Ruthven Barracks
19 minute walk from Kingussie station · Highlands and Argyll
Ruthven Barracks is a well-preserved historic complex near Ruthven in Badenoch. Formed of two large three-storey blocks and sturdy enclosing walls, the site sits on a prominent mound that once held medieval castles.
The site is steeped in history, having served as a base for the "Wolf of Badenoch" and witnessed a visit from Mary, Queen of Scots. The current ruins date back to 1719, built by the British government to house 120 troops. Though successfully defended against 200 Jacobites in 1745, the barracks were ultimately destroyed by departing Jacobite forces following the Battle of Culloden.
Today, visitors can explore these evocative ruins, which are maintained as a scheduled monument. You can view the defensive bastion towers and musket loopholes while standing on the site where 1,500 Jacobites once regrouped. The barracks are accessible at all times without an entrance charge.
Visitor information
- Place type
- Military site
- Good for
- Castles, Historic monuments, Military history
- Characteristics
- Georgian, Hilltop, Medieval, Ruin, Scheduled Monument
- Admission
- Free
- Opening
- Open year-round
- Region
- Highlands and Argyll
Stations within walking distance
- Kingussie station — 19 min walk, 1.5 km
Other places near Kingussie
- Kingussie to Laggan — 3 min walk from the station
- Càrn an Fhreiceadain from Kingussie — 5 min walk from the station
- Kingussie and Newtonmore via Loch Gynack — 5 min walk from the station
- Gynack Mill Trail, Kingussie — 5 min walk from the station
- Creag Bheag and Tom Baraidh, Kingussie — 5 min walk from the station
- Kingussie Camanachd Club — 9 min walk from the station