Castles of Clan MacGregor

Glenstrae Castle
Glenstrae Castle, located in Glen Strae near Dalmally in Argyll, was the traditional seat of the MacGregors of Glenstrae, the senior line of the clan. The castle no longer survives above ground, but tradition holds that it once stood near the modern farm of Duiletter. It served as the MacGregor chief’s base until the early 1600s, when the clan lost its ancestral lands during their feud with the Campbells. Though its exact appearance is unknown, it remains central to clan identity. The glen is still revered as the heart of MacGregor country.

Glengyle House
Glengyle House, at the head of Loch Katrine, was built in the early 18th century by the MacGregors of Glengyle. This branch of the clan is best known for producing Rob Roy MacGregor, who was born nearby in 1671. The current house replaced an earlier homestead and served as the seat of Rob Roy’s descendants. It features a modest two-storey design with a 1707-dated porch. The house remains a symbol of the clan’s survival and adaptation during times of proscription.

Lanrick Castle
Lanrick Castle near Doune, Perthshire, became the seat of the MacGregor chiefs after the clan name was legally restored in the 18th century. Sir John Murray MacGregor, 1st Baronet, purchased the estate in 1776 and established it as the official residence of the chief. The mansion was built in baronial style and stood until its controversial demolition in 2002. For over a century, it served as the clan’s official seat. Only parts of the entrance and outbuildings remain today.

Edinchip House
Edinchip House, in Balquhidder, Perthshire, became the residence of the MacGregor chiefs in the 19th century after the sale of Lanrick Castle. Built in 1848, the two-storey country house sits near the kirk where Rob Roy is buried. The estate reflects the clan’s reestablished presence in their ancestral heartland. Though modest compared to earlier seats, it represents the resilience of the MacGregors. It continues to be associated with the modern clan leadership.

Castles Loosely Associated with Clan MacGregor

Kilchurn Castle
Kilchurn Castle, located on Loch Awe in Argyll, was originally MacGregor territory before being seized by the Campbells of Glenorchy in the 15th century. Though built by the Campbells, tradition claims an earlier MacGregor structure once stood on the site. Its loss marked the beginning of MacGregor displacement in the region. The castle is now a dramatic ruin with a five-storey tower and barracks added in the 1690s. It symbolizes the clan’s forfeited heritage.

Achallader Castle
Achallader Castle near Bridge of Orchy was a Campbell stronghold targeted by the MacGregors in 1603. In retaliation for their displacement, MacGregor raiders burned the castle to the ground. It was later rebuilt but fell into ruin again after further conflict. Only a portion of the corner tower and wall remains today. The ruins lie beneath Beinn Achaladair, overlooking Loch Tulla.

Finlarig Castle
Finlarig Castle in Killin was built in 1629 by the Campbells of Breadalbane on former MacGregor land. Rob Roy MacGregor is said to have visited the castle in 1713. The castle features an execution pit and legends of brutal punishments, possibly involving MacGregors. Though never owned by the clan, it looms large in clan memory. The ruins are overgrown but still accessible.

Meggernie Castle
Meggernie Castle in Glen Lyon was briefly associated with Clan MacGregor through a marriage alliance in the 16th century. Gregor MacGregor of Glenstrae married into the Campbells of Glen Lyon, establishing a temporary link to the estate. The castle later passed to other hands following clan proscription. Today it is a well-preserved residence with baronial additions. It reflects a fleeting moment of alliance between rival clans.

Inveruglas Castle
Inveruglas Castle, on a small island in Loch Lomond, was the stronghold of Clan MacFarlane, longtime allies of the MacGregors. During the 1603 Battle of Glen Fruin, MacFarlanes from Inveruglas fought alongside the MacGregors against the Colquhouns. The castle was destroyed by Cromwell’s forces in 1654. Only foundations remain today. Though not MacGregor-owned, it served as a safe haven and strategic partner location.

References

Coventry, M. (2010). The Castles of Scotland (5th ed.). Musselburgh: Goblinshead.
Tabraham, C. (2005). Scotland’s Castles. London: Batsford.
MacGregor, A. (1989). No Quarter Given: The Muster Roll of the MacGregors. Edinburgh: Albyn Press.
Historic Environment Scotland. (n.d.). Castle Records and Listings.
Clan Gregor Society. (n.d.). History and Heritage of the MacGregors.
Fraser, J. (1891). The Chiefs of Clan Gregor. Edinburgh: William Brown.