Featured image of Inverlochy Castle

Inverlochy Castle – Luxury Country House Hotel

LocationInverlochy, Highland, Scotland (Google Maps)
Open for VisitorsYes
Owned byPrivate Owners
Official WebsiteInverlochy Castle
Rooms AvailableYes (Stay, Weddings, Corporate events)

Inverlochy Castle is a 13th-century ruined castle located in Inverlochy, Scotland. It was the site of two famous battles, the first and second Battle of Inverlochy. It is now under the care of Historic Environment Scotland. Since the 19th century, it has been operated as Inverlochy Castle Hotel and is known as one of the best castle hotels in Europe.

Inverlochy Castle History

Inverlochy Castle was built between 1270 and 1280 by John Comyn, Lord of Badenoch and Lochaber and the chief of Clan Comyn, on the land of the earlier Pictish fortification and settlement. In 1306, Robert the Bruce won the Scottish throne. And in 1307, he captured and burned the castle. The ruined castle remained unoccupied for a while.

Old Inverlochy Castle
Old Inverlochy Castle”, by JThomas, is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

In 1431, the Clansmen of Alexander MacDonald, Lord of the Isles, defeated the king of James I’s army in the Battle of Inverlochy. This battle was fought close by the castle. The castle remained under the control of Clan Cameron until 1501. Four years later, the castle was given to Alexander Gordon, 3rd Earl of Huntly. King James IV later charged him with repairing the castle for the use of the Royal garrison. William Gordon, Laird of Gight and the brother of Alexander Gordon, became master of Inverlochy.

The castle contributed to various military and army purposes. On 2nd February 1645, royalists won the second battle of Inverlochy. Meanwhile, the castle remained untouched for years and got ruined. In the 19th century, James Scarlett, 1st Baron Abinger, bought the overall castle estate. He built a Scottish Baronial-style mansion on the northwest side. In 1944, the castle and its estate were sold to Joseph Hobbs, a Canadian entrepreneur. While inheriting the estate, his son converted the castle into a hotel. Inverlochy castle hotel was opened for guests in 1969.

Inverlochy Castle Architecture

Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Inverlochy Castle Hotel”, by Johnny Durnan, is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Inverlochy Castle has remained unaltered since it was built by King Alexander III. It is located on the bank of River Lochy and offers a beautiful river view. The river defends one side of the castle, and the water-filled ditches cover the other three sides. You can still check out the thick original curtain walls of the castle.

Graveyard by Old Inverlochy Castle
Graveyard by Old Inverlochy Castle”, by John W. Schulze, is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The overall castle has a simple layout with a quadrangular courtyard. It is surrounded by thick walls and round towers at each corner which makes the exterior of the castle very unique. Overall, Inverlochy castle hotel has tried to maintain the old theme of the castle. You can stay in this castle hotel and experience its original Scottish theme.

Inverlochy Castle Interior

The castle now functions as a luxury castle hotel. It has the traditional décor and furniture matched with elegant services. The hotel is surrounded by rich landscapes and history, including 17 bedrooms and suites, each of which has its unique design and character. You should also check out the Gate Lodge of the castle, built in the 19th century.

The Inverlochy castle restaurant is also very famous. It offers the best dining experience at the castle. There are also several halls available for organising weddings, corporate, and festive events on the castle premises. The Inverlochy castle wedding or any other event can be tailored to suit people’s requirements.

Additionally, you can explore the entire castle via tour. Tours offered by the castle are very popular as they allow you to deeply explore the entire castle’s premises and its Scottish history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns Inverlochy Castle hotel?

In 1969, Inverlochy castle hotel was owned by the Hobbs family, who opened it for the first guests. Now, the biggest shareholder of this castle hotel is Mr King Chong Chai, from Malaysia.

Where is Inverlochy Castle?

The castle is located in Inverlochy village in Fort William, Highland, Scotland. You can easily reach it via bus and train. However, we suggest you visit this castle by private transport.

Have you visited this castle before? If yes, why not share some beautiful pictures with us!
You can email us your pictures of the castle at castrumtocastle@gmail.com. Please use the name of the castle in the subject line.
Also, don’t forget to mention your name and social media profile link if you want the credits!

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