Castles of Clan Macpherson

Cluny Castle (Laggan, near Newtonmore)
Cluny Castle was the ancestral seat of the chiefs of Clan Macpherson, located in the upper Spey valley near Laggan. The original 14th-century castle was destroyed by government troops in 1746 during the Jacobite reprisals after the Battle of Culloden. It was replaced in the 19th century by a baronial-style mansion, which incorporated elements of the original site. The estate became famous as the hiding place of Chief Ewen Macpherson of Cluny, who spent nine years evading capture. Though the current Cluny Castle is privately owned and not open to the public, it remains the symbolic heart of Clan Macpherson.

Newton Castle (Blairgowrie, Perthshire)
Newton Castle, near Blairgowrie in Perthshire, became the seat of the Macpherson chiefs in 1787 when Colonel Allan Macpherson purchased it. The original structure dates to the 16th century and features the classic Z-plan design with diagonally opposed towers. The castle has been renovated and expanded over the centuries but retains many of its original features. It remains a private residence and is home to the current chief of Clan Macpherson. The castle stands as a lasting emblem of the clan’s continued presence in Scottish history.

Ballindalloch Castle (Banffshire, Speyside)
Ballindalloch Castle, also known as the “Pearl of the North,” became connected to Clan Macpherson through the Macpherson-Grant family. Though originally built by the Grants in 1546, the estate came to the Macphersons by inheritance in the 18th century. It has been the home of the Macpherson-Grants ever since and remains in family hands today. The castle is an impressive Z-plan tower house with additions from the Victorian period and is open to visitors. Ballindalloch symbolizes the cultural and landed legacy of Clan Macpherson.

Castles Loosely Associated with Clan Macpherson

Ruthven Barracks (Kingussie, Badenoch)
Ruthven Barracks, built on the site of an earlier castle, became entangled in Clan Macpherson’s history during the Jacobite risings. In 1745, Ewen Macpherson of Cluny led Jacobite forces to attack the barracks, which were held by government troops. The barracks later became one of the final rallying points for the Jacobite army after Culloden. Though not owned by the Macphersons, their involvement in the region’s military events ties them to the site. The stone barracks, built atop a medieval mound, remain one of the best-preserved Jacobite-era military structures.

Blair Castle (Blair Atholl, Perthshire)
Blair Castle, the seat of the Dukes of Atholl, was briefly occupied by Macpherson-aligned forces during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms in the 17th century. Although the Macphersons never owned the castle, their participation in its capture and later military campaigns connected them to the region. The castle has whitewashed walls, turrets, and interiors furnished in grand Scottish style. It remains one of Scotland’s premier historical houses. The Macphersons’ presence at Blair speaks to their broader influence in Highland warfare and politics.

Castle Roy (Nethy Bridge, Strathspey)
Castle Roy is a simple 12th-century enclosure castle near Nethy Bridge that was once within the sphere of influence of the Macphersons. Though originally built by the Clan Comyn, it lies within the area where the Macphersons later rose to prominence. The castle has thick walls but no remaining towers or roof. Its position near Clan Macpherson territory makes it loosely associated with the clan’s early regional presence. Today it is maintained as a historic ruin.

Kilravock Castle (Nairnshire)
Kilravock Castle, seat of the Clan Rose, was linked to the Macphersons through regional alliances and mutual Jacobite support. While not a Macpherson holding, it served as a gathering place and refuge for Highland clans, including members of Clan Chattan during the 18th century. The castle, dating to the 15th century, is still privately owned. Its historic role as a neutral stronghold in times of conflict gave it symbolic importance. It remains one of the few continuously inhabited castles in Scotland.

References

Coventry, M. (2010). The Castles of Scotland (5th ed.). Musselburgh: Goblinshead.
Tabraham, C. (2005). Scotland’s Castles. London: Batsford.
Clan Macpherson Museum. (n.d.). Clan History and Lands.
Historic Environment Scotland. (n.d.). Castle Records and Listings.
RCAHMS. (n.d.). National Monuments Record of Scotland.