Photos courtesy of Castle Stuart
Castle Stuart was one of many tower houses that belonged to one of the most recognizable names in the history of Scotland. Mary Queen of Scots gave this property and the title of “Earl of Moray” to her half-brother, James Stuart, who ruled Scotland as regent. He was soon murdered, as well as the 2nd Earl of Moray.
The 3rd Earl of Moray, also named James Stuart, finished the castle in 1625. It is thought that it was his wife’s father who murdered his own father.
A few years after the castles completion, 500 members of the MacIntosh clan arrived and took over the castle until the Stuart family had to pay them off to leave.
When Stuart king Charles I was beheaded at the hands of Oliver Cromwell in London, Castle Stuart fell on hard times. It slowly deteriorated until rescued and wonderfully restored by current owners Charles and Elizabeth Stuart.
Pamela’s Perspective
If you’re looking for an authentic, family-run Scottish castle, Castle Stuart is a fantastic choice. It may be a little pricey, but keep in mind that you’re helping preserve a choice piece of history.
Your hosts will suggest that you need come with only a light overnight bag; this is because of the narrow, spiral stairs leading up to the rooms. If you have difficulty negotiating steps, please keep this in mind.
Castle Stuart
A 17th-century tower house
Contact
Petty Parish
Inverness IV2 7JH
Tel: ++44 (0)1463 790745
Fax: ++44 (0)1463 792604
Hotel website
Fast facts
8 rooms
Double rooms per person:
£125
Open: all year
Getting there
Castle Stuart is just a few miles east of Inverness on Moray Firth. From A96, take B9039 north.
What to do
Nearby: Culloden Battlefield; Inverness; golf; bicycling; fishing; falconry; horseback riding; Whisky Trail; Castle Trail; Cawdor Castle; Brodie Castle
Weddings
Yes. Exclusive use possible. Inquire castle for details.
You’ll magically feel transported back in time as you approach the family home of one of Scotland’s most illustrious families: the Stuarts.
Authenticity reigns throughout the castles public rooms—from the Jacobean furniture to the family portraits on the walls. Throughout the castle, you’ll find secret stairways, alcoves, and priest holes to explore. A “secret” revolving doorway leads to an oak paneled drawing room, warmed by an enormous fireplace. Perhaps someone will entertain you on the grand piano or harp.
Individually furnished guest rooms bear the names of clans that suffered the greatest losses at the Battle of Culloden. The tartan carpeting even corresponds to the rooms namesake. Lots of amenities fill the rooms.
For a memorable night, the honeymoon suite—the Murray Room—atop the east tower features not only a four-poster bed but a resident ghost.
Climb the narrow, winding staircase to the MacLachlan Suite, atop the west tower, and be rewarded with a private view of the battlements and the firth. The room also features a king-size “tester” bed and a gas fireplace. There is one small bathroom in the suite and a full-size bath outside the room and down the steps. Don’t worry, you have your privacy!
Something special
Ghost legends
A piper pipes guests in to dinner most evenings