Urquhart Castle

Urquhart Castle

ID: QZP40_407_P102 DESCRIPTION: This illustration of Urquhart Castle is from 'Tours in Scotland 1747, 1750, 1760' by Richard Pococke, Bishop of Meath, published by the Scottish History Society, 1887. Urquhart Castle stands on a rocky promentary, commanding extensive views of Loch Ness. It dates from the 12th century when a Norman motte and bailey occupied the site. It passed into the hands of the Comyns of Badenoch in the 13th century and was occupied by Edward I's troops in 1296 and 1303. Robert I regained the castle and by the end of the 14th century it was designated a royal castle. It became the scene of many conflicts between the Kings of Scotland and the Lords of the Isles. It was finally abandoned in the 17th century and fell into decay. In the 20th century it was taken over by Historic Scotland. Today the castle is visited by thousands of tourists. A new visitor centre was opened in November 2001 PLACENAME: Urquhart Castle DISTRICT: Aird OLD COUNTY/PARISH: INVERNESS: Urquhart and Glenmoriston DATE OF IMAGE: 1887 PERIOD: 1760s SOURCE: Highland Libraries COLLECTION: Fraser Mackintosh Collection (illustrations) Asset ID: 31205 KEYWORDS: