• Spidean Còinich (‘mossy peak’) 764m
  • Sàil Garbh (‘rough heel’) 808m
  • Cuinneag (Quinag)

Caisteal Àrd Bhric & Cuinneag, Sutherland. 23/01/10

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Ardvreck Castle and Quinag, Assynt, Sutherland.

Best viewed Large on Black.

Ardvreck Castle is the ancient seat of the Clan Macleod (Scots Gaelic:Clann Mhic Leòid) of Assynt. It was built in the latter half of the 15th century. Its capture following a 14-day siege by the Mackenzies of Wester Ross in 1672 marked the end of Macleod rule in this part of Scotland. In 1795 the building was struck by lightning and largely destroyed.

The castle also featured in the British Civil War of the 17th Century. The famous Royalist commander James Graham, Marquis of Montrose, was captured here on April 30th 1650, three days after his defeat at the Battle of Carbisdale. He was executed in Edinburgh the following month.
Graham is credited with the inspirational lines:

“He either fears his fate too much,
Or his deserts are small,
That puts it not unto the touch
To win or lose it all.”

You can read more about this truly remarkable man here.

The_Photo_Boy, Gordie Broon., andyholmfirth, Highy, and 262 other people added this photo to their favorites.

View 20 more comments

  1. capturedcanvas.co.uk 20 months ago | reply

    Well done on having the most interesting pic of this castle.

  2. Yannick Lefevre || Photography 15 months ago | reply

    it's a magical landscape reflection with a nice clarity, congrats

  3. gregor H 15 months ago | reply

    this location is deep in my mind. I like your interpretation
    Seen in : The Pantheon of Landscape ( Invitation )

  4. raygreenuk 15 months ago | reply

    Excellent photograph. I want to be up there.

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