Castles of Clan Murray
Blair Castle
Blair Castle has been the ancestral seat of the Chiefs of Clan Murray, the Dukes of Atholl, since the 17th century. Located near Blair Atholl in Perthshire, the castle originated as a 13th-century tower and was greatly expanded over time. It played a role in several conflicts, including Cromwell’s invasion and the Jacobite Rising of 1745, when it was besieged during the final castle siege in British history. The Murrays hosted the Atholl Highlanders here, Europe’s only private army. Today, Blair Castle is open to the public and remains one of Scotland’s most iconic Highland residences.
Tullibardine Castle
Tullibardine Castle, near Auchterarder in Perthshire, was the original seat of the Murrays of Tullibardine. The Murrays held the lands from the 13th century and rose to prominence as Earls and later Dukes of Atholl. Although the castle no longer stands, the adjacent Tullibardine Chapel remains intact as a family burial site. It served as a political and military center for the Murrays during the late medieval period. The family’s leadership shifted to Blair Castle in the 17th century.
Huntingtower Castle
Huntingtower Castle, near Perth, became a Murray residence in the 17th century after it was granted to William Murray, a loyal supporter of James VI. Formerly known as Ruthven Castle, it was confiscated after the Gowrie Conspiracy and passed into Murray hands. The structure features two tower houses joined together and is notable for its painted interiors and complex layout. Lord George Murray, a key Jacobite general, was born here in 1694. The castle is now managed by Historic Environment Scotland.
Balvaird Castle
Balvaird Castle in Perthshire was acquired by the Murrays of Balvaird around 1500. Originally built by the Barclays, it became a seat of a Murray cadet line that later inherited the title Viscount Stormont. The castle is a well-preserved example of a late medieval L-plan tower house. Although abandoned as a residence, its walls and vaulted chambers survive intact. It sits on a hill south of Bridge of Earn and is occasionally open to the public.
Scone Palace
Scone Palace near Perth has been the seat of the Murrays of Stormont, later Earls of Mansfield, since the early 17th century. Once the ancient crowning place of Scottish kings, the estate passed to the Murrays following the Gowrie Conspiracy. The palace was rebuilt in Gothic style in the early 1800s and features extensive gardens and historical exhibits. It remains the family home of the current Earl of Mansfield. The ancient Moot Hill on the grounds is steeped in royal history.
Comlongon Castle
Comlongon Castle in Dumfriesshire was the seat of the Murrays of Cockpool, a Border branch of the clan. Built in the 15th century, the red sandstone tower house stands nearly intact and was later joined by a Victorian mansion. It was known for its formidable walls, moat, and iron yett (gate), which escaped destruction during a 1606 disarmament. The castle served as a family home until the 20th century. It has since been restored and used as a hotel.
Castle Cluggy (Ochtertyre)
Castle Cluggy, now a ruin beside Loch Monzievaird in Perthshire, was the seat of the Murrays of Ochtertyre. Built in the 15th century, it was central to a violent feud with Clan Drummond that culminated in the 1490 Massacre of Monzievaird. The tower house was later abandoned in favor of a nearby Georgian mansion. Only parts of the walls remain, overgrown and hidden in woods. The Murrays retained the estate and became baronets of Ochtertyre.
Abercairny Estate
Abercairny, near Crieff in Perthshire, has been in Murray hands since the 13th century. The family originally built a tower house, which was replaced in the 19th century by a large Gothic-style mansion. Although the 1804 house was demolished in the 1960s, the estate remains with the family. Abercairny was once visited by Queen Victoria and is still known for its gardens and heritage. It is one of the longest continuously held Murray estates.
Bothwell Castle
Bothwell Castle in South Lanarkshire was held by the Murray family in the 13th and 14th centuries. One of Scotland’s largest and most impressive medieval castles, it features a rare round donjon and extensive curtain walls. It played a major role during the Wars of Independence and was held at times by both Scots and English forces. Sir Andrew Murray, Guardian of Scotland, recaptured the castle from the English. It later passed to the Douglases but remains a symbol of early Murray power.
Duffus Castle
Duffus Castle in Moray was the stronghold of Freskin de Moravia, the Norman knight who founded the Murray lineage. Originally built as a wooden motte-and-bailey, it was rebuilt in stone in the 14th century. The castle was abandoned in the 18th century, but its tilted stone keep still dominates the surrounding fields. It reflects the clan’s roots in the northeast and their early royal support. The site is maintained as a historic monument.
