URQUHART CASTLE
We were driving along the west shore of beautiful Loch Ness (no sign of the monster) when we came upon the site of Urquhart Castle. It looked peaceful and tranquil resting on the banks of the loch at a place called Stone Point.

Stone point is undoubtedly the perfect place to have a defensive fortress. It is suspected that there was some kind of fortress here since the Iron Age time. Some suspect there was a fort here even in 2000 BC. There is evidence that in the sixth century this was the site of a hill fort. However the first written record of a castle being built on this site was in the thirteenth century, which consisted of a courtyard, curtain wall, chapel, hall and a gatehouse. The tower house was built later in the sixteenth century.

Urquhart Castle was once one of the largest castles in Scotland. It was the site of numerous battles and changed hands several times over the years. Today it stands as a two hundred year old ruin. Its popularity is enhanced by the fact that it rests on the shores of Loch Ness.

We found lots of Scottish hospitality at the visitor center at Urquhart Castle. The center includes exhibitions and a film about the castle. It is a good place for families as well as castle enthusiasts to visit.