Castles are a marvelous work of art, showing us a glimpse into our past as civilization has changed. This is no different for Ardvreck Castle. As one of the most beautiful pieces of art in the Highlands of Scotland, the castle has a lot of history in the area of Loch Assynt, Sutherland. 

From the ruins that are left, you realise that there are a lot of stories to tell about this place. It was built in the early 1590s by the Scottish “Clan Macleod” family, who were land owners of the area around the castle.

There were many handovers to different clans, and different attacks by groups who wanted control over the castle. Eventually, “Clan Mackenzie” took over the lands, and then later built a new modern home. Ardvreck Castle was then destroyed in a fire in the 1700s, which has left it in ruins to this day.

The ruins can be seen as a representation of some of the history of Scotland, which in the early days was filled with a lot of war and fighting, similar to the rest of the British Isles. It is now considered a Scheduled Monument by the British government, meaning that it has national significance and is protected.

Ardvreck Castle is placed on the coast of Loch Assynt, and used to contain three storeys. Due to the ruins, it is now mainly just walls and remains. Even though the remains look little today, Ardvreck Castle was a large and sturdy castle, including a wall surrounding it. The good thing about the design was that when the waters of the coast rose, the castle could be cut off from the mainland. 

The castle is a remarkable part of history, very close to the NC500 Pods, and is certainly worth visiting if you are staying with us. From the memories this place brings to many Scots around the area, to the reminder of our history and past, it is an interesting building with a lot to offer.