Polmaise Castle
Polmaise Castle, near Stirling, was the seat of the Murrays of Polmaise from the 16th century. The family built a Victorian baronial mansion in 1868 on Gillies Hill, replacing earlier structures. The estate was sold and the castle demolished in the 1960s, though remnants of the gardens and estate buildings remain. The Murrays of Polmaise were prominent landowners and supported the Jacobite cause. Their mausoleum still stands in the old churchyard.
Blackbarony Castle (Barony Castle)
Blackbarony Castle in Peeblesshire was built in the 16th century by the Murrays of Blackbarony. The original tower house was expanded into a country mansion and remained in the family until the 20th century. It later passed to the Murrays of Elibank and now serves as a hotel. The castle blends medieval and Georgian features and includes the Great Polish Map of Scotland on its grounds. It stands as a rare example of a Borders stronghold held by Clan Murray.
Elibank Castle
Elibank Castle in Selkirkshire was the seat of the Murrays of Elibank, a cadet line of the clan. Built around 1595, the castle is now a ruin overlooking the River Tweed. It is known for the legend of “Muckle Mou’d Meg,” in which a captured raider was offered marriage or execution. The family rose in influence and later inherited other Murray estates. The ivy-covered remains still stand above the river valley.
Ormond Castle (Avoch Castle)
Ormond Castle on the Black Isle was held by Sir Andrew Murray, Guardian of Scotland, during the Second War of Independence. Located near Avoch, the castle commanded views over the Moray Firth. It served as a safe base for Murray’s leadership until his death in 1338. Only earthworks remain today. Its strategic position reflects Murray’s national role in defending Scotland.
Amhuinnsuidhe Castle
Amhuinnsuidhe Castle on the Isle of Harris was built in 1867 for Charles Murray, 7th Earl of Dunmore. Designed in Scottish baronial style, it features turrets and gables overlooking a sea loch. Though not a clan seat, it reflects the Murray family’s influence in the Western Isles. It was later owned by Lord Leverhulme and is now a private lodge. The castle’s name means “sitting by the river” in Gaelic.
Castles Loosely Associated with Clan Murray
Drumsagard Castle
Drumsagard Castle, near Cambuslang, was held briefly by the Murray family through marriage in the 13th century. The motte-and-bailey castle was later forfeited and passed to the Douglases and Hamiltons. Nothing remains today but the mound. It played a minor role in Murray history during the Wars of Independence. The site is now part of a residential area.
Ballencrieff Castle
Ballencrieff Castle in East Lothian was originally built by a Murray in 1507, but the family only held it briefly. It was destroyed during conflict, rebuilt, and later passed to the Elibank line. General James Murray, Governor of Quebec, may have been born here. Restored in the 1990s, it is now a private home. Its connection to Clan Murray is brief but notable.
Balvenie Castle
Balvenie Castle near Dufftown was inherited by the Murrays of Atholl through marriage in the 17th century. Once a powerful Comyn and Douglas stronghold, it later became part of the Atholl estate. The Murrays did not reside here, but the castle passed into their possession. It features a great curtain wall and Renaissance lodging. The site is managed by Historic Environment Scotland.
Stirling Castle (Jacobite Siege)
Stirling Castle was not owned by Clan Murray but was the target of a 1746 siege led by Lord George Murray. During the Jacobite rising, Murray directed operations to try to take the fortress from Hanoverian forces. The siege failed, but his leadership was praised. The episode is part of Murray’s prominent Jacobite role. The castle remains a national landmark and museum.
References
Coventry, M. (2010). The Castles of Scotland (5th ed.). Musselburgh: Goblinshead.
Tabraham, C. (2005). Scotland’s Castles. London: Batsford.
Historic Environment Scotland. (n.d.). Castle records and listings.
Simpson, W. D. (1931). Scottish Castles: An Introduction to the Castles of Scotland. Edinburgh: Her Majesty’s Stationery Office.
Fraser, W. (1884). The Chiefs of Grant. Edinburgh: Spottiswoode.
McKean, C. (2001). The Scottish Chateau: The Country House of Renaissance Scotland. Stroud: Sutton Publishing.
Gifford, J. (2007). The Buildings of Scotland: Perth and Kinross. London: Yale University Press.