Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
We Stumbled Upon This Incredible Castle in the Scottish Highlands
Castle Roy is a 12th century fortress set on a small glacial mound to the north of the village of Nethy Bridge, and is reported to be the oldest masonry fortification in Scotland. It has been associated with the clans of Mar, Comyn, Stewart and Grant, with links to the Red Comyn and the Wolf of Badenoch. In 1560 the area came under the fiefdom of Clan Grant who remain the feudal clan of this region today.
With its walls still standing 25 feet high, the castle is a simple, irregular four-sided stronghold which has remained unaltered over the centuries. Carbon dating of 1190-1220 indicates that it is amongst the oldest masonry fortifications in Scotland
The main architectural features are a tower on the north-western corner which has the only remaining window lintel. The main entrance archway is in the centre of the north wall, with a small entrance next to the tower on the west wall. The west wall also contains the Garderobe, a two-story latrine facility for the garrison.
Strategically located in Strathspey Castle Roy has changed hands many times through marriage and alliances. Alexander II granted the Lordship of Abernethy to James Earl of Mar in 1226. James was succeeded by his brother Duncan who ruled until 1244. To be succeeded by William who married into the powerful Comyn family. Comyn power was crushed in 1306 by Robert the Bruce.
Various factors held sway in the area with the fiefdom often returning to the Crown. In 1381 the title was granted to Alexander Stewart by King Robert. Again, oft reverting to the Crown until 1560, when Queen Mary made her half-brother, James Stewart, the first Earl of Moray. Subsequently, he rented the area to the Grants.
In 1592 John Grant gained the charter to the Lordship of Abernethy. This charter was confirmed by James VI in 1609.
Castle Roy would have been built towards the end of the Norman colonisation of Scotland. It is unique because it remains unaltered. The walls enclose a courtyard 80ft by 53ft (24m x 16m) and are constructed of glacial rubble rocks collected locally. Standing 25ft (7.6m) high and 7ft (2.1m) thick, the lime mortar remains very strong after 800 years.
The size indicates a staging post, a base for the local area Factor and a resting point for hunting forays into the Abernethy Forest. Its four thick stone walls protected various timber buildings inside. These would have included the Clan Chief’s dwelling, possessions, food, animals, soldiers and servants.
Architectural evidence in the walls in the garderobe area show the Chieftain’s latrine, while above, internal passages led to two other latrines. There is a corner tower which had two floors of which the window opening remains. The small arch in the west wall will have served as a daily access route while the main arch in the north wall will have been opened for the Chieftain, dignitaries and supply trains.
We do not to Drama, unless it is real.
@SergePavkinMusic
Please subscribe for more Donders, Waffles and some History as well as views and park ups
Currently we are Nearly Full Time Warriors. We may go full time in the future but for now we continue our explorations.
#motorhomer #DogsVanLife #Scotland
Currently we are Nearly Full Time Warriors. We may go full time in the future but for now we continue our explorations. Join David and Lindsay as they take Desmond Rose to explore the ruins of "castle roy" in "scotland", enjoying the beautiful views and sharing a wonderful dog vlog. This "travel video" captures their "exploring" adventure in stunning "4k", showcasing the amazing experience of "travel" with their beloved dog, complete with "dog music" for extra enjoyment.
#Motorhome #DogsVanLife #Scotland
Join David and Lindsay, along with Desmond Rose, as they explore the ruins of "castle roy" in "scotland". This "history documentary" captures them "exploring" these "abandoned places", offering a glimpse into the past. We do not to Drama, unless it is real.
We Stumbled Upon This Incredible Castle in the Scottish Highlands
Castle Roy is a 12th century fortress set on a small glacial mound to the north of the village of Nethy Bridge, and is reported to be the oldest masonry fortification in Scotland. It has been associated with the clans of Mar, Comyn, Stewart and Grant, with links to the Red Comyn and the Wolf of Badenoch. In 1560 the area came under the fiefdom of Clan Grant who remain the feudal clan of this region today.
With its walls still standing 25 feet high, the castle is a simple, irregular four-sided stronghold which has remained unaltered over the centuries. Carbon dating of 1190-1220 indicates that it is amongst the oldest masonry fortifications in Scotland
The main architectural features are a tower on the north-western corner which has the only remaining window lintel. The main entrance archway is in the centre of the north wall, with a small entrance next to the tower on the west wall. The west wall also contains the Garderobe, a two-story latrine facility for the garrison.
Strategically located in Strathspey Castle Roy has changed hands many times through marriage and alliances. Alexander II granted the Lordship of Abernethy to James Earl of Mar in 1226. James was succeeded by his brother Duncan who ruled until 1244. To be succeeded by William who married into the powerful Comyn family. Comyn power was crushed in 1306 by Robert the Bruce.
Various factors held sway in the area with the fiefdom often returning to the Crown. In 1381 the title was granted to Alexander Stewart by King Robert. Again, oft reverting to the Crown until 1560, when Queen Mary made her half-brother, James Stewart, the first Earl of Moray. Subsequently, he rented the area to the Grants.
In 1592 John Grant gained the charter to the Lordship of Abernethy. This charter was confirmed by James VI in 1609.
Castle Roy would have been built towards the end of the Norman colonisation of Scotland. It is unique because it remains unaltered. The walls enclose a courtyard 80ft by 53ft (24m x 16m) and are constructed of glacial rubble rocks collected locally. Standing 25ft (7.6m) high and 7ft (2.1m) thick, the lime mortar remains very strong after 800 years.
The size indicates a staging post, a base for the local area Factor and a resting point for hunting forays into the Abernethy Forest. Its four thick stone walls protected various timber buildings inside. These would have included the Clan Chief’s dwelling, possessions, food, animals, soldiers and servants.
Architectural evidence in the walls in the garderobe area show the Chieftain’s latrine, while above, internal passages led to two other latrines. There is a corner tower which had two floors of which the window opening remains. The small arch in the west wall will have served as a daily access route while the main arch in the north wall will have been opened for the Chieftain, dignitaries and supply trains.
We do not to Drama, unless it is real.
@SergePavkinMusic
Please subscribe for more Donders, Waffles and some History as well as views and park ups
Currently we are Nearly Full Time Warriors. We may go full time in the future but for now we continue our explorations.
#motorhomer #DogsVanLife #Scotland
Currently we are Nearly Full Time Warriors. We may go full time in the future but for now we continue our explorations. Join David and Lindsay as they take Desmond Rose to explore the ruins of "castle roy" in "scotland", enjoying the beautiful views and sharing a wonderful dog vlog. This "travel video" captures their "exploring" adventure in stunning "4k", showcasing the amazing experience of "travel" with their beloved dog, complete with "dog music" for extra enjoyment.
#Motorhome #DogsVanLife #Scotland
Join David and Lindsay, along with Desmond Rose, as they explore the ruins of "castle roy" in "scotland". This "history documentary" captures them "exploring" these "abandoned places", offering a glimpse into the past. We do not to Drama, unless it is real.
