Erchless Castle

Erchless Castle is an occupied tower house from the 16th century that has been extended, and is privately owned. The tower house was built overlooking a river-haugh near the confluence of the Beauly and Farrar rivers and is not in a strong location, but strategically important.

The lands of Erchless were divided up in the early 15th century, and were not reunited until 1512. It is possible that the new barony of Erchless was then provided with a tower of some description, but the architecture of the castle is later, early 17th century. It is possible, but unproven, that the castle has earlier roots. It does not feature prominently in history, but was held by, and then besieged by, Jacobites in the 1689-90 rebellion. The estate was forfeited after the Chisholm laird supported the 1715 Rising, but purchased by his friends and returned to him in 1727. His support of the Jacobites in 1745 went unpunished. In 1895 a baronial style wing was added to the castle before the Chisholms eventually sold it in 1939. At the time of writing, Erchless Castle is available to let as a venue.

HES Canmore database entry
Official Erchless Castle website