Strome Castle: A Historic Highland Stronghold in Scotland

Visitor Information

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Official Website: www.nts.org.uk

Country: United Kingdom

Civilization: Medieval European

Site type: Military

Remains: Castle

History

Strome Castle is located in Strathcarron, Scotland. It was established in the 15th century by the Gaelic ruler Alexander MacDonald, who held the titles Lord of the Isles and Earl of Ross. This region of the Scottish Highlands was a center of Gaelic power during this period, and the castle played a key role in the control of local territories.

By 1472, ownership of the fortress had passed to Alexander MacDonald’s eldest son, Celestine of Lochalsh, representing the Clan MacDonald of Lochalsh. At this time, Alan MacDonald Dubh, the 12th Chief of Clan Cameron, served as the castle’s constable, acting as its guardian and military commander on behalf of the MacDonalds. This arrangement illustrates the alliances and clan responsibilities prevalent in Highland Scotland during the late medieval period.

In 1539, Strome Castle changed hands through a royal grant by King James V of Scotland, who transferred ownership to the Clan MacDonell of Glengarry. Hector Munro, the first of Erribol and a member of Clan Munro, was appointed constable for the new lords, overseeing the castle’s defense and administration during this era.

The castle’s military importance culminated in the early 17th century amid clan conflicts. In 1602, after the Battle of Morar, Kenneth Mackenzie, 1st Lord Mackenzie of Kintail and leader of Clan Mackenzie, laid siege to Strome Castle. He was supported by forces from Clan Matheson and Andrew Munro of Novar. Following the surrender of the MacDonells of Glengarry, the castle was deliberately destroyed by demolition and explosion to prevent future use. After its destruction, the MacDonells relocated their seat inland, constructing Invergarry Castle.

Strome Castle remained in ruins thereafter. In 1939, these remnants were entrusted to the National Trust for Scotland. Today, the site is recognized as a Scheduled Monument, preserving its historical significance in the Scottish Highlands.

Remains

The surviving ruins of Strome Castle include a courtyard and the remnants of a square tower, both reflecting the castle’s original layout on a headland between Loch Carron and Loch Kishorn. The fortress was constructed as a lowland stronghold, built primarily from local stone.

The tower, once a key defensive feature, suffered major destruction during the 1602 explosion, leaving only fragments scattered across the site. These remains provide tangible evidence of the intense military action that led to the castle’s downfall.

Adjacent to the tower was a large hall, which historically served as a central space within the castle. Archaeological investigation confirms that the hall had doors facing north and west, with a wooden floor likely supported by beams. The absence of chimneys indicates the hall was heated by an open fire situated centrally, a common feature in medieval Scottish architecture.

Within the eastern section of this hall once lay a stone-lined well, serving as a critical water source within the castle walls. Its construction from stone ensured durability and cleanliness, highlighting practical concerns in castle life.

Today, the ruins remain preserved under the care of the National Trust for Scotland, with the site carefully managed to protect its archaeological integrity while offering insights into the castle’s medieval origins and turbulent history.