be judged as being from the incorporation of elements of the former castle and simply the requirement for strength for a five storey building.

A thorough account of the conservation work is contained in Fawcett & Rutherford, 'Renewed Life for Scottish Castles', Chapter Ten.

[18] In 1957, the Glengarry News printed a call to all McDonalds, MacDonalds, MacDonells and all members of Clan Donald to donate a pound (equivalent to US$3.00 at the time) to a fund to preserve Invergarry Castle.

It enjoys an enviable position overlooking Loch Oich, with the added attraction of the ruins of Invergarry Castle in the grounds.

[19] Brigadier General Lewis Petit des Etans was a French engineer, employed by the British Army for nearly 30 years.

The elevations reveal the tall narrow form of the building, with several bartizans and a cap-house, but no other defensive elements at wall top level.