Kilravock Castle

Kilravock Castle

Kilravock Castle (sometimes pronounced Kil-ray-voch) is a castle near the town of Nairn, near Inverness, Scotland. It was completed in 1460, with the construction of a tower house. It has been the seat of the Clan Rose since that time. The original name for the castle was Cill Rathaig from the Scottish Gaelic meaning "church at the small circular fort".

Its keep dates from 1460, and the later buildings belong to the 17th century. It has been continuously tenanted by the Roses, one of the most remarkable families in Scotland. They came over with William the Conqueror and settled at Kilravock in 1293, since which date son has succeeded father without the interposition of a collateral heir, an instance of direct descent unique in Scottish history. Moreover, nearly every Rose has borne the Christian name of Hugh, and only one attained to a higher social rank than that of laird. Queen Mary was received at the castle in 1562, and Prince Charles Edward Stuart was entertained four days before the battle of Culloden. As of 2005, the head of the Clan Rose is Anna Elizabeth Guillemard Rose of Kilravock. The gardens are remarkable for their beauty.

Part of it is currently being leased, for £1 per year, to Teen Ranch Scotland who run youth camps at it.