Ardvreck Castle Loch Assynt & Quinag

View On Black

Ardvrek Castle with Loch Assynt in the foreground and Quinag in the background in the far North West of Scotland.

Ardvreck Castle
Map ref: NC 2398 2363
Aird Bhreac

Now in a ruinous state, is situated on the N side of Loch Assynt, on the neck of a long rocky peninsula. Formerly the residence of Neil MacLeod, Laird of Assynt, it is said to have been built towards the end of the 16th c, and the place to which the Marquis of Montrose was taken in 1650.

More here: www.rcahms.gov.uk/pls/portal/newcanmore.details_gis?inuml...

Some 25 miles north of Ullapool in the NW Highlands and not far from Inchnadamph stand the remains of Ardvreck Castle on the shores of Loch Assynt. Visibly a three-storey construction, it is thought to have been built in 1590/91 by the Macleods who owned Assynt since the 13th century.

The loser of the Battle of Carbisdale, the Marquis of Montrose was captured around here in 1650 - the stories vary as to what exactly transpired - and it is believed he was held in the castle before being sent to Edinburgh for execution.

Not long after this, the Mackenzies came to the area and built nearby Calda House. In the 18th century Calda and Ardvreck were both destroyed by fire. Legend has it that a wicked old dowager lived in the castle for many years. It was apparently struck by lightning after 5 years of poor harvests and difficult fishing which many believed was proof that the old woman had put a curse on the region.
More here -
www.scotland-inverness.co.uk/Chatelaine/ARDVRECK.HTM

Quinag
Quinag meaning bucket or milk bucket is actually a collection of three peaks or 'Corbetts' comprising the mountain; Sail Gharbh meaning 'Rough Heel' at an altitude of 808m, Sail Ghorm meaning 'Blue Heel' at an altitude of 776m and Spidean Coinich meaning 'Mossy Peak' at an altitude of 764m.

This picture shows the peak of Spidean Coinich