Achnagairn Castle

Achnagairn was historically part of the extensive estates of the Frasers of Lovat, but was separated off in the 18th century to the Belladrum branch of the family, who had acquired a tack (lease) for the town, lands and mill in 1670. The Frasers built the mansion known as Auchnagairn in the mid 19th century, apparently replacing an earlier building remembered only by a 1663 datestone. As part of the Fraser estates of Lovat, it was held to be forfeited after the Jacobite Rising of 1745, but the Frasers of Achnagairn remained at the estate

The house is a large quadrangular mansion with  central courtyard sat on a level terrace of high ground south of Kirkhill and set within extensive grounds.  Architecturally it is very interesting with a mix of features and styles. This is not a defensive location, and it is very likely that the earlier building was not particularly defensive either. Parts of the mansion today may incorporate earlier buildings, but it is curious to note that on General Roy’s map there are no buildings shown at Achnagairn, which suggests that perhaps the datestone comes from somewhere else altogether.

Today it is possible to hire the house – and the entire estate – as a venue.

HES Canmore database entry

Official website