Inverness Castle
6 minute walk from Inverness station · Highlands and Argyll
Inverness Castle is a Category A listed building situated on a cliff overlooking the River Ness. While a succession of fortifications has occupied this site since 1057, the current red sandstone structure was completed in 1836. This early castellated building was designed by 19th-century architects and once served as the Sheriff Court and County Buildings.
The site is steeped in significance, having hosted figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots, who visited in 1562. It is famously recognised in popular culture as the setting of William Shakespeare's tragedy, Macbeth. Over the centuries, the grounds have witnessed numerous historic sieges and served as a location where Scottish kings summoned clan chiefs for parleys.
Visitors can admire the castle's striking symmetrical frontage, featuring round and square castellated towers and a central battlement. The exterior is crafted from red sandstone and surrounded by bastioned enclosing walls.
Visitor information
- Place type
- Castle
- Good for
- Architecture, Castles, Literature & writers, Local & social history
- Characteristics
- Hilltop, Listed, Riverside, Victorian
- Admission
- Paid admission
- Region
- Highlands and Argyll
Stations within walking distance
- Inverness station — 6 min walk, 0.4 km
Other places near Inverness
- Abertarff House — 3 min walk from the station
- River Ness and Caledonian Canal circuit, Inverness — 5 min walk from the station
- Inverness Museum & Art Gallery — 6 min walk from the station
- Loch Ness 360: Inverness to Drumnadrochit — 6 min walk from the station
- John o' Groats Trail: Inverness to Culbokie — 8 min walk from the station
- Uile-bheist Distillery — 9 min walk from the station