Castles of Clan Mackenzie
Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle, located where three sea lochs meet near Kyle of Lochalsh, was a principal stronghold of the Mackenzies of Kintail. The clan held the castle from the 13th century, and it became a vital coastal fortress. In 1719, it was occupied by Spanish troops supporting the Jacobites, prompting British naval forces to bombard and destroy it. The ruins remained untouched for nearly 200 years until a full restoration was completed in the 20th century. Today, the castle is one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks and a symbol of Clan Mackenzie.
Brahan Castle
Brahan Castle, near Dingwall in Easter Ross, was the seat of the Mackenzie chiefs, the Earls of Seaforth, from the early 17th century. The estate was famous as the home of the Brahan Seer and became a political center during the Jacobite period. After the clan’s support for the risings, the castle was occupied by government forces. It was later remodeled but demolished in the 1950s. Only one section of the structure remains as a reminder of the Mackenzies’ former power.
Castle Leod
Castle Leod, near Strathpeffer, is the historic seat of the Mackenzies of Cromartie and has been in continuous use by the family for over 500 years. Built around 1610, the tower house sits on earlier foundations and retains much of its original form. It has been carefully maintained and remains the residence of the current chief, the Earl of Cromartie. The castle is open to the public on select days. Its longevity and preservation make it a key heritage site for the clan.
Ardvreck Castle
Ardvreck Castle, on the shores of Loch Assynt, was taken by the Mackenzies in 1672 after they overthrew the MacLeods of Assynt. The castle, originally built in the 16th century, was used briefly before being replaced by nearby Calda House. It is remembered for its involvement in the betrayal of the Marquis of Montrose, who was held here in 1650. Today, the ruins stand dramatically on a rocky peninsula. They symbolize the Mackenzies’ northern expansion.
Fairburn Tower
Fairburn Tower, west of Muir of Ord, was the seat of the Mackenzies of Fairburn, a cadet branch of the clan. Built in the mid-16th century, the four-storey tower features Renaissance detailing and defensive architecture. It was long abandoned but recently restored by the Landmark Trust. The tower now stands as a rare example of a laird’s residence brought back to life. Its restoration reconnects the clan with one of its historic homes.
Kilcoy Castle
Kilcoy Castle, located on the Black Isle near Muir of Ord, came into Mackenzie hands in 1618. This Z-plan tower house features two opposing turrets and fortified wings. It was occupied for centuries by a cadet branch of the clan. After falling into ruin, it was restored in the 20th century and remains a private residence. The castle retains much of its historic form and charm.
Redcastle
Redcastle, on the Beauly Firth, was held by the Mackenzies from the 16th to the late 18th century. The red sandstone castle had earlier royal connections but became part of the Mackenzie estate network. It was torched during the civil wars in 1649 and later abandoned due to debt. Now a crumbling and roofless ruin, its legacy endures in the landscape. It once symbolized Mackenzie authority along the firth.
Tarbat House
Tarbat House, near Portmahomack, replaced the earlier Tarbat Castle as the seat of the Mackenzies of Tarbat, later Earls of Cromartie. The estate passed to the Mackenzies in the 17th century, and the present house was built in 1787. Though not a fortified castle, it reflects the wealth and power of the Cromartie line. The house is surrounded by woodlands planted by the family. It remains a symbol of post-Jacobite rebuilding and continuity.
Ballone Castle (Tarbat Castle)
Ballone Castle, near Portmahomack, was built in the 16th century and came into Mackenzie hands in the early 1600s. The castle was used as a residence by the Mackenzies of Tarbat before they moved to Tarbat House. It features a classic Z-plan design with towers at opposite corners. After centuries of ruin, it was restored in the 1990s as a private home. Its coastal location makes it a striking example of a clan residence brought back to life.
Chanonry Castle
Chanonry Castle in Fortrose was seized by the Mackenzies from the Munros in the 1570s after a long-standing feud. The castle had ecclesiastical origins but was fortified and used as a garrison. The Mackenzies gained legal possession after the conflict ended in 1573. It was dismantled during Cromwell’s occupation, and little remains today. The site is marked by a plaque near Fortrose Cathedral.
Stornoway Castle
Stornoway Castle on the Isle of Lewis was taken by the Mackenzies in the early 17th century after defeating local MacLeod resistance. It served as the center of Mackenzie control over Lewis until its destruction by Cromwell’s forces in 1654. The Mackenzies held Lewis for nearly 200 years. The castle no longer exists, but its importance to the clan’s expansion into the Hebrides remains significant. The modern castle in Stornoway is unrelated to the original.
Castles Loosely Associated with Clan Mackenzie
Strome Castle
Strome Castle, on Loch Carron, was captured and destroyed by the Mackenzies in 1602 during a feud with the MacDonells of Glengarry. The clan laid siege to the fortress and blew it up after the defenders surrendered. Though never occupied by the Mackenzies, its destruction marked a major victory. The ruin stands as a monument to shifting power in Wester Ross. It remains an iconic symbol of Mackenzie dominance.
Tulloch Castle
Tulloch Castle, near Dingwall, was the seat of the Bain family and later the Davidsons, but it played a role in a 1597 feud involving the Mackenzies. A land dispute escalated into a violent encounter at Logiebride, where a Mackenzie claimant was killed. Though the castle was not taken, it became a flashpoint in clan rivalry. The restored castle now operates as a hotel. It retains its medieval tower and a reputation for ghostly tales.
Balconie Castle
Balconie Castle in Easter Ross was the site of a 1485 altercation between the Mackenzies and MacDonalds. A feud erupted after Kenneth Mackenzie insulted his MacDonald hosts, leading to bloodshed. The incident helped spark the Battle of Park, where the Mackenzies later defeated the MacDonalds. Though the castle later passed to the Munros, it remains part of clan lore. It no longer stands, but the location is remembered for its role in clan rivalry.
Dunrobin Castle
Dunrobin Castle, seat of the Sutherlands, played a role in the downfall of George Mackenzie, Earl of Cromartie. In 1746, after a failed Jacobite campaign, Cromartie was captured at Dunrobin by government troops. His estates were forfeited, and his line briefly lost prominence. The castle itself, a grand Gothic mansion, was never held by the Mackenzies. However, its involvement in their Jacobite history is notable.
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.
Clan Mackenzie Society. (n.d.). History and Chiefly Residences of Clan Mackenzie.
Grimble, I. (1990). The World of Rob Roy and the Jacobites. Edinburgh: Birlinn.
MacKenzie, A. (1894). History of the Mackenzies. Inverness: A. & W. Mackenzie.