Castle Leod, Strathpeffer Spa

Castle Leod, Strathpeffer Spa

ID: QZP40_CARD_1301 DESCRIPTION: Castle Leod, a five-storey, L-plan tower house just north of the village of Strathpeffer. It is said to be the oldest intact castle in Scotland. The oldest part of it is believed to have been built around the 12th century on the site of an ancient Pictish fort. It was later remodelled by Sir Roderick MacKenzie of Coigach, 'Tutor of Kintail', around 1606, and subsequently became the ancestral seat of the Earls of Cromartie. Originally, for defensive purposes, the castle had no ground-floor entrance; a ladder stairway rose to the first floor on the outside of the building and could be withdrawn or destroyed in case of siege. Further protection was offered by the eight-feet thick red sandstone walls. Shortly after completion of the main building, an additional extension was built in the re-entrant angle of the L-shape to accommodate a larger staircase and extra bedrooms. This gave the castle an overall square appearance. Both L-wings have a crow-stepped gable end with corbelled parapet and conical-roofed corner turrets or bartizans. Over the main ground-floor entrance are two stones with the Mackenzie arms carved on them, while above two of the north-facing windows are the initials of Sir Roderick and his wife, together with the date 1616. The building fell into disuse in the 18th century but was renovated in the 19th century when lower additions were made to the east, north and west wings. A further extension was added in 1912. The Victorian and Edwardian parts of the castle are presently occupied by the Earl of Cromartie and his family. Most of the castle's interior dates from the 19th century. Many of the rooms are wood-panelled and contain Mackenzie portraits and antique furnishings. On the first floor is a large hall with a substantial fireplace and stone seats at each end. Below is a cell, with a strong oak door. Castle Leod is situated in a large park containing some very fine trees, including oak, ash, sycamore and chestnut. PLACENAME: Strathpeffer DISTRICT: Dingwall OLD COUNTY/PARISH: ROSS: Fodderty CREATOR (AV): J Valentine & Co. PERIOD: 1920s SOURCE: Highland Libraries COLLECTION: Highland Libraries' Postcard Collection Asset ID: 33229 KEYWORDS: