There are many castles and estates within both the Strathspey region, and the areas of Glenmoriston on the western side of Loch Ness. Collected here is a brief summary of these estates as well as their historical relationship to the Clan Grant. Some of these estates are no longer in the hands of the Clan, and some are now in the keeping of the National Trust of Scotland.
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| Ballindalloch Possibly the second most important estate in the Clan's history. The Grants of Ballindalloch descend from the son of the 1st Laird of Freuchie and were one of the principal branches of the Clan. They owned the lands as early as 1520. During the 16th century, the Grants of Ballindalloch became embroiled in a feud with the Earl of Huntly, who proceeded to attack and burn the castle. Today, the castle is one of the jewels of the Strathspey region, and is still owned by the Macpherson-Grant family. The Castle is open to the public during the week and can be visited if you are in the Strathspey region. |
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| Urquhart
Castle Owned by the Grants of Glenmoriston, Urquhart Castle is one of the most often photographed and easily recognizable castles in Scotland. The original castle dates from around the time of William the Lion, in the 12th century, though at that time it was probably just a wooden fort. It passed through a series of owners over the following centuries, including the Comyns, MacLeans, and MacDonalds, and was given to John Grant of Glenmoriston, by James IV, in 1509. The castle remained in the hands of the Grants for nearly two hundred years. It was finally destroyed by government troops in 1691, to keep it from becoming a Jacobite stronghold. Situated on the shores of Loch Ness, the castle is a prominent "monster sighting" spot, and some of the most famous photographs of "Nessie" feature the castle. During the Grant's occupation of the castle it was often raided by the neighboring clans of MacDonald and Cameron, in one instance being stripped down to the bed linen and the brass door fixings! |
 Cullen House The primary residence of the Earls of Seafield, Cullen House was also one of the primary residences of the Chiefs of Grant throughout the 19th century when the title of the Ogilvie Earls of Seafield passed to the family line of the Chiefs of Grant. The titles have since diverged. |
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| Muckrach
Castle This castle, restored as a private residence and holiday let, was constructed in 1598 by Patrick Grant, 2nd son of John 4th Laird of Grant. This Patrick became the ancestor of the Grants of Rothiemurchus. Standing on the top of a steep bank in the valley of the River Dulnain about 4 miles from Grantown, it is a typical Scottish tower house built to a very simple L-plan, with a main block of three storeys, a garret and a circular stairway. Derelict for centuries, the castle was restored by architect Ian Begg from 1978-85, who has also left his mark with the St Mungo Museum in Glasgow and the Scandic Crown Hotel in Edinburgh's Royal Mile. |
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Rothiemurchus Estate Ospreys nest in the area around the Loch and are a highlight for those who visit the estate. The main residence of the family was called "The Doune" and it has been restored in recent years. Elizabeth Grant of Rothiemurchus wrote a wonderful account of her life growing up on the estate and the surrounding region in her "Memoirs of a Highland Lady". The Grants of Rothiemurchus, historically, were a very important branch of the family and powerful enough that they often operated fairly independently, as did the Grants of Glenmoriston. Rothiemurchus Estate is a "must see" for any Grant visiting the Strathspey lands of our ancestors. |
Polmaily House
Polmailly House was once part of the estates of the Grants of Glenmoriston. Situated just west of the village of Drumnadrochit, today the house is run as a Hotel.
The Revack Estate was once Grant property and is now open to the public. Situated just outside the town of Grantown-on-Spey, the estate has Highland cattle and beautiful gardens, and makes a great spot to picnic.
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