Yes, yes; I know. Urquharts never held Urquhart Castle. Its name comes from its locale, which took its name from the clan. Still, it's never possible to resist either the thought or the reality of Urquhart Castle when I'm travelling in Scotland.

David Walker's 1961 watercolour shows Urquhart Castle as it may have looked in its prime at the end of the 17th Century, dominating Strone Point, a good stretch of Loch Ness, and everything within its view.

Today, although in the twilight of its history, Urquhart Castle remains an impressive presence on the shore of Loch Ness. It is one of Scotland's biggest castles. If not for the Internet, I would be in for a terrible shock were I to visit the castle today. "The contemptible quango Historic Scotland" (the most commonly used name of the national heritage group, on first glance – but visit Historic Scotland) has uprooted turf and sheep (foreground) in favour of a multi-level, interactive, available-for-weddings, accessible Visitors' Centre surrounded by ample coach parking. It can't be æsthetically pleasing, but for economic reasons, I suppose it's inevitable and arguably necessary. *sigh* Visit www.lochness.co.uk/castle.html for dissenting opinions.

No showy entrance here; in fact, a rider would have to dismount to enter the castle through the land-gate. One thing's certain – although they make a pleasing display, one hopes the cannonballs were in fact stacked inside the entrance. On the left side of this exterior view of the land-gate is the arched entrance passage. Take one step inside and turn to your right to read the plaque.

If these defences were as reliable as they sound, and if David Walker's vision of the castle is even close to the reality of it, it would not have been easy pickings for raiders.

Travel home             Urquhart Castle 2