Kilravock Castle

Kilravock Castle is a privately occupied tower and mansion sitting on a river cliff in Nairnshire. Access to the exterior is possible, but the estate is privately owned, and there is nowhere obvious to park that is not obstructive, so pedestrian access is advised. The old tower dates to the 15th century or perhaps a little earlier, with the adjacent mansion having been added to, extended and remodelled a number of times since the 16th century. Originally held by the Bissett family, Kilravock appears to have passed with marriage to Hugh de Ros, perhaps laird of the neighbouring Geddes estate.

In 1460 Hugh Rose was granted permission to erect a tower at Kilravock, and contract dated 1553 was issued for a mason to extend the castle, perhaps a low hall and courtyard. The upper levels of the hall block are probably 17th century. The castle had an uneventful history and was not sacked after Culloden despite Bonnie Prince Charlie staying here before Culloden. Since 1984, the Kilravock Christian Trust was gifted the castle by Elizabeth Rose, who died in 2012, and the Trustees have not yet decided what the plans for the building should be.

HES Canmore database entry